All At Sea - August 2025

Not only has SailGP Technologies, the championship’s centre of innovation, design and engineering, o cially opened in Southampton, but Emirates GBR was back on the podium after a

of

in front of a sell-out home crowd in Portsmouth at the Emirates

SIL SIL

REFINED SAILING INSTRUMENTS ENGINEERED FOR LIFE AT THE HELM

ROYAL VISIT TO KENT

RNLI volunteers proudly welcomed King Charles III to Walmer RNLI Lifeboat Station, marking His Majesty’s first o cial engagement since becoming Patron of the lifesaving charity last year. His Majesty was in Walmer as part of a special programme of events hosted by the Lord Warden of the Confederation of Cinque Ports, Admiral Sir George Zambellas. Neighbouring Deal is one of 14 coastal towns that make up the Confederation of Cinque Ports, formed for military and trade purposes with origins dating back to the 11th century.

On arrival at Walmer RNLI, His Majesty was welcomed by volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager, Denis Brophy MBE. Denis, a RNLI volunteer since 1967, introduced the King to other volunteers, including Boathouse Manager and former Head Launcher and crew Les Coe in recognition of his 70 years of service to the RNLI.

Inside the boathouse, His Majesty met Walmer RNLI’s recent gallantry service awardees, who were presented with The Thanks of The Institution on Vellum at the RNLI AGM. The King also met Launch Authority and Mechanic Tony Evans who has given 50 years’ service, and Helm Andy Howland who has dedicated 30 years to saving lives at sea.

One of the RNLI’s first female coxswains, Sloane Phillips from Hastings, now navigator and crew, and Ramsgate’s youngest coxswain, Becky Cannon, also attended with fellow volunteers from their lifeboat stations. Neighbouring operational crew and fundraisers from Rye Harbour and Margate were also present, representing other towns within the Confederation of Cinque Ports.

The visit ended with an ‘emergency’ when His Majesty was shown what

happens when the pager sounds as Walmer’s crew simulated a launch of their inshore lifeboat to the delight of the children from The Downs Church of England Primary School watching on.

The King has a long history with the RNLI dating back to 1964 when, as the

then Prince of Wales, His Royal Highness accompanied Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and HRH The Princess Royal to Cowes to observe the sea trials of a new Waveney class lifeboat. Since then, His Majesty has made several visits to RNLI lifeboat stations and sites.

LA28 VENUE CONFIRMATION

World Sailing has welcomed the confirmation of sailing venues for the Olympic Games LA28, with Belmont Shore in the 2028 Venue City of Long Beach staging the board events and the Port of Los Angeles in the Host City of LA holding the boat events.

The Men’s and Women’s Windsurfing events and the Men’s and Women’s Kite will be held first, at Belmont Shore on the Long Beach shoreline, the site of the 1984 Olympic sailing competition.

Then the action will move to the Port of Los Angeles, the same host venue as the 2025 Los Angeles SailGP, for the Men’s and Women’s Dinghy, Men’s and Women’s Ski , Mixed Dinghy and Mixed Multihull.

David Graham, CEO of World Sailing, said: “Belmont Shore in Long Beach and the Port of Los Angeles will provide wonderful sailing conditions which will give all our athletes a platform to demonstrate the skill, athleticism and strategic thinking required to succeed in our sport.

“While this was ultimately a decision for the relevant local authorities and LA28, as well as the International Olympic Committee, World Sailing was pleased to collaborate with them on selecting venues which will deliver great experiences for the athletes, a great spectacle for sports fans and a great showcase for Los Angeles as a coastal destination.”

Immerse yourself in this mesmerising performance by freediver Marianne Aventurier. Filmed in the crystal waters of French Polynesia, Aquaballet is a poetic dance with marine life, transforming the ocean into a living stage

OCEAN ADVENTURE FILMS BACK FOR 2025

The Ocean Film Festival World Tour is bringing a new collection of ocean-themed films to venues around the UK this autumn.

Starring gripping ocean adventures and mesmerising marine life, the Ocean Film Festival showcases the wonder and power of the sea, through a selection of short films from around the world.

“The Ocean Film Festival is more than just a film event; it is a celebration of our planet’s blue heart,” said tour director Nell Teasdale. “The festival aims to

inspire a deeper connection with the sea, o ering a deep dive into the heart of our oceans and the lives of those who cherish them.”

The 2025 film line-up includes Let Me Live, about a legendary big wave surfer from Cornwall, plus films about freediving, extreme bodyboarding and more.

The inspirational documentaries are introduced by a compère, and each screening will see a free prize giveaway to win ocean related goodies.

For dates and tickets, visit www.oceanfilmfestival.co.uk.

OCEAN RACE EUROPE

The Ocean Race Europe will see seven mixed-gender crews made up of sailors from across 13 nations set sail from Kiel, Germany on 10 August.

The 2025 edition is built on the foundations of the inaugural 2021 race and is held under the banner of ‘Connecting Europe’. The 4,500nm race takes the fleet around Europe, with stops in England, Portugal, Spain, France and Italy, before arriving in Boka Bay, Montenegro, around 15 – 16 September with the Final Scoring Race on 20 September. The finish in Montenegro marks the first time in its over 50-year history that crews from The Ocean Race will compete on the Adriatic Sea.

All seven teams compete in foiling IMOCA designs with four sailors (plus an onboard reporter) representing at least two nationalities, at least one of whom must be female. There are 11 skippers from the Vendée Globe 2024–25 and six pastwinners of The Ocean Race.

The UK is strongly represented, with six sailors: Pip Hare, the only British female sailor, along with Will Harris, Brian Thompson, Alan Roberts, Jack Bouttell and Sam Goodchild.

As well as competing to win, crews will contribute to the Race’s Racing for the Ocean initiative, aimed at helping restore society’s relationship with the ocean. The boats will be equipped with scientific instruments to measure key ocean parameters such as water temperature and salinity, oxygen and CO2 levels and microplastic concentrations.

The Ocean Race Europe is expected to arrive in Portsmouth on 14 August. While the fleet is in Portsmouth there will be a public areaOcean Live Park - at Gunwharf Quays, with family activities, engaging and educational ocean health activities and content and activations showcasing the achievements of the sailors and teams in the Race. The second leg starts on 17 August. Media partner Warner Bros. Discovery (Eurosport, TNT Sports, MAX) will have live coverage of the start in Kiel and the final coastal race in Boka Bay, along with 14 shows during the race.

It has been fantastic to read so much discussion taking place around the country about boat building. For example, coming up this month, there will be a Heritage Boat Building Centre at the Whitstable Harbour & Boat Show. The Centre will be showcasing the talents of student boat builders and shipwrights and master craftsmen and women from across the South and South East.

Amongst the Centre’s exhibitors is the Boat Building Academy and Furniture School, based in Lyme Regis, Dorset. Also in the news, the BBA’s students recently launched their new boats. In fantastic news for diversity, seven of the 15 students on the course were women!

One of those students is Hannah Lovett who is going on to begin a trial with the female-led yard of Abbey Boat Builder in Norfolk. Abbey set up her Norfolk yard in 2021, and with her award-winning restorations the business has gone from strength to strength.

Last month many people from the world of British Wooden Boat Building and Heritage Marine Engineering gathered at Abbey’s to talk about the state of the heritage boat building and marine engineering industry.

One of those in attendance was Belinda Joslin, Founder of Women In Boat Building, who explained: “We have an ageing skilled workforce and we need young people to fall in love with the joy of boat building and all its related skill-sets.”

We will be looking more closely at traditional boat building in an upcoming issue, including hearing more from Belinda.

At the other end of the boat building scale, SailGP Technologies has o cially opened here in England. It will be home to a highly-skilled team of more than 100 designers, engineers, boat builders

and experts in specialist composites, hydraulics, aerodynamics and other fields.

SailGP also announced a boat building apprenticeship program – in collaboration with South Hampshire College Group – aimed at developing a new generation of skilled professionals in the marine and boat building industry.

Staying with the theme of boat building, this month’s extract from ‘Inside the Britannic: Uncovering the wreck of the Titanic’s sister ship’ includes a fascinating look at the impact of the Titanic’s sinking on the build of Britannic.

Going back even further than Britannic, in Restoring Faces From The Past Susannah Hart is in 1885 and the sinking of the Marion o the Welsh coast. Incredibly Marion’s figurehead has survived and has been lovingly restored to her former glory. Read more on page 21.

We have several fantastic competitions for you this month, including a sailing set from Mustang Survival worth a massive £1,500, which includes a jacket, salopettes and Atlas life jacket. The good news is you can also buy the sailing set at a special price – see this month’s kit news on page 19 to find out more. We were very saddened to receive the news about the passing of Paul Antrobus who, as well as a successful sailor, many of you will be familiar with as the author of All at Sea’s In the Drink page for many years. Our thoughts are with Paul’s family and friends.

By Jane Hyde

Inside the Britannic: Uncovering the wreck of the Titanic’s sister ship  2 copies to win worth £28 each p20

to this publication are not necessarily those of the Publishers. Accordingly, the Publishers disclaim any responsibility for such views and opinions. Printed in Cambridge by Ili e Print. All at Sea is copyright and can not be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the Publisher. Every care is taken in compiling the contents, but the proprietors assume no responsibility for any e ect rising therefrom. Articles submitted for consideration must be the original work of the author and not previously published. Where photographs are included, which are not the property of the contributor, permission to reproduce them must have been obtained from the owner of the copyright. The editor cannot guarantee a personal response to all letters and emails received. All at Sea accepts no liability for products and services o ered by third parties. Average recycled content of paper in UK newspapers is 63.2 per cent. 3

men-ü  'Bounty Bags'  worth £223 each

The Royal Western Yacht Club has welcomed solo ocean racing legend Pip Hare as the Patron of WORLDSTAR 2026.

Pip’s journey as a solo oceanic sailor began with the RWYC. Back in 2009, she tackled one of her first major solo races, the OSTAR, hosted by the RWYC – a crossing that set her on the path to becoming one of the most respected figures in o shore sailing.

Since then, Pip has gone on to compete in the Vendée Globe, one of the toughest solo sailing races in the world. Her grit, humility and relentless spirit have inspired sailors everywhere.

Now, she is back where it all began –joining WORLDSTAR not just as patron, but as a guiding voice and advocate for what this race represents: endurance, passion and the pure adventure of sailing your own boat around the globe.

Pip said: “The sport of shorthanded ocean racing is at an all-time high, with participation, sponsorship and media coverage honing in on the excitement and engagement the sport brings. At a time when professional events are oversubscribed and come with costs that are inaccessible to the average sailor, the WORLDSTAR o ers an

KEY ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVES REVEALED

Southampton International

returns from

with a renewed focus on environmental responsibility.

As part of its continued commitment to sustainability, the show is taking new steps to support exhibitors in reducing their environmental impact and embedding sustainable practices into their show presence.

Central to this commitment are two key initiatives: the well-established Environmental Award, which continues to recognise outstanding sustainability e orts among exhibitors, together with the launch of a Carbon O setting Scheme delivered in partnership with Yacht Carbon O set. This has been designed to enable exhibitors to quantify and o set the carbon footprint of their show participation including stand build, travel and accommodation.

“The carbon o setting scheme provides a simple way for exhibitors to take accountability for their carbon emissions,” explained Rachel Goult, Managing

Director at Yacht Carbon O set. The data collected helps British Marine monitor the show’s overall footprint and allows exhibitors to benchmark and improve year-on-year.”

The Environmental Charter, launched six years ago, continues to underpin the Southampton International Boat Show’s approach to sustainability, outlining what the show organisers are doing and what is expected of exhibitors. All exhibitors are required to meet a set of mandatory environmental standards.

Show visitors can also expect talks, interactive exhibits and educational activities, designed to promote sustainability awareness. Plus, on 19 September at 16:00 on the Boating Academy Stage the 2025 Environmental Award winner will be revealed.

Get your show tickets now! You can use discount code AASSIBS2025 to buy a ticket for any day of the show for just £24. Book tickets, and find out more: www.southamptonboatshow.com

PETER BURLING’S NEW TEAM

Two months after leaving America’s Cup Defender, Emirates Team New Zealand, Peter Burling, the New Zealand helmsman and three-time America’s Cup winner, has joined the Italian team Luna Rossa. With three Olympic medals (gold in Rio 2016, silver in London 2012 and Tokyo 2021), six World Championships in the 49er class and three consecutive America’s Cup victories, Peter Burling brings a wealth of experience — not only in terms of competitive sailing but also in technical innovation and performance development.

Max Sirena, CEO of Luna Rossa, said: “Peter has been a long-time rival, and

over the years we have come to deeply respect both his exceptional sailing talent and his sportsmanship on the racecourse. Even though his exact role has yet to be defined, he will certainly be part of the sailing team, reinforcing Luna Rossa’s core leadership group and contributing to key areas of our development program.

“Peter brings tremendous sporting, technical and personal value. We are confident his presence will give the team a significant boost, bringing renewed energy, expertise and determination as we look ahead to the challenge before us.”

ANCHORIGHT

A company created as a result of an avid boater’s concerns for safety and the environment has won Start Up of the Year in the Maritime UK 2025 Awards.

Anchoright was set up in 2023 by Quinton Watts, who quit his corporate job in cybersecurity to develop a safety product that would help boaters safely and ecologically mark their anchor chains. The system works on any size of boat from small vessels to superyachts.

The Anchoright system is manufactured in the UK and comprises eco-friendly colour coded markers, which can be quickly and easily installed into anchor chain, and a reference plate to place by the windlass. This enables those letting out anchors to know what length of anchor chain has been deployed – essential to ensure the craft is safely moored when at anchor.

important and welcome opportunity for amateur sailors to step onto the planet’s largest racetrack and race solo, or double-handed, around the world.

“I began my solo racing career with the RWYC when I competed in the OSTAR solo transatlantic race in 2009. I was struggling to break into the larger, professional races, but competing in the OSTAR gave me the opportunity to race on terms I could a ord, and the racing was excellent. The RWYC is not just o ering a race but also building a supportive community that helps sailors prepare and gives them the best chance to achieve their goals.”

RWYC Commodore Adrian Gray said: “The race will benefit hugely from Pip’s experience and enthusiasm for the WORLDSTAR and all the race stands for, bringing the ultimate Oceanic Challenge to the club yachtsman or woman who wants to do the race in their own boat, solo or double-handed, all starting together, with all the modern safety and navigation equipment that is available to them. It is also ideal for the budding Vendée Globe entrant in their Open 40 or Open 60 who wishes to get noticed in their preparation for a future Vendée Globe race.”

The AFP Foiling Festival takes place from 18 – 22 August at the Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy, delivering a fiveday high-performance programme that caters for di erent levels of foiling experience, o ering tasters for beginners, skills sessions for developing sailors and structured training for current squad and intermediate-level athletes.

Organised by the Athena Foiling Pathway (AFP), the 2024/2025 season marks the third year of partnership with Hannah Mills OBE’s Athena Pathway, fresh from their success as finalists in the Women’s America’s Cup and podium finishers in the Youth America’s Cup. This year’s camp builds on the success of the 2023 launch with a fresh programme that includes both WASZP sailing and Wing Foiling, catering to sailors aged 14 – 21.

The 2024/2025 season also marks the second year of collaboration with the Andrew Simpson Foundation’s

Performance Academy, continuing to deliver world-class coaching in the one-design foiling WASZP class.

Importantly, the 2024/25 squad programme has been further enhanced by supporting promising sailors who lack access to their own WASZP, by providing boats for development and training. Athena Pathway is introducing a new ‘train alongside’ initiative, designed to increase access to sailing for young people from under-represented and diverse backgrounds.

Hannah Mills, Athena Pathway Team Principal, said: “AFP Foiling Festival is more than a camp, it is part of a commitment to grow and diversify our sport. Our partnership with AFP is unlocking the British highperformance sailing athletes of the future and ensuring that talent and enthusiasm, not access, are the key to opportunity.”

