Well, it’s a wrap and we finished our 2024 season on Sunday 6th October with a final sail under grey skies and the occasional rain shower. But that did not deter the last of the season’s passengers who enjoyed a lovely sail around the upper reaches of Chichester Harbour.
Since starting the season in May, Terror has received a total of 125 bookings and has taken nearly 400 passengers afloat. That is a considerable achievement given that the weather this season has not been perfect with periods of strong wind and heavy rain, which involved a number of cancelled trips and vouchers being issued.
Terror will now be de-commissioned for the winter, the sails removed, the engine serviced and winterised and a maintenance programme prepared. Terror remains afloat for the winter and will be lifted out in the early spring for a work programme to be undertaken, anti-fouling applied, the wooden spars rubbed down and varnished and a touch up of paint on the topsides and deck where required.
Most of this work is carried out by a small team, part of the 54 volunteer skippers and crew that operate Terror on behalf of the owners, Chichester Harbour Conservancy. The volunteers are directed by the Terror Operating Committee who report to Friends of Chichester Harbour who manage Terror on a contractual basis. All funds received from our sailing trips throughout the summer go to Friends of Chichester Harbour to fund their charitable work in and around the harbour.
So, we look forward to the 2025 season which starts in May. Bookings will be available via the Terror booking website www.oysterboatterror.org.uk from early in the New Year.
We look forward to welcoming both old and new clients aboard Terror, which is now in its 19th year of operation since the restoration in 2005.
October 7th 2024
