All At Sea June 2020

FEEL GOOD ABOUT LIFE. UPGRADE TO PREMIER.

10M BERTHS FROM

* £3,735 PER ANNUM premiermarinas.com *PRICE BASED ON A 10M BERTH AT EASTBOURNE

FR

EE

EASTBOURNE BRIGHTON CHICHESTER SOUTHSEA PORT SOLENT GOSPORT (WITH DRY STACK) SWANWICK (WITH DRY STACK) NOSS ON DART FALMOUTH (WITH DRY STACK)

WWW.ALLATSEA.CO.UK

BRITAIN’S MOST READ WATERFRONT NEWSPAPER

JUNE 2020

BOATING IS BACK! BRITAIN’S MOST READ WATERFRONT NEWSPAPER

After weeks of lockdown the gradual easing of restrictions means boaters can return to their craft and marinas can re-open. For news of Round The Island Race, Cowes Week, Southampton Boat Show and many other events see inside.

PAGE

25

ROUND THE ISLAND RACE

Q&A WITH DAVE ATKINSON

FIND YOUR PERFECT MARINA SEE PAGE 38

PAGE

29

READY FOR FATHER’S DAY? GREAT GIFT IDEAS FOR DAD

PAGE

34

Image: Stefy Morelli/Shutterstock

CRUISING IN EUROPE

HERE’S WHERE YOU CAN GO

Image: Gary Felton

Specifically designed for owners of boats 10m LOA looking for the delights of being in an MDL marina Register your interest or get a quote at mdlmarinas.co.uk/simply

.

2

ALL AT SEA JUNE 2020

Birdham Pool, Chichester.

Outstanding, natural beauty.

Birdham Pool marina lies just four miles from the historic county town of Chichester, nestled in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

Although one of the oldest marinas in the country, it boasts five star customer facilities, one-hour access to the South’s best sailing on the Solent, classic marine trades boatyard, café, transport links, and of course a legendary welcome.

Castle Marinas specialises in being “large enough to cope, small enough to care” and its two coastal marinas, Birdham Pool and Royal Clarence in Portsmouth, deliver this promise in a warm, perfectly formed package.

3

ALL AT SEA JUNE 2020 - FOR MORE NEWS EVERY DAY GO TO WWW.ALLATSEA.CO.UK

RETURN TO BOATING WELCOMED Image: Peter Murray / Shutterstock.com

FROM PAGE 1... IN guidance issued on 13 May the government confirmed that in England: “All forms of watersports practised on open waterways including sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, rowing, kayaking, surfing, paddle-boarding and the use of privately-owned motorised craft (in line with the guidance issued by the relevant navigation authority) are allowed.”

On 28 May the Scottish government said the Coronavirus Route Map would move to Phase 1. British Marine Scotland announced that outdoor businesses, boatyard and marina operations could restart subject to following the Scottish government’s guidance, risk assessment, social distancing and health and safety procedures.

In Wales, RYA Cymru Wales has highlighted their changes which came into effect in 1 June saying: “The increased ability to enjoy outdoor activity will be welcomed by the boating community, and means that those with direct access to their boats may use them with members of their household, within five miles of their home.

“Restrictions remain on some activities, and access to waters via outdoor sports facilities will not be reviewed until 18 June.

All boaters are urged to check with their local facility and obtain appropriate permissions to launch from the relevant authority.”

The rules on travel in Northern Ireland means that in all instances where people are now permitted to leave home, including to take exercise, there is no limit on the distance they can travel. Outdoor activities and sports that do not involve shared contact with hard surfaces, such as watersports and tennis, can restart again.

In addition, groups of six people or less who do not share the same household can meet and take part in outdoor activity while maintaining social distancing.

The news for England, meanwhile,

meant the re-opening of marinas, for leisure boating customers, was permissible subject to the strict compliance to social distancing and hygiene guidelines provided by government.

British Marine would therefore urge all boat owners to consider the following before they plan a day trip to their boat: ■ Plan ahead – ensure the safety of those around you and try to avoid areas that may attract lots of people.

■ Check with your mooring provider before you travel. Many facilities may not yet be able to open and this could affect services such as fuel and pump out stations.

■ Only use your boat if you can apply social distancing at all times, including when mooring your vessel to leave a safe distance from others.

■ Travel with members of your household

takeaway services. Check with any businesses you wish to visit before you leave home.

■ Be caring and considerate of local residents who may be nervous about the risks of increased numbers of people in the area.

In preparation for the return to watersports, the RYA and RNLI have been working together throughout the lockdown and continue to do so, to ensure that boaters can return to activities on the water as quickly and safely as possible.

Of the announcement Sarah Treseder, RYA Chief Executive, said: “We welcome the government’s guidance that general day trip leisure activities are being encouraged and we will continue to work with the RNLI to ensure this is done safely.

“We know that many people will choose to participate in water-based activities such as sailing, motorboating, kayaking

Boaters are being reminded that at present there are fewer than normal RNLI lifeguards on beaches. The RNLI normally patrols over 240 beaches around the coast, however, rollout of the normal seasonal lifeguard service was paused at the end of March due to the measures put in place by the UK government to control the spread of coronavirus.

The charity is currently working with local authorities and beach owners in the hope that it can provide an increasing lifeguard service on beaches this summer. Re-establishing this infrastructure and distributing equipment to beaches will take time.

Although the charity’s volunteer lifeboat crews are fully operational, should they be needed, it is important that anyone visiting the coast understands the risk and takes the necessary steps to keep themselves safe. This will also help to reduce the demands placed

The Cruising Association told us that although government restrictions on outdoor activities have been lifted, at the time of writing many facilities have not had the time to implement the measures set out by government to safely manage the gathering of people on their sites. There are variations in the relaxation of the rules and they therefore recommend that CA members - and all boaters - check with their individual port or harbour authority, marina or inland or other navigation authority prior to taking any further action.

It has also been confirmed that the Canal & River Trust and the Broads are able to welcome boaters back. On the Canal & River Trust waterways short boating trips can take place - avoiding use of locks and any staffoperated structures if possible - providing, as per current government guidance, boaters do not stay away from home overnight and return to home moorings (where possible).

For up-to-date information on Covid-19 Cruising Restrictions visit: www.theca.org. uk/public/covid_19_cruising_restrictions.

Turn to page 34 to find out more about two new initiatives for cruisers from the CA.

“As we start to get back on the water, we advise boaters to take a considerate and conservative approach when planning to go afloat; be mindful of the potential impact that you could have on other water users and do not place unnecessary extra strain on the RNLI and emergency services.” and only if no one in the group is displaying COVID-19 symptoms.

■ You may only meet with people that are not within your household if you apply social distancing. You should not meet with more than one person outside your household.

■ Be aware of the impact on emergency services if you were to get into difficulties.

Think about what action you will take if your boat breaks down – recovery services may not be operating.

■ Apply all normal sensible safety precautions and always wear a lifejacket when on deck.

■ Pubs and restaurants are not allowed to open as normal – although some may offer

on the RNLI and Independent Lifeboat crews and other emergency services including HM Coastguard.

Gareth Morrison, RNLI head of water safety, said: “We completely understand that people will want to take to the water.

Our volunteer lifeboat crews are still ready to respond during the public health crisis.

“However, we are urging anyone who is planning a return to the water to follow key water safety advice, which includes ensuring equipment is maintained and functioning correctly, and making sure that lifesaving apparatus is available. By following this advice we can work together to enjoy a safer summer and reduce the demand on our crews and other emergency services.”

IRELAND’S PLAN In Ireland there is a five point plan to phase a re-opening of the country. In the plan, from 18 May outdoor spaces and tourism sites can re-open, which has largely been taken by marinas as allowing them also to re-open. Phase 2, starting on 8 June, will see boats take to the water for sailing and training, while Phase 3 on 29 June might allow racing to restart. On 20 July Phase 4 will see sports competitions re-start, albeit with limitations on spectator numbers, and finally phase 5 on 10 August sees a further relaxation with gyms re-opening and close physical contact sports and festivals resuming, although regular cleaning and social distancing will be required.

SYSTEMS SOLUTION The

• Quality engineering • Innovative design • Competitive pricing • Guaranteed compatibility • Unrivalled warranty

and angling from now onwards – especially given the longevity of the lockdown restrictions to date and the favourable weather conditions we have been enjoying.

In line with government guidelines for public spaces, the boating community may now drive to their destination so long as they observe social distancing.”

“As we start to get back on the water, we advise boaters to take a considerate and conservative approach when planning to go afloat; be mindful of the potential impact that you could have on other water users and do not place unnecessary extra strain on the RNLI and emergency services. Finally, proper preparation will prevent accidents and is a vital step to getting back on the water safely.”

GOVERNMENT GUIDANCE The government has issued additional information regarding recreational boating in England. The key areas of guidance are firstly, that marina operators are allowed to re-open but it is for the marina to consider when they are able to re-start their service, so do check with your marina or club before setting off. Secondly, boat users may take part in water-based activities as an individual, household group or as a pair of two people from different households who are socially distancing (2m apart), and thirdly, that the guidance on staying at your primary residence applies, so no overnight visits or extended stays are allowed.

for WASTE

WATER

t: 023 8045 4507

e: SALES@VETUS.CO.UK W W W .V E T U S . C O M

ENGINES | STERN GEAR | FUEL | INSTRUMENTS | FRESH WATER | WASTE WATER | MANOEUVRING | ELECTRICAL | STEERING | HATCHES | VENTIL ATION

4

ALL AT SEA JUNE 2020 - FOR MORE NEWS EVERY DAY GO TO WWW.ALLATSEA.CO.UK

ALL ABOARD

By Jane Hyde

GET ALL AT SEA DELIVERED DIRECT TO YOUR INBOX SIGN UP AT WWW.ALLATSEA.CO.UK WHEN I was writing this welcome for the last issue of All at Sea little did I know that just a month later I would be writing that boating is back! As with all things coronavirus related there were many rumours about the return of boating, all with differing degrees of positivity.

Now, though, leisure boating is 100 per cent back in England, albeit within social distancing guidelines. We will take that though. Any boating is better than none and, fingers crossed, going forward things will only get better and better.

Turn to page 3 to read British Marine’s advice for anyone planning a day trip on their boat. A lot of it is common sense, but it is useful to be aware of the consequences our actions might have on others.

Now that many of us are back on board our boats, we would love to hear what you have missed most about boating over the past couple of months.

A big thank you to all the marinas and other organisations who have worked so hard throughout the lockdown, to ensure that boaters could return swiftly to their favourite pastime as lockdown measures eased.

Looking ahead, although spring boat shows and events were cancelled or postponed, there are still some to look forward to.

At the time of writing - and things can change fast in the current climate the Southampton Boat Show and Cowes Week are still happening as is this year’s

Round the Island, which is now planned for September. We caught up with the Race’s director, Dave Atkinson, to find out what we can expect from this year’s event. Turn to page 25 to read our interview with Dave.

Looking further afield and some parts of Europe are beginning to open up to visitors - and boaters. This is very positive news and, even if you do not plan to travel in the short-term - you can start planning future holidays.

The Cruising Association has created two iniatives aimed at helping boaters cruise safely over the upcoming months. Turn to page 34 to read more and to see the handy map they have created showing, at a glance, which European countries are open to boaters.

On page 26 you can read the latest boating holiday news too, so do something positive today and start planning your next get-away - I know I am!

You could even surprise dad with a trip to look forward to this Father’s Day. For many more gift ideas look at our guide on page 29. Remember it is on 21 June - even if you cannot see your dad on the day a video call and a card will make it special.

Lastly, on page 27 we have some fantastic models of HMS Beagle, the ship used by Charles Darwin, created by children at Queen Boudica Primary School in Essex.

Jane Hyde Editor

FAIRLINE’S VIRTUAL MARINA FAIRLINE Yachts has launched the Fairline Marina – a new virtual platform to connect fans and customers of the brand in this time of social distancing. The marina brings the world of hand-crafted luxury boats direct to your home.

The platform includes 360-degree detailed boat tours of all the yachts within Fairline’s Squadron, Targa and F// LINE ranges, allowing you to explore the Fairline family of yachts from the comfort of your home.

There is also a live chat function, and Fairline is developing a regular calendar of livestream boat tours, which will be hosted by the boatbuilder’s global dealer network.

Dennis de Roos, sales and marketing director at Fairline Yachts, said: “We have

worked quickly to develop an innovative solution that gives our customers – wherever they may be in the world – the opportunity to explore our family of yachts in detail.

Users can also speak with our experts and meet our global dealer team online.”

In further news from the company, Fairline Yachts, has extended its standard manufacturer’s warranty from one to two years for free. Applicable to any new boat purchased from Fairline’s global dealer network between 1 January 2020 and 31 August 2020, this initiative is in direct response to the Covid-19 global pandemic during which time many owners are unable to use their boats.

Dennis de Roos said: “We wanted to offer additional peace of mind that this

25

THIS MONTH SIGN UP AT WWW.ALLATSEA.CO.UK TO RECEIVE OUR NEWSLETTER

BACK IN SOUTHAMPTON ........... 21

SAIL FROM HOME ........................ 28

Paying another visit to a popular sailing area found in Southampton water.

Here is how you can get your sailing fix even if you cannot get afloat - it is the

period of global restrictions will not be unfairly reducing our customers’ warranty period during a time where many boats are unable to be used.

“Our customers do not need to do anything, the extended warranty will be applied automatically. It is a good-will gesture that we are pleased to make to offer some additional peace of mind to our Fairline family.”

Throughout the pandemic, Fairline Yachts has continued to manufacture boats in its Oundle, UK headquarters, operating with a skeleton workforce and enhanced health and safety measures, completing 10 builds in March and April, and the boatyard was on schedule to complete a further five in May. www.fairline-marina.com

RYA’s #SailFromHome.

PHOTO OF THE MONTH .............. 23 Another fantastic round-up of your boating photos.

BOATING PEOPLE ........................ 25 After its move to September for the first time, we chat to Round the Island Race director Dave Atkinson.

Image: Paul Wyeth

FATHER’S DAY GIFTS .................. 29 Treat your dad to something special this Father’s Day. We have a brilliant selection of gift ideas guaranteed to make dad smile.

DHARA IN LOCKDOWN ............... 30

From Croatia and Borneo to a £1 million holiday of a lifetime.

Dhara Thompson, Yachtmaster Instructor, shares his experience of sailing in the Algarve on board Jalapeno as lockdown hit.

BEAGLE IN LOCKDOWN ............. 27

NEVER 100% ACCURATE ........... 30

HOLIDAYS ..................................... 26

A group of Essex school children have been creating their own models of the famous ship, HMS Beagle.

As a boater you need to understand why nautical charts need to be treated with care.

STAY WILDLIFE AWARE ............. 28

EXPERTS’ FORUM ....................... 31

How to be a boater and wildlife supporter at the same time in this month’s Green Blue column.

In this month’s expert column we look at how to get it right when choosing your next chartplotter.

ALL AT SEA QUIZ ....................... 32 Put your feet up with a cuppa and test your knowledge with the latest All at Sea quiz page.

CRUISING CONDITIONS ............ 34 Two great initiatives from the Cruising Association to help boaters cruise safely in the coming months, plus a response to a reader enquiry following last month’s feature about the VAT status of boats after Brexit.

27 MARINA GUIDE ........................... 38

MAKING A DIFFERENCE ........... 35 The RYA is celebrating 50 years of its world-leading training schemes.

The latest news from around the UK’s marinas, plus your regional marina guide.

SWANWICK MARINA ................. 36

IN THE DRINK .............................. 42

This month we head to the River Hamble and Premier Marinas’ Swanwick Marina.

Home brewing is back! Here is how to get started.

To advertise here please call 07740 118928

ALL AT SEA JUNE 2020

5

Kika & Dan Sailing Uma

Sail faster...

Sail further...

Sail for fun... whatever your passion.

Vulcan System with Triton2 Instruments

Passionate About Sailing

Marine electronics for sailing.

BG0998 B&G Passion Sail for Fun FP Ad ENG (for All at Sea) 05-20.indd 1

www.bandg.com

14/05/2020 11:49

6

ALL AT SEA JUNE 2020

NEWS SNAPS TITANIC RETRIEVAL

In a controversial move, a judge in the US has ruled that the Marconi wireless telegraph machine that broadcast distress calls from Titanic can be retrieved after agreeing that it is historically and culturally important and could soon be lost in the rapidly decaying wreck. A ruling in 2000 had forbidden cutting into Titanic or detaching any part of it.

However the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which represents the public’s interest in the wreck site, argued in court documents that the telegraph is likely surrounded “by the mortal remains of more than 1,500 people” and should be left alone.

SAILING CLUBS OPEN? THE RYA is issuing advice about how English clubs may be able to facilitate activity while minimising the risk of transmitting infection (including social distancing and adequate cleaning and hygiene) and how to reduce the likelihood of a call-out to emergency services through enhanced risk assessment, maintenance and safety.

Alistair Dickson, RYA director of sport development said: “Many clubs have been completely shut down during the pandemic with staff placed on furlough, so we are pleased to be able to offer this practical guidance to clubs to help them plan for the future.

“However due to the severity of the situation and in order to keep people safe, we are encouraging

clubs to take their time and use this information to carefully plan and develop their own policies which will best suit their venues. This will likely involve creating a team who will be responsible for reviewing what is practically possible, deciding what is best for their club and implementing those decisions effectively with clear communication to their membership.

“We urge the members of English clubs to be patient during the next couple of weeks. It is unlikely many will be able to open straight away and it is in all of our interests that clubs open when they are ready to facilitate safe activity with appropriate social distancing measures, hygiene procedures and risk management practices.”

FAMILY BOATING

Cowes Harbour Commission supports the government’s guidance on marine leisure activities and has agreed a policy to encourage and facilitate safe family local boating. This will include assisting with the provision of access to customer pontoon berths and moorings, and facilitating safe family recreational boating from an owner’s mooring back to their mooring. CHC’s facilities and services will be operating with additional control measures designed to protect both staff and the public from exposure to and transmission of the COVID-19 virus.

BEAGLE’S DOCK

Back in April we reported on HMS Beagle, the ship Charles Darwin used to explore the world, and the location of her final resting place. Now we can report that the remains of a rare 19th century dock, built to accommodate HMS Beagle when it was serving as a Coastguard Watch Vessel in Essex, will be protected as a nationally important site. On the advice of Historic England the submerged mud berth on the River Roach near Paglesham has been designated as a scheduled monument by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. Turn to page 27 to see some great HMS Beagle models by a group of Essex school children.

CRAFT DISCOVERED

It was reported in The Guardian that the wreck of a WWII landing craft, designed to land armoured vehicles during amphibious operations such as D-day, has been found off Wales after 77 years. Landing Craft Tank 326 was lost with 14 crew on board in February 1943.

HELPING CLUBS

SailEvent, a new cloud-based service from Sailing Club Software, can help clubs restart their on-the-water activity.

Many clubs are looking at opening up with non-competitive sailing

sessions for their members. Among the recommendations in the RYA’s Guidance for Restarting Sailing are implementing a booking system and looking at safety procedures, all in the context of maintaining social distancing. SailEvent

lets club members achieve these with an app on their mobile phones.

SailEvent collates information from sailors in real time and presents it on the club’s dashboard. It means a sailing session can be end-to-end paperless

and without physical pinch points, yet still managed and monitored. Sailing Club Software is providing SailEvent free of charge while clubs get going again.

For more information and to register visit sailevent.net.

BROKERS BACK PREMIER WELCOMES BOATERS BRITISH Marine has confirmed that boat brokers can re-start physical viewings following the latest advice issued by the government. The viewings must follow the social distancing guidelines however.

The Association of Brokers and Yacht Agents has issued its members with guidelines for viewings. “Brokers are advised to allow 72 hours between viewings, giving any pathogens time to die; they are also advised not to accompany clients on the viewing. The broker will open the boat up and close it afterwards.”

This practice should mean that family groups – all from the same household – can go on board.

When viewing a new boat it is important that prospective buyers are in a position to proceed with any purchase, the appointment is booked in advance, disposable gloves and a face covering are used and that they have water, hand sanitiser and their own pen/paper.

Image: Charlie Ross

WITH anti-virus safety protocols in place, and in line with the government’s recent relaxation of travel and exercise restrictions, Premier Marinas is welcoming its berth holders back into its marinas and boatyards.

Premier berth holders have been returning to their boats to enjoy marina

life and to carry out boat repairs after an extended period ashore. Alongside this, within days of the easing of lockdown measures, all of the harbours local to Premier Marinas had lifted their restrictions on recreational boating and berth holders were able to take day trips out on the water.

During lockdown, Premier’s focus has been on completing ongoing investment projects such as the build of new luxury facilities on the west jetty at Brighton Marina and working on seasonal dredging across a number of sites. The company also spent time in designing and implementing site specific social distancing and hygiene measures that would give its customers and staff the confidence that they were supported in protecting themselves from COVID-19.

Whilst there are no clear government guidelines on how far customers can travel to exercise, legislation does not permit overnight stays for holidays or at a second home. So for this reason, Premier Marinas is not permitting its berth holders to stay overnight in the marina and similarly, casual visiting yachts are not able to be welcomed back to Premier at this time.

Premier Marinas is owned by the Wellcome Trust, a global charitable foundation that exists to improve health for everyone. Premier is proud that its profits support the Wellcome Trust who are currently at the forefront of a variety of work that aims to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, either through testing for the virus, or by supporting research into treatments and vaccines.

Turn to page 38 for more marina news.

To advertise here please call 07740 118928

ALL AT SEA JUNE 2020

Go With Confidence

SIMPLY CRUISE

Cruising to a beach, lake or simply exploring with friends, Simrad Cruise allows you to enjoy your day on the water.

An easy to use chartplotter that lets you know where you are and what is around you, plus with key information at hand like speed and depth you’ll be able to cruise confidently. There is even a built in sonar for days when the fish are biting.

SIMRAD-YACHTING.COM/CRUISE SIM0936 GO FP Digital Ad ENG (for All at Sea) 05-20.indd 1

14/05/2020 15:05

7

8

ALL AT SEA JUNE 2020

NEWS SNAPS

Image: allouphoto/Shutterstock

GHOST SHIP OWNER

The owner of a ‘ghost’ ship that washed up on Ireland’s coast earlier in 2020 is still to be found, leaving a potential bill for the authorities of millions of euros for its removal. Salvage experts say the boat has no commercial value and that the owner might never be tracked down. The MV Alta 77m cargo boat crossed the Atlantic for more than a year in its ghostly voyage before running aground near Ballycotton, in County Cork.

SUNSEEKER NEWS

As part of a ‘rebalancing’ of the business it is reported that Sunseeker is cutting 460 jobs. “We are committed to design, engineer and manufacture world class boats for another 50 years here in Dorset, but we must adjust quickly in order to weather the current challenges,” said the boatbuilder in a statement.

Sunseeker has also announced a phased return to work for all its employees starting in early June.

Separately, all Warranty and Parts functions will be fully operational during June, ensuring that customers receive the service they require as they return to using their boats. In support of their inability to use their boat over recent weeks, Sunseeker is offering an extended two month factory warranty for any boat in warranty as of 23 March.

CROATIA REOPENS

Croatia is open to sailors once again, and the good news is the country is welcoming boaters; when arriving with a booked yacht charter there is no need to self-isolate. Just be sure to have your crewlist and charter contract with you. With many restaurants, bars and businesses open there is no need to stay on board your boat and, with no navigating restrictions, travellers are free to explore any of the more than 1,000 islands. Turn to page 26 for more holiday news.

TIME TO RESTART SAILING THE government’s easing of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions means sailing is now allowed in England, along with all other forms of watersports practiced on open waterways, including windsurfing, canoeing, rowing, kayaking, surfing, paddle-boarding and the use of privatelyowned motorised craft (in line with the guidance issued by the relevant navigation authority).