Spaces are limited; for full programme details and registration, visit linktr.ee/athenafoilingfestival

The

Boat Show

19 – 28 September

Image: Carlo Borlenghi / Luna Rossa

Image:

L.Goldman/INEOS Britannia

Image: Paul Wyeth

NAUTICAL READS

TO THE ICE AND BEYOND

By Graeme Kendall Mary Egan Publishing | £9.15

All alone for 193 days in his purposebuilt yacht Astral Express, New Zealand yachtsman Graeme Kendall crossed 28,000 miles of ocean, facing some of the Earth’s most challenging seas. An enthralling adventure, To The Ice And Beyond will inspire you to live your dreams and to never give up. During his extraordinary solo circumnavigation, Graeme became the first person to sail the Northwest Passage solo non-stop. Sailing east to west, he knocked o the ‘Everest of sailing’ in just 12 days. This is a story of determination, meticulous planning and rugged courage.

SAILING THE SEAS VOL.2

Grand Maritime Adventures

Editors: gestalten & Dayyan Armstrong

Publisher: gestalten |

£40

This sequel to the highly acclaimed Sailing the Seas takes readers on a journey to some of the world’s most breathtaking islands, bays and harbours. In collaboration with Dayyan Armstrong of Sailing Collective Travel Co., it captures classic Mediterranean voyages as well as lesser-sailed, far-flung destinations. This volume o ers a fresh perspective on maritime exploration, with captivating photography, detailed itineraries and insightful commentary.

HISTORIC SAIL BOAT SAVED

The Canal & River Trust, the charity that cares for the nation’s 250-year-old network of historic waterways, has helped secure a future for the White Heather –a rare 1926 Cornish Lugger.

White Heather, a wooden-hulled sail boat, was originally built for fishing o the Cornish coast and later became a popular passenger boat in Fowey during the 1980s and 90s. In 2003 she undertook an Atlantic voyage to Morocco, Brazil and the Caribbean, returning to the UK and later appearing as a guest ship at the Gloucester Tall Ships Festival in 2011.

Sadly, after another decade afloat, the privately-owned White Heather fell into disrepair and sank in 2023 whilst in the Trust’s Gloucester Docks.

After it became clear White Heather’s owner was unable to carry out the scale of works needed to raise and restore the vessel, or to license her to be kept on the Trust’s waters, the Trust’s licensing compliance & enforcement team began detailed planning to remove her.

Recognising the high heritage value of White Heather, the Trust’s heritage team was brought in to support the removal operation.

Morgan Cowles, heritage manager at Canal & River Trust, said: “It fell upon our charity to recover White Heather from the water. At risk of breaking up, which

could cause obstruction, pollution and safety impacts, we set about a recovery that would keep her intact and save an important part of the nation’s maritime heritage. Because of the boat’s history, my heritage colleagues supported the operation from the outset, which included help from Digital Dry Dock Ltd,

SUCCESSFUL INAUGURAL EVENT

Glorious sunshine and a packed schedule of maritime fun helped make the inaugural Plymouth Boat Fest a huge success, as thousands of visitors gathered at Plymouth Yacht Haven to celebrate the region’s rich marine heritage and industry.

With over 50 exhibitors and more than 30 boats on display, the event showcased the broad spectrum of the marine industry, ranging from leisure boating to commercial vessels and stateof-the-art marine technology. An underlying theme of the event was careers within the marine sector and introducing young people to

the diverse range of employers and roles within the industry.

“We could not have asked for a better day for the inaugural event,” said Steve Cox, marina manager at Plymouth Yacht Haven, the event organiser. “It has been fantastic to see so many families, boating enthusiasts and newcomers onsite, discovering everything our marine industry has to o er. Plymouth Boat Fest truly brought Britain’s Ocean City together.”

After the success of this inaugural event, organisers say the aim is to make Plymouth Boat Fest a repeat fixture for the city.

Sail Save at Hull

who carried out free-of-charge 3D scans of White Heather. This made it possible to fully document and understand the structure and condition of the vessel.

“Initial recovery e orts were hampered by concerns over the integrity of the fragile wooden hull. A second attempt succeeded in January 2024, with contractors safely raising and transporting the vessel to local boat builders RW Davis & Son Ltd, who generously supported the operation/project by providing secure storage, and preservative measures.”

The Trust contacted National Historic Ships and other maritime heritage organisations, as well as exploring the open market, to try and find a suitable new custodian. Despite significant interest and much goodwill, no formal o ers were received – leading to the prospect that White Heather could be lost. Just as all options seemed exhausted, an interested party came forward in early 2025 with exciting plans for a restoration of the historic vessel. After positive discussions and careful due diligence, ownership was formally transferred, and White Heather was moved to Hayling Island in May 2025, where full restoration work is set to begin.

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.

100 Free stop-overs at other marinas in the Aquavista group.†

One month free One free

Benefits 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.

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With Premier you can enjoy easy and convenient boat storage in a secure, purpose-built storage rack. When you want your boat launched simply click the app and with just an hour’s notice your boat will be ready to explore our beautiful marinas along the South Coast.

Our rewards stack up

Annual dry stack berthing includes full Sea Start membership and fuel at cost, along with 42 marina visitor nights and unlimited day visits to any Premier Marinas.

FALMOUTH NOSS ON DART

Premier Trafalgar Wharf

SWANWICK UNIVERSAL (HAMBLE) TRAFALGAR WHARF

BACK ON THE PODIUM

Emirates GBR were back on the podium in front of a pack home crowd in Portsmouth following a challenging US leg of their SailGP season.

The British team was sitting on top of the leaderboard after day one of the Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix, delighting the 10,000 fans on Southsea Common by securing results of 1-2-3-2 in the four fleet races.

After day one Emirates GBR Driver Dylan Fletcher said: “We are so pumped with that result. We had some di cult events in the US, so to be here and have a good first day in front of our home crowd is amazing. It is quite a di cult race track with a lot of obstacles but I am really happy and proud of the whole team with that performance.”

Emirates GBR Strategist Hannah Mills said: “Dylan and I both said this was the most nervous we had been in a long time before racing. With a home event we really want to do well and show the UK what this sport and SailGP is all about, so to do well is really important and it is a relief to have a good day.”

However, the day began with drama as the France SailGP Team’s wing collapsed before racing began (pictured right). The incident meant they were out of action for the first day of the event.

Day two of racing saw the British team in the top three just once (3-6-7), but they still topped the fleet race total at the end of the seven races, which saw them go into the three-boat final against New Zealand and Switzerland.

The comeback story of the weekend, though, was the France SailGP Team’s return to the startline after the wing incident ruled them out of Saturday’s racing. An overnight repair job from the SailGP Tech Team put France back on the startline just 24 hours later, and straight onto the racecourse - the team picked up 19 points for the weekend and two podium finishes – an impressive first and second in fleet races 6 and 7, respectively.

Driver Quentin Delapierre said: “Happy to get out racing but super strange to get directly onto the racetrack after docking out at 50 knots… pretty scary! If we were not in racing mode, we would be thinking too much about the wing failure and what can happen, so it was cool to get those

FAMOUS FACES ONBOARD

Jamie Redknapp onboard Emirates GBR’s F50 raceboat

Mark Wright and Jamie Redknapp joined Emirates GBR onboard the team’s F50 race boat ahead of the Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix in Portsmouth. Television personality and Heart Radio presenter, Mark Wright, and former footballer and Sky Sports pundit, Jamie Redknapp, took on the Sixth Sailor experience.

Speaking afterwards, Mark said: “That was one of the best experiences of my life and I will never forget it. Big up SailGP, wow!”

Jamie Redknapp, who described it as “the coolest waterpark ever!” was racing his A League of Their Own colleague, comedian Tom Davis, who was onboard the Canada SailGP Team’s F50. The race will feature in a SailGP special of the Sky show this autumn.

Mark Wright prepares to take flight on Emirates GBR’s F50 raceboat

three races, but unfortunately, a really bad result for us. It is what it is and the season is not over.”

Back in the three boat final, Emirates GBR, Switzerland and New Zealand all jostled for the top spot throughout the duration of the shortened-course sprint final. However it was New Zealand who came out on top; marking the second time New Zealand has stolen the Brits’ home victory – Peter Burling beat Sir Ben Ainslie in Plymouth in Season 3.

Emirates GBR Driver Dylan Fletcher said: “What an event, the home crowd was amazing and we very nearly got it done. We gave it our everything and thought we might have had a nibble at the Kiwis at that top gate but unfortunately it just was not enough.

“The team has really gelled and worked well together and it feels like we are back to our usual level after a couple of o events. We know that is

how we can sail and if we sail like that for the rest of the season we will be where we want to be for that Grand Final in Abu Dhabi.”

Following the Portsmouth result New Zealand moves into the top spot on the overall championship standings, bumping Australia to second and Spain to third. Emirates GBR remains in fourth, but has closed the gap – now just one point away from the podium group.

Record crowds turned out to watch the action on the Solent, with 20,000 ticketed fans attending the two-day event, plus thousands more watching from the water and from natural surrounding vantages.

After racing ended, the Southsea Race Stadium transformed into a shoreline party, with international DJ, Pete Tong, taking to the mainstage for SailGP’s Après-Sail celebrations. The previous day crowds had enjoyed charttopping singer-songwriter Tom Grennan.

The next European destination is the first-ever Germany event in the championship’s history – taking place in Sassnitz on 16 – 17 August. SailGP will also return to Portsmouth in 2026!

RYA BEACH CLUB

While the Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix thrilled crowds with highspeed racing on the Solent, a powerful legacy of connection and inspiration was taking shape along the shoreline. Hundreds of local children, families and community groups engaged in immersive, hands-on activities bringing them closer to the water and the world of sailing than ever before. At the heart of the action was the RYA Beach Club, which welcomed over 250 children to experience the thrill of sailing, wingsurfing and interactive science. The Beach Club o ered a programme of inspiring activities delivered by the Andrew Simpson Foundation, the 1851 Trust, Energise Me and the RYA.

Participants were also treated to surprise visits from SailGP athletes, including Ben Cornish, Emirates GBR Grinder and America’s Cup; Emirates GBR Grinders Nick Hutton and Neil Hunter; Development Sailor Kai Hockley; and Emirates GBR CEO and Olympic legend Sir Ben Ainslie (pictured).

Ben Ainslie said: “We want to support young people here in Portsmouth with opportunities to access these programmes, which are designed to break down barriers to education and broaden their horizons particularly through STEM all inspired by the power of sport.”

Susie Moore, RYA Regional Manager, said: “SailGP is the perfect backdrop to connect the community with elite and grassroot levels of sport – inspiring younger generations to see the possibilities the water can bring. Experiencing sailing and wingsurfing, children and local groups built confidence and a sense of connection to the water, many getting out on the Solent for the first time. With SailGP returning to Portsmouth in 2026, we cannot wait to link even more people with the coastline, showing the opportunities their waterfront city can o er.”

Image: Ricardo Pinto for SailGP

Image: Felix Diemer for SailGP

SAILGP TECHNOLOGIES

SailGP Technologies – the global racing championship’s centre of innovation, design and engineering based out of Southampton – has o cially opened.

Home to a highly-skilled team of more than 100 designers, engineers, boat builders and experts in specialist composites, hydraulics, aerodynamics and other fields, the $10 million facility represents a strategic investment in the future of the Rolex SailGP Championship after re-locating from the original facility in New Zealand in late 2023.

The centre will also be a hub for future o -water athlete training and development, with a fully operational simulator, and forthcoming development of a SailGP Athlete Integration Training Programme – set to include racing and rule training, simulator sessions, safety and medical training, and role specific training for incoming SailGP teams and athletes.

Joel Marginson, Director SailGP Technologies, said: “The opening of

SailGP Technologies represents a major step forward in our continued ability to support a truly global championship. This facility gives us greater control and resilience across the fleet, enabling faster turnaround of repairs, more consistent performance and a reliable supply of spares while on tour. It is a key step in future-proofing SailGP – ensuring we can deliver uncompromised high-performance racing, anywhere in the world.”

SailGP has also confirmed the first six emerging professionals selected to participate in SailGP Technologies Next Gen Careers Programme. The first-ever boat building apprenticeship programme – in collaboration with South Hampshire College Group – is aimed at developing a new generation of skilled professionals in the marine and boat building industry. The programme provides handson training and industry-leading expertise to aspiring boat builders, composite engineers and other specialist roles.

EMIRATES GBR LEADS THE IMPACT LEAGUE STANDINGS

SailGP has announced the winners of the second Focus Area of its Impact League – Emirates GBR SailGP Team.

The Impact League tracks and rewards teams not just for their performance on the water, but for their leadership and commitment to positive action o it. The second Impact League Focus Area for 2025 – Accelerating Inclusion – challenged teams to improve social inclusion and address barriers to participation in the sport of sailing.

The British team received stellar support for their commitment to developing the next generation of sailing talent, with the judges praising their

work as “a standout, long-term initiative that sets a benchmark for accelerating inclusion in sailing”.

The team formalised and expanded their Young Development Sailor programme for inner-city youth and through their partner, Low Carbon, invested $50k+ into inclusion-based educational resources for sport with the 1851 Trust. They have also provided more than 350 on-water training hours, including on the F50 for London teenager Kai Hockley, who was awarded a professional full-time role with the team in July 2024, and recently had his contract extended for the 2026 Season.

Kai spoke about what the longer term commitment from the team means to him:

“Being part of the Emirates GBR SailGP Team has really helped my development both on and o the water. From understanding the boat, how it works, how the foils work and then also learning from the other athletes – understanding how they are thinking, taking part in debriefs.

“Everyone wants the sport of sailing to grow so it needs mass participation –that is why it is so important that people from all backgrounds can get involved.”

The results of the second Focus Area place Emirates GBR at the top of the Impact League standings for the 2025 Season.

Image: Jason Ludlow for SailGP

The Emirates GBR SailGP Team descended on London’s Waterloo Station ahead of SailGP’s return to UK shores. L-R: Neil Hunter (Grinder), Kai Hockley (Development Sailor), Hannah Mills (Strategist), Sir Ben Ainslie (CEO), Dylan Fletcher (Driver), Ellie Aldridge (Reserve Strategist), Nick Hutton (Grinder/Trimmer)

Image: Emirates GBR SailGP Team

WINNING READERS

Congratulations to June’s competition winners. Rachell Beeston, Somerset, and Kat, Ceredigion, won a Zhik Active PFD. Warship 2025 was won by Mark Doherty, Lancashire, and Julie Martin (pictured), Lincolnshire. This month’s competitions can be found on pages 20, 27 and 30.

SEA ANGLING CLASSIC

Last year’s Sea Angling Classic champions returned in style to retain their title in impressive fashion. The trio of Stuart Cresswell, Steven Toner and William Kennedy, aboard Bluefin, outclassed the opposition by boating a two-day total of 1,956cm of the target species. The 30-plus boats fished a large area of the Solent for five target species of bass, black bream, rays, tope and smoothhound on a catch, photograph and release basis.

GIRLGUIDING EVENT

Girlguiding SW England took over the UK Sailing Academy (UKSA) for a weekend of watersports including sailing, kayaking, canoeing and raft building, which was designed to introduce the Girlguiding members to activities that are not on o er everyday and give them the chance to prove that ‘Girls Can Do Anything’. It is not the first time that Girlguiding members have undertaken a pursuit that involves water as a few years ago a team of Girlguiding volunteers undertook the Rolex Fastnet Race.

PAUL ANTROBUS

It is with great sadness that we share the news that Paul Antrobus, who wrote our In The Drink column for many years, has passed away. Paul was a well known name in the marine world with an extensive and distinguished career both afloat and ashore.

Paul wrote for All at Sea from the very first issue back in 2001, writing for almost 300 issues! Paul, though, had a long history with the water and indeed met his wife, Angie, through sailing having met at Cowes Week in the 1960s when she worked for Yachts & Yachting.

