AAS JUNE 2025 by All At Sea

RACING AHEAD

The 2012 Olympic and Paralympic sailing events put Weymouth ﬁrmly on the international map and now, 13 years later, the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy continues to host major international events as well as inspiring new generations of sailors both locally and globally. SEE PAGE 19

38TH AMERICA’S CUP

Chichester Boatyard

CONCERNS OVER CUP TRANSPARENCY

Talk should have been about Italy being announced as the Host Country and Naples as the Host City for the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup to be held in the spring and summer of 2027. However, it quickly became about the ‘lack of transparency’ and ‘premature announcements’ felt by some teams.

But first, the host country announcement which preceded the flurry of team statements. For the first time ever the Louis Vuitton Cup and America’s Cup Match will be sailed in Italy.

Minister Giorgetti, Minister of Economy and Finance, said: “We are proud to announce that the 38th America’s Cup will be held in Bagnoli, Naples. This prestigious sporting event marks a significant step in the revitalisation of an area that has long faced challenges and to whose development and growth we remain firmly committed.”

Gaetano Manfredi, Mayor of Naples and Government Special Commissioner for Bagnoli, added: “The event is set to be the most significant sporting occasion ever hosted by Naples, transforming the city’s iconic Gulf into a stage for spectacular races among the world’s elite sailing teams. The races will take place in the waters between Castel dell’Ovo and Posillipo, while the team bases will be established in Bagnoli – a strategic area where the Government has decided to invest decisively, with the goal of finally returning it to the city and its citizens.”

Naples has played host to America’s Cup action in 2012 and 2013 in the lead up to the 34th America’s Cup, hosting two World Series events which local event officials estimated more than one million people watched from the Naples waterfront over the week-long event.

America’s Cup Defender, Team New Zealand CEO Grant Dalton said: “Italians are the most passionate and engaged America’s Cup audience and obviously it is the home of Luna Rossa who are such an amazing team and strong competitor. So, from the Defender’s position it certainly feels like we are entering the lion’s den competitively, but from an event perspective it feels like the perfect venue to host the 38th America’s Cup.”

However, a week after the host country announcement Athena Racing, the representative of the Challenger of Record for 38th America’s Cup, Royal Yacht Squadron Racing, released a statement expressing concern over a lack of transparency and its impact.

The statement read: ‘Athena Racing, representing Royal Yacht Squadron Ltd. as Challenger of Record for the 38th America’s Cup, is concerned by the ongoing lack of transparency around the recent announcement of a Host City for the Cup in 2027 and the impact this is having on the main goal of negotiating a fair sporting Protocol. For seven months Athena Racing has been in negotiations

on a Protocol for the 38th America’s Cup with the Defender, Team New Zealand, on behalf of all the Challengers - with the aim to deliver a fair sporting framework and commercially viable event for all America’s Cup stakeholders. Despite recent progress being made, significant barriers remain.

Typically, a host agreement has only followed the publication of an agreed Protocol. In the absence of an agreed Protocol, it is therefore difficult to understand what exactly has been agreed between Team New Zealand and the Government of Italy as the sporting framework and details of the event do not yet exist.

Any hosting agreement will bind challengers to financial and organisational obligations, as well as potential liabilities, making its disclosure fundamental to teams’ participation and commitment to the 38th America’s Cup.

While we have every confidence that Naples can be a magnificent host for the America’s Cup, we believe that transparency and cooperation between the Defender and all Challengers is vital for the Cup’s future and therefore the recent announcements from the Defender are premature, at best.’

Let’s not forget we have already seen the withdrawal from the next Cup of Alinghi Red Bull Racing earlier this year with these parting words, which also mentioned transparency: “Despite all our efforts, we — Alinghi Red Bull Racing — have not been able to find agreement with the defender of the America’s Cup for the future of the event. We would like to have seen more accountability, greater transparency and new opportunities to perform not only individually but as a group. That way we might all of us together could have delivered a commercially viable event capable of attracting global TV coverage, spectators and sponsors.”

Clearly not the only teams with concerns, however, Alinghi Red Bull Racing’s exit from the Cup in April and

Athena Pathway’s statement in May were joined by the following words from NYYC American Magic: ‘Over the past seven years, we’ve competed with pride, purpose and perseverance in two editions of the America’s Cup. It has been an honour to represent the New York Yacht Club and the United States on the global stage in one of the most storied competitions in sport.

As we look ahead to the 38th America’s Cup, we find ourselves at a crossroads and feel that we must provide an update to our teammates, partners, donors and supporters.

Despite the best efforts of the Challengers - led by the Challenger of Record - to negotiate in good faith, the Defender has been unwilling to commit to the transparency and cooperation necessary to secure a fair Protocol. Without the structural framework necessary for challengers to pursue viable campaigns, it will remain extremely difficult to unlock the America’s Cup’s potential as a modern, globally relevant sports property.

We continue to support the Challenger of Record in their efforts to secure an open and balanced Protocol, as without the meaningful changes they are advocating, it is difficult to see how NYYC American Magic can participate in the 38th America’s Cup.

While we remain committed to the America’s Cup and would welcome the opportunity to compete under a fair Protocol, we are equally committed to integrity, transparency and the longterm health of the institution that is the America’s Cup. We urge the Defender, as Trustee, to work in good faith with the Challenger of Record to restore the elements of fair competition, transparency and respect for all sailors, globally, who are ultimately the beneficiaries of this time-honoured trust.’

Not surprisingly, Emirates Team New Zealand responded to Athena Pathway and American Magic with their own statement as well as, following the

transparency debate, the publication of the draft Protocol online. The Defender clearly feels it has been working with the input of all teams on the development of the Protocol and is, in fact, waiting to hear from the Challenger of Record:

‘The Defender has been working closely and positively with all teams on moving the America’s Cup to a new collaborative Partnership and structure to strengthen the future of the America’s Cup for the benefit of the event and all current and future teams.

In an unprecedented move, the Defender in conjunction with the Challenger of Record has been working with all teams on the development of the Protocol for the 38th America’s Cup over the past few months. This has resulted in the current Protocol incorporating many ideas and positions of the teams. As a result of the significant teams input the completion of the Protocol has been prolonged.

The latest version of the Protocol went back to the Challenger of Record Athena Racing, 10 days ago, prior to the announcement of Naples. The Defender has not had any feedback back from the Challenger of Record on the latest version other than acknowledgement it had been well received by the teams.

However, the Defender now feels due to the unreasonable allegations that have been levelled at it by Athena Racing and American Magic, that it is appropriate to publicly release the latest draft version of the 38th America’s Cup Protocol as an illustration of complete transparency.

It is the responsibility of the Defender and has been an obligation of an agreement with the Challenger of Record, to secure the host venue by June 19th 2025 so all teams have clarity on one of the most important foundations of any America’s Cup.

Ahead of time, the teams now have that knowledge and understanding with the exciting announcement of Naples, Italy in 2027.

In contrast to the statement by Athena Racing, all teams have already been offered full access and transparency to the Host Venue Agreement (HVA), which was signed just last week, upon their signing of a NonDisclosure Agreement (NDA). Such a requirement is standard practice in with any contract that contains commercial sensitivities. The Defender is yet to receive the returned NDA’s from Athena Racing as Challenger of Record.’

As the draft Protocol is closely studied over the coming weeks, we would love to hear your thoughts on this, the latest twist in the America’s Cup story. As always please send your comments to editor@allatsea.co.uk.

ROUND THE ISLAND RACE

This year’s Round the Island Race takes place on Saturday 7 June. The 50nm race circumnavigates the Isle of Wight, involving competitors from all over the globe.

Dave Atkinson, Race Director, said: “As always, we are very excited about the race and really looking forward to welcoming everybody. It is a very special day to be part of, so whether you have taken part before or thinking about it for the first time, we would love you to be there with us.”

Setting off from the Royal Yacht Squadron Line from 7.30am, the event is known for bringing together worldrenowned sailors with families and first-time racers. In addition to the race, entertainment will be on offer in the Race Village on Cowes Parade throughout the weekend.

The course record for a monohull boat, set by Mike Slade on ICAP Leopard in 2013, is 3h 43m 50s, while Ned Collier Wakefield set the multihull record of 2h 22m 23s in 2017, on Concise 10.

Island Sailing Club Commodore Tim Devlin, who has raced nearly every year since 2010, said: “The race itself is different each year but regardless of the conditions, we all enjoy a good day’s sailing. Being out on the water, the spectacle as hundreds of spinnakers are unfurled, and the companionship of the fleet going round make it very special.”

Entries are open until Wednesday 4 June. For race details and to sign up, visit roundtheisland.org.uk

Image: Paul Wyeth

It has already been a fantastic year on the water and it looks set to continue well into summer and autumn. Keep sending us your photos taken on and around the water as not only do we love seeing what you are getting up to, but your photo will be entered into our Photo of the Month competition.

Previous entries have included pirates and even the odd mermaid, well the modern image of them anyway! Incredibly one of the earliest mermaid legends appeared in Syria around 1000BC, but we have our own tales right here in the UK, which Susannah Hart is exploring on page 22, along with a couple of ‘giant’ stories.

Pirates, on the other hand, are very real and are still found today, typically targeting cargo ships or holding ships for ransom. Our fascination with pirates through the ages continues, and so we have a couple of great features for those of you interested in the pirates of old.

First up we have an extract from The Pirate Menace: Uncovering the Golden Age of Piracy by Angus Konstam, along with a Q&A with the man himself, and if you are interested in ﬁnding out more about pirates there is a major exhibition, Pirates, running at the National Maritime Museum. Covering pirates in popular culture through to the ‘golden age’ of piracy and pirates around the world, this is well worth a visit for all the family.

Many sea shanties refer to piracy, and so if you catch The Orwellermen as they cycle from Su olk to the Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival this

month you might hear them sing about pirates (no guarantees though!). Turn to page 21 to read more about their cycle ride to Falmouth and have fun if you are heading to the Sea Shanty Festival too.

Back on the water there has been some big news with the o cial announcement of the next America’s Cup host venue, the news of which was quickly overshadowed by challenger teams' concerns about the lack of transparency. Read more in this month’s news pages, along with up-dates from SailGP about the ﬂeet upgrades following Australia’s wingsail collapse back in March.

Also in the news pages we look ahead to this month’s Plymouth Boat Fest and, before that, Round the Island Race – have a fantastic time if you are taking part.

Staying with racing, David Henshall has been in Weymouth reﬂecting on the legacy of the 2012 Olympic Games and, speciﬁcally, the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy.

A far longer history is that of the Royal Ocean Racing Club, which is celebrating 100 years of ocean racing! Congratulations to the club, which you can read about on page 30.

Lastly, a word on safety; on page 29 we are looking at the evolution of lifejackets, while on page 25 you can enter our competition to win a Zhik Active PFD.

Enjoy the issue!

We share an extract from this fascinating Angus Konstam book.

SHOOTIN’ THE BREEZE 25

With author and historian Angus Konstam, who wrote The Pirate Menace: Uncovering the Golden Age of Piracy.

We have two Zhik Active PFDs, worth £74.95 each, to give away.

BOAT SEA FISHING ZONE .......... 26

The ultimate ﬁshing dinghy, bass season, ﬁsh of the month, plus the winning catch photo.

SHOOTIN’ THE BREEZE 27

We catch up with Rods & Ribbons, the UK’s ﬁrst all-ladies sea angling team, made up of Gemma, Emma, Izzy and

This

By Jane Hyde

WINNING READERS

Congratulations to April’s competition winners. Over Cold War Seas was won by Paul White, Cheshire, and the Mustang Survival Callan Waterproof Jacket was won by Jules Eley, Warwickshire. Terry Stansbury (pictured), Isle of Wight, won the Anchoright Screw-In Anchor Chain Markers. This month’s competitions can be found on pages 14 and 25.

RNLI IMPACT REPORT

A report from the RNLI and the Worshipful Company of Actuaries has revealed that around four million people are alive today, who would otherwise not be here, without the RNLI. The report was compiled using in-depth analysis based on the RNLI’s lives saved data and the assessment of the numbers of descendants who were subsequently born following a life being saved.

CHARITY DONATION

The Legend Owners Association has been supporting The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust since 2006 raising over £19,000. In their 30th anniversary year they aimed to reach £20,000, which they achieved in April – eight months early! Thanks to LOA's support, hundreds of young cancer survivors have beneﬁtted from vital support after treatment.

PIP HARE JOINS CANADIAN TEAM FOR EUROPEAN RACE

Pip Hare will join Canada Ocean Racing’s Be Water Positive campaign for the 2025 edition of The Ocean Race Europe.

Pip will sail alongside Canadian skipper

Scott Shawyer and the four-person sailing team on every leg of the race, sharing her extensive o shore racing experience and energy. Pip’s involvement will help to strengthen the team’s campaign as she takes on the role of watch leader, contributing to the strategy and performance and seamanship onboard. Her involvement will provide invaluable insight and mentorship as the team reﬁnes its performance and cohesion in the lead-up to future solo, crewed and short-handed campaigns.

Pip is no stranger to pushing boundaries.

She rose to international recognition during the 2020–21 Vendée Globe, where she won the hearts of thousands of race followers with her competitive spirit and her ability to tell a captivating story of human endeavour. That campaign proved what many in the sailing world already knew: Pip Hare is one of o shore sailing’s most compelling ﬁgures. In the years since, she has continued to inspire, competing amongst the top ten of the international IMOCA ﬂeet, and recently

managing a dramatic dismasting during the 2024 Vendée Globe with decisiveness and determination.

“Pip is a ruthless competitor with a huge heart,” said Scott Shawyer, president and skipper of Canada Ocean Racing. “She brings a rare mix of tenacity, experience and humanity to the team. Her ability to dig deep and lead through action will be a huge asset to us.”

Pip’s arrival comes at a key moment for the team as they take possession of their new foiling IMOCA yacht and commence the ﬁnal four-year build toward Scott’s long-term goal of ﬁnishing the Vendée Globe in 2028-9.

Pip said: “I am really excited to be joining the Canada Ocean Racing team for The Ocean Race Europe this year. Having been fully focused on solo sailing for the last four years, it is going to be a great change of pace to join a team and bring my own experience to a more powerful force. The Ocean Race Europe o ers a challenging, fast-paced course.

"We are expecting diverse conditions and relentless competition across the di erent legs. Scott has bought a boat with incredible pedigree, and I am looking forward to working with the Canada Ocean Racing team to unlock its full potential on the race track."

YAMAHA SUPPORTS MARINE STUDENTS

Yamaha has donated a F100 cutaway outboard engine to Bournemouth & Poole College.

The engine, which has been specially commissioned for educational use, will serve as a vital training aid for students studying within the College’s renowned Marine Engineering department.

The donation marks the beginning of a formal partnership between Yamaha Motor Europe and Bournemouth & Poole College, focused on strengthening pathways into marine engineering careers and ensuring students have access to the latest industry technologies and training. During a recent visit to the College’s Poole campus, Yamaha UK’s Training and Development team

toured the facilities and met with academic sta to discuss future collaboration opportunities.

Bournemouth & Poole College is one of the largest further education providers in the country, with a strong reputation for delivering vocational training that meets industry needs.

The Marine Engineering department is at the forefront of technical education in the sector, o ering apprenticeships and full-time courses that equip students with practical skills and experience working with industry-standard equipment and technologies. The department maintains close partnerships with leading employers to help address the skills gap in the maritime and engineering industries.

A little oasis on the Humber Estuary, Hull Waterside & Marina is the perfect base for cruising around. It’s over 200 years old but has all the modern amenities you need and a friendly crew ready to lend a hand. Once you’re here, you’ve got easy access to the inland waterways of Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and Norfolk, along with the North Sea. Plus those good old English seaside towns along the east coast are only a day away by boat. There are plenty of shops, restaurants and museums in the city centre and thanks to its great rail connections, its perfect for commuters too. If you’re looking for a special location to enjoy weekends and holidays with your boat this year, we have moorings available now. What’s more, if you book an annual leisure mooring before 31st August, you’ll get one month free.*

Come and see us, we’d love to show you around. Call 01482 609 960 or visit aquavista.com for more information.

One month free One free

Access to our exclusive Moor Benefits programme offering a wide range of boating and lifestyle discounts. Enjoy 50% off For up to 5 days a year in each marina within the TransEurope network.

CLUB DONATES £20,000 TO WETWHEELS

After more than six decades of providing affordable and inclusive adventure opportunities, The Green Diamond Club has closed its doors.

Founded in 1957 by Peter Hammond, the club operated as non-profit, giving members and their friends the chance to take part in water-skiing, sailing, windsurfing, canal cruising and a wide range of special events – all at cost.

At a time when such leisure activities were only accessible to a privileged few, The Green Diamond Club stood out for its community-led ethos. With no paid staff, the club relied on the active participation of its members, who not only joined in the fun but also rolled up

GUIDE DOG PUPPIES IN TRAINING

A group of future guide dogs got their sea legs during a unique training session aboard Windermere Lake Cruises.

It was a blend of scenic cruising and vital training for puppies Dusty, Pete, Frannie, Giles, Eva and Nick as they took to the waters of Lake Windermere for a special socialisation session. All six puppies live in Cumbria with their Puppy Raisers who are volunteers for the sight loss charity Guide Dogs. They look after the dogs until they are around 14 months old and provide a vital foundation for the puppy’s future role through training, socialisation and the introduction of new environments and experiences.

Hosted by Windemere Lake Cruises, the puppy class gave these future life-changers a chance to experience new sights, sounds and smells on board MV Swift. The puppies practiced approaching the boat then got to board MV Swift while it was docked at Bowness. They practiced finding a seat and settling next to their Puppy Raiser. Once they were familiar with this new and exciting

setting, the puppies got to journey down the lake to Ambleside and back.

Rachel Adams, Puppy Development Advisor for Guide Dogs covering Cumbria, said: “We are incredible grateful to Windermere Lake Cruises for giving our Puppy Raisers and puppies this unique opportunity. Exposing our puppies to a variety of sights and sounds is a vital part of their early training.

