I WRITE to express my surprise and disgust at the proposals to establish a mini-marina or small boat anchorage in the illustrated green zone (‘2012 boat park scheme for bay’, Echo, July 17).

This extends from the Pleasure Pier to the Lodmoor Outfall.

Will nobody listen to local knowledge?

There is already a Local Notice to Mariners, which bans anchoring within an area between a line joining the end of the Pleasure Pier, St John’s Church Spire and the bathing beach.

I established this no anchoring area to protect bathers and swimmers after witnessing a yacht being pushed by bathers off the beach with its engine going at full speed after grounding.

The only craft then allowed into this zone had to have guards over their propellers for safety.

We have a fine record of beach safety together with many National Awards.

Why risk losing this status?

In 1987 the Tidal Institute at Wallingford made a model of our inshore waters to establish the movements of sand for the Weymouth and Portland Borough Council.

Clearly shown was the effect of the constant tidal currents, which flow from Bowleaze Cove, along the foreshore towards the Harbour Entrance and then going towards Portland Breakwaters.

We receive the full tidal ebb currents, which flow from St Albans Head into our foreshore and the smaller back eddy current, which results from all easterly flowing tidal streams as they pass Portland Bill.

(It took four days to put the legs of an oil rig down off the Shambles as tugs had to be called in to stop the rig from turning in circles.) There is constant movement of sand westwards, which is the reason for the Environment Agency spending up to five months each year working on the Preston Beach.

Having been the manager of a marine aggregate firm, I know just what I am talking about.

From my comments you can understand my frustration at these proposals.

By mooring/anchoring within the green area, all debris/foul water will land on to our bathing beach between the clock and the Pavilion.

This is because we have the smallest tidal range in the UK, thus resulting in exceptionally small rates of flow.

There is no reason whatsoever why the proposals should infringe on the existing Weymouth harbour master’s controls within the port limits.

In order to prevent shore and water pollution, the Green Zone should be moved to lie offshore between St John’s Church spire and Bowleaze Cove, thus removing all risks.

No harbour dues are paid by any small craft anchoring in the bay.

I have no doubt that the masters of the Condor Ferries will be alarmed at the mini approach area into Weymouth Harbour.

Harbour Law states that it is the duty of all ports to have a safe navigational approach into a port or berth.

If domestic passenger vessels such as Shieldhall/Balmoral/Waverley or any others come into the area during the Olympic period, they must be given a safe manoeuvring area, clear of obstructions such as anchored craft.

Clearly this is not indicated on the plan.

Removing the visual control by harbour staff at the office on the Pleasure Pier has not helped either.

As stated in your article, the water is deeper towards Bowleaze Cove with a level sandy bottom outside the seasonal white buoys.

I write as one of the retired Weymouth harbourmasters, and also retired master of all three named passenger vessels.

Will nobody listen?

CDR PC TAMBLING, Sutton Poyntz