From his early days learning to sail in Brightlingsea in Essex on family holidays he progressed to o shore racing and so perhaps inevitably the Solent eventually drew him to the South Coast.

Paul’s many sailing endeavours included the Admiral’s Cup, Southern Cross Cup and Onion Patch British teams,

a number of Fastnet and Sydney-Hobart Races and sailing master on Noryema VIII, overall winner of the NewportBermuda Race 1972. Paul’s last major international event was the 1976 One Ton Cup in Marseilles. There were also several Atlantic crossings including the ARC.

Not just a writer for All at Sea and other publications, Paul was also joint author of Ocean Racing Around the World, published in 1975, and Swatchway Magic, published in 2012. Paul was involved in the 1987 America’s Cup too, managing the White Crusader sponsorship.

Paul was a member of the Colne Yacht Club, Royal Ocean Racing Club and Royal Thames Yacht Club, and he was also Commodore of Weybridge Sailing Club (now Weybridge Sailing & Recreational Boating Club) from 2003 for six years.

Paul leaves his wife Angie, and three children and three grandchildren.

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

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NOMINATIONS

OPEN FOR WORLD SAILING AWARDS

Many of the sport’s biggest names will be in attendance on 5 November at the World Sailing Awards 2025 at the Royal St. George Yacht Club in Dún Laoghaire, Ireland.  Honouring achievement across the sport, from prestigious individual and crew awards to technology and sustainability, and outstanding contributions to sailing, the World Sailing Awards showcase the dedication and diversity that makes sailing such an inspirational global sport.

New this year is the expanded World Sailing 11th Hour Racing Impact Award – formerly the 11th Hour Racing Sustainability Award – which has grown to cover positive impact in environmental footprint and social outcomes through sailing.

David Graham, World Sailing CEO, said: “The World Sailing Awards recognise and honour excellence, achievement and innovation in the sport of sailing. With a busy year of world and continental championships, as well as the start of the journey to the LA28 Olympic Games already underway, there will be new chapters written in the history of sailing and we are excited to celebrate more of the sport’s stars, emerging talent, dedicated volunteers and groundbreaking technology that reflect the full range of talent within sailing.”  Nominations are open in all categories (https://bit.ly/m/ WSAwards). The nomination period closes on 30 September 2025.

Lock in next year’s berth at this year’s price

With 11 stunning marinas to choose from, up to 300 free visitor nights and 10% savings on boatcare labour there’s never been a better time to join the boatfolk community.

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Simply pay for an annual contract in full before 30th September 2025, and start your contract any time before 30th September 2026.

SNAPS STRIDE FORWARD AT COWES WEEK

WATER WITCH

Following Yamaha’s acquisition of Torqeedo early this year, the company has rea rmed its partnership with Water Witch, which now commissions both Torqeedo electric systems and Yamaha outboards across its fleet. Since 1963, Water Witch has been providing boating solutions to help clean up the marine environment. From customisable trash skimmers to dredgers and workboats, its multipurpose craft have been deployed throughout the world – collecting more than 2.7 million tonnes of debris.

COWES WEEK

Pantaenius UK has joined the line-up of sponsors supporting Cowes Week. They will be on the water and ashore, engaging with clients, competitors and the boating community. Their newly commissioned 7.5m RIB will be in action during the event, helping the team connect with boat owners who are enjoying the regatta from their own decks. If you see Pantaenius out on the water give them a wave as they have goodie bags to hand out!

THIS TIME IN…

Back in 2011 we celebrated Markus Hendricks’ win in the Cowes-TorquayCowes powerboat race, in a 36-yearold boat. We also saw records tumble in the Fastnet, and the final part of the restoration of HMS Warrior was unveiled in a TV show, National Treasures Live, with Dan Snow and Sian Williams broadcasting from the ship.

With some 500 boats and more than 4,000 sailors taking part in this year’s Cowes Week (2 - 8 August) the crew onboard charity entry Stride Forward will be sure to stand out, both on and o the water.

Whilst the boat itself – a 32ft Sun Fast 3200 – will be easy to spot with its eye-catching logos on the hull, sail and spinnaker, what is most outstanding is that all of the crew have a variety of physical impairments and are racing together for the first time to promote the charity that has helped them overcome life-changing injuries.

Stride Forward is a national charity that o ers mentoring programmes and support for people who have su ered serious physical trauma leading to disability. It was set up by Holly King, an East Devon-based physiotherapist by profession and also a keen sailor, to help individuals adjust after lifechanging injuries.

Holly said: “In the early days, there is a clear roadmap of medical care, rehabilitation and legal support. But what happens when that structured support ends? People are then left facing emotional and practical challenges of life after serious injury with little or no help. This is where Stride Forward steps in.”

Stride Forward’s mission – Giving the Gift of the Ordinary – supports mentees to reclaim their confidence, independence and purpose in a way that feels accessible, empowering and real. Through a structured 1:1 mentoring programme, alongside specialist career advice and financial literacy sessions, the charity o ers a compassionate bridge between the clinical world and everyday life.

At Cowes Week, Stride Forward will be helmed by Olympian and world champion sailor Stuart Childerley, from Southampton, who is getting back on

the water for the first time since su ering life-changing injuries after a road bike accident in 2021.

Stuart said: “I met Holly, who did an expert report for me, and what struck me was just how determined she was to give those who have su ered life-changing injuries opportunities to feel valued, heard and be empowered to advocate for themselves whether in work or sport.

Sailing is something that I have always done, and the chance to sail with a group of incredible people at Cowes Week on Stride Forward is very exciting.”

A key member amongst the crew is Laurence Greenhough from Plymouth. At just 9-years-old, a capsize drill accident resulted in Laurence losing his right leg above the knee. Remarkably, he taught himself to sail and trapeze again on one leg.

In 2007, through resilience and dedication, Laurence was honoured with the prestigious Raymarine Young Sailor of the Year award. But in his early 20s, he was lacking direction and was introduced to Holly and Stride Forward. He was matched with Stride Forward volunteer mentor Josie Gliddon, and began skippering with the Andy Cassell Foundation.

Now working as a sailing instructor at a high-performance resort, his ambition is to race and compete on one leg in a high-speed, technically-challenging foiling Moth, a goal he is steadily progressing towards with Josie’s support.

Whilst Stuart and his crew are aiming to not only enjoy the challenges of racing and attain good results in the water, the purpose of Stride Forward being at Cowes Week runs deeper. Holly hopes that sailors taking part at Cowes Week will give opportunities for those with life changing injuries to sail as part of mixed teams rather than in teams of disability in separate adapted boats and on separate courses.

In addition, Holly is keen for people to see Stride Forward in action and o er to help by becoming a mentor. She said: “We are working with a wide range of individuals who need support to navigate returning to work, or using their transferrable skills in new roles, leaning into new hobbies or interests, and help with vocational support and financial training. It really does not matter what their backgrounds or interests are, we are here to enable and support them to achieve a joyful and fulfilled life.”

From left: Jim Goldsby, Vince Manley, skipper Jim Taylor-Ross and seated facing aft Ben Pearson

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NEW ERA OF COLLABORATION

BOAT BUILDING ACADEMY

Students on the BBA’s most gender diverse course to date have launched their new boats in Dorset.

The latest 40-week boat building course run by the Academy enrolled 15 students, of which seven were women. Prior to this, the greatest number of women on a course was two.

The class led their new boats – a British wood-made 14ft Gartside Lugrigged traditional clinker, an 18ft Carvel diesel launch, a British wood-made 12ft traditional clinker dinghy and a restored Firefly racing dinghy – the short distance from the Academy to the harbour slipway where they were greeted by the town’s Mayor Cllr Philip Evens MBE and cheered by the crowds of well-wishers.

BBA Director Will Reed said: “This course was particularly special because of its equal gender split and I am thrilled to say that many of the students have now started their new jobs as boat builders.”

Student Hannah Lovett, for example, was excited to begin a trial with the female-led yard of Abbey Boat Builder in Norfolk, within days of graduating from the BBA.

She said: “There were so many excellent and inspiring women on the course, and I am grateful that I had the opportunity to learn and grow alongside them.”

Will Reed went on to say: “The group was focused and cohesive from the start and they all worked incredibly hard to learn the skills and then to build their beautiful boats to completion. Every detail was finished with care and to a high professional standard. The training we provide is about education first and foremost, but the boats demonstrate the incredible standard that can be achieved with dedication and 40 weeks of careful tuition.

“We must also o er a huge thank you to Belinda Joslin, Founder of Women In Boat Building, who played a huge part in encouraging so many women onto this course. The relationship continues of course, and we must do all we can

Last month 60 influential names in British Wooden Boat Building and Heritage Marine Engineering gathered at a riverside boatyard in Reedham, Norfolk.

They were drawn together from across the country by Abbey’s award-winning craft, and the promise of dialogue about the state of the heritage boat building and marine engineering industry.

Abbey set up her Norfolk yard (Abbey Boat Builder) in 2021, and with her award-winning restorations the business has gone from strength to strength. Out-growing her premises in Dilham has meant that Abbey’s yard has moved to an idyllic Broads setting.

The range of boats on display included the ‘Guide of Dunkirk' (funded by the Girl Guides Association) which was a Dunkirk Little Ship. ‘Guide of Dunkirk’ has been bought by Abbey herself, and will be restored on site, and also used to o er local women and youth the opportunity to find out about the craft, heritage boat building and even get hands-on.

Abbey, host of the event and owner of the yard, said: “It was truly fantastic to see everyone together. Our industry goes unnoticed and rarely receives positive press or recognition but it was clear to see from the turn out that our industry is thriving and growing despite the lack of training, support and funding.

“We are all working together to keep these skills alive and to make sure our beautiful industry prospers into the future. We are determined to bring our industry to a wider audience and with

all the support shown after Saturday’s event we will certainly be making waves in the coming years. Watch this space.”

To raise the profile and needs of the traditional and wooden boat building industry going forward, a collaborative voice is being formed with the dual aim of preserving the heritage marine engineering craft of all traditional boat building, whilst also championing traditional materials and techniques for the future.

Belinda Joslin, Founder of Women in Boat Building CIC, supporting women working hands-on in boat building and related marine trades globally, and Shadow Board member of the National Shipbuilding O ce Shipbuilding Enterprise for Growth Industry Board, said: “For two years I have been lobbying the National Shipbuilding O ce for a response to the placing of Traditional Boatbuilding on the Red List – they have made it clear it is not their priority, but it is ours. We have an ageing skilled workforce and we need young people to fall in love with the joy of boat building and all its related skill-sets.

“People are in this industry because they love it – it is a lifestyle choice, and a calling. The heritage skills are the heart and soul of our industry, captivating children’s imagination for life. Without young people learning the skills, key parts of our nation’s heritage and culture will literally sink. So we need to work together as a collective of yards, colleges, individuals – to do what the industry bodies are not doing.”

SHOW'S NEW ATTRACTION

The Whitstable Harbour & Boat Show returns on 9 August and its newest attraction – The Heritage Boat Building Centre – has already been extended to accommodate demand from boat builders and other exhibitors.

In addition to free family attractions, on and o the water, the Heritage Boat Building Centre will showcase the talents of student boatbuilders and shipwrights and master craftsmen and women from across the South and South East. It will host a range of boats and a busy programme of presentations and demonstrations from exhibitors including timber specialists, sailmakers and marine equipment.

Gordon Vincent, leader of the event’s planning team, said: “It is wonderful to be back and especially exciting to be unveiling the new Heritage Boat Building Centre, which will feature craftsmen and women sharing their love of working with natural materials and creating beautiful boats using traditional tools.”

to keep this cultural shift moving and to ensure it reaches the industry that we are feeding.”

Enrolment is open for the BBA’s next 40-week course starting on 1 September. www.boatbuildingacademy.com

Amongst the centre’s exhibitors is the Boat Building Academy and Furniture School, based in Lyme Regis, Dorset. Many graduates from the BBA’s renowned 40-week boat building course go on to work at the UK’s top boatyards.

Director of the BBA, Will Reed said: “The BBA was created to preserve and protect the future of boat building, so it is therefore great to be able to showcase what we do alongside other heritage crafters in this unique environment.

"Visitors will be able to see a 14’ Paul Gartside designed clinker lugger built from English larch and oak, which has been commissioned and built by one of our latest students Ariana Cottam. The boat will also be for sale with all proceeds of the sale going to the BBA’s bursary fund.”

Exhibitor Colin Henwood is a boat builder with 40 years’ experience of building, restoring and caring for wooden boats on the Thames. Also, a BBA tutor, he will be representing the Wooden Boatbuilders Trade Association which supports wooden boat builders in the UK.

He said: “This will be a great opportunity to show that wood is good – good for boats, good for people and good for the planet.”

The Whitstable Harbour & Boat Show includes a regatta, workshops and dozens of maritime exhibits and attractions for all the family, as well as live music and street foods. www.whitstableboatshow.org.uk

Image: Charlie Ward

Image: Steve Lovegrove/Shutterstock

Image: ZacharyCulpin/BNPS

DIG AT BUCKLER’S HARD

Charitable trust Buckler’s Hard Shipyard Trust has been established to deliver education and heritage projects about the history of shipbuilding at Buckler’s Hard on the banks of the Beaulieu River.

The trust’s mission is to bring the story of Buckler’s Hard shipyard alive, with its rich history from medieval times, to shipbuilding in the 18th and 19th centuries, its role in WW2, the global footprint of ships originating from it and its rural village community, in a way that is inspiring, sustainable, inclusive to all and preserves it for future generations.

Projects include a survey of the wreck of HMS Agamemnon, Nelson's favourite ship which sank in 1809 in Uruguay, and an archaeological dig of the historic slipways. The long-term ambition is to lay a replica keel in the slipway to show the huge scale of the wooden warships and for woodworking skills and knowledge to be studied and taught to a new generation of people.

Chair of the trustees Mary MontaguScott said: “I have been wanting to do this for ages and at long last it has

become a reality. There is so much we can do at Buckler’s Hard to keep the legacy and skills of wooden shipbuilding alive and I am so passionate to preserve and celebrate this part of our local and maritime history.

“We have many exciting projects ahead and are looking for people to join our voluntary team. We need all sorts of skills, of course, shipwrights and carpenters, but also IT, web, media, accounting, project management, fundraising and are looking for more trustees for the board to steer the charity in the future.”

From 21 July – 8 August, a team led by University of Southampton will be working to survey and excavate the Slipway 2 area at Buckler’s Hard, one of the largest of the five surviving historic slipways. It is a significant structure within the historic shipyard renowned for the building of 55 ships for the Royal Navy during the 18th and early 19th centuries. You can visit for free and watch the dig unfold; there will be a free daily briefing for visitors at 2pm.

Bluebird K7 returned to Ullswater on 23 July for the 70th anniversary of Donald Campbell achieving his first World Water Speed Record.

Gina Campbell, the daughter of Donald Campbell, said: “I am honoured to be here in Ullswater 70 years to the day my father gained his first World Water Speed Record. He also broke the ‘water barrier’, as after the tragic death of John Cobb, it was believed that a boat could not reach 200mph without breaking apart – my father proved that wrong. Even as a young girl, who was in hospital for minor surgery when he broke the record, I was aware of how momentous it was.

WORLD FIRST

Former Army rifleman from Doncaster, Craig Wood, has made history by becoming the world’s first triple amputee to sail solo, non-stop and unsupported across the Pacific.

Craig is the first sailor with a disability to sail the Pacific - Mexico to Japansolo and unsupported, covering 7506nm at an average speed of 3.6 knots; a feat he completed in 90 days.

“I am exhausted – but so proud to complete an expedition that many thought impossible,” said Craig at the finish line at Hiroshima, Japan.  “It has tested me and my boat, Sirius II, almost to the limit, but I tried to stay in the moment, focus on my goal and the thought of seeing my wife and children at the end spurred me on. We are expecting our third child, so I am so excited to get back to them all and start this new chapter together. It is incredible

to think that I am the first triple amputee in history to sail solo and unsupported across the Pacific, but I am incredibly proud and want to be an example to anyone else living as an amputee that you can achieve any goal you set out to –there are no limits.”