"Once they are partnered with someone with sight loss, we want our dogs to be able to navigate the world around them. Introducing them to a novel environment such as a lake cruise is a fantastic way to help them grow into confident, well-rounded guide dogs.”

Jennifer Cormack, from Windermere Lake Cruises, said: “All of our vessels are dog-friendly and we frequently welcome working dogs, including sight and hearing dogs. MV Swift is our most accessible vessel, with fully accessible toilets, facilities and indoor and outdoor areas and very spacious walkways, making it the perfect choice for this training session.”

Rachel concluded: “Being a Puppy Raiser for Guide Dogs is an exciting and rewarding opportunity to raise a guide dog puppy and prepare them for their future role supporting someone with sight loss. If you are interested in becoming a Puppy Raiser in Cumbria and supporting us, please do get in touch.”

www.guidedogs.org.uk/puppyraiser

See June's pets afloat on the next page!

MESSAGE FOR WESTMINSTER

Last month waterways campaigning group, Fund Britain’s Waterways, took its message to Westminster.

Fund Britain’s Waterways is a coalition of organisations representing hundreds of thousands of users and supporters of inland waterways campaigning to safeguard the future of Britain’s 5,000-mile network of canals and rivers.

The campaign urges recognition of the importance of Britain’s inland waterways as part of the national infrastructure with environmental, leisure, heritage and commercial

freight value, and calls for an urgent review of their funding in view of their already-deteriorating condition.

A flotilla of boats, which included a pair of working fuel boats, a historic narrowboat, a Dutch barge and privately owned narrowboats, stopped by the Palace of Westminster as the call to safeguard Britain’s inland waterways reached the heart of government.

The journey began when the initial group of boats set off from Strawberry Island Boat Club in Doncaster on 29 March, being

their sleeves to help maintain boats and run activities. At its peak in the 1970s and early 1980s membership topped 700. However, changing times meant that participation gradually declined.

“In recent years, it became increasingly difficult to get members to commit to running events or carrying out maintenance,” said a spokesperson for the club. “So, at the end of 2023, we made the tough decision to wind things down, sell the club’s assets and go out with a big farewell party.”

Remaining funds were donated to charity following a member vote, with Wetwheels chosen as one of the two beneficiaries. Wetwheels, providing

disabled people with the opportunity to enjoy the open water aboard fully accessible powerboats, was a natural fit given the club’s strong connection to water-based adventures.

Geoff Holt MBE, founder of Wetwheels, said: “Although it is in sad circumstances, we can give reassurance that every penny will be spent supporting disabled people so they can access our coastal waters on Wetwheels Solent and enjoy the freedom and independence of being afloat on a fully accessible boat with their friends and families.

"The money will enable us to support up to 200 disabled people this season – which is amazing. My heartfelt thanks go out to the Trustees and supporters of the Green Diamond organisation for choosing us to continue their legacy of getting people onto the water.”

joined by other boats along the way.

By the time they stopped outside Parliament, the group had operated 172 locks to London.

Welcoming the boats were crowds of inland waterways supporters and representatives from the campaign’s alliance of 160 organisations joining Parliamentarians on the terrace.

The flotilla was led by Hazel Owen, Chair of the Association of Waterways Cruising Clubs and a member of the FBW steering group, who said: “Not even broken locks or pollution from a fire closing the Maida Hill Tunnel stood in the way of the 26 boats representing thousands of FBW members getting our message across to the Government.

“We were delighted to be welcomed by Parliamentarians and FBW representatives on the terrace and supporters on Westminster Bridge as we sounded our horns and made quite a noise.”

From Westminster, the FBW flotilla continues its journey north continuing to spread its message, with the initial group of boats scheduled to return to Doncaster in August. waterways.org.uk

SAILS: REUSING AND REPURPOSING

OneSails GBR South at Hamble Point, Southampton has joined ReSail by Clean Sailors, the second OneSails loft to do so. ReSail by Clean Sailors is a global platform dedicated to promoting the reuse and repurposing of sails, keeping valuable materials in circulation for as long as possible. By joining the initiative, OneSails GBR South is reinforcing this vision –helping sailors, sailmakers and marine businesses find new uses for preowned sails, reducing landfill waste and contributing to a more sustainable sailing industry, alongside inspiring others to take action towards reducing waste and maximising the lifespan of sail cloth.

This partnership marks another significant step in reducing waste and extending the life cycle of sail textile. Sails are strong and durable, made to withstand Earth’s toughest environments including UV light, saltwater and wind, and currently more than 97 per cent of sails end up

in a landfill or are incinerated at the end of their life.

As the first sailmaker brand in the world to join ReSail by Clean Sailors, OneSails has been a leader in committing to a more circular and sustainable future for the sailing industry, underlined by their development of 4T FORTE™, a continuous yarn composite that achieves both high performance and durability. Launched back in 2013, the glues, resins and solvents used in the sailmaking process have been replaced by heat fusion, and the base polymer is 100 per cent recyclable in a standard waste separation process.

Wilf Chaplin, Lead Sail Designer at OneSails GBR South, said: “We look forward to providing our local sailing community with a drop-off for their old sails and, in turn, providing local organisations and businesses the opportunity to utilise sail textile for a variety of use-cases.”

www.resailbycleansailors.com

INSET: Wetwheels founder Geoff Holt MBE receiving the donation from Amanda James from The Green Diamond Club

AFLOAT

BLUEBIRD K7 RETURNING TO ULLSWATER IN JULY

Bluebird K7 will be returning to Ullswater in Cumbria next month to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Donald Campbell’s first World Water Speed Record. Tracy Hodgson, Director of the Ruskin Museum, said: “On 23 July 1955 Donald Campbell achieved his first World Water Speed Record on Ullswater where he reached 202.32mph, and this year will be the 70th anniversary of that incredible feat. To celebrate this, the Ruskin Museum will display Bluebird K7 at Glenridding Pier at Ullswater on 23 July.

“In 1955 people crowded the shore of Ullswater to see Bluebird and Donald gain their first World Water Speed Record, beating the previous record of 178.49mph set by Stanley Sayres. I am sure her upcoming visit to Ullswater will also attract a large number of people wanting to see a very special piece of British high speed motoring history.”

Bluebird K7 will be at Glenridding Pier from 9am to 3pm on 23 July, and she will return to her usual home in the museum’s Bluebird wing for 24 July.

Herne, usually on the farm, but here relaxing at sea This is Toby onboard his boat in London

Abi likes to sail in the Solent from Portsmouth Here is Bengal cat Tigger onboard his family’s Nimbus

Bluebird K7 at Ullswater in 1955

Image:

Leo Villa

SNAPS

THIS TIME IN 2015...

Ten years ago in All at Sea we were celebrating the historic arrival of the Solitaire du Figaro in Torbay and excitement was building for the Round the Island Race. We also reported on more than 50 Little Ships making their way to Dunkirk for the 75th anniversary of Operation Dynamo.

CHARITY TALK

Thornbury Sailing Club invites you to attend a charity event - a RNLI charity talk by Captain Andy Wyatt - on 1 November from 2-4.30pm in aid of the RNLI. Drawing on his experience as a military airline Captain, Capt. Wyatt brings to life the world of aviation through real life stories and amusing anecdotes, using dramatic examples to illustrate his insightful lectures. To book the talk (£5): www.thornburysc.org.uk

INCLUSION EVENT

The Sultanate of Oman has been chosen to host the first edition of the new World Sailing Inclusion Championships. Organised by Oman Sail and held at Al-Mussanah Sports City, the event will bring together around 215 sailors and will celebrate the diverse community of sailors with disabilities by demonstrating that sailing is truly a sport for all and marking a new chapter for Para Inclusive Sailing. The event is due to be held between 30 November and 8 December.

GEOFF HOLT’S BASS

Wetwheels’s Geoff Holt sent us this great photo: “I thought you might like to see a picture of the bass I caught last Monday just south of the Isle of Wight on Wetwheels Solent using my electric rod and reel setup.” Turn to page 26 to see the winner of this month’s Me & My Catch, plus see more of your catches at www. allatsea.co.uk/me-my-catch

100 UK SWIFTERS

The Swift Trawler Owners Group, known as the Swifters, has reached 100 UK based boats. The group was set up in 2012 after a chance meeting between two new owners at the Southampton Boat Show; 13 years later the group hosts an active forum, WhatsApp group and arranges meet ups. Membership is open to all Swift Trawler owners associated with UK waters. All Beneteau models of the Trawler range are covered from the earliest ST42 to the very latest.

NEW VISION FOR SIBS

Get ready for the 56th edition of the Southampton International Boat Show, which returns to Mayflower Park from 19 – 28 September.

The UK’s largest celebration of boating and watersports is undergoing a transformation this year, featuring a changed layout with a new entrance on Mayflower Park, new attractions and an expanded line-up of on and offwater experiences.

Whether you are a newcomer, a seasoned watersports enthusiast or a serious boat buyer, the 2025 show offers something for everyone. Held over 10 days, the event brings together hundreds of leading marine brands, from paddleboards and dinghies to superyachts and the latest tech innovations, all set against the backdrop of Europe’s largest purpose-built show marina.

A fresh new look and feel awaits visitors this year, including the launch of dedicated feature areas for powerboats (The Powerhub) and fishing enthusiasts (Angler’s Alley). The new Boating Academy will feature talks and expert

advice for everyone from novices to experienced sailors. There is also a new Waterside Lounge for premium ticket holders, which will offer a stylish space to relax and soak up the atmosphere in between exploring the show.

In addition, the ever-popular marina, which offers sea trials, on-water attractions and areas dedicated to different boat types, returns. All these curated areas make it easier than ever for guests to explore the boats and brands most relevant to them.

For high-octane thrills the On The Water stage, set within the marina, will return with a stunt programme featuring jet ski and other adrenalinefuelled displays.

Be sure to check out the Dive Tank, brought to the show by Andark, where visitors can learn to dive for free, under the guidance of experts.

The Try A Boat experience with FlexiSail offers visitors the chance to take to the water on a range of sailing yachts and motor cruisers, completely free of charge, allowing them to experience life at sea.

RECORD BREAKERS SET TO JOIN SHOW

Endurance powerboat racing is a test of man and machine over significant long distances, and the world’s leading challenge crew and record-breaking vessel, Thunder Child II, is set to power into the Southampton International Boat Show this September.

The event is attracting a stellar line-up of showcase boats, built for speed and power, to complement a new feature area of the 10-day event, The Powerhub. A star show attraction will be Thunder Child II – the 22m high-speed golden craft, named after the fictional torpedo ram in H.G. Wells’ novel The War of the Worlds. It is owned and piloted by Nick Ogden, the founder of the financial technology business, Worldpay.

Thunder Child II currently holds six world records (ratified by the UIM, the International Governing Body of Powerboating Sport) and has a top speed of 54 knots, which is also the name of its operating crew.

The 54 Knots crew use their record attempts to collect vital data for work on developing seawater-based fuel cell systems. Seawater forced through a fuel cell delivers electricity, meaning that the oceans could become a carbon-zero source of marine fuel. The team’s mission

Also returning is Wetwheels, offering fully accessible powerboat rides, ensuring that everybody, regardless of age or ability, can enjoy the thrill of boating in a safe, supported and inclusive environment.

Over at The Shipyard, the show’s festival zone, visitors can enjoy live music all weekend long, with a top-secret headline act to be announced, plus an array of delicious street food and familyfriendly fun.

For those who love to shop, the retail and chandlery areas across the show will offer a paradise of nautical clothing suppliers and marine gadgets.

Second-wave tickets for the Southampton International Boat Show are available for a limited time, at a reduced rate. Tickets start from £24.99 (concessions from £19.99) and up to two children aged 15 and under go free with each adult.

NEW TRADE TICKET

British Marine has launched a new Trade Ticket* for the Southampton International Boat Show for marine professionals looking to network, learn and explore all the show has to offer.

Available for £45, the Trade Ticket provides unlimited access to the show from 22 - 25 September, along with additional perks to support business development, networking and timeefficient visits.

Trade Ticket benefits include:

n Unlimited weekday access (Monday–Thursday)

n Early entry from 9:30–10:00am via the dedicated Trade gate n Access to the British Marine Trade Lounge

As part of the Monday to Thursday offering, ticket holders are also invited to attend Trade Tuesday, a free-to-attend event taking place

in the British Marine Trade Lounge on 23 September. Featuring expert talks, industry insights and networking breaks, Trade Tuesday is designed to foster connections and support business growth across the sector.

“We are delighted to introduce the Trade Ticket for 2025, giving industry professionals more flexibility, more time and more opportunity to make the most of their visit,” said Lesley Robinson, CEO of British Marine. “With the added bonus of access to Trade Tuesday, this ticket offers exceptional value for anyone working in the marine sector.”

The Trade Ticket is available at: britishmarine.citizenticket. com/events/british-marine/ southampton-international-boatshow-2025

*British Marine members will receive three complimentary general admission tickets as part of their membership package.

Thunder Child II

Image: @emilythephotographer.com

Image: Paul Wyeth

NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM REOPENS ‘OCEAN COURT’

The National Maritime Museum will reopen Ocean Court, the central area under the glass roof, on Saturday 7 June to celebrate World Ocean Day.

Ocean Court closed in March 2024 for refurbishment of the 25-year-old roof. More than 23,000 square feet of sun-protected glazing has been installed over the central courtyard of the Museum, preventing overheating.

The ocean connects all the galleries at the National Maritime Museum; the new central space brings those galleries together. A new ﬂoor map will help address ocean blindness by refocusing perspectives away from the continents, as with the traditional Mercator map. Instead, the new Spilhaus Projection, or a map of the world according to ﬁsh, shows one, interconnected ocean. It will also represent the ocean

depth and key features including the Mariana Trench and Great Barrier Reef.

Tim May, Curator of Maps and Mobilities, said: “The world is 71 per cent ocean, but you would not know it from looking at a standard world map. What is great about the new Ocean Map is that it encourages us to consider the world from a di erent perspective, one which reclaims the importance of the ocean on which we all depend.”

Two new objects will highlight the impact humans can have on the oceans. A fragment of the MV Sea Empress’s hull will serve as a stark reminder of the impact oil spills can have on the ocean environment.

The MV Sea Empress ran aground o Milford Haven in Wales on 15 February 1996, spilling over 70,000 tons of crude oil. It was estimated that a third of Common

Scoter ducks died and the local population of starﬁsh fell by 97.5 per cent.

The binnacle from Greenpeace’s ﬁrst ship, the Rainbow Warrior, will also go on display. The Rainbow Warrior was a trawler purchased by Greenpeace in 1978 and was bombed by French agents in Auckland Harbour on 10 July 1985, sinking the ship ahead of a protest against nuclear testing in Moruroa.

The National Maritime Museum will host events across the summer to celebrate the importance of the ocean to our climate, our histories and our cultures. Highlights include the World Ocean Day Festival on 7 June, ﬁlm screenings and object tours for Refugee Week (16 - 22 June) and Rhythm! – a series of performances by local and international dancers on 12 July.

SUPPORTING YOUNG SAILORS

RS Sailing is collaborating with the Eric Twiname Trust for the 15th ET RS Tera Scheme to facilitate the use of the RS Tera in clubs across the UK in 2025.

The scheme is an opportunity to give sailing clubs the chance to buy the RS Tera at nearly a 40 per cent discount. RS Sailing and the Eric Twiname Trust are committed to getting young people into a lifetime of sailing, helping young sailors who might otherwise be unable to fulﬁ their ambitions.

Michiel Geerling, RS Sailing Commercial Director, said: “We work really hard at RS to remove barriers for junior sailors to get into our sport. It is fantastic that sailing clubs across the UK take advantage of this scheme to buy a ordable boats for their club. "It is rewarding to see so many young sailors love sailing the RS Tera; from its durability to great controls, it is ﬁlled with features that inspire conﬁdence and support learning.”

POSITIVITY AT KEY EVENT

The 6th edition of the South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show, guided by Raymarine, saw a successful three-day event at MDL’s Ocean Village Marina. Attracting over 5,000 visitors, the show reinforced its place as a key event on the UK’s marine calendar.

With more than 130 boats on display both shoreside and aﬂoat, the show featured a compelling line-up of world, UK and show premieres from brands such as Axopar, Hanse and Saxdor. Among the standout launches was the world debut of the Hardy 45 European – the ﬁrst Hardy to be completely designed and built in-house by Cockwells.

The Innovation Hub, sponsored by ePropulsion, was a key feature of the show, o ering a schedule of talks and presentations by experts at the forefront of sustainable marine technology.

“We had fantastic conversations about our electric propulsion range and met some truly forward-thinking partners and customers. It is a brilliant environment to showcase real innovation,” said Steve Bruce, Managing Director at ePropulsion.

Tim Mayer, MDL’s Sales and Marketing Director and show organiser, said: “The South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show has ﬁrmly established itself as the UK’s premier regional exhibition for serious boat buyers – and a major driver of dealer sales. We are particularly proud of how the Innovation Hub continues to grow and inspire.

“The success of the show demonstrates the need for this type of exhibition at the start of the season. However, the real measure of success lies in the sales generated. After speaking with nearly all exhibitors, it is evident that some boat brands are experiencing challenging conditions. Nevertheless, I was pleased to hear that conﬁrmed sales had been made and that dealers had engaged in valuable conversations.”

Rea rming its commitment to the show, Raymarine has signed a new three-year partnership with the South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show, with 2026’s dates already conﬁrmed for 8 - 10 May.

Following a public vote, Fischer Panda UK was crowned the winner of MDL’s Green Innovator Award 2025, which recognises sustainable product development across the industry. Voters praised the company’s commitment to ﬁrst-class engineering, reliable and sustainable products, and its hands-on, local support in the Southampton area.

PLYMOUTH BOAT FEST

More than 50 companies have signed up to exhibit at the inaugural Plymouth Boat Fest this June with displays ashore and on the water at Plymouth Yacht Haven.

Celebrating Plymouth’s diverse marine industry, the event features companies across the West Country’s leisure, commercial, technology, conservation and safety sectors.