Sarah Treseder, Royal Yachting Association chief executive has been quoted as saying: “We are aware that marinas, clubs and other venues are working hard to facilitate a safe return to boating activities, although it will inevitably take a while before the full infrastructure is operational.”

This last remark echoes the concerns raised by Restart Sailing’s recent survey of sailing clubs, the marine industry and interested individuals. While the return to the water is welcomed, it will be some time before normal service is resumed. Most worrying is the need to protect institutions and businesses starved of income and at

risk of permanent closure leaving sailors unable to practice their sport.

The survey was undertaken prior to the recent easing, but according to Simon Lovesey, founder of Restart Sailing, the results remain relevant and offer a glimpse into the difficulties faced by the sport.

“The key takeaways are that individuals, clubs and businesses are desperate to see a return to on the water activity provided it can be done safely and responsibly.

However, there is widespread concern that the lockdown will take considerable time to unwind and some clubs and businesses may not survive.”

The survey’s Executive Summary highlights a number of issues, many of which are common to other sporting activities: ■ The sailing sector (clubs, classes and trade) is facing massive financial struggle with all activity cancelled and drops in membership renewals and other expenditure ■ 59 per cent of respondents believe that financial concerns will continue into the

foreseeable future as government financial support fails to reach all parts of the sector.

■ Real concern exists over the length of time and amount of money that will be required to restart as facilities and equipment have been effectively mothballed ■ Advice and guidance from the government, Local Authorities and the RYA during the period of lockdown has been mixed ■ Covid-19 has created a lack of confidence in people and this may inhibit the return to sport ■ Equally, if the sport is seen to return to early and irresponsibly there could be real reputational damage Interestingly, on the positive side, the respondents indicated that Covid-19 could present opportunities to reboot the sport and institute much needed reform.

Overwhelmingly, respondents felt that there was a need for better communication from the authorities and that similar situations in the future would be better managed with proper planning, greater

agility and acting earlier.

Respondents are hopeful that at the end of the pandemic there will be lasting evidence of change in habits with greater emphasis on local events and support for local clubs and businesses. Reducing costs, improving use of technology and addressing the sport’s environmental impact are priorities.

In the immediate term, respondents are keen to see proper well thought through guidance on measures that will help reduce the risk of contagion.

The continued focus on hygiene is seen as critical, as is introducing clear, simple to follow social distancing rules in marinas and boat parks. Sailing events should only be conducted if and so long as protective measures are easy to institute, follow and enforce.

Restart Sailing is bringing the sailing community together to encourage and enable a safe return to sailing, sharing ideas and ensuring that sailing clubs, classes and events are acting in a responsible manner. restartsailing.org

ADVICE FOR BOAT OWNERS

Image: Andreas_Lindlahr / Team Malizia

SPOTTED

“Elsie riding with my son on his jet ski” Pauline Headon

Image: JurassicPaul/Shutterstock

TURKEY CALLING

According to Evolution Yachting all navigational activity in the country will be allowed by the time you read this, including cruising for foreign flagged vessels. International flights were partially re-activated from 27 May, subject to some restrictions.

Museums and tourist attractions are reopening this month in compliance with safety rules.

HMS FLOODING

HMS Prince of Wales had an unfortunate case of flooding - a video posted on the Facebook page Jackspeak shows water up to ankle height in a room on the ship with streams of water gushing between the tiles in the ceiling.

“Following a minor issue with an internal system on HMS Prince of Wales, the ship’s company were required to remove a small volume of water from the ship,” says a Royal Navy spokesman. “An investigation into the cause is now under way, but this will not affect the ship’s programme.”

KEEP UP-TO-DATE WITH MARINA NEWS ON PAGE 38

Does your dog love the water too? Send us your photos! editor@allatsea.co.uk

CLIVE Edwards, RNLI water safety officer Weymouth Lifeboat Area, has been in touch with some advice for boaters preparing to return to the water. Before putting to sea after such a long period of inactivity it is recommended that boat owners should: 1 Take extra care to access their craft safely and in accordance with government guidance on travel and social distancing 2 Carry out a check to ensure that their craft has remained seaworthy and mechanically sound and in particular check for fuel contamination resulting from condensation in the tank(s) blocked filters and fuel lines etc…

3 Check that emergency

equipment such as lifejackets, flares, VHF radio and PLBs are still in working order and remain in-date 4 Give due regard to the prevailing and forecast weather conditions 5 Pay due consideration to the risk that their activities may result in their having to depend on emergency services particularly at a time when social distancing is impacting on lifeboat crews, Coast Rescue Teams etc…

6 Bear in mind that some marine leisure facilities in the area may still be closed and therefore unavailable 7 Make sure you always have a means of calling for help (such as a VHF radio or mobile phone in a waterproof pouch) and keep it within reach.

BSS EXAMINATION SUSPENSION LIFTED

BOAT Safety Scheme Examinations, suspended in the lockdown, have now resumed for most boat owners, but they will happen in a ‘new normal’ framework based on the latest government guidance.

Following the government request that those who cannot work from home should restart work where possible, the BSS has lifted the suspension on examinations with a cautious framework designed to prevent transmission of the virus by the use of distancing between the boat owner and examiner.

To help guide a boat owner through what are the ‘new normal’ preparations for BSS Examinations, there is a dedicated web page: www.boatsafetyscheme.org/ COVID. In a statement the BSS also said: “We know those boat

owners who are in self-isolation or are shielding, especially but not exclusively liveaboards, will have many concerns about what this means for them.

“The BSS will not be able to provide examinations safely for their boats. Therefore for those people who are isolating or who are shielding, if their boat’s BSS Certification is due soon and their licence, registration, mooring or insurance usually depends on that Certification, we recommend that those boaters talk with their relevant navigation authority, mooring management or insurer and explain your situation.” www.boatsafetyscheme.org

To advertise here please call 07740 118928

ALL AT SEA JUNE 2020

ERTH 10M B

M S FRO

* 5 £3,7N3NUM

PER A RE CALL: O FOR M 84060 8 01489

#PREMIERSINCE1994

premiermarinas.com

EASTBOURNE

BRIGHTON

CHICHESTER

SOUTHSEA

PORT SOLENT

G O S P O R T W I T H D R Y STAC K

S WA N W I C K W I T H D R Y STAC K

N O S S O N DA R T

FA L M O U T H W I T H D R Y STAC K

* PRICE BASED ON A 10M BERTH AT EASTBOURNE

9

10

ALL AT SEA JUNE 2020

REDUCED PREMIUMS Craftinsure has reduced premiums for yachts based in coastal marinas by as much as 10 per cent depending on the location. As well as applying to all new quotes, any extra marina discount will automatically benefit existing customers, helping to reduce premiums when their policies are due for renewal. www.craftinsure.com

AMERICA’S CUP TEAM UP-DATES Image: Lloyd Images

GOSPORT FERRY

A £90,000 package to help keep the Gosport ferry running has been put together by Gosport, Portsmouth and Hampshire councils. The ferry, which is an important link for communities on either side of Portsmouth Harbour, is used by a significant number of key workers.

Image: Te Aihe is back in New Zealand after leaving on February 2. Emirates Team New Zealand

EA WATERWAYS

The Environment Agency’s waterways reopened to powered boating at the start of June. Ahead of the reopening EA teams carried out inspection of channels, marking and removing hazards such as sunken boats and fallen trees. “We ask all boaters currently making essential journeys to be extra vigilant of unmarked hazards.”

Assisted passage at locks will not be provided while social distancing is in place and the EA warns some maintenance work will take longer.

COASTWATCH BACK

The National Coastwatch Institution has announced that it is gradually re-opening its lookout stations in England. Initially watches will be on a single person basis in line with social distancing and hygiene measures. The charity runs 56 lookout stations around England and Wales and is staffed by more than 2,700 volunteers.

PLASTIC BEACH ART

The BBC reported that artist Rob Arnold is spending his lockdown sorting plastic from 40 sacks of rubbish collected from Cornwall's Tregantle beach before the lockdown. Rob is using the plastic to make artwork to raise awareness of environmental issues.

NEW AMERICA'S CUP DIRECTOR

Renowned international yachtsman and regatta official Iain Murray will once again take the reins as the independent regatta director for the 36th America’s Cup presented

by Prada, the Prada Cup Challenger Selection Series and the America’s Cup World Series Auckland, including the Christmas Race.

Iain is taking over from John Craig, who stepped down from the position late last year. With his background and reputation as yacht designer, skipper and yachtsman - including four America’s Cup campaigns and several world championships in different classes - Iain Murray is a respected figure in the world of international yachting, and the America’s Cup in particular.

This will be the third time that Iain has held this position, having been appointed from 2010 to 2017 in the dual

role of regatta director (34th and 35th America’s Cup) and CEO of America’s Cup Race Management.

His longtime knowledge of the Waitemata Harbour will be an additional guarantee of fair racing for all the competitors as it will be a return to the place where he made his first marks on the international sailing scene, with two notable wins.

The first was as a 17-year-old student where he designed, built and sailed a 12ft skiff, Sunset Hotels, to win the 1976 Interdominion 12ft skiff title on his second attempt. He returned a year later to win the JJ Giltinan Trophy, the unofficial world championship of the 18ft skiff class.

In his capacity of regatta director Iain Murray will also oversee the training of all personnel and volunteers involved in the racing, security, rescue and onwater management of different areas.

FOR Emirates Team New Zealand the lockdown in NZ cost the team about six weeks of sailing time. Unfortunately their first AC75, Te Aihe, was already heading to Italy when the Cagliari AC World Series (and then Portsmouth) was cancelled.

Te Aihe finally arrived back in New Zealand at the end of May along with 16 containers storing workshops, chase boats and everything an America’s Cup team would need to work remotely in Cagliari and Portsmouth.

Emirates Team New Zealand logistics manager, Andy Nottag, said: “A positive is that everything was sent away in a relative state of readiness to get set up and ready to go sailing relatively quickly in Cagliari, so that should mean it is not too long to get her back out sailing on the Hauraki Gulf again.”

Work on the second ETNZ AC75 was held up for five weeks and restarted on 28 April. The team resumed on-the-water development with their 12m test boat Te Kahu (The Hawk) on 29 April.

In early May the INEOS Team UK had not sailed since moving back to Portsmouth from Sardinia, however it is likely they have been spending a lot of time on their AC75 simulator and in the gym. It is believed that their Boat 2 is well advanced in terms of construction.

Italy’s Luna Rossa made repairs to their AC75 after losing the bowsprit in training. They have installed electric motors in their AC75 to replace six grinders so they could resume on the water testing while respecting distancing requirements.

American Magic had not sailed either their test boat or their AC75 Defiant since mid-March. The AC75 was packed

for shipping to Cagliari and then recommissioned for sailing when the ACWS was cancelled. In the meantime construction of Boat 2 continues in Rhode Island. American Magic has gambled on travel restrictions easing and has already shipped its first-generation boat to Auckland.

For now, though, the concern is about getting teams into New Zealand.

Currently, only New Zealand residents are allowed into the country. Economic Development Minister Phil Twyford, who has responsibility for major events like the America’s Cup, said there was still too much uncertainty to know when borders could be reopened. America’s Cup teams will need dispensation if those rules are not relaxed.

Phil said: “The government is highly motivated to see the 36th America’s Cup go ahead. However, critical factors including restrictions on gatherings, and any restrictions for borders here and internationally still have to be worked through.”

“We do not know when we can come down to New Zealand,” INEOS Team UK chief executive Grant Simmer said.

“We need to get a forward party there to set up the base and start things happening.”

COMPETITION SCHEDULE: ■ 17 - 20 December, 2020: America’s Cup World Series event - Auckland, New Zealand ■ 15 January – 22 February, 2021: Challenger Selection Series - Auckland, New Zealand ■ 6 – 15 March, 2021: America’s Cup Match - Auckland, New Zealand

Where Do You Moor Yours?

Image: Charlie Ross

NEWS SNAPS

Do you know where this is? Turn to page 18 to see if you got it right!

TWO STAGE ADVANCED COATING STAGE 1 - ENERGY ABSORBING ADHESIVE STAGE 2 - “SUPER SLIPPY” HYDROPHOBIC COATING

PROPELLER FOULING PROTECTION Ocean Coatings Ltd

Order on-line at www.prop-defender.com FOR NEXT DAY DELIVERY T: +44 (0)1740 625262 E: info@prop-defender.com

COMPREHENSIVE KIT SIMPLE SELF APPLICATION

SAVE FUEL & IMPRO VE SPEED

UNTREATED Image: Wendy Davies

TREATED

11

ALL AT SEA JUNE 2020

HAMBLE CLASSICS 2020 THE 5th Hamble Classics Regatta is planned for 21 - 23 August at the Royal Southern Yacht Club.

The event’s organiser Jonty Sherwill said: “It has been great getting enquiries from classic yacht owners keen to get sailing and we look forward to working again with the Royal Southern team, race officers and helpers to deliver what we hope can be another enjoyable regatta despite the uncertainties caused by the coronavirus.

“Hamble provides easy access for visiting yachts with its convenient berthing and is perfect for families and crews that may prefer to base themselves from home during the regatta. While we will remain optimistic that by late August a complete programme of sailing and socials will be possible, full compliance with RYA and Harbour Authority guidelines in place at that time will be observed.” www.royal-southern.co.uk

NEWS SNAPS OFFSHORE CHAMPS

World Sailing has cancelled the 2020 Offshore World Championship, due to be held alongside October’s Rolex Middle Sea Race in Valletta, Malta. The event was expecting to feature teams of mixed sailors from 20 nations from each continent. The inaugural edition of the Offshore World Championship will now take place in 2021. The Royal Malta Yacht Club is continuing its preparations for the 2020 Rolex Middle Sea Race, while closely monitoring developments with COVID-19 and following the advice and guidance from the World Health Organisation and the Maltese government.

CANNES IS ON

The Cannes Yachting Festival is to go ahead as planned from 8 - 13 September following recommended measures to restrict the spread of the coronavirus. A review is being carried out of areas such as ground markings, the wearing of masks and increased daily disinfection of the areas through which visitors pass. www.cannesyachtingfestival.com

Image: Eloi Stichelbaut for SailGP

SAILGP BACK IN 2021 WITH a continued emphasis on protecting the health and safety of its teams, staff, partners and event communities, SailGP has decided that its racing must remain suspended for the remainder of 2020.

Consequently, SailGP Season 2 events will be rescheduled to 2021. Two of the four impacted events have new dates for 2021: San Francisco on 17 – 18 April and New York on 4 – 5 June. SailGP also intends to return to the UK and Denmark, replacing racing previously planned for August and September.

Season 2 is set to be expanded from five to a minimum of seven events with the results from 2020 Sydney SailGP – the first and only completed event this year – null and void. In Sydney, teams representing Australia, Denmark, France, Great Britain, Japan, Spain and the United States took to the water in the world’s fastest sail race boats. Four-time Olympic gold medallist Sir Ben Ainslie led the British entry to victory in his SailGP debut.

Of the rescheduled SailGP, CEO Sir Russell Coutts said: “This terrible pandemic has led to the tragic and ongoing loss of hundreds of thousands of lives, and first and foremost,

our thoughts go out to those victims, and their grieving families and friends.

“Our focus must necessarily shift to returning at a time when our events do not present undue internal or external risk. We will use the coming months to focus on important initiatives to make both our racing and broadcast even more attractive – including further development of our F50 catamarans, simulator and gaming platform, as well as enhanced data integration via artificial intelligence – while continuing to work toward our ambitious target of carbon neutrality by 2025.”

Ben Ainslie said: “This has, of course, been a huge challenge for the entire world, and in particular for healthcare workers on the frontline of this crisis. At the end of the day, this is sport, and we will get back out there when it is safe for everyone involved. Of course, it is tough not to be on the water, especially after I got my first taste of SailGP in Sydney. Racing these boats is a privilege, and I know we will have that moment again. In the meantime, I will be looking to find ways to be even better when we are up and racing again next year.” www.sailgp.com

WORLDS CANCELLED

Image: Rick Tomlinson

SOUTHAMPTON SHOW BOATING Business reported that British Marine, organisers of the Southampton International Boat Show, are looking into different options for this year’s show, due to take place in September, as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

One option being considered is for it to take place in October, or to have a virtual show or part virtual show. We understand

that a decision will be made by 1 July.

BM CEO Lesley Robinson said: “We are continuing to plan as if Southampton International Boat Show 2020 will happen.

We hope it will; everyone would like it to happen.”

Last year the show attracted around 103,000 visitors to Southampton over the 10 days.

Image: British Marine

Image: Wendy Davies

The J/111 Class Association and the Royal Ocean Racing Club have decided to cancel the 2020 J/111 World Championship to be held 3 - 5 September in Cowes. www.j111worlds.org

SELVA’S SERVICING

Selva Marine have been in touch to tell us about an initiative for customers during the pandemic.

All scheduled Authorised Dealer servicing due to be carried out and recorded online between 1 March and 31 May 2020 in order to maintain customer Warranty, can now be completed by 31 July 2020, without affecting the Warranty validity. All product Warranties which expire between the 1 March and 31 May 2020 will be automatically extended to the 31 July 2020, as per the conditions of the original contract. www.selvamarine.com

12

ALL AT SEA JUNE 2020

VENDEE ON COURSE THE Vendée Council and the SAEM Vendée are doing their utmost in conjunction with all the partners, skippers from the IMOCA class, their sponsors and public authorities to ensure arrangements for the ninth edition of the Vendée Globe go smoothly. Maintaining the start date of 8 November for the race is their goal.

In a statement the organisers said: “In terms of racing, nothing prevents the race starting, as long as the national authorities allow that to be the case. However for the Vendée Globe, which is a popular event and belongs to the local people, the presence of the public is important for us.”

The organisers are, therefore, studying every possible situation to be able to welcome the public in the economic and public health context, the evolution of which is hard to predict.

At the same time, the Vendée Globe organisers are working in conjunction with the IMOCA class towards the goal of adapting some of the deadlines for the skippers, in particular, the final date for registrations, which has been pushed back until 1 September, and the organisation of a preparatory solo race this summer.

With sailing gradually starting again, the IMOCA class has been working on a preparatory race, which was initially scheduled for June. In agreement with the Vendée Department, the IMOCA class proposed a race starting from off Les Sables d’Olonne on 4 July.

This will be a solo race taking the sailors up past Iceland and into the Arctic Circle and then down to the Azores with a return to the start location planned around 10 days later. The race format has been completely reviewed by the race directors and the organising team in order to respect distancing rules concerning the skippers and their teams. www.vendeeglobe.org Right: Alex Thomson on board HUGO BOSS will be hoping to take victory in the race. Image: Olivier Blanchet / DPPI / Vendee Globe

HYTHE MARINA VILLAGE

That was close but we are here and thriving, come and join us during the day for our unique SUMMERTIME SCHNITZEL SPECIALS. - Busy during the day, then join us for a fantastic evening meal at our superb restaurant. Obviously in todays new world we have reduced numbers so call and book now Visit our web site and view the superb menus SEE YOU SHORTLY

-

ROCK RACE THE RWYC Lonely Rock Race is scheduled to start on 16 August. The course will leave the Isles of Scilly to Port, round the Fastnet Rock to Port, pass the Isles of Scilly once again to Port and finally finish in Plymouth Sound.

Despite the current restrictions, work is continuing on all organisational aspects of the race, and the race team remain committed to running the event if at all possible.

Chris Arscott, commodore of the Royal Western Yacht Club, said: “We are fully aware of the current situation and monitor the daily briefings along with all social distancing rules we are given. As we get closer to August there is likely to be a reduction in the distancing restrictions, which may be sufficient to allow us to start the race. We remain ever hopeful that the Lonely Rock Race will start as planned.

“Should government restrictions and guidance change, we have already allowed within the qualifying process as written in the NoR which allows for miles to be done with the minimum of lead time and allowing us significant leeway - perhaps until mid-July before we need to make any big decisions.

“The safety of participants and volunteers working behind the scenes is foremost in our minds of course, but providing that we can run the race and its qualifying components that complies with all guidance in place at the time, then we fully intend to do so.”

Zhik and Crew Kit have developed a range of race clothing to celebrate this event. Boats will compete to win the Zhik Overall Line Honours Trophy, which includes a prize of kit worth more than £600. All boats entering will be given a branded laptop case to keep those all-important race documents or the navigator laptop safe on board. www.RWYC.org/lrr

SHORT SEASON FOR GC32 TOUR WITH the sporting world being brought to a standstill this year, the GC32 Racing Tour has had to revise its schedule for 2020.

The new, abbreviated schedule for what will be the seventh season of racing for the World Sailingapproved flying catamaran class, assumes it will be possible to hold racing in southern Europe from August onwards.

The GC32 Riva Cup was set to be the second event of 2020, taking place at the end of May, but has now been delayed until October. Similarly, the GC32 Lagos Cup in Portugal has been moved from its original June date to the end of August.

The GC32 World Championship, due to take place in Villasimius in southeast Sardinia in midSeptember has been postponed until 2021.

“The teams want to get out on the race course again as soon as possible,” explained GC32 racing tour manager Christian Scherrer, “but given that we will not know what the exact state of the pandemic will be, plus the individual national rules on holding sports events and the travel and quarantine restrictions that may still be in place at this time, we thought it wisest to keep the 2020 season short and simple.” www.gc32racingtour.com

Image: Sailing Energy / GC32 Racing Tour

COME AND JOIN US

CASUAL DINING AND A NICE PLACE TO BE BOAT ON IN AND ENJOY THE DAY BREAKFAST WEEKENDS UNTIL 11.00AM, LUNCH UNTIL 3.00PM THE FAMOUS RESTAURANT FROM 6.00PM

Phone 023 8084 4066 email: info@boathousehythe.co.uk Image: Wendy Davies

13

ALL AT SEA JUNE 2020

BEACH SAFETY CAMPAIGN The RNLI and HM Coastguard are advising the public not to use inflatables at all and for everyone, especially parents, planning a visit to a beach or the coast to follow this safety advice:

■ Have a plan - check the weather forecast, tide times and read local hazard signage ■ Keep a close eye on your family –

THE RNLI and Her Majesty’s Coastguard have launched a beach safety campaign, urging parents to protect their families by following key safety advice this summer Following the easing of nationwide lockdown restrictions in England and with many children still off school, more people are expected to visit the coast to exercise and take part in water-based activities. In Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, the rules may be different, but there could still be an impact on RNLI and HM Coastguard services.

Despite the ongoing challenges posed by coronavirus and social distancing, the RNLI hopes to provide a lifeguard service on around 30 per cent of the beaches the charity usually covers in time for the traditional peak summer season.

Whilst RNLI lifeboat crews and HM Coastguard are still on call ready to respond to emergencies, the message is clear; we need to be aware of dangers and remember that, in an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Gareth Morrison, RNLI head of water safety, said: “If the charity’s lifeguards were present on the beaches today, they would be preventing many incidents before they even occurred by directing people to safe swimming areas, highlighting dangers such as rip currents and advising people not to use inflatables. These preventive measures are not currently in place meaning people could find themselves in danger if they are not reading the signs and following the relevant safety advice.

“It is important that anyone visiting the coast understands that the beach can be a dangerous environment and you must take more responsibility for you and your family this summer. No one ever goes to the coast to be rescued yet RNLI lifeguards rescue 1000s each year."

Parents are being urged to take charge and be ‘beach smart’ if they visit the coast to ensure they and their families have the safest summer possible, whether lifeguards are patrolling their beach or not.