Throughout the expedition Craig battled unpredictable weather, sleep deprivation and isolation – all whilst managing the additional challenges associated with his injuries. Craig also experienced several issues with his boat including one of the engines - needed to enter the port at the finish - seizing up; patching sails including the Jib, Gennaker and Main sail; replumbing his shower and creating a homemade dipole half wave AIS antenna, when his failed. Despite all of that, he still found time to mentor a friend who recently bought a boat, cultivate a tomato plant and make pies,

pizza and bread for burgers, from scratch and one handed.

Craig said: “Recently I broke my prosthetic arm leaving me one-handed, which is nothing I have not had to deal with previously but it has made things a bit more di cult while sailing. However, I have actually found the whole thing to be a spiritual experience that has made me even more appreciative of the life I have been able to create for myself after everything that happened to me.

“It is still my hope that by achieving this world record I can change the perception of disability, and show how sailing can transform the lives of those a ected by trauma. It has also been a chance for me to raise awareness and money for the two amazing charities (Blesma and Turn to Starboard) who were there for me during my rehabilitation and recovery.”

PETS AFLOAT

Gina Campbell and Rachel Bell, Head of Marketing and Business Development at Ullswater ‘Steamers’ and Cumbria Tourism’s Vice Chair

The whole ward was full of excitement about my father’s achievement and what it meant for Britain.”

Tracy Hodgson, Director of the Ruskin Museum, said: “We are delighted to be collaborating with Ullswater ‘Steamers’, The Inn Collection and The Ullswater Association in celebrating 70 years since Donald Campbell CBE achieved his first World Water Speed Record with a speed of 202.32mph on Ullswater. "Ullswater will always be a special place in the Campbell story, and we are honoured to be able to display Bluebird K7 at Glenridding Pier close to where she was first launched 70 years ago.”

adventure machines!

Maisie, a 6-year-old Labrador, loves trips around the South Coast.

Rosie loved being onboard spending time with her family.

Like most Springer Spaniels Barney just loves the water!

We hope those paws are clean?! Daisy is a very cute border terrier.

Craig Wood at the finish in Hiroshima

Image: GD Media

FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS

From Global Yacht Racing to Powerboat World Records – high-speed action hits SouthamptonInternational Boat Show.

Clipper Ventures will bring all the excitement of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race to the Southampton International Boat Show this September, along with one of its magnificent Clipper 70 ocean racing yachts.

The race, run by Clipper Ventures, is a renowned and extraordinary sailing event that pushes participants to their limits. Spanning over 40,000nm, this epic race trains non-professional sailors to become ocean racers as they embark on a challenging adventure around the globe.

With a fleet of identical yachts, the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race promotes camaraderie, teamwork and personal growth. It o ers ambitious individuals a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to embrace the extraordinary world of o shore sailing by completing one or multiple legs, of the full circumnavigation.

CLIPPER 70

The Clipper 70 yacht will be berthed in Europe’s largest purpose-built marina for all 10 days of this year’s Southampton International Boat Show (19 - 28 September), with visitors having a unique opportunity to explore the craft and talk to some of its previous crew.

There may also be the chance for visitors to head out on the Clipper 70, with four weatherdependent sailing trips planned across the event, setting o at 1pm each Saturday and Sunday*.

DAILY TALKS

The Clipper Race Team will also give daily talks on the new Boating Academy stage during the show, helping visitors fulfil their dreams of racing across the oceans or becoming an o shore sailing professional.

Previous Clipper Race Skippers, Max Rivers (now Deputy Race Director) and Race Manager Hannah Brewis, will o er career advice on becoming an o shore sailing professional during their Boating Academy sessions on 24 and 25 September.

Sailing legend and Clipper Ventures cofounder Sir Robin Knox-Johnston will also join the speaker line-up. Sir Robin made history in 1969 by becoming the first person to complete a solo nonstop circumnavigation of the globe.

WORKSHOPS

In addition, Spinlock, a key partner and supplier of safety equipment to the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, plus the race’s sister brands, Clipper Events, SKIRR Adventures and Hamble School of Yachting, will run 30-minute workshops on the Clipper Ventures stand and on the Clipper 70 throughout the show.

“It o ers ambitious individuals a oncein-a-lifetime opportunity to embrace the extraordinary world of o shore sailing”

Demonstrations and talks will cover a range of topics, including rope care; how to choose and maintain your lifejacket; how to get o shore racing experience and high-latitude sailing.

POWERHUB

The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is not the only team to bring the thrill of ocean racing to the Southampton International Boat Show.

This year the show introduces the new Powerhub, presented by Powerboat & RIB Magazine, which will spotlight two standout names in competitive powerboating: the British Power Boat Racing Club and the E1 racing franchise Team Brady.

The BPBRC will be bringing the Falcon Multispark, owned by Throttleman Dean Stoneman, to the Powerhub while a second powerboat, to be announced, will be on display in the marina. Falcon Multispark’s engineer Harry Thomas and navigator Glynn Norvall will appear on stage to share behindthe-scenes stories, footage and insights from the cockpit of this race-winning boat. Visitors interested in powerboat racing can also meet the team and learn more at their stand.

Team Brady is owned by seven-time Super Bowl champion and global superstar Tom Brady.

Team representatives and pilots will be on hand to discuss their journey to becoming 2024 E1 World Champions, the technology behind their craft and their impressive progress in just their second season. Rounding out the powerboat line-up, the Thunder Child II will be on display at the marina. Boasting six world records accredited by the UIM and a top speed of 54 knots, it carries the same name as the highly skilled crew that commands it.

Hannah Brewis

Max Rivers

BITS & PIECES

Garmin quatix 8

The quatix® 8 is the ultimate nautical smartwatch built for captains and those who feel at home on the water. It features a bright 1.4” AMOLED display with a scratch-resistant sapphire lens, durable titanium bezel and powerful LED flashlight as well as a 40-metre dive rating and leakproof buttons. Use the built-in speaker and mic to control your compatible chartplotter via BLUETOOTH® connectivity or for on-wrist calling when paired to your smartphone. Seamlessly control Force® trolling motors, Fusion® stereos, autopilots and compatible Garmin chartplotters from your wrist while keeping an eye on data streamed from your onboard system. Enjoy extended adventures at sea with up to 29 days of battery life in smartwatch mode.

47mm model:  £949.99

51mm model: £1,039.99 www.garmin.com

GPSMAP 1523xsv

Chartplotter

The GPSMAP 1523xsv is the first 15” ultrawide touchscreen display from Garmin. With a highresolution display and a sleek design to optimise space in the helm, users will love the more expansive, immersive field of view coupled with its easy-to-use functionality, built-in mapping and superior sonar capabilities. With an edge-to-edge glass format that fits a wide range of dash configurations, users can enjoy the advantages of dual screens without needing two separate units, making it easier to display the data and applications they use most. Plus, when integrated with a Garmin Force trolling motor, anglers can create routes, patterns and tracks for the trolling motor to follow while they fish. From the chartplotter screen, they can also control speed, check battery life and more.

£3,879.99

www.garmin.com

GEAR UP LIKE THE PROS AND SAVE 20%!

£1,517 (before the discount)

To get 20% o head to: mustang-survival.co.uk/collections/gear-up-like-the-pros

Over on page 27 you can enter our competition to win the ultimate sailing gear set from Mustang Survival, and the good news is you can also buy it as a bundle and save yourself a massive 20 per cent! The Sailing Set includes Mustang Survival’s new Meris Jacket and Salopettes, an Atlas 190 DLX life jacket and a pair of EP3250 Open Finger Gloves. Created to enhance the performance of coastal and o shore sailors and racers, the Meris Jacket o ers superior protection against driving water and wind. The redesigned Meris Salopettes o er breathable, waterproof protection with added durability from 500D Cordura® reinforcements. Featuring new bladder technology, an integrated spray hood and a SOLASapproved emergency light, the award-winning Atlas 190 DLX life jacket delivers exceptional safety and comfort. Lastly, designed for ocean racing, there are the EP3250 Open Finger Gloves, which excel in high-e ort situations.

INSIDE THE BRITANNIC

Documenting

one of the most comprehensive surveys of a shipwreck ever conducted, Simon Mills’ new book, of which

Titanic’s sister ship  By Simon Mills | Hardback | £28 www.bloomsbury.com

When her keel was laid, on 30 November 1911, the Britannic was intended to be the third and largest of the White Star Line’s Olympic class liners. But the first shadows over her intended life on the North Atlantic were cast long before she had even been launched, when, at 2.20am on Monday 15 April 1912, the RMS Titanic sank after hitting an iceberg on her maiden voyage from Southampton to New York. At this point, the Britannic’s hull, which had been progressing quietly on slip 2 at the Belfast shipyard of Harland & Wol for less than 20 weeks, was barely framed to the height of the double bottom, and yet overnight the new vessel would be subjected to scrutiny, rumours, speculation and innuendo that, only days earlier, would have been unimaginable.

The legends of what had happened on the Titanic very quickly took hold on the public imagination, but despite the cloud hanging over the Britannic’s future, if indeed she had one, the task of separating the fact from the fiction would ultimately fall to Edward Wilding, who up until this point in the story of the Olympic class liners had enjoyed a reasonably low profile. Lord Pirrie, the chairman of Harland & Wol and the man ultimately responsible for the design of the Olympic and Titanic, had been in the process of recovering from a prostate operation, which, according to legend, might even have prevented him from sailing on the Titanic, but in addition to his illness, Pirrie was totally devastated not only by the loss of the ship, but also by the death of Thomas Andrews, who was both his nephew and head of the company’s design department. Alexander Montgomery Carlisle, Pirrie’s brotherin-law and formerly the company’s chief naval architect, had also been crucial to the original design of the Olympic class, but he had retired from the company at the end of June 1910, and it was into this unenviable vacuum that Wilding unexpectedly found himself taking on the mantle of head of the design department. It would be Wilding’s task to salvage the professional reputation not only of Harland & Wol , but also of British shipbuilding as a whole. Looking back on it, it is di cult to comprehend the ordeal that Wilding would have faced in London in June 1912, as he fielded something in the order of 1,200 questions at Lord Mersey’s Titanic wreck inquiry. Being crossexamined in a hostile environment, dealing with repetitive questions and trying to make crucial technological and scientific details even remotely comprehensible to the batteries of lawyers with little or no understanding of the technical jargon would probably have tested any man, yet through it all he somehow retained his poise, patience and dignity, assisting the inquiry as much as he could, while at the same time protecting the reputation of Harland & Wol . There was certainly no doubting his professional credentials, having attended both the Royal Naval Engineering College at Devonport and

we share an extract here, takes you inside the SS Britannic for a unique dive into the past.

the Royal Naval College at Greenwich, before spending five years at the Royal Corps of Naval Constructors. During this time he undertook experimental work at Haslar, and by the time he joined Harland & Wol as a naval architect in 1904, his experience in the world of marine and naval engineering would prove invaluable at a time when shipping companies were ordering ever larger and faster vessels. By this time the 24,541 GRT White Star liner Adriatic was already on the stocks, and with Cunard in the process of planning the even larger Lusitania and Mauretania, the trend in terms of ship construction, particularly for vessels destined for service on the North Atlantic, was not di cult to foresee. The Olympic and Titanic would be White Star’s logical response to the Cunard sisters, and if Wilding’s role would not be as crucial to the early development stages as that of Pirrie, Carlisle and Andrews, he would nevertheless have been closely involved in the discussions and various calculations as the plans took shape.

By the spring of 1912, however, those plans needed to be seriously rethought. In

Edward Wilding, who would succeed Thomas Andrews as the head of the design department at Harland and Wol and oversee the modifications of the Britannic’s original design

order to comply with the Board of Trade requirements, the Olympic class had been designed to float with any two contiguous compartments flooded; but while the Titanic could actually float with all four of

to the Titanic’s hull did not result from a single continuous gash, but rather from a series of smaller wounds extending over an approximate length of 250 feet (75m). By the time his ordeal was over, Wilding had not only earned the admiration and respect of the Wreck Commissioner himself, who even thanked him for his evidence, which had been of ‘very great assistance’ to the court, but he had also done enough to ensure that when the final report was published in July 1912, it acknowledged that the Titanic was ‘e ciently designed and constructed to meet the contingencies which she was intended to meet’.

her smaller forward compartments open to the sea, the moment the hull damage extended as far aft as boiler room 6, the fifth compartment from the bow, the ship was e ectively doomed. Wilding’s analysis of the data, however, enabled him to provide Lord Mersey with more than just the idle speculation that abounded in the national press, and based on the testimony of the survivors he was able to theorise that the scale of the damage

Even though the professional reputation of Harland & Wol had been saved, along with that of British shipbuilding as a whole, there was still no denying that serious consideration needed to be given to the issues of internal subdivision and double sides in foreign-going passenger and emigrant ships. This thorny issue would ultimately be placed before the Board of Trade’s Bulkheads Committee for consideration, but even before the conclusion of Lord Mersey’s inquiry, Harland & Wol had been giving serious consideration to the lessons learned in the loss of the Titanic, so much so that in October 1912 the Olympic would return to Belfast to undergo a six month overhaul of the interior. By the time the work was completed, the ship would boast an additional watertight skin along the eight boiler and engine room compartments, higher and stronger watertight bulkheads, and even an additional aft bulkhead dividing the electric engine compartment in two. More noticeable to the passengers’ eye, however, was the welcome sight of the additional lifeboats along the boat deck, providing reassurance that the lessons from the Titanic’s sinking had been well and truly learned.

In the Britannic’s case the work would be even more extensive, although the builders did have the advantage of working on a largely incomplete hull, meaning that the modifications could be incorporated more easily.

ENTER TO WIN THIS BOOK!

By Simon Mills, £28

The Olympic Class ships were intended to be the greatest liners to ever sail the oceans, but the Britannic sank only four years after her sister ship the Titanic. While the wreck of the Titanic is two miles below the surface and rapidly deteriorating, the Britannic is much more accessible (only 400ft down)

and remains largely intact. One of the largest passenger ships ever to have sunk, her wreck presents a unique opportunity to explore the interior of the Olympic Class liners, and examine areas which on the Titanic simply no longer exist. Simon Mills bought the wreck of the Britannic in 1996 and has spent more time exploring it than anyone else. Inside the Britannic is the sum of decades of work covering every inch of the shipwreck as he searches for answers to centuryold questions, and discovers new mysteries to solve. Simon takes a forensic approach but this book is more than just the autopsy report of a ship; it is a fascinating survey supported by stunning, neverbefore-seen photos from inside the wreck, archival blueprints and original technical schematics of specific areas, and specially recreated digital images of how the ship would have looked.

For a chance to win this book enter at www.allatsea.co.uk or by email to editor@allatsea.co.uk with the subject header ‘Inside the Britannic’ Competition.

Q: Britannic sank how many years after her sister ship, the Titanic?

Launch booklet of the RMS Britannic on 26 February 1914 (Harland and Wol )

Colourised image of the builder’s model of the RMS Britannic, after conversion from its original RMS Olympic configuration (Harland and Wol )

RESTORING FACES FROM THE PAST

Behind every shipwreck lies a story - and within it, the lives of those onboard. Men, women and children with faces, families and long-forgotten hopes and dreams. Not all stories are tragic, but each is a thread in the fabric of our social history. Solent-based scuba diver Susannah Hart explores how a lockdown research project brought more than one face back from the past.

Criccieth today, but also where Marion was wrecked in 1885

As an island nation, shipping and maritime activity have historically been at the heart of our economydriving growth, trade and connection with the rest of the world. But it was also incredibly risky. Before the 20th century, the chances of being involved in a shipwreck, or being lost at sea, were high. While many wrecks have been well-documented, the stories of others, especially smaller and less politically or economically significant vessels, have largely been forgotten –along with those onboard.

