Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting March 2022

with MARCH 2022 £4.95

BOAT TEST

BOAT TEST

27FT DOUBLE-HANDER Pocket cruiser with pace GREEK DELIGHTS

Eastern Med getaway

SYDNEY-HOBART

Drama on board

ROCK UP AND RACE The keelboat craze sweeping the UK PRACTICAL ADVICE

Tips for your sailing

9 771367 586148

The greatest boat you’ve never heard of

IRISH SEA JEWEL Destination Douglas

03

WINTER BLASTER!

YACHT INSURANCE What we all need to know

Palma Unisex super-lightweight, sporty trainers for sailing with enhanced underfoot comfort, excellent shock-absorbency and remarkable grip. Quick-drying, breathable and more.

Dubarry’s award-winning NonSlip-NonMarkingTM rubber outsole with unique water dispersion channel system prevents aquaplaning Hardwearing EVA/rubber sole for non-slip security Quick-dry, antimicrobial, anti-odour upper

Navy

Kingfisher

Graphite

Visit our website for retail partners in your area or to buy online

REGULARS

8 News 28 Paul Heiney 30 Andy Rice 32 Andi Robertson 40 Tom Cunliffe The value of a good toolkit

98 Jess Lloyd-Mostyn

UNDER SAIL

16 Shepton’s summer Adventurer Bob Shepton recounts a busy summer sailng from Scotland to Biscay

24

24 Sydney-Hobart A full round up of this iconic race

44 Peace in Greece

92

Nicola Beykirch recounts a summer trip through the Ionian to the Aegean

54 British Keelboat League A preview of the upcoming race series

66 Interview We chat to Ben Willows, CEO of the UKSA

70 How to Win Jon Emmett looks at how to win in handicap fleets

78 Gull’s Eye Douglas Harbour on the Isle of Man

92 River Thurne An insiders guide to sailing this tadal river

BOATS

16

14 New boat news The latest launches

76

34 On test: Linjett 39 We test a smart Swedish cruiser

84 On test: Beneteau First 27 A cruiser friendly sportsboat

88 Three of the Best Three of the finest brokerage boats

GEAR

44

76 Launched The latest gear

60 Buyer’s Guide Expert advice on boat insurance

90 Books Our picks and reviews

Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting NOVEMBER 2020

3

0% Interest

*

available

Did you know?

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

Get a quote today 0151 473 8000

www.gjwdirect.com

GJW Direct is a trading name of Munich Re Specialty Insurance (UK) Limited, registered in England: 01262636, The Exchange, 3 New York Street, Manchester, M1 4HN. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 310539) and acting as a managing general agent on behalf of certain insurers.

Welcome

EDITORIAL EDITOR

Sam Jefferson 020 3943 9261 sam.jefferson@chelseamagazines.com

YACHTS & YACHTING EDITOR

Georgie Corlett-Pitt georgie.corlett-pitt@chelseamagazines.com GROUP EDITOR Rob Peake

Skipper’s View IT'S THE TIME OF YEAR WHEN THOUGHTS TURN TO PLANS FOR A SPRING REFRESH OF THE BOAT - WITH VERY MIXED FEELINGS

ART & PRODUCTION EDITOR Gareth Lloyd Jones PUBLISHING CONSULTANT Martin Nott PUBLISHER Simon Temlett simon.temlett@chelseamagazines.com ADVERTISING ADVERTISEMENT MANAGER Mark Harrington 020 7349 3734 mark.harrington@chelseamagazines.com SENIOR SALES EXECUTIVE Charlene Homewood 020 7349 3779 charlene.homewood@chelseamagazines.com GROUP SALES DIRECTOR Catherine Chapman HEAD OF SALES OPERATIONS Jodie Green ADVERTISEMENT PRODUCTION Allpoints Media Ltd allpointsmedia.co.uk CHAIRMAN Paul Dobson CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Vicki Gavin MANAGING DIRECTOR James Dobson Published by: The Chelsea Magazine Company Ltd Jubilee House, 2 Jubilee Place, London, SW3 3TQ Tel: 020 7349 3700 © The Chelsea Magazine Company Ltd 2020.

All Rights Reserved. ISSN 1367-5869 (print) ISSN 2059-9285 (digital)

Subscriptions and back issues Tel: +44 (0) 1858 438769 Annual subscription rates: UK £69 ROW £81 Email: sailingtoday@subscription.co.uk Online: Did you know you can manage your subscription online? Oversee your print and digital subscriptions online today simply by signing up at https://www. subscription.co.uk/chelsea/Solo/. Stay up to date with the latest issues, update your personal details, and even renew your subscription with just a click of a button.

Post: Sailing Today, Subscriptions Department, Chelsea Magazines, Tower House, Sovereign Park, Lathkill Street Market Harborough LE16 9EF

FEBRUARY IS GENERALLY the moment when it dawns on you that if you want to go sailing next summer, you'd better at least go and look at your boat, establish it still exists and plan a few odd jobs. I recall when I had my boat in the UK that this preliminary visit was always deeply disheartening. I generally did not have a dehumidifier aboard and the visit would usually involve hunching in the cabin with billows of steam issuing from my mouth and a dew drops forming on my nose, trying to reassure myself that winter did not last forever. This year my boat is in warmer climes and this makes for a slightly less awful climate for varnishing, etc.

Yet my priority is unquestionably getting a new tender. I had a wonderful Avon Redstart for years that I got for £15 at a jumble sale. I rather took it for granted until one day the painter parted and it silently bid me farewell . I purchased a very nice shiny new replacement which I assumed would be a whole lot better and, well, it seriously was not. In fact, it was/is terrible. You see, I like to actually row my tender to my boat instead of faffing about with a motor and while in theory this should have been fine, this fancy new tender just isn't designed for it. I imagine there are coracles that can be rowed much more effectively than this. The point of it is to strap an outboard on the back, row three metres offshore and fire the damn thing up before zooming into the distance - annoying everyone at the heretofore peaceful anchorage into the bargain. The final denoument came in October when, exasperated at rowing slowly nowhere in shallow water, I got out - a couple of beers worse for wear I admit - and dragged the wretched thing. It was dark and my toe managed to locate a very sharp rock.

The rock responded to this by slashing my toe to the bone and breaking it. In fact, first job of the spring is to clean the wretched dinghy of all the blood and then sell it. In the meantime the search for an Avon recommences. This brings me to another point. The whole thing made me feel dreadfully old. Suddenly I am one of those fogies who says 'well, they don't make them like they used to'. Not only that, but I spent half the winter walking with a limp. A walking stick is the next obvious solution.

facebook.com/ SailingToday

editor@ sailingtoday.co.uk

twitter.com/ SailingTodayMag

CONTRIBUTORS

No part of this magazine may be reproduced without permission in writing. Every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of information in Sailing Today, but no responsibility can be accepted for the consequences of actions based on the advice portrayed herein.

The Chelsea Magazine Company Ltd makes every effort to ensure that the advertising contained in this magazine is delivered from responsible sources.

We cannot, however, accept any responsibility for transactions between readers and advertisers. For the Chelsea Magazine Company Ltd full set of terms and conditions please go to chelseamagazines.com/terms-and-conditions

Also part of the Chelsea Marine Magazines family:

chelseamagazines.com

JESS LLOYD MOSTYN is a writer and blue water cruiser who is currently moored in Singapore

TOM CUNLIFFE is an author, journalist and TV presenter, and one of Britain's best-known cruising sailors

ANDY RICE is a journalist and veteran dinghy racer who has won championships at both ends of a skiff

Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting MARCH 2022

5

Perfect Zante-dote What better way to escape the winter blues than with a quick bit of shameless escapism to the Greek island of Zante (or Zakynthos if you prefer). Navagio Bay - frequently referred to as Smugglers or Shipwreck Bay is an iconic part of the lanscape of the island and is a popular stop off for yachts and tourist boats. The wreck itself occurred in 1980 when the coaster Panagiotisran grounded here. The boat was allegedly smuggling contrababnd cigarettes from Turkey to Italy.

Photo: iStock

News

Ebb and flow EVENTS | NEWS | TALES FROM THE SAILING COMMUNITY

RORC Transat photo finish The Royal Ocean Racing Club’s Transatlantic Race was going down to a photo finish as we went to press, after the 100ft monohull Comanche smashed the course record by more than two days (above right).

Her crew faced a tense wait, following their seven-day, 22-hour crossing from Lanzarote to Grenada, to see if any of the following boats could take the overall win on corrected time.

Two British boats were very much in the running, including defending RORC Transat champions Richard Palmer and Jeremy Waitt on Jangada, the smallest boat in the fleet, a JPK 1010.

Speaking mid-Atlantic as we went to press, Richard said: “Offshore racing is often a game of snakes and ladders sometimes you’re up and other times you’re down, this year the conditions are very unsettled.

Tactics wise it feels like a game of musical chairs, with boats having to find stronger winds or lose out in Doldrum-type conditions.”

Jeremy said: “Early on the winds favoured the bigger, faster boats.

However, now the big boats have hit some lighter winds it is giving us a chance to battle back. It’s such a privilege to be racing in the ocean like this – the moonlight dancing of the wave tops and vast expanse of this ocean is stunning. As I write we are surfing down large waves at high speeds with

the spinnaker. Being double-handed makes things pretty tough and sleep deprivation can make it really hard. Each of us must manage the boat for long periods whilst the other is asleep, effectively single-handed, there’s no doubt we have to compromise at times compared against the fully crewed boats with 6-14 people aboard.”

Just ahead of them on the water and in the overall standings was Ross Applebey’s Scarlett Oyster, while ahead of them David Collins and his crew on the Botin 52, Tala, were lying first in IRC0 and fifth overall, with less than 200 miles to run.

Comanche’s course was close to the rhumb line, racing just 3,063nm, but the boat’s Australian navigator Will Oxley said: “Our route was governed by an Eastern Wave. It sounds like a complicated term, but they are lines of clouds that develop close to the coast of Africa and move west across the Atlantic. To the north of Comanche was a col, which is two areas of high pressure going in different directions forming a windless area. Our strategy was to wiggle our way between these two weather differences. We always try to point the boat at the mark, sailing the shortest course is probably going to go well in your favour. On board information about the weather is passed to the crew every three hours.” rorctransatlantic.rorc.org

ARC sets sail A transatlantic of a more relaxed kind (compared to the RORC Transat, above) left Gran Canaria in January, bound for Saint Lucia.

The ‘ARC January 2022’ set sail from Las Palmas for the first time, with an eclectic fleet of yachts and multihulls including the smallest in the bunch, Freeway of Penpol, a Freedom 35, returning to an ARC start line 30 years after its Atlantic crossing with ARC 1992. The largest boat was the Oyster 745, Kalia, launched in 2021.

In the cruising division, first over the startline was Trumpeter, a Contest 44CS owned by recently retired couple Chris and Mandy Carlisle. Their ARC represents 15 years of dreaming and 6 months of planning, having moved aboard in June 2021. worldcruising.com/arc_january

8

MARCH 2022 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

BoatLife Live set to open at NEC BoatLife Live, the new boat show taking place at the NEC in Birmingham, is set to open its doors over the weekend of 17-20 February.

There will be more than 100 boats on display, plenty of kit for racing and cruising sailors, as well as a wealth of talks on the main stage.

The show will be opened by Vendée Globe star Pip Hare (top right), who will join show host, Olympic silver medallist Mark Covell, on stage to chat about her experiences.

Pip said: “I’m honoured to be opening the BoatLife Live show. I really want to help encourage as many people as possible to get out on the water and experience the freedom of sailing, boating or whatever you choose to do. So I’m delighted to be able to welcome people to what promises to be a great celebration of boats and boating.”

Also on the stage, Imray is hosting a talk about sailing around Britain,

there is a talk offering advice on boat finance, and author Duncan Wells will be talking about ‘stress-free sailing’ and the wealth of tips for easy mooring, anchoring and cruising that he has compiled in his series of popular books.

14-year-old Katie McCabe will be at the show with her 26ft wooden yacht, Falanda, on which she became the youngest person to sail solo around Britain last year.

The Atlantic Flyers team will be talking about all things rowing and regaling stories from their Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge and The Seagrass Project to discuss their ongoing conservation work.

With a replica traditional riverside pub and Mediterranean bar, there will be plenty of places to relax, while listening to live music. Boats on show will range from Cornish Crabbers and Suzuki and will include many of the industry’s biggest brands. boatlifeevents.com

Cruising Association launches app The Cruising Association has upgraded its CAptain’s Mate app, offering information on pilotage, anchorages and much more, in 6,500 locations in more than 70 countries.

Available on iOS and Android, once downloaded the app works with no internet connection or phone signal and can be mirrored on the Cruising Association website.

It displays detailed information on locations via search and filter functions, including approach considerations, availability of and access to key facilities such as water and fuel, as well as amenities ashore.

There is also a database of cruising reports, with more than 20,000 member contributions, sharing expertise and tips, with photos. The app shows discount partners as well as a ‘friend’ function to display fellow Cruising Association members in the area if you wish. Originally launched in 2012, the upgrade has been an ambitious project of almost five years.

Lucy Gray, CA General Manager, said: “With its combination of unrivalled worldwide spread of locations, extent of information and verified content.

Yacht or motor cruiser, CAptain’s Mate app is your go-to platform.” theca.org.uk/public/captainsmate

Datchet smiles Top dinghy photographer Tim Olin captured the expressions of helm Harry George and crew Ralph Cawthorne, as the young team raced their 420 in the Datchet Flyer in December, part of the thriving Seldén SailJuice Winter Series. Among the competitors over the Datchet weekend was 49er Olympic champion Dylan Fletcher, who finished fifth in a National 18 dinghy with Ben Wilson and Michael Batchelor from the Isle of Man Yacht Club. The event was won by Tom Gillard and Rachael Gray in their Merlin Rocket, with Roger Gilbert and Ben McGrane in their 505 second and Jack Hopkins’ Laser (ILCA 7) third. See page 74 for more. sailjuiceseries.com Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting MARCH2022

9

News

Dee and Shirley join forces Dee Caffari and Shirley Robertson have officially announced plans to team up and race double-handed for the 2022 season.

The formidable partnership between two of Britain’s most decorated female sailors sees them race in the UK Double-Handed Offshore Series on a new Jeanneau Sun Fast 3300 supplied by SeaVentures UK. The pair will also compete in the 1,805nm Sevenstar Round Britain and Ireland Race in the summer.

Caffari is the only woman to have sailed solo both ways around the world and has done in total six laps of the planet including in a sixth place finish in the Vendée Globe.

Robertson is one of the most successful Olympic female sailors of all time, with two gold medals, at the Sydney and Athens Games.

The two were rivals throughout last season’s double-handed series, the highlight for Robertson being a close second in class in the Rolex Fastnet Race.

She said: “The double handed offshore scene has grown hugely here in the UK, and although it’s relatively new to me, the last two seasons have been great racing. I’m really looking forward to sailing with Dee for 2022. To be sailing with such an accomplished offshore athlete is very exciting.”

Caffari said: “With our collective experience, we have a complimentary skill set so really hope to have an edge out on the water. I am looking forward to gaining an insight into the thorough preparation that such an accomplished Olympian brings to an offshore campaign. I know, from competing against her last season, that Shirley knows how to sail a boat fast, so I’m delighted that we’ll be joining forces for the season ahead.”

Nigel De Q Colley of Sea Ventures UK said: “Sailing in the same fleet as Dee and Shirley throughout the 2021 season was gripping – their media output was excellent, so with both their co-skippers moving to new projects, it made complete sense to invite Shirley and Dee to race together for 2022.”

Government waives controversial rule Sailing authorities were celebrating after the Government confirmed that the controversial Returned Goods Relief rule would be waived. The RYA said it was “outstanding news for UK recreational boat owners”.

From 1 January 2022, legislation will be brought in to give certainty to recreational boat owners that they will not be required to pay a second amount of UK VAT because their vessels have been outside the UK for more than three years.

It means boat owners returning their vessels to the UK can claim relief from import VAT under RGR, if they meet all the conditions for the relief. One of these conditions is that the goods or effects must

10

MARCH 2022 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

normally be re-imported into the UK within three years of the original date of export.

Katherine Green and Sophie Dean, HMRC Directors General, Borders and Trade, said: “We are pleased to be able to provide assurance to the sector that there will be no requirement to pay a second amount of UK VAT if vessels have been outside the UK for more than three-years.”

Mel Hide, RYA Director of External Affairs, said: “Confirmation of the waiver that the Government is introducing to RGR is outstanding news for UK recreational boater owners and we welcome it as a pragmatic outcome in response to the considerable amount of time and effort that the RYA has put in to secure this result.”

Derek Lumb, President of the Cruising Association, commented: “Along with other organisations, the CA has actively campaigned over the last three years for the removal of punitive tax arrangements relating to the passage of recreational craft between the UK and the EU. It has been a wide-ranging campaign and I would like to thank the dedicated band of volunteers who have spearheaded the CA’s hard work and the many members who supported it by, amongst other actions, writing to their Members of Parliament.”

Where a boat currently abroad is eligible to obtain relief from VAT through RGR, there will be no requirement to return the boat to the UK by 30 June 2022 in order to obtain this. As long as an owner can demonstrate that the boat has been located in the UK at some point in their ownership, RGR for boats will not be time limited.