Over 40 boats will line the pontoons for visitors to explore, ranging from boats from Red Ensign Yachts, Ancasta, South West UK Marine Sales (Dufour) and Wolf Rock Boat Company, to harbour vessels such as the Cattewater Harbour’s pilot boat. The Island Trust, Plymouth Marine Centre and the PDSSA will also be on the pontoons, with boats ashore from Aqua Spirit Marine, Dan Lewis Marine, Clipper Marine and Yeowards Boatyards.

The newest sector of Plymouth’s growing maritime heritage is marine tech, speciﬁcally the development of autonomous marine vessels. Companies such as Thales, Plymouth University

Our unique Broads marinas offer both inland and coastal experiences afloat.

Access discounted European moorings with Four Gold Anchorawarded Brundall Bay Marina’s TransEurope membership, as well as a vast offering of Privilege Scheme benefits and discounts for you and your boat.

and Fugro will be showcasing their autonomous boats as well as providing the opportunity for visitors to drive their underwater vessels in their test tank.

On-the-water demonstrations will be taking place throughout the day including talks from SeaRegs Training, and Plymouth RNLI with their o shore and in-shore vessels. The Devon & Cornwall Police Dive Team will also be in attendance along with the National Coastwatch Institute and PDSSA Sailability group.

Tickets for the one-day festival are free and aim to breakdown barriers for newcomers wanting to access the waterfront, as well as providing activities and insights for boating enthusiasts and families alike. The Fest kicks o with a beach clean at the neighbouring Mount Batten Beach by the Ocean Conservation Trust.

Plymouth Boat Fest takes place on 21 June at Plymouth Yacht Haven. Visit yachthavens.com/ Plymouthboatfest to claim your free ticket.

All berth holders also get 28 nights free* mooring at any other Tingdene marina, perfect to explore further afield and accessing even more facilities.

Enjoy limitless adventures on the Broads with total ease and comfort, and make your time on the water memorable with a Tingdene mooring.

Broadlands Marina , Oulton Broad | Brundall Bay Marina, Norwich | Waveney River Centre, Beccles

SAILGP HEADLINERS

Singer-songwriter Tom Grennan and DJ Pete Tong have been conﬁrmed as headline acts for this summer’s Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix | Portsmouth over 19 – 20 July.

The artists will perform post-racing, with Tom Grennan taking to the stage on Saturday and DJ Pete Tong on Sunday.

Tom Grennan – known for collaborations with Calvin Harris, Chase & Status, Ella Henderson and Bugzy Malone – will perform fan favourites from both of his UK Number 1 albums 2021’s Evering Road and 2023’s What Ifs & Maybes.

British DJ, music producer and broadcaster, Pete Tong will perform one of

his iconic Ibiza Classics sets – closing out the weekend with some of dance music’s most legendary electronic hits.

The performances, also broadcast live on large screens throughout the Race Stadium, are included in the cost of tickets, with 20,000 fans expected to attend across the weekend.

DJ Pete Tong said: “I am really looking forward to headlining Après-Sail at SailGP in Portsmouth, bringing the Southsea Common waterfront to life with music that captures the energy of the intense competition out on the water – highenergy and captivating. It will be a spectacular day.”

SHIELDHALL ATTENDING PORTSMOUTH EVENT

Steamship Shieldhall, Southampton’s heritage steamship, will be attending the SailGP Portsmouth having secured a prime anchorage position just outside the race exclusion zone over both days. Each day, Shieldhall will depart from her berth in Southampton and sail to the designated anchorage in Portsmouth, just outside the race exclusion zone, to watch the action. Anchored in line with the race course, Shieldhall promises exceptional views, all from the comfort of this historic vessel.

In addition to the racing, Shieldhall o ers guests a full day out on the water, including access to her engine room, with original steam engines at work, and the bridge, with its traditional instruments and gleaming brasswork. There will also be opportunities to talk to the Captain and her volunteer crew, listen to a commentary on the sights and sounds of Southampton Water and The Solent and relax in the Saloon with a range of refreshments. ss-shieldhall.co.uk

SAILGP UPGRADES F50 FLEET

Following a full inspection and review, SailGP conﬁrmed a series of upgrades to all 12 wingsails in the championship’s ﬂeet of high-speed F50 catamarans.

Ahead of the Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix (7 – 8 June), each boat will receive an upgraded ‘main element 1’ –the area of the wingsail that bears the most load in racing conditions – with further upgrades scheduled throughout the season.

The news follows conﬁrmation of a bonding issue in some shear webs across the F50 ﬂeet, which are being replaced alongside the upgrades. Works will ensure all 12 boats are not only in top shape for New York, but perfectly matched too – a critical part

of SailGP’s commitment to even, onedesign racing.

Changes will bolster the strength of wingsail elements, with teams working across multiple facilities to remove and upgrade a ected parts, reinstall electronics and systems, and rebrand each wing. On-site, each SailGP team will complete a full sea trial in its own F50 in addition to extensive checks conducted by SailGP’s team of designers and engineers.

SailGP CEO Sir Russell Coutts said: “These new components for the wingsails feature an Aluminum Nomex core and increased laminate, which means the new shear webs will be approximately twice as strong.

Goodwall, leading youth social network for impact, and the 1851 Trust, a charity using sport inspired learning to educate and empower young people through STEM and climate education, have collaborated to launch the #PowerUp Challenge.

This is a global initiative using the excitement of elite sport to engage ﬁve million young people in STEM and climate action. Harnessing the inspiration of Olympic gold medal-winning athletes like Hannah Mills and Sir Ben Ainslie, and the innovative mindset of teams like Emirates GBR SailGP, #PowerUp invites young people worldwide to explore how renewable energy is transforming high performance sports.

“Youth engagement is crucial for achieving a sustainable future, without enough STEM educated young people we will not meet our net zero goals globally. By making climate issues exciting, accessible and actionable through sports, we are building a global movement of young innovators ready to make a di erence,” said Sir Ben Ainslie, 1851 Trust Patron and CEO Emirates GBR.

The #PowerUp Challenge delivers bitesized content that is easy to understand,

"This is a major reﬁt, with multiple teams working around the clock on extraction, production, design, testing and reinstallation, split between the American Magic facility in Pensacola, Florida and at SailGP Technologies in the UK. It is a huge team e ort, but our fans can expect all 12 teams back on the race course when racing kicks o in New York.”

SailGP made the decision to cancel May’s Enel Rio Sail Grand Prix after identifying a potential defect in select wingsails across the F50 ﬂeet. The issue was discovered following testing and analysis of the Australia SailGP Team’s wingsail collapse in San Francisco in March.

engaging a global youth audience and educating them about the vital role clean energy plays. By connecting green energy concepts with real-world sports narratives, participants learn in ways that are relatable and impactful. The aim is to ignite conversations around green solutions, educate young minds and equip the next generation with the skills to tackle pressing climate challenges.

To enter, participants will showcase their creativity and knowledge producing short videos, breaking down renewable energy concepts or highlighting realworld green innovations for the chance to win a grand cash prize, alongside runnerup prizes. Teachers and schools can also bring the challenge into the classroom with a school pack designed to allow young people under 16 to participate, supported by free climate education resources on the 1851 Trust’s digital platform STEM Crew.

In collaboration as ‘Race for the Future Purpose Partner’ to Emirates GBR the 1851 Trust developed a library of free climate resources for 8 – 16-year-olds (available on its digital education platform STEM Crew). These resources empower

young people with the knowledge to take climate action, accelerating changes in behaviours and helping the next generation become the environmental problem solvers of the future. This initiative continues their joint mission to educate three million young people about the climate crisis by the end of the 2025 Season.

The #PowerUp Challenge will play a central role in the team’s submission for the Impact League, SailGP’s competition that runs alongside the on-water sailing championship and rewards teams for taking action to protect the planet and make sailing more inclusive. In Season 4, the Emirates GBR SailGP Team claimed victory in the Impact League, and is setting its sights on defending the title. This challenge not only raises awareness but also connects young talent to realworld opportunities in the renewable energy sector, with Emirates GBR’s purpose partner Low Carbon o ering mentorship opportunities to young people interested in green skill jobs. The renewable energy sector alone is expected to create 40 million new jobs by 2050; young people can register for this opportunity by participating in the #PowerUp Challenge on the Goodwall App. Deadline for entries is 22 June 2025: www.stemcrew.org/goodwall

Image: Simon Bruty for SailGP

NAUTICAL READS

THE KNOT BIBLE 2ND EDITION

The Complete Guide to Knots and Their Uses

By Nic Compton | £25 www.bloomsbury.com

With a beautiful modern design and highly illustrated with full colour photographs and instructive diagrams, The Knot Bible remains accessible to sailors of all levels of experience. This second edition has been updated and improved throughout and now also features extra sections showing photographs of each knot category used in a practical nautical setting as well as new material on splicing double braid rope.

PADDLE

THE EAST OF ENGLAND

The Best Places to Go with a Paddleboard, Kayak or Canoe

By Oliver Jordan, Matthew Payne, Andrew Large, Jessica Ashley £17.99 www.bloomsbury.com

From short paddles to longer expeditions, this book includes excursions for all levels of ability, with most well suited to a canoe, kayak and paddleboard. Responsible paddling is covered thoroughly, with a guide to safety equipment and how to use it properly, staying environmentally aware and advice on licensing. Each chapter details the best places to stop, and the wildlife to look out for along the way.

NEW HOME AT SHAMROCK QUAY

Blue Funnel’s MV ‘Ocean Scene’ and MV ‘Jenny Blue’ are moving to a new permanent home at MDL’s Shamrock Quay Marina in Southampton.

A familiar sight on Solent waters, Ocean Scene is ideal for sightseeing, private charters and special events; from its new home at Shamrock Quay, it will be easier than ever to explore the region’s coastline and maritime attractions. The smaller Jenny Blue o ers shorter local excursions and dock tours and is also available for private hire and ferry services.

Upon completion of the move, the vessels will beneﬁt from a dedicated pontoon at the recently acquired Millstone Point site. This strategic relocation will consolidate Blue Funnel’s entire operation at Shamrock Quay.

WIN THIS BOOK - 2 TO BE WON

WARSHIP 2025

Edited by John Jordan Hardback | £45 Bloomsbury Publishing

For over 45 years, Warship has been the leading annual resource on the design, development and deployment of the world’s combat ships.

Featuring a broad range of articles from a select panel of distinguished international contributors, Warship combines original research, new book reviews, warship notes, an image gallery and much more, maintaining the impressive standards of scholarship and research with which the annual has become synonymous.

Detailed and accurate information is the hallmark of all the articles, which

are fully supported by plans, data tables and stunning photographs.

This year’s Warship includes features on France’s ﬁrst destroyers, the turn-of-the-century 300-tonne type; Denmark’s H-class submarines of World War II; Italy’s proposed battlecruiser designs; the Imperial Japanese Navy’s Chikuma-class protected cruisers; Soviet S-class submarines; and the ﬁrst of a series on Imperial Germany’s torpedo boats and destroyers.

To be in with a chance of winning a copy of Warship 2025 enter at www.allatsea.co.uk or by email to editor@allatsea.co.uk with the subject header ‘Warship 2025’ Competition.

Q: This year’s Warship includes Soviet S-class what?

Lee Rayment, Operations Director at Blue Funnel, said: “Shamrock Quay will be the perfect home for Ocean Scene and Jenny Blue. The facilities are excellent, and there is a great marina atmosphere. Having everything in one place means we can o er an even better experience for our customers.”

Located on the River Itchen, Shamrock Quay is steeped in maritime heritage and is home to a thriving boating community. The 255-berth marina o ers a wide range of services and facilities including reﬁt and boat-building services, specialist marine trades and a 70m superyacht berth. It is also home to the popular dining venue, The Bistro Shamrock Quay.

Image: Pip Hare

PRINCE MICHAEL OF KENT ATTENDS CEREMONY FOR DUNKIRK LITTLE SHIP

At the end of May the 1934 Dunkirk Little Ship Llanthony was part of a flotilla of more than 75 Little Ships which made their way from Ramsgate to Dunkirk to mark the 85th anniversary of Operation Dynamo.

The day before, there was another special celebration for Llanthony as she was presented with a broad pennant to fly at the mast and engraved brass plaque as one of National Historic Ships UK’s (NHSUK) Flagships of the Year for 2025. In attendance at the ceremony was HRH Prince Michael of Kent (pictured above).

The pennant and plaque were presented to Llanthony’s owner Ross Ahlgren by Admiral Sir George Zambellas, Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports; and NHSUK Council of Experts member and Royal Museums Greenwich Curator of the Ship Model and Small Boats Collection, Simon Stephens. The flag was raised by Stephen Dennett from the family-owned Dennetts Boatyard, which completed an award-winning restoration of the vessel last year.

One of four very different historic vessels awarded Flagship of the Year status by NHS-UK, Llanthony was built by the yacht designers Camper & Nicholson in 1934 and was once owned by Lord Astor. She saved 280 lives at Dunkirk, and her 20-year-old commander was awarded the Navy’s Distinguished Service Cross.

Among the commemorative fleet of Dunkirk

Little Ships marking the Return to Dunkirk at Ramsgate were a significant number of vessels listed on the National Register of Historic Vessels, managed by NHS-UK. These included four previous Flagships – steam tug Challenge (2024), 1931 motor yacht Breda (1921), 1924 paddle steamer Medway Queen (2020) and 1927 fishing vessel Caronia (2017). NHS-UK’s annual Flagship Awards have been running since 2009. The Awards provide an opportunity to demonstrate and celebrate the value of historic vessels to the wider public.

The four 2025 Flagships are:

● Barnabas – 1881 Cornish fishing vessel, now teaching the unique skills of sailing and preserving traditional boats to the local community

● Sir Walter Scott – Victorian passenger steamship celebrating 125 years of steaming on Loch Katrine in the Scottish Highlands

● Llanthony – 1930s Gentleman’s Motor Yacht which saved 280 lives at Dunkirk and recently completed an award-winning restoration

● Dane – 1947 Narrowboat which carried cargo in the Potteries and is now a vital part of the educational offering at the Middleport Pottery heritage site

Book your place at the biggest dinghy and keelboat regatta in the UK. Starting on Monday 11 August, the five days of racing are hosted by Hayling Island Sailing Club.

This event is hugely popular amongst racers across Chichester Harbour and clubs across the UK and beyond. Last year nearly 600 competitors in

Secretary

Pam Marrs

SINGING & SPINNING WHEELS

Catch The Orwellermen’s shanty ride to Falmouth this month.

Would it be silly to suggest cycling to the Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival?

It was an o and remark from the skipper of Su olk’s own shanty crew, The Orwellermen. A light-hearted suggestion, surely? But like a well-sung chorus, the idea was quickly picked up, voices joined in and before long, a plan was in motion.

The mission? A 450-mile cycling adventure from Ipswich to Falmouth, spreading the joy of sea shanties and raising funds for three deserving charities along the way: RNLI, Prostate Cancer UK and Selig, an Ipswich-based homeless support charity.

Their goal? To raise £4,500; £1 for every mile pedalled by each of the 10 determined cyclists.

Meet The Orwellermen

Hailing from the banks of the River Orwell, this spirited sea shanty crew is more than just a singing group – they are a community. At their regular gatherings in Ipswich’s Steamboat Tavern, all are welcome, whether seasoned sea dogs or landlubbers just dipping their toes into the world of shanties.

Though relatively new to the scene, The Orwellermen are already making waves, having performed at the Harwich Festival, the Ipswich Maritime Trust’s Heritage Day and countless pubs and clubs across Su olk.

Now, they are taking their music beyond the coastline, bringing the roar of the sea to the landlocked counties of southern England. As they cycle from pub to pub, they will be entertaining audiences

with rousing renditions of shanty classics like Drunken Sailor and The Wellerman, inviting locals to sing along and join in the spirit of camaraderie.

A Festival Like No Other

Their ultimate destination? The Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival, a threeday maritime music extravaganza held from 13 - 15 June. Established in 2003, the festival is a haven for shanty lovers, keeping the spirit of the sea alive through music, history and plenty of good ale. With performances across the town - from bustling harborside stages to intimate pub gigs - it attracts crews from across the UK, Brittany, Holland, Spain, Canada and Ireland. For The Orwellermen, this is their Glastonbury - a chance to join the international shanty community and showcase their sound to thousands of festivalgoers.

Where To Catch Them

Before reaching Falmouth, they will be making several stops to perform, ensuring that towns along the way get a taste of maritime magic:

■ 30 May – Jubilee Hall, Aldeburgh ■ 7 June – The Swan, Isleworth ■ 9 June – Tuckers Grave, Radstock ■ 10 June – The Green Dragon, Wellington ■ 11 June – The George Inn, Hatherleigh ■ 12 June – Westbury Hotel, Bodmin ■ 14 - 15 June – Various locations, Falmouth With voices strong and legs even stronger, The Orwellermen are proving that shanties and cycling make for the perfect voyage. Keep an eye (and an ear) out for them on the road, and if they stop at a pub near you - buy them a pint and join in the chorus!

Find out more about their journey at www.orwellermen.org.uk or follow them on Facebook (@Orwellermen). Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival: www.falmouthseashanty.co.uk

The Orwellermen aboard the Sailing Barge Victor in Ipswich Inner Harbour

Ready to cycle across the country in their new tour T-Shirts

GET READY FOR SIBS

Southampton International Boat Show returns with a bold new vision.

The Southampton International Boat Show is returning to the South Coast this September with a new layout, exciting new attractions and an expanded line-up of on and off-water experiences. Many much-loved features will also return.

For boat owners, maritime businesses, watersports enthusiasts and anyone active in – or looking to get into – the marine leisure lifestyle, the Southampton International Boat Show is a highlight of the boating calendar. This year’s 10-day extravaganza will be held from 19 - 28 September, with visitors entering via a new main entrance in the port city’s Mayflower Park.

With over 600 exhibiting brands and activities for all levels, it is the ultimate destination for experienced boaters and newcomers alike to discover new technologies, enhance their on-the-water skills and explore hundreds of different types of craft on Europe’s largest purposebuilt show marina.