Researching these smaller shipwrecks, and the lives of their captains and crews, is not always easy. Sometimes, there are still physical remnants to explore (above and below the water) but in many cases, the only evidence comes from old newspaper reports, once gathering dust in archives but now more accessible through digitisation.

WRECK RESEARCH

During the pandemic when lockdown was thwarting any practical nautical archaeology, the Welsh Wreck Web Research project (try saying that after a tipple or two!) was born, in collaboration with the Nautical Archaeology Society. From the comfort of their sofas, a dedicated team of volunteers undertook to investigate and record as much information as possible on a selection of the 450 plus known shipwrecks in the Cardigan Bay area of West Wales.

Among those chosen was an 18m wooden schooner named Marion, built in Porthmadog in 1853. The final moments of this cargo ship are well documented, with the North Wales Express and the Caernarvon & Denbigh Herald both publishing detailed summaries following the incident.

MARION’S STORY

On Tuesday 29 September 1885, the Marion was in Cardigan Bay heading to Criccieth with a cargo of 100 tons of limestone. She was captained by William Roberts (1816 - 1889) with just a four-man crew.

Around midnight, as the Marion sailed into Tremadoc Bay, the strong breeze quickly escalated into a severe storm.

Although near St. Tudwal’s Islands, docking was impossible as the Marion had lost her main boom. But pilot John Jones managed to guide her ashore

at Criccieth, near Ty’n y Gelaist (Beach Bank), where she was partially unloaded. But the storm worsened as the night went on, pushing the Marion onto the rocks and fatally damaging her hull. At approximately 11.00hrs on Wednesday 30 September 1885, she capsized. Thankfully, all crew members made it to safety. In the aftermath, wreckage from the Marion was scattered across the beach. Much of the debris was gathered and sold (possibly by locals), while what remained - including the hull, chains and anchor - were valued at £14 and then sold o .

“Through his work, Peters has quite literally given the Marion back her face - and her place in history”

CAPTAIN & CREW

While investigating the Marion and her demise, it quickly became clear to the researcher, Stefano Borghi, that existing records were incomplete and, on their own, did not provide a full picture of the ship’s story or those of the captain and crew.

The dry registers and black and white print of the newspapers tell us nothing of the human stories. Who were the brave sailors who walked her decks, hoisted her sails and escaped with their lives that eventful night nearly 140 years ago?

In an incredible twist of fate, after reading Borghi’s first report on the Marion published in December 2020 as part of the Welsh Wreck Web Research Project Richard Pierce, the great-greatgrandson of Captain William Roberts, got in touch with Borghi. The invaluable information and documentation he shared has brought the Marion and her master back to life.

Born in 1816 in Edern, on the north coast of the Llyn peninsula, Roberts was a lifelong mariner. From the age of 12, he served on numerous ships before becoming a master at the age of 35, although it was not until some 20 years later in 1871 that Roberts became master of the Marion.

After the Marion was lost, Roberts joined the ship Albert – and it was onboard the Albert that he made his last voyage trading goods from Porthmadog to Copenhagen – sadly, he never returned to Porthmadog.

A certificate from the British Vice Consulate of Abo, a small city in Finland now known as Turku, states that Roberts was discharged from the Albert in 1889 in Abo due to illness. He died in hospital in that same year.

THE FIGUREHEAD

A sad ending to an eventful life – but the story of the Marion does not end there. Her figurehead survives and is still in the possession of Roberts’ descendants having been retrieved by him following the wrecking.

Pierce recalls that the family endeavoured to preserve the figurehead sometime after the 1960s by painting it grey, obscuring its original colours. For years, the figurehead stood on Pierce’s grandfather’s porch, exposed to the elements where, over time, the grey coating began to wear away, gradually revealing glimpses of the original hues beneath.

After sharing the stories of his greatgreat-grandfather, Pierce was inspired to restore the treasured figurehead and enlisted the advice of expert figurehead restorer Andy Peters, commissioning the restoration in the latter half of 2024. With a blend of skilled craftsmanship and the family’s recollections passed down through generations, Peters meticulously revived the figurehead, including reconstructing its missing right arm holding a Bible - originally designed to be detachable during the ship’s voyages.

Now fully restored to what are believed to be her original colours, the figurehead stands once more in all her glory. Through his work, Peters has quite literally given the Marion back her faceand her place in history.

While it is true the digitalisation of archives and the incredible research power of the internet has completely revolutionised any form of historical investigation – they have their limits. People remember, people tell stories – stories which are passed down from generation to generation, often with a twist or turn in the tale. But it is these oral histories which can help fill in the blanks and bring the past back to life – as in the case of the Marion and William Robertshopefully never to be forgotten again.

The Marion’s captain, William Roberts, later joined the Albert; he made his last voyage trading goods from Porthmadog (pictured) to Copenhagen

The Marion’s figurehead restored to what are believed to be her original colours

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.

THE FOG ON THE TYNE (IS ALL MINE)

Our wonderful maritime heritage can be found all around our coastline; this month we are delving into some of the fascinating stories from the North East…

With so many key locations from Falmouth eastwards to Dover, it is easy to assume that our maritime heritage can be best expressed as something that is rooted in events along the South Coast. Express that viewpoint up on the North East coast and you may well get something of a scowl, probably with a few choice words in the Geordie dialect, and this is far from just a case of north v south bravado. With some justification, the coastline heading north from Spurn Head can rightly share a major slice of our nautical history. Facing eastwards into the North Sea, this would always be an area that attracted the attentions of the Viking invaders who quickly recognised how the deep, broad river would give them access to the area further inland.

Back in 875, the Danish Army led by Halfdan did not just attack the mouth of the Tyne but over wintered there, adding further defences to the hill promontory that guards the northern side of the entrance. However, Halfdan was far from the first to recognise the strategic importance of the area, as the Romans used Tyneside as the eastern anchor of the impressive Hadrian’s Wall.

RICH IN COAL

Tynemouth’s growing importance was not just as a safe port on what can otherwise be an inhospitable stretch of coastline, but because of what lay

underground. The area was rich in coal, some of it in seams that were exposed on the surface, and as the demand for the material grew, so did the importance of being able to transport it.

So important did the Tyne area become that it even entered our language, as today people will still say that a pointless task is like ‘taking coals to Newcastle’.

Newcastle had the coal, but one of the biggest markets for it was further south around London, so the east coast coal ship trade developed rapidly, which saw the rise of a hardy local population who were all dedicated to the task of getting the coal out of the ground and onto a ship. Pathways were constructed and then, later on, wooden rails were added so that small trucks or ‘waggons’ full of coal could be brought down to the shoreline. Many of these ‘wagonways’ still exist and have been turned into cycling and walking paths that today make the area an attractive place to visit.

Another statue celebrates the Herring Girls, who would work all day gutting and salting the herrings. With razor sharp knives, the occasional ‘nick’ to the skin was hard to avoid, but as the fish were salted down it must have been an unpleasant experience!

includes one terrible spell when in just three days in 1864 no less than five ships went onto the Middens, all within a couple of hundred yards of the safety of the shore.

The dangers of the Middens had long been known as back in Tudor times Henry VIII had commanded that a pair of lighthouses be constructed, with the plan being that all sailors had to do was to keep the lights in line to be on a safe bearing into the river entrance.

The increase in commercial tra c would also see a new jetty constructed, known locally as the ‘Lloyd’s’ jetty.

A representative of the insurance company was stationed there and as an outbound ship passed, he would hail “Where’ye bound” which would see details of ship and cargo, plus their destination, entered in a vast ledger.

ADMIRAL COLLINGWOOD

With coal and iron locally in abundance, when ship building moved from wood to iron, Tyneside became one of the world’s busiest shipyards, helping drive the expansion in the Royal Navy. This, though, would not be the area’s only connection with the country’s increasing domination of the sea as one of its sons, Cuthbert Collingwood, would

rise to fame as one of our greatest Admirals. Many people from the area feel that his role is shaded by that of his friend, Lord Nelson, as the two were close contemporaries.

Collingwood, aboard the Royal Sovereign, was second in command to Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar, but as his ship had just been fitted with a new copper sheathing to the hull, it was the faster Royal Sovereign that would be first to engage the enemy, a move that had Nelson saying “see how that noble fellow carries his ship into action”.

Later, when Nelson had been killed, Collingwood took on overall command to complete the victory, and today he and Nelson lay together in peace in St Paul’s Cathedral, but Collingwood, the ‘forgotten hero’ of Trafalgar, is also commemorated with an impressive memorial that has his stone figure looking out to sea across the mouth of the Tyne.

HERRING TRADE

Tynemouth has yet another claim to fame as one of the centres of the herring trade that was such a part of the North Sea fishing scene. Herring had long been part of the staple diet for coastal communities but as industrialised Britain grew, there was a need to get the fish away to the people. Herring, though, is an oily fish that has to be eaten or processed within 24 hours of being netted, which gave rise to a whole new community who would gut, then salt before packing the fish into barrels.

The shoals tended to arrive first in Scottish waters in the late spring, which saw a lot of the ‘herring girls’ who did the work being Scottish. As the shoals moved south, the girls followed the fishing fleets and with practice a skilled herring girl could gut more than 40 fish a minute!

Close to 1,000 fish would be packed into a barrel, in alternate layers with salt, but a measure of the scale of the enterprise can be seen when in one bumper year more than 2.5 million barrels of fish were produced.

Today, the huge herring shoals are themselves history and the herring girls are no more, though they are skilfully commemorated on the old fish quay at Tyneside, a reminder, if one were needed, that our marine heritage is so strong all around our coasts!

Once on the shore the coal could be loaded into a ‘keel’, a shallow draft barge, typically about 40ft long (with a 20ft beam) that could then be taken down the river to where the sea going coal transport ships would be waiting at anchor.

The coal trade was managed by the ‘Hostmen’, something akin to a trade guild but one that in Newcastle grew strong by operating as a virtual monopoly. A tax was levied on each ‘keel’ load, which prompted the more unscrupulous Hostmen to overload the keels, making the loaders work harder for the same shipment cost

THE MIDDENS

This was not the only problem facing the coal tra c, as the entrance to the Tyne was guarded by a dangerous rocky outcrop called the Middens, though with their dark colouring they were often known as the ‘Black Middens’. There is a long list of ships wrecked here that

 The entrance to the Tyne is now protected by a 930m long breakwater, yet even the most robust of constructions could not withstand the fury of storm Babet in 2023 when significant damage was caused (repairs should be completed by late 2025)

“We’re ye’re bound”? The remains of the old ‘Lloyd’s’ jetty that jutted out into the Tyne, but it gave a wonderful record of just how much trade passed across the waters of the Tyne

The ‘Fiddlers Green’ statue on the quayside is a wonderful tribute to all the Tynesiders who went out to fish but never returned

HOT TOPIC

MAXIMISE YOUR YACHT’S POTENTIAL WITH CHARTER MANAGEMENT

Hamble Point Yacht Charters explains how charter management can work for you.

Owning a yacht is a dream for many — the freedom, the adventure, the luxury of time on the water. But with that dream comes the reality of ongoing costs, maintenance and logistics. Yacht charter management is a smart way to reduce those burdens and turn your vessel into a source of income.

At Hamble Point Yacht Charters, we have spent over 30 years helping yacht owners enjoy more time on the water while making the most of their investment.

INCOME WHEN YOU ARE ASHORE

Your yacht does not have to sit idle when you are not using it. Through a charter management programme, owners can earn a steady income by making their boats available to carefully vetted clients. Whether it is a weekend sail or a longer cruise, there is a growing demand for quality yachts — and yours could be among them. This income can

significantly o set running costs such as berthing, insurance, servicing and winter storage. For some owners, it even covers all expenses, making sailing e ectively ‘cost-free’.

One yacht owner said: “My yacht cost just £800 to run over the year. I sailed whenever I wanted — and when I was not using her, she was earning her keep.

There will still be plenty of time for you to

HASSLE-FREE MAINTENANCE

One of the biggest perks of charter management is professional maintenance. Benefit from an experienced team that ensures your yacht is kept in top condition — cleaned, serviced and ready to go whenever you are. This preserves your vessel’s value and ensures reliability and safety for charter guests and personal use alike. Routine care also helps prevent larger, costly repairs down the line, giving you peace of mind that your yacht is in expert hands.

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

FLEXIBLE USE

YOUR TERMS

ON

A common concern is whether owners can still use their yacht. The answer is yes — with flexibility. You decide when your yacht is available for charter and when it is reserved for your own adventures. Whether you want to cruise during peak season or keep dates aside for spontaneous getaways, charter management can work around your plans. There are no set time constraints or set weeks.

FULL MANAGEMENT AND CREW SUPPORT

Yacht Management services do not stop at bookings. HPYC provide full operational support — from trained skippers and shore teams to compliance, insurance and customer service. Owners avoid the paperwork and administration, while guests enjoy a seamless experience — keeping your yacht in demand and reducing the stress of ownership.

ENHANCED VISIBILITY, STRONGER VALUE

Through targeted marketing, industry partnerships and digital promotion, your yacht will receive the exposure it deserves. More bookings mean more income — and regular use and upkeep help maintain the boat’s value over time.

A SMARTER WAY

TO SAIL

Charter management can turn yacht ownership from a costly indulgence into a sustainable and rewarding lifestyle, whether aiming to o set expenses, safeguard your investment or simply enjoy more time on the water for less.

Explore the benefits of chartering your yacht with HPYC’s flexible management packages, designed to make your vessel work for you. The Standard Managed Charter option o ers unlimited personal use and allows you to earn 60 per cent of the charter income — an ideal solution for owners who want to enjoy their yacht while also generating a return.

If your boat is already coded and maintained elsewhere, you can still take advantage of HPYC’s expertise by joining our fleet under an agency arrangement, with separate fees applicable.

All managed charters include professional guest vetting, full postcharter cleaning, MCA coding support, monthly financial reporting and access to expert VAT guidance. This service is available for yachts and motorboats moored on the Hamble River.

For those new to yacht ownership, the complimentary Buyer Support Programme provides tailored guidance on yacht selection, layout recommendations, broker introductions and a fast-track path into charter service — helping you get started with confidence.

www.yacht-charter.co.uk

With a charter management programme you could earn a steady income

Hamble Point Yacht Charters handled everything seamlessly.”

Hamble Point Yacht Charters have more than 30 years of charter management experience

MY FAVOURITE HARBOUR…

Anita Sutton is the Cruising Association’s Honorary Local Representative (HLR)* in Grenada and has lived there since 2001. Anita loves the islands and here she explains why you will love them too.

Grenada is referred to as a Tri-Island state – Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinque. In population and physical size, Grenada is the largest (population approx 100,000) with Carriacou and Petite Martinique much smaller (populations approx 6,000 and 1,000 respectively).

At the southern end of the Eastern Caribbean, it is at the lower end of the hurricane belt. Hurricanes are possible during the season (June to November) but statistically less likely than other Eastern Caribbean Islands.

Grenada had some turbulent years with independence from the UK being granted whilst the country was in a state of emergency in the mid 1970s. Then a socialist revolution, followed by a US intervention in 1983. It is hard to believe this turbulence was within relatively recent history when you spend time in Grenada now. Politically it is stable, socially it has challenges but is safe and secure for visitors, and the friendliness and welcome are remarked upon by everyone who visits.

Both Petite Martinique and Carriacou bore the brunt of Hurricane Beryl in July 2024, and you will see rebuilding is still underway. Much has been done but there is plenty left to do. The best way to support the recovery is to visit, have a beer, take a tour, use the supermarket and enjoy a local meal. Businesses are up and running to the extent they are able and need your patronage!

Petite Martinique

Petite Martinique is a seafaring island, with residents involved in running ferries and cargo boats, and are known for their independence and their own cultural traditions. There is very little

in the way of yachting or tourism facilities, but plenty of insight into the Grenadines’ way of life. There is an anchorage between Petite Martinique and Petite St Vincent (PSV) – the neighbouring island which is actually part of St Vincent & the Grenadines. PSV is a private luxury hotel. Be aware of the strong current running through this anchorage at times.

