Winter solstice morning at Mana Marina // Te Herenga Waka o Mana
Welcome
Mana Marina is almost fully occupied. A few days ago, I had to contact Licence holders in search of space, as all berths were recorded as occupied! Full marinas are a nationwide trend, we think caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting New Zealanders to purchase vessels, and preventing voyaging overseas. It has meant more interest in Marina berths with a recent flurry of Licence transfers and many vessel movements.
It’s been especially pleasing recently to get some very complimentary feedback from visitors to the Marina about the excellent facilities, the friendliness of the locals, and the high level of service. This is the result of hard work by many dedicated people.
— Neil, Marina Manager
What’s new
Annual Review — Prices and Fees from 1 August 2021
The Marina’s financial performance is reviewed each year and budgets approved for the coming year. To meet increased operating costs, the Board approved an increase in Licence holder levies (the first increase for two years). The Board also approved a small increase in monthly berth rental rates. All other rates, such as, Short-term rentals, Power charges, Live-aboard Fees, Commercial User Fees, and Boat Trailer Park fees have been held at last year’s levels. A full list of rates and fees, effective 1 August 2021 has been distributed by email and is also available on the website (Licence holders can log in here)
Take care
Marina entrance
This week we’ve followed up on reports that there may be an object on the bottom at the Marina entrance, with a close inspection of the sea floor in the entrance area using a remote drone. Several points can be made from this inspection:
No large objects were seen on the seabed in the entrance channel area.
Observations were made at Low tide when the predicted level was 0.7m, but the actual reading Mana tidal gauge was 0.504m and that time (i.e. The tide was 200mm lower than predicted!)
Actual depth readings from the drone correspond to our most recent soundings.
Bar talk
Porirua Harbour is an estuary harbour with a sand bar. The charted depth of the bar is 0.9m, so Skippers must consider the draft of their vessel, the stage of the tide, and the sea state and weather conditions when deciding to cross the bar. The Marina entrance depth was dredged to allow a vessel entering the harbour over the bar to have sufficient water to enter the Marina when arriving at the Marina entrance. Our recent soundings show some silting, especially on the northern side of the outer channel. Some reports of groundings confirm this sand build up near the Marina entrance. However, our most recent soundings show average depth of 1.1m at the Marina entrance channel, so a vessel able to cross the bar should be able to enter the Marina. We are currently investigating methods of clearing this sand build up at the entrance and within the Marina and applying for the consents to do the work.
We therefore reinforce to all Marina users that:
At low tide there is likely to be insufficient water to exit/enter the Marina and cross the harbour bar.
The charted depth of the bar is 0.9m and the average depth at the Marina entrance channel is 1.1m.
There can be a big difference between the predicted and actual tide levels due to atmospheric pressure and other weather events. Check the Mana gauge or indicators on Marina poles.
We advise Skippers keep to the lead indicators and not to ‘cut the corner’ when entering or leaving the Marina.
The Skipper is ultimately responsible for the decision to cross the bar and enter or leave the Marina.
We ask that any grounding is reported to us specifying the time, date, and vessel draft. This information helps us define any problem areas.
We hope to be able to report to you soon regarding progress on sand clearing.
COVID-19
A reminder to please make use of the QR codes we’ve provided around the Marina to register your visit in Level 2.
Winter conditions + HIGH WINDS
We’re well and truly into winter, so it’s a good time to take down forgotten burgees (they won’t last long up there!), check fastenings on canvas covers and clears, and ensure all your mooring lines are in good condition so your boat is well secured.
Check your mooring lines regularly to ensure they’re in good condition
For yachties, it also means double checking that your headsails are well secured — we’ve had more than one recently that has had to be attended to during the night in gale winds — not an easy task!
Tag – you’re it
Do you know when your shore power lead expires? Have a quick look next time you’re at the boat. Since the lead is the most exposed connection of power to your vessel, and vulnerable to damage it’s important to get it checked every year by an electrician, and re-tagged to ensure it’s safe to use (a quick and fairly inexpensive job!). Contact the Office if yours needs tagging and you need details for a local electrician.
Is your lead still “current”?
TIME to empty your holding tank?
Give the Marina’s new Edson portable pump-out unit a go! With a 240L capacity and a variety of fittings available to connect to deck waste outlets it caters for most vessels. Get in touch with the Office to book a pump out with Marina staff. It’s currently a free service, so try it out and see how quick and easy it is.
Maintenance
OUR OUTDOOR SPACE
We hope you enjoy being part of such a great spot here at Mana.
What a difference a refresh makes. Steve has done a great job of water blasting and staining the outdoor furniture benches. There is a new rubbish bin now by the BBQ if you are brave enough for some winter dining.
Gardens
Our greenery and gardens at Mana really make it a lovely environment to be in, but these would be wild without the regular planting, weeding and taming by a very small team, who do so wind, hail or shine! Thank you to Annette Wakefield and Penny Gorman, who work behind the scenes on these. And to Graeme Kelly for his regular lawn mowing!
Scoop the poop
We have installed a “Poopod’ on the rubbish bin in front of C pier. This will dispense dog bags if you get caught out when your best friend has nature calling!
Steven ferrying pile rings in the Corporate Launch
PIER MAINTENANCE
Andrew and Steven have been working hard inspecting and replacing the through-bolts on the piers. They’ve also been checking and replacing some of the pile rings as part of the Marina’s long-term, maintenance plan.
Administration
Licence Holders – Renting your berth out?
Please get in touch with the Office for a rental agreement that you can use to sign up a new berth tenant. Alternatively – you can download this through the Licence holder login area here. This agreement is easy to complete, keeps everyone’s obligations clear and helps ensure all vessels entering Mana have clean hulls and third-party liability insurance – part of our entry requirements.
We remember those that have passed away in our Marina community recently — Sam Young and Joan Mexted.
That’s it from us for now. There’s more rain and gales on the way — stay warm everyone!
Marina Team — Neil, Victoria, Andrew, Steven