Te c h n i c a l & S a f e t y
Trials have shown that wind farms have minimal impact on VHF radio , Global Positioning Systems ( GPS ) receivers , cellular telephones and AIS . The turbines show up well on radar . However , at close range they may produce multiple reflected and side lobe echoes that can mask real targets . These develop at about 1.5 nautical miles , with progressive deterioration in the radar display as the range closes .
Large vessels passing close to wind farms may adjust their radars to remove these echoes . The danger is that they may also remove the rather weak echoes often typical of leisure craft . In these circumstances some small craft skippers may believe they are safer inside the farm where the large ships cannot go .
Research indicates that a 10 % reduction in wind velocity in the lee of a wind turbine may be expected . The wind , having changed its flow through the rotors , will be expected to recover downwind of the turbine . Consequently , wind-shear may occur as the wind back fills .
Turbine layout designs must be designed to allow safe transit through OREIs by SAR helicopters operating at low altitude in bad weather , and those vessels ( including rescue craft ) that decide to transit through them .
Is quite clear from both Stuart Carruthers interview and MGH 371 that sailing or motoring through wind farms in UK waters is perfectly acceptable .
On-line forums abound with tales of such transits . This may not be the case abroad however and the skipper should check local regulations .
Don ’ t fancy sailing through this !
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