The House of Lords is to look at changes to the Marine and Coastal Access Bill which have been requested by the RYA.

They include the rights of yachtsmen in environmentally sensitive areas, called Marine Conservation Zones, and to make sure coastal paths don’t cut through yacht clubs and become a right of way.

Gus Lewis, RYA Legal and Government Affairs manager said: ‘We want to improve the balance between yachtsman’s rights and the need to protect the marine environment.’