Nuclear Sub leaving Portland today

[cptsideways]

Anybody else out in the Portland area today, the Nuclear sub thats been there a few days made its way out to sea this afternoon. I got up fairly close just off Portland Bill & buzzed by on my windsurfer

I may have been several miles out from Bowleaze Cove at that point but the wind was in the right direction to catch up with it.

There were a few ribs about & some divers too wondered who else saw it making its way out.


And the jellyfish my word they are Huuuuuge

[ShinyShoe]

take it the MOD Plods down there are not quite as aggressive as the Faslane guys or you wouldn't have been that close.

[AMac]

Originally Posted by ShinyShoe

take it the MOD Plods down there are not quite as aggressive as the Faslane guys or you wouldn't have been that close.

Never had a problem with the mod plods on the Clyde but I have never tried getting in close to any of the subs !

[The Gurnard]

Seeing nuclear subs in the Firth of Clyde is a common occurrence. You can get reasonably close ( I think I recall.. 250m is the closest allowed without attracting attention?) However .. I have never seen the MOD anywhere near them when they are on the move in the Clyde.



However, if they are moving in the GairLoch or Loch Long ..keep well clear !! The Harbour Master normally announces on Channel 73 that a submarine is on the move and vessels are not to enter the lochs until notified.

Also..if you pass by Coulport Base (where I believe the missiles are stored ?) on the wrong side of Loch Long the MOD will be on top of you before you know it. Even passing close to shore on the right side of Loch Long (Ardentiny side) the patrol boat will keep between you and the Trident base, just to make sure you don’t pose a threat. Don’t try to take a photograph of the base or the patrol boat either .. or you risk their wrath. Dont ask me how I know.



Also be very aware that the speed limit in Loch Long / Loch Goil because of the proximity of Coulport ..is 7 knots and breaking it risks a heavy fine. I used to go on the plane passing them before I knew that.. and although they kept very close watch.. I wasn’t stopped for it. I do obey the speed limit now that I know it.

There are also two areas marked with buoys in Loch Goil that you do not want to enter or again.. they will arrive before you can say the word submarine.


However ... from my experience..the MOD guys are really quite pleasant and not the least aggressive .. if you know and follow the rules of the area that you are boating in..and of course we all know the rules .. dont we .

I cant comment much about Faslane. I don’t go into the Gairloch because...for me.. I don’t think it is worth the hassle. I think you are supposed to ask the harbour master for permission on the VHF if you want to go past the narrows at Rhu / Roseneath ..but I may be wrong on that ?

[AMac]

Gurnard
The mods escort the subs down to near enough Arran and sometimes further
I know about the speed restrictions and as I am commercial I have a granted speed licence from QHM
Just a small point that you missed is that there is a speed limit on the Clyde and all areas covered by QH set at 12 Knts
It is generally only enforced if the mod plods think you are going to be a nuisance !!
That is unless you drive a PWC which are a red rag to a bull for the plods!