■ ■ ■

■

on the beach and in the water Do not allow your family to swim alone Do not use inflatables If you fall into the water unexpectedly, FLOAT TO LIVE. Fight your instinct to thrash around, lean back, extend your arms and legs, and float In an emergency dial 999, and ask for the Coastguard

WITH the hot weather over the late May Bank Holiday weekend sadly two people lost their lives at beaches. The RNLI has asked the government to restrict access to the beaches until lifeguards are back in place: “Safety advice and warnings will only go so far when people are desperate to enjoy some freedom after weeks of lockdown. But, as a lifesaving charity, the RNLI cannot stop people going to beaches.”

“Rolling out a lifeguard service – especially in a pandemic – is not as simple as putting a lifeguard on a beach. We found out about the easing of lockdown restrictions in England at the same time and in the same way as the general public.

Contrast that with shops, which were given three weeks’ notice and even car showrooms have been given 7-days warning to prepare.”

It is hoped more lifeguard services will be rolled out in June, but in the meantime families are asked to follow the above safety advice.

MY MAYFLOWER MAYFLOWER400 is bringing on stream two new digital series of online programmes in the build-up to the 400 year anniversary of the sailing of the Mayflower on 16 September.

The My Mayflower series will tell the story through personal accounts and people’s first hand experiences and interests while the second digital series, Virtual Voyages, will showcase the destinations that make up the Mayflower story including points of interest and online visits to the places behind the descendant families and their journeys.

The first in the My Mayflower series

brings to life the people connected to the remarkable story of Mayflower II from those involved in building the ship after World War 2, to memories of those who sailed it across the Atlantic and thoughts of those recently involved in the Mayflower II restoration.

The Mayflower II is a ship that represents far more than an extraordinary crossing of the Atlantic. It symbolises the special relationship between the UK and the United States. Today the recently restored Mayflower II still epitomises that voyage of hope and endeavour. mayflower400uk.org/my-mayflower

NEWS SNAPS WORLD OCEANS DAY

The National Maritime Museum will hold a day-long festival of activities on 8 June to mark World Oceans Day. With social distancing measures limiting gatherings, and cultural institutions temporarily closed, Royal Museums Greenwich will mark the day with a completely digital festival, a first for the organisation. The festival will include a welcome by Royal Museums Greenwich director Paddy Rodgers, a specially curated music mix by BBC Radio DJ and presenter Nick Luscombe, home learning craft and kitchen science videos, interviews with scientists and oceanography experts, an online scavenger hunt, a panel discussion with live Q&A, and a live online quiz. www.rmg.co.uk/ worldoceansday

NO YOUTH CHAMPS

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic World Sailing has cancelled the 2020 edition of the Youth Sailing World Championships scheduled to be held in Salvador, Brazil from 12 – 19 December 2020. World Sailing’s Board of Directors and the Confederação Brasileira de Vela (CBVela) agreed to cancel the event in anticipation of global travel restrictions and to ensure the health and well-being of athletes, coaches, parents, officials and suppliers.

World Sailing and CBVela are now discussing the possibility of hosting the Youth Worlds in Brazil at the earliest opportunity. The 2021 edition of the Youth Worlds will take place in The Hague, The Netherlands in July 2021.

MARINE BREAKDOWN SERVICE

JOIN TODAY: 0800 885500 membership@seastart.co.uk . www.seastart.co.uk Image: Wendy Davies

14

ALL AT SEA JUNE 2020

NEWS SNAPS MORE BREAKDOWNS

Marine assistance breakdown service Sea Start has experienced one of its busiest periods ever, with call outs to engine breakdowns amongst the busiest on record.

They tell us that, after the easing of lockdown, many boaters skipped much of the normal spring preparation to take advantage of the spectacular weather. Founder and MD, Nick Eales said: “We cannot emphasise enough how important it is to carry out a good set of preseason engine checks. Many of the breakdowns were preventable.

Just tightening up drive belts and checking sea cocks would prevent a large proportion of these failures.” www.seastart.co.uk

CRUISING AGAIN

After the industry was brought to a virtual standstill due to coronavirus, in August Carnival is planning to restart some of its cruise trips from North America.

The company’s reputation has been hit hard by the pandemic when some ships became hotbeds for coronavirus infections.

YAMAHA RESTARTS

Yamaha Motors Europe restarted production at facilities in Italy and France in early May as restrictions were eased. Eric de Seynes, Yamaha Motor Europe president and CEO, said: “The reopening is positive news within a very complicated period. It has been possible thanks to the cooperation with all involved parties, who I sincerely want to thank.”

BRITISH SAILING TEAM WELCOMES GUIDANCE THE British Sailing Team is preparing to move to the next phase of its return to training following the latest government guidance for elite sport.

Recreational sailing alone or with members of your household has been permitted in England since 13 May, allowing some British Sailing Team members to get out on the water for the first time in two months.

Image: Paul Wyeth The Department of Culture, Media and Sport issued guidance to elite sports on the same day outlining a phased return to training, and on 20 May the British Sailing Team moved to Stage One. This permitted singlehanded sailors and doublehanded crews from the same household to take part in individual organised training.

As of 1 June, the British Sailing Team moved to Stage Two, which allows doublehanded sailors who do n0t live in the same house – including reigning Olympic gold medallist Hannah Mills and her crew Eilidh McIntyre – to train together. It will also allow athletes to train in squads under the guidance of their coaches.

This dispensation is afforded to elite sports under the government’s guidelines for a phased return to training and does not yet apply to members of the general public.

As per the DCMS guidelines, all British Sailing Team athletes, coaches and support staff have to opt in to return to training, with no obligation to do so.

Screening will take place each day before any athlete or coach begins training, and each athlete will work with their coach to carry out a risk assessment of their training plans. Social distancing

measures will remain in place for everyone except those who live together.

The new steps will allow those sailors selected to represent Team GB at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games to refocus on performance with 13 months to go until the rescheduled Games.

Mark Robinson, the RYA’s Olympic performance manager, said: "All 15 athletes selected for Tokyo 2020 will now be able to get back on the water and resume training in their squads However, this is just one small part of a phased return to training for the team.

"We are all too aware of the threat that Covid-19 still poses and we will continue to do all we can to safeguard our sailors, staff and the wider community.

“Our ability to return to training in this way is an allowance that we do not take lightly, and we will continue to work with our sport science and medicine team as well as UK Sport, EIS and the Government to ensure appropriate safety measures are in place.”

Image: Lloyd Images/RYA

NEW INVICTUS GT370S OUTBOARD

Your thoughts Should the athletes already named for Olympic teams keep their places for Tokyo 2020 (taking place in 2021) even if another performs better in the intervening months?

Do you agree? We would love to know your thoughts. Post a comment at the All at Sea Facebook page (www.facebook. com/allatseanewspaper) or send us an email at editor@allatsea.co.uk.

From Invictus Yacht comes the new outboard version of one of its most successful models, the GT370S. The newly launched Invictus is equipped with two Yamaha 425 XTO outboard engines with 850hp maximum power. invictusyacht.com

Did you know?

GJW Direct insure you based on the agreed value of your vessel, not just the market value.

Get a quote today 0151 473 8000

www.gjwdirect.com

* 0% Interest

available

*Excludes Personal Watercraft & Jet Ski GJW Direct is a trading name of Groves, John and Westrup Limited.

Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, firm reference number 310496.

Image: Wendy Davies

15

ALL AT SEA JUNE 2020

SCARAMOUCHE SAILING TRUST

Scaramouche Crew celebrate completing the Rolex Fastnet Race 2019. Image: Paul Wyeth

VIRTUAL CHAMPION

RYA London and South East’s Max Steele won the first ever virtual Eric Twiname Championships over the early May bank holiday, taking the title ahead of more than 200 young racers.

With the COVID-19 pandemic forcing the cancellation of the event proper, British Youth Sailing and the Eric Twiname Trust quickly came up with a solution: to hold the regatta virtually.

SINCE 2014 Jon Holt, Head of Sixth Form and Outdoor Education at Greig City Academy, has led an extraordinary group of people to develop and lay the foundations of a unique school sailing project.

It soon became very clear that the work they were doing was transforming the lives of the students that took part and securing its future was paramount; The Scaramouche Sailing Trust was established and, in 2019, became recognised as a UK charity.

Now The Scaramouche Sailing Trust has announced the appointment of a new board of trustees: Alex Jacobs, Allie Smith, Andrew Pindar and Damilola Ajaboona.

Of the new appointments, Jon Holt said: “They bring the range of skills and experience we need to build the Scaramouche Sailing Trust into a sustainable charity. It is the obvious next step and consolidates everything we have achieved so far. We very much hope to be able to inspire many more state schools to benefit from the incredible opportunities of sailing.”

Allie has been part of the Scaramouche journey from the start. Skilled in events and logistics having worked alongside many eminent UK sailors, Allie prepared Scaramouche for her original Fastnet Race campaign. As a qualified skipper and having raced around the world, Allie is ideally positioned to guide the sailing programme, while also inspiring the girls’ side of the project.

Damilola is perhaps closest to the project as a former pupil of Grieg City Academy.

He has worked alongside Jon Holt, and knows first-hand what sailing and outdoor education as a whole can offer students from inner-city London schools. He is able to link the practical elements of the charity’s activities with educational aspects that are not available in the classroom.

The Scaramouche Sailing Trust is the official charity of Cowes Week 2020 and has recently announced DUAL Group as a new partner. The work of the Trust depends wholly on the generosity of donors. scaramouchesailing.org.uk/get-involved

Max racing his Laser

Traditionally held at Rutland Sailing Club, this year junior racers pitted their skills in the computergenerated seas off Portsmouth Harbour in J70s for the Virtual Regatta event.

Chris Atherton, the RYA’s national performance manager, said: “I was amazed at the championship racing. The racing was technical and realistic and that just amplified the skill ability of sailors. It was great!”

NEWS SNAPS NHS TOP TRUMPS

Top Trumps has launched Hospitals Top Trumps in an effort to raise money for the NHS. The pack features UK Hospitals from Britain’s oldest (Barts - 1123) to one of its very newest (Nightingale, London 2020) as well as Portsmouth’s Queen Alexandra Hospital. The four scoring categories are: Year Opened, Number of beds, Fame and Rainbow Rating. Top Trumps Britain at its Best: Hospitals is available for £5 at winningmoves. co.uk and comes in a twin deck with Britain at its Best: Key Workers. £1.50 from each dual deck sold will go to the NHS.

TORNADO POSTPONED

The International Tornado Association Event Committee for the 2020 European Championship’s Organising Authority has postponed the championship until 23 – 27 June 2021. The decision has been taken to preserve the health and safety of all those involved. There is nothing yet to suggest that the World Championship event in Thessaloniki, from 26 September - 3 October, 2020 will be cancelled.

JOINING UP

Dometic is the latest brand to join the Barrus Marine Equipment ranges. With effect from 1 May Barrus has been appointed as a national wholesaler for Dometic’s marine aftermarket product ranges including galley products and mobile cooling. www.barrus.co.uk

For those who like space and freedom...

THE REMOVABLE MAINSHEET TRACK SYSTEM Open up your cockpit when not sailing Suitable for all yachts up to 11m (36ft) Brings mainsheet control to the helm Images courtesy of Jimmy Préparation Bateaux, France Image: Wendy Davies

16

NEWS SNAPS RECORD ROW

It was reported in The Guardian that 72-year-old Graham Walters rowed solo across the Atlantic, arriving in Antigua. Unfortunately, though, he was towed the last six miles to avoid winds blowing him off course, and past the island. This meant Graham could have missed out on the record to become the oldest person to row the Atlantic.

However, the Ocean Rowing Society, the official Guinness World Records adjudicators for rowing, confirmed that Graham would receive the record for the oldest person to row any ocean solo, as well as the oldest person to row an ocean more than once.

QUATIX 6X SOLAR

Garmin has announced the quatix 6X Solar, the first marine-centric GPS smartwatch to offer solar charging. The watch combines all of the best features of Garmin’s fenix 6X Pro Solar with specialised boating, fishing, cruising and sailing capabilities, meaning users can enjoy more time on the water. www.garmin.com

TYRES J-CUP

July’s Landsail Tyres J-Cup has been moved to 3 - 5 September 2020. Key Yachting will continue to monitor government announcements regarding coronavirus and will keep the J Boat community updated with any relevant developments. www.keyyachting.com

ALL AT SEA JUNE 2020

SAVE OUR SEAGRASS Deep-snouted pipefish amongst seagrass in Torquay Image: Paul Naylor

BENEATH shores, there were once vast Image: Paulour Wyeth marine meadows, home to a diverse array of marine life and a hidden power.

These meadows of seagrass can absorb 10 per cent of the carbon buried in ocean sediment every year, making it a brilliant weapon in the fight to halt the warming of the planet. However, at least 35 per cent of seagrasses worldwide have been lost or damaged over the last 40 years, and the Marine Conservation Society is on a mission to ‘Save Our Seagrass’.

The impact of our changing climate is already becoming clear to see in the natural world: floods, storms, bushfires, soaring temperatures and melting ice sheets. Yet seagrass, a small, flowering plant living in the UK’s shallow waters, could be our secret weapon.

It has been estimated that seagrass can absorb and store at least as much carbon per hectare as trees in UK woodlands.

Not only can seagrass absorb carbon and help battle the climate crisis, but it is also a biodiversity hotspot. The UK’s seagrass meadows are home to the two species of

seahorse which live in UK waters: the spiny seahorse and the short snouted seahorse.

The meadows are also breeding grounds for cuttlefish and sharks, and nurseries for cod, plaice and pollock.

The project, LIFE Recreation ReMEDIES, will focus on Marine Protected Areas in the Isles of Scilly, Fal and Helford, Plymouth Sound and Estuaries, Solent and Essex Estuaries Special Areas of Conservation to replace traditional, damaging anchoring and mooring systems with new systems which limit their impact on the seabed and, as such, on the seagrass meadows.

The project will not only replace damaging anchoring and mooring systems but raise awareness of the environmental damage these older systems can cause and educate the public in how to better safeguard seagrass meadows.

A donation to the appeal will help the charity reach the target of £105,000. To find out more and donate, visit www. mcsuk.org/donate/marinemeadows.

Turn to page 29 for this month’s Green Blue column.

NUVA M8 HARD TOP

THE Nuva M8 Hard Top allows you to decide if you want a permanent roof or if you prefer, you can open the sunroof and enjoy some sun. As it is an all-year-round boat, during winter, it will also protect you from the rain

and the cold by closing the entire cockpit. The hull design and interior spaces are those from the powerful Nuva M8, nominated for European Powerboat of the Year 2020. www.nuvayacts.com

DID YOU KNOW? When James Bond took to the water for the exhilarating Live and Let Die (1973) boat chase, the scene used 26 boats, 17 of which were destroyed.

Image: Wendy Davies

17

ALL AT SEA JUNE 2020

AND THE WINNER IS…

UKSA LAUNCHES ONLINE COURSES AS we move ever further into the digital age, accelerated by the COVID-19 situation, UKSA has been working to produce new ways for their students to learn. Offering continued support throughout this journey, and to find a way for students to stay connected, the charity has liaised with the sector’s governing bodies to launch UKSA’s first edition of recognised RYA and MCA Online courses.

Aiming to remove current barriers and create more opportunities, these extra online courses are available via their website. www.uksa.org

THE first-ever winner of the Cruising Association’s inaugural Vlog competition, The osCA, sponsored by MS Amlin Boat Insurance, is Nick Mines on Hejira, a Southerly 135.

The osCA was introduced alongside the popular CA log competition in recognition of increasingly creative sailing vlogs appearing on sailors’ social media platforms.

Speaking on behalf of MS Amlin Boat Insurance, Paul Knox-Johnston said: “What a great way to highlight the fun side of sailing. Sailing is about enjoying the journey and these guys look like they have.”

Owing to the postponement of the CA’s Hanson lecture and prizegiving event in late March due to the outbreak of Covid-19, the Hanson lecture, being delivered by Mike Golding OBE, and the prizegiving, will now be held on 7 October.

Meanwhile, Nick’s winning video can be viewed at: youtu.be/4e2ExgV7vr4 or at the All at Sea Facebook page. www.facebook. com/allatseanewspaper www.theca.org.uk

LOCKDOWN READING THE RYA’s selection of accessible eBooks have been proving popular with locked down boaters all over the world. As well as books that directly support the RYA’s training courses, the RYA also produce a number of titles that will help support your boating more generally by improving your knowledge.

Many RYA eBooks are enhanced with embedded animations, videos and interactive tools to help illustrate key points. You can also bookmark your reading material, search content and write and save notes.

RYA publications manager, Steen Ingerslev said: “The demand for eBooks has sky rocketed over the last few years and, of course, in recent weeks we have

really seen this format come into its own.”

Steen continued: “Lots of our books have been released on Apple Books and Google Play Books, offering enhanced accessibility to our readers, from the ability to change font, text size and background colours.

“This makes the reading experience much easier for readers who are partially sighted; have specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia; have non-specific learning disabilities or are physically disabled and read with a switch device.”

RYA Members automatically receive a 15 per cent discount when purchasing online from the RYA shop. www.rya.org.uk/go/eBooks Turn to page 35 for this month’s RYA column about a big celebration.

NEWS SNAPS HANDBOOK ONLINE

The Cowes Harbour Handbook has been published in digital format and is now online on CHC’s website. It is hoped the Handbook, which includes an interview with Sir Ben Ainslie, will provide some reading enjoyment for boaters. The printed publication is due to be distributed after the government’s COVID-19 lockdown has been lifted. www.cowesharbourcommission. co.uk/cowes_harbour_handbook

FRENCH GUIDES

A series of 12 full colour, digital guides to moorings along the French inland waterways has been launched. Produced and edited by Gordon Knight, they provide details of all the marinas, haltes and other mooring points (even picnic stops) along the waterways, together with information on facilities, shopping and nearby attractions.

All can be downloaded from Google Play Books at £5. Proceeds go to ASPAS (Association pour la protection des animaux sauvages), which protects French wildlife.

YACHTMASTER BOOK

Now in its fifth edition, Yachtmaster for Sail and Power is a companion for anyone enrolling on the RYA Coastal Skipper/ Yachtmaster course. It covers the whole syllabus in detail, illustrated with photographs, charts and worked examples. £25 hardback.

P IV W A NTAT NO E ILS L SE 0%EPRE NCELAB ETA R I D A N VA OR A F SK FI

A

R E

SALES & SERVICE CENTRE

Endeavour Quay, Gosport Tel. +44 (0)2392 808717

SAILMAKING CENTRE

Wareham, Dorset Tel. +44 (0)1929 554308

QUALITY CRUISING & RACING SAILS SPINNAKERS & CRUISING CHUTES SAIL COVERS | MAINSAIL ‘PACKAWAYS’ DODGERS & SPRAYHOODS | SAIL SERVICING & VALETING

ALL AT THE MOST COMPETITIVE PRICES! Local sail collections & returns are available by arrangement – contact us for details

EVERYTHING MARINE SERVICES SHOULD BE... ...HAMBLE RIVER BOAT YARD Hamble River Boat Yard, Swanwick, offers outstanding facilities for boat owners, including storage, maintenance and berthing options. There’s a dedicated repair facility, and a comprehensive Volvo Penta Parts Store for Volvo Penta parts and engines.

So call us and tell us what service you’re interested in.

NEW D4/D6 RANGE NOW AVAILABLE

• Motor boat lifting at Swanwick for up to 60ft / 40 tons • Hard standing & Pontoon berthing facilities • On site Volvo Penta parts store • Volvo Penta Engine Servicing • Volvo Penta Engines • Dedicated, fully trained & certified Volvo Penta engineers

Email: info@kempsails.com

www.kempsails.com

01489 583572

admin@rkmarine.co.uk

Hamble River Boat Yard, Bridge Road, Swanwick, Southampton SO31 7EB

AUTHORISED

www.rkmarine.co.uk 132x164_Sw&Wa_press_ads_050919_aw.indd 2

Image: Wendy Davies

05/09/2019 13:07

18

ALL AT SEA JUNE 2020

NEWS SNAPS NEW COMMISSIONERS

Cowes Harbour Commission has announced that Clive Blount, Phil Hagen and Jason Losty have been appointed to the Cowes Harbour Commission Board.

David Riley, chairman at Cowes Harbour Commission, said: “We are delighted to welcome our new commissioners and to add their considerable expertise to the existing professional skills and experience of the current Board. It is extremely important that Cowes Harbour Commission has all the experience requirements necessary to meet the particular challenges of these unprecedented times, as well as the changing demands of the Commission.” cowesharbourcommission.co.uk

KIDS’ ACTIVITIES

Barton Marine wants to help entertain your children and give parents a few minutes peace and quiet. Barton Marine is creating weekly activity sheets to play a small part in helping our young sailors stay busy at home. The activity sheets can be downloaded from www.bartonmarine.com/ pdf/2020/Barton_Marine_A4_ colouring_sheet.pdf. Barton remains open and producing during the pandemic so that supply chains to distributors and customers remain strong.

NEW PATRON

The Visually Impaired Sailing Association has announced that Pip Hare, the respected sailor and Vendee Globe competitor, has become the Patron of the Association. Pip said: “Having met some of the VISA-GB sailors in 2019 I was extremely impressed by their approach and felt it matched my own. My own goals have been achieved by the same single minded determination I saw in these sailors, and I found it inspirational. By making sailing more accessible and fully inclusive I firmly believe we can make our sport open to all.”

30 DAYS WILD

A record number of around 430,000 people are, so far, set to participate in The Wildlife Trusts’ 30 Days Wild challenge which begins on 1 June.

Interestingly, more than 1,100 care homes have registered to take part, twice as many as last year. 30 Days Wild encourages everyone to do something that connects them to nature every day during June. The Wildlife Trusts provide free online activity packs to help participants of all ages find new, easy ways of noticing nature – even whilst social distancing. Sign-up, download the inspiration and get ready to share your daily #30DaysWild now! www.wildlifetrusts. org/30DaysWild

SAILORS TO BE AUCTIONED

BID for the chance to win once in a lifetime experiences on the water with your hero sailor, as 14 renowned sailors are auctioned off to raise funds for the NHS and Turn to Starboard, a charity which uses sailing to help Armed Forces personnel and their families make the right turn. The online auction, organised by Sunsail, will run from 1 - 21 June.

Successful bidders will secure themselves a once in a lifetime experience on the water with their sailing hero including Sunsail ambassador, Dee Caffari MBE, who was the first woman to sail solo, non-stop around the world in both directions, Mike Golding OBE, the first person to race around the world in both east and west-about directions.

Others include: Round the World race winner, multiple world champion and global record breaker, Helena Lucas MBE, who was Britain’s first ever Paralympic sailing gold medallist, Shirley Robertson OBE, the first British woman to win two Olympic gold medals at consecutive games, and Nikki Henderson, who became the youngest ever skipper to lead a team in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race at the age of 25.

Dee Caffari MBE said: “I was asked to be involved with an auction in Italy, and it seemed obvious to me that Sunsail was the perfect partner to help do something similar in the UK. Whilst feeling slightly helpless being stuck at home I thought we had an opportunity. With Sunsail, we can showcase the sport we love, give people something to look forward to and raise money for some truly worthy causes. People have been really generous, and we have some unbelievable auction lots.”

There will also be plenty of other lots up for grabs donated by individuals and businesses. Some of the items for sale include an experience day with The Blades Aerobatic display team for two people, a VIP

hosted day at the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and a weekend sailing adventure for up to 12 on The Spirit of Falmouth.

Further lots include a Sunsail sailing course in Portsmouth, a case of six bottles of Opihr Gin and kit from the British America’s Cup team, to ensure there is something to suit every taste and budget.

Kate Staniforth, senior marketing manager for Sunsail, said: “Whilst organising this auction it has been overwhelming to see the generosity of the individuals and businesses within our industry. We are so grateful to all the sailors who have offered to give up their time for such worthy causes.

It is touching to see so many people from our community coming together to help others in a time of need, and to support a charity so close to our hearts.”