What’s new for 2025?

Beyond the newly designed show entrance, a fresh look and feel will continue. To complement returning features, organisers are actively planning new dedicated areas for powerboats (The Powerhub), fishing enthusiasts (Angler’s Alley) and anyone looking to hone their boating skills and learn new tips and tricks in a hands-on environment (The Boating Academy). A programme of talks will take place across the show and feature an impressive line-up of soon-to-be-announced speakers.

There is also a brand-new Waterside Lounge for premium ticket holders. The Lounge will provide a stylish space to relax and soak up the atmosphere in between exploring the show.

Marvel at the marina

The Southampton International Boat Show’s purpose-built marina, which offers on-water attractions and sea trials, will showcase around 300 vessels of all shapes and sizes.

An evolved layout with boats grouped by type will make it easy for visitors to find the specific type of craft they are looking for.

From the world’s most prestigious sailing and powerboats to high-end tenders and chase boats, the showcase marina caters for every boating enthusiast’s dream.

“We trialled a more zonal approach to our showcase marina last year, and the feedback from both exhibitors and guests was overwhelmingly positive. The new layout ensures that motor yachts, sailboats, demo boats and luxury motor yachts each have dedicated space, making them easier to find and improving the overall visitor experience,” explains Jasmine Hill, Event Director at British Marine, organisers of the show. “Spaces in the marina are filling up quickly. If you are thinking about reserving a berth at this year’s show, we would recommend doing so soon to guarantee your place.”

Back by popular demand

Every year, there is always so much to see and do at the Southampton International Boat Show, and this year is no different.

All At Sea will bring you all the news of headline boat appearances, key exhibitors and star-studded on-stage performances over the coming months. In the meantime, let’s look at those industry-acclaimed features returning for 2025.

The Try a Boat experience with FlexiSail will once again offer the chance to experience

underwater skills. Visitors can also have a go at paddleboarding and kayaking with Rockley Watersports - all included in the price of admission.

Over at the show’s returning festival zone, The Shipyard will keep the good vibes flowing throughout the event with live music, late-night Saturdays with soon-tobe announced headline acts, family-friendly fun and an array of gourmet street food across the 10 days of the show.

SHOW TICKETS

the joys of boating, as visitors take to the water on a range of sailing yachts and motor cruisers, included in the show’s entrance fee. FlexiSail’s expert team will be on hand to guide novices and seasoned enthusiasts alike, offering top-tier equipment and ensuring a safe environment for all.

Also returning are marine accessibility champions, Wetwheels, offering all disabled people exhilarating powerboat rides in a safe, supported and inclusive environment.

For high-octane spectator thrills, the On The Water stage, set within the marina, will once again showcase a stunt programme to captivate audiences of all ages.

The line-up for 2025 will feature jawdropping jet ski stunts from champion Jack Moule, plus other feats of aquatic athleticism, soon to be announced.

The Dive Tank, brought to the show again this year by scuba specialists, Andark, is another of the participatory attractions included with the Southampton International Boat Show ticket price.

Complete beginners can experience diving for the first time under expert guidance, whilst seasoned PADI pros can test out the very latest kit and improve their

Meanwhile, those who love to ‘shop ‘til you drop’ are guaranteed a plethora of nautical clothing brands, sunglasses, marine gadgets and other chandlery in retail areas across the show.

The Southampton International Boat Show is not your ordinary maritime exhibition; it is a destination for discovery, offering the perfect blend of adventure, innovation, knowledgesharing and celebration. Read all the show news you need, right here, every month!

n Second-wave tickets are available for a limited time and start from £24.99 each (concessions from £19.99). Children 15 and under go free with each adult.

n To purchase tickets and keep up-to-date with all the latest news, announcements and information about this year’s Southampton International Boat Show, visit www.southamptonboatshow.com.

n You can also follow and engage with the show on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.

“It

is the ultimate destination for experienced boaters and newcomers alike to discover new technologies, enhance their on-the-water skills and explore hundreds of different types of craft on Europe’s largest purpose-built show marina”

All Images: Paul Wyeth

BITS & PIECES

ZHIK PFDS

Zhik has introduced the Performance Racecut PFD and Active PFD. Built for elite racers, the Zhik Performance Racecut PFD refines PFD design to deliver a lowprofile, high-performance fit that maximises freedom of movement. The versatile, a ordable Active PFD, meanwhile, is designed for multi-sport water enthusiasts. It balances performance and comfort, making it ideal for sailors, paddlers and allaround adventurers.

Performance Racecut PFD: £99.95

Active PFD: £74.95 www.zhik.com

ZHIK PFD COMPETITION! TURN TO PAGE 25 TO ENTER

PERFORMANCE SUNGLASSES

Typhoon International has developed its ﬁrst-ever dedicated sunglasses range. Engineered to enhance visual clarity whilst protecting against the harsh marine environment, the L-Series, K-Series and S-Series sunglasses provide polarised UV400 lenses for superior sun protection, with styles for men, women and children. The L-Series features a ﬂoating frame, perfect for high-intensity watersports, while the S-Series includes removable side shields to block glare, ideal for long days on the water. Broadening the collection further, they have also included a selection of sports visors, providing high-performance eye protection options to suit every type of watersports enthusiast. typhoon-int.co.uk

IC-M94DE HANDHELD RADIO

Icom’s IC-M94DE is a revolutionary marine VHF handheld radio featuring an integrated AIS receiver, DSC and GPS. It is the world’s ﬁrst handheld marine radio that allows users to receive information from other AIS-equipped vessels. The radio’s large, clear display shows essential vessel tra c information. With its sleek design and user-friendly features, this device is a game changer for anyone venturing out to sea, whether for recreation or work. Plus, it is buoyant, adding to its practicality. The IC-M94DE can be purchased from authorised Icom Marine Dealers nationwide.

£389.99

www.icomuk.co.uk

ATLAS 190 DLX HAMMAR LIFEJACKET

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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.

WONDERFUL WEYMOUTH

The 2012 Olympics may seem like a distant memory, but the sailing legacy of the Games is as strong as ever, as shown by a recent trip to Weymouth.

It is something of a sobering thought that with the Paris Olympics, along with the Olympic Regatta in Marseilles, now behind us, there have been three full four-year cycles of Games since those heady days of London 2012, when once again the UK played host to the world.

Going back even further, as the event venues were being constructed, one of the questions being asked was if the spiralling costs would provide anything in the way of a long-term legacy. It is a valid thought, as around the world pictures abound of deserted and unloved swimming pools, velodromes and gym halls, all built at huge expense and then forgotten when the Olympic circus left the town.

LONG-TERM VISION

Luckily in the UK we managed things a lot better and the investment in our sports that brought us so much in the way of golden success is still fuelling the aspiration of the next generation of Olympians. Sailing has been particularly lucky, as once London had been chosen as the 2012 host city, the focus could shift onto Weymouth which would be the location for the Olympic Regatta. A lot had to be done, not least the construction of a new access road down into the town from the main A35 at Dorchester. Anyone who had tried to get into the town before 2012 would remember the endless crawl through Weymouth’s northern suburbs, but the relief road made access easy (though this can still jam up with holidaymakers in the summer).

Just across the causeway that links Portland to the mainland, a site had been found for a new, dedicated Olympic Centre, and for three weeks in the summer of 2012 this became the focal point of the sailing world as Team GB sailed to the top of the podium.

WEYMOUTH’S LEGACY

What was left after the waters of Portland Harbour were returned to the locals was an amazing shoreside facility, but one that was very much built around functionality. The site was now known as the W&PNSA, the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, and as the access point to one of the best sailing areas in the UK, if not in the world, they set about working to attract top quality fleets looking for a Championship venue.

The Academy team soon built an enviable reputation for themselves for running superbly managed on-water events, yet the attraction of heading

has been the new ‘man on the helm’ at the Academy. Jon is one of those characters who has been around the sailing dinghy scene for as long as most can remember, as a competitor, event organiser and also a dedicated supporter of his son who was working his way up through the Olympic sailing squad hierarchy.

It is therefore fair to say that Jon knows how to make an event run like clockwork afloat yet also has a deep understanding of how sailors like things to be when they come back ashore.

It has not taken Jon and his top team long to start making changes that in hindsight are long overdue. The cafeteria has been redecorated and is now a welcoming place for a bacon butty (the breakfast of champions) and a latte, with the food and drink sensibly priced.

The next step is the construction of an outside bar, where sailors can congregate post sailing for that all essential re-hydration. The pace is hot, as this and some other developments needed to be in place for the start of what is shaping up to be an amazing season of topflight competition that will be pulling in sailors from around the world.

BUSY CALENDAR

On top of a number of smaller events being run by the Academy, things were going ‘big’ in late May, when the International 14 fleet, both the super high-tech modern boats and a classic fleet that contains some of the very oldest dinghies still racing, came to town for the running of the prestigious Prince of Wales Cup, one of the most sought after prizes in dinghy sailing.

Just a couple of weeks later the 505s are next in for their Championship, with this event shared with the Supernovas, then just a week later it is the turn of the H2s and Finns.

However, these top events are just a warmup for what is to come mid-July, when upwards of 240 foiling Waszps are expected from across the globe for the first of two World Championships the Academy will be running. A month

to Portland could be offset by the lack of any great sense of welcome ashore. The well-found cafeteria was painted in a hard, stark white which gave it the appearance of a cross between an industrial facility and a hospital waiting room.

The stories are legion (and sadly true) of thirsty sailors coming ashore to be told that the bar was closed; some of the Australian visitors would have been forgiven if they had started singing about the pub with no beer!

CHANGING TIMES

As we all know, times are hard these days for public facilities and there is little in the way of money to be thrown around. W&PNSA are not a grant recipient, instead they are a self-funded not for profit organisation that has one clear aim: to provide a world class experience afloat and ashore.

At this point we bring in Jonathan Tweedle, who since late last summer

later and it will be the Uffa Fox designed Flying 15s, again a full international gathering for their World event, one that will surely see Weymouth and Portland firmly in the focus of the world’s sailing media (and All at Sea will be on hand for all of these events).

Although the pace does then ease a little, Jon and his team will continue running events into the autumn and winter, as the Olympic Regatta at Los Angeles 2028 starts to figure much larger in our top sailors’ plans. The facilities at the Academy are just so good that the relationship with the RYA, Team GB and the drive for medal success in 2028 will see even more sailing taking place.

For Jon and his team, the saying that you are only as good as your next event could never be truer, as already the next stage of their plans starts to take shape. All at Sea wishes them well, the Academy really is one of the jewels in the UK’s sailing crown.

Next month: There is so much more to Weymouth, as All at Sea rounds the corner of the breakwater and heads into the town itself.

images:

 The waters of Portland Harbour have to rate as one of the best sailing areas anywhere - and then of course there are the wide open spaces of Weymouth Bay just beyond the Harbour Wall

The cafeteria at the Academy had long been the butt of jokes courtesy of a somewhat soulless atmosphere, but it has now been redecorated, restyled and is a popular gathering point for food, beverages and the essential talking about sailing

Come rain

shine, from dawn to dust, seven days a week, the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy is busy with boats out sailing

The sense of sailing history is strong at Weymouth. From the signs as you approach the town along the ‘new’ relief road to the official five ring structure, the message is clear. THIS is where it all happened!

MY FAVOURITE HARBOUR…

In this occasional series Cruising Association members share stories of their favourite harbours. This month Gordon Knight makes his way to the market town of Louhans in Burgundy.

Most boats heading downstream on the River Saône in France past the historic town of Tournus (often bound for the Mediterranean) barely notice the entrance to a small lock on the left bank around 5km south. Operated on request by a resident (and seldom very busy) lock keeper, it is an easily-missed gateway to one of the most beautiful and tranquil short cruises to be found anywhere in the country, the culmination of which is arrival at the important and historic market town of Louhans, capital of the Bresse region, 39kms upriver. Louhans lies at the heart of a wide, fertile plain and is best known for its agricultural produce, including the celebrated Bresse chickens, worshipped by French chefs and distinguished by the noticeably blue tinge of the skin on their feet. Its most photographed feature is its 17th century Grande Rue with its 157 arcades, which offer welcome shelter on hot summer days and enough quirky boutiques to satisfy the most dedicated shopaholic.

The weekly Monday market, held continuously since the 13th century, is another colourful ‘must visit’, with its kaleidoscope of vegetable and produce stalls and pens of squawking Bresse chickens ready for the knife. The 14th century church of Saint-Pierre just south of the Grande Rue is another notable sight, with its polychrome tiled roof ablaze in the sunshine and lovely stained-glass windows.

Indoor attractions in the town include the historic Louhans-Châteaurenaud hospital with its ancient apothecary (boasting a spectacular collection of pharmacy jars from down the ages) and the print works of the former newspaper L’Indépendant du Louhannais et du Jura, now a museum of printing with its historic machinery all still in working order.

WINDING RIVER

The route into the Bresse region from the River Saone follows the course of the lovely, winding River Seille, which was canalised in the early 1800s with the construction of the access lock and three smaller locks to facilitate navigation from the River Saône to Louhans and its busy market. Today it is little used for commercial traffic (apart from

the occasional tripper boat) and is well supplied with mooring opportunities for leisure vessels at intervals along its length, making it a memorable cruise in its own right. With normal depths of at least 1.3m and standard French air draft of 3.5m, it is accessible to most inland waterways boats and even some shallow-draft or lifting keel sailing yachts.

The access lock is standard Freycinet dimensions and is best approached from downstream, especially when the River Saône is in spate. The lock is manually operated by the lock keeper (who appreciates a hand with the gates) and once through into the river it is barely a hundred metres to the quiet village of La Truchère, where there is a good pontoon with water and electricity, managed by one of the three local restaurants (stern-to mooring at busy times).

While the village itself is a typical and rather nondescript French rural settlement, there are excellent walks on the south side of the waterway along the former course of the Veille Seille, now a nature reserve boasting kingfishers, curlews, cuckoos, black kites and even a small population of coypu (becoming naturalised on many French waterways).

SMALL CHATEAUX

From La Truchère the river winds past several small châteaux en route to the next mooring opportunity at Cuisery. Before then, one has to negotiate the first of the quaint, hand-operated locks. The process involves mooring on a (very short) pontoon, opening the sluices if necessary and operating the lock gates by spinning a heavy turntable, the gears of which engage a chain to open and close them. If the lock is full, opening the sluices in the gates causes a strong eddy, so fender well when tying up to the waiting pontoon!

The moorings at Cuisery are operated by the nearby campsite and from there it is a 10 minute uphill walk to the village. Cuisery is famed as the Burgundy equivalent of the UK’s Hay on Wye, with a Grande Rue that is choc-a-bloc with secondhand book shops and a monthly market (usually in the first week of each month) which attracts bibliophiles from all over the region. For those in search of less intellectual nourishment, there is also a sizeable Colruyt supermarket.

A further 5km upriver just beyond the next lock at Loisy is another mooring point, a small two to three boat pontoon with water and electricity just downstream of a picturesque 18th century mill. The village itself is delightfully rural, boasting traditional farmhouses with unusual double pitched roofs, courtyards with hens having dust baths, dozing farm cats and barns alive with swallows swooping in and out. Loisy’s other claim to fame is the superb but private Château de Loisy, of which you get a magnificent view just after leaving the lock at Loisy.

After passing through this lock, the river winds past farms dedicated to rearing the famous Bresse chickens. Protected under EU laws or origin, they are reared outdoors and fed a specific, controlled diet to give them their unique flavour. Much appreciated by French gourmets, a single bird will typically retail for around €60!

17km upriver is a narrow channel to the north which leads to the small town of Branges, where there is a busy and popular (but shallow) pair of finger pontoons accommodating up to four boats with no facilities. Getting there involves running the gauntlet of a hire base halfway up the channel, where if the boats are rafted two or more deep access to the pontoons is challenging to say the least! The town has little anyway to prompt a diversion, and most boats continue into the lock cut towards the final lock, after which it is a further 3km to the end of the navigation at Louhans, where a stay of up to a week is barely enough to take in the numerous attractions of the town and its surrounding region.

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LONG PONTOON

Arriving boats are well provided for, with a municipal halte nautique consisting of a long pontoon with room for around 20 boats stern-to, supplied with water and electricity, toilets, WiFi and an adjacent Brasserie du Port. However, as one of France’s famed gastronomic centres there are more quality restaurants than you could shake a stick at in the town, some 10-15 minutes’ walk away. Food stores include a convenient Spar supermarket just west of the entrance to the Grande Rue, and Carrefour, Leclerc and Aldi supermarkets within 15-20 minutes’ walk from the pontoon.

So, if you happen to be passing Tournus bound for Mâcon, Lyon or the fleshpots of the Med, do not forget to look left. You could be missing out a memorable cruise upriver to one of France’s best hidden haunts!

Gordon Knight

Gordon Knight spent 40 years cruising under sail, mostly in his Oyster 435 ketch Athene of Lymington in Northern European waters and throughout the Mediterranean. During that time he was an active administrator on the World Cruising Wiki. In 2015 he purchased a Nowee 38, Cheyenne of Lymington, and now spends much of the year cruising the European inland waterways with his wife Soophy. He is a member of the CA’s European Inland Waterways Section (EIWS) - www.theca.org. uk/public/sections/ei

The historic market town of Louhans

View of Château de Loisy

Cuisery is famed as the Burgundy equivalent of Hay on Wye

A lock at Loisy

The quiet village of La Truchère

SPOTLIGHT

ADVENTURE SAILING FOR A GOOD CAUSE

One of the UK’s most historic vessels, Excelsior LT472 is a traditional Lowestoft fishing smack, built more than a century ago and now offering sailing days and adventures for all.

When a nervous teenager steps on board a sail training vessel for the first time, totally out of their comfort zone and maybe even quite scared, they have no idea that what is about to happen to them will probably fundamentally change them in some way. Vessels of varying age, rig and size across the UK take young people out to sea for these life-changing adventures. Sometimes they voyage somewhere locally on the UK coast, sometimes they cross seas to mingle with new-found friends abroad.

