The RYA believes that the Borders Agency has not understood leisure yachting and that their plans could criminalise yachtsmen. LSC member David Clements agrees but thinks he sees a chink of light.

Dear Sir

E-Borders - a chink of light?

In an obscure corner of the Southampton Boat Show was a stand manned by very helpful staff of the Borders Agency. I was able to comment on the courteous way in which I was boarded off the south Cornwall coast on my return from Ireland a few weeks ago and also to "take them on" over the issue of E-Borders.

While the party line was still being toed during the robust discussion, I did detect a chink of light in that the Borders Agency is apparently having some discussions with the MCA to allow yachtsmen to advise their plans to HM Coastguard by radio. This has to be a sensible way forward in that many yachtsmen already contact HM Coastguard with safety traffic concerning their plans for crossings to European destinations - let's all push at the door to make sure that we have a sensible and workable solution to this very controversial problem.

Yours faithfully,

David Clements
'Bagheera of Whitby'

David's account of his customs boarding here
e-Borders forum here 
Read more about the e-Border programme and RYA campaign here