To see the full list of items up for auction, go to hsinfo.sunsail.co.uk/giveback.

Dee Caffai

Helena Lucas

CALENDAR WINNERS

ILOVESAILING has revealed the latest two winners in the ilovesailing calendar competition.

Antony Robinson from Beaumaris, Anglesey and Mark Jardine from Milford-onSea, Hampshire have clinched the next spots on the 2021 ilovesailing calendar.

Commenting on his winning shot, entitled ‘Sunrise at Hurst’, Mark said: “The photo was taken from Hurst Spit, looking towards the Solent at sunrise. The view is of Mount Lake and the marshes, with Hurst Castle and the Isle of Wight in the background on the right.

"I run along the seafront most days in lockdown and looking towards my favourite stretch of water makes me yearn to be out sailing.”

Antony said of his winning entry ‘Perfect evening at the Royal Anglesey Yacht Club on the Menai Strait’: “Seeing the picture in the 2021 calendar will be amazing and makes me realise that we do sail at a stunning location, and to hopefully enthuse people to get back out there when we can.

“The photo was taken on a Thursday Night training session at the RAYC in Beaumaris where I am the chief Instructor, it

was perfect conditions and this was the last run before we went ashore.”

To enter, all you have to do is post your favourite sailing photo(s) on to the ilovesailing Facebook page www.facebook. com/ryailovesailing or email your entry to emma.slater@rya.org.uk.

The 2021 calendars will go on sale at the Southampton International Boat Show, where the first 50 people to purchase a copy will also receive a free 2020 gold ilovesailing rubber duck. Alternatively the calendars will be available to purchase via the RYA web shop, www.rya.org.uk/shop, in September.

Image: Antony Robinson

Image: Mark Jardine

KEEP AN EYE ON THOSE EXPIRY DATES WESCOM Signal and Rescue is urging businesses to order pyrotechnic products ahead of their expiry dates following updated guidance of certification of goods for seafarers released by the International Maritime Organisation, in response to the ongoing pandemic.

The firm stresses the importance of forward planning for the ordering of pyrotechnics and other dated, mandated items, to mitigate any possible supply delays in the future.

Only where absolutely necessary, extensions to expiry dates of pyrotechnics will be made at the discretion of the local maritime authority and will only be considered where availability is a problem for a particular vessel. The extension may be granted for a month at a time to enable the vessel to reach a port where supply can be replenished; but not beyond four years after the date of manufacture, marked on the product.

Image: Wendy Davies

Keith Bradford, product and customer service manager for WesCom Signal and Rescue, said: “We do not currently foresee any problems with availability, but due to the unknown climate we are all in, we strongly recommend working with customers to replace earlier than originally planned. Health and safety is, and will always be, of paramount importance to WesCom Signal and Recue and its suppliers around the world, and we urge seafarers to remain compliant at all times.” www.wescomsignal.com.

WHERE DO YOU MOOR YOURS? Did you get it right – it is Gosport Marina.

ALL AT SEA JUNE 2020

See things differently With 11 marinas nationwide, we’re a community of boaters getting out on the water and having fun afloat!

Visit boatfolk.co.uk

To advertise here please call 07740 118928 19

20

ALL AT SEA JUNE 2020

ALL AT SEA JUNE 2020

DOUGAL

on tour

21

Solent based dinghy sailor David Henshall is a well known writer and speaker on topics covering the rich heritage of all aspects of leisure boating.

RE-MAKING A POINT OF HISTORY David Henshall returns to a popular sailing area which is packed with history.

This concrete plinth was originally the base for a flagstaff

I

t is very rewarding to get feedback from the articles that I have written, and even more interesting to hear how readers have ‘gone to look for themselves’! This has certainly been the case following the Dougal’s Diary from last July, titled Breaking Point, where I described how the long, stony bank that juts out into Southampton Water from Netley Hard had been used as an impromptu breakers yard for ships damaged during the D-Day landings.

However, these recent visits have resulted in a slew of follow up questions along the lines of ‘what part did this play’, so I will make one more visit to this popular sailing area of Southampton Water and the role it played both in the dark years of the war and also in peacetime.

PAIR OF FLAGS The first question I was asked concerned a 3ft square concrete plinth situated below the high tide line on the point, just in front of the sailing club at Netley Cliff. There was evidence of a metal structure set into the concrete, with one reader asking if this had been the base for a gun.

Thankfully, in this instance, this was nothing more fearsome than the base for a flagstaff, with the metal protrusion being the remains of two robust lengths of U section metal that had been set into the concrete. Bolted between the two uprights was a 10m high mast that was topped with a bright orange flag.

This base was one of an identical pair, with its twin located on the beach exactly one mile further up Southampton Water close to Weston Sailing Club, at the point that is the start of the area known as Weston Shore.

Their purpose was to act as indicators for the ‘old’ measured mile, and though Southampton Water was nowhere big enough for ships to go at full speed, those that had come from one of the shipyards, such as Thornycrofts or one of the repair facilities in the docks, used the area to run some simple checks. The technique was to start with a certain engine setting, that produced a number of shaft revolutions

on the mouth of Southampton Water, looking down to the area between Calshot and the Hamble, but the story hinges on the importance of the 287 Radar sets, as these were specifically used for just one purpose - Minefield Observation.

IN A MINEFIELD Back in the desperate days of 1940 and 1941, when an invasion of the UK was a very real possibility, there was a fear that an attempt would be made to seize not just a bridgehead, but one with docks and wharf space that would facilitate the unloading of supplies (the Allies had the same plans for Cherbourg after D-Day).

Rather than protecting the important deep water channel leading into Southampton using conventional floating mines, with their Covid like horns sticking out, the presence of the Tower suggests that the entrance to Southampton Water would have been protected by an even more deadly barrage of high explosive mines.

These were laid out on the seabed in clusters of three and were electrically operated from a fortified position on the shore. The mines would not have been detonated from the Radar Tower; the job of the three Naval operators there was to monitor the approaching vessel on their screens and then send the ‘Fire’ order to a fortified operations pillbox nearby. The

picture is completed as just a short distance downstream from the base of the Tower, set amongst the trees, is the large and heavily protected pillbox that, in all likelihood, was the firing point for the explosive clusters.

Considering how much effort had gone into setting up these lines of defence, they were only in place for a relatively short time, and by 1943 work started on clearing the minefields as the waters around Southampton and the Solent started gearing up to play their part in Operation Overlord, the Invasion of Normandy.

Today, all that remains is the concrete Blockhouse on the shores of Southampton Water as, apart from its base, the Radar Tower, like the mines, is now just a footnote to history.

However, few of the veritable armada of leisure craft who today use the area, from kayaks to superyachts, would know that 80 years ago, they would have been sailing through a minefield of high explosives.

“The presence of the Tower suggests that the entrance to Southampton Water would have been protected by an even more deadly barrage of high explosive mines.”

per minute, then the time taken between the flags could be used to show that the expected speed was correct.

Two runs had to be taken, one heading down river, the other back up again, with these being averaged out to remove any tidal effect. These flags were in use until the 1970s, but now the more northerly flag base is difficult to see as the profile of the beach area has changed dramatically in recent years.

RADAR TOWER Meanwhile, back at the Point at Netley Hard, the second raft of questions did indeed reveal a much darker tale. On the raised area above the beach are the remains of the base of what used to be known as the Radar Tower, a strange structure that looked like a hexagonal box kite.

In the 1960s and into the 1970s, the tower had near mythical status for any local lads, as it was used by the local Cubs and Scouts, who for a treat, were allowed up into the top section. Some, against all the rules, made it right up on to an unprotected roof, but as ‘elf and Safety was not being practiced back then the worst that happened was a sharp clip around the ear.

The day that the Army declared the structure unsafe and demolished it, by blowing the legs off so that it crashed on to the beach, was a great day locally, with the local schools recording a large number of pupils absent from the register.

It is in more recent times that the purpose of the Tower has been fully explained. In the bottom section was a power plant and fuel tank (complete with a toilet that had signs reminding you to take your gas mask on departing!), whilst the top section contained what was known as a ‘287’ radar connected to two pig trough shaped aerials up on the roof.

Unlike other radar installations that were constantly manned, the Netley site only went live in times of poor visibility and if the threat of an invasion force was detected. The radar at Netley had quite a narrow field of operation, as it was focused

The remains of the radar tower now attracts graffiti and interested visitors - a far cry from its origins Today it is a pleasant spot to sit and look at the water, but the view afforded by the Tower that stood on this hexagonal base was of the lower reaches of Southampton Water - a massive minefield.

A rare photo of the radar tower, which focused on the mouth of Southampton Water

All images: Andrew Wiseman

22

ALL AT SEA JUNE 2020

’

‘

“

”

-

www.boatgeardirect.co.uk

Heavy Duty Titan Boat Stands Medium 900 - 1400mm

Small 600 - 900mm

£79.00

Channel Anchor 6kg £29.95 10kg £49.50 15kg £75.75 20kg £99.90 25kg £129.00 33kg £169.00

New Ball Joint Pads with easy to replace rubber pads

Double Fixing Points for Storm Chains & Straps

250mm Threaded Bar for finer adjustment

£99.00

each

Trefoil Anchor (Bruce Pattern) 2kg £12.50 5kg £24.50 7.5kg £34.95 10kg £49.20 15kg £69.50 20kg £89.75 30kg £129.00

each

Sturdy Tripod Open Base for Stability and Easy Storage

Large 1200 - 1900mm

£129.00

each

Doublebraid Docklines Polyester Black mooring lines with spliced soft eye & whipped ends ready to use.

Packed in pairs in a netted bag for storage convenience.

NB… ** = Single Line Only !

Voyager Anchor

£9.95 £14.95 £24.50 £29.75 £44.95 £64.75

316 Stainless Voyager Anchor (Delta Type)

6kg 10kg 16kg 20kg

£26.00 £32.00 £63.50 £79.50

Mushroom (Mooring Anchor) 11kg £29.00 22kg £49.00 33kg £75.00 45kg £99.00 Admiralty Pattern Mooring Anchors

30kg to 250kg From

£99.00 Used Chain available from 25mm to 50mm.

Ideal for use as ground tackle.

Please call for details

5kg 10kg 16kg 20kg

£99.00 £199.00 £309.00 £399.00

316 Stainless Trefoil Anchor (Bruce Pattern)

5kg 7.5kg 10kg 15kg 20kg

4kg 6kg 10kg 15kg 20kg 25kg 33kg

£99.95 £149.00 £199.00 £309.00 £399.00

£150.00 £200.00 £275.00 £365.00 £459.00 £595.00 £785.00

Mail Order Tel: 01473 939393 Email: sales@boatgeardirect.co.uk

16mm 16mm 16mm 18mm 18mm 18mm 20mm 20mm 20mm

Diam Diam Diam Diam Diam Diam Diam Diam Diam

x 8mtr £29.78 x 10mts £35.71 x 15mts £50.47 x 8mts £33.41 x 10mts £40.13 x 15mts £56.93 x 8mts £42.65 x 10mts £51.50 x 15mts £37.80*

3 STRAND NYLON

10mm £0.90 mtr 12mm £1.20 14mm £1.50 mtr 16mm £1.95 18mm £2.45 mtr 20mm £3.20 24mm £3.95 mtr 28mm £4.75 Mooring/Anchor Rope

TITAN GRADE 40

Calibrated Galvanised Chain Suitable for use with Windlass

Cruising Anchor 2.5kg 4.5kg 7kg 10kg 14kg 20kg

With over 400 Tonnes of chain in stock, as well as a huge selection of rope, shackles, swivels, buoys and other mooring products, BGD are able to help you with most of your mooring & anchoring requirements.

mtr mtr mtr mtr

6x18.5x20 DIN766 £2.95 mtr 7x22x23 DIN766 £3.95 mtr 8x24x26 DIN766 £5.75 mtr 10x28x34 DIN766 £7.80 mtr 10x30x35 EN813-3 £7.95 mtr 12x36x40 EN813-3 £11.90mtr 13x36x44 DIN766 £12.90 mtr

316 Stainless Chain 6x18.5mm £7.95 mtr 8x24mm £13.50 mtr 10x28mm £19.95 mtr 12x36mm £27.50 mtr

Dock Bumpers Straight Bumper

110cm x 25cm

NYLON 8 PLAIT ROPE

12mm £1.40 mtr 14mm £1.80 mtr 16mm £2.25 mtr 18mm £2.90 mtr 20mm £3.50 mtr 24mm £4.25 mtr Mooring/Anchor Rope

POLYESTER 3 STRAND BLACK or NAVY

8mm £0.50 mtr 10mm £0.75 mtr 12mm £1.00 mtr 14mm £1.40 mtr 16mm £1.75 mtr 20mm £2.75 mtr 24mm £3.50 mtr 28mm £4.90 mtr Mooring/Anchor Rope

£39.95 Flexible Corner Bumper

£29.50

Set Offer

£99.95

2 x Straight 1 x Flexible

Carriage = £9.95 up to 10kg & £12.95 up to 25kg

Carriage charge is to most UK mainland destinations only. Please email or call for Scottish Highlands & Isles, English Islands, N Ireland & Eire, Plus European destinations.

All prices include vat at 20% and correct at time of print.

23

ALL AT SEA JUNE 2020 A busy Red Funnel ferry on its way to Southampton. Thanks to Karen Howcroft for this photo.

SEE MORE ONLINE OR ENTER YOUR PHOTOS VISIT WWW.ALLATSEA.CO.UK

PHOTO OF THE MONTH BRITAIN’S MOST READ WATERFRONT NEWSPAPER

Send in your photos too and you could be in the next edition of All At Sea. Send to: editor@allatsea.co.uk

PHOTO OF THE MONTH

This photograph of Warrior at Rest was sent in by Dave Pearce.

This great photo of a Fireball sailing at Studland Bay was taken by Fergal Wallbank.

Sunset at Totland by Mark Williams.

Julie Collier took this photo from Hamble Point across Southampton Water.

Masts at sunset at Premier Marina’s Swanwick Marina. Taken by Judith Shorten.

Sunset over the Fal in Cornwall sent in by Ruth Braddock.

Thank you to Christine Nott for sending in this photo of Dell Quay.

24

ALL AT SEA JUNE 2020

25

ALL AT SEA JUNE 2020

BOATING PEOPLE

Q&A WITH DAVE ATKINSON, RACE DIRECTOR FOR THE ROUND THE ISLAND RACE. All Images: Paul Wyeth

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED WITH SAILING?

I started sailing when I was at secondary school in the late ‘60s, where we had an eclectic range of boats including Mirrors and Enterprises. Bitten by the race bug, by competing in local club events, I went on to compete around the world in classes from offshore to match racing and most things in between.

To me sailing epitomises team work; if you want to do well you need to have faith in your fellow crew. I have been lucky to take part in many of sailing’s iconic events, but my favourite has to be the RIR; it is a totally unique event that brings so many different types of yacht and crew together.

WHAT DOES YOUR ROLE AS RACE DIRECTOR OF THE ROUND THE ISLAND RACE INVOLVE?

I have been involved in the race for 40 years having worked my way up through the ranks, but now, in basic terms, I am responsible for the total delivery of the race. I chair both the race management and commercial committees, and I am also responsible for the marketing and PR of the event.

These committees meet monthly all year round.

It is a big task by both groups to put the race on and a lot of time and effort goes into it. We are all volunteers, all 200 plus of us, and the only paid members of the team are the full-time Island Sailing Club staff. It is a great race and an honour to be involved, and fantastic to work with so many equally enthusiastic people without whom the race would not happen.

THE RACE IS RESCHEDULED FOR SEPTEMBER; WHAT CAN WE EXPECT?

Due to the virus we have moved the race to 26 September, which will make it interesting. In all the 85 years the race has run this is the first in the autumn, so will have different conditions in both weather and sea, bringing a new challenge to even the regular competitors. We have more than 600 boats signed up, with only a handful pulling out after the date change, so we are confident that RIR 2020 will be the biggest and best race in a potentially busy September.

WHAT IS NEW THIS YEAR?

We had hoped to introduce a new event for the dayboats, called the Windeler Cup after the founder of the RIR. The fleet would race within the

confines of the Solent but on a long course initially going down to Hurst narrows and then back to the Central Solent for a couple of windward leeward legs and then finish off in Cowes. Unfortunately, given the circumstances, we felt it better to postpone this until next year.

We do have something very different, challenging and non-sailing, taking place this year.

We are holding a rowing race around the island, starting on the Thursday afternoon before the race and hopefully finishing at lunchtime on Friday.

The boats will be the type that teams row across the Atlantic so are capable of coping with any conditions that prevail.

We are also trialling a type of event for those taking part this year. We have been looking at how we can expand our offerings, so the concept is that we have invited a number of marina groups, currently six (including Dean & Reddyhoff and MDL), to form their own ‘race-within-a-race’. They will be able to have a race with their own prizes: berth holders just need inform their marina that they are taking part in the race and we will run extracted results for them.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF RACE DAY?

I think the start, to see all 1,500 boats and the 12,000 crew turning up with all their excitement and expectations coupled with the colour of the start is spectacular.

We also get to see all the videos and photos from the race course, which make for a great sight. There is also the satisfaction of ‘getting it right’ when the yachts return a comment on their special day.

WHY DO YOU THINK SO MANY SAILORS COME BACK TO THIS RACE YEAR AFTER YEAR?

I think it is because of what the race is, its uniqueness, its challenges; remember many people do not venture out of the Solent normally.

We get the entire gambit of entries from family and cruising boats to professionals on high-

performance yachts, all wanting to be part of this iconic event, making it the world’s favourite race – it truly lives up to our mantra #RaceForAll. One of the biggest things is that we have our own rating system which allows those who would not normally race to take part, and it is a free service.

We also have a lots of interesting sub classes in the race.

WHAT ARE YOUR MOST MEMORABLE ROUND THE ISLAND RACES?

There are many for a variety of reasons because each year has different challenges both on and off the water, so it is difficult to pick one race. There is the year when we had more than 1,900 boats taking part; that was a challenge for both the competitors and the race management.

Each year we get competitors who want to challenge the race records – we have had ultra-big multihulls who decided that they did not break the record the first time round so went for a second attempt. Many of the competitors at the time did not even know they had already finished and thought they were just the last to start.

You also can never predict who is going to win. We have had many of the Folkboats do well, but on balance we get an even split across both the big and small competitors.

WHEN DO YOU START PREPARING FOR NEXT YEAR’S RACE?

We actually start planning the next race almost before the latest day. We have great cooperation with the port authorities, remember they close the central Solent to commercial traffic so we can start the race. Working with the ship owners and dock side teams, they need to tell the owners the date so they can build it into the ship’s itinerary. We have previously had the QE2 held waiting for the race to clear before coming in.

We also work closely with our sponsors and charity partner, making sure they see the benefits they get out of the race. We are currently looking at the 2021 race, so we are interested in talking to new partners for this race, so please get in touch if you have an organisation in mind. www.roundtheislands.org.uk @roundtheisland #RaceForAll #RIR20 #ItsYourRace

“We have previously had the QE2 held waiting for the race to clear before coming in.”

26

ALL AT SEA JUNE 2020

BOATING HOLIDAYS

EVERY MONTH WE BRING YOU HOLIDAY NEWS AND A SELECTION OF OFFERS

NEW US VIRGIN ISLANDS BASE DREAM Yacht Charter opened its new Caribbean base at Compass Point Marina, St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands on 1 June, in partnership with Virgin Islands Yacht Charters.

The marina, positioned in the East End’s well-protected Benner Bay, is the only legitimate hurricane hole in the entire Virgin Islands, which makes for a wonderfully quiet and calm overnight for charter guests. It is set away from the hustle and bustle of the cruise ship traffic of St. Thomas and is just five minutes from the Red Hook area.

Customers can choose from monohulls and catamarans for bareboat and skippered yacht charters. Those looking for the ultimate experience can enjoy all-inclusive crewed packages on luxury catamarans.

The USVIs consist of three main islands - St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John - which offer some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Many use the islands as a jumpoff point for the British Virgin Islands and the customs process is simple and easy to do.

Dream Yacht Charter founder and

president, Loïc Bonnet, said: “The natural splendour of the USVIs is often overlooked, but now guests can experience this special part of the world, as well as the BVIs.” Kristi Query, founder of Virgin Islands Yacht Charters, said: “The ease of travel, with nonstop flights from many international airports, offers a convenience factor not associated with many other charter locations, as well as cost-saving advantages. We look forward to integrating our high level of professionalism and work ethic into the Dream Yacht Charter family.” www.DreamYachtCharter.co.uk

HOLIDAYS COMING BACK… STARTING to think about sailing holidays? PlainSailing.com say that: “With a bit of luck, charters from our Croatian and Greek bases will be possible from some point in June - great news if you live on continental Europe.”

Sadly UK flights will only begin resuming anything like a normal service from the start of July (TBC), although this does make charters in August and the late season seem plausible . You can read PlainSailing.com coronavirus up-dates at plainsailing.com/blog/ coronavirus-update.

If you really wanted to get on the water in 2020 but are looking beyond the summer months, have you considered sailing in the Canaries?

PlainSailing.com’s partners in Lanzarote will be operating all the way through winter and into the 2021 season. It is a great cruising ground, and a balmy 13 degrees is as cold as it gets, even in winter.

Head to the website where they have availability online up to the end of December. plainsailing.com

STAR CLIPPER’S NEW BORNEO HOLIDAY THE world’s third largest island, Borneo, is an exciting new 2020 destination for Star Clippers. For departure in September, Star Clippers UK has put together an 11 night Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia to Singapore package and a 10 night sailing from Singapore to Kota Kinabalu, on the island of Borneo.

Known for its beaches and ancient, biodiverse rainforest, Borneo is home to many cultures, cuisines and exotic wildlife, including orangutan, clouded leopards and the Irrawaddy dolphin.

Combining the elegance of sail with the comfort of modern cruising, the holiday takes in an exotic blend of culture, nature, history and wildlife.

On the 10 night voyage, after a day in Singapore the four-masted tall ship Star Clipper sails eastbound through Malaysian waters, enjoying two sea days, before making daily port calls along the north west coast of Borneo, to arrive in Kota Kinabalu.

ULTIMATE CHARTER ADVENTURE

Guests will experience the sea air, the thrill of sailing beneath thousands of feet of billowing sails, never far from the water, in the company of just 170 or so other guests. The ship navigates between the islands, dropping anchor in secluded and idyllic bays and calling into small ports and harbours inaccessible by larger vessels.

Complimentary watersports give guests the opportunity to discover life beneath the water too, with flippers and snorkels offered to all, to discover the teeming marine life beneath the idyllic, warm waters.

Tropical palm fringed beaches and culturally rich villages, a world away from home, add to the life-long memories created by this magnificent voyage.

Holidays are priced from £2,045 and £2,245.

Get in touch with Star Clippers for the latest holiday travel news and information regarding coronavirus. www.starclippers.co.uk

CAN you imagine sailing around the world, for an entire year, on your very own Oyster?

The freedom to go where you like, when you want and with whoever you choose.

That is now possible on board Champagne Hippy, an Oyster 825. The yacht has a crew of two: Captain Dudley who encourages you to take the ropes as much or as little as you wish, and Dudley’s partner, award-winning chef Samantha, who loves to use local, fresh produce to serve up a wonderful repertoire of delicious dishes.

Plus, the concierge team back in the UK can open doors to some of the world’s most exclusive restaurants and VIP experiences creating the voyage around any event, commitment or celebration.

James Barke, MD Boats.co.uk Charters, said: “With comfortable accommodation

for eight guests, the year can be spent catching up with loved ones, treating friends and family to a series of breaks or meeting like-minded explorers, as you make your way around the world at your own pace.

“Your charter can accommodate any lifelong passions and interests you may have - from the Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago to exploring the Norwegian Fjords, we are set up to make it happen for our charterer.