On the way they learn how to work as a genuinely needed part of a team (because if you do not show up for your 4am watch, everyone suffers), develop resilience (throwing up over the side but knowing that without you, dinner will not happen) and discover things about

themselves they never knew (you can survive for 24 hours or more without phone signal).

AARON’S STORY

Aaron sailed with Excelsior in 2024, voyaging from Dunbar to Orkney in conditions challenging for a beginner.

Aaron said: “I felt amazing knowing that I had not given up. Just knowing that I had the strength, courage and resilience to keep going is something that I will always remember. If times get tough in my future, I am going to always remember that I am able both mentally and physically to keep going and know at the other end there will be huge rewards.”

Aaron was part of a group of young people who, for various personal reasons, were not engaging with mainstream education. Their teacher reported profound changes in each of them after the trip.

SEASPRAY BOATS

We discuss important topics with marine industry experts who share their opinions and top tips to help you get the most from your boating.

Many young people who take part in sail training are not only those who would never normally get the chance to sail, but those experiencing difficulties in their lives. Charities like Excelsior Trust spend a good deal of their resources fundraising and undertaking outreach, to make sure these young people can access the opportunity.

ADULTS WELCOMED

However, did you know that sail training is not just for youngsters? Many of the UK’s sail training vessels support their youth programmes by welcoming adult groups, and adults who complete these voyages also report similar personal transformation.

Last summer Excelsior hosted an innovative artists’ residency to the Faroe Islands, followed by an adventure from Shetland to Norway, Sweden and Denmark, and then finally Lithuania. Summer 2025 will see Excelsior embark on a similar programme, with spaces for adults to join and do their part in providing opportunities for young people.

“We cannot wait to go to Denmark this season,” said Charlotte Hathaway, Excelsior’s skipper. “The Limfjorden Rundt is a cacophony of historic Scandinavian ships all jostling for space and pulling into a different Danish port each night for a party. It is going to be so much fun.”

Afterwards, Excelsior will also offer spaces to the general public to have a fully hands-on experience sailing the ship across the North Sea back to her home port of Lowestoft.

Charlotte said: “This is going to be an amazing way to take full part in learning to sail a large traditional rig on a really special historic old lady.”

Find out more about Excelsior’s sailing programme: www.theexcelsiortrust. co.uk/2025-sailing-programme

Find out how to donate and get involved: www.theexcelsiortrust.co.uk

MYTHICAL CORNWALL

The British Isles are steeped in myth. Every county can boast its own legendary characters, but none more so than Cornwall. Sailor, scuba diver and would be mermaid, Susannah Hart takes us on a journey around Cornwall, uncovering just a few of the intriguing stories that have shaped its lore and landscape.

Stretching over 400 miles, Cornwall has the longest coastline of any county in Great Britain. With the sea playing an essential

The Mermaid of Zennor Along the Atlantic coast between St Ives and St Just, nestled between the rugged cli s and the brooding, windswept moor, the village of Zennor plays host to one of Cornwall’s most enchanting mermaid legends.

Centuries ago, it is said that an exquisitely dressed lady occasionally attended the medieval St Senara’s Church in the heart of Zennor. The stranger was often remarked upon for her beauty and the sweetness of her voice as she sang. Over the years, she never appeared to age, and no one ever knew from where this mysterious woman came.

One day Matthew Trewella, a choir boy and son of the churchwarden, followed her from the church. Neither was ever seen again. Sometime later, a mile or so north-west of Zennor,

The Padstow Mermaid

Tucked away on the weathered north coast, the thriving ﬁshing village of Padstow claims a legend that reveals the less enchanting and darker, more deadly side of Cornwall’s mermaid lore. As so often with folklore no one knows exactly when this took place, but long ago a woman with ﬂowing hair and an otherworldly presence was spotted sitting on a rock near the mouth of the River Camel just o Padstow.

Believing her to be a mermaid, one version of the story has a curious ﬁsherman trying to capture her. Another more tragic telling has a ﬁsherman enthralled by her

part in Cornish life, past and present, it is unsurprising that many of the tales told are connected to this enchanting county’s coastal waters, towering cli s and seafaring villages.

a ship was anchored o Pendour Cove. Legend has it that a mermaid appeared, requesting the anchor be weighed, as one of the ﬂukes was resting on her door. Superstitious and believing mermaids to be a bad omen, the sailors obliged.

The story spread quickly to the village where it was agreed that this mermaid must be the beguiling lady who had visited the church and bewitched young Matthew Trewella, enticing him away with her. The villagers commemorated the story and honoured the memory of Matthew Trewella by having a mermaid carved into the end of one of the pews. Over 400 years later, the ‘mermaid chair’ still stands in St Senara’s church.

Beautiful and mysterious, mermaids surface frequently in Cornish folklore, with the two most recounted tales presenting very di erent faces of these enigmatic icons.

This tale has inspired many works of art and literature since Cornish folklorist William Bottrell documented it in 1873. More recently, the late author, Helen Dunmore, used the legend’s names and location to great e ect in her Ingo series, taking the reader on a journey into the heart of a magical underwater world – a world that draws in adults and children alike!

siren song, raising his musket and ﬁring when the beautiful creature refused to marry him, with disastrous consequences for the prosperous local seafaring community.

Mortally wounded, she is said to have cursed the harbour with her dying breath as she disappeared beneath the waves.

Not long after, a storm blew up and the seas began to shift forming a long and treacherous sandbar across the entrance to the estuary - the Doom Bar. Invisible at high tide and lethal to ships trying to reach safe harbour, over the centuries it has claimed more than 600 ships, littering the bar with wrecks and the

bodies of drowned sailors. Passed down through generations, this story is steeped in myth, but the Doom Bar is very real and remains one of the most hazardous sandbanks on the Cornish coast.

And just as the Mermaid of Zennor has been the inspiration for characters in contemporary literature, the Doom Bar conjured by the Padstow Mermaid takes its place in modern culture: Sharp’s, the Cornish brewery, named one of its most popular ales ‘Doom Bar’ in homage to the local legend – a ﬁne pint to enjoy while telling tall tales! And from the sirens of the sea to the giants of the land...

The Giant Bolster

Six miles from the bustling holiday town and popular surf spot of Perranporth, you will find the wild but cosy beach of Chapel Porth. Set in an old mining valley between two towering cli s, Chapel Porth boasts one of Cornwall’s largest mythical figures and has firmly put it on the tourist trail.

Bolster was a giant who fell in love with St Agnes, a missionary. Sadly, he was already married, and so St Agnes rejected him. To rid herself of his attentions, she mean-spiritedly told Bolster that to prove his devotion he would have to ﬁll a hole in the ground at Chapel Porth with his blood! Lovesick, and so large that he could stand with one foot on St Agnes Beacon and the other on

Cormoran the Giant Cormoran was a giant who made St Michael’s Mount his stronghold. Immensely strong, he is said to have built the island himself by hauling boulders across from the mainland, creating the rocky foundations that still rise from the sea today.

Towering and fearsome, he terrorised the locals. At night, he would wade across the causeway with his booming footsteps shaking the ground as he raided farms - stealing cattle and gorging on sheep.

The people of nearby Mazarion lived in constant fear of his return, until a brave local lad

From mysterious mermaids to colossal giants, Cornwall’s legends are deeply rooted in its dramatic landscapes and seafaring past. Passed down through generations, these stories reﬂect this county’s unwavering connection to its environment, its history and its people.

Whether carved into the pew of a parish church, embedded in the

Carn Brea, Bolster agreed. Little did he know, the hole led down to the sea. When he opened a vein and allowed his blood to flow, it flowed and continued to flow without any chance of filling that hole. Bolster eventually collapsed and died. Forever shaping the landscape and keeping the legend alive, the hole is still there and a red stain on the rocks is said to be where Bolster’s blood flowed down to no avail.

The ill-fated Bolster is not the only legendary giant in Cornwall. Long before tourists crossed the causeway for cream teas, the ancient island of St Micheal’s Mount on Cornwall’s south coast was the setting for one of the county’s most eminent tales of giants and bravery.

called Jack decided to put an end to the tyranny.

Using cunning rather than brute strength, Jack is said to have waited until the giant was asleep on the mount, before digging a deep pit on the path Cormoran used to make his way to the mainland.

At dawn, Jack blew a horn to wake the giant. Enraged and still half-asleep, Cormoran came stomping down the path - only to fall straight into the pit where Jack beheaded him with an axe.

Order was restored to this peaceful coastal community and another Cornish legend was born - Jack the Giant killer.

name of a notorious sandbar or marked on a cli side, these myths literally shape Cornwall and its cultural identity, lending meaning and allure to the places we visit. Here, we have barely scratched the surface; behind every cove, rock or headland, there may be a story waiting to be retold.

Chapel Porth beach and cli s at low tide near St Agnes

Pendour Cove, Cornwall

The Mermaid of Zennor

Image: Tim Knight/Shutterstock

PIRATES

Earlier this year a major exhibition, Pirates, opened at the National Maritime Museum, tracing the changing depictions of pirates throughout the ages and revealing the brutal history often obscured by ﬁction.

While sometimes portrayed as tricksters or scoundrels, pirates are primarily swashbuckling adventurers associated with lush islands, ﬂamboyant dress and buried treasure. ‘Pirates’ deconstructs these myths and illuminates the realities of pirate life, including those of the pirates Edward ‘Blackbeard’ Teach, William Kidd, Anne Bonny and Mary Read.

In Britain today, we think of pirates from the Caribbean seas, but historic piratical activity was far reaching, taking di erent forms throughout the world. This exhibition covers piracy across the globe looking at the South China Sea, Indian Ocean and Barbary pirates who operated o the coast of North Africa.

Covering theatre, ﬁlm and fashion the exhibition brings together material from early literature on piracy in the eighteenth century to 1980s fashion. It features nearly 200 objects including loans from the National Archives, V&A and BFI.

THE PIRATE IMAGE

The ﬁrst section of the exhibition

‘The Pirate Image’ will explore popular culture and why pirates generate such fascination. Whether as comical characters, like Captain Pugwash, villains like Captain Hook and Long John Silver or anti-heroes like Captain Jack Sparrow, pirates have captured the imagination for generations.

From television to theatre, pirates are portrayed in a similar guise, bearded outlaws dressed in seventeenth-century fashion and sporting a tricorn hat. Much of this comes from Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson, the novel that popularised myths such as walking the plank, pet parrots and hiding treasure.

The exhibition will show how these tropes have been incorporated into a range of characters. A highlight loan will be a selection of original illustrations from the comedy animation Captain Pugwash. The artist and writer John Ryan (1921–2009) created the character of Captain Horatio Pugwash. He ﬁrst appeared in cartoon-strips before being featured in a television series using hand-animated ﬁgures. These simple but highly distinctive pirates continued to be popular o screen with more than 20 Pugwash books published.

Textile loans include the costume worn by Orlando Bloom in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl and a Vivienne Westwood ensemble from the 1981 ‘Pirate’ collection. Westwood’s designs, created with Malcom McLaren, were immediately impactful coinciding with the New Romantic movement popular in the early 1980s.

REAL PIRATES

Moving beyond ﬁction, ‘Real Pirates’ delves into tales of speciﬁc pirates focusing on the so-called ‘golden age’ of piracy from the 1680s to the 1720s. A key text informing this period was A General History of the Pyrates by Captain Charles Johnson, which narrates the lives of

“Much of this comes from Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson, the novel that popularised myths such as walking the plank, pet parrots and hiding treasure”

Exhibition Information

Pirates National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London 29 March 2025 – 4 January 2026

Tickets: Adult (16+) £15; Child (4-15) £7.50; Student £11.25 rmg.co.uk/pirates

Enquiries: 020 8858 4422 | bookings@rmg.co.uk

famous piratical ﬁgures. First published in 1724, it was an instant hit. Little is known about Johnson but it is now believed that he is an alias for the newspaper printer Nathaniel Mist (d.1737).

The NMM has one of the world’s most comprehensive collections of the A General History of the Pyrates thanks to Philip Gosse, the son of Edmund Gosse, a lifelong friend of Robert Louis Stevenson. Inspired by Stevenson, Philip began to acquire a pirate library, later purchased by the Museum.

The exhibition draws on this collection to show how Johnson’s various editions fed into and responded to popular ideas of pirates across Europe tracking how illustrations of pirates became more elaborate and theatrical to appeal to the public. Though ﬂawed, this book has remained an important historical source.

for

Captain Pugwash: A Pirate Story ﬁnally

GLOBAL PIRATES

In ‘Global Pirates’ highlight objects include a hanging captured from a junk in the fleet of the Chinese pirate Shap Ng-tsai, who was active in the mid-nineteenth century. Originally thought to be a flag, it is now believed to have been used in a shrine on board the ship dedicated to T’ien Hou, regarded as a calmer of storms and protectoress of marine commerce, fishermen and sailors.

Shap Ng-tsai’s ﬂeet of 27 junks was destroyed in a joint action by an AngloChinese squadron under Captain John Charles Dalrymple Hay and Major General Hwáng on 20 October 1849. Shap Ng-tsai succeeded in escaping, although his ship and its ﬂag were burned in this action.

Exploring Barbary piracy, the exhibition focuses on the Bombardment of Algiers, 1816, when a combined British Dutch force attacked Algiers in an attempt to resolve the longstanding issue of piracy on the north coast of Africa.

Since the seventeenth century European nations had settled into a stalemate with the states of Algiers, Tunis and Tripoli. Various treaties were signed between the British and Barbary Coast states to protect British interests in the region. After the Napoleonic Wars (1803–15), with Europe in relative peace, public opinion turned against the tacit acceptance of Barbary piracy and e orts were made to put an end to the practice.

The British o cers at Algiers commissioned a centrepiece from the leading London silversmith Paul Storr, presenting it to their commander, Admiral Pellew. It shows the fortress at Algiers, bristling with tiers of guns, and scenes of the bombardment. The surrounding ﬁgures represent British seamen ﬁghting Algerians and releasing Christian captives. The Bombardment resulted in the release of 3,000 Christian captives but came at a cost and was more deadly than the Battle of Trafalgar

The exhibition runs until 4 January 2026.

The ﬁrst edition of Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson, published in 1883, included a map drawn by the author. The map was an integral part of the story and was designed to spark readers’ imaginations about the adventure

Image: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London

The Bombardment of Algiers, 27 August 1816 by George Chambers (1836) depicts the Bombardment of Algiers, dramatically foregrounding British ships

Image: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London. Greenwich Hospital Collection

John Ryan initially struggled

ﬁnd a publisher

Captain Pugwash. After 12 rejections, publishers The Bodley Head saw the character’s potential.

appeared in 1957 Image: Isabel Ryan / Estate of John Ryan

The original costume for Will Turner from The Curse of the Black Pearl. Designed by Penny Rose, about 2002

Image: Penny Rose / CosProp

This hanging was seized from one of Shap Ng-tsai’s pirate junks on 20–21 October 1849. It is from a shipboard shine and shows Ziewi Dadi, one of the Four Heavenly Emperors in Cantonese cosmology

Image: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London

A General History of the Pyrates by Captain Charles Johnson, published by J. Watts, 1725

Image: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London

The Pirate Menace

Prologue from The Pirate Menace by Angus Konstam.

The steady north-easterly breeze filled the topsails of the small 20-gun frigate HMS Rose as she slipped cautiously between two scrub-covered islands –Hog Island to larboard (port) and tiny Silver Key to starboard. Once past them, she was in the sparkling blue waters of Nassau harbour’s main channel. Captain Thomas Whitney wasn’t taking any chances though. His guns were loaded and run out, and the gun crews were at their posts, with matchcord burning in the tubs next to the carriages. Ahead of them, across the harbour, lay a stone-built fort, while a large Frenchbuilt merchantman lying at anchor flew the flag of St George at her masthead. Behind her lay dozens of smaller vessels. Most of them were mere sloops, some flying the black flag of piracy. Whitney only had eyes for the fort as he ordered his topsails braced, to bring the frigate to a gliding stop.

It was now just after 6pm on Monday 25 July 1718. Captain Whitney was hoping for a signal – any sign –that his arrival was welcomed, and the pirates manning the fort weren’t planning to open fire. As he waited, his crew would have looked around, taking in the stench from the shore, which was covered in wooden shacks, makeshift sailcloth tents and a few, more substantial wooden buildings. To their left, along the southern shore of Hog Island, the bleached bones of dozens of vessels lay rotting in the early evening sunshine. Even the sparkling water and white sands couldn’t hide the shabbiness of the pirate haven. It was a tense moment – within seconds Whitney and his men could be fighting for their lives. Suddenly a gun cracked out, and smoke billowed. Surprisingly, it didn’t come from the fort, but from the merchant ship, which had now hoisted a black pirate flag at her mainmast. Seconds later a fountain of water erupted off their port beam. They were under fire.

In all, three shots were fired at them, over the space of several minutes. Whitney ordered the longboat lowered and sent over his First Lieutenant and some marines to find out why he was being fired at. They returned quickly to report the crew of the ship – pirates to a man – were mostly drunk, and under the command of a pirate captain called Charles Vane. When asked why he’d opened fire, Vane replied that he’d do his utmost to burn them that night, together with all the vessels in the harbour. It was an ugly incident, but it seemed an isolated one. So, when nothing else happened, Whitney ordered his own guns to be fired – a signal to the transport ship waiting outside the harbour that it was safe to enter.

Less than an hour later, four vessels flying the British flag dropped anchor in Nassau harbour, and three more outside it. Three of them were warships – including the 32-gun frigate HMS Milford, commanded by Captain Peter Chamberlaine, the acting commodore of the convoy’s escort. Inside the harbour was the 20-gun

sixth-rate frigate HMS Rose, and the tiny ten-gun sloop-of-war Shark. Anchored behind them was the Buck, a small armed sloop, looking little different from the pirate vessels farther inside the harbour. Last was the Willing Mind, a 300-ton transport ship, her decks crammed with colonists, eager for a first glimpse of their new home. The largest of the newcomers, though, was the Delicia, a 460-ton armed merchant ship. She snugged down for the night at anchor just outside the harbour entrance, accompanied by the Milford and a second small armed sloop, the Samuel.