He said one of the main benefits was that owners of UK-based boats which are VAT paid would now be able to go on extended cruises without the worry that VAT may become payable when they return the boat to the UK at the end of the cruise.

News

NEWS BRIEFS

James Wharram Hui planned in Falmouth Plans are in place for a summertime Hui in celebration of the life of James Wharram, who died aged 96 on 14 December.

A large fleet of Wharram catamarans is expected to gather with other boats in Falmouth.

Meanwhile the business itself, James Wharram Designs, will continue to operate, with Wharram’s lifelong partner and co-designer Hanneke Boon at the helm.

Wharram used the ideas of ancient Polynesians to build and design affordable, easy to sail catamarans for what became a global customer base and a cult of followers worldwide.

He led the way with a pioneering voyage across the Atlantic in the 1950s in a boat he built for £200. He continued to voyage far in his own designs all of his life.

More than 10,000 Wharram designs have been bought by home-builders.

He was the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Classic Boat Awards 2018.

After his death, Hanneke said: “We have had hundreds of condolences, heartfelt thoughts and memories sent to us or posted online. These messages have been a great support to myself, our son Jamie and his partner Liz. “Many obituaries have been published online and are being published in

Ocean Race stopovers The stopovers have been revealed for The Ocean Race, which will visit nine cities over six months, with leg one starting from Alicante on 15 January 2023.

The 14th edition of the round-the-world race will see for the first time the IMOCA fleet joining the fray, with crewed foiling IMOCAs, alongside the more ‘traditional’ fleet of one-design VO65s.

The route includes the longest leg in the 50-year history of the event, taking the fleet three-quarters of the way around Antarctica, 12,750 nautical miles over a month from Cape Town to Itajaí, Brazil, during which the sailors will pass all three great southern Capes.

Another new development sees leg one finish in Cabo Verde, the first time the race has stopped at the African archipelago. Historically, the fleets have sailed past the islands as they head south down the Atlantic.

There are three ‘haul-out’ stops, where the boats are lifted for maintenance.

After visiting the US east coast, the fleet heads to Europe with a transatlantic leg to Aarhus, Denmark, followed by a ‘fly-by’ of Kiel, Germany, en route to a stop in The Hague, The Netherlands. The final leg is to Genoa, for a Mediterranean finish, another first, ETA 25 June 2023.

Various prologue racing is planned between September and December 2022, giving a chance for more people to see the boats.

yachting magazines, in French, German, Dutch, Italian, English and no doubt other languages as well. The Wharram following is truly worldwide. Both the British Times and Telegraph newspapers published obituaries.

“In the summer, in the second half of July, date yet to be determined based on tidal times (and weather on the day), we will hold a special Hui in celebration of James’ life.

“The plan is to have a fleet of Wharram catamarans and other boats join us to scatter the ashes of James and Ruth [Merseburger, one of Wharram’s crew and partners on his first voyage] on the outgoing tide from Falmouth, from where they started their first pioneering double canoe voyage in 1955.

“This was their wish and gives us a chance to say a final farewell. We hope many of you will be able to join us then, with or without your boat.

“There will also be a big celebration and BBQ at our headquarters in Devoran. A date will be announced later on our website.”

A second edition of Wharram’s book, People of the Sea, was published in November, designed as a “more compact edition at a lower price that will fit your boat bookshelf better”. All the content and illustrations are the same as in the first ‘luxury’ edition. wharram.com

Honours all round The British Sailing Team’s Tokyo 2020 stars were recognised in the New Year Honours List for services to sailing.

Hannah Mills was made an OBE after winning gold in the women’s 470 class in Japan last summer, becoming the most successful female Olympic sailor of all time in the process.

Eilidh McIntyre, who won gold alongside Mills in the 470, is made an MBE, as are 49er Olympic champions Dylan Fletcher and Stuart Bithell (right).

British Sailing Team boss Mark Robinson, who led Team GB’s sailors at Tokyo 2020, is also made an MBE. Prior to joining the British Sailing Team in 2017, Robinson was performance manager at Australian Sailing where he led the country’s Paralympic sailors to the top of the medal table at Rio 2016.

“I am truly honoured to have received an MBE for services to sailing and very happy to see a number of our Olympic medallists also recognised,” said Robinson, Olympic Performance Manager at the RYA. “However none of these successes are down to one person.

Success in these pursuits only comes from a group of highly dedicated and relentless individuals that form a team and work as one to execute the task at hand, which we had in abundance within the British Sailing Team throughout this Olympic cycle.

“This is equally shared with all the outstanding individuals I have had the pleasure of being alongside in this pursuit of excellence.”

Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting MARCH 2022

11

WHEN

SPEED IS YOUR COMFORT ZONE FOR RULE BREAKERS

& SPEED MAKERS

THE SHOGUN 50 WILL GIVE YOU THE ULTIMATE EXPERIENCE OF SPEED, SIMPLICITY & COMFORT

INFO@SHOGUNYACHTS.CO.UK 0238 097 2441 SHOGUNYACHTS.CO.UK

SailGP crash drama There was a dramatic crash at the start of SailGP Sydney, between Sir Ben Ainslie’s Great Britain team and Japan.

Nobody was seriously injured in the high speed incident but Ainslie admitted afterwards there was now scant chance of his crew winning the title this season.

The crash caused serious damage to the Japanese boat, helmed by Nathan Outteridge, as well as to the Great Britain boat and resulted in the British team finishing in last place in Sydney. Ainslie said: “We were coming back in the final moments of the start fighting for the top of line in a defensive mode against the Americans. We just didn’t see them at all (Japan SailGP Team) which was devastating for both teams.

“Everyone was okay which is the most important thing, but sadly it probably means the end of our season as we receive hefty penalty points for the damage caused. It will also impact Japan, which is not what we want, and as is only correct we are giving them our F50 and any support they need to hopefully get them back out racing tomorrow.

“The first two races were great to be involved in, it’s super tight racing out there and all the teams were pushing super hard, so this was hugely frustrating for everyone, but that’s sport and we will dust ourselves off and go again in San Francisco.”

Position: The gear replacer Be parts of your boat – save weight and money

C

lub-level dinghy sailing is probably the cheapest way to get afloat, but when it comes to racing at a high performance level, the costs can get out of hand quickly. What some of the top pros are doing, as sponsors are ever harder to come by and as global supply issues make it tricky to replace broken parts, is actually be those parts themselves. The crew here has taken the brave step of being the mast shroud, while the helm has replaced the rudder with his very body. The advantages are threefold – you save weight and money, while getting a rare insight into what various bits of your boat feel like when they’re under stress. The hydrodynamic wisdom gained, for instance, in having experienced first-hand that moment when the rudder starts humming as you scream downwind, is incalculable. Presumably, when the right parts can be found, these two prudent sailors will return to their traditional roles, but for now, as human chandlery, they are setting a fine example for the youth squad.

When the right parts can be found, they will return to their traditional roles

DIFFICULTY RATING: 4/5

Quote and buy online at www.noblemarine.co.uk or call us on 01636 707606 Authorised & regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting MARCH 2022

13

New boats DESIGNS | LAUNCHES | PROJECTS

Sarch S8 Spanish boatbuilder Sarch has been surprising everyone in recent years with its selection of trailerable, relatively affordable fast cruisers. Perhaps the most surprising of all is their latest offering, the S8 which, although only 26’ long and trailerable has also managed to acquire Class A certification which means that it is deemed as ocean worthy. This is no mean feat for a lightweight trailer sailer.

The boat is offered in two different configurations; the DS8 which is a daysailer and the CS8, a fast cruiser. In standard configuration, the S8 has a displacement of 1,218kg which is absurdly light. This is a achieved by combining carbon/glass sandwich with a core of marine grade okume plywood.  sarch.eu

Vaan R4 Vaan Yachts is not a company many of us in the UK are acquainted with, but this Netherlands based boatbuilder has been working on some very interesting looking aluminium catamarans in recent years and their new 42’ R4 catamaran fits in the fast cruiser mould. Although definitely slanted towards cruising, the manufacturers have prioritised good handling, with twin helms situated well aft and outboard on the sponsons for good feel. The boat also features an innovative ‘cabriolet’ cockpit which can be folded away rapidly to open up the space in fair weather. The interior is comfortable with the deck saloon providing a light and very spacious living area. The R4 boasts good green credentials too, coming with electric motors as standard while the hull is made from 60% recycled aluminium.  Vaanyachts.nl

14

MARCH 2022 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

Nacira 69 The Nacira 69 has been built by Italian boatbuilder Vismara who tend to specialise in high end custom yachts with plenty of speed combined with luxury. The Nacira certainly slots nicely into that category and recently demonstrated these credentials with hull number one taking line honours in this year’s Atlantic Rally for Cruisers racing class. The boat has been designed by Guillaume Verdier who teamed up with Axel de Beaufort for styling tips in order to produce an all carbon speed machine that can also be cruised short handed. The boat is big at 69’ and apes the Imoca 60 designs in terms of the basic concept with lots of beam (5.8m) carried right aft. There is a hard chine and twin rudders while the keel is unusual in that it has a hydraulic mechanism which allows it to both cant – for improved performance on the wind – and also lift from a max draft of 4.5m to a more manageable 2.5m. The pre preg carbon and foam sandwich construction keeps the weight down to 18,800kg hinting at ferocious offwind capabilities. The mast is stepped unusually far back and this allows for a substantial fore triangle. The interior is modern and stylish but comfortable, featuring four cabins each with its own ensuite bathroom. Luxuries such as a tender garage are not overlooked, making for a versatile yacht that can be cruised or raced.  vismara.it

Leopard 42 South African manufacturer Leopard Yachts has been around for many years now methodically turning out well thought-out cruising catamarans at competitive prices. Their latest model is the new 42 which they describe as the ‘organic evolution into the new generation of our award-winning line of yachts’ - whatever that means. Anyway, this Simons and Voogd design features very modern aggressive styling and all the light, space and comfort you’d expect from a 42’ cruising catamaran.

This is a classic layout with the single helm and sail controls raised up to port allowing for a huge aft lounging area. Sail area is decent but a lack of foils suggests that this is a cruiser in the same mould as Lagoon or Bali – not that there is anything wrong with that. There is a choice of three or four cabins each with its own ensuite.  leopardcatamarans.com

Libertist 703 Libertist is a French manufacturer which is the brain child of noted racer Eric Lerouge. The veteran campaigner has distilled decades of experience into developing a new range of fast, fun, lightweight trimarans that are ideal for fast weekending or longer cruises for those who don’t mind a vaguely spartan existence. The 703 was unveiled last year and is 21’ long and weighs in at

just 850kg. Couple that with a sail area of 39m/2 on a rotating carbon mast plus minifoils on the sponsons and you have a recipe for a very fast little boat. As a bonus, the sponsons fold in, making the boat fully trailerable. Accomodation is basic but features a reasonable double berth forward plus bench seats and a small galley and the heads.  libertist.eu

Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting MARCH 2022

15

Cruising - Scotland and Spain

A Busy Summer

PHOTO ISTOCK/RICHARD HEATH

Bob Shepton documents a full summer of sailing that took him from the Highlands of Scotland all the way to Biscay and beyond

16

MARCH 2022 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting MARCH 2022

17

Cruising - Scotland and Spain

ovid was not the problem; no wind was. But it was still a busy summer.

Initially, the plan was to introduce Steve, my new co-owner of my boat, Dodo’s Delight, to ocean sailing. At first we were aiming for the Faroes, an open sea crossing of some three days north from Stornoway.

But then Faroes went from Green to Red in a flash for visiting, so that was out. Well, let’s try for Shetland, or failing that Orkney at least. But there was still no wind.

We started from Appin on Loch Linnhe on the west coast of Scotland, on engine of course.

Down Loch Linnhe, up the Sound of Mull and into Loch Drumbuie, opposite Tobermory on Oronsay, for the night. A favourite hurricane hole of an anchorage, but it has one disadvantage. The surrounding hills cut out all communications. But we did not need a forecast next morning to

18

MARCH 2022 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

tell us it was going to be fine and windless in this incredible summer we were having in Scotland.

So, we motored again, past the west side of Canna for a change and into the Minch. It was still calm and sunny, and we kept a relaxed watch system amongst the three of us – Rachel, one of my daughters, had also joined us for the trip. All was well if not exactly exciting as we proceeded on autohelm, until suddenly we had to slow the engine to make some adjustment, and for some unknown reason the autohelm refused to work from then on. We had to hand steer, and continued to do so through the night, finally putting into a bay on the south side of the approach into Stornoway at about 0230 hrs for the rest of the night.

I had not been into Stornoway for many years and discovered next morning they now have pontoons in there instead of having to moor up against the quayside as before.

But the Stornoway seal still seems

ABOVE LEFT

Some strong wind sailing

ABOVE RIGHT

An intriguing little inlet on the north coast giving some protection

BELOW LEFT

The unmistakable sight of the Old Man of Hoy

BELOW RIGHT

Heading towards Skye bridge

active though maybe it is the pup of the original, plus partner!

We filled with fuel after all that motoring but were not pleased to be charged for a whole day’s stay when we had only been there two or three hours. The wind, what wind there was, had been continually from the north and now it increased considerably. Hard on the strong wind, we were still not going to make it round Cape Wrath. We cut our losses and in the dead of night made our way down the long Loch Laxford. On Dodo’s Delight the chartplotter is at the chart table, which is fine for ocean sailing but not for stealing down Scottish lochs in total darkness. But Steve had Navionics on a tablet, so we were alright, until we were brought up short hitting a line of unlit mussel floats attached together. We managed to circumvent these and found a well-protected bay at the far end. As conditions continued frisky even in the anchorage we stayed an extra day here to

let the front pass through.

Despite this, and the care we took to get the tides right, Cape Wrath lived up to its name and was decidedly lively. We were anxious about that rock a little way off the point which we eventually spotted with all the spray flying over it.

From there we cut in towards the shore as it looked calmer and gradually the sea eased somewhat.

We put into one of the bays further along this north shore of Scotland and found a rather strange cleft which gave some shelter, though it was still subject to swell.

Speed bonnie boat

It was now decision time. This bane of proper sailing: time constraints. Were we going to have time to go to Shetland and back?

Steve and Rachel had only just a little over two weeks for the trip.

We came to the conclusion that if we went to Shetland we would only have a day there. We would have more time if we went to Orkney

and opted for that instead.

It turned out to be an inspired decision. Not only did we get a close up view of the Old Man of Hoy, a mecca for all climbers, as we sailed past, but in Stromness we met up with the 23-metre yacht Louise. You will not be surprised to hear that the owner Grant Gordon is something to do with Grant whisky, and Gordon gin may be in there somewhere.

We were liberally entertained that evening; the drinks were perfect!

I also had opportunity to visit the John Rae Society here, and to view the house, Clestrain which they are restoring, where he grew up before going off to the Arctic and becoming the best of the arctic explorers of that era – what might be termed the Franklin Disaster era. It was he who discovered the last missing link of the North-West Passage. We also explored Scapa Flow, with its historical connections. Steve and Rachel snorkelled over one of the

ABOVE

The 23 metre long Louise in Stromness

BELOW LEFT

The Typhoon ready to go

BELOW RIGHT

A pleasant dinner in the sun after all that hard work

wrecks from World War II, though I am not convinced they saw anything!

All too soon it was time to head back. Of course, the constant north breeze now went into the south. Cape Wrath was as lively as ever though as we motor sailed past with some main up as a steadying sail. We then gybed south and made our way home via the Kyle of Lochalsh, and the bridge ‘over the sea to Skye’. I got Steve to take us down the Sound of Sleat but it was all very benign; no huge standing waves at the southern end which I had encountered with a rude shock on a previous occasion.

So, we continued south mainly on engine, round Ardnamurchan Point, down the Sound of Mull, putting into Lochaline for a night’s sleep before continuing to our mooring in Dallens Bay, Appin. A thoroughly enjoyable trip, in a sea kindly boat whatever the conditions.

A change of pace

I have to say the next trip was a contrast. A friend wanted to take his

Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting MARCH 2022

19

Cruising - Scotland and Spain

Westerly 38-foot Typhoon to Tenerife so he could live on her there for the winter. It all started fine, though I was slightly surprised to anchor in the Garvellachs the first night, south facing with a southerly breeze. But the swell was slight, and next day we made our way south to Ireland until we ran out of breeze altogether and put into Aran Island to wait. I became conscious of a slight lack of information at this stage: the skipper and Leonie the other crew member would go ashore in the dinghy and I was left wondering what was happening and when. But then the skipper had nearly always sailed completely on his own before, and maybe I was slow on the uptake. We continued south down the west coast of Ireland without incident, sailing through the Blaskett Islands – I was unaware at that point of their huge historical interest – and so to Dingle.

Here there was a pleasant surprise; we tied up in front of the aluminium yacht Northabout, last seen on the west coast of Greenland on their way to the North West and North East Passages. In fact, we

20

MARCH 2022 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

met again at 75°30N at sea for a handover of Polly’s camera which she had left on board on a visit in Nuuk! Northabout was under new ownership, but lo and behold, I also met Jarlath, who had built her, ashore there in Dingle. He had come to help the new owner. Wonderful!

