The Navitus Bay Wind Farm – Good or Bad for Sailing?

There’s a storm brewing in the waters off the South Coast…

Navitus Bay Wind Park, a proposed wind farm off Dorset and the Isle of Wight, has submitted alternative plans to the Planning Inspectorate which includes less turbines spread across a smaller area, and positioned further from the shore.

The group behind the proposed farm claims that the Planning Inspectorate asked them to submit alternative plans – but those who oppose the wind farm have reacted strongly to the move, as the new smaller plan will not be subject to the same public consultation and environmental impact analysis as the original plan.

Meanwhile, the Flagship Walney wind farm in the Irish Sea has been given the go-ahead to expand their offshore wind farm to triple its existing size. In theory, the Navitus Bay Wind Farm could expand their wind farm in a similar fashion, meaning their original plans could be sneaked through using these new plans as a kind of Trojan horse.

How Do Sailors Feel?

What’s the risk to sailors if these plans go through? The RYA points out that, while wind farm plans can take commercial routes and shipping lanes into account, these often don’t represent the routes that most sailors take.

Therefore, placing wind farms in the way of recreational sailing routes could prove very dangerous for sailors, increasing the risk of collisions as well as blocking access to sheltered harbours.

For the sake of the planet can you live with this?

There’s also the prospect of turbines generating more than just power – the air turbulence they create could wreak havoc with sails.

Additionally (and rather ironically), offshore wind turbines may have a negative environmental impact by forcing powered craft to take longer alternative routes, producing more carbon emissions as a result.

Inside a wind turbine

The Navitus Bay Wind Farm’s website points out that the project has undertaken surveys of marine traffic and liaised with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (among other groups) to minimise the impact to yacht sailors – but many are still skeptical that the project has the interests of the sailing community in mind

What is the Alternative?

With the threat of climate change looming, finding new and renewable sources of energy has become top priority – but many of these proposed solutions have faced a backlash from the communities that are forced to live with them.

Perhaps a better option is floating wind parks – these are also positioned offshore, but on floating platforms which can be placed further out to sea than traditional seafloor-mounted towers.

Not only are these floating turbines able to harness the power of more powerful and consistent sea winds, they also offer better accommodation of sailing routes for both commercial and recreational craft.

As seen from the sea. Is this a view spoilt? Or a planet saved?

Another factor to consider is that these farms will not be permanent. It is crazy for us to assume that humanity won’t find a better source of power; maybe one that harnesses the sun’s energy without the need for solar panels, or that energy storage improves so that batteries can last years on one charge.

Either way what is your opinion on the proposed Navitus Bay development?

Are you looking forward to this solution to our energy woes, or are you worried of the impact it will have on your sailing? Let us know in the comments below or share your thoughts via our Facebook and Twitter.

Posted by: First Class Sailing