Quote: alec wrote in post #41

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The Link to the Echo article was sent to me (by mail) by s.o. who lives in Southend - so I guess it must have some readers

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I was thinking If the Ross was moored along side a wharf or pier and used as the studios not having to go out into international waters.
Coastie is correct by saying the cost would be prohibited and definitely not a good idea.
They would also be able to use the Ross as a floating museum which would attract extra funds. The opportunities are endless.

I don't believe the Ross is registered (other than maybe UK) nor actually seaworthy due to un-repairable damage suffered to her hull when she grounded on Goodwin Sands in 1990. In addition I am not sure if her engines or steering gear works either. I know the steering gear was certainly out of action before she drifted so it may or may not have been repaired. (was she ever dry docked at Tilbury?)

In addition Peter Moore signed to say that he would never put the Ross out to International Waters when she was towed in and if he did he will be prosecuted and the ship likely to be towed straight in so please forget any ideas that she would ever broadcast from International Waters again.

True the Ross looks good thanks to many many hours of work by the volunteers and she does have working studios, generators and possibly transmitters but she will never again be an "offshore" radio station. How serious Peter Moore is about getting a broadcast licence is a good question various work has been done on an applicaton but as to whether they have the required funds is debateable.

The more I mull it over the less I understand why the Ross has been moved to the middle of a river where access appears to be just as hopeless as Tilbury docks. I saw the LV18 in Harwich harbour last week completely accessible and couldn't help thinking that this is the type of place that the Ross should be.

I think the move from Tilbury was purely a financial move and yes the thought of The Ross going out to sea again is something only in some peoples dreams.
I personally believe its good business sense holding them back in gaining a licence (local or community) but this is natural when a dream takes over reality.
They seem to have been too busy restoring The Ross and getting her `ship-shape` than worrying about getting public awareness and the correct people behind them .
The problem they have is that as time marches on all thought of a licence will be gone and all they will have is a ship that once was something special.

With respect, Im sure Llandudno is a nice place but its not the place for The Ross.
If they mean business and in time will move, somewhere in Essex would be more advisable. Clacton has a pier and also next to Rays Pirate Radio Museum which is quite popular with the locals, day trippers and the local council.
Ray also has a working radio studio inside the museum so maybe a liaison between the two wouldn't be a bad idea.

A link up between Ray and Caroline no no no. Even if they get the engine working the ship will only go backwards and forwards as it can't turn. Not sure there is much point in repairing it as it is unlikely to be allowed to move under its own steam even if the steering gear was fixed. More priority ought to be given to the licence and better mooring. Peter Moore once said on another forum he was looking at several possibilities yet the Ross ended up in the Blackwater!!!