Leisure manager Keir Clarke looked forward to a busy year ahead in Portland Harbour at a presentation.
He spoke at a meeting organised by the Yacht Clubs of Weymouth when he gave an update about activity and welcomed questions about the harbour and regulations.
Keir is the face of Portland Harbour Authority for leisure users – including sailors, watersports users, divers, powerboats, small commercial craft, recreational boaters and anglers.
He said: “It was a good meeting, which went very well.
“It was interesting to hear their views and I was pleased to be able to talk about the issues that affect them.
“Sports and leisure activities are ever evolving in the harbour and it promises to be another busy year, with 41 major regattas on the calendar.
“Everyone is on the water to have a good time although safety, of course, has to be the priority at all times.
“My thanks go to the Yacht Clubs of Weymouth for the invitation and to everyone who attended for a valuable and worthwhile meeting.”
The event was held at Weymouth Angling Society’s clubhouse on Commercial Road.
Keir also spoke about the history of the harbour and Portland Port, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.
The Yacht Clubs of Weymouth is an umbrella organisation for some of the area’s sailing clubs.
Keir added: “My intention is to develop good relationships and communications with all users
“Our team are approachable and I encourage all users of the Harbour to come and say hello if they see us.”
Portland Harbour Authority is part of the Portland Port Group.
The leisure department’s responsibilities include:
- Regulation of all vessels under 24 metres in length
- Harbour Byelaw Enforcement
- Producing local notices to mariners and general directions
- Processing of event applications
- Liaising with leisure agents and stakeholders
- Day to day supervision of leisure activities/events with an emphasis on safety
- Collecting harbour dues and issuing of permits
Keir and his team also undertake harbour patrols in their harbour launch, Fortuneswell, and are the point of contact for Hamm Beach Users Group, the Harbour Consultative Committee and mooring groups, and deal with general enquiries.
Although not a primary duty, they also come to the rescue of leisure users in trouble in the harbour.
In 2025, they included rescues of 14 wing foilers, eight power boats with engine failure, six kitesurfers, three stand-up paddleboarders and two yachts with engine failure.
For more information visit https://www.portland-port.co.uk/leisure.