We elected to go to a bay to the west for the night to be ready for an early start in the morning. This was a mistake as it was open to the east and even though we moved once the swell was uncomfortable. Next morning, we set off in a strong east wind. The skipper put two reefs in the main and asked, "how is that do you think?" Not being used to the boat in stronger wind I paused. "I think it might be better with another reef." Fortunately, it was. So, we sailed on south past the intriguing beehive shelters of Skellig Michael - "the monks must have been mad" was the skipper’s comment! And so to the outskirts of the Bay of Biscay.

By way of Biscay

For three days we made progress without incident, but then the wind

ABOVE LEFT

Passing the Tower of Hercules on the way to La Coruna

ABOVE RIGHT

The town of Muxio; we anchored just outside

BELOW LEFT

Baiona from the castle battlements

BELOW RIGHT

The replica of Pinta in Baiona

went south, and we were hard on the wind for three days. I passed on a nugget of wisdom I had been given years ago - "on ocean passages to windward, close reach on the making tack" - but we continued hard on the wind towards the mark.

Bouncy and uncomfortable. When the wind eventually relented we did motor for a few hours to sweep by the Tower of Hercules Light and into La Coruna - a gentler motion at last.

To my surprise we did not check in immediately but went round to Ares. But we did not leave the boat except to swim around it, and lunch, sitting in the cockpit, in the sun, was very pleasant after all that hard work. When we did check in, there was absolutely no trouble re Covid - they seemed almost in denial over it. We enjoyed our time in northern Spain including anchorages off Muxia, who were having some sort of festival at the time which included local bagpipes! Then again round the corner of Cape Finisterre to the Rias – such as at Porto do Son and the islands of Ons and Cies, and a bay well protected from

Set sail on a Sunsail flotilla holiday in the Mediterranean this summer!

Explore with the whole family and create new memories in the emerald waters of Lefkas or Ithaca in Greece, or even cast off in Croatia and enjoy the beautiful quaint islands of Vis or stylish Hvar.

With added flexibility a flotilla adventure grants you unlimited freedom to explore however you choose, but with the reassurance and support from Team Sunsail leading the way!

See the world, differently.

BAREBOAT | FLOTILLA | SKIPPERED | SCHOOLS

0330 332 1185 Visit sunsail.co.uk call

Cruising - Scotland and Spain

22

MARCH 2022 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

the north wind which surprisingly turned out to be ‘a popular nudist beach’. A bit of a shock! Finally, we arrived at Baiona (Bayona).

The well-known yacht club there were welcoming, but we were bemused not to be able to have a meal or a drink in the clubhouse.

Members only. So, we had a meal ashore, and inspected the small and rather ungainly replica of the Pinta - Baiona was Columbus’s first port of call on returning in 1493 from ‘discovering’ America. When author Philip Marsden started sailing he was advised, ‘Choose your weather: the patient sailor always has fair winds’. Our skipper may have had many virtues, but patience was not one of them. We put out into strong winds and two reefs soon became three. "Why are we here?" "It said only up to 22 knots"; he must have forgotten it is always best to add five to ten knots to GRIB file forecasts.

It continued to increase. We tried heaving-to but discovered we couldn’t; too much sail and we were down to the fullest extent without

rigging trysails and storm sails, which we had not made ready before leaving. In the end we could just run before with a well rolled genoa.

Bouncing along

The problem was that this was a performance cruiser. Comparatively light displacement, nippy and fast.

By the same token then in strong winds and big seas she was skittish, frisky and bouncy. ‘One hand for the ship and one hand for yourself ’: no chance, two hands and two feet if possible to remain upright in the violent motion! At one stage we were doing 8 knots running before under bare poles. We had two difficult days running before in big seas before it finally began to relent. The boat had its revenge on me for being so rude about it; a violent lurch when I was reaching for a line and I was thrown across the cockpit and banged and bruised my back badly, which further reduced my ability to winch and help. Getting old?!

By contrast we had to motor the last miles to Porto Santo. For two

ABOVE LEFT

Porto Santo was divine to begin with

ABOVE RIGHT

The ferry bound to Madeira

BELOW LEFT

The hydrovane at work as we bid farewell to Porto Santo

BELOW RIGHT

Tenerife in sight at last

OPPOSITE PAGE

Coastline near Roncudo lighthouse, A Coruña ,Galicia

days it was bliss here, sunshine, light breeze and little swell. Then the wind went north, and we were subject to violent gusts and williwaws coming down from the hilly slopes to the north, even after we had moved into the harbour. And the boats going round and round did not do so in unison, which was disturbing for fear of collision at anchor.

Leonie left us here to attend a course at home. The skipper and I were on our own for the last 300 miles to Tenerife. It was a reasonable passage mainly broad reaching, but watch on, watch off is exhausting at the end of a 2000 miles passage, and the autohelm broke down on the last night. It was a relief to pull into Santa Cruz marina, Tenerife, where the skipper intended to spend the winter.

So, a Westerly Typhoon? An ideal boat for passages sailing by day and anchoring at night. Fast with high performance. But not a good boat for continuous ocean or open sea passages. Difficult to make proper sea berths down below for one thing, and too lively for my liking!

Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting MARCH 2022

23

Sydney-Hobart

The toughest test

T

he 76th edition of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race saw 88 boats set off on Boxing Day, with both professional and amateur crews competing in this iconic 628nm offshore. A highlight in the southern hemisphere, the annual race is organised by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, with the support of the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania and in partnership with Rolex.

This year brought challenges aplenty thanks to southerly winds causing rough conditions for racing

24

MARCH 2022 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

that was described afterwards by many as the toughest in recent years. What looked like glamour conditions for the start in Sydney Harbour soon built to 30 knots and beyond as the fleet headed south towards Tasmania. By the time the second day had dawned 24 boats had retired, and gear failure then continued to take its toll among the fleet for the rest of the race, even as winds eventually eased.

At the head of the fleet, the competition for line honours was always going to be hot, contested by three 100ft supermaxis. A strong

ABOVE

Passing Sydney Heads with a stormy first night lying ahead

start for SKH Scallywag - skippered

by Volvo Ocean Race legend and 20-time Sydney-Hobart sailor, David Witt - saw them forge ahead in the early stages, but a series of unfortunate breakages saw the team relinquish the lead just after passing the Sydney Heads, allowing rival Christian Beck’s LawConnect to slip past and, later, Peter Harburg’s Black Jack.

Despite a determined effort that put Scallywag back into touch several times, there was little the team could do to re-claim the lead.

Ultimately it was Black Jack that

PHOTOS ROLEX/ANDREA FRANCOLINI

The Rolex Sydney Hobart Race was wet and wild. Georgie Corlett-Pitt spoke to helm of supermaxi SKH Scallywag PETE CUMMING about the challenges faced on this epic offshore

ghosted up the Derwent River in ever-diminishing winds to claim line honours in an elapsed time of 2 days 12 hours 37 minutes.

Battling breakages

Sailing on board Scallywag was top British sailor Pete Cumming, racing his fourth Sydney Hobart; his third with this particular team.

With nine sailing world records, a Volvo Ocean Race and numerous Transatlantic and offshore race line honours under his belt, Pete is a vastly experienced pro, yet he didn’t hold back when he described this race as “one of the toughest”.

He recalls the point when their difficulties began: “We knew we were going into a windy first night; the safe weather routing was tacking inshore early but with a southerly wind and southerly flow of current we had a lot of wind against, so the sea state was pretty heinous.

“We had just got our gennaker down, we were settling ourselves in and leading the boats around us.

After a couple of minutes, the strop that holds our J2 tack furler into the hydraulic ram under the deck suddenly chafed through. We still don’t know why; we’ve never had that problem before, and everything had been checked thoroughly because we knew we were going to put a lot of time in on the J2.

“The jib was then wrapped around the leeward spreaders and rigging, and we had a bit of trouble getting off the lock to get it down, so we had to do a big bear away and start heading north, and at that point we just gave away huge amounts of miles.

“It took about 20 or 30 minutes to get the J3 up and recover the J2 and get it back down safely on deck. It

was really hard in the sea state, but the boys did a great job. We sailed on the J3 for a while, while the guys built another strop. Hats off to the bow team who went right up onto the front of boat depite the really big sea state - we were slamming upwind again having headed back south.

They managed to feed the strop back onto the ram through the deck.”

After a short hitch in towards the coast, Scallywag then headed out on a long tack offshore, where the sea state was worsening. Squally winds of 30+ knots made it difficult for the team to settle into their groove, and the lumpy wave patterns meant even some of the most hardened crew were dealing with seasickness. It was at this point that the second strop blew, forcing Scallywag to do a 180 and turn north once again while the crew grappled to resolve the issue.

“It was pitch black, with big big big waves. Any spare hands were up on the foredeck trying to recover the J2,” says Pete. “It was definitely a hard first night. We were doing a lot of sail changes, reefs in-reefs out, going between the J3 and J2 – it was very physically demanding.”

With the second strop repair holding, the battle with Black Jack and LawConnect resumed as the three supermaxis drew closer to the notorious Bass Strait.

But Scallywag faced yet another challenge when a few hours later they lost the wind instruments, leaving them to sail using compass and boat speed readings alone. For Pete and fellow watch helmsman, Volvo Ocean Race veteran Phil Harmer, the challenge was on to keep the boat driving through the darkness and in the extreme conditions.

ABOVE

The 88 strong fleet leave Sydney, led by a trio of supermaxis

BELOW

It took everything for the crew of Scallywag to overcome their gear issues

“We used our target boat speeds to keep the boat in the groove while sailing as high and as efficiently as possible but without letting the speed get too high. Anyone who knows dinghies will know that any time you crack off a bit you make yourself look like a boat speed genius, but actually your VMC isn’t great.

“We had to really concentrate so that was that was hard going, but the guys adapted really quickly.

“We couldn’t send anyone up the rig as it was so rough; even though the bow guys wanted to go up, it wasn’t safe. We thought about bearing away to head downwind, but then again we'd lose miles just trying to slow the boat.”

Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting MARCH 2022

25

Sydney-Hobart

Heart-stopping

Determined to sail on, the team did their best to hold their course and continued to battle the conditions.

“Just when we thought things couldn’t get any worse, there was so much water over the deck that water ingress around the push buttons for one of the hydraulic winches tripped the electrics.”

They were unable to start the engine, which would usually run continually to provide the hydraulic power needed to race a boat of this size.

“It was a heart-stopper; we had enough power left in the batteries to have the instruments working so we could have both speed and compass readings, but if we had lost those we would have been in real trouble.”

While the contingency would have been to switch to iPads for readings, the team would still have been unable to switch the keel from side to side, move daggerboards or lower sails, making any significant course changes impossible.

“We were then a dead ship,” says Pete. “We were praying we didn’t get hit by a squall because we didn’t have the ability to drop sails or even trim them. The winch handles on this boat just aren’t big enough to turn the winches by hand, so we spent four or five hours just sailing with nothing and trying to keep on going. It was another big test.

“Trystian Seal, Ayden Menzies and Luke Payne were absolute heroes. They were working with

26

MARCH 2022 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

head torches down in the engine bay, concentrating so hard despite the smell of the diesel, all the slamming and everything banging around them. They were working in shifts, taking turns to run up on deck and be sick, and just kept working through the problem until they found the wire that was tripping, isolated it to another circuit board and then found the exact fuse that kept tripping and were finally able to replace it.

“Witty’s trademark saying is ‘we never give up’. I think one of the guys said ‘I don’t think we are going to be able to do this’ and his response was ‘Come back to me when you absolutely think you’ve tried everything - but until you can hand on heart say you tried everything, don’t give up,

ABOVE

A strong start gave the 100fter Scallywag the lead - before disaster struck

BELOW

Rival supermaxi Black Jack gunning for line honours

keep going’ – and so they did.”

With the electrics finally restored, the team’s commitment to finish saw them third across the line in Hobart, with an elapsed time of 2 days 15 hours 30 minutes - impressively crossing just 19 minutes behind second-placed LawConnect.

Taking the hand dealt

Although the prestige of taking line honours had evaded them, Pete along with Witty and all the crew were happy to have reached the finish in a race where 38 of the 88-strong fleet did not. “It is testament that we have such a strong squad of guys - the young guys for whom the Hobart is their first proper offshore were inspired by the older guys’ attitude of you just gotta muck in. The team ethos is one of no stress - take the hand we’ve been dealt, crack on and make the best of it.

“I think we had the best team we’ve ever had on the boat by far; there wasn’t a single passenger on board, we had every man in the right spot. Unfortunately we hadn’t been able to prepare on the yacht as we would have liked due to covid.

You’ve got to be 100% to win a race like the Hobart," says Pete.

So does that mean the team will be back again in 2022? It's with resolve when he says: “At the end of the day, there’s always lots of ‘what ifs’ in this sport and that’s what makes it so attractive. It’s the races you want to win the most that are the most rewarding when you finally do, so I’m sure we will go again.”

Doubles success

Twist in the tale

Behind the line honours contenders, the fight for the prestigious Tattersall Cup for first on corrected time was unfolding between two TP52s, arriving in Hobart in the early hours of day three.

The battle took place in two parts – at first on the water when Sam Haynes’ Celestial pipped Matt Allen’s Ichi Ban across the line with a faster time, before protests from both the race committee and Ichi Ban saw the tables turn on shore as ultimately the win was handed to Ichi Ban. It was a cruel twist in the tale for Sam and his crew, who had been ecstatic with what they had thought was their first Sydney-Hobart victory.

The protests were brought about after an accidental activation of a PLB on board Celestial alerted the search and rescue services. After repeated attempts by the race committee and (at their request) Ichi Ban to raise Celestial by sat phone and VHF, Ichi Ban set off a red parachute flare, at which point Celestial contacted them immediately via VHF. While the jury found that the breach was accidental - the crew of Celestial maintain they were unaware at the time – it was none the less found that they’d failed to maintain a continuous listening watch as required by the sailing instructions.

With Celestial receiving a penalty of 40 minutes and their rival receiving 3 minutes redress, it was enough to hand the overall victory to Ichi Ban. Although Celestial was the only one to receive a penalty, the

race committee did report that several other yachts failed to respond promptly to calls, and questions have since been raised about the safety implications in an environment where the noise and action of fast offshore racing mean it can be difficult to listen carefully at all times.

The decision saw Ichi Ban become the third yacht to claim three Sydney-Hobart wins and the first since Freya in the 1960s - to lift the Tattersall Cup in back-to-back races, after winning it in 2017 and 2019 (the race was cancelled in 2020).

Owner, Matt Allen acknowledged that he would rather not win in the protest room, but praised his crew’s hard work in a tough race, and said: “It is amazing to be part of the history and fabric of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.”

ABOVE

It was heartbreak for the crew of Celestial...

BELOW

...while Ichi Ban snatched a place in the record books

For the first time, a dedicated double-handed division contested the race, attracting a promising 18 entries, of which 10 completed the course. Taking their place in history as the first ever winners were the Tasmanian team of John Saul and Rob Gough on board Sidewinder, a Marc Lombard designed Akilaria RC2, finishing in 4 days 7 hours 12 minutes. Suffering a suspected rib fracture during the race, Gough described the race as having “all the variables” and said the first two days were “pretty tough” thanks especially to the sea state. The ex-Moth sailor added that the most taxing element of the race was driving, as he described: “There were no backs on the waves. You just come out and slam. I thought we were going to break the boat in half. The (auto) pilot wouldn’t know what to do there, so we steered on and off.”

Co-skipper Saul also credited their performance to a “conservative” approach throughout the race – an approach that enabled them to finish where others did not.

Of the 50 boats that completed the course, the final one to finish was, impressively, a 71-year-old boat, a Halvorsen 36 named Solveig, which famously won the race in 1954, recording a finish time this year of 5 days 19 hours and 40 minutes.

The smallest – Gun Runner, a Jarkan 925 raced by Australia’s Army Sailing Club – timed out, one of the few retirements for reasons other than gear failure.

Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting MARCH 2022

27

Paul Heiney Being a sailor and an environmentalist should go hand in hand - but it’s actually far more challenging than you might imagine

I

try hard to be good, I really do.

I’m not convinced that much of my effort is going to save the planet in any meaningful way, but I do it anyway because I want to do the right thing.

I’m just back from a chilly five minutes standing by our rubbish bins while I try to remember if a mouldy old cabbage counts as garden waste, or does it go with the kitchen rubbish? Depends where you live, is the annoying answer. I’ve bought a hybrid car and now consume less petrol than a scooter, and I go around the house, moving stealthily from room to room, switching off lights. I’ve turned the heating down a few degrees, but sadly I can’t sleep with an entirely clean conscience because the bedroom is now so damned cold. Do I turn that heating up? Not on your life - I’m trying very hard to be good, you see.

And then I get in my nonguzzling hybrid car, toddle off down to the boat, and all that environmental zeal is forgotten.

Our boats belong to a different world, don’t they?

Boats are places where we can become, for a few precious hours, removed from ever increasing nagging.

Boats are our escape, and different rules apply.

