Sovereign Harbour, Eastbourne tour and lunch

Arrangements have been made for us on Sunday 21^st May –

(a)   to visit Sovereign Harbour Marina

(b)   to take a stroll around the Marina

(c)   to visit the Lifeboat Station and the Lifeboat itself, and

(d)   to lunch at the Marina Thai Restaurant.

Sovereign Harbour is Northern Europe’s largest composite marina complex consisting of 5 separate harbours with access to and from the sea through twin locks.  It is approximately 3 miles east of Eastbourne and is surrounded by residential properties and a ‘waterfront’ with restaurants, pubs and shops.  It provides over 800 berths mainly for pleasure yachts, some exceeding 70 feet in length.  There is a small fishing fleet.

Premier Marinas, as owner of the Marina, has made special arrangements to allow our Morgan cars to park and display in what is normally a restricted road close to the restaurants and only a few yards from the two main harbours.  Access will be via a lifting barrier manned by a security guard.  Following arrival, it is hoped:

(1)   To meet from 10am for coffee/tea in Seasons Restaurant which faces the parking area.  It has both outdoor and indoor seating.

(2)   To take a gentle walk at one’s own speed around the Marina on a variety of wide paved paths for which plans will be provided.  These routes are to allow a choice of easy walks of between 10 and 60 minutes mostly ending up at the main locks and the Lifeboat Station.

(3)   The RNLI Coxswain has agreed to open the Lifeboat Station from 11.15am and to offer a short talk to everyone interested.  Due to limitations at the Station, it may be necessary to have this in two sessions slightly apart.  The Coxswain has appeared on TV on several occasions recently about the work of the RNLI and the use of the Eastbourne lifeboats.  The Tamar Class all-weather lifeboat is expected to be out practising until 11 am but afterwards, if not needed on an emergency call, will be moored close by for us to board and visit.  There is no charge for this but I suspect the collecting buckets will be made available for any contributions to the RNLI.

(4)   Lunch for up to 40 has been reserved back on the Waterfront at the Marina Thai Restaurant for 1pm.  Should there be more than this number wanting lunch I’ll try to see if we can be allocated more places. The good value lunchtime menu offering a choice of two courses and a drink for £17.50 is attached.  In case of doubt, all the main courses are served with rice except the one dish with rice noodles.  It would be very helpful if you could let me know your lunch options by not later than one week beforehand  (14^th May) using this email address or my home number 01323 478558.  Should it be necessary there is a variety of other restaurants close by.

Directions to the Marina

If coming by Morgan, take the Pevensey Bay Road (A259) and turn at the Martello roundabout onto Pacific Drive with the Pacific House office building on the right.  After 50 yards at a further roundabout turn right onto Harbour Quay.  After a short distance there is a lifting barrier on this occasion with a security guard to let through any Morgan car.  The postcode is BN23 5QG.  Proceed slowly and park where directed.

For non-Morgan cars, use Pevensey Bay Road (A259) and turn off at the Harbour (Asda) roundabout leading to Sovereign Harbour Village.  At the mini roundabout keep left and use the large free Waterfront car park.  Once parked, head towards Sovereign Harbour Yacht Club and the Waterfront where the Morgans will be parked.

John Skillicorn ( 01323 478558)     Mobile on 21^st May 07785 763960