On board the Delicia was Woodes Rogers, the future governor of the Bahamas. The tall, broad-shouldered 39-year-old was no stranger to the sea. In his younger days he’d been a celebrated privateering captain. Now, though, as he surveyed the harbour, he would have been preoccupied by concerns about what would happen the following morning, when he finally set foot on the shore, and claimed the island of New Providence – in fact, the whole of the Bahamas – in the name of King George I of Great Britain. Until that moment, Nassau had been little more than a pirate haven. From the moment he read out his royal commission, the Bahamas would be brought to heel, as a place of law, order and decency.

Others, though, wanted no part of all that. In the months before Rogers’ arrival, the Nassau pirates had been torn between accepting the promise of a royal pardon, absolving them of their past crimes, or refusing to bow to the yoke of authority. Leading this last group, known as the ‘die-hards’, was Captain Charles Vane. That evening, as the sun set just before 8pm, he was busily preparing for a grand gesture of defiance. Once darkness fell an hour later, he set about transferring men and stores from the French merchantman – a recent prize. He had her 24 guns loaded and double-shotted, some filled with partridge or scatter shot, for maximum havoc. Old sails, barrels of tar – indeed anything that could burn – were piled on her decks. By midnight everything was ready. That was when Vane made his move.

Two pirate ships – a sloop and a schooner – had already rigged towlines to the Frenchman, and after cutting her anchor cable they turned her head around until she pointed down the narrow harbour. Directly ahead of them was HMS Rose. Then, at Vane’s signal, the French ship’s sails were hoisted, and her skeleton crew set her ablaze, before scrambling over her side into a waiting boat. Charles Vane, the leader of Nassau’s remaining pirates, was about to unleash terror on the forces of the Crown. As she began making way, the fireship headed directly towards the unsuspecting frigate. Roused from his cabin, Captain Whitney instinctively ordered his men to chop through their thick anchor cable. Seamen raced to raise jibs and sails, as the captain and crew of the Rose desperately tried

to escape the flaming horror coming towards them. As the blazing fireship reached the frigate, seamen stood ready to fend her off with oars, boathooks and spars, while others busily pumped water over the sails, to reduce the risk of them catching fire. It was just as well. Sparks were now showering the frigate. The fireship’s guns began shooting off, adding to the chaos. Miraculously, all four of the British ships in Nassau harbour narrowly avoided the fireship, but it was a close-run thing. Watching all of this was Charles Vane, while his pirates cheered the fireship on. Eventually, the blazing hulk ran herself aground on the south side of the channel, and the crisis passed. There she burned furiously all the way to the waterline. By morning there was nothing left of her but a few charred, smoking timbers.

When Woodes Rogers eventually set foot on the beach at Nassau he was met by a group of extremely apologetic ex-pirates. They all assured him of their loyalty, and that they were horrified by Vane’s attack on a king’s ship. They also reminded their new governor that they’d all signed a pardon and were reformed characters. They were pirates no more. Woodes Rogers should have taken some solace from that. However, in the back of his mind was the image of the hatred shown by Charles Vane and his men, who had escaped from the harbour amid the

confusion of the night. Governor Rogers now realized that merely hoisting the Union flag over the pirate haven of Nassau wouldn’t mark the end of piracy in the Americas. This was only the start of a bitter fight against the pirate menace.

EXTRACT FROM…

The Pirate Menace: Uncovering the Golden Age of Piracy

By Angus Konstam £25 | Hardback

Published by Osprey Publishing www.ospreypublishing.com

The Golden Age of Piracy was a time when some of the most notorious pirates in history roamed the seas. This was when legendary figures like Blackbeard, ‘Calico Jack’ Rackam, Charles Vane and ‘Black Bart’ Roberts threatened the established world order, played havoc with maritime trade and instigated a reign of terror on the high seas. Drawing on letters, memoirs, newspapers, crime reports, archaeology and the trials of the pirates themselves, Angus Konstam has weaved together a fascinating and definitive new history of the Golden Age of Piracy

Shootin’ the Breeze...

We catch up with author and historian Angus Konstam, whose most recent book is The Pirate Menace: Uncovering the Golden Age of Piracy.

AAS: You are one of the world’s leading authorities on pirates, but where did your interest in pirates stem from?

AK: Back in 1967, my father gave me the Valiant Book of Pirates for Christmas. The seven-yearold me was fascinated by it, with its superb illustrations and exciting stories. I have been a fan ever since. It was 20 years later though, when I was helping the National Maritime Museum put together a major Pirate exhibition that I really started asking questions. I am still asking them, and trying to ﬁnd answers!

AAS: What are the some of the most remarkable discoveries you made about pirates when researching The Golden Age of Piracy?

AK: Well, we often do not know much about pirates, until they start breaking the law. So, I love coming across Depositions by the captains of merchant ships. Essentially, they are crime reports, sent to colonial governors, explaining what happened during a pirate attack. It includes anything from the name of the pirate captain and his ship, its number of guns and any details the merchant captain can remember about the pirates. Each one tells its own story, but when you add them all together, you build up a picture of a pirate and can track their piratical career. The main thing, though, is just how few of these attacks ended in bloodshed. Like school bullies, most pirates relied on fear to encourage their victims to surrender without ﬁring a shot.

AAS: Which pirate from the ‘The Golden Age’ do you ﬁnd most interesting?

AK: Oh, most definitely it is Edward Thatch (or Teach), better known as Blackbeard! Back in 2006 I wrote a biography of him. I had uncovered a lot of information about the man and tied it in with the finds coming from the discovery and excavation of his pirate ship, the Queen Anne’s Revenge, which was wrecked o North Carolina. Since then new information has come out about him – more of those depositions for instance – and I now know more about him than I did 20 years ago! Fortunately I was able to incorporate these into The Pirate Menace. That is one of the fun things about history – you may think you have written ‘the definitive book’, but there are always new things to uncover! Blackbeard relied on his ferocious appearance to intimidate his victims – and one of the surprising things about him is that there is no record of him ever having killed anybody. Despite his appearance, he was a bit of a pussy cat!

AAS: As a former naval o cer you have travelled the world; do you have a favourite place?

AK: I have not travelled all the world – for instance I have never been east of Suez, so that is on my bucket list. My ultimate happy place though – one which I ﬁrst discovered when I was serving aboard the aged frigate HMS Falmouth, is Schooner Wharf Bar in Key West, Florida. I could spend all day there – and many years later, while I spent six years curating a maritime museum there - I got to do just that!

AAS: Have your international travels inspired your interest in pirates?

AK: Oh, most deﬁnitely. During the Falklands War I was serving aboard a frigate that was too old to go down there, although a couple of her sister ships did. Instead, we spent several months on patrol in the Caribbean. So, years later, when you come to write about pirates, it really helps having been to most of these places, and navigated through their waters.

AAS: You have extensive knowledge about maritime archaeology; is there a particular wreck that fascinates you?

AK: All shipwrecks fascinate me, from the remains of Norse longships to shipwrecks of World War 2. I have taken part in the excavation of some of them, either in British waters or the Americas, and the hackneyed phrase that they are ‘time capsules’ really rings true. Probably the one that grabbed me the most was the ‘Henrietta Marie’, a small English slave ship, which wrecked o the Florida Keys in 1700. I ended up helping curate an exhibit of its ﬁnds, which ranged from guns and timbers to more poignant ﬁnds, like slave shackles for children. That exhibit travelled around the States, and even landed up in the Smithsonian. I am sure there is still a lot we can learn from it.

AAS: You have written more than 100 history books. If you could travel back in time which era, or speciﬁc event, would you choose?

AK: Well, ﬁrst of all, I rather like living nowadays, with modern medicine, the internet, cars and planes, and the ability to travel quickly and safely, and see the world. If I could go back in time though, it would be hard to choose! Like any historian you have a lot of questions, and you would like to time travel to help ﬁnd answers. For instance, right now I am writing a book called ‘Lords of the Salt Road’, about the Viking earls of Orkney, which comes out next year. So, it would really help to live where I

live now, only 1200 years earlier! There are so many turning points in the past though, which I would like to witness. The danger, of course, is the risk of being brutally slaughtered the moment you step out of your travelling machine!

AAS: Can you share more about your next book?

AK: ‘Lords of the Salt Road’ is a new departure for me. I have taken a step away from the purely maritime world which I usually write about, and gone back to the age of the Vikings. Of course, there are a lot of maritime bits in it – the ‘Salt Road’ is a Norse name for the North Sea, linking Norway with the British Isles. It was used by raiders, traders and Norse leaders hell-bent on conquest. I studied this period back in university, and it has always held an interest for me. Right now though, I am knee-deep in the writing of it, and while it is really engrossing and it is a great tale to tell, it is also frustrating, as you have got a lot of sources like sagas and old chronicles – none of which tell the same story. Still, my job is to navigate the mineﬁeld of the past, untangle it all and then tell the story in a way that readers can enjoy.

AAS: You live back in Orkney these days. What is it you love about living there?

AK: I grew up here and left when I joined the Navy. Although I came back to visit my parents, I have lived away from the place for most of my life. Six years ago, when I was approaching 60, we moved back, and we now live in an old farmhouse overlooking the sea. Orkney has a truly magical quality about it – a lot of that is to do with the light, and the sky. The scenery is truly beautiful, and I love it when I can take the dogs to a stunning beach, and there is nobody else there. Of course there are drawbacks – winters can be challenging, and getting anywhere else involves ferries and long drives, or a pricey ﬂight. It is worth it though, particularly in the summers, where you can still read a book outside at midnight. I have seen a lot of the world, but there really is not any other place like it.

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BOAT SEA FISHING ZONE

FISH OF THE MONTH

ULTRA SPORT EU & RAILBLAZA TEAM-UP

For anglers seeking a stable, rugged and highly portable boat, the Sportyak 245, distributed in the UK by Ultra Sport EU, stands out as a game-changer. This compact dinghy is not just another small boat – it is a purpose-built craft that delivers big performance and amazing stability. Now with the added beneﬁt of RAILBLAZA mounts, Rod Holders and accessories (on a limited-edition model), you can begin ﬁshing on lakes, rivers and sheltered coastal waters.

At just 2.45m long and weighing only 39kg, the Sportyak 245 is remarkably easy to launch and operate solo. But do not let its size fool you - this is one tough dinghy. Built from

impact-resistant thermoformed polyethylene, it is virtually maintenance-free and puncture-resistant, so launching from a stoney beach is not a problem.

What really makes the Sportyak 245 a favourite among anglers is its unsinkable catamaran hull, which o ers unbeatable stability. Whether you are casting o from a seated position or standing up to reel in a ﬁghter, the wide stance keeps you balanced and conﬁdent - no tipping, no wobble. That extra stability also makes it perfect for younger or less experienced anglers who want a safer way to enjoy the water.

Transportation is a breeze thanks to built-in carry handles and integrated tough wheels that let you roll the boat over sand, grass or ramps with ease. Whether you are launching solo or with a buddy, setup is quick and hassle-free. The boat also ﬁts on most standard roof racks, making it an ideal companion for spontaneous weekend ﬁshing trips.

Capable of carrying up to three people and compatible with outboard motors up to 3hp, the Sportyak 245 o ers versatility without sacriﬁcing simplicity. Quiet, stable and adventure-ready, it is a smart choice for any angler looking for freedom, convenience and performance on the water. If you are serious about ﬁshing but want a boat that is as easy-going as your weekend plans, the Sportyak 245 might just be your perfect catch. Ready to launch when you are - just add water.

BASS FISHING SEASON IS ON!

The bass season has ﬁnally kicked o on the South Coast - and what a start it has been! Reports are already rolling in from up and down the coast, with plenty of ﬁsh showing and some cracking sessions had by those able to get out there. If you have been watching the skies, the birds are giving the game away.

One of the surest signs of feeding bass is a ﬂurry of gulls diving at the surface. It usually means the bass are chasing baitﬁsh up from the depths, creating a frenzy where the birds can grab an easy meal. These moments can be short-lived but are golden opportunities for those paying attention.

When the birds go quiet, that is when our electronics come into their own. I rely on my Lowrance system with the Active Imaging 3-in-1 transducer to pinpoint structure, bait balls and, most

importantly, bass. Whether drifting or at anchor, the level of detail and clarity it provides gives a real advantage when the action is not obvious on the surface.

As always, it is vital we look after this species. Current regulations allow you to take a maximum of two bass per person, per day, and they must be at least 42cm in length. These rules are in place to help preserve healthy bass stocks, and we all have a part to play.

If you are releasing your catch, please handle it with care. Avoid putting your ﬁngers in the gill plates - it might seem like a ﬁrm hold, but it can cause serious harm. A quick unhook, a clean photo and a gentle release makes all the di erence.

Whether you are chasing birds or scanning the sonar, enjoy what is shaping up to be a brilliant season. Tight lines - and see you out there!

SUCCESSFUL ONE-DAY BREAM FISHING COMPETITION

Anglers from across the region gathered at Sparkes Marina, Hayling Island, on 27 April for a highly anticipated one-day boat ﬁshing competition focused on bream - and the event did not disappoint. The competition attracted 25 boats, with participants eager to reel in the longest ﬁsh to claim a range of prizes generously supplied by Lowrance, Crewsaver and Valkyrie Charters.

With light winds and sunny skies, conditions were ideal for a competitive and enjoyable day on the water. The event ran from 08:30am to 16:00pm, with all proceeds donated to the local sea rescue service, Hayling Rescue (Frank Dunster). Jason Williams emerged victorious

with a joint longest 39cm bream, winning on ‘competition timing rules’. Prizes were awarded to the top four anglers, along with a special award for the best junior participant (pictured). Organisers praised the strong turnout, good sportsmanship and environmentally responsible ﬁshing practices. “It is fantastic to see such enthusiasm and respect for the sport and the environment. It was also great to see so many juniors taking part. A big thanks to Jon Challinor for his hard work in helping to make the event a success,” said event coordinator Ben Bream. Plans are already in motion to expand the competition for 2026.

As the warmer months roll in, many sea anglers turn their attention to smoothhounds - powerful members of the shark family that o er an exciting challenge and spirited ﬁghts on the line.

Smoothhounds are typically found in UK coastal waters, particularly over sandy and mixed seabeds. Known for their strength and speed, these predators are most active from late spring through early autumn, often moving inshore to feed.

Top Baits: Fresh, natural bait is key when targeting smoothhounds. Peeler crab is widely regarded as the best option, closely followed by hardback crab, ragworm and squid. A simple and

e ective method to catch your own crabs involves tying a piece of bacon to a line, lowering it to the seabed and gently retrieving it to collect your bait.

Recommended Rig:

The running ledger rig is a go-to setup. It allows the bait to move freely in the water, making it more appealing to ﬁsh.

To build one: slide a lead weight onto your mainline, tie on a swivel and attach a 12–18 inch trace with a strong 2/0 or 3/0 hook, such as those made by Cox & Rawle. Ready-made rigs are also available from most tackle shops. With the right technique and gear, smoothhound ﬁshing is a rewarding pursuit for anglers of all skill levels.

CATCH OF THE MONTH

Send in your best angling pics every month – you and your catch! If yours is the winning photo, you will receive a RAILBLAZA Rod Holder II worth £28.96. Email your photo to editor@allatsea.co.uk including your name, ﬁsh species and where it was caught. This month’s winner is Mike Long. He caught this bass with Mick Teague as Team Ex-Squid-Sit at the SAC25 Crewaver Southsea Marina event, and the runner-up is Mike Spiller with a tope caught in Lyme Bay. See more of your catches at www.allatsea.co.uk.

photo and you could win a RAILBLAZA Rod Holder II

ANGLING BOAT

BASS SEASON

By Darren Mckell, Lowrance Team Angler

Shootin’ the Breeze...

We catch up with Rods and Ribbons, the UK’s first all-ladies sea angling team, made up of Gemma, Emma, Izzy and Hannah.

The name Rods and Ribbons symbolises a dual commitment to the sport of sea angling and the cause of cancer research. The fishing rods represent the team’s passion for the sport, while the ribbons signify dedication to the fight against cancer.

After raising almost £19,000 in 2024, the team is continuing its mission of raising awareness and reeling in funds for Cancer Research UK. Partnerships, including one with Suzuki, play a vital role in empowering the team to achieve their mission and amplify their message of hope and inclusivity.

They are participating in several high-profile events throughout 2025, so keep an eye out for the Rods & Ribbons team!

Gemma (pictured right)

1. How long have you been fishing? Two years.

2. How did you first get into fishing? After visiting BoatLife in 2023 and hearing about the Sea Angling Classic and the prize boat, I thought it would be fun to enter, even though I had never fished before in my life!

3. What was the first fish you caught? The first fish I caught was a codling from the shore in the River Mersey.

4. Do you have a memorable fishing experience? Fishing at the Sea Angling Classic in 2023, we had two big smoothhounds onboard at the same time. It was manic but so fun.

5. What is it that you love about fishing? When I am fishing my mind is totally clear. I am not thinking about my to do list, and other problems in life. My mind is relaxed and focused on the peace of the water.

6. What one thing can you not go fishing without? It is now my lucky socks after winning my first competition the first time I wore my lucky pink fishing socks!

Emma

1. How long have you been fishing? Before I joined the team, I had only been twice, unless crabbing counts!

2. Do you have a memorable fishing experience? I was very fortunate that the second fish I have ever caught was a weighty undulate ray.

3. What one thing can you not go on the water without? Always a lifejacket, but I never go on the water without a waterproof phone case. Everything is content!

4. What was your first reaction to being asked to join the all-ladies team? I was initially shocked when asked if I would join the team, given my very limited fishing experience. But the mission of the team is something I am very proud to be part of.

Izzy

1. What was the first fish you caught? My first was very boring, a little mackerel but I was so proud that I caught anything.

2. Do you have a memorable fishing experience or a favourite catch? Seeing a smoothhound for the first time; I was amazed at how beautiful but big they are.