But I wonder how long it will be before the real world catches up with us and the painful gaze of environmental scrutiny is focussed in on us? To be honest, it wouldn’t be difficult to make a case for painting sailors as enviro-vandals. You’ve only got to look at most of the hulls, the sails, the ropes and sheets, to realise that someone had to slurp quite a few gallons of oil from the earth to produce that lovely, shapely hull of which we are so proud. Then there’s the diesel engine, and the washing up water or worse, which we pump into the sea and rivers - although I feel less of a conscience about that since we learned that the water authorities are happily doing it on a regular basis, and in rather more bulk that my Jabsco might manage.

Giving yourself a good looking over is never a bad thing to do before someone with a less kindly eye does it for you. For that reason, I’m happy to avoid anchoring where my murderous anchor might give the seahorses a headache; and I don’t complain, as some

do, about the ever-expanding wind farms which clutter the sea in my part of the world - they are very useful for avoiding sandbanks.

The truth is that the seas and oceans now belong to everyone and they all have different views on what’s right and wrong. Better to take a friendly step towards them than put up a futile fight.

Of course, there are those who can justifiably consider themselves to be outside these debates. They are the ones who have their boats built from a sustainable and easily replaceable source - the wooden boat owners. We’ve been building ships out of wood for centuries and it never seems to run out. It is a miracle, really, how you can plant a tiny sapling no bigger than a McDonald’s wooden stirrer, and 60 years later you’ve got a new mast. If you’ve got the skills, and the workforce, and the patience, you can be super-environmental and shape a tree into a hull without any need for electric tools or petrochemical slop. And how much nicer for shipwrights to work in an environment with smells of oak rather than acetone.

The problem is striking a tricky balance between being good and considerate towards the planet, and being kind to yourself. Wooden boats make demands that glass fibre boats don’t. Having once owned a graceful example, I can tell you that you worry about them as if they were a constantly ailing child. Is that water in the bilge just a dribble, or something more serious? “Just enough to keep her sweet,” said the previous owner. Liar! The passage of a shower in the night fills you with foreboding as the first drop of rain finds its way with more skill than a homing pigeon to a place directly above your bunk. A wet pillow is bad enough, but what about all that evil rot that must be seeping in. Next morning, you stroll the deck and your heart sinks because the varnish is peeling once again as it frazzles under the sun, and it will only take 10 tedious weekends to restore it.

So forgive us, environmentalists, if we fall back with relief into the arms of petrochemical industry - the only magicians who can turn petroleum gloop into something we can love and cherish.

Very hard to do the right thing, isn’t it?

28

MARCH 2022 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

HAVE YOUR SAY When it comes to the environment, where is the balance to be found? facebook.com/ sailingtoday @sailingtodaymag sailingtoday.co.uk

ILLUSTRATION CLAIRE WOOD

‘The seas and oceans now belong to everyone and they all have different views on what’s right and wrong’

Andy Rice Event organisers at home and overseas are still contending with the complex challenges of Covid - but sailing has shown that where we can adapt we can overcome

W

ill 2022 be the year we finally get back on track? I recall the 2020 RYA Dinghy Show being the first time I felt the need to be elbowbumping, and we’re closing on the 2022 edition of the Show very soon, set to take place in Farnborough for the first time (see p52).

I think there’ll still be a lot of elbow-bumping in Farnborough at the end of February, but I feel there’ll also be a sense of optimism that this is the year we’ll be able to get back to the serious business of having fun again, going racing against each other and sharing war stories at the bar afterwards.

For this year’s Seldén SailJuice Winter Series, Simon Lovesey and I put together nine events across four months. We didn’t really expect any to be cancelled, but having only completed one event - the Datchet Flyer - the previous winter, it seemed like a good insurance policy. We hadn’t bargained on Omicron, however. As I write, three events have been cancelled, but we’re fingers crossed the final three will be able to go ahead (see p74).

At the time of cancellation of the three events, just before the turn of the new year, the high transmissibility of Omicron had become very obvious. So the cancellations were understandable but frustrating nevertheless. Burghfield SC commodore Nigel Rolfe and a small team of just nine people pushed ahead and managed to host a brand new event, the Burghfield Breezer. A much smaller event than a full-scale Bloody Mary or Grafham Grand Prix, so not really comparable. But it does beg the question as to whether it’s better to cancel a really big event, or deliberately limit the number of entries and still have an event go ahead.

I remember taking part in the 2010 edition of the Bloody Mary when it was so cold and the roads so treacherous that it was a mission even getting to Queen Mary. If memory serves, there were only 43 entrants, perhaps the lowest ever in the illustrious history of a classic which occasionally has tipped past 500 boats. When the mast broke on my borrowed Devoti D-1, there was at least the consolation of getting ashore sooner. Meanwhile Andy Smith and Tim Needham charged around the track to take the winner’s gun aboard their 505. When they got ashore and let the rig tension go, nothing moved, so frozen were all the controls and bullet blocks. Windscreen de-icer or cutting ropes were the only derigging options on that heinously chilly day.

Did the small number of entries diminish the achievement of Smith and Needham? I don’t think so. It was an honourable victory that deserved to go on the Bloody Mary winners’ roster. But of course that example doesn’t address the whole question of Covid, which is a much more complex conundrum. Particularly at a steep-sided reservoir like Queen Mary where you’ll probably need help launching and recovering your boat. That can bring you into close contact with other people outside your bubble, and there the potential for transmissibility problems begin. The same is true if you need rescuing after a capsize and you’re brought into close proximity with the rescue team.

So none of this stuff is easy. But as other clubs have shown with online briefings and prizegivings, changing next to the car - in almost every respect there are ways and means of holding socially distanced events.

Some clubs have done a great job of keeping things going throughout the worst of the pandemic. Brixham Yacht Club took up the slack in 2020 when many championships were cancelled. I saw just how well they rose to the occasion when I took part in the 2020 Musto Skiff Nationals at Brixham in September of that year. Another that really impresses is Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy. Often it’s the biggest organisations that are the first to cancel, yet the opposite appears to be true of WPNSA, so congratulations to Pete Allam and his team for bucking the trend.

Further afield, Vilamoura in Portugal along with Lanzarote in the Canary Islands established themselves as the goto venues for the Olympic circuit when the majority of international Olympic regattas were on hold. And at the end of 2021, Oman Sail hosted a flurry of world-class events in November and December: the 49er and Nacra World Championships, followed by the ILCA 6/Laser Radial World Championships, and concluding with the Youth Sailing World Championships just before Christmas.

I was working in Oman at the 49er/Nacra World and the Youth Worlds, and saw first-hand just what a world-class organisation Oman Sail has become. With 97 per cent of the population vaccinated against Covid and average daytime temperatures in the mid to late thirties, don’t be surprised to see more major championships taking place in Oman in the coming years. The pandemic has altered the map of where we might compete in the future, but the pandemic has done nothing to dampen our enthusiasm for getting wet.

PHOTO LLOYD IMAGES/WORLD SAILING

‘The pandemic has altered the map of where we might compete in future but done nothing to dampen our enthusiam’

30

MARCH 2022 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

ABOVE Florence Brellisford and helm Emily Mueller won gold at the Youth Worlds in Oman, one of several major events held there this winter

ANDY RICE As a sailing journalist and TV commentator Andy has unparalleled knowledge of the dinghy sailing scene, from grassroots to Olympic level

Sail away with books from

REEDS & ADLARD COLES

Sign up to our newsletter for exclusive content and special offers www.adlardcoles.com

Andi Robertson It’s all go in the offshore world as the number of new IMOCAs being built hits double figures and campaigns get underway for 2024’s Vendée Globe

T

he next Vendée Globe may still be two years off, but skippers are already making their intentions clear as the number of new IMOCAs in-build hits double figures Count up and there are no fewer than 12 new IMOCAs being built for the next Vendée Globe - more than ever before. The only new boat to be launched so far since the last Vendée Globe in 2020 has been the 11th Hour Racing boat, Mālama, which has been built to compete in The Ocean Race, but I somehow expect it will end up doing the Vendée Globe one way or another. For sure 11th Hour’s Justine Mettraux wants to do the race, and I can imagine having come this far doublehanded that her co-skipper Simon ‘SiFi’ Fisher might in the future want to go solo whilst age is on his side, and another team member Pascal Bidégorry has his own Vendée Globe programme bubbling in the background.

Who else is planning a launch? There will be a new Charal for Jérémie Beyou, a Sam Manuard design. Kevin Escoffier has the Verdier design which PRB bought part-complete being finished at Jason Carrington Boats.

Yannick Besthaven, the 2020-2021 winner has a new Verdier boat being built from the moulds of 11th Hour’s second boat. It was recently announced that Charlie Dalin, who was first across the finish line, will have a new Apivia – again a Verdier design. Maxime Sorel has a Verdier sistership to the original Apivia in-build now at Multiplast.

Double La Solitaire and Route du Rhum winner Yoann Richomme has been announced as the skipper of a newbuild Paprec Arkea, which is being designed by Antoine Koch and Finot-Conq. Their programme sees a close collaboration with Thomas Ruyant’s who is having a new LinkedOut from the same mould as Paprec Arkea.

Elsewhere, Germany’s Jorge Riechers is having a new boat backed by German power yacht brand Alva Yachts, which is due to start build imminently in Portugal. He has put together a design team which includes Farr Yacht design long-time collaborator Étienne Bertrand (a scow pioneering expert who Riechers built his first Mini with in 2009 in a garage near Paris), Guillaume Dupont and Agustin Lefebvre.

As one of the very first to announce his new boat,

Germany’s Boris Herrmann has a new VPLP Malizia and the Yacht Club de Monaco flagged crew are now well into the build.

Sam Davies has a new boat too which should launch in May this year, built from the moulds of the Manuard-designed L’Occitane en Provence.

And Nantes-based Black Pepper Yachts – who built Armel Tripon’s L’Occitaine – are building another Manuard boat on spec.

What is becoming evident is that there is a drive to use designers other than VPLP and Verdier who have largely dominated since François Gabart won in 2012-13. The general design trend is certainly towards scow-style bows of various levels of extremity, while the overall desire is for higher daily averages rather than out and out top speeds, and for sure boats which are more suited to big, unruly seas in the south.

It is very encouraging to see three of the key female skippers now equipped with boats which will be capable of winning or finishing on the podium. With a new Manuard boat built and optimised for her I can honestly see Sam Davies in the mix for victory. Banque Populaire have chosen to go again with Clarisse Cremer who will have Dalin’s Apivia as soon as the Route du Rhum is done, whilst Pip Hare is building miles with her Medallia.

After her engaging and courageous first Vendée Globe, Pip Hare has to really be very astute in the choices of how she trains, who she works with and how she closes the gap with the more experienced skippers.

I love seeing Swiss skipper Alan Roura armed with the former Hugo Boss whilst we await the news of who his partners and backers are and what his plans are, which must surely be just like Hare’s - to step up his level to match his own performance potential to that of his boat whilst at the same time ensuring total reliability.

There are limited places on the next Vendée Globe, and priority will be given to skippers with new boats who are assured of qualification as soon as they take the start of one of the qualifying races. But there will be a scramble to qualify and to be on the start line. I do think though that with 40 entries available, even with the huge amount of interest after the last race, no-one with a serious campaign will be left on the dock.

IMAGE THIERRY MARTINEZ/11TH HOUR RACING

‘Three female skippers are now equipped with boats capable of winning or finishing on the podium’

32

MARCH 2022 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

ABOVE 11th Hour Racing’s Mālama is the first of 12 new IMOCAs to launch

ANDI ROBERTSON An offshore sailing expert, few people can match Andi’s insight into the big boat world, both in the UK and globally

Boat Test - Linjett 39

34 34

MARCH 2022 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

Swede sensation Is Linjett Yachts the best boatbuilder you’ve never heard of? That was certainly the case for Sam Jefferson when he took their new 39 for a sail In association with

Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting MARCH 2022

35

Boat Test - Linjett 39

T

he year 1886 was some time ago I think we can all agree and, in fairness, it seems to have been a fairly unassuming year as far as world history goes. In the events of note column you could probably point to Sigmund Freud setting up his first practice, the Tory government of Lord Salisbury was obliged to resign as no-one had confidence in them any more and, um, Germany granted Tonga neutrality. Yet in a quiet corner of Sweden another rather unassuming piece of history was being made because the yard of Linjett Yachts was established.

Nothing too remarkable about that, yet what is extraordinary is that careful stewardship by this family run business means it is still flourishing to this day, run by the three Gustaffson brothers and based in a quiet bay in Norrtälje, somewhere north of Stockholm, deep in the Swedish archipelago.

The company has evolved from wooden boatbuilding and now turns out high quality mid-sized cruising yachts between 34 and 43’.

All of this is mildly interesting but what fascinated me was that I had never heard of the company. Years in the marine industry searching out new boats and somehow they had passed me by completely. This is partly because, as the Gustaffsons explained to me, the company does not have much of a profile outside of Sweden – or certainly the Baltic.

What is also safe to say is that they have an incredibly strong following within Sweden. One glance around the marina at Norrtälje confirmed this; the pontoons are absolutely full of Linjetts. Indeed, it turns out that the boats have a sort of cultish following whereby once you’ve bought a Linjett, you rarely go back and the business is built on the idea that you buy a boat and you become part of the community, almost part of the family. Many of the boats return to Norrtälje every year due to the care taken

by Linjett to looking after the boats even after they are sold.

So what is the DNA of the company? Well, it’s a Xenophobe’s paradise. Every positive stereotype

36

MARCH 2022 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

of Swedish nationality seems to be on show. The boats are put together with forensic care and attention to detail – and everything seems to be done exceptionally politely and with more thought than is seemly.

Any boatbuilder that has survived as long as Linjett has to be naturally conservative and this is certainly the case with their designs which offer much narrower lines than many of their contemporaries.

There has, for example, been much agonising over this new 39 which features – gasp – twin wheels.

None of this is a negative. There are enough boatbuilders turning out broad transomed IMOCA derivative cruising yachts to mean there is a substantial gap in the market for yachts with more traditional lines and seakeeping qualities. Plus, the number of manufacturers turning out 34’ cruising yachts is vanishingly small.

ABOVE A well balanced sail plan and easily driven hull make for satisfying sailing BELOW The 39 is one of the first yachts in the Linjett range to be equipped with twin helms

Anyway, the Linjett 39 is a tentative step a short way along the line towards contemporary rivals and, as such, features a touch more beam and freeboard than some previous Linjetts with larger portlights. That said, the boat is still relatively narrow compared to many, with a maximum beam of 13’ and plenty of taper aft pointing to an easily driven hull. The single balanced rudder is deep, while the L-shaped keel is lead bulbed with a decent chord width. The hull is vacuum infused with a Divinycell core. The mast is keel-stepped with shrouds run inboard. The standard rig is relatively powerful and there is the option of a 107% headsail or a self tacker. The mainmast is stepped well back compared to some, making for a powerful jib. The rig is pretty powerful and the boat has a mildly sporty feel, underlined by the adjustable backstay. Yet this is at heart a fast cruiser and the fact that the mainsail sheet and traveller is on the coachroof underline this. The boat is good looking and something of an oddity these days in boasting raked bow and transom. Yet there is a lot to be enjoyed in those classic lines, which are a pleasing change.

There is altogether more flow and sleekness to the boat than some of the blockier, angular designs we see these days. I was minded of Arcona’s from a few years back which stuck with a more traditional styling and certainly – to my mind at least - didn’t suffer as a result.

On deck

Step aboard and you’re confronted with a fairly standard cockpit layout; twin helms with stylish black wheels and beautifully laid teak. There are chartplotters and instruments set into the binnacles with repeaters further forward above the companionway. There is decent storage under the helmsman’s seats and very deep lockers forward of this. The main seating area in the cockpit is complemented by a substantial teak table with ample room for six. In terms of controls, all running rigging is led back to two banks of jammers that come out right next to the binnacles and then lead on to matching pairs of Andersen winches to port and starboard. Combine that with the

self-tacking jib and you have a yacht that can be handled very easily by one person. Up forward the decks are uncluttered and dominated by the track for the self-tacking jib. Jib cars for the genoa are led well inboard and provide a good sheeting angle.

The anchor locker is roomy with a well proportioned lazarette aft where you can stow a Code 0 or similar.

Interior

Step below and you find yourself in a warmly lit space. There is a plethora of wood on show and the general ambience is very cosy. Double skylights plus large portlights set into the hull ensure plenty of light and nice views when sailing. There is an L-shaped galley to port with corian worktops and two fridges.

ABOVE Conditions on the day of the test ranged from 5-15 knots of breeze with huge windshifts BELOW The raked transom is becoming an endangered species these days. Note the stern anchor for easy mooring in the Stockholm Archipelago

Forward of this is a large seating area with beautifully crafted table.

It’s probably worth lingering slightly on this as it exemplifies the attention to detail with all the grain perfectly matched and running diagonally from each side toward the centre.

The lift out section for storing bottles underneath is similarly matched. It takes time and patience to achieve this sort of thing and it should be appreciated. Anyway, it’s beautifully finished and, with the drop leaves that straddle the saloon raised, you can seat six in comfort and it could be eight at a squeeze.

To starboard there is a well proportioned forward facing chart table, although there is the option to extend the bench seat and then have no seat at the chart table.