Carriacou

Hillsborough is the capital, but with the move of the main port to Tyrell Bay, the focus of yachting activity is very much Tyrell Bay and Harvey Vale village. There is a supermarket, chandlery, Port of Entry and ferry terminal as well as two boatyards, one of which has a substantial dock. Marine and technical services are available.

Sandy Island, just offshore, is a special anchorage – moorings are laid as it is a Marine Protected Area. Paradise Beach on the west coast lives up to its name, and Anse La Roche to the north-west is famed for its beach barbeque open air restaurant, but is generally not a good overnight anchorage.

The pace of life in Carriacou is measured. It is partly a reflection of the fact that everything comes in via sea from Grenada, so approach this as an opportunity to spend a little more time enjoying Carriacou rather than a frustrating inconvenience. There is an interesting range of cafes, rum shops, bars and restaurants in which to perfect the measured pace.

The village of Windward in the north is renowned for local boatbuilding. If you can find the film ‘Vanishing Sail’ it is highly recommended and tells the story of boatbuilding in Carriacou.

Between Grenada and Carriacou

There are some small uninhabited islands to the south of Carriacou with amazing deserted beaches, which are largely undiscovered by charter boats. Watch the conditions if anchoring overnight or visit for the day and return to Tyrell Bay or Sandy Island overnight.

Mid-way between Carriacou and Grenada are a cluster of uninhabited islands including Isle de Rhonde and Diamond Rock. Anchoring is possible in some conditions but not always.

Grenada – West Coast

I suggest checking the cruising guides on this. There are a couple of potential anchorages but with caveats for each such as anchoring limitations and proximity to garbage dump.

Grenada - St Georges

Port Louis Marina is Grenada’s biggest and best equipped marina and it houses the Port of Entry Customs and Immigration office. You are right in the Capital of St Georges with supermarkets, hardware stores, a chandlery and restaurants within the marina or close by. Grenada’s bus service is frequent and very reasonably priced and No1 buses pass the marina entrance, or there is a taxi rank at the marina.

Outside the harbour is a mooring field, which is a protected area so no anchoring.

The Grand Anse area to the south of St Georges has grown and developed into its own hub with hotels, restaurants, shopping malls and banks behind Grand Anse Beach. Whilst you cannot anchor off Grand Anse Beach, this area is easily accessed by bus, taxi or on foot if you like a walk.

Grenada - South/ South-East Coast

This section of coastline provides lots of protected anchorages between long headlands, with a couple of nearshore islands and plenty of reefs to make entrances interesting. You will find cruisers here who have lived onboard for years and in some cases decades. There is a social life to match with open mic nights, beach bars, dominoes, shopping bus runs and yoga.

There are plenty of anchorages and bays to explore and you can be either surrounded by

Sources of Information

The Cruising Guides produced by Chris Doyle have been the most comprehensive Eastern Caribbean sailing guides for some years – the latest edition covering Grenada is the 2024-5 Sailors Guide to the Windward Islands. New for this year, they have launched an app containing the information too. The website currently has a useful online version of the Yachting and Watersports Guide produced for Grenada in 2022.

There is a very active Facebook Page called ‘Grenada Cruisers Information’. As well as frequent posts from members of the (very large) group, the files section contains lots of information. Search there for what you need to know and if you do not find it, post the question and you will be certain to get plenty of answers. Once in Grenada, there is a Cruisers VHF Network every morning.

liveaboard boats or largely alone. Beaches here are not spectacular, but there are some good snorkelling spots.

Prickly Bay has Spice Island Marine boatyard at the far end and Prickly Bay Marina on the eastern side. It is a short walk to the other end of the No1 bus route.

Clarkes Court Bay is big and full of boats with Clarkes Court Boatyard at the southern end. Notable in the next bay is Le Phare Bleu Marina and Resort which has its own slightly different feel (provisioning store/deli, coffee shop, spa, restaurant, pool and hairdresser) which is especially popular with cruising families.

Furthest to the east is St David’s Bay with Grenada Marine Boatyard.

Events

There is lots going on. Check out puregrenada. com, the Grenada Tourism Authority website for information and local events. For sailing events – look out for Grenada Sailing Week, Grenada Workboat Regatta, Carriacou Regatta and those run by the Petite Calivigny Yacht Club (PCYC) based at Le Phare Bleu.

The CA was founded in 1908 specifically to meet the needs of cruising sailors and provides services, information, help and advice to thousands of members worldwide. For more information visit www.theca.org.uk.

Boat names at Paradise Beach Club

Grenada Workboat Regatta on Grand Anse Beach

Image: Island Dreams Grenada

Image: Island Dreams Grenada

Image: Island Dreams Grenada

HOLIDAYS ON THE CANALS T

here are more than 1,000 selfdrive canal boats available to hire on the 2,000 miles of navigable inland waterways in England and Wales cared for by the Canal & River Trust charity. With canals running through the UK’s most stunning landscapes, numerous pretty towns and villages and into the heart of major cities, there are a wide range of options for families, friends and couples. Matthew Symonds, head of boating & customer service at Canal & River Trust, explains: “Our unique British canals are still navigated by boats just as they were hundreds of years ago. Today, people recognise that spending time on the water is a tonic for mind and body. Boating holidays are a way people can step back in time and connect with nature and our nation’s living heritage.”

Haley Hadley, of Drifters Waterway Holidays, which is made up of nine hire boat companies, says: “Travelling at less than four miles per hour through peaceful countryside, past canalside pubs and sleepy villages, canal boat holidays are often described as ‘the fastest way to slow down’. Every year around 450,000 people enjoy holidaying on Britain’s canal network and around a fifth of hirers are first timers.”

drifters.co.uk

canalrivertrust.org.uk

DRIFTERS’ TOP 10 REASONS TO TAKE A CANAL BOAT HOLIDAY

1

IT IS A FLOATING SAFARI – nearly 2,000 county wildlife sites intersect with the Canal & River Trust’s canal and river network, which provides homes for birds, plants, animals and insects, including herons, kingfishers, bats, water voles, swans, ducks, coots, moorhens, woodland birds, butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies. So there is always something special to look out for.

2 IT IS A TIME FOR NOSTALGIA – there is a slower pace of life on the canals and it is a bit like stepping back in time. Parents enjoy seeing their children getting away from their screens to help with steering the boat and opening the locks, as well as playing cards and board games together in the evening, bringing back memories of their own family holidays when they were children.

3NARROWBOATS ARE LIKE FLOATING HOLIDAY COTTAGES – with everything you need onboard for a self-catering holiday afloat, including fully equipped kitchens, showers, toilets, beds, storage, televisions and may have WiFi too.

4

IT IS GOOD VALUE FOR MONEY – 92 per cent of respondents to last year’s Canal & River Trust Hire Boat Survey felt their narrowboat holiday was value for money and 87 per cent would definitely recommend it to others.

5 A LICENCE IS NOT REQUIRED TO HIRE A NARROWBOAT – and boat steering tuition is provided as part of all Drifters holiday packages, so it is easy for newcomers to take to the water.

6 IT IS BETTER FOR THE PLANET – as soon as canal boat holidaymakers swap their car for a boat, they use around a third of the fuel.

7 THEY ARE PET-FRIENDLY – hire boat operators welcome dogs and many other pets, including tortoises, cats and fish.

8 IT IS AN OUTDOOR WORKOUT – working the locks, as well as walking, running and cycling along tra c-free towpaths and local footpaths makes a narrowboat holiday great for keeping fit.

9 THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF PUBS – many of them historic inns dating back over 200 years to the heyday of canals as an industrial transport network.

HAPPIER

– research

Image: Canal & River Trust

Blackwater Meadow, Llangollen Canal, Shropshire

FAMILY BEACH DAY HACKS

Ocean Safety’s

beach hacks help ensure a good time is had by all at the beach

this summer.

Family beach days should be fun, but when you are spending the day on the beach with teenagers and/ or toddlers plus those in-between, there are a whole host of ways in which fun can be replaced with frustration.

EMPOWER YOUR CHILDREN

Our first tip for a successful day trip is to empower each child as soon as possible to take responsibility for their day. You are already going to be thinking of sun, hygiene and water safety, so getting each child to prepare a list of what they need in advance, and the rucksack to carry it in, will help to focus their mind on getting ready… whether they are four or 14.

They can find their hat, glasses, swimming costume, their favourite towel and a couple of changes of clothing (including long sleeves in case of too much sun) and pack it themselves (you can check they have got it all).

Whether they want to take a traditional bucket and spade, ball, beach game or a blow-up paddleboard and all the stu to go with it, make sure they are thinking about what they need – and collecting it – the day before. Top tip: mesh bags are great for stashing sand toys in and brilliant for giving them a quick rinse before you head back to the car.

EMPOWER YOURSELF

Hopefully there will be enough adults with you that you will be able to grab some time to yourself. Thus, you will need a sturdy rucksack with enough room for your towel, your personal library and potentially all the food too. If there is a change of weather, will your rucksack be keeping your spare clothes dry?

It is likely that you will want to enjoy (or be persuaded into enjoying) beach games. Think about keeping your keys and phone safe with a waterproof bag; this means you will not be caught out by an unexpected shower!

RESEARCH,

RESEARCH, RESEARCH

What is on your feet? There is nothing worse than going to a new beach and finding out you do not have the right footwear for the day. Check in advance if there are rock pools, pebbles or acres of hot sand, and invest in decent beach shoes for the family to make the most of the time there.

Where is the sea going to be? Check out the tide times (www.tidetimes.org. uk), so when you rock up with your giant beach blanket and stake your space with sun-umbrellas and flags, you know for sure you are not going to be washed out half an hour later and have to scramble for a space on the edge of someone else’s territory.

What is the temperature? Of course, the weather and sea temperature will have a big e ect on your day out. If you – or any members of your family –feel the cold, a short wetsuit is a great investment, especially as they are high quality and can be recycled through the generations.

Top tip: take a bucket to transport sandy wetsuits home and rinse with fresh water before drying.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

If you are planning on having a BBQ in-situ, make sure you have checked with whoever is responsible for the beach you are visiting that it is allowed.

Kelly Kettles are fun for making a brew with driftwood and for cooking up an adventurous storm.

Many parents recommend wrappingup food into small portions to stop the dreaded sand contamination in everything, and never, ever share a grab bag of crisps – unless sand and vinegar is your preferred favourite. Small plastic food tubs are easily stackable when empty and can be used for extra sandcastle building in case of emergency.

Freeze a couple of bottles of water and use them as ice packs for other bottles of water – and then drink them later. The steel water bottles which keep drinks chilly are also great.

TAKE SOME BAGGAGE

Take a couple of bags with you: one for rubbish and one for wet gear. It makes life so much easier if you have these ready and to hand.

DON’T LET TEENS GET BOARD (SEE WHAT WE DID THERE?)

While your younger ones are generally easily catered for (and have packed their toys), do not run the risk of your teenagers being bored. Stand-up paddleboard is very popular, and there are now quite a few SUP rental options at many beach locations.

We always advocate wearing a buoyancy aid when using a SUP, and do not forget one for your furry friend, if he or she is likely to want to round-up your teenager as they are paddling alongside the shore. Or – indeed – if they are simply an adventurous pooch who does not know their own limits.

SAFETY ON THE BEACH

Skin safety: UV protective clothes help cut down on the amount of sunscreen needed. Always have a long-sleeved version of top and bottoms to protect from the sun if it is all too much. Research sun creams which are marine friendly (and apply it at home before you leave if it is a sandy beach). Take umbrellas (some umbrella beach stands are awesome for stability) and/or tents to give children a break from the sun. Pack a small first aid kit – plasters, antiseptic cream, antihistamines and insect soother are a few basics to start with. Solar powered showers are available to clip to the back of a car door. Wash o the salt and sand before getting into the car for a more comfortable ride home.

Water safety: Make sure you know about the local water conditions. Do not take blow-up inflatable rubber rings as these are made for enclosed water, like swimming pools.

“Inflatables are not designed for open water and it takes very little breeze for them to be swept out to sea much quicker than you can swim or paddle back to the beach,” says Gareth Morrison, RNLI Head of Water Safety. “What may seem fun at first can turn into an extremely serious situation, in a matter of seconds.”

Top tip: For younger years take a waterproof wristband with your phone number written on it – especially if it is a busy beach. You can find these online.  Hygiene safety: A filled bucket of water, half buried in the sand, is a great way to have a handy hand dip prior to eating. Rinse o all the sand and wait for hands to air dry. Make sure you have some hand gel and wet wipes in your bag. Natural baby powder is useful to get sand o feet.

Have a great time out there!  oceansafety.com

“We always advocate wearing a buoyancy aid when using a SUP, and do not forget one for your furry friend”

The younger members of your family will love spending time on and by the beach

WIN THE ULTIMATE SAILING GEAR SET!

All at Sea has teamed up with Mustang Survival to give away a complete sailing set including jacket, salopettes and their award-winning Atlas life jacket.

The Sailing Set includes Mustang Survival’s new Meris Jacket and Salopettes, an Atlas 190 DLX life jacket and a pair of EP3250 Open Finger Gloves.

Designed for coastal and o shore sailors, the Meris Jacket and Salopettes deliver superior protection, comfort and durability in harsh marine environments. The Meris Jacket features a 3-layer PFAS-free Marine Spec BP fabric, 100 per cent waterproof YKK Aquaseal zipper and inner neoprene cu s to keep water out, while the stowable hood with peripheral windows ensures visibility. Available in XS–2XL, it is ideal for both men and women.

The redesigned Meris Salopettes o er breathable, waterproof protection with

and removable knee pads add versatility.

added durability from 500D Cordura® reinforcements. A two-way waterproof front zipper reduces weight and bulk, and removable knee pads add versatility. Available in XS–XXL, it ts a wide range of users.

For maximum safety, the award-winning Atlas 190 DLX life jacket features advanced bladder technology, an integrated spray hood and a SOLAS-approved emergency light, o ering reliable comfort and protection for o shore sailing and cruising.

Together, this gear ensures high performance for demanding marine conditions. The lucky winner will be able to choose the colour and size of the Meris set they win.

To be in with the chance of winning this great prize enter below, at www.allatsea.co.uk or by email to editor@allatsea.co.uk with the subject header Mustang Sailing Set Competition. You can also enter via the All at Sea newsletter (sign up at www.allatsea.co.uk/aasnewsletter).

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BOAT SEA FISHING ZONE

FISH OF THE MONTH

HIGHFIELD BOATS MAKE A SPLASH AT THE PENN CROUCH OPEN DOVER SOLE

What an eye-opener the Penn Crouch Open proved to be — nearly 100 boats and more than 250 anglers, with action from the very start.

Highfield Boats took to the water with their compact but capable Patrol 500. Though small for a crew of three match anglers and their 12 rods, clever rigging and storage solutions made all the di erence.

Thanks to their partnership with RAILBLAZA, rod storage was not an issue — and there was still room for two cutting boards and multiple camera mounts. Whether casting lures or baited hooks, Highfield’s anglers were well-equipped and comfortable throughout the day.

Tom Bettle, Sales and Business Development Manager for Highfield Boats UK, said: “It has been a while since I fished and tactics have certainly evolved, but one thing remains

the same — some anglers just seem to have lottery-winning luck. John Locker proved that with some cracking bass and smoothhounds falling to his rods.”

He added with a grin: “While we did not walk away with any prizes, The Highfield Fishing Team held our own — and we look forward to progressing the project further with the brands that supported us.”

Want to Join The Highfield Fishing Team?

Highfield owners are invited to share their passion for fishing. Post your best fishing pics and stories from your Highfield RIB to the Highfield Owners Facebook Page. You could become part of the exclusive Highfield Fishing Team — joining legends like The Fish Locker.

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.