3. What is it that you love about fishing? The people. I have never been involved in such a kind and supportive community and it really made this last year so enjoyable.

4. Do you have any tips for anyone wanting to get into fishing? If you have a chance, give it a go. I took the opportunity and it was the best thing I have done in a very long time. There are so many people who can and want to help.

Hannah

1. How did you first get into fishing? My dad is an avid lake and river fisherman, and I started to join him when I was six. My first experience of sea fishing was when I was a sailing instructor in Weymouth, catching mackerel and pollock off the back of the yacht.

2. What was the first fish you caught? The first fish I caught was a roach. This was during one of our annual family holidays to the Norfolk Broads.

3. Do you have a memorable fishing experience or a favourite catch? Catching tope! Reeling in a tope without realising!

4. What is it that you love about fishing? I love being on the water and the excitement of catching a fish.

fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/rodsand-ribbons-casting-for-a-cause-in-2025

EMMA

IZZY

GEMMA

HANNAH

The team’s next event, a Solent Social Tope Event, is on 7 June, followed by the Sea Angling Classic on 19 June

Photos of the Month

Send in your photos and you could be in All at Sea, on our Facebook page or in our weekly newsletter*. Send entries, with a caption, to editor@allatsea.co.uk. Each month’s winning photo will be included in the 2025 Photo of the Year reader vote.

“Rescuing a sunken boat in Sliema, Malta.” Taken by Steve Payne.

Dave Hooper was in Port Isaac at the right time to see this 75 kilo tuna brought in.

Lewis Ballard-White sent in this colourful photo taken by his eight-year-old son, Hamish, from their boat Queen Bee at Whale Island.

The outside of the Isles of Scilly from the inside. Thanks to Laura Smith for this fantastic photo.

A misty sunrise at Island Harbour sent in by Mike Shepard.

Taken by Gavin Ballantyne, here is a sunrise over the Thames estuary taken while sailing Henrietta to Ramsgate from Gavin’s home port of Chatham.

Perhaps you recognise Cowes Yacht Haven? Taken by Karen Howcroft.

This photo was taken by Madeleine Hilton at Mousehole Harbour, Cornwall. She told us: “These lovely ladies were protesting about deep sea mining. They were a very friendly trio and cheered up an otherwise rainy day.”

Thalassa is a three master tall ship, which you might have seen at a marine event or perhaps you have sailed on her? Thanks to Wendy Chambers for this fab photo.

THE EVOLUTION OF LIFEJACKETS

As well as having varying names, over the years lifejackets have seen a gradual evolution into the vital high tech piece of safety kit we know today, but where did it all begin?

Lifejackets have been essential in safeguarding lives at sea for centuries. From rudimentary ﬂotation aids in ancient times to the advanced, technology-integrated devices of today, the evolution of lifejackets reﬂects humanity’s enduring commitment to maritime safety.

Ancient beginnings

The concept of personal flotation devices dates to ancient civilisations that used inflated animal bladders or gourds that were hollowed out and sealed for buoyancy. These early tools were primitive yet e ective, laying the groundwork for future innovations in personal flotation.

19th century innovations

The 18th and 19th centuries marked signiﬁcant advancements in lifejacket design. In 1854, Captain John Ross Ward of the RNLI introduced a cork lifejacket to enhance the safety of lifeboat crews. This design provided both buoyancy and protection against harsh sea conditions. In 1900, French electrical engineer Gustave Trouvé patented a batterypowered wearable lifejacket. This device featured small, rubber-insulated batteries that inﬂated the jacket and powered a light for SOS signalling –considered revolutionary for the time.

Early 20th century developments

The early 20th century saw the introduction of kapok-ﬁlled lifejackets.

A natural ﬁbre from the fruit of the tropical tree, kapok is buoyant and water-resistant. These lifejackets became standard issue for military personnel, o ering improved buoyancy and comfort compared to earlier cork designs.

After losses sustained during the Battle of Britain in World War II

Dr Edgar Pask, a physician who worked at the RAF Institute of Aviation Medicine in Farnborough, pioneered the use of a hybrid inﬂatable/inherent buoyancy jacket designed to work even if the wearer was unconscious by keeping their head and, crucially, mouth above water.

Mid to late 20th century

Inflatable lifejackets emerged as a significant development in personal flotation devices made with polyurethane-coated nylon.

These designs allowed for greater mobility and comfort when deﬂated and could be rapidly inﬂated in emergencies using CO₂ cartridges.

Modern advancements Today’s lifejackets incorporate cuttingedge technology to enhance safety and functionality.

Modern features include integrated harnesses for secure attachment, adjustable straps for a customised ﬁt and built-in Personal Locator Beacons or GPS systems to assist in swift rescues. Materials have also evolved, with lightweight, durable fabrics ensuring comfort, longevity and sustainability.

Ocean Safety provides stateof-the-art lifejackets that embody this rich history of innovation. Their range has evolved to encompass the utmost reliability, comfort and innovative technology, ensuring that every mariner, whether professional or enthusiast, has access to the best in personal ﬂotation devices.

To view the full range of lifejackets and other marine safety products and apparel, visit www.oceansafety.com.

READY TO RACE

Amelie Ballantyne is a 15-year-old sailor from Devon who is already proving to be a determined, and successful, dinghy sailor. This month Amelie is discussing making the move into dinghy racing.

So, you have learned how to sail your dinghy, gained your RYA Level 3 and 4, but what next? For many, racing is the next step and this is the route I chose too. Racing gives another purpose to sailing, a reason to do it, and it also brings like-minded people together which is something I really like about sailing: the community.

Whether racing at club level, regionally or nationally, sailors have a

common ground and get to know each other at events, meaning you gain friends and connections everywhere.

I race Toppers at both regional and national ITCA events and have made lots of friends as a result; I feel this is what makes sailing such a special sport.

Racing might seem a bit daunting from the out-set with all its rules, flags and protest procedures, but it is not that bad and you soon get in the swing of things. Do not worry about mistakes, as

“To make racing fun, I feel you need to work on your own personal goals and try not to compare yourself to others”

that is how you learn. I have been known to capsize just before the finish line, fall out of my boat and get tangled up around a race mark before. A bit of drama means there is always a story to tell.

You will also get to know that famous red and white flag: AP. Whether you are a junior sailor or an elite Olympian there is no escaping the fact that sometimes there is just no wind to sail, and that AP flag gets hoisted. Once you get out on the water though, the atmosphere and feeling you get on the racecourse is electric and such an adrenaline rush.

BE ORGANISED

As with all things, organisation is key: sorting your kit, knowing the course, looking at the sailing instructions, boat preparation etc. I recommend getting a decent sailing watch that is simple to use when racing; I use an Optimum Time watch which is great as it has a big face and easy to use buttons.

As you get the bug for racing, there are plenty of upgrades you can buy for most dinghies to give you a little edge; mine this season is a pink carbon fibre tiller extension from Goat Marine which

CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS

The Ocean Racing Club was established in 1925, originating from the inaugural Ocean Race, which commenced on 15 August. This 608-mile race from Ryde to Plymouth via the Fastnet Rock was initiated by a group of sailing enthusiasts led by Weston Martyr.

The converted pilot cutter, Jolie Brise, owned by Lieutenant Commander E.G. Martin, emerged victorious in this first race, leading to the formation of the Ocean Racing Club, with Martin as its first Commodore. The Royal Ocean Racing Club was granted its Royal Warrant by King George V in November 1931, officially becoming the Royal Ocean Racing Club.

The Ocean Race became known as the Fastnet Race and is now the world’s largest offshore yacht race with more than 400 boats expected for the 2025 Rolex Fastnet Race, which will be the 51st edition.

RACING HISTORY

In 1928, the RORC introduced the Channel Race, a 250nm triangular course starting off Cowes and into the English Channel, providing a shorter alternative to the Fastnet Race for smaller yachts. The 1930s saw the addition of races such as Plymouth-Benodet, Falmouth-Clyde, Southsea-Brixham, Ijmuiden-Solent, Plymouth-La Baule and St Nazaire-Benodet. In 1935, the Club revived the Cowes-Dinard race, with its Challenge Cup originally donated by King Edward VII in 1906. By 1946, the RORC’s calendar featured six regular races, including the North Sea Race to the Hook of Holland.

So, over the years, the RORC has organised and managed numerous

prestigious offshore races, including the biennial Rolex Fastnet Race. The Club has also expanded its reach internationally, organising events such as the RORC Caribbean 600, the RORC Transatlantic Race, the Roschier Baltic Sea Race and the Round Britain & Ireland Race.

Throughout its history, the RORC has maintained strong affiliations with national and international sailing organisations, including the Royal Yachting Association and World Sailing, contributing significantly to the development and governance of the sport.

Today, the RORC continues to play a pivotal role in the world of offshore yacht racing, upholding its traditions while adapting to the evolving landscape of the sport.

is awesome as it is super light and really stands out from the crowd too, which I love.

To make racing fun, I feel you need to work on your own personal goals and try not to compare yourself to others. To do well, ultimately you need to enjoy sailing. Do not worry where other people come in the results, this can have negative effects on your mindset, just work on your own goals whether this is on a single hander or double hander.

Watching how better sailors sail, however, is good as you can pick up tips and learn from them. You get out what you put in, so practise, preparation and perseverance are all essential and gradually you will see your results improve. I have come last on many occasions, but this just spurs you on to do better next time. Racing is about skills and practice, but there is also an element of luck involved that is out of our control.

So, get out there this season and have a go at racing. I hope you get the buzz too.

We will be catching up with Amelie again soon.

ANNIVERSARY YEAR

In 2025, the RORC celebrates its 100th anniversary, marking a century of dedication to ocean racing and yachting excellence. To commemorate this milestone, RORC has planned a series of global events and initiatives.

These include regional dinners worldwide, a celebratory event in Cowes coinciding with the Admiral’s Cup and the launch of a book detailing the Club’s rich history up to the centenary. Additionally, a photographic exhibition is on display at the RORC Cowes Clubhouse (above) showcasing iconic moments and achievements from the Club’s past.

The 2025 RORC racing season is already a thriller with a record breaking RORC Transatlantic Race and a spectacular RORC Caribbean 600. The European season is underway featuring events like the conclusion of the West-East Transatlantic Race, the prestigious Rolex Fastnet Race and the much-anticipated return next month of The Admiral’s Cup after a 22-year hiatus.

The Rolex Fastnet Race, which starts on 26 July, is expected to have a world record fleet in excess of 400 boats. Race fans can watch the start from The Parade Cowes and along Cowes Green and Egypt Esplanade.

While RORC’s Cowes Clubhouse is a private members club, the RORC invites all competing sailors to visit the Cowes Clubhouse during Cowes Week from 2 - 8 August.

For more details about the Royal Ocean Racing Club centenary visit: www.rorc.org

The Royal Ocean Racing Club is celebrating 100 years of ocean racing with another busy year of events.

The Dinard Race, from Cowes to Dinard, France in the 1930s

Rolex Fastnet Race 2019

The 2015 Rolex Fastnet converging at The Needles shortly after the start

RORC Clubhouse opening last year

Image: Paul Wyeth

Check out our new & improved website, at:

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(7)

Kick out (5)

Sill of a house door (9)

Up to such time as, poetically (3)

13 Trait of being unmanageable (13)

15 Devotee (3)

16 Items of jewellery worn on the wrist (9)

19 Direct descendant (5)

20 Woman who leaves one country to settle in another (7)

22 In a severe manner (7)

23 Dish served as the last course of a meal (5)

Down

1 Allowance (5)

2 Abbreviation for the tenth month (3)

3 Twist of hair (5)

4 Not accurate, but fairly close (13)

5 Liquidiser (7)

6 Lack of strength or power (9)

7 Sea on which Jesus walked (7)

11 Make peace, come to terms (9)

13 Declines to accept (7)

14 Republic at the eastern end of the Mediterranean (7)

17 Prepares for printing (5)

18 Item of bed linen (5)

21 Female sandpiper (3)

Each letter of the alphabet has been given a different number. Substitute numbers for letters to make words to complete the puzzle. The check-box and letters either side of the grid may help you keep track.

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, foreign words or proper nouns.

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

There is at least one nine-letter word to be found. Nine-letter word(s):

DON’T

MARINA GUIDE

LONDON

ST KATHARINE DOCKS

Manager: Paul Atkins

50 St. Katharine’s Way, London, E1W 1LA

T: 0207 264 5312

E: marina.reception@skdocks.co.uk

W: ww.skdocks.co.uk

SOUTH WEST

PREMIER MARINAS FALMOUTH

Manager: Mark Evans

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 Churchtown, Falmouth, Cornwall, TR11 5UF

T: 01326 372 121

E: marina@mylor.com

W: www.mylor.com

FALMOUTH HAVEN

Contact: Barry Buist

44 Arwenack Street, Falmouth, TR11 3JQ

T: 01326 310990

E: welcome@falmouthhaven.co.uk

W: www.falmouthhaven.co.uk

MAYFLOWER MARINA

Manager: Charles Bush

Plymouth, Devon, PL1 4LS

T: 01752 556633

E: info@mayﬂowermarina.co.uk

W: www.mayflowermarina.co.uk

PLYMOUTH YACHT HAVEN

Manager: Steve Cox

Shaw Way, Mount Batten, Devon, PL9 9XH

T: 01752 404231

E: plymouth@yachthavens.com

W: www.yachthavens.com

YACHT HAVEN QUAY, PLYMOUTH

Manager: Richard Brown

Breakwater Road, Plymouth, Devon, PL9 7FE

T: 01752 481190

E: boatyard@yachthavenquay.com

W: www.yachthavens.com

MDL QUEEN ANNE’S BATTERY

Manager: Alex Warner

Plymouth, Devon, PL4 0LP

T: 01752 671142

E: qab@mdlmarinas.co.uk

W: www.queenannesbattery.co.uk

SUTTON HARBOUR MARINA

Marina Manager: Mark Brimacombe

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, Milbay, Plymouth, PL1 3EF T: 01752 424297

E: marina@kingpointmarina.co.uk

W: www.kingpointmarina.co.uk

PREMIER MARINAS NOSS ON DART

Manager: Mike Smith Bridge Road, Kingswear, Dartmouth Devon, TQ6 0EA T: 01803 839087

E: noss@premiermarinas.com

W: www.premiermarinas.com

DOLPHIN BOATYARD

Galmpton Creek, Brixham, Devon T: 01803 842424

E: info@dolphinhaven.co.uk

W: www.dolphin-haven.co.uk

MDL BRIXHAM MARINA

Manager: Martyn Sherratt

Berry Head Road, Devon, TQ5 9BW T: 01803 882929

E: brixham@mdlmarinas.co.uk

W: www.brixhammarina.co.uk

MDL TORQUAY MARINA

Manager: Martyn Sherratt

Torquay, Devon, TQ2 5EQ

T: 01803 200210

E: torquaymarina@mdlmarinas.co.uk W: www.torquaymarina.co.uk

WATCHET MARINA

Manager: Matt Driscoll Harbour O ce, Watchet, TA23 0AQ T: 01984 322230

E: info@westernmarinas.co.uk

W: www.westernmarinas.co.uk

WEYMOUTH MARINA BY BOATFOLK

Manager: Neil Bedwell

Commercial Road, Weymouth Dorset, DT4 8NA T: 01305 767576

E: weymouth@boatfolk.co.uk

W: www.boatfolk.co.uk

WEYMOUTH HARBOUR

Manager/contact - Jamie Joyce 13 Custom House Quay, Weymouth T: 01305 838423

E: weymouthharbour@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

W: www.weymouth-harbour.co.uk

PORTLAND MARINA BY BOATFOLK

Manager: Paul Swain

Osprey Quay, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1DX

T: 01305 866190

E: portland@boatfolk.co.uk

W: www.boatfolk.co.uk

LAKE YARD MARINA

Manager/contact - Jenny Burrows

Lake Drive, Hamworthy, Poole, Dorset, BH15 4DT

T: 01202 674531

E: o ce@lakeyard.com

W: www.lakeyard.com

POOLE QUAY BOAT HAVEN

Manager: Kerrie Gray 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: Kelly Trewern

Hamworthy, Poole, Dorset, BH15 4EL

T: 01202 674299

E: cobbsquay@mdlmarinas.co.uk

W: www.cobbsquaymarina.co.uk

LYMINGTON YACHT HAVEN

Manager: Rupert Wagsta

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 O ce, Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour, Hampshire, SO42 7XB T: 01590 616200

E: harbour.o ce@beaulieu.co.uk W: www.beaulieuriver.co.uk

HAVEN QUAY, LYMINGTON

Manager: Matt Toms

Haven Quay Dry Stack, Mill Lane, Lymington, Hampshire, SO41 9AZ

T: 01590 677072

E: havenquay@yachthavens.com

W: www.yachthavens.com

DEACONS MARINA BY BOATFOLK

Contact name: Julie Spensley-Corﬁeld

Bursledon Bridge, Southampton SO31 8AZ

T: 023 80 402253

E: deacons@boatfolk.co.uk

W: www.boatfolk.co.uk

MDL HYTHE MARINA VILLAGE

Manager: Debbie Scott

The Lock Building, Shamrock Way Hythe, Southampton, Hampshire, SO45 6DY

T: 023 8020 7073

E: hythe@mdlmarinas.co.uk

W: www.hythemarinavillage.co.uk

Prime Lymington Location

For the ﬁrst time in 30 years, a prime waterfront o ce and workshop unit is available for rent at Haven Quay in Lymington, Hampshire. Perfectly suited for businesses in the marine trades, this versatile space comes with access to on-site facilities that include a marine forklift capable of lifting boats up to 5 tonnes and 10m LOA, a deep-water hoist dock and direct access to shower and toilet facilities. The premises add up to a total size of 1972ft²

MDL OCEAN VILLAGE MARINA

Manager: Lauren McCann

Marina O ce, 2 Channel Way, Southampton, Hampshire, SO14 3TG

T: 023 8022 9385

E: oceanvillage@mdlmarinas.co.u

W: www.oceanvillagemarina.co.uk

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

MDL SAXON WHARF

Manager: Lauren McCann

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: Debbie Burns

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: Bertie Marsh

Satchell Lane, Hamble, Southampton Hampshire, SO31 4QD

T: 023 8045 274,1

E: porthamble@mdlmarinas.co.uk

W:www.porthamblemarina.co.uk

TOWN QUAY MARINA

Associated British Ports, Town Quay, Southampton, SO14 2AQ

T: 023 8023 4397

E: info@townquay.com

W:www.townquay.com

and can be leased as a whole or split into two functional spaces tailored to individual business needs.