The layout is pretty standard but well thought-out with twin berths aft that are slightly less claustrophobic than some thanks to portlights on both sides, facing out to sea and in towards the cockpit. There are some really nice big cupboards aft too. The shower compartment is behind the chart table and this is a very large stall with no heads – this is situated forward of the saloon. This makes for a really big space that doubles as a hanging locker for all your wet weather gear. There is the option to have a heads in here too if you wish, but it did make for a very good sized space and excellent for drying soggy gear - 30 minutes with the Eberspacher and it was positively Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting MARCH 2022

37

Boat Boat Test Test ~ -Ovni Linjett 37039

sauna like. Up forward the v-berth is reasonably broad forward as it is terminated early to make space for a big chain locker. The boat is more open forward with a small folding door giving privacy. This lets in a lot of extra light with the door open and also makes for a nice open space. The heads forward is very spacious as it does not have a shower stall, although this is an option.

Heading aft again and engine access is good and it's extremely well insulated. Overall, the finish is superlative with lots of curved edges that take time and effort to achieve. Everything clunks and thunks into place. It’s also worth noting that all the joints on the saloon floor are sealed, varnished and have sound dampening – this is truly a rarity and definitely the exception not the norm in new boats I have tested over the years.

Under sail

The test took place just outside Linjett’s yard, deep in the Stockholm archipelago. Although beautiful, this area presents very distinct challenges as it’s rather like lake sailing with shifts and lifts all over the place. We sailed in about 8-15kn of wind and totally flat water and

the area lived up to its reputation, presenting us with big shifts and unpredictable gusts and lulls blowing between islands and funelling down channels. The Linjett proved itself to be a lively performer for a big boat; close winded and sensitive, with decent amounts of acceleration and the ability to ghost through the puffs.

The boat was not overly tender and the big rudder provided more than adequate grip and decent feel that made the somewhat intuitive

WE HAVE YOU COVERED CONTACT THE TEAM TODAY

38

quotes@pantaenius.co.uk 01752 223656

DECMBER MARCH 2022 2021 Sailing Sailing Today Today with with Yachts Yachts & Yachting & Yachting

ABOVE

The Linjett enjoyed masses of grip even when we attempted to broach

BELOW

The interior is sensibly thought out, beautifully put together and very cosy

sailing you have to do in this area a pleasure. With the kite up and breeze freshening, we sailed very high in order to avoid a submerged rock while also getting hit by an extra strong puff of breeze. Despite the boat being palpably overloaded, the rudder maintained grip and although we half broached, there was always a surprising element of control. All in all, the boat was fun and far from sedate – much closer to an Arcona than a blue water heavyweight in the Najad/Hallberg Rassy mode.

ALTERNATIVE BOATS

ARCONA 385 The Arcona 385 is one of the latest offerings from a fellow Swedish boatbuilder. Like the Linjett, this is a fast cruiser although there is perhaps marginally more emphasis on speed. seyachts.com

SAM’S VERDICT I liked this boat very much; it was easily driven in the light, shifty winds and was easy on the helm later in the test when the wind piped up and we started experimenting with trying to snap the spinnaker pole by sailing too high. In addition, the quality of the finish below and the attention to detail were superb. The philosophy of the yard and their reliance on repeat custom also inspired

supreme confidence. Some would argue that the lines are dated but I would argue that they are timeless and that the huge hindquarters of recent years will age far less sympathetically than the Linjett’s lines.

FAURBY 400

Danish boatbuilder Faurby has a slightly cultish following based on a reputation for high quality build with a good blend of cruising capability and speed. The lines are similarly classic with a relatively slim, easily driven hull. faurby.dk

PERFORMANCE: BLUE WATER ABILITY: LOOKS:

THE SPEC LOA: 12.15m (39’10”) LWL: 11.00m (36’1”) Beam: 3.95m (13’) Draught: 2.15m (7’1”) Displacement: 8,700kg (19,200lb) Base price (ex VAT): £283,000 Sailaway: £309,000 Builder: linjett.se

SAARE 38 Estonian built Saare Yachts focus on low volume production married to high quality.

Their boats have a reputation for being fast but comfortable. The 38 is beautifully fitted out, a joy to sail and very competitively priced. saareyachts.com

CONTACT THE TEAM TODAY

01752 223656 quotes@pantaenius.co.uk

36

Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting MARCH 2022

39

Tom Cunliffe

Tom Cunliffe

t’s obvious that when you do a job a number of times, it gets easier. A one-off task that might take me a day can often be knocked off in an hour by a professional. Partly, this is down to his ‘can-do’ attitude.

‘Some idiot has manufactured this.

He clearly isn’t as clever as I am because if he was he’d have made it a lot easier to get at, so there’s no way I can’t fix it.’ The big thing going for him, however, is that he’s had plenty of practice. Maybe not on my boat,

40

MARCH 2022 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

but once you’ve seen one Yanmar 4JH, you’ve seen them all.

So why not just capitulate - stop barking our knuckles and not having the right tool, and let the proper guys carry on with it? I’ve found a number of answers to this. The first is the age-old inverse proportion equation of time and money. If you’ve got money you probably don’t have time, and if you’ve time on your hands, in my experience, you almost certainly have no money.

PODCAST Catch up with Tom’s columns now and in the future at sailingtoday.co.uk

Engineers and boat builders cost, so if the problem is not acute and you’re in funds, you can just sit in the office and pick up the phone.

When you haven’t a bean, you’ve all day to discover the tricks of that particular trade without parting with any more than the cost of materials.

Next comes the plain fact that you often can’t nail down a man when you need one. I’m suffering from this right now. You probably aren’t interested in my problems,

ILLUSTRATION: CLAIRE WOOD, PHOTOS TOM CUNLIFFE

I

You can be the best sailor in the world but you can’t go cruising confidently without being a vaguely competent mechanic armed with a decent toolkit

“It was then that I saw the full breadth of the builder’s villainy. It was literally impossible to get a spanner or even a socket anywhere near the main mounting bolt” but I’m in the market for new front gates for my honest establishment out in the sticks. I haven’t the time or probably the talent to deal with it myself, but I do have a modest stash of funds. You’d think that carpenters would be queuing down the lane to empty my piggy bank, but can I get someone? Can I ****!

The most compelling reason of all is the one that none of us can escape, no matter how well off we may be. If it breaks at sea, there’s no AA out there and no Green Flag either. On the South Coast, you can call for the services of the excellent ‘Seastart’, but they aren’t likely to answer your VHF shout in midChannel, mid-Minch or, perish the thought, mid-Atlantic. The bottom line is that we’re on our own on the water, so we ought to develop the same attitude as the professional and we must carry a decent tool kit.

It really pays off to take every opportunity to tackle basic jobs ourselves as and when they arise because, in an emergency, we’ll have tackled it before. Every skipper has to know how to change fuel filters and bleed the system afterwards to get the engine going again. Freeing water strainers and replacing impellers in the engine cooling system is another job all can manage. And with a basic

knowledge of 12 or 24 volt electrics, there’s every chance that a way can be found around a flat starter battery.

Not all my jobs have been as simple as this, although with more experience as a young man, some could have been seen off when they first appeared and avoided for evermore. I once had an engine - a Volvo Penta as it happens - that developed a nasty habit of refusing to circulate raw cooling water on startup. There was nothing wrong with the strainer and the skin fitting was clear when I disconnected the pipe and opened the seacock. The impeller seemed to be all present and correct, so what was the matter?

The problem was, needless to say, intermittent. Its speciality was to refuse when I started the engine to enter harbour so, after I’d sailed up the Hamble to my mud berth a few times, I recognised that something had to be done. But what?

Someone smarter than me suggested that I had an airlock.

Given that I didn’t always remember to shut the inlet seacock before the boat settled in the ooze this was not unlikely. I waited for the next blockage, found a joint in the rubber piping at the top of the engine, started her up and cracked the union. Nothing happened

ABOVE A full toolbox is a real boon afloat and that includes decent kit for splicing ropes

for a few seconds. Then with a mighty spurting, water sprayed everywhere. I jammed the pipe back on, screwed up the clip and went to the stern to see what was happening at the exhaust. Result!

Water gushing out just as it should.

Despite the obvious inconvenience, I resorted to this tactic until one day I hit the starter button to be met with the dreaded nolle prosequi. The battery was fine, the wiring good, but the starter motor itself had succumbed to regular dousings with salt water and given up the struggle.

I sailed back to the mooring to fix it, and it was then that I saw the full breadth of the builder’s villainy. It was literally impossible to get a spanner or even a socket anywhere near the main mounting bolt. The engine box was in the way. Reaching the hexagon wasn’t going to be easy in anyone’s book, but with the furniture hard up against it, there was no chance. I stared at it in disbelief for an hour or so. I tried every which way to solve the problem without a whiff of success. For another hour I lay on the cabin sole with my head against the offending bulkhead and, like Shakespeare’s thwarted lover, ‘troubled deaf heaven with Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting MARCH 2022

41

Tom Cunliffe

my bootless cries’. Finally, I accepted defeat and got out my woodworking tools. Nobody had power tools on board in those days, so I used a ratchet augur to drill a hole in the front of the box large enough to accept a socket on a long extension.

I slid the socket through the hole, contrived to shove a spanner on the other end of the bolt, wedged it in place and heaved away. “Bingo!”

Half an hour later I was cleaning the commutator and installing new, unpolluted brushes. The windings were rinsed in fresh water, dried in the oven and all was as well as could be expected. It did work, but how to prevent a repetition?

I never got to the bottom of what caused the airlock, but I solved the symptom by installing a plumber’s tee-piece at the upper pipe joint with a tap that diverted the main flow of water down the tee. A pipe led from this to the deep bilge and whenever the airlock occurred I’d only to nip down and open the tap.

As soon as water started flowing, the tap was shut down and off I went.

I suppose I was thinking about how fortunate it was I’d a ratchet augur all those years ago when I decided to make a video about tools last summer. My tools live in various places on board and are more or less sorted into groups. There’s ready use, engineering, woodwork,

42

MARCH 2022 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

ABOVE LEFT The trusty multimeter and a torch are key components of any toolkit ABOVE RIGHT When an autohelm disintegrates, any tool box is challenged BELOW Magic wire-stripping tool that seems to defy gravity

TOM CUNLIFFE Tom has been mate on a merchant ship, run yachts for gentlemen, operated charter boats, delivered, raced and taught. He writes the pilot for the English Channel, a complete set of cruising text books and runs his own internet club for sailors worldwide at tomcunliffe.com

rigging, electrics and what I call ‘heavy lifting’. This latter consists of wrecking bars, steel wedges, small sledge hammers and the like. I don’t need them often, but when I do, nothing else will serve. I laid out all the groups in the cockpit and talked about them, where they came from, how long I’d had them, when I last used them and so on, ending up with a request for ‘comments’ about any tools viewers had found essential and which I might have missed. There had been some shameful omissions.

I’d clean forgotten to show them the ‘cheapo’ multimeter which is the backbone of my electrical kit. On the other hand, my wire stripper,

bought for a tenner from my local tool merchant, was much admired.

Lest I preen myself, however, my crummy crimping tool received the raspberries that were its proper portion. I forgot to show my four sets of mole grips in varying sizes and got what I deserved for that, but the tool that everyone approved of was that single item which costs zero and will save the ship one day. It’s a bent wire coat hanger. It probes, clears passages, pokes cleaning rags inside tall lamp chimneys and hooks things from the bilge. There’s no end to its uses.

If you don’t have one, go and look in the skip behind the dry cleaners.

And grab two while you’re there.

Yachts & Yachting May 14.pdf

1

24/03/2014

12:55

Traction Made Beautiful...

The high performance non-skid deck coating.

Made In New Zealand

Unit E4 Fort Wallington, Fareham, PO16 8TT. Tel 01329 232360 sales@vitessemarine.co.uk www.vitessemarine.co.uk/kiwigrip

Sillette

THE BEST YOUR BOAT CAN GET

E40i - The easily placed electric winch The coach roof is the normal place for a winch that operates halyards, reef lines, outhaul and control lines. The E40i winch is built up around an electric motor which is totally integrated in the drum. Only three thin cables are protruding to lead through the coach roof or the deck, no large cutouts and no external motor or gearbox. This makes for uncompromised headroom down below which is normally not the case with electric winches.

Self-tailing function and 3-speed operation.

Sillette.co.uk +44(0)1202 621631

www.seldenmast.com

Sailing Today E40i-E 99x262mm AW.indd 1

Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting MARCH 2022 43 10:54 06/01/2022

Cruising - Greece

Peace in Greece

There have been few benefits to Covid but Nicola Beykirch did discover unprecedented solitude on a Greek odyssey through the Ionian and Aegean Islands

PHOTOS NICOLA BEYKIRCH

A 44

fter starting out as a new and inexperienced sailor, I have been describing in Sailing Today how I have gained skills and expertise throughout the thrilling voyages of discovery that my partner, Barry, and I have made around the Mediterranean and Adriatic over the past couple of years.

And, just when I thought I could handle anything the Med could throw at us, we have to cope with Covid, red and amber lists, jabs and double jabs, and a blocked Corinth Canal!

This canal blockage meant this summer’s relatively short sailing trip MARCH 2022 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

expanded into an epic adventure.

We spent almost three months island hopping in the Ionian and Aegean seas, and we both completed our longest ever sailing stints.

Throughout the voyage, the captain had to attend to all his duties as CEO via Microsoft Teams, and believed that he was successfully convincing his staff that he was working from home (yeah right, Barry!), despite his calendar not updating to Greek time, which caused him to miss meetings. The holiday backgrounds didn’t help either, but they were better than the kitchen backgrounds of his colleagues.

Happily, he achieved the best of both business and sailing worlds.

ABOVE

Fishermen prepare their boats on the Lefkas Canal

Sunday 6 June the alarm pierced the pre-dawn London darkness to make the half-filled flight on easyJet from Gatwick to Preveza, on the island of Lefkas, lying off the Ionian west coast of Greece.

Bella Rose, our four year-old Oyster 545, had happily spent the winter at D-Marin under the expert care of Kostas, who looks after several Oyster yachts in Lefkas Marina.

We spent four days eagerly getting Bella Rose ready for her first sail of the season. While Barry worked from ‘home’ and when I wanted a break from boat-stuff (why does preparation always take so long?), I explored more of Lefkas town that I missed out on the previous year.

Off season in Lefkas

Because of coronavirus, Lefkas was devoid of tourists. The locals were conscious of social distancing by keeping their space in queues and wearing masks at all times, even out on the streets. Even though it was approaching midseason, very few charter boats were out, and so the waterfront

and marina remained restful.

In Lefkas town, buildings were crumbling, yet people made it welcoming with pink bougainvillaea and lemon trees. A carpet of lemons remained discarded along the pavements. Smells of jasmine and magnolia sweetened the rotting aroma emanating from the rubbish bins and drains. Many houses were

BELOW LEFT

A man's work is never done in Lefkas Town

BELOW RIGHT

Sunset, Lefkas

made of rusting corrugated iron.

Even some contemporary homes designed by top architects were built with corrugated iron and freshly painted with magnolia. Mosquitoes turned hungrier at night and were undeterred by the citronella candle.

A faulty battery charger switch delayed our departure to Thursday afternoon. The moment we motored

Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting MARCH 2022

45

Cruising ~ Greece

out of the channel, Captain Barry turned off the engine and excitedly called out, “Unfurl the genoa, First Mate”. He grinned at me as though he’d won the lottery. With absolute pleasure! Happiness and sun warmed the very marrow of our bones. We were sailing at last.

Just as last year, after spending almost a year in London, mostly under lockdown, the first sail of the season became a celebration of freedom, adventure and fresh air, the only lottery I’d ever need to win.

Ithaca at sundown

On a tight reach, mostly by wind around 10kts, we reached the south of Ithaca Island, arriving at sunset. Ithaca, where Odysseus

46

MARCH 2022 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

(aka Ulysses), the hero of Homer’s epic poem the Odyssey, lived and ruled. “People of Ithaca, now hear my words...” Diving into the refreshing 24 degree sea to tie stern lines to rocks felt like coming home to me. Not another soul or yacht on the horizon at the one-boat bay. Solitude got little better than this. A herd of goats patrolling the rocks descended to drink and spent time at the water’s edge bleating, conversing with each other. Wasps swarmed onto the boat, in search of everything sweet.

The next day, we should have steered east towards the Gulf of Corinth and the Corinth Canal.

Sailing under the Rio-Antirro Bridge and then through the fourmile-long Canal, with no locks to

ABOVE LEFT

Full House at D-Marin's marina in Lefkas town

BELOW LEFT

A secluded anchorage, Ithaca

BELOW RIGHT

The best seafood restaurant in Katokola

worry about. It was closed for most of 2021 because of a series of landslides, and at the time of writing, it is unclear if it has re-opened. Instead, we headed south and mostly sailed the 52nm across to Katakolon on the west coast of the Peloponnese.

After banana-chocolate-pancakes for breakfast the following morning, we hired a car from the port and drove 50km to Olympia and visited the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ancient Olympia - one of the most important ancient towns known as the birthplace of the Olympic Games, founded in the 8th century B.C. Its extensive ruins include athletic training areas, a stadium and temples dedicated to the gods Hera and Zeus. As I ran through the arch on to the Stadium of Olympia,

while Barry filmed me, I could sense the flaming torches and deafening crowds. Although… the original athletes were all male and naked…

Thanks to Covid, no one else was on the site at the same time as us.