“To provide a taste of what they could experience we filmed a mouth-watering video of Champagne Hippy which can be found at https://youtu.be/ZFzWPpEDNiM.” This holiday of a lifetime comes with a £1m price tag and starts in 2022. Tempted?

Where would you choose to visit?

Boats.co.uk

IMPORTANT - The outbreak of COVID-19 continues to evolve. Please check FCO travel advice pages for the latest travel information: www. gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.

FURTHER INFORMATION

■ Nautilus Yachting: www.nautilusyachting.com ■ Nisos Yacht Charter: www.nisosyachtcharter.com ■ Seafarer: www.seafarersailing.co.uk ■ BVI Charters: www.bviyachtcharters.com ■ Ocean Elements: www.ocean-elements.co.uk ■ The Moorings: www.moorings.co.uk ■ Mauri Pro: www.mauripro.com ■ Dream Yacht Charter: www.dreamyachtcharter.co.uk ■ Sunsail: www.sunsail.co.uk ■ Mallorca Yacht Charter: www.mallorcayachtcharter.eu ■ Tall Ships Adventures: tallships.org ■ Naleia Yachting: www.naleiayachting.com

27

ALL AT SEA JUNE 2020

BEAGLE

A full size replica of HMS Beagle ashore in the museum at Punta Arenas. Image: Museo Nao Victoria

IN LOCKDOWN

In the April issue of All at Sea, Dougal on Tour took a closer look at the fascinating story of HMS Beagle, the ship that took Charles Darwin around the world on his incredible voyage of discovery. During lockdown one Essex Primary School asked its Year 6 pupils to investigate Darwin and his ship including making models of HMS Beagle using recycled materials, which we are delighted to share a selection of with you here.

Image: Paul Wyeth

Thank you Queen Boudica Primary School! me of Amber‛s We are loving the na great idea for HMS Beagle and the the sails.

his HMS Beagle Jamie‛s sails on look really good.

This is a very impressive model made by Max.

The detail is fantast ic on Dylan‛s sh ip – it eve n has fish in the sea !

We love this very eagle colourful HMS B . It made by Natalia e mood! really evokes th

READ THE STORY OF HMS BEAGLE IN THE APRIL 2020 ISSUE OF ALL AT SEA.

Raul has used a very inventive, and effective, technique to create his version of HMS Beagle.

BACK ISSUES ARE AVAILABLE AT WWW.ALLATSEA.CO.UK/THEPAPER/ALL-AT-SEA-APRIL-2020

we have Definitely what wn – some needed in lockdo s for the sunshine. Thank your brilliant bright addition to model Thomas.

TURN TO PAGE 21 TO READ THIS MONTH’S DOUGAL ON TOUR ABOUT THE HISTORY OF A POPULAR SAILING AREA OF SOUTHAMPTON WATER.

This is a great use of recycled objects by Eloise.

Captain Robbie on board his (almost) life-size version of HMS Beagle. It even sports a Union Jack flag.

Well done Robbie!

34

DOUGAL

on tour

ALL AT SEA APRIL 2020

Solent based dinghy sailor David Henshall is a well known writer and speaker on topics covering the rich heritage of all aspects of leisure boating.

VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE S resting place be found at last…

I

t may seem to some readers that these Dougal’s Diary entries are a random collection of jottings, but actually there is a degree of association between them that may not be apparent at first reading.

Recently there have been articles on the problems of navigation caused by the shifting of the North Pole, then on how the development of the barometer led to the science of weather forecasting courtesy of the far sighted Victorian thinker and sailor Robert Fitzroy.

To develop the theme further, the focus this month is on a ship that would make not just Fitzroy, but his passenger on a world voyage, into household names. Just 15 years after Trafalgar, the Royal Navy was still building wooden hulled, square rigged warships, though the end of the age of sail was surely starting to loom large. Nevertheless, 200 years ago this month, a new man-of-war was launched at Woolwich Dockyard, only for the hull to go straight into storage where she would lay, unrigged, for the next five years.

BEAGLE SETS SAIL Eventually a use was found for the ship and after her fitting out was completed, HMS Beagle was commissioned as a survey ship, tasked with charting the dangerous waters towards the tip of South America and Tierra del Fuego. As world trade was rapidly developing, the passage around Cape Horn was becoming increasingly busy, yet little had been done to diminish the ‘terrors’ of the Cape.

These terrors extended to the ships doing the surveys and when the Beagle’s Captain committed suicide, the ship would eventually come under the command of Robert Fitzroy. In the dangerous South American waters, Fitzroy would lay the foundations of his reputation as being not only a skilled sailor, but a thoughtful and conscientious surveyor.

By continuing the survey, Fitzroy would document the 150 mile long channel that ran east to west, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, but safely north of Cape Horn, a feat recognised when the straights were named the ‘Beagle Channel’ in commemoration of the boat that charted them.

By 1830 Fitzroy and the Beagle had returned to the UK, but the work was far from done and by 27 December 1831 the newly refitted HMS Beagle was once again sailing southwards for what was expected to be another long voyage. Fitzroy was well aware of the ‘loneliness of command’ and sought to take a gentleman along with him as intellectual company, though it was clear

that this would not be a free ride, as his passenger was expected to pay his way.

DARWIN ON BOARD Thanks to a happy combination of circumstances, Fitzroy would be joined by the 22-year-old naturalist Charles Darwin.

Luckily for Darwin, a family member (by marriage) was none other than Josiah Wedgewood II who would provide the financial backing for what was almost an open ended commitment; although the original plan had been to be away for two years, it would be October 1836 before the Beagle returned to home waters.

The passage of nearly five years had seen the Beagle charting the waters of South America, before heading northwards to the Galapagos, then New Zealand, Australia, Cape Town and home.

At all of the locations that the Beagle paused at, the observant Darwin would study not only the wildlife, but the natural landscape and the people that it supported. Yet the hero of this story is not Darwin, but the ship that carried Fitzroy and Darwin on their epic voyage of discovery. Even after two incredible five year spells away, the Beagle would still have one more major voyage to add to her incredible reputation, though by now the age of steam was rapidly replacing the older sailing ships.

The newly promoted Fitzroy would be staying ashore, but the continuity that had made the Beagle so successful would continue, as both Commander Wickham and Lieutenant Stokes – who had been on the earlier commissions - would now be in charge of the ship. In a sign of the times, when the Beagle left on her final survey expedition in 1837, she was towed out by a steam tug: a little over a year later, another iconic ship of the time, the Temeraire, was painted by J.M.W. Turner, as she too was being towed by a similar steam tug, but this time to her final resting place at Limehouse on the Thames where she was broken up.

LAST HURRAH The Beagle, though, would enjoy her last hurrah, charting sections of the Australian coast, from Perth in the west to the Bass Straight in the South East. Heading around the north of Australia, a new settlement would be named (Port) Darwin in honour of their famous shipmate from their previous voyage before finally returning to the UK in 1843.

In the six years that the Beagle had been away, the change to steam had accelerated to the point that the only task left to the

A superb study of the Beagle, with Darwin aboard, sailing on the amazing voyage of discovery.

Image: John Chancellor

Beagle was, in 1845, to become a floating Customs vessel, permanently moored in the River Crouch, up on the Essex coast.

However, by 1851 the oyster fishermen on the river were petitioning that ‘Watch-Vessel 7’, as the hulk was now known, was impeding traffic on the river and needed to be moved.

20 years later the hull had been sold on for scrap value, and believed to have been broken up, but the actual location of her final berth was for many years uncertain.

The most likely location, a mud berth at Paglesham, on the River Roach in Essex, had been subjected to a number of surveys that had revealed anchors and other artefacts all hailing from the correct period for the Beagle.

Meanwhile, down in southern Chile, in the area where Beagle did so much great work, a full scale replica of the ship was created, where she now forms one of the centrepieces of a museum at Punta Arenas.

Now, though, with the 200th anniversary of the launch of the Beagle just months away, new efforts are being made to finally identify the last resting place for a ship that never seemed to stop sailing during the long years of her voyages.

Discover 2020: 200 years of HMS Beagle, a wonderful free exhibition featuring the life and voyages of the ship was due to be held at Rochford in May. Due to the COVID19 pandemic Rochford District Council has postponed the event, and it is hoped to be rescheduled for later in the year.

“In a sign of the times, when the Beagle left expedition in 1837, she was towed out by a steam tug.”

The voyage of the Beagle took years as they spanned the globe, but the trip was being documented along the way

by Charles Darwin. Image: Reproduced from Britanica

In the absence of photographs, the voyage of the Beagle was recorded in a great series of sketches, many showing the boat in the dramatic settings she operated in. Image: Mary Evans Picture Library 2017/Beagle Royal Museum, Greenwich

The story of the Beagle was documented by Charles Darwin in a book that would help lay the foundations for his next work on the Origin of the Species

A full size replica of HMS Beagle ashore in the museum at Punta Arenas.

Image: Museo Nao Victoria

200 years after her launch, the search is on for the final resting place of HMS Beagle, with the focus being on this mud berth on the banks of the River Roach in Essex.

All images: Andrew Wiseman Image: Wessex Archaeology

ALL AT SEA JUNE 2020

28

THE GREEN BLUE

STAY WILDLIFE AWARE

The Green Blue launches Wildlife Awareness Week.

Kate Fortnam, The Green Blue Campaign Manager

on the water and how to best protect it too. The Green Blue, the joint environmental awareness programme between the RYA and British Marine, will be sharing advice and information throughout the week across their website and social media channels.

N IN IL LI R N

W

atching wildlife carrying out their daily lives and enjoying their natural habitat is a rare treat that many of us boaters may take for granted. Whether you are sailing in the Solent or boating down the River Wey, there are always a plethora of animal sights and sounds to enjoy.

The 8 - 12 June is Boating Wildlife Awareness Week, a chance for boaters to learn more about best practice when experiencing wildlife out

DUTY OF CARE As regular water users, we have a duty of care to respect the wildlife that we encounter. We share the water with an amazing variety of marine life that often depend on the waterways as a safe place to feed and raise their young. Frequent disturbance from humans can disrupt an animal’s natural feeding times, increase stress levels and lower rates of reproductive success.

However, there are many ways that you can boat responsibly around wildlife; the presence of boats does not have to result in a disturbance to local animals. Firstly, always keep a watch for upcoming wildlife. The use of binoculars is integral to allowing boaters to still view wildlife whilst keeping a distance of at least 300ft away. This will help to minimise any unintended collisions and disturbance from the boat’s noise or wash slowing down the speed of your boat will also help with this.

If you are able to maintain a slow and consistent course when travelling, this will lower your unpredictability for nearby animals. This will then reduce their level of perceived threat and you may even be able to view the animal for longer.

However, boaters must never try to follow or chase wildlife and should never get caught

between a mother and its young. Approaching wildlife from behind should also be avoided as this can similarly be perceived as aggressive and predatory, therefore causing them unnecessary stress.

RSEARCH NEW AREAS If you are exploring a new area of water, remember to research the wildlife that you may see before setting off. Learning about an animal’s behavioural habits, including feeding and resting locations and the times of the day that they undertake these activities, will not only help you to react better if you encounter them, but it will also make your trip more interesting.

At the end of your day on the water, remember to try to go ashore using recognised landing places to reduce the risk to nesting birds on the shore and damaging shallow water habitats beneath foot.

To join in on the conversation, find out more about Boating Wildlife Awareness Week and to help raise awareness follow The Green Blue on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @TheGreenBlue and use the hashtag: #BoatingWildlifeAware. You can also visit The Green Blue website: www.thegreenblue.org.uk where you can find further information, guidance videos and activity sets.

Image: Kate Fortnam

Image: Kate Fortnam

THE

SAIL FROM HOME #SailFromHome.

O

ver the past few months you might not have been able to satisfy your fix to get out on the water, but in the meantime the RYA has launched a new programme of videos, ‘top tips’ tutorials and webinars.

Whether you are looking for fun stuff to keep the youngsters occupied and enthused or advice on how to keep your club together and members engaged, every day is an online sailing school day offering something for everyone with #SailFromHome.

FOR YOUNG SAILORS

Wednesday is #SailSmart day, delivering awesome lockdown content for kids. Jake Elsbury from RS Sailing leads the weekly bitesize tutorials, with the fun and informative sessions so

far including clouds, tides, navigation and buoyage.

Thursdays is all about #KnotOnTheWater, as young sailors from across the regions do their fun take on learning the different knots.

Also keep an eye on the @RYAOnboard Instagram every Sunday as the weekly fun OnBoard Challenge is really capturing people’s imaginations.

FOR THE RACERS…

If you are looking for something a little more advanced head over to the British Sailing Team YouTube channel for the daily themed broadcasts (Monday to Thursday). With schedules for both Youth and Junior sailors, you will find a huge number of videos with tips and advice on everything from kit set up, coaching and keeping fit to strategy

Maste rclass

and reading the weather. There is also a series of free Wednesday webinars for racing sailors and aspiring race officials to introduce and explain the racing rules of sailing, which will help you make sense of the right of way rules, how to deal with marks, obstructions and more.

…AND THE VIRTUAL RACERS Hundreds of sailing clubs, class associations and other organisations UK-wide are running Virtual Regattas and individuals have also been getting their competitive fix by taking part in events such as the RYA eSailing Spring Club Championship, the Lockdown Cup and the new RYA eSailing Spring Class Championship.

Even people who have never been on a real race course in their lives have been bitten by the e-sailing bug. There

are heaps of race coaching, tactics and rules tips to be found on the eSailing Virtual Regatta playlist. Watch out for a new coaching video every Saturday.

FOR CLUBS

The ClubZone playlist is where you will find everything to help ensure your club and membership is in as good a shape as possible when clubs re-open.

#MarketingMonday includes webinars from the experts at SocialB on how to successfully use social media to keep your current members engaged and how to hit the ground running in attracting new members when open again.

Thursdays is about Club Development, with advice on everything from financial planning to lockdown inspiration, whilst #FundingFriday brings you expert insight on funding and applications to survive the Covid-19 challenges and thrive on the other side.

For a full schedule of ‘what is on when’ visit www.rya.org.uk/go/sailfromhome.

You will also find #SailFromHome content on the RYA’s Facebook and Twitter accounts.

29

ALL AT SEA JUNE 2020

FATHER’S DAY

Your plans for Father’s Day might have changed due to coronavirus, but you can still splash out and treat dad to something special.

WEIRD FISH

ZEROWATER

Make sure dad is looking the part this Father’s Day with some new clothes from Weird Fish. The Dashbeck Hawaiian Shirt is always a winner with dads, floating a fine line between typical cheesy dad shirt and summer staple. Or if dad is more of a polo fan, there is the Pascoe Polo.

Dashbeck Hawaiian Shirt (£30) Pascoe Polo (£32)

A handy water filter jug to have on board, Zerowater has a 5-stage Ion Exchange Filtration system which removes virtually all dissolved solids from your water. Zerowater comes with a TDS reader (Total Dissolved Solids) allowing dad to measure water quality before and after filtration. £39.99 / zerowater.co.uk

WHISKY AND GIN

Spoil your dad with something different with a gift ‘From India With Love’ this Father’s Day. Rampur Distillery, India’s largest and oldest distillery dating back to 1943, is nestled at the foothills of the Himalayas. It produces Rampur Select Single Malt Whisky, distinctively malty, with a creamy vanilla taste with hints of apricot, apple and sweet and wine-like finish, while Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin is a triple-distilled spirit, handcrafted in a traditional copper pot still in small batches.

Rampur Select Single Malt Whisky: £49.95 for 70cl / thewhiskyexchange.com Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin: £34.95 for 70cl / thewhiskyexchange.com

GPS SMARTWATCH SAFESEA EPIRB1 PRO

For your gadget loving dad, here is Ocean Signal’s Category 1 (auto-deploy) Emergency Position Indicating Rescue Beacon – the SafeSea EPIRB1 Pro. £612.48 / www.oceansignal.com

IT’S FATHER’S DAY ON 21 JUNE!

Any dad will love this. Garmin has launched its newest marine GPS smartwatch: quatix 6, which is the ideal companion for being out on the water, with specialised boating, cruising, fishing and sailing functions. quatix 6 is also an everyday smartwatch, with features like music, contactless payments and activity tracking.

From £629.99 / www.garmin.com

STAINLESS STEEL DRINKS BOTTLE

Dad can clip this on when on board - what better way to keep hydrated than with this insulated marine grade stainless steel drinks bottle.

It will not corrode and keeps liquid hot for 12 hours and ice cold for 24 hours. £25 / redoriginal.com

VECTA PERSONAL SAFE BULLET COAT RACKS

PHOTO GIFTS

This Father’s Day create a personalised gift that shows real thought and leaves a lasting impression. Add a touch of fun to games night by creating your own personalised jigsaw.

From £10 / www.asda-photo.co.uk

Dee (David) Caldwell has spent his lockdown creating bullet coat racks.

Using locally sourced WW2 bullets he has collected at Medmerry, West Sussex, and wood from a cedar planted

by Capability Brown in 1750 (along with WEST SYSTEM 105 Epoxy Resin), he has started a new business in his garden workshop.

Contact him via Chichester_ wood on Instagram or chichesterwood on ETSY. From £75

Your dad will love this. This handy slim profile wall safe for installation on board has been launched from Vecta Safes. It offers space-saving, secure storage for keys, passports and so on. £149 / www.vectasafes.co.uk

NEVER 100% ACCURATE 30

ALL AT SEA JUNE 2020

In this second extract from Understanding A Nautical Chart, Paul Boissier explains why the accuracy of some charted depths

On 7 August 1992, the QE2 grounded on a shoal off the coast of Martha’s Vineyard, on the eastern seaboard of the United States. Her draught at the time was 32ft 4in, the height of tide was about 1ft 6in, and the charted depth of water at the point where she grounded was 39ft.

By straightforward calculations she would have had about 8ft of water under her keel. At the time she grounded, she was travelling at a speed of 25knots. It transpired that the most recent survey of the area had been conducted in 1939 using an echo sounder. A post-event side scan survey, however, showed that the shallowest depth of water in the area was 31ft and that the depth of water at the precise point where she grounded was 33ft below Chart Datum, 6ft less than the charted depth.

It is likely that this patch of shallow water had quite simply fallen into one of the gaps left by the earlier echo sounder

IN my opinion Admiralty charts are still the best, most accurate and most reliable charts available, but even they are less than 100 per cent accurate. As a mariner you need to understand how and when to make allowances for these.

Many charts contain areas of old surveys because more modern data is just not available. But there are other reasons to question the accuracy of

information that you are getting from your chart: the seabed may have shifted since the most recent survey; the chart may not be up-to-date.

This means you may, from time to time, experience tidal surges caused by strong winds and atmospheric pressure variations which have the power to change the depth of water dramatically.

There are also places where the seabed is

just too mobile – with strong tides and a soft seabed – and the hydrographer simply does not bother charting the area at all; the area of the chart is left white.

The chart compiler generally tends to err on the side of caution to give that extra margin of safety to keep us from hitting the bottom, but even so, it pays to treat the information very carefully.

IN LOCKDOWN...

Dhara Thompson, Yachtmaster instructor, shares his experience of sailing in the Algarve on board Jalapeno as lockdown hit. in the marina opposite where we were anchored.

One of my crew only had two weeks supply of his insulin, so for him it was back to Faro for a flight out the next day.

Meanwhile my remaining crew and I motored further east in calm, dolphinfilled waters to the Guadiana River.

This forms the southern border between Portugal and Spain. Anchored inside the river entrance, listening to Spanish radio, it appeared that the border might be shutting at midnight.

We made the decision to fill up with fuel on the Portuguese side, Villa Real.

If the border was to shut I needed to be upriver, away from this wide stretch of border river open to weather from the Atlantic. Quarantine and isolation did not seem a very good prospect here.

SAILING to the Algarve from the UK for a six month break, I did not expect the start of my return trip home to be interrupted by an emerging pandemic. I had taken one of our sail training vessels south for the winter after more than 10 years involvement in Sail Boat Project, a community sailing school based in Chichester Harbour.

Now it was time to return; I collected my crew from Faro airport, watching their flight arrive from the anchorage directly under the flightpath. With thoughts turning to home, it occurred to me how much Faro lagoon reminds me of Chichester Harbour, but with storks and flamingos!

REALITY HITS Being on board, at sea and at anchor, is a fairly isolated existence in normal times, but even we could not escape from the news and updates pouring out of our phones. It was only on going ashore at Portimão that reality clicked though: police roadblocks stopping cars, businesses already shut in the boatyard and people scrambling to get back afloat after rumours of cases of the virus in town.

We did a calm sweep of Lidl, as we had already planned to stock up for the journey, but with an added sense of urgency - we had already heard of quarantine being mentioned to boats

TRAPPED AT SEA The final barrier was the reasonably low road bridge. From previous crossings under it I worked out I would have 1m clearance above the top of the mast from 21:00 Portuguese time (22:00 Spanish time), two hours before the border was closing. I was cutting it fine.

Crossing under this bridge, with its spooky vibrations in the wind, challenges your faith in your tidal calculations at the best of times.

I turned the corner to see clusters of flashing blue lights at either end of the bridge. Motoring slowly under, I slipped into the countryside darkness thankful for the newly-installed navigation lights

survey. A ship moving fast in any shallow water is certain to squat a foot or so and suddenly, in the blink of an eye, you have reduced a confidently predicted clearance of 8ft under the keel into an agonising incident with an awful lot of paperwork to fill in.

As a mariner, you need to know how to look at a chart in order to assess the risks and inaccuracies that it contains, so that you use it intelligently, recognising its limitations and identifying where you have to navigate with more caution. The information is often right there – it is just a matter of knowing where to look, how to interpret the information and how much of a margin of error to apply.

■ Next month: What the Chart Maker Does for Us

About the author: Paul Boissier was formerly a senior Admiral in the Royal Navy, and has spent much of his career at sea in a wide variety of vessels, commanding two submarines and a warship. He is also a very experienced yachtsman and has cruised extensively. In 2019, he retired after 10 years as Chief Executive of the RNLI, the charity that saves lives at sea, and operates over 340 lifeboats around the UK and the Republic of Ireland. www.fernhurstbooks.com

that everyone complained ruined the charm of the place.

The next day I let the tide take me the final miles upriver just ahead of Spanish and Portuguese police RIBs and patrol boats spending a few days making themselves visible on the river. Occasional helicopter patrols still appeared to make sure we all ‘stayed at home’.

We had some strong winds and thunderstorms to contend with, but this would have been a lot worse on the coast where only after a month of lockdown were boaters able to make sense of the mixed messages from authorities. A Facebook group ‘Trapped at Sea’ sought to clarify these messages, provide solidarity to boats really caught out by quarantine (for example medical reasons) and lobby consuls as well as local authorities.

IN A ROUTINE At first my time was spent warning friends in the UK to take it seriously and to prepare themselves for their own lockdown. Structuring my day really helps and I have my own personal version of a watch system, so if I drift I can look at my list for some ideas of things to do to reset my day.

I schedule in calls with friends to have things to look forward to, especially in the evenings. During the day, weather permitting, there are plenty of boat jobs to engage me. I am growing herbs and small veg plants on board. There is also

the rest of the team at Sail Boat Project to keep in touch with as we navigate our way through the impact on our business and how we make our living.

I have started doing short video diaries and, of course, there are our online navigational theory course students to continue to support. I have heard more from people in the last month of lockdown than in the previous six months of being away from home!

As sailors we are well placed to cope with periods of isolation, but instead of constantly shifting seascapes surrounding us, it is changes of a larger scale affecting everyone. On the other side of this, though, the sea will still be there, and passages will be made again.

