Talks are underway to provide extra
recreational moorings on the tidal Thames for visiting yachts and boats
during the 2012 London Olympics.

 

The exact locations and numbers have yet to be finalised but they are
likely to be in several areas from Tower Bridge downstream to Greenhithe
in Kent.  

 

The Port of London Authority is already getting inquiries from home and
abroad and one organisation in Holland alone says it wants to bring 100
boats over the Channel for the Olympics.

The PLA will license third parties to lay and manage the extra moorings. Details are expected to be announced within the next few weeks.

 

Boat owners will have to book the moorings in advance. And the PLA are
urging visiting yachtsmen not to sail to the capital unless they have
reservations.

Chief Harbour Master David Snelson. said: “The last thing we want
is for boats milling about on the Thames with nowhere to moor up. So we
will be urging people to make arrangements well in advance.”

 

The negotiations are currently under way with the owners of existing
moorings to increase the number available and ensure they will be in
safe areas of the river.  

 

The authority is also insisting that river taxi services  will be made
available so skippers and their crews can get ashore safely from
midstream moorings.

Once the locations have been confirmed  the PLA will launch a publicity campaign outlining arrangements.