We felt like the only other people on Earth. A surreal experience travelling through iconic sites, usually overcrowded with tourists.

No tour buses in sight. Would it have been like this travelling in the '60s? I think I was born a few decades too late. Luckily for Barry and his Teams though, he wasn’t.

We returned to the taverna on the beach with the blue umbrellas, sand between the toes and the water gently rippling along the shore, three kilometres from the port, where they served award-winning grilled

seafood. We both became vegan around two years ago. Barry’s approach is a little more flexible: if he is sailing and the aroma of seafood permeates his brain, he will scoff a plateful or two.

God knows what he gets up to when I’m not around! I am less flexi in my approach and restaurant staff would look at me as if I were a horrible alien from the planet Vega. Considering that, as well as tourism, fishing is the main livelihood of the island’s population, it is perhaps understandable. Only just…

Mind you, when grilled vegetables with balsamic glaze and olive oil were on the menu, I tucked in like a plant-based porker!

We ended up cooking more

ABOVE

Leaving Lefkas behind and heading out for the first sail of the season

BELOW LEFT

Ruins at ancient Olympia

BELOW RIGHT

Downwind with the Parasailor up

onboard this trip than on previous adventures, both of us inventing new dishes using fresh local ingredients.

Downwind delight

An early start at 5am. Serene and windless for three hours before the wind arrived, sailing at 3kts. "I think it’s time the parasail showed face," exulted the Captain. This enabled us to sail an average of 8.5kts, the longest and best sail to date under Parasailor. I would normally volunteer to do anything else, even change the bed-linen of all three cabins, than put up the Parasailor.

Something always went wrong…

We jibed three-quarters of the way and at sunset, enveloped by a blushing pink sky, just before 9pm, we rounded the headland to bring in

47

Cruising - Greece

the sail in the shadow of the main.

Expecting a wind shadow in the lee of the peninsula, Barry headed to the foredeck to drop the parasail behind the main, setting the auto helm for a run. The chute brought the sail under control and all looked well. And then the wind increased because of the headlands, accelerating to over 20kts.

I rushed to help Barry by dropping the halyard, but this was too late. The wind ripped the parasail in the chute out of our hands, flapping astern. Then the wind also changed direction, turning a run into a fetch.

We were in danger of the chute lifting and the sail flying out of control.

With a lot of effort and determination, we got the sheets and chute under control, using the cockpit winches. An overwind on the main winch caused some damage, but at least the sail collapsed. After the delay, we arrived in the darkness at an anchorage outside of Porto Kagio, oh so very delighted to be safe at anchor after a long and challenging day.

Monday morning, we moved to a bay around the corner, closer to Porto Kagio, offering more protection against the expected easterly wind shift, and tied stern to rocks. We spent two nights in the deserted bay, the only disadvantage being minimal internet which hindered the work from home scenario. Having spotted a mobile tower, we searched for a better signal and discovered it in another bay and far up a hill, close to a large herd of cattle grazing, which were undeterred by us.

48

MARCH 2022 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

Working from afloat

Barry had a meeting first thing and left the boat to find an ‘internet office’ for a few hours. Unfortunately, the heavens then opened with an unusual summer storm deluge, which lasted for 40 minutes. When the wind picked up, I worried if Bella Rose was safe. My phone had a limited signal. I had expected the Captain to at least check-in or return for lunch or when the weather turned nasty. His response to my message came through an hour later, letting me know he was taking refuge under a tree until the rain died. The winds were screaming over the mountains and through the boat, pulling it from side to side, putting a strain on the anchor. Barry eventually returned, and we tied two extra ropes to shore, one from

ABOVE

Reaching along at 7.5kn and making 32nm in just under three hours en route to Kapsali

BELOW

A serene anchorage just around the corner from Porto Kagio

the bow, another from the stern.

The next morning, we headed to shore for more meetings. Instead of the dinghy, we used the standup paddleboard (SUP) for the first time. Using a paddle each, we sat on one board with a waterproof bag stuffed with all our electronics secured below the straps of its bow.

Constantly striving to keep our carbon footprint to a minimum, this became our default mode of transport, both of us sitting canoe style on the SUP, a most effective method of passage to shore. The gawking faces of the locals suggested we were aliens.

Using stones and timber, we created a platform for our laptops in the shade of an olive tree. A large plastic sheet protected our backs against the thorns. We joined our respective meetings and attended to emails. We both looked at each other and I said, "No one would believe it." Thank goodness for Teams backgrounds!

On returning to Bella Rose, the wind had died. Barry removed the two extra lines while I pulled them on board. While getting the last minute things ready for departure, I went out on deck as a powerful gust blew from the top of the mountain. I noticed the bow twisting and spinning. The stern was moving closer to the starboard rocks. "Barry!" He had just switched on the windlass and bow thrusters.

Drascombe Lugger Sailing in the Greek Ionian Sail one of these iconic Luggers in the sun, based from our superb water's edge apartments. Pure relaxation.

GREECE CROATIA TURKEY

THAILAND FRANCE CARIBBEAN

“… a brilliant holiday!

The combination of a Lugger with the lovely Geni Garden apartment was perfect”

www.dragondrascombe.com SKIPPERED CHARTER

FLOTILLA

BAREBOAT CHARTER

DESTINATIONS THE HOLIDAY & TRAVEL SHOW OLYMPIA LONDON

30 JAN - 2 FEB 2020 STAND AA52

SMART SAFE YACHT OWNERSHIP

RYA SAILING COURSES

GREECE BOOK NOW FOR 2022 THE SEASON STARTS 10 APRIL HOW ABOUT AN EASTER BREAK ?

SAILIONIAN.COM catamarans 40-76ft

YACHT PARTNERSHIP

mono hulls 33-57ft

info@sailionian.com +44 (0)800 3213800

Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting MARCH 2022

49

RYA Sail and Motor Cruising Training Centre

Chatham Marina on River Medway 45 mins from London RYA Sailing & Motor Cruising Courses

Competent Crew • Day Skipper Coastal Skipper • Yachtmaster • Helmsman

Shorebased Courses

Day Skipper • Yachtmaster • On-line courses with on-line video classes

Plus

Around Britain Adventure Sailing Milebuilders • Fast-track Yachtmaster Own Boat Tuition • ICC

Call us:

01634 890512

Join the Elite Sailing Club Follow-on sailing, discounts & events

elitesailing.co.uk

Over 15 000 boats worldwide

SAILING HOLIDAYS

Choose your playground Get your special Sailing Today readers discount for your next charter.

Make an inquiry by visiting www.theglobesailor.com/ST or call us at + 44 (0)203 695 6438 and ask for Charlie!

50

GS_Sailing_Today_Half_H_202x129_2021.indd 1

MARCH 2022 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

1 000 professional renters rated by our clients

A personal advisor for your sailing holiday

Onboard Concierge Service

+44 2036 956438 www.theglobesailor.com/ST

07/02/2021 22:50

Cruising - Greece

"Barry!" I screamed again. His head popped out, and he sprinted to turn on the motor. "Always turn on the motor," he said... Aye, aye, Cap’n!

With the line still tied around the rock, it had slipped the cleat in this massive gust. Barry managed the helm and the thrusters while I released all the lines, and jumped overboard to retrieve the ropes while he took Bella Rose out of the confined space. I used all my might to swim to the ladder, missing it a few times, feeling as though I had swum 200m and not 20m. Barry struggled to keep Bella Rose in the middle of the bay because of the strong wind and tide. Huffing and puffing, I finally made it back on board.

Mythical Kythira

We headed south to Kapsali, southern Kythira, and on arrival thought to check the wall at the marina. A gaping space alongside the wall beckoned us, with only one other smaller yacht tied up, and so

we took the gap rather than anchor in the bay. Even with the Corinth Canal closed, the traffic around the Peloponnese was apparently much less than usual because of Covid.

They built Kapsali fishing village along twin leeward bays stretching into sandy beaches forming the omega symbol. Avgo, the shape of an egg, is seen offshore; the locals claim it as the birthplace of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and desire.

For both evenings at sunset, we hiked 30 minutes up the steep and snaking hill to the top of the chora.

Viewpoints overlooked the bay and town, with the illuminated Castle of Chora looming above. I felt uncomfortable walking down the hill in the dark with the cars racing down and not being visible. If only we hadn’t forgotten the torches.

Extreme excitement started mounting while we attempted to sleep early to begin the next leg of our adventure, sailing south to Crete.

Uncharted territory for both of us: I had only ever flown to a few of the

ABOVE

Exploring Kapsali, south of Kythira

BELOW

Another beautiful anchorage at Kapsali

Cyclades islands and Barry had only sailed from Corinth Canal to Rhodes.

Our time in the Ionian was exceptionally peaceful with few yachts and without the craziness of people all competing for the best anchorages, beaches and restaurants.

We were to return to the Ionian in mid-August to find the crowds back and anchorages busy, but enough spoilers. This was a special quiet time, a blissful tranquillity, at every port of call, never before known, and maybe never repeated.

CHARTER CONTACTS Dragondrascombe.com Dreamyachtcharter.com Elitesailing.co.uk Theglobesailor.com Helm.yt Sailionian.com Seafarersailing.co.uk Sunsail.co.uk Moorings.co.uk Venturesailholidays.com Ionianchallenge.com Wildwind.co.uk

Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting MARCH 2022

51

Dinghy Show

The Dinghy Show is back!

A

The ever popular RYA Dinghy and Watersports Show takes place on 26-27 February. What is in store this year?

fter a virtual event in 2022, the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show, presented

by Suzuki, takes place at its new venue of Farnborough International Exhibition Centre over the weekend of 26-27 February.

With room to expand and include new exhibitors, the 2022 show promises to be better than ever and this year will widen the scope of the event to feature paddleboarding, kayaking and other board sports, as well as its dinghy core.

“For 70 years the show has proudly hosted some of the greatest names in the industry and for 2022 we’re busy planning a full range of expert speakers across three stages. We’re welcoming back some much-loved dinghy sailing favourites alongside watersports coaches, medallists and more,” says RYA Shows and Promotions Manager Celia Edgington.

RYA Director of Sport Development Rob Clark says: “For many of us our time afloat has been

52

MARCH 2022 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

full of hands-on dinghy displays and demos, all the latest kit and gear, interactive workshops and coaching sessions plus plenty of opportunities to catch up with class associations.

World class speakers will provide expert advice across three stages

extra valuable over the past two years so we’re really excited to be able to once again dedicate a live show to having a good time on the water whether dinghy cruising, racing, windsurfing, paddleboarding or any of the other ways you can get afloat.

“The new venue and growth in participation of all watersports has presented us with an opportunity to bring the industry together to offer a bigger show, with even more adventures and activities for the cost of a ticket. We also want to reflect the fantastic multisport activities offered by our affiliated clubs, centres and organisations.”

As ever, the show will be packed

and the event will be hosted by leading sailor Hannah Diamond (for interview see next issue) and presenter Lee Timothy.

For families that love being active outdoors, the show promises a great day out with plenty to inspire and entertain all ages including simulators, activity pool, eSailing, competitions and the popular treasure hunt.

Visitors can snap up show deals whilst browsing the exhibitors including clothing brands, clubs and training centres, holiday companies plus class associations and boat builders with dinghies ranging from beautiful classics to

the latest in cutting-edge design.

New for 2022 is the Watersports Zone featuring the latest kit and gear, rigging demos, foiling features and ‘have a go’ experiences. Look out for some of the sport’s biggest personalities who’ll be on hand throughout the weekend to answer any of your questions - whether you want to make a purchase, improve your technique or get started in something new.

“We’re really excited to be able to offer our visitors the chance to explore a range of watersports. Whether you’re a lifelong dinghy sailor or someone who has recently got into

ABOVE

Many of the sport's leading experts will be on hand with talks and demos throughout

BELOW

The show will have dinghies at its core while also welcoming other watersports

paddleboarding, the show has activities for all ages and abilities and all the advice you need to spend 2022 on the water,” said Celia.

Covid-safe measures will be in place and the RYA is monitoring all the latest advice from the Government.

See our next issue, published shortly before the show opens, for a full event guide and preview.

Tickets are on sale at rya.org. uk/events/dinghy-show/tickets Children have free entry and weekend tickets are available.

Clubs and centres can take advantage of group tickets for a discounted price.

Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting MARCH 2022

53

British Keelboat League

Premier league With an all-action sprint format and no boat needed, the British Keelboat League is taking things to a new level for 2022, as Georgie Corlett-Pitt finds out

PHOTOS C/O RYA/RS

F

54

ounded on a #RockUpAndRace ethos, the British Sailing League has gathered real momentum since it was first rolled out in 2016.

Originating from a partnership between the RYA and the Royal Thames YC, the idea was first conceived to promote interclub MARCH 2022 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

keelboat fleet racing. The BKL was also intended as a feeder to the Sailing Champions League, which was at the time taking first Germany then later Europe by storm, and which now has series spanning as far a field as Australia and New Zealand.

From there, the British Keelboat League has continued to evolve.

Since forming a partnership with RS

ABOVE

Fast-paced fleet racing over short courses makes for exciting competition

RIGHT

The concept allows dinghy and keelboat sailors to compete on a level footing

Sailing in 2019, the majority of events have been held in supplied RS21s with qualifiers organised around the country. The concept eliminates cost and logistics for competitors and enables sailors to race on a level playing field, attracting both dinghy and keelboat sailors alike. Top teams from each qualifier earn an invitation to the end-of-season finals, which

2022 Calendar BKL Premiership 28-29 May Carsington Sailing Club 13-14 August Queen Mary Sailing Club 30 September - 1 October Royal Southern Yacht Club

BKL Championship 21-22 May Ullswater Yacht Club 11-12 June Royal Corinthian Yacht Club 18-19 June Hayling Island Sailing Club 2-3 July BKL Youth Championship - Queen Mary SC 16-17 July BKL Women’s Championship - Royal Southern YC 10-11 September Cardiff Bay Yacht Club 17-18 September BKL Sailability Championship RYA Cardiff Bay YC 30 September - 1 October Series Final - Royal Southern YC

is live streamed for fans to follow.

Racing is short, sharp and actionpacked with crews rotating between boats in a schedule that can see as many as 40 races in a weekend (each team typically races half of those). Slick race management and on the water umpiring ensure absolute efficiency – crucial when boats often cross the finish within centimetres of one another.

Helping to steer the BKL is Richard Moxey, who has recently been appointed as the new RYA Keelboat Development Manager.

He says: “Speaking as someone who has competed in the League before joining the RYA I can’t recommend it highly enough. The format makes for very exciting racing, where your Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting MARCH 2022

55

British Keelboat League

result boils down to skill and luck racing in identical boats. It’s great fun and very sociable.”

Turbo-charged

Looking ahead to 2022, Richard’s predecessor, Jack Fenwick, will continue to be involved with the BKL through his new role working for RS Sailing as RS21 Class Manager. Jack was intrinsic in developing the concept during his six years at the RYA. “I have seen the BKL go through many changes over the years but 2022 will see by far the biggest,” he says. “We have more events lined up than ever before and it is even easier to join in the racing. We have some great host clubs lined up and they are all getting very excited about building something great.”

The most notable change for 2022 will be the addition of the new BKL Premiership.

Jack explains that this will be a standalone series of three events with cumulative scoring, that will be limited to just 12 clubs. He says: “These clubs will be allowed to send any of their members to these events and so while some may send the same team to each event, others may use it to develop young sailors within a squad of sailors.

“Meanwhile there will also be the Championship, a series of

56

MARCH 2022 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

seven qualifiers across the UK that will see the winners invited to the final at the end of the year. There’s even a twist - the Championship final will also be the last event for the Premiership teams, in effect, turning this event in to a double-points scoring finale and acting as the qualifier for clubs for the 2023 Premiership.

“Event management for the Premiership is being handled by Keith Sammons from KSail to ensure consistency across all of the events and the umpire team will attend all three as well to ensure consistent decisions and fair racing.”

The finals will be hosted

ABOVE

Close quarters racing

ABOVE RIGHT

2021's champions from the Royal Thames YC in action

INSET

Left to right: Scott Wallis, Matt Wallis, Jemima Lawson and Dave Robertson

BELOW

Team work and communication are key to success

for the first time at the Royal Southern YC in Hamble, where two champion teams will be crowned.

Racing for all

While the BKL concept is innately accessible and designed to be inclusive - with supplied boats, prescribed gender ratios for each crew, and separate youth and women’s championships – 2022 will see the scope of that inclusivity expanded further still.

Jack explains: “The BKL Championship will be open to all this year, the requirement for all team members to be members of an RYA affiliated club is now gone

What does it take to win?

2021’s British Keelboat League culminated in a grand final weekend, hosted by Poole YC, which saw teams thoroughly tested, sailing around 20 races each in a mixed bag of conditions. After two and a half days of intense racing, it was the Royal Thames YC team of Scott Wallis, Jemima Lawson, David Robertson and Matthew Wallis that lifted the champion’s trophy...

The young team had earned their place after qualifying in second at the Hayling Island SC qualifier earlier in the summer.

Now racing among the 12 best teams from the 2021 series, their performance in the final was impressive as they drew on their strong mix of team and fleet racing experience, finishing with an average race score of 4.6 points over nearest rival, West Kirby SC, on 4.2.