Watch at: youtube.com/sailboatproject Find out more: sailboatproject.org

DHARA’S UP-DATE: We are now allowed to move our boats within Portuguese waters and after two months at anchor in the same spot, apart from removing the odd tree from my chain, I went a few miles upriver for a change of scene. No one here in the Guadiana is too keen to leave the river for the coast yet in case things change and we end up quarantined somewhere more open to weather or less accommodating. I do not have any immediate plans to return to the UK as yet...

31

ALL AT SEA JUNE 2020

EXPERTS’ FORUM WHICH CHARTPLOTTER IS FOR YOU?

TIM DAVIES, SIMRAD CUSTOMER SUPPORT MANAGER, DISCUSSES THE CONSIDERATIONS WHEN BUYING A CHARTPLOTTER. When choosing your chartplotter it is important to consider what type of boating you will be doing, what your budget is and what you need your electronics to do.

SCREEN SIZE AND OPERATION Most of us understand that a bigger and brighter screen is easier to see and read, especially with recent technology such as SolarMAX™ HD screens, which Simrad says offer

exceptional clarity and ultra-wide viewing angles in all light conditions.

However, these type of units often require more space and money than the smaller, more basic ones, as well as more power.

Do you want more screen area or would you prefer to have buttons and a joystick too, making control easier in more challenging conditions? If space is a limiting factor it is important to think about what it is you need.

Like with your phone or tablet, a touchscreen only unit will mean you have all screen and viewing area, while adding buttons and controllers takes up space, so for the same size unit you will have less screen size. However, it can make it easier to use in big seas so what are your defining criteria?

If you are cruising on a larger powerboat then you might be looking to connect your device and accessories on an NMEA 2000 network, enabling interpretation of depth, speed, battery levels, fuel and water tank levels, engine hours, oil level, oil temperature, rudder angle and more. NMEA 2000 provides an almost ‘plug and play’ solution, and makes adding additional equipment later simpler.

Networking systems like this also make it possible to add more advanced data equipment such as radar, AIS, VHF and autopilots simply, most of which require additional and potentially significant investment.

SO WHICH PLOTTER TO GO FOR? Here is a choice of plotters available from Simrad: Simrad Cruise provides a good value, standalone unit, ideal for RIBS and small day boats, which can be fitted straight out of the box.

NAVIGATION AND DATA Many units come with specially designed software, pre-installed, which can easily be updated, for example, using the built-in Wi-Fi if you connect directly to the internet. Simrad displays come with built-in basemap charts and are compatible with both C-MAP and Navionics depending on your preference.

If you are only planning to use your plotter for playing out on the water on a day boat or RIB, then you may not need to connect it to a network for additional data sources such as battery levels or fuel.

Bic Sport present 2 boats for use as Tenders, for fishing or for just mucking about on the water. Safety has been a key aspect in the design of these craft and with more than 35 years of R&D every little detail has been taken into consideration.

Sport Yak 245

Sport Yak 213

• • • • • • • • •

• • • • • • • • •

Exceptionally Light and Tough Easy glide for rowing Super Stability and Safety (unsinkable) Integrated Wheels (245) Oars, Rowlocks, Seat and Rope included Outboard capability Safe, Functional, Fun Max 3 Adults L: 2.45m W: 1.20m Weight: 39K

£629.99 (+ Delivery* £80)

Each month, All at Sea invites a leading marine industry expert to share their opinion, together with their top tips, to help you get the most from your boating.

Exceptionally Light and Tough Easy glide when rowing Safe and Unsinkable Optional wheels available Oars, Rowlocks and Rope included Outboard capability (with optional bracket) Safe, Functional, Fun Max 2 Adults L:2.13m W:1.15m Weight: 19K

Only LeeSan truly specialise in toilets Toilets, Tanks, Hoses, Clips, Gauges, Deck Fittings, Vent Filters and everything you need plus Advice & Guidance The most dependable heads on the water.

Supported by our Worldwide Spares Delivery Service

£369.99 (+ Delivery* £80)

*Delivery to UK Mainland only excluding Higlands and Islands. For other areas call or email for a quote

ULTRASPORTEU.COM 01332 813 150 info@ultrasporteu.com

TRADE ENQUIRIES

WELCOME

sales@leesan.com T: 01295 770000

Simrad Go series displays are an ideal addition to smaller sportboats, dayboats and centre-consoles. Behind every GO series touchscreen lies a builtin GPS receiver, echosounder, wireless connectivity and industry standard NMEA 2000® networking.

Simrad NSS evo3 allows you to take total control of your on-water experience.

Simrad NSO evo3 – is the flagship display from the Simrad range, available in 16, 19 or 24-inch widescreen sizes. www.simrad-yachting.com/en-gb

32

ALL AT SEA JUNE 2020

OFF WATCH

Down 1 Egocentric (7) 2 Went faster (3) 3 Illusion (5) 4 Immense (4) 5 Head honcho (4) 6 Restless or short of temper (9) 7 Imposed a levy (5) 10 Conventional (6) 12 Blue-green colour (9) 13 Break free (6) 17 Indicate by signs, predict (7) 19 Talked (5) 21 Final Greek letter (5) 23 Cobbler’s stand (4) 24 Bulk (4) 26 Be in debt (3)

Across 1 Relieve an itch (7) 5 Constructed (5) 8 Setting down (7) 9 Bring into servitude (7) 11 Consumption (6) 14 Hindu woman’s garment (4) 15 Injury, hurt (4) 16 Secret look (4) 18 Daddy (4) 20 Hang about (6) 22 Difficulty (7) 25 Woodland flower (7) 27 Discharge, throw out (5) 28 Marine plant (7)

SUDOKU 4

6

8 3

7

9

5

5

2

1

3

2 1

5

8

1

7

2

3

4

5

6

1

7

8 9 1 1

1 2

1 0

1 3 1 4

1 5

1 6

1 7

1 8 1 9

2 0

2 2

2 3

2 1

2 4

2 7

2 6

2 8

BATTLESHIPS

3

4

Any vessel may be positioned horizontally or vertically, but no part of a vessel touches part of any other vessel, either horizontally, vertically or diagonally.

3 2 2

7

9

2

1

Can you place the vessels into the diagram? Some parts of vessels or sea squares have already been filled in. A number to the right or below a row or column refers to the number of occupied squares in that row or column.

9

4 6

9

6

4

5

ANSWERS ON PAGE 42

3 7

9 6

Solve the puzzle, then rearrange the letters in the shaded squares to spell out a type of vessel.

2 5

1 8

CROSSWORD

5

Empty Area of Sea:

1

Aircraft Carrier:

2 3

Battleships:

3

Cruisers:

WHERE THE BUOYS ARE

1 7 2 9 4 6 5 3 8 The chart below shows the location of buoys. Squares 4

5

6

8

3

8

2

9

1

4

8

1

5

7

9

2

9

3

2

7

1

4

6

7

2

15

1

16

8

4

6

3

3

2

1

9

5

2

4

6

7

29 1

82

6

1

1

9

3

4

5

6

5

1

72

7

2

81 1

2

1

2

8 3 94

2 1

3

2

4

2

3

3

4

0

5

15

8

7

4

23

2

WORD LADDER Change one letter at a time to make a new word – and move from the word at the top of the ladder to the word at the bottom using the exact number of rungs provided.

C O A L

93 6

1

3 5

2

5

0

2

1

4

2

W O R DW H

Using the letters in the wheel, you have ten minutes to find as many words as possible of three or more letters, none of which may be plurals, R foreign words or proper nouns.

S

Each word must contain C the central letter and no letters can be used more than once per word unless they appear in different sections of the wheel.

1

3

2

E

7

6

2

E L

Place a circle into each square containing a buoy (it may help if you put a cross into each square that you know does not contain a buoy).

3

Submarines:

E

containing numbers are empty, but where a number appears, it indicates how many buoys are located in the squares (up to a maximum of eight) surrounding the numbered one, touching it at any corner or side. There is only one buoy in any individual square.

0

H A

R

O T

There is at least one nine-letter word to be found.

Nine-letter word(s):

F U E L

_________________________________________________________

To advertise here please call 07740 118928 33

ALL AT SEA JUNE 2020

PULAID Knowledge & Passion

Useful and easy to use navigational aids for RYA / MCA training, or for your own boat!

The pack includes 6 discs: Dialarule Dialashape Dialabuoy ACM Excellence - £119,999. 2003

Beneteau Antares 8 OB - £43,950. 2017 Demonstrator with Trailer

Dialaflag Dialasoundsignal

Dialalight

Only

£20! (plus P+P)

Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 421 - £88,500 2007

Moxley 12 £250,000. Offers 2015

Cowes the home of yachting and boat sales

We would love to sell your boat and demonstrate how our expertise and experience in yacht sales make us different.

Contact us by phone, email or visit our office at One The Parade, Cowes.

Mobile +44(0) 7748654202 Office +44(0)1983290006 neil@cowesyachtagency.com

www.cowesyachtagency.com

Pulaids are a fantastic solution for learning rules of the road. They are user friendly, easy to understand, very tactile and good for any student or vessel to have on board.

Order your set today! www.pulaid.co.uk info@pulaid.co.uk 07766305255 07881374531

34

ALL AT SEA JUNE 2020

CURRENT CRUISING CONDITIONS With the Covid-19 situation changing rapidly and countries around the world reacting according to their own circumstances, the Cruising Association’s Regulations and Technical Services group (RATS) has come up with two initiatives to help boaters cruise safely in the coming weeks and months. if the local healthcare services are overwhelmed; Restrictions on cross-border travel may restrict access to boats abroad and, once on board, limit cruising grounds; The extent and limitations on your travel and medical insurance; it is almost certainly too late to obtain travel or medical insurance that will provide cover against Covid-19; How you will deal with you or your crew becoming ill; How you will get yourself and/or your crew home if in trouble (EHIC will not cover this); What will you do if the local government asks you to leave at short notice; The risk that, while on passage, further restrictions are introduced in your intended boating destination.

It also became clear that the situation is likely to change as individual countries adjust their lockdown regimes to match their circumstances as the pandemic surges and recedes locally.

Accordingly, the CA has created a webpage giving details of current restrictions in Europe and the Mediterranean: www.theca.org.uk/public/covid_19_ cruising_restrictions. Information is provided by HLRs, the CA Sections, CA members, other boating organisations (including the RCC, Trans-Ocean and Noonsite) and the public. The CA webpage is updated weekly.

On the basis that, in time of crisis we should all help one another, the webpage is available to the public.

Readers who have information about Covid-19 related restrictions on cruising are asked to share this by emailing details to: covid-19@theca.org.uk.

The Cruising Association is a not-for-profit association that is 100 per cent dedicated to those who cruise on small boats - whether sail or motor and its extraordinary mass of first-hand information, collected and shared by its members, is of unequalled quality, quantity, breadth and relevance. You can find out more about joining the Cruising Association by visiting: www.theca.org.uk/join

This news item has been written by the Cruising Association and has been prepared voluntarily by members and others and they and it have tried to ensure that the contents are accurate. However, the Cruising Association, its employees, contributors and relevant members shall not be liable for any loss, damage or inconvenience of any kind howsoever arising in connection with the use of, or the inability to use, this material, save to the extent required by applicable law.

Search for cruising up-dates by country

READER LETTER

VAT & BREXIT

UPDATE

THE Cruising Association responded: The reader is lucky as she still has the original invoice for her yacht, over 40 years later. She should be careful with the invoice as it is the best way of demonstrating that VAT was paid on the yacht.

Back in 1978 the VAT rate was only eight per cent (those were the days!) but as long as VAT was paid at the then-applicable rate, the payment is sufficient for the boat to be regarded as VAT-paid.

It is often thought that the T2L certificate issued by HMRC is needed to demonstrate payment of VAT but this is not the case. The T2L certificate is not a formal guarantee of

CA President, Julian Dussek, to intervene. The CA contacted the members and the relevant Honorary Local Representatives and were able to provide advice and a friendly voice. To date a number of members have been supported in this way using this dedicated email: strandedmembers@theca.org.uk.

Early on the CA explained the lockdown conditions prevailing in the UK and the stranded members realised that, by comparison, their situation was perhaps not so bad.

RATS has also issued advice to members on what to consider in deciding whether and where to cruise.

That advice (amended to take account of changes in the insurance market) is now as follows: The availability of medical care in your destination countries; insurance will not help you

The CA Covid-19 Cruising Restrictions map was last updated on 27 May

In the May edition of All at Sea The Cruising Association reviewed the issues associated with the VAT-status of yachts as a result of Brexit. This raised a question from an All At Sea reader who owns a yacht built in 1978 and her question relates to what evidence she needs to have to be able show that VAT was paid on her yacht.

VAT payment, but there have been instances in some countries, particularly Portugal, where T2L certificates have been requested to demonstrate VAT payment, so if you have a T2L certificate it makes sense to look after it carefully.

Whilst the UK was in the EU, the payment of VAT meant that the yacht obtained ‘Union-status’ and the yacht could be moved to and based in any country within the EU without further VAT becoming payable.

In The Cruising Association article we commented that the EU has decided that all yachts that are located in the UK upon the departure of the UK from the EU (which for these purposes means at the end of the Transition Period) will lose Union status.

This means that if these yachts are kept in the EU in the future - other than for a temporary period of up to 18 months - EU VAT will need to be paid once more.

From the end of the Transition Period purchasers of new yachts will need to think carefully about

where they want to keep their yachts in the UK or the EU in the longer term. If they want to permanently base their yachts in the UK then it will make sense to buy the yacht in the UK and pay UK VAT. They can then rely on the EU’s temporary import rules to make cruises in the EU of up to 18 months without becoming liable to pay EU VAT. If the warmer waters and continental lifestyle are appealing so that they want to locate their new yacht in the EU on a long-term or permanent basis, then buying the yacht in the EU and paying EU VAT may well make sense, particularly if it is the type of yacht that is more likely to be bought by an EUbased purchaser when the time comes to sell.

Purchasers of second-hand yachts after the end of the Transition Period also need to think carefully about VAT status. In general, the VAT-status is not impacted by a sale of the yacht except that if a yacht with EU VAT-paid status (Union status) is sold outside the EU it loses its EU VAT-paid status.

From the end of the Transition Period the UK will

Image: Shutterstock

I

n early March 2020 most of us were readying ourselves for our summer cruise from the UK or elsewhere. By the middle of the month people were being urged by the government to work from home and on 23 March the lockdown was ordered. Similar measures were taken in nearly all the countries where we sail.

The Covid-19 crisis is, for many of us, a tragedy without precedent in our lifetimes. While aware of this, the Cruising Association’s Regulations and Technical Services group (RATS) has been busy with two initiatives.

A series of postings on the CA’s Blue Water Net from members in the Caribbean, concerned about their ability to stay there and to survive the hurricane season, gave rise to a request from the

count as being outside the EU. This means that purchasers of second-hand yachts will need to think carefully about the location of the purchase in order that any EU VAT-paid status is not lost.

A purchase of an EU VAT-paid yacht in the UK would result in the EU VAT-paid status being lost. If this is important, a trip to an EU country in which to make the sale would make sense in order to retain EU VAT-paid status.

Image: Luis Costinhaa / Shutterstock.com

35

ALL AT SEA JUNE 2020

MAKING A DIFFERENCE This year the RYA celebrates the 50th anniversary of its world-leading training schemes.

Image: Paul Wyeth

T

he RYA Dinghy and Coaching schemes were introduced in 1970 to assist clubs and sailing schools by providing a national syllabus and method of learning to sail. 50 years on, the RYA has a network of more than 2,400 recognised training centres in 58 countries worldwide and supports the delivery of over 100 different courses.

Now more than 270,000 people undertake some form of RYA training every year and the programme of courses is no longer exclusive to dinghies. It encompasses everything from personal watercraft to the inland waterways, the thrill of foiling, the globally respected RYA Yachtmaster™ and so much more.

“The best thing about RYA training is the people,” says Richard Falk, RYA director of training and qualifications. “Whether you have done a course or have delivered

courses as an instructor, this year is all about celebrating your personal stories and the impact RYA training has had for so many.”

From children to adults, beginners to marine professionals and everyone inbetween, here we take a look at a few of those who have been involved over the years to understand the difference it has made…

A LIFELONG HOBBY

Lifelong sailor, Sarah Mitchell first learnt to sail 49 years ago at one of the first RYA recognised training centres.

“The school was located on the beautiful shores of Loch Earn (Scotland) and the principal was ‘The Colonel’ Archie CampbellCrawford who indeed ran the centre with military precision and great expertise,” Sarah recalls.

“The towering mountains on either side of the loch made our handicapped races very challenging as we tried to predict Paul has worked all over the world setting up RYA training centres

the icy bullet-like gusts of wind, and the chilly water temperature reinforced our determination not to capsize!” she explains.

From the boats to the clothing, things looked very different to what we are used to now.

“We wore uncomfortable waxed canvas ‘oilskins’, the very basic forerunner to the hi-tech waterproofs we wear today!” says Sarah. “And also kapok lifejackets which honestly did not provide much floatation when required!”

Sailing for just four months or so each summer when the weather and temperature allowed, Sarah soon went from beginner to dinghy instructor, and remembers her time with the school fondly.

She says: “The students came from many countries worldwide to combine learning to sail with speaking English – what a delightful introduction to the joys of sailing this proved to be.

“I remember those days with great happiness and my love of sailing continues (in warmer climes!) here in Australia where I now live.”

A CAREER CHANGE

“I grew up about as far detached from sailing as you can get,” says former soldier, Paul Mason. “I had never been on a sailing boat, and did not know anyone that had, and quite honestly I did not want to either.”

When he left school, Paul joined the British Army and was given the opportunity to go sailing for the first time. He loved it and over the next 10 years started sailing more and more regularly, before eventually deciding to pursue a career as a yacht skipper.

“I wanted adventure, travel and to do something a bit different,” he says. “Initially I worked for yacht charter companies and then started instructing full time a few years later.”

Paul has now worked all over the world, setting up RYA training centres in Europe and Asia, and now teaches military personnel how to sail as part of his current role with the Joint Services Adventurous Sail Training Centre.

“I had never planned to become an instructor, but I am so pleased I did,” he explains. “I like the challenge of finding different ways to teach different people, and love seeing their confidence grow when they learn new things and put them into practice.

“When I think about it, RYA training has played a massive part in shaping who I am and what my life looks like today. It gave me something to focus on and kept me out of trouble when I was younger. It has given me a career, allowed me to sail all over the world and meet hundreds of amazing friends in the industry. It even introduced me to my girlfriend!” he continues.

“I have been really lucky, there are so many places and things that I would never have got to see or do had I not done that first course all those years ago.”

ANOTHER OPTION

The RYA’s chief instructor of dinghy and windsurfing, Amanda Van Santen has worked for the RYA for more than 15 years.

However, prior to landing her dream job, the watersports industry, and more specifically RYA training, provided another

Amanda, pictured here with her son, has combined her passion with her career

option when things did not work out quite as planned.

“I have always been an avid water person,” says Amanda. “I come from a really academic family and when university did not work out for me, RYA training gave me a pathway and the qualifications to get into an industry I loved – without it I would have been very lost.

“I have had so many amazing experiences from being an RYA instructor,” she continues.

“Some of the funniest I probably cannot share – there is never a dull moment in the watersports industry. But the nicest is when you teach someone and years later you see they have stuck with it, have joined programmes like Team15 and become an instructor themselves. It’s cases like that when you know you have done your job right.”

Despite now spending most of her working life behind a desk, Amanda still gets out on the water with her family whenever she can.

“Sailing has the ability to do so much for people, providing truly amazing opportunities that may not previously have been available to them,” she concludes. “For me, it was the ability to progress my passion - there are not many people who can say their passion is both their hobby as well as their job!”

To find out more about the 50th anniversary and the history of the RYA training schemes, visit www.rya.org.uk/go/50years. For more information about RYA courses go to www. rya.org.uk/training.

Sarah learnt to sail with the RYA 49 years ago and went on to become a dinghy instructor

SHARE YOUR STORY

Do you have a story to share? Maybe an RYA training course was the start of a lifelong hobby or career on the water. An introduction to friends or loved ones, or the inspiration and starting point for the adventure of a lifetime?

Perhaps it even saved your life. Please send your images, anecdotes and favourite memories to the RYA - 50years@rya.org.uk for your chance to win a commemorative whisky glass.

The RYA covers all forms of boating, including dinghy and yacht racin , mo or an sail cruisin , R s an s or s boa s, win sur n , inland cruising and narrowboats and personal watercraft.

36

ALL AT SEA JUNE 2020

MARINA FOCUS

SWANWICK MARINA Nesting on the picturesque eastern bank of the River Hamble, Swanwick Marina offers 24-hour access to the world famous cruising grounds of the Solent and beyond.

ONE of the most modern and comprehensive facilities on the South Coast, Swanwick boasts a new floating marina, a modern full service boatyard and marine tenant services, ample storage ashore, secure berth holder parking, 24 hour security, five star luxury facility blocks and a restaurant with waterfront views.

Situated at the heart of the UK’s most popular cruising ground, Swanwick Marina is easily accessible from almost anywhere in the UK thanks to excellent road, rail and air connections.

Nearby, delightful waterside villages, including Bursledon, Hamble-Le-Rice and Warsash, provide beautiful riverside walks and wonderful opportunities to observe wildlife.

Southampton water and classic cruising destinations, such as Cowes and Yarmouth, are easily accessible by boat, so whether you are after a day trip, like to anchor up in a secluded bay or enjoy a hearty meal at one of the countless waterside pubs, Swanwick is the perfect base from which to explore on foot or by boat.

FACILITIES

Constructed in the late 1960s/1970s Moody’s Boatyard later became Swanwick Marina. The original yard was a family run boatyard and marina and was the design and build site of the early Moody yachts.

As part of an £8m investment, Premier Swanwick has acquired planning permission from the local council for an impressive Pavilion building to house boat sales and marine businesses, along with a new food, beverage and facilities building overlooking the water.

The approved planning also includes a new bridgehead entrance

MORE INFORMATION Swanwick Marina Swanwick Shore Rd, Swanwick Southampton, SO31 1ZL www.premiermarinas.com 01489 884 081

Image: Burlison Photography

structure, additional car parking and trolley storage.

Facilities at Swanwick Marina include a self-service fuel berth with a high-speed diesel pump for quicker fuelling, dedicated car parking and two luxurious facility blocks incorporating private bathrooms.

Swanwick has its own onsite chandlery, Force4 Chandlery, which stocks all essential items for working on your boat including rope, fenders, lifejackets, antifoul, boat cleaning products, fittings and shackles, GRP supplies, electrical essentials and much more.

A state-of-the-art boatyard includes

a hoist bay for craft up to 65 tonnes and provides boat lifting services year-round including weekends. This is headed up by a highly trained team of boatyard operators – a number of whom have been at Swanwick Marina for over 20 years.

Plus, if you need a repair done by a professional, customers have access to experts who will take care of any aspect of marine repair – Swanwick has more than 20 businesses onsite providing everything from rigging services to marine electronics, shipwrights, cosmetic work, valeting and engineering to boat sales and brokerage.

37

ALL AT SEA JUNE 2020

BERTHING & STORAGE

Swanwick benefits from extensive storage ashore, and Premier annual berth holders are entitled to a minimum of eight weeks complimentary storage ashore and 15 per cent off boatyard lift/launch services. Berth holders also enjoy a 10 per cent discount on units in Swanwick’s onsite Premier Self-Store.

Earlier this year Swanwick’s new floating marina was completed, representing a £4m investment by Premier Marinas. Now with space for 333 wet berths (an overall increase of 59 on the old configuration) and a dry stack facility that is soon to add a

further 32 berths, there is a package to suit every size and style of craft, from a 6m sports boat to a 40m motor yacht.

On the new floating marina, Swanwick berth holders can benefit from a berth at least the length of their boat. This feature makes berthing easier and safer - particularly for powerboat owners who can step directly on to their pontoon from the stern of their boat when mooring bows in.

