UK: Royal Yacht Squadron Opposes Navitus Bay Wind Farm

Navitus Bay, the wind farm proposed by Eneco, is facing opposition from the Royal Yacht Squadron sailing club, according to Sail World.

Royal Yacht Squadron fears the wind farm will affect sailing route from the Isle of Wight to the south west, including the Fastnet Race.

Eneco is proposing to build a wind farm located 8.2 miles (13.2km) off Peveril Point at Swanage and 8.4 miles (13.5km) south west of the Needles consisting of 150 to 240 turbines.

Wind turbines of up to 200m tall would cover an area of 200-sq-km.

Royal Yacht Squadron wrote to 200 sailing clubs, calling them to join the campaign against Navitus Bay wind farm.

Chris Mason, the Royal Yacht Squadron’s yachting secretary, said: “We understand renewable energy is important but it is very difficult to see why it has to be built this close to the land.

“This is prime sailing territory. This is definitely a hazard and definitely a problem for sailors.”

[mappress]

Offshore WIND staff, April 10, 2012; Image: eneco