Out on the race track there was plenty to consider, as RTYC helm Scott Wallis explains: “The nature of the racing means you have to focus on trying to move forward the entire time; every place is really critical when it’s such a small fleet. You are constantly trying to pick off boats when you can. However, the same general principles you find in bigger fleet racing also apply - starting well, keeping it simple and trying not to make any mistakes.”

Although the team were consistently strong, their position was by no means unassailable. The short course format means it’s impossible to feel comfortable, as teams are so condensed throughout the race that passing opportunities constantly crop up.

Dave says: “We were aiming for consistent results throughout the entire time; looking

We spoke to the reigning champions to find out more...

to bag those firsts, seconds or thirds. We were very aware that with this type of event we were always likely to pick up a few bad races - it’s inevitable with that kind of short course format. So throughout the racing we were aiming to get up there and then be ready to gain places back the moment something goes wrong - and that was our approach the entire time.”

The need to flick between attacking and defending places a premium on good teamwork and communication, and demands slick boat handling skills. Rotating through supplied boats, which may or may not be a class you have sailed before, is all part of the fun. Organisers ensure the boats are fairly matched, and some training time can be allocated in advance.

Commenting on the RS21s, Dave says: “They’re quite accessible even though they are keelboats; there’s no winch

so they are quite like dinghies in a lot of ways. I think it’s quite easy to transition, having done a lot of dinghy sailing.”

Jemima also represented RTYC in the women’s event at the Royal Southern YC in June, which was also sailed in RS21s. She says: “It was a really interesting challenge to get used to a new boat but they’re really good when the breeze up - we managed to get planning a little which was good fun if a little damp for those at the front!”

Another defining feature of BKL racing is on the water umpiring.

Scott explains: “You can be a little bit more aggressive because you know you know that every situation is going to be a decision made rather than having to come off the water and go into the protest room, so I think having umpires is a really important part of it.

“They do a really good job - it’s not easy - but I think having rule 17 switched off (see p58) is really helpful because they don’t then have to track overlaps all the way downwind.”

Is umpiring something newcomers should be daunted by? Not at all. So long as your fundamental rules knowledge is sound, the fun comes in pitting your skills in all sorts of scenarios around the race course.

“I’d recommend the BKL to people of all ages,” says Scott. “It’s an excellent and really exciting format; there’s plenty of boat on boat action in short sharp races, it’s a bit like team racing, and it’s great for those who don’t own their own boat!”

Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting MARCH 2022

57

British Keelboat League

Scoring and rules A high point scoring system is used with no discards available, which really puts the pressure on crews to perform throughout! So how does it work? Points are awarded with first place being equal to the number of boats available at the start of the event, second place will be one point less and so on.

Boats that retire, are over the line or disqualified score zero points.

When crews have not sailed the same number of races, rank is calculated by the average points scored in all races they have sailed.

and teams can choose to sail with four or five people allowing sailors of all sizes to compete equally.

Building on the mixed gender rule introduced in 2019, teams can now be all-female if they choose to, something we have seen significant interest in following the Women’s Keelboat League Championship last year. We do still want teams to have an identity though, so creative team names are welcomed!”

Three qualifiers double as standalone championships; the first being the Youth Championship hosted by Queen Mary Sailing Club, while the Women’s Keelboat League Championship will be held mid-July as part of the Women’s Open Keelboat Championship.

The RYA Sailability Keelboat League Championship will for the first time be included within the qualification series, and is expected to be a highlight of the series. Jack says: “Victory at the 2019 Sailability Keelboat League Championship saw GB Blind Sailing invited to the finals at Queen Mary, where they competed with two visually impaired sailors, including Lucy Hodges on the helm. None of us there will ever forget watching them send the RS21 downwind in 25 knots with the kite up; the smiles; or the cheers from the shore when they took their first podium place in a race.”

RYA Sailability Manager Joff McGill has welcomed the move, describing it as “fantastic news” and saying: “We have used the keelboat league format in the last few years to

58

MARCH 2022 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

train and select an Invictus Games sailing team and to run stand alone events for disabled people, so we know it works and that people really enjoy the thrill of racing with a group of like-minded people, enjoying the freedom of being on the water and perhaps getting back to an activity people thought was lost to them. Now, as part of the BKL, we are showing it really is a level playing field out on the water.”

Fancy trying it?

Entries to the British Keelboat League Championship are welcomed from teams of four or five sailors.

A maximum of 12 teams take part at each event, with the top two from each qualifier invited to

ABOVE

Teams can be mixed gender or all-female, with four or five crew allowed

BELOW

The series is known for being friendly and sociable

For 2021, the league deleted Rule 17 (same tack, Proper Course) a move intended to remove the frustration caused in differences of opinion on laylines and proper course angles between competitors and umpires.

It also removes the frustration of umpires signalling no penalty because they are unaware of how an overlap was created. Instead, Rules 15, 16 and 11 are solely relied on to regulate boats meeting on the same tack.

compete at the finals. Entry costs just £365 per team per qualifier.

For more details and registration go to britishkeelboatleague.co.uk Clubs wishing to be considered for an invite to the BKL Premiership should email RS21BKL@RSSailing. com, outlining why they would be a great addition to the League.

DINGHY& WATERSPORTS SHOW PRESENTED BY

FARNBOROUGH INTERNATIONAL 26–27 FEBRUARY 2022 Talks, legends, experiences and more!

Back and bigger than ever

Adventures for the whole family

BUY TICKETS: DINGHYSHOW.ORG.UK 15 YEARS & UNDER GO FREE

OFFICIAL MEDIA PARTNERS

RYADINGHYSHOW

@DINGHYSHOW

@dinghyandwatersportsshow

Buyer’s Guide - Insurance

Ensuring you’re insured An insurance policy is an excellent, well, insurance policy if things go wrong. But which one is right for you? Sam Fortescue turns a gimlet eye to the fine print

G

ood news at last for hard-pressed yacht owners: the vertiginous rise in boat insurance premiums over recent years looks to be levelling off somewhat.

With annual increases topping 25 per cent for some yachts, there had been howls of protest from boat

60

MARCH 2022 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

owners. Driven mainly by years of under-pricing risk in the large yacht sector, and the increasing damage from extreme weather events, some say there are now signs that the market has readjusted.

“The London market at the very top end did some fairly drastic price changes – 100 per cent rises over three or four years, but that was more of a

correction,” says Mike Wimbridge, MD of Pantaenius UK. “In the European market, there’s been a 20-25 per cent increase, and I see that slowing down and becoming more manageable. We’re talking about lower single digit increases now.”

At the sharp end of the online boat insurance business, where margins are lower and every penny on a

quote counts, there is a little less optimism. Rod Daniel of Craftinsure says that premiums will still have to rise. “Higher inflation is already having an impact on claims costs and no insurer can afford to ignore that factor,” he says. “The predicted increase in number and severity of floods and storms will also need to be taken into account. As a result, unfortunately some further premium increases seem inevitable.”

Greg Hill at family-owned firm Traffords agrees. “I don’t see insurers making a profit, or, for the lucky ones – not enough of a profit. And with repairers likely to increase their costs, the premiums will no doubt increase.”

Nonetheless, insurers report that it has been a good year as Covid

spurred renewed interest in boating.

“Our crew on the new business side have been flat-out in 2021,” confirms Mike Wimbridge. “One of our most esteemed underwriters, who has been in the industry since 1982, said many times during the year that he had never known it to be so busy.”

More than ever, the insurance choices open to boat owners break down into two broad camps. On one side is the full-service model of companies like Pantaenius and Haven Knox-Johnston, which make much of their personal touch. On the other is the online model, where customers are mainly interested in paying as little as possible.

For example, the Plymouth-based staff at Pantaenius take turns to respond to out-of-hours calls. “It’s pretty rare, but it absolutely happens,” Wimbridge says. “There was one where a vessel was in real trouble out in the ABC Islands, where salvage had to be organised.

Another one who had been struck by lightning in the Carolinas and just wanted to hear a human being at the other end of the line with some sound advice.”

But at the same time, the insurer has launched a new offer designed to capture the more price-sensitive end of the market. It differentiates its premium cover as ‘yacht’ policies, with cheaper ‘boat’ policies that don’t include new-for-old replacement on gear, damage from wear and tear or losses due electrolysis below the waterline. “'Boat' covers are more akin to what more high-street providers

ABOVE Dismastings are not frequent occurences but can be very costly BELOW GRP damage such as this is much more common

offer, although still slightly better than what’s available in the market,” says Wimbridge. “That opens Pantaenius up to a much greater number of boat owners, including some who wouldn’t have thought about us in the past.”

A newly relaunched Haven Knox-Johnston has also taken a similar approach. Although it prides itself on offering one-to-one insurance policies, it is planning to introduce a fast online quoting system as well. “2022 will see the launch of our new and exciting front and back-office system, allowing our customers to interact with us in more ways than before,” says Sales and Marketing Manager Paul Knox-Johnston. “For those who wish to streamline their experience with a cutting-edge online quote and buy system, this will be possible. For those who prefer to call in and talk through their insurance needs, our crew will still be available to dedicate quality time to our customers too.”

Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting MARCH 2022

61

Buyer’s Guide - Insurance

The brand takes pride in its slightly quirky image, featuring lots of illustrations on its website. And it says that the average cost of cover was just £1.30 per day – that’s an annual premium of £475.

Online insurer Craftinsure says its policies start at £143pa for a cruising yacht, and they cover all the main points. Loss or even accidental damage is key, as is tender cover, legal cover and third-party. Another nice feature is that Craftinsure will meet the cost of inspecting the boat after a grounding, even if no damage is found. What you don’t get, however, is any breakdown cover, or cover for wear and tear. And if the outboard goes missing, you must have noted its serial number and kept it locked up in order to make a successful claim.

GJW has insured marine risk for nearly 200 years, and covers everything from kayaks and dinghies to cruising boats. It has a 24-hour emergency claims hotline, but tries to manage as much business as possible online, including quotes and a ‘self-service portal’. There is the possibility of zero-interest financing on cover, and a host of benefits and discounts negotiated with third parties including magazine publishers and chandleries.

Towergate is another onlinefocused insurer that covers almost any craft that will float. Because it wants to do business digitally, it is

62

MARCH 2022 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

looking for a fairly standard set of criteria when it provides an online quote. So that means it would not be suitable for those ranging outside northwest Europe or the western Med. The Baltic, for instance, is a no-go. On the other hand, it does cover single-handed and racing use of the boat, which is a useful plus. A survey is only required for yachts more than 35 years old.

Others, like Admiral Marine, are focused on the market for larger boats and are unwilling to accept anything below a value of £40,000.

That’s fine for most cruising yachts above 30ft LOA, but excludes older boats like my Sadler 34. That said, the company was founded by and is run by sailing enthusiasts, and their range of policies for bluewater sailors is excellent. It has close links with the World Cruising Club and offers a dedicated policy for the ARC and the World ARC, including a free rig inspection. The World ARC policy also includes search and rescue cover.

Stoneways was a new entrant to the marine market in 2020, run by Keith Lovett – an experienced figure in the industry and a keen yacht racer out of his home port of Poole. And it has rapidly built links with the Junior Offshore Group and the Poole-based VPRS rating system for ballasted racing boats which is spreading fast across England’s south coast.

The business launched with an all-risks policy that includes some

ABOVE A sailor's worst nightmare: ironically most wrecks occur due to defective mooring buoys or dragged anchors

unusual add-ons, including cover for mental health support following an accident on the water. Quotes can be provided via an online tool, but owners can also ring for a tailored service. “The new all risks policy launched by Stoneways Marine in 2020 has proven highly successful, a flexible and market leading approach,” says Lovett.

There have been some unusual claims to contend with this year for insurers. “Whilst notable, claims arising from Wally the Walrus as well as damage to boats by Orca whales during 2021 are unlikely to affect the market!” says Rod Daniel at Craftinsure. “However, further evidence of the increasing number and severity of extreme weather events during the year may make it more costly and possibly more difficult to insure boats at some mooring locations, especially outside the summer season.”

Storm Arwen’s eruption at the end of November demonstrated his concerns, producing a flurry of claims to finish the year. Rare northerly gales brought unexpected damage in ports like Amble and Blyth in the northeast, and particularly on Lake Windermere, where 60 smaller boats broke adrift.

“Insurers have become increasingly selective when agreeing to insure boats left afloat on Windemere during the winter, and Arwen won’t have helped change that view,”

The multi-season anti-foul COPPERCOAT® is the most long lasting anti-foul coating available, with a treatment commonly remaining effective for a decade or more.

“Our confidence in COPPERCOAT® has been rewarded. Across the fleet of Clipper 70s, the coating withstood the rigorous conditions of a 40,000NM circumnavigation, and following the Clipper 2017-18 Race remains in near-perfect condition. As we prepare for the next race there was absolutely no question that we’d extend our association with COPPERCOAT®. Due to the durability of the coating, the need for removal and replacement every year has been removed. Over the span of the partnership this will dispense with entire layers of inconvenience and expenditure.”

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston Clipper Race Chairman

COPPERCOAT® is again selected as Official Antifoul Supplier for the next two editions of the Clipper Race.

+44 (0) 1258 861059

COPPERCOAT.COM

Batteries and beyond.

Experts in batteries, solar panels, chargers, inverters and accessories.

VISIT US AT ECOBAT.COM We stock leading brands, including: SunPower, Ecobat Battery, 5 Little Park Farm Road, Segensworth Rolls, Varta, Victron Energy, Solara, Solbian, West, Fareham, Hampshire, PO15 5SJ, UK Blue Sea Systems and CTEK. T. +44 (0)1489 570770 | E. info@barden-uk.com www.barden-uk.com +44 (0)1489 570770 || is.info@ecobat.com 5 Little Park Farm Road, Segensworth West, Fareham, Hampshire, PO15 5SJ, UK

Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting MARCH 2022

63

THE

EW N

FROM THE PUBLISHERS OF CLASSIC BOAT

SAILOR’S ANNUAL 2022

YACHTING THE

ULTIMATE

SAILING

CRUISING | CLASSICS | RACING

2021w ie ar rev epic ye An

SOUVENIR

YEAR 2022

afloat

L A U N N A S ’ R SAILO 132 PAGE

The Yachting Year takes you inside the classic world, looking at what is to come over the year ahead, from regattas to traditional boat launches.

We look at some of the most exciting restoration projects and feature breathtaking photography from yesteryear and today.

PLUS  Restoration of a classic US schooner  Stunning photography of classic regattas  Latest modern classic designs

ESSENTIAL FOR ALL SAILORS Great boats, best gear, expert advice FIND YOUR YACHT 27 dream boats TYY8 Cover 2022.indd 1

GO BLUEWATER! “How we did it”

MED CHARTER Perfect holiday

The perfect read for every sailor to start the new season

Our 2022 crystal ball

£7.99

 New gear for classic yachts  Charter advice for 2022

KIT SPECIAL Stuff for sailing

ONLY £7.99

14/10/2021 11:05

PLUS P &P

… ALSO INCLUDES ROUND THE ISLAND REVIEW

TO ORDER: www.chelseamagazines.com/yy2022 +44 (0)207 349 3700 (Mon - Fri, 9am - 5:30pm GMT) Published by The Chelsea Magazine Co. The Yachting Year will be published and mailed in January 2021

Buyer’s Guide - Insurance

HOLYHEAD RULING Not for years has a piece of litigation kept marine insurers’ so rapt. The unpromisingly named Holyhead vs Farrer case centred on enormous damage done to yachts moored at Holyhead Marina by Storm Emma in 2018. With winds up to 90mph in March, Emma sank every yacht in the marina, grounded many other vessels and trashed the marina pontoons. More than 89 boats were lost and the clean-up costs ran to millions.

Holyhead argued that its liabilities were limited as a ‘landing place’ under the Merchant Shipping Act 1995, and that it should not have to foot the full bill for the storm.

Boat owners took the case to court and a judge eventually ruled in favour of the marina. However, leave was granted to appeal, and that appeal was heard late in 2021.

In the end, the original ruling was confirmed, allowing Holyhead to slash its liabnility from more than £5m to some £550,000.

Why does this matter? Well, it shifts the risk for this kind of extreme weather damage onto the shoulders of yacht insurers.

With increased risk come increased premiums, as Paul Knox-Johnston of Haven Knox-Johnston explains.

“There are still quite a few factors which need to work themselves through before we see pricing begin to stabilise - the final outcome of the Holyhead court ruling, the impact of increased levels of participation, and the trend of more volatile weather.

“Not all classes will be affected in the same way and we will see graduated increases based on the type of risk.”

Daniels continues. “It may also become harder or more expensive to insure boats on winter moorings at other locations already considered exposed around the country.”

Meanwhile, Noble Marine has a slightly different perspective as Managing Director Ian McManus explains: “In contrast to much of the marine insurance market Noble Marine has been able to maintain consistent pricing with most customers seeing little or no increase in premiums over recent years. We are starting to see inflationary pressures but for the vast majority of our customers we do not expect to increase our rates during 2022” "Noble Marine has, historically been better known for covering smaller boats but we insure most types of pleasure craft up to £750,000, including racing yachts. In 2019 Noble Group also acquired Yachtline Ltd through which we can arrange cover for pleasure craft based in Europe and further afield up to a value of £1.5m.