One of the most innovative aspects of Premier’s new marina lies at the centre section, where the pontoons are set 700mm above the water (200mm above standard industry height)

which, for sailing boat customers, reduces the deck to pontoon ‘jump down’ when berthing their vessel.

With the flexibility to pay monthly or annually, an annual berth holder with Premier Marinas can enjoy an unrivalled package of benefits and cost savings with the Premier Advantage, including 42 free visitor nights at any Premier Marina, fuel at cost, eight weeks complimentary storage ashore, free Wi-Fi and savings on boatyard services and unique berth holder benefits.

For owners of boats up to 11m, the dry stack berthing package offers all the convenience of a pontoon berth,

but with fewer maintenance costs as the boat is stored out of the water.

Currently with capacity for up to 80 boats, this year a further investment of £100,000 will see the dry stack increase to 112 spaces.

Dry stack customers also enjoy a host of benefits including unlimited lifting and launching all year round, fuel at cost, free full Sea Start membership and for those that have the Premier mobile app, there is the option to book the launch or lift of their boat ‘at the touch of a button’. A dedicated holding pontoon conveniently located near the fuel bay awaits you after your launch.

ACCESS

Swanwick Marina is situated on the eastern bank of the River Hamble, approximately two miles upriver from the entrance to Southampton Water. The Hamble is a popular and busy river and should be navigated with care.

Waypoint – Hamble Point SCM buoy, Q(6)+LFl.15s Sector lights/ transit – Hamble Common 352º/172º Occ(2) RWG 12s Warsash 028º/208º Iso RWG 6s All entrance piles are lit and fitted with radar reflectors. Mariners are advised to keep to the centre line or to starboard of the centre line and should be careful not to get too close to the entrance piles, especially at low water. Inbound vessels over 20m must call Hamble Harbour Radio on Ch 68 at No.1 pile.

Southampton Harbour also requires inbound vessels to call and monitor Southampton VTS (Vessel Traffic Services) on Ch 12 when passing the Nab Tower and when entering Southampton Harbour waters from the West Solent and adjoining harbours.

On the River Hamble there is a strict 6 knot through the water speed limit and wash should be minimised by all vessels whilst within the River Hamble harbour limits.

Southampton airport is just 15 minutes away while the M27 motorway and Bursledon train station are just five minutes away and both provide good links to London and the Midlands.

CRUISING

LOCAL EATERIES

Swanwick’s on site restaurant, The Boat House Café, offers relaxed waterside dining, seven days a week, and is a hot-spot for berth holders who are looking for a bite to eat, whether it be breakfast, brunch, lunch, afternoon tea or dinner - all dishes are made from locally sourced ingredients.

Just a few moments’ walk from the marina lies The Navigator pub, which recently underwent a full refurbishment, with the result being a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere in the open plan bar and conservatory restaurant – now with the added attraction of a wood-fired pizza oven taking centre stage.

Plus, just a short trip by tender or a 15 minute loop walk will bring you to

RECOMMENDATIONS

the Jolly Sailor pub, which has been a pub since 1751. It offers a good selection of classic and vegetarian meals and unrivalled views across Hamble.

Just minutes away from the marina is a Tesco supermarket and within walking distance there are Sainsbury’s and Co-op convenience stores.

THINGS TO DO

Location also plays a key part in making the marina a unique destination. With an abundance of lovely waterside walks to choose from including to the village of Warsash, passing Wendleholme Nature Reserve, with views across the water to Hamble-le-Rice.

You can also easily catch the ferry to the quaint village of Hamble-le-Rice and spend an afternoon exploring the narrow streets lined with period cottages and enjoy a beverage or two at one of the fine pubs and restaurants.

Closer to the marina, Swanwick Lakes Nature Reserve is a beautiful scenic area to visit with its picturesque lake and surrounding countryside. For a taste of something different, Premier berth holders can hire a paddleboard from reception and explore the beauty of the upper reaches of the Hamble River.

The River Hamble is known throughout the sailing world. Records show that the Hamble River was a significant maritime centre as early as

Dave, Merry Fisher 795. “We became a customer of Swanwick Marina dry stack just over a year ago after purchasing a new Merry Fisher 795.

This is the first time we have used a marina as our previous boats have always lived at home and trailed to slipways. What we have found is how much more enjoyable it is to be part of the Premier family. We have had lots of help and assistance and found the Premier community to be so approachable and friendly. We clocked up over 100 hours last year which by far is the most we have used a boat over a 12 month period and

this is down to the marina making life so easy to get the boat launched, recovered and maintained. I feel that the facilities are all exceptionally clean and tidy and only getting better with the current modernisation programme Swanwick is committed to.”

the 13th and 14th centuries. Nowadays, the river is not just a sailing Mecca, it is an important site for nature conservation and a birdwatchers’ paradise.

If you like to shop, Swanwick Marina is just two miles from Whiteley Shopping Centre, a modern shopping centre with well-known chain retailers, casual dining, a supermarket and multiplex cinema.

Further afield, Southampton City offers a full shopping experience at the West Quay shopping centre and the newly built Watermark complex with a new cinema and excellent range of restaurants.

For something more cultural, there is lots to discover in Southampton. You can find out more about the Titanic and the great liners that have helped to shape Southampton’s maritime history at SeaCity Museum or walk the ancient town walls, taking in the 800-yearold Bargate, The Medieval Merchant’s House and The Tudor House and Garden. Just outside the town walls, you will find the Solent Sky Museum,

where you will discover the important role Southampton played in Britain’s aviation history.

Closer to home, and for those who like all water based hobbies, Swanwick Marina has a Stand Up Paddleboard and kayak storage facility on site, so customers can not only store paddling or kayak gear, but there is also a launching deck available to enter the water from as well as a number of wash-down facilities to clean gear before returning it to storage.

There is also the option to hire inflatable paddleboards and kayaks at the new Paddleboard Centre, which opens this summer, promoting a different way to enjoy the water.

Moreover, Swanwick’s newest tenant, FlexiSail offers affordable fixed cost yachting through a membership programme on a fleet of 11 beautiful Jeanneau, Dufour and Fountaine Pajot yachts and catamarans. Ideal for those who would like ‘ownership experience without the need to buy’.

Boat owners are truly spoilt for choice with the Isle of Wight ports close by.

Cowes is only a one hour sail and home to Osbourne House; Queen Victoria’s former residence and a fine example of Victorian architecture.

From Cowes you can continue at a leisurely pace to the nature reserve of Newtown Creek where, subject to your boat’s draft, you can anchor up in this idyllic estuary which has a nice little beach and an abundance of wildlife.

Beaulieu River is another nature lovers’ destination with a meandering river cruise up to Bucklers Hard where Lord Nelson’s warships were once built.

Yarmouth, Lymington and Poole also make great destinations, with Colwell Bay boasting the Hut, a fantastic restaurant on the beach that sends a RIB to collect you and drop you back to your boat.

If you wish to extend your trip you can continue along the coast to Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door and Weymouth in Dorset and further West there is Premier’s Noss on Dart Marina, on the sunny eastern bank of the River Dart.

If you prefer to head east, Premier’s Chichester and Brighton marinas make great stopovers and this is where Premier’s annual berth holders are eligible to use their 42 complimentary visitor nights (subject to COVID-19 restrictions). For alternative trips, The Channel Islands and France including Barfleur, St-Vaast and Honfleur make pretty destinations.

FURTHER INFORMATION ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

■

www.premiermarinas.com www.flexisail.com www.force4.co.uk www.idealcollection.co.uk/venues/ the-boathouse-cafe/ www.thenavigatorswanwick.co.uk www.jollysailoroldbursledon.co.uk www.thepaddlecentre.co.uk www.hamblehistory.org.uk/ community/hamble-local-historysociety-12978/maritime-hamble www.visit-hampshire.co.uk/explore/ rivers-and-canals/river-hamble

38

ALL AT SEA JUNE 2020

MARINA GUIDE JUNE 2020

SOUTH WEST

PREMIER MARINAS FALMOUTH North Parade, Falmouth, Cornwall. TR11 2TD T: 01326 316620 E: falmouth@premiermarinas.com W: www.premiermarinas.com

PORT PENDENNIS MARINA Manager: Mark Webster Challenger Quay, Falmouth, Cornwall, TR11 3YL T: 01326 211211 E: marina@portpendennis.com W: www.portpendennis.com MYLOR YACHT HARBOUR Manager/contact: Culum Matheson Mylor Yacht Harbour, Mylor Churchtown, Falmouth, Cornwall, TR11 5UF T: 01326 372 121 E: marina@mylor.com W: www.mylor.com FALMOUTH HAVEN Contact: Mark Evans 44 Arwenack Street, Falmouth TR11 3JQ T: 01326 310990 E: welcome@falmouthhaven.co.uk W: www.falmouthhaven.co.uk MAYFLOWER MARINA Manager: Charles Bush Mayflower Marina, Richmond Walk, Plymouth, Devon PL1 4LS. T: 01752 556633 E: info@mayflowermarina.co.uk W: www.mayflowermarina.co.uk PLYMOUTH YACHT HAVEN Manager: Steve Kitchen Shaw Way, Mount Batten, Devon, PL9 9XH T: 01752 404231 E: plymouth@yachthavens.com W: www.yachthavens.com YACHT HAVEN QUAY, PLYMOUTH Manager: Will Rahder Breakwater Road, Plymouth, Devon, PL9 7FE T: 01752 481190 E: boatyard@yachthavenquay.com W: www.yachthavens.com MDL QUEEN ANNE’S BATTERY Manager: Chris Price Queen Anne’s Battery, Plymouth Devon. PL4 0LP T: 01752 671142 E: qab@mdlmarinas.co.uk W: www.queenannesbattery.co.uk SUTTON HARBOUR MARINA Marina Manager: Mark Brimacombe The Jetty, Sutton Harbour, Plymouth, PL4 0DW T: 01752 204702 E: marina@sutton-harbour.co.uk W:www.suttonharbourmarina.com KING POINT MARINA Marina Manager: Mark Brimacombe Brunel Way, Millbay, Plymouth, PL1 3EF T: 01752 424297 E: marina@kingpointmarina.co.uk W: www.kingpointmarina.co.uk PREMIER MARINAS NOSS ON DART Manager: Andy Osman Bridge Road, Kingswear, Dartmouth Devon , TQ6 0EA T: 01803 839087 E: noss@premiermarinas.com MDL DARTSIDE QUAY Manager: Andrew Millar Galmpton Creek, Galmpton, Brixham, Devon. TQ5 0EH T: 01803 845445 W: www.dartsidequay.co.uk

MDL BRIXHAM MARINA Manager: Andrew Millar Berry Head Road, Devon. TQ5 9BW T: 01803 882929 E: brixham@mdlmarinas.co.uk W: www.brixhammarina.co.uk MDL TORQUAY MARINA Manager: Mike Smith Torquay, Devon , TQ2 5EQ T: 01803 200210 E: torquaymarina@mdlmarinas.co.uk W: www.torquaymarina.co.uk WEYMOUTH MARINA Manager: Alistair Clarke Commercial Road, Weymouth Dorset. DT4 8NA T: 01305 767576 F: 01305 767575 E: berths@weymouthmarina.co.uk W: www.weymouthmarina.co.uk WEYMOUTH HARBOUR Manager/contact - Keith Howorth 13 Custom House Quay, Weymouth T: 01305 838423 E: weymouthharbour@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk W: www.weymouth-harbour.co.uk PORTLAND MARINA Manager: Paul Swain Osprey Quay, Portland, Dorset. DT5 1DX T: 01305 866190 E: berths@portlandmarina.co.uk W: www.portlandmarina.co.uk LAKE YARD MARINA Manager/contact - Jenny Burrows Lake Yard Marina, Lake Drive, Hamworthy, Poole, Dorset. BH15 4DT T - 01202 674531 E: office@lakeyard.com W: www.lakeyard.com POOLE QUAY BOAT HAVEN Manager: Kerrie Gray Poole Quay Boat Haven, Poole Town Quay, Poole, Dorset. BH15 1HJ T/F: 01202 649488 E: info@poolequayboathaven.co.uk W: www.poolequayboathaven.co.uk PORT OF POOLE MARINA Manager: Kerrie Gray Poole Quay Boat Haven, Poole Town Quay, Poole, Dorset. BH15 1HJ T/F: 01202 649 488 E: info@poolequayboathaven.co.uk W: www.poolequayboathaven.co.uk SALTERNS MARINA LTD Manager: Robert Golden 40 Salterns Way, Lilliput, Poole, Dorset. BH14 8JR T: 01202 709971 F: 01202 700398 E: reception@salterns.co.uk W: www.salterns.co.uk

MDL COBB’S QUAY MARINA Manager: Frank Gelder Hamworthy, Poole, Dorset.

BH15 4EL T: 01202 674299 E: cobbsquay@mdlmarinas.co.uk W: www.cobbsquaymarina.co.uk LYMINGTON YACHT HAVEN Manager: Rupert Wagstaff Kings Saltern Road Lymington, Hampshire SO41 3QD T: 01590 677071 E: lymington@yachthavens.com W: www.yachthavens.com BUCKLER’S HARD YACHT HARBOUR Harbour Master: Wendy Stowe Harbour Master’s Office Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour Beaulieu Hampshire SO42 7XB T: 01590 616200 E: harbour.office@beaulieu.co.uk W: www.beaulieuriver.co.uk HAVEN QUAY, LYMINGTON Manager: Ali Neal Mill Lane, Lymington Hampshire, SO41 9AZ T: 01590 677072 E: havenquay@yachthavens.com W: www.yachthavens.com DEACONS MARINA Manager/Contact name: Rachael Foster Bursledon Bridge, Southampton SO31 8AZ T 023 80 402253 E:berths@deaconsmarina.co.uk W: www.deaconsmarina.co.uk MDL HYTHE MARINA VILLAGE Manager: David Lewis The Lock Building, Shamrock Way Hythe, Southampton, Hampshire.

SO45 6DY T: 023 8020 7073 E: hythe@mdlmarinas.co.uk W: www.hythemarinavillage.co.uk MDL OCEAN VILLAGE MARINA Manager: Scott Farquharson Marina Office, 2 Channel Way Southampton, Hampshire.

SO14 3TG T: 023 8022 9385 E: oceanvillage@mdlmarinas.co.uk W: www.oceanvillagemarina.co.uk

SIMPLY…. FROM MDL MDL Marinas has launched Simply Berthing, a new berthing package for boats under 9.9m.

Simply Berthing is designed to encourage new boaters to experience the benefits of being in a marina, by offering a no-frills attached, highly competitive rate for small boats.

The Simply Berthing option offers a safe and secure berth and access to shoreside facilities.

“Our new Simply Berthing package is primarily designed for first time boat owners,” says Tim Mayer, MDL’s sales and

marketing director.“We wanted to create a berthing package to help reduce the financial barriers to boat ownership and encourage more people to buy, supporting the wider marine industry.

“One of the biggest boat purchase considerations is where to keep it, and we can help with this by giving economical access to a high-quality marina berth.”

The Simply Berthing package will be available at all of MDL’s 18 UK marinas subject to availability. Owners can get quotes or purchase at www.mdlmarinas.co.uk/simply

MDL SHAMROCK QUAY Manager: Barry Radband William Street, Northam, Southampton Hampshire.

SO14 5QL T: 023 8022 9461 E: shamrockquay@mdlmarinas.co.uk W: www.shamrockquay.co.uk

PREMIER MARINAS SWANWICK Manager: Graham Bristowe Swanwick (on the Hamble) Southampton, Hants. SO31 1ZL T: 01489 884081 E: swanwick@premiermarinas.com W: www.premiermarinas.com

MDL SAXON WHARF Manager: Joe Walton Lower York Street, Northam, Southampton.

SO14 5QF T: 023 8033 9490 E: saxonwharf@mdlmarinas.co.uk W: www.saxonwharf.co.uk MDL HAMBLE POINT MARINA Manager: Andrew Coles School Lane, Hamble, Southampton Hampshire. SO31 4NB T: 023 8045 2464 E: hamblepoint@mdlmarinas.co.uk W: www.hamblepointmarina.co.uk MDL PORT HAMBLE MARINA Manager: Andrew Coles Satchell Lane, Hamble, Southampton Hampshire. SO31 4QD T: 023 8045 274,1 E: porthamble@mdlmarinas.co.uk W: www.porthamblemarina.co.uk MDL MERCURY YACHT HARBOUR Manager: Andrew Coles Satchell Lane, Hamble, Southampton, Hampshire.

SO31 4HQ T: 023 8045 5994 E: mercury@mdlmarinas.co.uk W: www.mercuryyachtharbour.co.uk

TOWN QUAY MARINA Manager: Brian Akerman Management Office Town Quay, Southampton, SO14 2AQ T: 02380 234397 E: bakerman@abports.co.uk W: www.townquay.com HAMBLE YACHT SERVICES Port Hamble, Hamble, Southampton, Hampshire,SO31 4NN T: 02380 201501 E: info@hysgroup.co.uk www.hysgroup.co.uk UNIVERSAL MARINA Crableck Lane, Sarisbury Green Southampton, SO31 7ZN T: 01489 574272 W: www.universalmarina.co.uk HASLAR MARINA Manager: Ben Lippiett Haslar Road, Gosport, Hampshire. PO12 1NU T: 023 9260 1201 F: 023 9260 2201 E: berths@haslarmarina.co.uk W: www.haslarmarina.co.uk PREMIER MARINAS GOSPORT Manager: Jonathan Walcroft Mumby Road , Gosport, Hampshire. PO12 1AH T: 023 9252 4811 F: 023 9258 9541 E: gosport@premiermarinas.com W: www.premiermarinas.com

39

ALL AT SEA JUNE 2020

GO PADDLING AT SWANWICK

THIS WINNER IS A GRINNER ONE very lucky boat owner has won a year’s free berthing with MDL at its Northney Marina.

Entering MDL’s Win a Free Berth competition online last year, the winner, Mr Phillips, said:“I am over the moon, not only do I get a free berth, it gives me the opportunity to move my boat closer to the Solent, where most of my boating is done.”

Having started boating 10 years ago while living in Surrey, Mr Phillips and his family subsequently moved closer to the south coast. Passionate about being on the water, the family, with the occasional friend in tow, spend many days on board their 29ft motor cruiser visiting Priory Bay on the IOW to enjoy lunch while at anchor.

“Not only are the locations of MDL’s marinas perfect for boating in the Solent,

they have fuel too,’ continues Mr Phillips.

“They have also got a great choice of other marinas for occasional overnight berthing.”

“We are delighted to welcome Mr Phillips to the MDL family,” says Maxine Lane, MDL’s head of marketing.“We hope that he enjoys his time with us at Northney Marina and makes the most of all the Freedom Berthing benefits that come with his new berth.”

Northney Marina is a Five Gold Anchor marina situated on the north shore of Hayling Island. Within easy reach of historic Portsmouth and the Solent, Mr Phillips and his family will be able to enjoy many days out on the water and stay at MDL’s marinas in the River Hamble, Southampton and further afield for free with MDL’s Freedom Berthing. www.mdlmarinas.co.uk

BRAND IS REDDY FOR THE HOFF DEAN & Reddyhoff and Quay Marinas have opened marinas across England under the new boatfolk brand.

Michael Prideaux, managing director at boatfolk, said:“Since 4 May, we have been following a phased reopening of our boatyards, with controlled access to contractors to maintain boats in preparation for welcoming customers back to the marina. Following the latest advice from the government, we will begin the reopening of our marinas from 13 May. “We are putting in place all necessary measures to keep our teams and customers safe,which is of course our primary focus,however we are also committed to getting our berth holders back on their boats and out on the water again.

“Boating is a great outdoor activity that can be safely carried out whilst maintaining social distancing and the boatfolk marina teams cannot wait to welcome back our incredibly loyal customers across England. We are also looking forward to opening our marinas in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland when it is safe to do so.”

“boatfolk offers great experiences around the UK coastline. Post COVID-19, with international travel being reduced, people will be looking for new leisure activities, and new ways to access the water to have fun afloat with friends and family.

“We hope to see the renaissance of the Great British seaside holiday, and a boatfolk marina is a great place to try something new and dip your toes in the water. The new name celebrates our people – both staff and customers – who share a passion for being in, on or by the water.”

As well as its reopening plan, the company has moved to a new name and brand, boatfolk, creating a fresh new vision of waterside destinations focused on people, places and experiences.

The brand launch is an important step for the company, which will see its 4,000 berths, 150 staff and 220 acres of land and sea become unified with the boatfolk name. There are 11 coastal destinations, around the whole of the UK, from the Solent to the Clyde. www.boatfolk.co.uk

THE Paddle Centre is due to open this summer at Swanwick Marina - in line with social distancing rules, once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.

The new centre will enable berth holders and visitors to hire both stand up paddleboards and kayaks with which to enjoy the beautiful Hamble River.

Besides offering SUP and kayak hire on a ‘pay and play’ basis, the centre will offer a host of classes, such as Sunrise and Sunset SUP excursions, paddleboard safaris and yoga on the water.

For those new to paddleboarding,

ROYAL CLARENCE MARINA The Bridgehead, Weevil Lane, Gosport, Hampshire.

PO12 1AX T: 023 9252 3523 F: 023 9252 3523 E: info@royalclarencemarina.org W: www.royalclarencemarina.org PREMIER MARINAS PORT SOLENT Manager: Mark Phillp South Lockside, Port Solent, Portsmouth, Hampshire. PO6 4TJ T: 023 9221 0765 F: 023 9232 4241 E: portsolent@premiermarinas.com W: www.premiermarinas.com PREMIER MARINAS SOUTHSEA Fort Cumberland Road Portsmouth, Hampshire. PO4 9RJ T: 023 9282 2719 F: 023 9282 2220 E: southsea@premiermarinas.com W: www.premiermarinas.com GUNWHARF QUAYS MARINA Manager: Carl Jarmaine Marina Manager Gunwharf Quays Marina office.

Gunwharf Quays.

Portsmouth.

Hampshire PO1 3TZ T: 02392 836732 E: marina@gunwharf-quays.com W: www.gunwharf-quays.com/marina

ISLE OF WIGHT COWES YACHT HAVEN Manager: Katy Ednay Vectis Yard, High Street, Cowes, PO31 7BD T: 01983 299975 F: 01983 200332 E: berthing@cowesyachthaven.com W: www.cowesyachthaven.com VHF: Channel 80

the centre has an experienced team on hand to help customers get on the water for the first time or help make paddling experiences even better with 1.5 hour SUP Taster lessons, where attendees can learn basic SUP paddle skills and water safety before adventuring out alone.

Kyle Grady, centre manager of The Paddle Centre, said:“Once it is deemed safe for our customers, following the government’s guidance, we look forward to opening The Paddle Centre at Premier Marinas Swanwick this summer. I and the team look forward to helping everyone

EAST COWES MARINA Manager: Mike Townshend Britannia Way, East Cowes Isle of Wight. PO32 6UB T: 01983 293983 F: 01983 299276 E: berths@eastcowesmarina.co.uk W: www.eastcowesmarina.co.uk COWES HARBOUR SHEPARDS MARINA Manager: Jock Rafferty Medina Road, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7HT T: 01983 297821 E: shepards.chc@cowes.co.uk W: cowesharbourshepardsmarina.co.uk ISLAND HARBOUR MARINA Manager: Darren Cooke Mill Lane, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 2LA T: 01983 539994 E: info@island-harbour.co.uk W:www.island-harbour.co.uk BEMBRIDGE HARBOUR Manager/Contact - Gordon Wight The Duver, St Helens, PO33 1YB T: 01983 872828 E : mail@bembridgeharbour.co.uk W: www.bembridgeharbour.co.uk

SOUTH EAST

MDL NORTHNEY MARINA Manager: Debbie Burns Northney Road, Hayling Island, PO11 0NH T: 023 9246 6321 E: northney@mdlmarinas.co.uk W: www.northneymarina.co.uk MDL SPARKES MARINA Manager: Debbie Burns 38 Wittering Road, Hayling Island Hampshire. PO11 9SR T: 023 9246 3572 E: sparkes@mdlmarinas.co.uk W: www.sparkesmarina.co.uk BIRDHAM POOL MARINA Birdham, Chichester, W Sussex. PO20 7BG T: 01243 512310 E: info@birdhampool.co.uk W: www.birdhampool.co.uk

access the water and enabling them to enjoy the brilliant environment of the River Hamble. To celebrate our opening this summer we are offering 25 per cent off all bookings before the end of June 2020.”