Catching Dover sole can be both rewarding and challenging due to the species’ nocturnal habits and preference for specific seabed conditions. Look for them over a sandy or muddy seabed, often found in the shallower estuaries, harbours and along the open coastline.

Prime times are typically around dusk and into the night when they venture out to feed.

The most e ective rig for Dover sole is a simple two or three-hook paternoster.

Use snoods of 30cm long, tied with 8-10lb monofilament, with an AAA or SSG split shot on the snoods 100mm above the size 4-6 Aberdeen style hooks. The key is to keep the bait hard

on the bottom where sole forage. A lead weight, typically 2-4oz, will su ce. Light spinning rod and reel will be perfect for this sort of fishing.

For bait by far the best is king ragworm and maddies (harbour ragworm) are overwhelmingly the most e ective. Present a small, neat piece on each hook, ensuring the point is exposed. The key is fresh, active bait and a patient approach. Sole often gives very subtle bites, so a sensitive rod tip is crucial to detect their tentative takes.

With the right rig and technique, a successful evening fishing for sole is just around the corner and an opportunity to catch this prized fish for the table.

MORE THAN JUST A COMPETITION

This month’s winner is Brian Williams with a common stingray caught at Lepe Beach on the Solent, which was estimated to be 40 - 50lb. The runner-up is John Ranford with a tope measuring 160cm caught whilst fishing the Sea Angling Classic.

See more of your catches at www.allatsea.co.uk.

Send us your catch photo and you could win a RAILBLAZA Rod Holder II

The Sea Angling Classic is always an incredible experience — and this year was no exception. While the competition was fierce, the camaraderie among anglers was second to none, creating an atmosphere that was both exciting and genuinely welcoming.

Competitive angling is not just about winning; it is a powerful platform to inspire the next generation. It teaches discipline, patience and a deep appreciation for the natural world. When introducing young people to the sport, I focus on the full experience — the buzz of the event, the connections made and

the joy of simply being out on the water. It is not just about the bite or the catch, but the stories, the friendships and the lessons along the way.

One of the standout aspects of SAC is its commitment to conservation and community. The event was flawlessly organised, with a clear focus on protecting marine life and promoting responsible angling. It is this blend of competition, education and environmental stewardship that truly makes SAC a highlight on the angling calendar.

By Ryan Sibbons (Blue Shift Fishing)

SEA ANGLING CLASSIC

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Shootin’ the Breeze...

…with Janet Riddell who, after losing a leg 11 years after being injured in Iraq with the Royal Navy, rebuilt her life with help from the Royal Navy Benevolent Fund, Blesma and Turn to Starboard and now also volunteers to help others.

AAS: What inspired you to join the Royal Navy?

JR: My love for the sea and to see the world.

AAS: You visited some incredible places while in the Navy; what are some of your favourites?

JR: All the places I visited were equally important to my life going forward as they gave me a purpose and educated me as to how lucky I am to have the quality of life that I have today. Some of my favourites, however, were Antarctica, The Falkland Islands and South Georgia for their tranquillity and for the abundance of marine mammals and birds on view. Argentina, South Africa, Grand Cayman and the US Virgin Islands for the run ashore. Educationally I enjoyed St Helena, and the voyage through the Panama Canal. There are so many places I visited of which I enjoyed, but these are just a few.

AAS: Your leg was amputated in 2017, 11 years after the Black Hawk helicopter you were in was shot down in Iraq. You held a charity sweepstake to ‘guess the weight of your leg’. What was the inspiration behind this?

JR: I wanted something good to come out of something so traumatic, and what better way than to help raise money for the charities that helped both myself and other veterans going forward.

AAS: Can you explain what the Royal Navy Benevolent Fund does and how it has helped you?

JR: The RNBT helps both veterans and their families who have served in the Royal Navy and/or the Royal Marines. They help when people fall on hard times. They o er assistance financially and are also there to o er guidance in times of need. The RNBT helped fund my first wheelchair and accessories, such as a warm cover and gloves after my amputation. Knowing they were there for me helped me mentally and whenever I speak to them, even up to this very day, they are always welcoming, ensuring that my needs are met, not just with the o er of financial support, should I need it, but also just for a chat.

AAS: Have you always had a love of the sea, and is this why you learned to sail with Turn to Starboard?

JR: Yes. I noticed an article in a local newspaper that said I could learn to sail with a charity specifically set up for veterans. I thought this is my way back to my happy place, this being the sea, so I gave them a call. Turn to Starboard are an amazing charity who not only gave me the opportunity to sail, but they have also become my second family. Sailing with veterans is equally special as we have all been through experiences that I feel civilians would not understand. It also gave me something for myself other than me helping others, which I enjoy but it can also take its toll. This was a great outlet and opportunity for me to be back in my happy place and also a place where I feel at home and at peace.

AAS: How did it feel to be the first woman to skipper a boat for Blesma, the veterans’ amputee charity?

JR: It was my first time skippering a boat without having an instructor with me, so I was a little apprehensive at first. Just like when you have just passed a driving test. With the crew I had and the idyllic location, Greece, I soon settled into my role as skipper. It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience and an honour to have been given this opportunity. I was also proud to have been the first female to skipper a boat for Blesma; hopefully this will encourage more females going forward.

AAS: Can you tell us about your work at Portsmouth’s Enablement Centre?

JR: I feel that civilians do not get the same level of support as us veterans following amputation. We have a monthly night out where we meet with both amputees and their families to enable new amputees

to gain knowledge and experience from those who are seasoned amputees. I o er advice and help with the completion of benefit forms and also advise individuals about what is available to them as a disabled person. I created a spreadsheet containing links which is on the noticeboard at the centre along with my contact details should an individual need help. I also, along with my partner, o er swimming lessons as it is very di erent with limb loss. This hopefully helps individuals to think more positively and change their mindset to ‘I can do anything; I just do it di erently’. I also trial new legs and get involved in studies at di erent universities, as well as giving talks to the students about my journey as an amputee and the di culties I have faced, thus helping the progression of prosthetics going forward.

AAS: You are training to become a Yachtmaster; what are your plans after this?

JR: I would like to volunteer as a skipper for Turn to Starboard and give something back to the charity that has given me so much. They also o er opportunities for all female crews so they will be looking for more female volunteers to help with this venture. I would also like to skipper boats for other charities should the opportunity arise, and of course Blesma who have a yearly activity sailing in Greece. You cannot keep me away from the sea for long.

AAS: What is your favourite place to sail?

JR: Anywhere to be honest. The coastal waters o Britain o er more challenges in the way of tides and weather, whereas places like Greece o er calm seas and good weather.

AAS: We hear you love football; which team do you support?

JR: Manchester City of course as I come from Manchester. I have a season ticket for home games and also attend a few away games every season.

“This hopefully helps individuals to think more positively and change their mindset to ‘I can do anything; I just do it di erently’”

Janet following her amputation

After Janet’s passing out parade in 1990

Janet’s first time skippering a boat, in Greece. Can you spot which football team Janet supports?

Dog sledding with Blesma, the military charity for limbless veterans

Janet in Baghdad

Sailing with Turn to Starboard

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.

A stunning view of Kippford courtesy of Alec Taylor.

This kingfisher was spotted at Falmouth Marina, Cornwall by Miles Carden.

PHOTO

Here is a curious swan in Newtown Creek who stopped by to say hello - and check out the packed lunch onboard! Thanks to Ed Hillier.

“Dover Marina on my way home” by Malcom Spence.

Old St Mary’s Church, Portchester and the new Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth. Thanks to Sarah Bryant.

Lonely times at Victoria Marina in Guernsey. Thanks to Steve Carter for this photo.

This fantastic photo was taken from Greenwich Yacht Club by Jim.

We love this colourful photo, sent in by Stuart Dray.

Solve

1 Urban centre (4)

3 Letters and digits added to an address to aid the sorting of mail (8) 8 Give birth to a litter of piglets (6)

9 Hardly, sparsely (6) 11 Young frog (7)

12 Typical dwellingplace (5)

14 Old Testament patriarch, the father of Isaac (7)

18 Relating to birds (5)

19 Investigate (7)

21 In a quiet or gentle way (6)

22 In need of immediate action (6)

23 Animal or plant that lives in or on a host (8)

24 Chimney-pot cover (4)

Down

1 Small restaurant (9)

2 Rant (6)

4 Windpipe (7)

5 Dagger-sign (†) used in printing (6)

6 Cambridgeshire city (3)

7 Ms Ono, who married John Lennon (4)

10 Makes a connection between (7)

13 Resembling a force of nature (9)

15 Circular bands worn on the arm or leg (7)

16 Be unlike (6)

17 Short jacket (6)

20 Funeral pile (4)

21 Plant fluid (3)

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

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

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GOSPORT MARINA

Gosport Marina is situated at the entrance of Portsmouth Harbour, providing immediate deep-water access to the cruising wonders of the Solent.

The historic Naval Dockyard and the city of Portsmouth o er an impressive backdrop, with restaurants and shopping just a short ferry ride away.

This Five Gold Anchor awarded

FACILITIES & BERTHING

Premier’s Gosport Marina has great sea access and can accommodate boats up to 22m due to its good depth. The marina o ers walkashore finger berths with access to water and electricity, hammerhead berths for larger boats as well as pile moorings and versa docks, totalling 475 at capacity. There is also an onsite fuel pontoon, making it easy to get out exploring.

The marina has all the facilities you would expect from a premium location. Berth holders benefit from access to a new exclusive block of high-quality toilet and shower rooms, designed to provide a calm and relaxing space.

Premier Marinas has also recently invested £400,000 in the electrical infrastructure at Gosport, extending berth holders’ management of their

marina is rich in history, featuring the prestigious onsite boatyard Endeavour Quay, which was previously occupied by Camper & Nicholsons and dates back to the 1700s. With significant recent investment, the marina has become even more popular with both racers, including the Clipper Round The World fleet, and cruisers alike for its outstanding location and exceptional new facilities.

boats’ electrical use via the Premier App. This upgrade paved the way for enhanced high-speed WiFi, from a managed provider. Users now get a home-from-home experience with the ability to connect several devices while streaming or video calling –just one of the benefits of the Premier Advantage.

Not only has this all taken place across the last nine months, but the marina has also opened a large expanse for additional storage ashore and created space for a new parking system, improving parking convenience for berth holders.

Consolidating its dry stack feature at Trafalgar Wharf, the largest undercover dry stack facility in Europe, customers can now park in a bay and stroll onto their boat all in a matter of minutes. Not forgetting the marina is also home to

OUT AND ABOUT

Just a 10-minute ferry ride away, the city of Portsmouth o ers a variety of attractions. You can explore the outlet shops, restaurants, nightclubs and entertainment at Gunwharf Quays. Experience 800 years of naval history at the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard or enjoy breathtaking views from the top of the iconic Spinnaker Tower. Follow the Gosport Waterfront

MARINA FOCUS

We make our way to Hampshire to find out more about Gosport Marina.

ACCESS

CRUISING

n Parking n High-speed WiFi

n Personal bathrooms n Electricity

n Full-service boatyard n Restaurant

n 24hr security n Fuel pontoon

n Pump-out n Recycling

Trail eastward to the award-winning Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower, which provides fascinating insights into naval warfare. If you are in the mood for shopping, Gosport High Street is only a two-minute walk away and features a range of dining options. Additionally, just outside the marina, you will find a supermarket and a chandlery that are perfectly situated for all your essentials.

Premier’s Gosport Marina is located just inside the entrance to Portsmouth Harbour. It is easy to find, situated just 10 miles from Portsmouth by road and six miles from the M27. Portsmouth Harbour station o ers a good service to London Waterloo, with journey times starting from one hour and 35 minutes. Additionally, a regular ferry service connects Portsmouth to Gosport every 15 minutes, which is easily visible to those travelling by boat as they navigate through the small ships channel.

Portsmouth Harbour is a busy hub for commercial, naval and leisure activities, so caution is advised around the entrance. It is crucial to check the local notice to mariners before proceeding. Vessels over 20m in length must contact the King’s Harbour Master on VHF Channel 11 prior to entering or leaving the harbour.

BUSINESSES AT THE MARINA

You are spoilt for choice when it comes to cruising destinations. With instant access to the Solent, there are incredible locations only a stone’s throw away from the marina.

Just 40 minutes along the channel, you can explore places like Stokes Bay, Lee-on-the-Solent and Hill Head.

If you are eager to venture further, the stunning West Sussex coastline o ers hidden anchorages around Chichester Marina. Premier Marinas berth holders enjoy 42 group visitors’ nights, making this an ideal spot for a weekend getaway, complete with white sandy beaches, amazing wildlife and beautiful scenic walks. Additionally, a major attraction of the marina is the nearby Isle of Wight, which is well-known among sailors for its diverse beaches and anchorages perfect for exploration.

Many businesses operate at the marina, most of which are within the marine industry. Boat owners can find a good selection of specialist yacht and motorboat service and repair specialists, including UKDocks Marine Services, Yacht Care Plus, Russell Rennison Boat Services, Lighthouse Yacht Services and Apex Marine. There is also Jerry the Rigger, GRP Painting specialists Solent Repairs and sailmaker Kemp Sails. A full list can be found at www.premiermarinas.com/onsite-businesses (select Gosport Marina).

PERSONAL RECOMMENDATIONS

“On returning after six months away I have to say how impressed I am with the hard work that has gone into all the upgrades. The WiFi is superb, and I note the excellent new heads and bathrooms which will ease the competition in the mornings. Tracy and I are something of ‘marina tourists’ around the UK and Irish coasts and I can assure you that Gosport thoroughly deserves its ‘Premier’ title.”

Iain and Tracy – Wight Leopard – annual berth holders

“We first visited a couple of years ago – and we stayed the whole summer because we liked it so much. We prefer it here; it is really nice and the amenities are so convenient.”

Wayne and Monika – Kochanie – visitor berthing

Manager – Jonathan Walcroft CMM

Premier Marinas Gosport Marina Mumby Road, Gosport, Hampshire PO12 1AH 02392 524 811

gosport@premiermarinas.com premiermarinas.com/marinas/Gosport-marina

The Boathouse restaurant, providing a great spot for a brunch, light lunch or dinner.

WATCHET MARINA

MARINA FOCUS

This month we make our way to Watchet Marina on the beautiful Somerset Coast.

Watchet Marina o ers a safesanctuary in the Bristol Channel and easy access to the southwest and Welsh coastlines. It was built in 2001 within the wider harbour, which

FACILITIES & BERTHING

With the marina gate fixed and the main dredging having been completed with a regular maintenance dredge in progress, Watchet Marina can now accommodate motorboats and yachts up to 15m in length and 6m beam.

There is an overall capacity of 150 floating berths. Lifting facilities are currently available by scheduled hire.

has a rich maritime history dating back to Saxon times, when it served as an important port and trading centre.

Prior to being taken over by Western Marinas in 2024, Watchet Marina struggled with silt build up and a lack of investment. A full rehabilitation

Permanent and visiting berth holder facilities include: n Free parking n WiFi

n Toilet, shower and laundry facilities n Serviced berths with water and electricity n Gated pontoons with CCTV n A warm welcome from the fabulous marina team

A small hardware store nearby carries rope and a few chandlery items. There are not currently any marine businesses found at the marina but Western Marinas hopes to facilitate growth of related marine businesses in the future.

ACCESS

To access the marina by land, you can either drive or take the train to Taunton and then get the No.28 bus which travels on a regular daily schedule or take a taxi (around a 40 minute journey from Taunton).

Via sea, you can appreciate the Somerset cli s and historic lighthouse as you approach. Watchet is fronted by a rocky foreshore which dries out for half a mile at low water. The harbour is tidal and the outer harbour dries completely. Please see chart details for approach information.

The marina is accessible approximately 2.5 hours either side of high water. During the marina access period, the flow across the harbour entrance is predominantly westbound and attention must be given to this flow when approaching the harbour entrance.