Set within easy walking distance of Lymington’s town centre and train station, with excellent transport links, Haven Quay o ers a prime location for marine businesses. For further details or to arrange a viewing, contact Matt Toms at havenquay@yachthavens.com or call 01590 677072.

MDL MERCURY YACHT HARBOUR

Manager: Dominic Brown SatchellLane, Hamble, Southampton, Hampshire, SO31 4HQ T: 023 8045 5994

E: mercury@mdlmarinas.co.uk W: www.mercuryyachtharbour.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

HAMBLE YACHT SERVICES

Port Hamble, Hamble,Southampton, Hampshire, SO31 4NN T: 02380 201501 E: info@hysgroup.co.uk W: www.hambleyachtservices.co.uk

PREMIER MARINAS UNIVERSAL

Manager: Martin Bowman Crableck Lane, Sarisbury Green, Southampton, Hampshire, SO31 7ZN T: 01489574272 E: universal@premiermarinas.com W: www.premiermarinas.com

HASLAR MARINA BY BOATFOLK

Manager: Ben Lippiett

Haslar Road, Gosport, Hampshire, PO12 1NU T: 023 9260 1201 F: 023 9260 2201

E: haslar@boatfolk.co.uk W: www.boatfolk.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

Marina Returns To Family

After being leased for the last 50 years a Christchurch marina is back under the control of the family who own it.

Dorset’s Little Avon Marina is tucked away behind the Two Riversmeet Leisure Centre and is now being overseen by Charles Wallrock and his sister Jo Turnage. Their father, the war hero Commander Michael Wallrock, bought what was then an ornamental pond in 1969. He dug out the marina and created an attractive little haven in the shadow of Christchurch Priory on the River Avon.

Since 1975 it has been leased, but it has now been returned to the family who have plans to invest in it. It will be managed by Saviour Aquilina who also runs the country’s second oldest paddleboarding shop there and hires our paddleboards and kayaks.

Charles said: “I was brought up here and remember my father digging it out. It is a wonderful little marina with room for more than 30 boats – with several

berths available this year. Most people, even locals, do not know it exists because it is like a secret – tucked away behind the leisure centre’s rear car park.

“Some boat owners have been with us for decades and we want to create that sense of community that I remember from my childhood. There is a lovely iconic boat shed and slipway so anyone can carry out repairs in the dry.

“Having been leased for many years we decided the time was right to take it back and return it to a lovely place to spend down time.

“Saviour has been running his business – The SUP Store – here for years and there is a great shop and teas and co ees for sale.

Saviour said: “We are open every day of the week through the summer and we plan to have BBQs and create a relaxing haven for everyone.”

Contact the marina on info@ littleavonmarina.com or info@thesup store.co.uk for the shop and school.

AROUND THE MARINAS

ABP have four fully serviced annual trot moorings available accommodating vessels from 8 - 14m. They are located in a sheltered area of the Mid Itchen River and are available on an annual renewable basis. £1,180 per annum for vessels up to 12m and £1,590 per annum for vessels from 12.1 - 14m. 02380 234397 / info@townquay.com

Rupert Parkhouse has joined the Beaulieu River team as the new Moorings Manager for Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour. The former skipper of o shore windfarm support vessels brings more than 30 years of sailing knowledge to help serve berth and mooring holders. He also skippered an ocean racing yacht in the 2002 Clipper Round the World Yacht Race and has worked as the captain of superyachts during his career, which began as a 16-year-old dinghy instructor.

Blackstone Infrastructure has now completed its acquisition of Safe Harbor Marinas from Sun Communities Inc. for $5.65 billion. With 130 marinas across the US and Puerto Rico, Safe Harbor represents one of the largest marina and superyacht servicing businesses in the region.

Following the successful 2025 edition, organisers of the Thailand International Boat Show conﬁrmed that the event will return to Phuket Yacht Haven Marina from 15 - 18 January 2026.

Wave International has launched its upgraded Wavecleaner VAC, designed to quickly deal with small scale pollution on water, originating from accidental spilling of oil, diesel or other pollutants at, for example, marinas, ports, dockyards, fuel jetties as well as waterside businesses. It will also clear up pollution created where rainwater has mixed with fuels and oils on car parking and hardstanding areas and is washed into waterways.

The Department for Transport has issued an updated version of the Port Marine Safety Code - with clear expectations that marinas and other non-statutory marine facilities bring their safety practices in line with the national framework. While compliance with the Code remains voluntary, it is regarded as industry best practice, and failure to follow it may be considered evidence of negligence in the event of a marine incident. The latest revision now explicitly includes all marine facilities - including privately operated marinas, piers, jetties and terminals - even when located outside of traditional harbour jurisdictions.

Bryton Marine Group has acquired Freshwater Marina in British Columbia, Canada. The marina will remain unchanged in the short term, however, there are plans to eventually build a new facility. Bryton Marine Group acquired Alumacraft from BRP earlier this year.

ABP have 4 fully serviced annual trot moorings available which can accommodate vessels from 8 meters up to 14 metres with a maximum draft of 1,3 meters. These moorings are available on an annual renewable basis and are fully serviced by ABP so no maintenance concerns and they are located in a sheltered area of the Mid Itchen River.

Fully serviced Trot Moorings available Mid Itchen River

Prices are £1,180.00 per annum for vessels up to 12 meters and £1,590.00 per annum for vessels from 12.1 meters to 14 meters.

AQUAVISTA ROYAL CLARENCE

WATERSIDE & MARINA

Weevil Lane, Gosport, Hampshire, PO12 1AX

T: 023 9252 3523

E: royalclarence@aquavista.com

W: www.aquavista.com

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

Manager: Dave Frey

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

Gunwharf Quays, Marina O ce Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 3TZ

T: 02392 836732

E: gwqmarina@incentive-fm.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

E: berthing@cowesyachthaven.com

W:www.cowesyachthaven.com

VHF: Channel 80

EAST COWES MARINA BY BOATFOLK

Manager: Mike Townshend

Britannia Way, East Cowes

Isle of Wight, PO32 6UB

T: 01983 293983

F: 01983 299276

E: eastcowes@boatfolk.co.uk

W: www.boatfolk.co.uk

Please contact us on 02380 234397 or info@townquay.com for further information or to reserve a mooring.

COWES HARBOUR SHEPARDS MARINA

Manager: Jock Ra erty

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: Danie Erasmus

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

Jack Miskin, Harbour Master

The Duver, St Helens, PO33 1YB

T: 01983 872828

E: mail@bembridgeharbour.co.uk

W: www.bembridgeharbour.co.uk

YARMOUTH HARBOUR

Harbour O ce, The Quay, Yarmouth, Isle of Wight, PO41 0NT

T: 01983 760321

E: info@yarmouth-harbour.co.uk

W: www.yarmouth-harbour.co.uk

VHF: Ch 68 (harbour), Ch 15 (water taxi)

SOUTH EAST

MDL NORTHNEY MARINA

Manager: Tom Ward

Northney Road, Hayling Island, PO11 0NH

T: 023 9246 6321

E: northney@mdlmarinas.co.uk

W: www.northneymarina.co.uk

MDL SPARKES MARINA

Manager: James Rizzi

38 Wittering Road, Hayling Island Hampshire, PO11 9SR

T: 023 9246 3572

E: sparkes@mdlmarinas.co.uk

W: www.sparkesmarina.co.uk

PREMIER MARINAS CHICHESTER

Manager: Andrew Collumbell Birdham (Chichester Harbour) West Sussex, PO20 7EJ

T: 01243 512731

E: chichester@premiermarinas.com

W: www.premiermarinas.com

AQUAVISTA BIRDHAM POOL WATERSIDE & MARINA

Chichester, West Sussex, PO20 7BG T: 01243 512310

E: birdhampool@aquavista.com W: www.aquavista.com

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

Rope House, Rope Walk Littlehampton, West Sussex BN17 5DH

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

E: sovereignharbour@premiermarinas.com

W: www.premiermarinas.com

SMALL BOATS WELCOME

NEWHAVEN MARINA

Manager/Contact: Russell Levett

Newhaven Marina, The Yacht Harbour, Fort Road, Newhaven, BN9 9BY T: 01273 513 881

E: info@newhavenmarina.co.uk

W: www.newhavenmarina.co.uk

LADY BEE MARINA, SHOREHAM PORT

Manager: Julian Goldie

Lady Bee Marina and Chandlery, 138-140 Albion Street, Southwick, BN42 4EG

T: 01273 591705

E: LBChandlery@shoreham-port.co.uk W:www.shoreham-port.co.uk/chandlery

Charles Wallrock and Saviour Aquilina at Little Avon Marina

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Simply complete our online form and we’ll send you copies of the paper every month - www.allatsea.co.uk/getthepaper

KENT

GILLINGHAM MARINA

Manager: Chris Aldous

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: Emma Crompton

The Lock Building, Leviathan Way, Chatham Maritime, Kent ME4 4LP

T: 01634 899200

E: chatham@mdlmarinas.co.uk

W: 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

Dover Marina O ce Esplanade

Dover

Kent CT17 9FS

T: 01304 241663

E: marina@portofdover.com

W: portofdover.com/marina

SURREY

MDL PENTON HOOK MARINA

Manager: Dean Smith Staines Road, Chertsey, Surrey KT16 8PY

T: 01932 568681

E: pentonhook@mdlmarinas.co.uk

SUFFOLK

MDL WOOLVERSTONE MARINA

Manager: Shane Cheshire

Woolverstone, Ipswich, Su olk 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 O ce, School Road

Lowestoft, Su olk 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 Su olk IP2 8SA

T: 01473 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

WALES

ABERYSTWYTH MARINA

Manager: Adam Knowles

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

Dock Manager: Kevin Roberts Y Felinheli, Gwynedd LL56 4JN T: 01248 671500

E: sharon@portdinorwic.co.uk W: www.port-dinorwic.co.uk

BURRY PORT MARINA

Harbour Master: Robert Hockey

The Harbour O ce, Burry Port Carmarthenshire T: 01554 835 691

E: Info@themarinegroup.co.uk W: www.themarinegroup.co.uk

N. IRELAND

BANGOR MARINA

Manager: Kevin Baird

Bangor, Co. Down T: 02891 45329

E: bangor@boatfolk.co.uk

W: www.boatfolk.co.uk

CARRICKFERGUS MARINA

Harbour Master: Ryan Hack

Marina Manager: Karen Steelen

3 Quayside, Carrickfergus BT38 8BJ

T: 028 9336 6666

E: harbour.master@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

W: www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk

BRISTOL

PORTISHEAD MARINA

SCOTLAND

RHU MARINA

Contact: Suzanne Bell Rhu, Helensburgh G84 8LH

T: 01436 820238

E: rhu@boatfolk.co.uk

W: www.boatfolk.co.uk

LARGS YACHT HAVEN

Manager: Dave Hewitt 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

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

N CYPRUS

KARPAZ GATE MARINA

Customer Service: Mucella Kara PO Box 12 Yenierenkoy, Iskele

TRNC Via Mersin 10 / Turkey

T: +90 533 833 7878

E: info@karpazbay.com W: www.karpazbay.com

Y Lanfa Aberystwyth, Trefechan SY23 1AS

T: 01970 611422

E: info@westernmarinas.co.uk

W: www.westernmarinas.co.uk

CARDIFF MARINA

W: www.pentonhookmarina.co.uk

BERKSHIRE

MDL WINDSOR MARINA

Manager: John Harris Maidenhead Road, Windsor Berkshire SL4 5TZ

T: 01753 853911

E: windsor@mdlmarinas.co.uk

W: www.windsormarina.co.uk

MDL BRAY MARINA

Manager: John Harris Monkey Island Lane, Bray Berkshire SL6 2EB

T: 01628 623654

E: bray@mdlmarinas.co.uk

W: www.braymarina.co.uk

LANCASHIRE

AQUAVISTA GLASSON

WATERSIDE & MARINA

School Lane, Glasson Dock, Lancaster, Lancashire LA2 0AW

T: 01524 751491

E: glasson@aquavista.com

Manager: Andy Coles OBE

Watkiss Way

Cardi CF11 0SY T: 02920 396078 F: 02920 345116

E: info@westernmarinas.co.uk

W: www.westernmarinas.co.uk

CONWY MARINA

Manager: Jon Roberts

Conwy Marina, Ellis Way LL32 8GU

T: 01492 593000

E: conwy@boatfolk.co.uk

W:www.boatfolk.co.uk

MILFORD MARINA

Manager or contact: Melanie Durney Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire SA73 3AF Tel: 01646 696312

E: enquiries@milfordmarina.com W: www.milfordmarina.com

Manager: Simon Davis

Portishead, Bristol BS20 7DF

T: 01275 841941

E: portishead@boatfolk.co.uk

W: www.boatfolk.co.uk

NEWCASTLE

ROYAL QUAYS MARINA

Manager: Matt Simms

North Shields, Tyneside NE29 6DU T: 01912 728282

E: royalquays@boatfolk.co.uk

W: www.boatfolk.co.uk

YORKSHIRE

AQUAVISTA HULL WATERSIDE & MARINA

Warehouse 13, Kingston Street, Hull

Yorkshire HU1 2DQ

T: 01482 609960

E: hull@aquavista.com

HOLLAND

JACHTHAVEN BIESBOSCH

Manager: Maarten Voskuil Nieuwe Jachthaven 54924 BA, Drimmelen, NL

T: +31 (0)162 682249

E: info@jachthavenbiesbosch.nl W: www.jachthavenbiesbosch.nl

ITALY

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

W: www.aquavista.com

LIVERPOOL

LIVERPOOL MARINA

PENARTH MARINA

Manager: Stuart Jones

Penarth

Vale of Glamorgan F64 1TQ

T: 02920 705021

E: penarth@boatfolk.co.uk

W: www.aquavista.com

W: www.boatfolk.co.uk

Manager: Daniel O’Dea

Liverpool Marina, Coburg Wharf, L34BP

T: 0151 707 6777

E: reception@liverpoolmarina.com

E: manager@liverpoolmarina.com W: www.liverpoolmarina.com

Every month Neil Chapman, founder of Boatshed.com, discusses important topics in the marine industry and offers advice for buying and owning boats.

As boaters off-grid is in our DNA, as Neil Chapman explains.

When a massive tech failure plunged large parts of Spain and Portugal into a sudden, disorienting blackout at the end of April, many people found themselves abruptly severed from the modern world: no lights, no internet, no card machines and, in some cases, no water.

Entire towns blinked off. Traffic lights failed. Petrol stations shut their doors. Even mobile networks and internet services collapsed for hours, if not longer. For those tied to the grid, it was a stark reminder of just how fragile our infrastructure has become.

A quieter part of the population barely noticed. Scattered across remote hillsides, tucked into forested lanes and floating in quiet anchorages, the off-grid community carried on - solar panels catching the sun, water tanks filled, batteries charged. Boaters, of course, were among them, because for decades, we have been living off-grid.

Self-reliance

Before off-grid was a buzzword, it was just... how boats worked. Water-makers, solar panels, wind generators, composting toilets, diesel heaters and efficient battery banks; none of this is new to the average cruising sailor. Boats have always demanded self-reliance. Energy must be generated and stored, waste managed and supplies planned.

Off-grid mind-set

Across Europe, off-grid properties are booming. From yurts and shepherd’s huts to solarequipped villas and straw bale homes, more people are choosing to disconnect from national infrastructure; not just as a backup plan, but as a form of independence, sustainability and personal control.

And who better to understand the rhythms and realities of this lifestyle than boat owners?

Sailors already think in amps and litres; we understand seasonal variation - how winter sun differs from summer sun and how wind can be friend or foe depending on the direction. The offgrid home is really just a fixed boat. And for some, boats remain the better option.

Back to basics

One of the most jarring aspects of the recent outage was not just the lack of electricity - it was the silence. No mobile signal or WiFi. For those whose entire communication, work and safety systems depend on a functioning digital grid, this was existential.

I have always planned for redundancy. For years I used the original Starlink setup to ensure I could stay connected offshore or in remote anchorages. More recently, I have invested in a Starlink Mini - compact, efficient and, crucially, able to plug directly into 12V systems. It is a game-changer, offering fast, independent internet, without relying on landbased infrastructure.

When things really go pear-shaped, boaters fall back on tools that have stood the test of time; VHF radio for local communication, SSB for longer-range updates, GPS for navigation and even FM radio for weather and news. In an anchorage blackout, you might find cruisers coordinating via channel 16 or calling over to the next boat with a handheld. It is basic, reliable and, most importantly, independent.

Resilience

As global systems falter - blackouts, wildfires, cyber-attacks, supply chain issues etc - boats become more than pleasure craft. They are viable, floating fallback plans. Mobile, selfsufficient, able to cross borders, harvest rainwater and run on sunshine.

Sure, they require maintenance and the learning curve is steep. But so is life when the lights go out and you are staring at your frozen smart fridge in the dark.

Boats offer not just escape, but resilience. They are a template for off-grid living, a metaphor for independence and, in some cases, a literal lifeboat.

Neil Chapman has recently invested in a Starlink Mini

Supertaff, Neil’s boat

Wind can be friend or foe

POOLE QUAY

BOAT HAVEN

POOLE QUAY BOAT HAVEN

POOLE QUAY

BOAT HAVEN

SWINGING MOORINGS

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.

PORT OF POOLE

PORT OF POOLE MARINA

PORT OF POOLE

VISITOR MARINA

125 visitor berths all year for vessels up to 75m in length and up to 4.8m draft

On the Port estate we can accommodate vessels up to 210m in length with a maximum draft of 9m.