With dedicated parking onsite, the new Paddle Centre will have toilets and changing facilities, and the provision to serve hot drinks and snacks to customers.

For more information and to call the Paddle Centre to pre-book the hire of kayaks and SUPs this summer, visit www.thepaddlecentre.co.uk or call 02380172189.

PREMIER MARINAS CHICHESTER Manager: Paul Cook Birdham (Chichester Harbour) West Sussex. PO20 7EJ T: 01243 512731 E: chichester@premiermarinas.com W: www.premiermarinas.com SMALL BOATS WELCOME LITTLEHAMPTON MARINA Berthing Manager: Darren Humphries Ferry Road, Littlehampton, West Sussex, BN17 5DS T: 01903 713553 F: 01903 732264 E: sales@littlehamptonmarina.co.uk W: www.littlehamptonmarina.co.uk LITTLEHAMPTON YACHT CLUB (LYC) Rope House, Rope Walk Littlehampton, West Sussex BN17 5DH Office: Fiona Boyce: 01903 713 996 Berthing Master: Bill Kellett T: 01903 732 926 F: 01903 725 911 E: fiona@littlehamptonyachtclub.co.uk W: www.littlehamptonyachtclub.co.uk PREMIER MARINAS BRIGHTON Manager: Mike Hatch West Jetty, Brighton, East Sussex. BN2 5UP T: 01273 819919 F: 01273 675082 E: brighton@premiermarinas.com W: www.premiermarinas.com PREMIER MARINAS EASTBOURNE Manager: Dan Heckford Sovereign Harbour, North Lockside, Pacific Drive, Eastbourne. BN23 5BJ T: 01323 470099 F: 01323 470077 sovereignharbour@premiermarinas.com W: www.premiermarinas.com SMALL BOATS WELCOME NEWHAVEN MARINA Manager/Contact: Russell Levett Address: Newhaven Marina, The Yacht Harbour, Fort Road, Newhaven, BN9 9BY T: +44 (0)1273 513 881 E: info@newhavenmarina.co.uk W: www.newhavenmarina.co.uk

40

ALL AT SEA JUNE 2020

MARINA GUIDE JUNE 2020

GILLINGHAM MARINA 173 Pier Road, Gillingham, Kent. ME7 1UB T: 01634 280022 E: berthing@gillingham-marina.co.uk W: www.gillingham-marina.co.uk MDL CHATHAM MARITIME MARINA Manager: Alastair Hand The Lock Building, Leviathan Way Chatham Maritime, Kent. ME4 4LP T: 01634 899200 E: chatham@mdlmarinas.co.uk www.chathammaritimemarina.co.uk MEDWAY YACHT CLUB Contact: Sue Bannister Lower Upnor, Rochester, ME2 4XB T: 01634 718399 W: www.medwayyachtclub.com PORT OF DOVER MARINA Manager: Chris Windsor Address - Dover Marina, Crosswall Quay, Union Street, Dover, Kent, CT179BN T +44 (0) 1304 241 663 E marina@doverport.co.uk W www.doverport.co.uk/marina

SURREY

MDL PENTON HOOK MARINA Manager: Lee Gibbons Staines Road, Chertsey, Surrey. KT16 8PY T: 01932 568681 E: pentonhook@mdlmarinas.co.uk W: www.pentonhookmarina.co.uk

BERKSHIRE

MDL WINDSOR MARINA Manager: Lee Gibbons Maidenhead Road, Windsor, Berkshire. SL4 5TZ T: 01753 853911 E: windsor@mdlmarinas.co.uk W: www.windsormarina.co.uk MDL BRAY MARINA Manager: Lee Gibbons Monkey Island Lane, Bray, Berkshire. SL6 2EB T: 01628 623654 E: bray@mdlmarinas.co.uk W: www.braymarina.co.uk

NORFOLK

ST OLAVES MARINA Contact: Tamsin Bromley/Mary Hall Beccles Road, St Olaves, Gt. Yarmouth NR31 9HX T: 01493 488500 E: enquiries@stolavesmarina.co.uk W: www.stolavesmarina.co.uk

SUFFOLK

MDL WOOLVERSTONE MARINA Manager: Kelly Sharman Woolverstone, Ipswich, Suffolk. IP9 1AS T: 01473 780206 E: woolverstone@mdlmarinas.co.uk W: www.woolverstonemarina.co.uk LOWESTOFT HAVEN MARINA Manager: Bob Beare Lowestoft Haven Marina (twin site), School Road and Hamilton Dock, Marina Office, School Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk. NR33 9NB T: 01502 580300 F: 01502 581851 E: lowerstofthaven@abports.co.uk W: lowestofthavenmarina.co.uk FOX’S MARINA & BOATYARD Marina Manager: Lee Gilson Fox’s Marina, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP2 8SA T: +44 1473 689111 E: foxs@foxsmarina.com W: www.foxsmarina.com

ESSEX

FAMBRIDGE YACHT HAVEN Manager: Danyal Adams Chelmsford, CM3 6LU T: 01621 740370 E: fambridge@yachthavens.com W: www.yachthavens.com

LONDON

CHELSEA HARBOUR MARINA Harbour Master: Colin Bullock Chelsea Harbour, London, SW10 0XF T: 07770 542783 E: harbourmaster@chelsea-harbour.co.uk W: chelseaharbourmarina.com

WALES

ABERYSTWYTH MARINA Manager: Jon Booth Y Lanfa Aberystwyth, Trefechan SY23 1AS T: 01970 611422 E: aber@themarinegroup.co.uk W: www.themarinegroup.co.uk CARDIFF MARINA Manager: Andy Coles OBE Watkiss Way, Cardiff. CF11 0SY T: 02920 396078 F: 02920 345116 E: info@themarinegroup.co.uk W: www.themarinegroup.co.uk

MILFORD MARINA Manager or contact: Melanie Durney Milford Marina, Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire SA73 3AF Tel: 01646 796518 E: enquiries@milfordmarina.com W: www.milfordmarina.com PENARTH MARINA Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan, F64 1TQ T: 02920 705021 E: penarthoffice@quaymarinas.com W: www.quaymarinas.com NEYLAND YACHT HAVEN Manager: James Cotton Brunel Quay, Pembrokeshire, SA73 1PY T: 01646 601601 E: neyland@yachthavens.com W: www.yachthavens.com PORT DINORWIC MARINA Marina Manager: Ged Tyrer Y Felinheli Gwynedd, LL56 4JN T:01248671500/01248 670176 E: portdinorwic@themarinegroup.co.uk W: www.themarinegroup.co.uk BURRY PORT MARINA Harbour Master: Robert Hockey The Harbour Office Burry Port Carmarthenshire T:01554 835 691 E: burryport@themarinegroup.co.uk W: www.themarinegroup.co.uk

N. IRELAND BANGOR MARINA Manager: Kevin Baird Bangor, Co. Down T: 02891 45329 W: www.quaymarinas.com

CARRICKFERGUS MARINA Harbour Master: Nigel Thompson 3 Quayside, CARRICKFERGUS BT38 8BJ T: 028 9336 6666 W: www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk

BRISTOL

PORTISHEAD MARINA Portishead, Bristol BS20 7DF T: 01275 841941 E: portisheadquays@quaymarinas.com W: www.quaymarinas.com

NEWCASTLE

SCOTLAND

ROYAL QUAYS MARINA North Shields, Tyneside NE29 6DU T: 0191 2728282 W: www.quaymarinas.com

RHU MARINA Contact: Suzanne Bell Rhu, Helensburgh G84 8LH T: 01436 820238 E: rhumarina@quaymarinas.com W: www.quaymarinas.com

FEEL GOOD ABOUT LIFE. UPGRADE TO PREMIER.

10M BERTHS FROM

* £3,735 PER ANNUM premiermarinas.com *PRICE BASED ON A 10M BERTH AT EASTBOURNE

EASTBOURNE BRIGHTON CHICHESTER SOUTHSEA PORT SOLENT GOSPORT (WITH DRY STACK) SWANWICK (WITH DRY STACK) NOSS ON DART FALMOUTH (WITH DRY STACK)

EE

KENT

FR

UK AND IRELAND

WWW.ALLATSEA.CO.UK

BRITAIN’S MOST READ WATERFRONT NEWSPAPER

JUNE 2020

BOATING IS BACK! BRITAIN’S MOST READ WATERFRONT NEWSPAPER

fter wee s of loc down the gradual easing of restrictions means boaters can return to their craft and marinas can re open. or news of Round he Island Race owes ee outhampton oat how and many other events see inside.

PAGE

25

ROUND THE ISLAND RACE I

IN

N

FIND YOUR PERFECT MARINA PAGE

28

READY FOR FATHER’S DAY? R

I

I

R

Read FREE online PAGE

Image: Gary Felton

34

Image: Stefy Morelli/Shutterstock

CRUISING IN EUROPE R

R

N

www.allatsea.co.uk/paper Specifically designed for owners of boats 10m LOA looking for the delights of being in an MDL marina Register your interest or get a quote at mdlmarinas.co.uk/simply

.

LARGS YACHT HAVEN Manager: Carolyn Elder Irvine Road, Largs, Ayrshire, KA30 8EZ T: 01475 675333 E: largs@yachthavens.com W: www.yachthavens.com TROON YACHT HAVEN Manager: Stephen Bennie The Harbour, Troon, Ayrshire, KA10 6DJ T: 01292 315553 E: troon@yachthavens.com W: www.yachthavens.com

SPAIN

ITALY

HOLLAND

MARINARA Front Desk: Federica Civilla Via Marinara 11, Marina di Ravenna, 48122 Italy T: (0039) 0544 531644 E: info@marinara.it W: www.marinara.it

MDL SANT CARLES MARINA Manager: Nicolas Gonzalez Ctra Poble Nou s/n, Apartat de Correus 192, 43540, Sant Carles de la Ràpita, Spain T: (0034) 9777 45153 T (UK): 023 8045 0227 enquiries@santcarlesmarina.com W: www.santcarlesmarina.com

JACHTHAVEN BIESBOSCH Manager: Renate Ilmer Nieuwe Jachthaven 54924 BA, Drimmelen, NL T: +31 (0)162 682249 E: info@jachthavenbiesbosch.nl W: www.jachthavenbiesbosch.nl

MDL MARINA DI STABIA Customer Service: Marika Somma Via Alcide de Gasperi 313, Castellammare di Stabia, Bay of Naples, 80053 Italy T: (0039) 0818 716871 E: marinadistabia@mdlmarinas. co.uk W: www.marinadistabia.com

N CYPRUS

KARPAZ GATE MARINA Customer Service: Emel Suerdem PO Box 12 Yenierenkoy, Iskele TRNC Via Mersin 10 / Turkey T: +90 533 833 7878 E: info@karpazbay.com W: www.karpazbay.com

TO BE INCLUDED IN OUR GUIDE CONTACT JOHN N

LL

.

.

To advertise here please call 07740 118928 41

ALL AT SEA JUNE 2020

ALL AT SEA - CLASSIFIEDS

s t s i l a i c e p S e Th

N N T ORISOS! O N PA ITE M S CO WEB

Moisturising Hand Sanitiser ALCOHOL FREE Bactericidal/Virucidal/Fungicidal.

Conforms to European Efficacy Standard EN1500.

Matches the performance of an alcohol gel but it will NOT dry or irritate the skin. Proven at the Hospital Infection Research Laboratory, Birmingham to be equally as effective as an alcohol based product.

Large size – 250ml use straight from jar or ideal to refill your small bottles as it is a pourable gel.

Kills viruses, bacteria, and fungi.

Hospital Grade – Meets the standard EN1500 suitable where disinfection is medically required.

Alcohol-Free, it will not dry or irritate your hands.

Moisturises and protects.

Safe to use around children and animals.

WHY CHOOSE AN ALCOHOL-FREE HAND SANITISER/GEL? Alcohol-based hand sanitisers are highly flammable and storage and use of these in commercial facilities needs to be included in fire risk-assessments.

Alcohol-based hand sanitisers cause dryness of skin and irritation.

Top Quality Boat Insurance for complete peace of mind The UK's first online boat insurance provider Created by boat people, for boat people!

Quick and easy online quotations and cover 24 hour claims help line and online tracking Multi-boat insurance discounts - insure two or more boats for less Monthly payments available for premium over £100 at NO EXTRA COST! Underwritten by Navigators & General a trading name of Zurich Insurance plc

www.craftinsure.com

or call: 03452

607888

Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

Quality Low Cost Marine Insurance Quotation in 5 Clicks and 30 Seconds

THE DERMA HAIR AND BODY SHOP LTD T: +44 (0) 20 34756754 W: salicin.co.uk - BUY ON LINE PRICE INCLUDES VAT AND DELIVERY

Our facilities include:

www.insurance-4-boats.co.uk

Telephone: 01656 784866

Fax: 01656 784872

quotes@insurance-4-boats.co.uk

Insurance-4-boats.co.uk is a trading style of Porthcawl Insurance Consultants (UK) Ltd. PIC is authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. All telephone calls are recorded.

Professional Boat Valeting • Full Exterior Valets • Full Interior Valets • Compound and Waxing • New and Used Boat Handover Valets • Contract Valets • Teak Cleaning • Anti-Fouling • GRP Repairs

www.marinecleanvaleting.co.uk

Tel: 01489 570757

• Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning • Engine Room and Bilge Cleaning • Cover Cleaning and Re-proofing

Synonymous with Valeting Excellence

sales@marinecleanvaleting.co.uk

95 .

2 1 £ and VAT inc. elivery d

Chelsea Harbour Marina A tranquil, 50-berth marina with a friendly atmosphere, close by all the attractions of the heart of London.

Our name says it all!

For quick, instant quotations and cover for all type of marine craft contact us on:

ONLY

 Heated showers  Washing machine & dryer  Laundry service  24hr security patrols & CCTV  Underground parking  Pump-out facility  Overnight river pontoon VISITORS ALWAYS WELCOME T +44 (0)20 7225 9108 M +44 (0)7770 542783 harbourmaster@chelsea-harbour.co.uk www.chelseaharbourmarina.com/marina/

Gillingham Marina The One Stop Boating Experience

24 Hour Security Locked & Tidal Berthing Large Workshop Facilities with both a 65t & 20t Boat Hoist Largest Chandlery in Kent & on-site Yacht Broker On Site Restaurant & Bar Hosting Active Marina Events Excellent Rail Links - Only 50 mins to London Gillingham Marina, 173 Pier Road, Gillingham, Kent ME71UB Tel: 01634 280022 Email: Berthing@gillingham-marina.co.uk WWW.GILLINGHAM-MARIN A .CO.UK

42

IN THE DRINK

ALL AT SEA CREW

BREWING IS BACK

BY PAUL ANTROBUS

BRITAIN’S MOST READ WATERFRONT NEWSPAPER

Editor

Jane Hyde 079 402 403 90 editor@allatsea.co.uk

P

range of ‘how to’ books worth having too. Tip: one mistake I made as a home brewer was not to keep tabs on the alcoholic strength, with some spectacular unintended consequences.

Typically, homebrew beers will be more frothy than the brewery-made ales, a real authentic ‘foaming pint’. When you savour the results of your labours you will feel well rewarded.

A box of ready-to-use malt to make 40 pints of Tom Caxton beer costs £15 from Wilko. That Is 38p a pint. However, the kit may have cost £40 or so. Once set up the cost per pint comes down every time you brew. But anyway it is the fun of doing it and drinking it that should be your main inspiration.

Art Editor

Mark Hyde design@allatsea.co.uk

Contributors David Henshall Simon Everett Paul Antrobus

FATHER’S DAY GIFT IDEA

Advertising and Distribution Director John Baggaley 07740 118 928 john@allatsea.co.uk

FINDING HELP

Most homebrew websites offer help to beginners.

Wilko’s - somewhat surprisingly as it is not a specialist - has an easy-to-follow Wilko Life page named Beginner's Guide to Home Brewing. There are also guides for making wine and cider and Wilco’s has a wide range of products for making them all at www.wilco.com. yoursurprise.co.uk is a specialist website with gift ideas which offers a homebrew gift set, ale or lager, for £62 plus delivery. You get an aluminium brew barrel and two glasses engraved with your selected names. All you have to do is mix the ingredients and add a little water. Then you have to wait a week before drinking.

A nice gift for a beer enthusiast!

Consultant

Chris Satchwell chris@allatsea.co.uk

Publisher

Sue Baggaley 07949 203 424 sue@allatsea.co.uk

Subscriptions 01442 820580

Accounts accounts@allatsea.co.uk

General Inquiries john@allatsea.co.uk

Published by

ALL AT SEA P U B L IC AT IO N S

L I M I T E D

R Holystone Barn, 56 Park Lane Fen Drayton, Cambridgeshire, CB24 4SW The views and opinions of the contributors to this publication are not necessarily those of the Publishers. Accordingly, the Publishers disclaim any responsibility for such views and opinions. Printed in Cambridge by Iliffe Print. All at Sea is copyright and can not be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher. Every care is taken in compiling the contents, but the proprietors assume no responsibility for any effect rising therefrom. We welcome unsolicited manuscripts and photographs, but accept no responsibility for their loss, damage or total disappearance. Recycled content of paper in UK newspapers is 78.9 per cent.

Image: Shutterstock

H

ome brewing is back! It is something fun and creative to do if you are still confined to home and is a good way to alleviate any supply difficulties - as long as you are patient.

Back in the 1960s/70s, home brewing and wine making became a popular hobby, with small specialist shops supplying the demand for kits and high street chains stocking the ready-to-use malt.

I participated mostly brewing my own beer, which was very well received, my wine making less so.

Then real-ale brewing got better, the homebrew fad faded and the specialist shops closed.

COMPETITION TERMS AND CONDITIONS

brewing kits for beer (ale), lager, cider and wines, and the ‘kit’ that is needed.

“One mistake I made as a home brewer was not to keep tabs on the alcoholic strength, with some spectacular unintended consequences.”

PLAN AHEAD

Home brewing is not actually a quick fix for lack of beer supplies or a sure fire way to cut costs, for that matter. It takes a range of equipment and above all time - typically a week to brew and three weeks to ferment, so you need to plan ahead. The ready-to-use malt in a can is the basic ingredient, but required kit includes a stainless steel brewing kettle, a plastic fermentation bucket, hydrometers, syphon tubes, bottles and air-tight tops. There is a

BACK IN TREND

But the recent Covid 19 restrictions have created a new interest, it seems. The market is now served by specialists typically sited in trading estate units and most of the trade is now done online. There are at least 20 specialist suppliers in the Home Counties between London and Southampton and at least as many websites.

The spike in sales is such that they often have to temporarily suspend their websites while they catch up on a backlog of orders and get in more stock. But there is plenty in the supply chain and any items marked ‘sold out’ are replenished in 1 4 due course.

8 One aptly named example is www.the-home8 9 brew-shop.co.uk based in a modern trading unit in 3 5 Farnborough, Hants. Founded in 1969 in9a bedroom and still run by the founding family, it offers6 4 5

6 7

S P O K E

C R A T C A R A N D I N C N T A K E U S A R M C Q P A U P R O B L E I A S S J E C T

2

1

7

6 3

2

9

5

1

9

1

8

7

9

1

3

5

Sudoku

Crossword S E L F I S H

5

2

ANSWERS TO PUZZLES

3 7

QUIZ ANSWERS 4

6

Winners will be notified by email/phone. The winners will be the first correct entry drawn at random after the competition closing date.

No cash or alternatives will be offered. Please indicate on your entry if you do not wish to receive information about other products and services from All at Sea, by phone, post, email or by SMS.

With Paul Antrobus

H U G E N O A R M P A L M A N S S E

B U I L O M S P S L A V T I I P E E N O I T E M E M O N G W A W E E

Answer: MOTORBOAT

Battleships

T A X E D

1

7

2

9

4

6

5

3

8

4

6

3

8

1

5

7

9

2

5

8

9

3

2

7

1

4

6

3

9

7

2

5

1

6

8

4

P O R T E N D

8

1

6

4

7

3

2

5

9

2

4

5

6

9

8

3

1

7

9

3

4

5

6

2

8

7

1

6

5

1

7

8

9

4

2

3

7

2

8

1

3

4

9

6

5

Where the Buoys Are 1 3

1 2

2

2

0

2

1

1

2

2 1

5 4

1 2 1

1

3

6 3

2 1

4

Wordwheel Nine letter word(s): CARTHORSE ORCHESTRA

3 3

2

3

Word Ladder COAL - cool - tool - toll tell - fell - full - FUEL (Other solutions may be possible)

1 All puzzles © Puzzle Press Ltd (www.puzzlepress.co.uk)

OTIUM

Tailored Rewards for You.

Like nothing you’ve seen before in the marina sector, Otium is the most comprehensive benefits and discounts package available.

Scan to register your interest.

W: mdlmarinas.co.uk | E: enquiries@mdlmarinas.co.uk | T: 023 8045 7155

POOLE A HIDDEN TREASURE

POOLE QUAY BOAT HAVEN

POOLE QUAY BOAT HAVEN

POOLE QUAY

PO

POOLE QUAY BOAT HAVEN

B

BOAT HAVEN

PORT OFPOOLE POOLE PORT OF MARINA MARINA MARINA OF THE YEAR

PORT OF POOLE PORT MARINA OF POOLE MARINA

HAR L E H A R BB O OL E O

U

O

U RR

PPOO

2016 - 2017 - 2019

B

BOOA T H O W W A TS S H O

P O OHLOEM EH OAFR TBHOE U R

BOAT SHOW

POOLE HARBOUR

7th - 9th JUNE 2019 BOAT SHOW

PORT OF POOLE

LE

AT

PORT OF POOL

PERMANENT BERTHS POOLE HARB OUR HARB

O

BOAT SHOW

It’s in aXXth private position makes the most of the views and gorgeous - XXnd MAYthat 2017 sunsets, yet it’s still close to Poole’s historic quay, old town and vibrant shopping centre.

1

6

B

O

O

UR

PO

MARINA

0 SHO W 2

• 90 permanent berths

• 24 hour security

• Superyacht berths

• Deep water: 2.5 - 6m

• Floating docks for jet skis and RIBs up to 6.1m

• Water taxi service, parking

VISITOR MARINA

MARINA

Use your boat as a holiday home; entertain family, friends, colleagues or customers on board; sail the stunning Jurassic Coast.

Enjoy all the attractions of Poole, Bournemouth and beautiful Dorset.

A warm welcome always awaits!

• 125 visitor berths all year for vessels up to 75m in length and up to 4.8m draft

SWINGING MOORINGS

• On the Port estate we can accommodate vessels up to 210m in length with a maximum draft of 9m.

Relax with a glass of wine, on a sunny afternoon, on your own swinging mooring in Poole Harbour overlooking Brownsea Island. Away from the madding crowd, these offer you ultimate privacy, peace & tranquillity.

VHF Channel 80 call sign “Poole Quay Boat Haven”

Poole Town Quay, Poole, Dorset BH15 1HJ t: 01202 649488 | poolequayboathaven.co.uk