Admiralty chart no.1165

Harbour entrance – 51o11’.00 N. 03o19.64 W

CRUISING

Watchet’s location between the Quantock Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Exmoor National Park coastlines gives access to cruising grounds with unique and spectacular backdrops.

To the east, the waters of St Audries Bay where the Quantock Hills meet the Bristol Channel and the fossil rich cli s beyond extending to Kilve are ideal for a short over high-water cruise. An evening cruise along this coastline can be particularly exhilarating when the cli s and hills beyond are illuminated by the setting sun to the west.

Visiting boats should contact the marina team via VHF Channel 80 or phone 01984 322 230.

has taken place under the new owners, including a full dredge and refurbishment of the marina gate.

Watchet town surrounds the marina, making it an integral part of this vibrant coastal community with quaint houses, shops and pubs.

For day cruises over low water, the beautiful Porlock Bay with cli s rising almost 300m towering over its eastern boundary has long been a popular destination with those boating out of Watchet for the views and summer fishing.

Further to the west is Lynmouth, with the spectacular cli s of the Valley of the Rocks with wild goats grazing on ledges high above the sea. Lee Bay and Woody Bay are also within easy reach of the day sailer from Watchet.

To the west, an over high-water trip to Blue Anchor Bay (named due to the blue clay which provides good anchorage) with its views of the spectacular Dunster Castle and Somerset’s highest point, Dunkery Beacon, is well worth an excursion. Beyond Blue Anchor you can also visit Minehead’s sheltered harbour beneath the town’s tree covered north hill over a single tide and return to Watchet before the marina gate closes.

OUT AND ABOUT

There is so much to see and do in Watchet and the surrounding area. Here we share just a few highlights:

n Explore the historic harbour with a 1000-year history

n Visit Watchet Boat Museum

n Explore the coastal path

n Visit East Quay art centre and kitchen right next to the marina

n Go fossil hunting at Helwell Bay

n Visit Dunster Castle

n Watch the Flying Scotsman steam past on the railway right behind the marina o ce

n Visit Watchet to enjoy one of the town’s numerous events throughout the season, including weekly markets on the esplanade overlooking the marina and a wide variety of other events.

PERSONAL RECOMMENDATION

“The berth holders at Watchet are delighted with the progress being made in the rehabilitation of Watchet Marina by Western Marinas, whose refreshingly honest and realistic approach has been welcomed by all. It is true to say the company has delivered a staggeringly successful dredging campaign in a very short time without making undeliverable promises to a very sceptical audience.

For longer trips to the west, popular destinations include Watermouth Cove, Combe Martin, Ilfracombe and Lundy Island.

Alternatively, you could head across the Bristol Channel to Cardi Marina, also part of the Western Marinas group, where you can see the sights of the Welsh capital city. Or carry on round the Welsh coast to Swansea, The Gower Peninsula, Milford Haven and beyond. To follow a traditional trading route from Watchet, you could cross to Cork and Kinsale in Southern Ireland.

It is no exaggeration to say that confidence in Western Marinas grows daily as realistic deliverables are achieved and there is an optimism being felt by harbour users and townsfolk alike regarding the future of boating in Watchet not witnessed since the early days of marina operation some 24 years ago.

Where to eat and drink:

n Spice Merchant Indian

n Crispies Chippie

n Esplanade Club

n Pebbles Tavern

n The Star Inn

n The Bell Inn

n The West Somerset Hotel

n East Quay Kitchen

The nearest supermarket is just a two-minute walk from the marina on the town’s high street. There is a regular No.28 bus that travels in Watchet and the local area, or there are several taxi companies including Alcome Taxi, Williton Cabs and Cli s Cabs.

Or why not explore the area on the West Somerset Railway with Watchet’s train station right next to the marina.

engagement of Western Marinas with the local authority Harbour Master, officers and portfolio holders together with the members of the Watchet Harbour Advisory Committee and the committee of Watchet Boat Owners Association to a level not previously witnessed in the history of Watchet Marina.

In addition to the remarkable progress being made improving the material condition of the marina, in the months since Western Marinas took on the operation at Watchet, staff at all levels have worked diligently to interact positively with existing and potential berth holders, the wider national and Bristol Channel boating community and, very importantly, the general public both in person and via social media platforms.

It is also particularly pleasing to witness the very positive

Berth holders are also heartened to witness the continued improvement of shoreside facilities and look forward to the time when Watchet can offer on demand services in terms of lifting, maintenance, engineering and basic consumables supply which they feel will greatly enhance the appeal of Watchet Marina as a home or service port.

It is now down to all of us to share our growing confidence in Western Marinas to deliver a successful marina operation in Watchet with the wider boating world and to encourage boat owners to come and sample what the town and its marina has to offer.”

Martin Stevens - berth holder and representative of Watchet Boat Owners Association

Image: Liz Elmont

Image: Liz Elmont

SAIL

marina 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: Daisy Gould

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 - Ed Carter 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

NEW TINGDENE MARINA

Tingdene Group has completed the acquisition of Farndon Marina near Newark, adding more than 300 berths to its growing national marine portfolio. This acquisition marks an important milestone for Tingdene Marinas as it expands its footprint to 11 marinas across the UK. Previously managed by the Ainsworth family for over 59 years, the site o ers a number of on-site amenities, including washroom facilities, secure parking, fuel, pump out,

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

chandlery, boat servicing and repair, a slipway and an on-site restaurant. Ian Collier, Managing Director of Tingdene Group, said: “Farndon Marina is a strong strategic fit for our group, enhancing both our geographic reach and our customer o er. We are delighted to add such a well-regarded and well-established marina to our portfolio and look forward to working with the team on site to support berth holders and develop the marina further.”

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

SAIL

TYHA MARINA AWARDS

Boaters and berth holders around the world are invited to have their say and nominate their favourite TYHA Gold Anchor accredited marinas and outstanding marina professionals for the TYHA Marina Awards 2025, anchored by Haven Knox-Johnston.

Celebrating excellence across the marina industry, these awards shine a spotlight on those going above and beyond to deliver outstanding customer experiences, environmental excellence and exceptional service across the global network of TYHA-accredited marinas.

Voting is simple: visit www.tyha. co.uk/marina-awards, select your chosen marina using the search tool and submit your vote. While, to nominate

a marina employee, provide their full name, marina and why they deserve the title in the comments section. Verbal permission must be obtained before submitting a nomination for an individual. Votes will be open until midnight on 29 August, and winners will be announced at a TYHA Awards Ceremony at the Southampton International Boat Show on 24 September on the new Boating Academy Stage. This is your chance to recognise the marinas and individuals that have made your boating experience truly special. Whether your home berth or a hidden gem you visited this year, your vote helps raise industry standards and celebrate the very best in marina excellence.

AROUND THE MARINAS

Falmouth Harbour with technology partners RoboK have been awarded a UK Gov grant to fund a pilot project aimed at using the power of AI to revolutionise safety, efficiency and environmental sustainability across its operations.

MDL Marinas has upgraded its lifting operations at Northney Marina with the addition of a powerful 35-ton hoist, following a £400,000 investment. Since its installation, the hoist has already made an impact, enabling the safe and efficient handling of larger vessels, streamlining operations and enhancing the service experience for customers.

Destined to be Indonesia’s first fullservice international yacht marina, PT Marina Development Indonesia, in collaboration with PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Pelindo), has officially begun the construction of Bali Benoa Marina

D-Marin has unveiled its ‘Experience Centre’ at Port Camille Rayon — an immersive space that brings the future of the marina to life while celebrating the deep-rooted identity of Vallauris Golfe-Juan. The transformation is due for completion by 2029.

Monaco Marine and America’s Safe Harbor Marinas entered into negotiations with a view to a merger. It will, after consultation with employee representatives and subject to regulatory approvals, if completed, see SHM acquiring 100 per cent of the share capital of Monaco Marine SA and would mark the American marina operator’s first entry into the European market.

Grand Banks and Palm Beach Motor Yachts have acquired Casey’s Marina

Refined sailing instruments for life at the helm.

GRAND OPENING

Mooring holders helped celebrate the grand opening of Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour boatshed after a £2m redevelopment to create workshops, waterfront o ces and meeting rooms with panoramic views across the Beaulieu River.

Lord Montagu invited Olympian Vita Heathcote to cut the ribbon and open the building at the annual berth and mooring holders’ summer party. Guests were entertained by a display of classic American cars and Lindy Hop dancing, a surf machine, vintage games, animals from the Countryside Education Trust, plus stands by the Ellen McArthur Cancer Trust, Parker Adams on-site yacht broker, Hudson Marine and New Forest Marque.

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

in Newport Harbour, Rhode Island. It will be renamed Grand Banks and Palm Beach Motor Yachts Marina.

The Jotne Group announced the launch of a new superyacht marina, FMV Vest Marina in Fredrikstad, Norway located on the Oslofjord just south of Oslo. Phase one opened in the spring with future phases expanding capacity to accommodate superyachts up to 100m.

Chicago’s Navy Pier has opened, following a large-scale redevelopment including a large transient marina, Navy Pier Marina, protected by a 91m SF marina floating concrete waveattenuating breakwater.

Vilamoura Marina, in the heart of Portugal’s Algarve, has been named the best marina in the country for the 14th consecutive year in the Publituris Portugal Travel Awards. The win coincides with the marina’s 50th anniversary and the debut of its major expansion, adding 68 new berths for superyachts and enhanced infrastructure.

Investment firms Buenavista Infrastructure and Nauplia Capital have acquired a controlling interest in Marina Lanzarote in the Canary Islands.

IGY Ibiza Marina has completed a major redevelopment project aimed at integrating the marina with the city, providing direct shore power to docked vessels, and officially opening a newly enhanced facility designed to deliver improved services to superyachts. The project, which began in November last year, involved a full-scale upgrade of both land and sea infrastructure.

Tours were also o ered onboard the newly transformed and renamed Fair Lady of Beaulieu. The 100-year-old vessel was a pleasure vessel around northern France and the Solent before serving as a patrol boat during WWII, then renovated by new owners to become a beautiful modern classic.

Lord Montagu said: “The redevelopment of the boatshed is an important next step following the major renewal and extension of Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour in 2021. It is good to see this 54-yearold building given a new lease of life and brought up to the standards required by today’s marine industry.

Harbour Master Wendy Stowe said: “Our summer party has

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

become a key date on our calendar to bring together the Beaulieu River community for great fun, live music and a friendly catch-up over a cold drink and bite to eat. We receive lovely comments about how much our berth and mooring holders enjoy it.”

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

SAIL

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

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

GET YOUR MARINA INCLUDED HERE? SCAN

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

Onboard with BOATSHED

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

A boat’s price is not always right, as Neil Chapman explains.

For years, there has been a persistent belief that boats do not really depreciate. Or if they do, it is so slow it hardly matters. A reassuring idea - boats feel timeless, after all. They are solid, well-built and capable of lasting for decades, but once you look beneath the surface, the truth is quite di erent.

At Boatshed, we have sold more than 30,000 boats and tracked every transaction detail, including:

n Initial listing prices

n Price reductions

n Buyer o ers

n Survey negotiations

n Final sale agreements

What the data tells us is simple – boats do depreciate – and the online asking price is rarely what a buyer actually pays.

Mind the gap

When buyers or sellers look at values, the first thing they see are listings. But listings show asking prices, not selling prices. And the di erence can be significant. Our data shows the average motorboat sells for 28 per cent less than the initial asking price and the average sail boat, 22 per cent lower. This is not just a bit of haggling, it is the full pricing journey - from the first listing price, through any price drops, to the final agreed price after survey, buyer feedback and negotiation.

Buyers assume the asking price is the value, and sellers expect to achieve this number. It is a huge issue as in reality, both parties can feel misled or disappointed. What matters most is not what a boat is listed for – it is what it actually sells for.

New boat reality

For new boats, the situation is even more sobering. Although our core business is used boats, we have developed tools to allow small and medium-sized builders to list and sell new boats directly. Our depreciation insights are based on boats typically re-entering the market after just a few years, often still regarded by sellers as ‘nearly new’.

Many of these boats, however, lose around 15 per cent of their value per annum during their early years. If buying a new boat for £255,000, in five years, its value will drop by 55 per cent, as detailed here:

n Year one - £216,750

n Year two - £184,237

n Year three - £156,601

n Year four - £133,111

n Year five - £113,144

Charter sales

Charter investment schemes are typically marketed as a way to o set ownership costs - buy a new boat, place it in charter and earn income while using occasionally. But many of these schemes quote resale values based on inflated or unrealistic depreciation curves.

The resale values we have seen for boats leaving charter fleets often di er significantly from those projections. If you are o ered a clear, contractually guaranteed buyback, this is one way to protect your position, but if you are not, look very carefully at the numbers and ensure the resale value you are relying upon is based on real data, not wishful thinking.

Settling the curve

After the first decade, depreciation tends to slow. We sold the same Nauticat 38, built in 1992, three times over the last two decades. The figures speak volumes:

n 2003 (11-years-old) - £57,500

n 2012 (20 years) - £49,500

n 2022 (30 years) - £36,000

This represents a 2.2 per cent depreciation per year on average, far more stable than many expect. The key? Good maintenance, honest presentation and realistic pricing.

Devil in the detail

To understand what an older boat is worth, blue water cruising yachts between 40 and 50 feet, in sailing condition and regular use, typically sell for £1,000 to £2,000 per foot, depending on overall condition.

But price alone does not tell the whole story. What drives interest, and value, is the boat’s presentation and history:

n Cleanliness - a clean, dry, well-kept interior makes a big di erence

n Servicing – regularly serviced engines hold more value, operationally and psychologically for buyers

n Upgrades - modern electronics, safety gear, rigging and sails show commitment, reducing buyer uncertainty

n Paperwork - evidence of care, such as logs, maintenance records, service history etc builds trust and supports pricing

Boats presented this way achieve stronger o ers and quicker sales. Buyers are realistic, but they reward clarity and quality.

Maintenance

Keeping a boat in a good, sellable condition is no small task. Whether it is a five-year-old weekend cruiser or a 50-year-old blue water yacht, value is directly tied to e ort, not just sentiment. I personally own a 42ft ketch, now approaching 50-years-old. It is in sailing condition, and I love it. But keeping it that way? It is practically a fulltime job:

n Rigging under 10-years-old? Essential.

n Electronics that are not decades out of date? Expected.

n A regularly serviced engine, functioning heads, working batteries, safe wiring, dry bilges - these are not extras, they are minimum standards.

When a boat hits the market with old systems or visible neglect, buyers do not politely overlook it, they mentally deduct the cost of repairs, upgrades and hassle.

And here is the important flip side - installing a new engine or updating the electronics does not add extra value, it simply prevents the boat from losing more. That is not depreciation reversal, it is maintenance. Owners sometimes expect these investments to return a premium, but buyers simply see them as bringing the boat back to where it should already be.

This is why the boats that hold value best, and sell with least resistance, are those that have been maintained consistently, not refurbished hurriedly for sale.

Honesty wins

At Boatshed, transparency is key. Through our platform, dashboard-users have access to:

n Original listing prices

n Price movements over time

n Final agreed selling prices, post survey

We are not here to undercut the market, we are here to tell the truth. This is because we believe something bigger is at stake. The boating industry as a whole is far too quiet. It is getting harder to sell boats - not because there is no interest, it is because too many people feel excluded or uncertain.

Ownership is ageing, participation is narrowing and too often, the systems that should welcome newcomers simply confuse or intimidate them.

My mission is simple - get more people into boating. To do this, we need transparency and better processes to help people make confident, well-informed decisions. Boating at its heart, should be open, accessible and honest. This starts with showing people the real picture.

“Buyers assume the asking price is the value, and sellers expect to achieve this. What matters most is not what a boat is listed for – it is what it actually sells for.”

A

Image: Maciej Majewski/Shutterstock

POOLE QUAY

BOAT HAVEN

POOLE QUAY BOAT HAVEN

POOLE QUAY

POOLE QUAY

BOAT HAVEN

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

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.