“Late in 2020 we launched a new policy and website allowing customers to Quote and Buy online, including an innovative multi-boat cover that allows our customers to insure everything from a paddleboard to racing yacht under the same policy.

"Not all risks can be quoted and bought online for a number of reasons but also some people want to talk, either looking for guidance

ABOVE A big storm claims two victims

or just because they prefer to, we are always delighted to speak to our customers and see it as an essential part of our service” A final point to consider for those renewing their boat insurance is that the injection of interest in getting afloat has pushed up new and secondhand values significantly. It is worth getting a valuation to see whether previous levels of cover adequately reflect the replacement value of the boat in a surging market. For those of us lucky enough to own boats already, the novelty of dealing with an appreciating asset is a nice problem to have!

CONTACTS Craftinsure craftinsure.com Pantaenius pantaenius.com Traffords traffords-insurance.co.uk GJW gjwdirect.com Noble Marine noblemarine.co.uk Euromarine euromarineinsurance.com Haven Knox-Johnston havenkj.com Stoneways stoneways.co.uk Admiral Marine admiralyacht.com WH Insurance dinghyinsurance.com Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting FEBRUARY 2022 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting MARCH 2022

65

65

Interview - Ben Willows

Ben Willows tells Georgie CorlettPitt how answering an advert in Y&Y set him on a course to become CEO of the UK’s largest watersports centre with the chance to shape many lives along the way

PHOTOS C/O UKSA

A

66

national youth education and maritime charity, UKSA’s centre in Cowes has long been an Isle of Wight landmark. Quite literally tens of thousands of young people have passed through the gates to take part in watersports courses and professional maritime training, and many have gained life changing benefits from their time there.

Now this iconic institution that sits on the edge of the Medina is undergoing a radical overhaul, with a brand new, state of the art facility due for completion this summer. The development will enable more students than ever before to take advantage of the many opportunities and wide-ranging support that the academy offers.

Behind the project is UKSA’s CEO Ben Willows. Ben knows first-hand how UKSA can shape a life; for him it all began when he replied to an advert in Yachts & Yachting for a place to enable him to undertake his RYA Watersports Instructor and Yachtmaster training at the centre.

Having sailed with the British Sailing Team’s youth squad, the ambitious young dinghy sailor was delighted when his application was accepted.

After passing the course and then spending time in Australia as a pro sailor and coach, Ben returned home MARCH 2022 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

The face of change and headed once again to UKSA. This time, he was employed to lead the centre’s RYA instructor training programme, splitting his time between the Cowes and Barbados bases. Then, when a land sale forced the closure of the Barbados centre and a new base opened instead in Australia, Ben was the natural choice to head operations down under.

A few years later and it was again

ABOVE

Ben at the helm; he has been CEO since 2016 and says no two days are the same

back to Cowes, where he worked his way from Operations Manager to first COO then deputy CEO, becoming CEO in early 2016.

It’s a role that involves a huge amount of planning, ensuring the organisation has a clear long term vision and is safe and wellmanaged on a day to day basis, and that its aims as a charity for young people are upheld and fulfilled.

A man whose energy and enthusiasm seem boundless, Ben describes UKSA as a “diverse and highly multi-functional organisation” and says that no two days are ever the same.

His passion ultimately lies in helping young people and all that UKSA has to offer; he didn’t set out to be CEO and is modest when he says that “the job title just comes with it”. He finds that being relatively young for the role is fundamentally a big advantage when working with young people, and a background in watersports and coaching makes him well-equipped to lead and communicate with students and staff alike. “As a coach or instructor, when you teach a new skill, you need to break things down and give people clear directions as to how they can improve. That’s something you do naturally as a coach and something that definitely stood me in good stead for this role,” he explains.

Ben currently leads a team of around 140 staff, rising to 200 in peak season - making UKSA the largest watersports centre in the UK. The academy has long had a reputation for excellence in its standard and quality of teaching. But when he first came into the job, Ben recognised the potential for more to be done. “One of the key things that I saw when I first took over as CEO was that the organisation’s resources, assets and facilities were quite tired,

but we were still growing. What we lacked were the facilities and environment to support our world class teaching and students. I wanted to make sure that the organisation had a long term, sustainable future and to do that it was really important to get the resources and facilities matching up to the quality of teaching and delivery.”

Project underway

With the support of the trustees and operational team, Ben launched an ambitious five year investment plan that would deliver muchneeded new infrastructure.

The first step was to take over a disused youth centre that stood next door, and re-develop it into

ABOVE

Students undertaking RYA Yachtmaster training as part of UKSA's Cadetship programme

BELOW

A passion for helping others to learn has led Ben to where he is today

a bespoke facility for high level navigational teaching, complete with simulators, as well as a superyacht galley for interior crew training. Money was spent elsewhere on site to revamp existing infrastructure, including showers and changing rooms, to improve the experience for current students.

Another top priority for Ben was to update the centre’s aging yacht fleet to transform their on-the-water yacht training offering with the purchase of four brand new Jeanneaus.

But by far the most ambitious element of Ben’s plan was to demolish and re-build two old bunk houses at the top of the site and in their place build a brand new, fit-forpurpose 136-bed accommodation

Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting MARCH 2022

67

Interview - Ben Willows

centre. A fundraising campaign kicked off in 2017 while the team finalised planning permission and design. Visible from the road, it is this new building which is about to emerge as the academy’s iconic new facade. Unlike the old blocks - which were not configured to meet modern safeguarding and security standards, so limiting the number of students that could be accommodated on site at any one time - the new accommodation is purposefully designed to house multiple groups of varying sizes within modular, securely managed wings. It will significantly increase the centre’s current capacity for residential courses, meaning some 3000 additional students will now be welcomed annually.

The ongoing fundraising campaign has raised now over £4.2 million, a combination of trust and foundation contributions, as well as pledges from key individuals. The total exceeds the original target and has

68

MARCH 2022 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

meant that the build could take place in one rather than two phases, as originally planned. Ben says he is “hugely proud” of this achievement, which is due to be completed in just a few months time, despite Covid having originally delayed the start of the building work.

“It’s the biggest campaign that the organisation has undertaken.

It was a huge learning curve, and the plan evolved a lot along the way as we optimised the building design,” Ben says.

“I’m most proud of the fact that collectively, the organisation, myself and the board, have had the courage to continue on with this project in the midst of all the uncertainty caused by Covid. I think it’s a big statement of intent for what this organisation stands for and the commitment we have to providing these opportunities for children and students who visit us, many of who have had - for whatever reason - a more difficult start in life.”

ABOVE

UKSA's new state-ofthe-art bunkhouse will open this summer

BELOW LEFT

Thousands of students take their first steps in watersports at UKSA

BELOW RIGHT

Professional training underway

Shaping lives

A key mission now for the UKSA team is to reach out to schools within the most deprived areas, explain the opportunities and financial support available, engage with teachers and help them to navigate the logistics and complex risk assessments inherent in residential school trips.

“For many of these children, it will be the first opportunity they have to leave home, leave their post code even,” says Ben. “To have the opportunity to come across to the Isle of Wight and spend time on the water is an experience that will stay with them for the rest of their lives. It’s incredible to be able to give them that opportunity.”

It is impressive to hear when Ben reveals that UKSA has impacted the lives of 40,000 students over the last five years. With under 16s making up the majority of the student base, a further 10 per cent are young people typically aged 16-18 enrolled in career development and education

horrendous. It has created a huge amount of uncertainty which directly affects young people’s choices.

“The superyacht sector has also been impacted particularly in terms of travel restrictions, making it difficult for students from other parts of the world to travel here to train.

“That said, we’ve actually seen our numbers for our professional MCA and Yachtmaster courses increase; I think part of this is people working in offices and large cities and deciding they want a lifestyle change.”

Looking ahead courses through UKSA’s Sea Change programme, and another 20 per cent are undertaking professional maritime training for work as watersports and yachting instructors, and as crew and officers on superyachts and commercial vessels.

The academy’s aim is for some of the youngsters who first come to UKSA with their school to return as school leavers and join the career development programme. Seeing students successfully achieve this and knowing they are on a positive path forwards is one of the most rewarding aspects of the job for Ben. This cycle not only ensures a bridge between the two main facets of the organisation but crucially provides a pathway for those coming into watersports to progress and become immersed in the sport and the industry.

Agile response

It was through this model that the organisation had been continuing to grow; under Ben’s leadership in 2018 and 2019 the academy reported its two busiest years. Then with 2020 came the pandemic and for a time, all programmes had to be halted. Since then, Ben has led his team through numerous operational overhauls going above and beyond Covid-safe guidelines, determined to keep courses and activities as routine as possible. He says his agile approach to business planning and operations has been fundamental here – an ethos that was already in place at UKSA, but which has been stepped up exponentially in response to the pandemic.

“It was clear from the start that we would all need to support each other to get through the many challenges,” he describes. “The team effort and culture that’s come out of that is amazing. We are a far stronger, more cohesive team. That’s a special thing to be part of. In fact, I would say our response to covid and how agile we’ve been at getting our programmes safely back up and running is an even bigger achievement than getting the building project off the ground.”

At the same time, however, Ben is acutely aware of the wider implications that covid has caused to ripple through the industry, and he expresses his concern for the challenges facing young people seeking to begin careers.

“If you look at the holiday sector in particular, where lots of our young people traditionally seek work as qualified watersports instructors, the impact has been

ABOVE

Seeing students progress is one of the most rewarding aspects of the job

BELOW

Ben is excited for the future and the opportunities the new building will bring

Ben says UKSA will have to work hard over the next few years to overcome the uncertainties caused by covid, and supporting their students to navigate that will be a priority.

Now, with just a few months until the new facilities open and operations expand to the next level, the team is very much forward focussed on realising the potential that will bring.

There are also plans to expand the Academy’s already exemplary sustainability programme, both in terms of student education and operational initiatives. The centre is also leading the way in other areas, such as delivering the RYA’s new Wingfoiling course – Ben admits he himself is a big fan of the new sport and can be found on the water as often as work and family commitments allow.

It will be a busy few months and indeed years, but Ben is looking forward to taking it all in his stride and seeing the reward of shaping many more lives through his work at UKSA.

Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting MARCH 2022

69

How to Win - Handicap races

Boost your skills: handicap racing Whether it's the SailJuice Winter Series or a Sunday morning club race, Jon Emmett explains how to ace multi-class racing

PHOTOS TIM OLIN/SAILJUICE WINTER SERIES

S

70

ailing is not a sport for everyone, but it is definitely a sport for anyone. Regardless of your height, weight, fitness, age and experience there is a boat out there for you, or perhaps several!

We are so lucky in sailing that we are indeed spoilt for choice and thanks to the handicap system we can all enjoy racing together.

Now we do of course need to add a few notes here… Obviously, some classes have (at least perceived) MARCH 2022 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

advantages in some conditions.

After all no handicap system could be perfect. Some, in a broad sense, very 'powered-up' boats will have an advantage in light winds, and 'under-powered' boats an advantage in strong winds. Boats that plane upwind have an advantage in conditions where there is enough wind for them to plane upwind and disadvantage when not quite enough.

Some advantages will be down to the courses set, whether classes can fly spinnakers or not, and how much the trapeze can be used. Boats that

ABOVE

Crews enjoying racing at this winter's Datchet Flyer, where 99 boats took part

lose a lot of ground tacking prefer long legged courses, and vice versa.

Other factors can include a strong flow of current in one direction (up or downwind for example) or how choppy/wavey or flat the water is.

To get top results, we need to think whether this is relevant to us, and if so, how best we can deal with it.

Goals and benefits

What are your goals and are they short or long term? If your short term goal is to win one event then a careful study of the weather forecast

and sailing venue (which, if nothing else, will tell you the likely course size/length of course legs) can help you choose which is the perfect boat for you to attend the event in, if you have the luxury of access to more than one boat. Some classes are less well suited to some venues and indeed conditions; this is one of the reasons why we tend to see a strong showing of some classes and not others at different sailing clubs.

At the very least, understanding the forecast, venue and likely course should inform which sails, kit and set-up you need in advance.

Maybe your long goal is success in a particular class. In this case we would want to sail that class regardless of conditions or location because our overall aim is to be doing the best we possibly can at our key class event - maybe the nationals in the summer. What we do need is

to make that decision before a series starts and stick to it. Also regards attendance, sailing in medium conditions is probably easiest but will it yield the most improvement?

Remembering, that the more we think about a decision the more we are likely to make a good one.

Also, before we get into the winning, we need to remember it is not just about the racing. Handicap racing provides an excellent opportunity to socialise with friends from other classes, even if covid dictates that’s only in the boat park.

The social aspect of sailing, indeed any sport, is very important; we are social animals. The variety of sailing also helps us keep our interest in the sport: whilst club handicap in racing is convenient it is good to travel and visit other clubs. This difference in our races is another reason that sailing is such a wonderful sport.

ABOVE

Boats bunched together on the downind leg will force the wind to go over and around

BELOW

Different classes have different priorities at mark roundings; try to anticipate what those around you will try to do

When to take risks

So, to winning races. Where are the places on the race course that are high risk – and therefore, high reward? Well, the start and passing marks are where lots of boats come together. This presents a lot of opportunity for both gains and losses. If you are in a boat with more than one person you really need to discuss both your race strategy and tactics well before the start, so everyone is in tune.

For the start you may need to adjust your strategy considerably from class/one design racing. At the start if you are a fast boat then the aim is normally to get off the line in good shape; any line bias will most likely be less meaningful than it is to slower boats, with the space to accelerate becoming more important.

When we talk about the favoured end, we need to consider a lot more than the line bias. A fantastic start at the leeward end is not so good if you then get sailed over by the whole fleet because you are one of the slowest boats. This sort of start may result in a far worse windward mark rounding than if you started at the committee boat end and then had more or less clean wind to the top mark. Clean air and being on the lifting tack is the main consideration for a slower boat.

Communication at marks is key, with very different hull lengths and closing speeds meaning tangles, especially in light winds becomes increasingly likely. As a slower boat a defensive position may be a good idea, whereas if you are significantly faster it is all about keeping out of trouble. In strong Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting MARCH 2022

71

Secure berths available in a prime location opposite Chelsea Bridge, London.

The stunning modern design of Grosvenor Waterside is the ideal place to berth your boat in Chelsea, beautiful views and a central location.

Situated on the banks of the River Thames, Grosvenor Waterside boasts a collection of impressive buildings grouped around its historic dock. The exquisite landscaped grounds, together with the central location, 24-hour concierge service and numerous facilities make Grosvenor Waterside a much sought-after river location.

For more information visit: www.grosvenorwaterside.com, call 0207 824 5580 or email dock@grosvenorwaterside.com Grosvenor Waterside Residents Company (Trading) Ltd. 30 Gatliff Road, London SW1W 8QN

rldwide Wo Delivery

Online Custom Build Splicing, Rigging and Sewing Service Produced to Order ~ Professional Finish

JimmyGreen.com 72

MARCH 2022 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

Reliable, Continuous Service since 1981 Email: sales@jimmygreen.co.uk

Tel: +44 (0)1297 20744

How to Win - Handicap races

winds everything can happen very quickly because the difference in boat speeds and angles will tend to be far greater than in one design racing.

As with fleet racing it is all about risk vs reward: it is just the equation has now become a lot more complicated. How much am I really losing being in dirty wind if I will sail past them quickly? What is the cost to sailing extra distance? What are the other boats likely to do? Of course, there are no definite answers here but thinking ahead always helps. In fact this is probably the key theme here.

Asymmetric, symmetric spinnaker and single-sailed slow single-handers are likely to sail very different courses both up and downwind.

Advice for upwind

If you are in the slower end of the handicap you need good manoeuvres, avoiding bearing away and ducking upwind. Tack under faster boats and tack just before you get into bad wind to avoid both bearing away and sitting in dirty wind. When being overtaken from behind doing two tacks to avoid being overtaken to windward may also be worthwhile If your boat loses a lot of ground with manoeuvres try to duck where possible and let boats that are marginally crossing go so that you keep your options open.

Give yourself conservative laylines to avoid the dreaded double tack.

ABOVE

Balancing risk vs reward is more complex so be ready to think ahead and re-consider priorities

BELOW

Starting at the favoured end may not pay if it means being blanketed by bigger boats

Downwind tips

If you have a relatively small sail area, try to avoid being passed to windward; work your way up high to allow faster boats a straight line to the next mark of the course.

You are looking for a win-win here. Consider what angle they would like to sail in an ideal world (in the absence of other boats).

As a faster boat, try to create a gap either to windward or to leeward when you pass someone.

This minimises the effect each boat has on each other. A group of boats closely packed together will get less wind, as the wind tends to go around the bunch and a long leg getting stuck in a long luff means everyone sails extra distance. Good communication here is important.

Bigger picture

Going back to earlier though, we do need to take everything with our goals in mind. We may need, for example, to practise starting at a particular end of a busy biased line if this is one of our weaknesses and so we may actively choose to start here; perhaps we want to sail with the bunch to practise going downwind in lots of traffic.

Ironically at big handicap events those classes which have a high turnout are often harder to do well in if they don’t end up separating out during the race because they all end up slowing each other down – again communication can be important here. Getting involved in a match race for first in class in Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting MARCH 2022

73

How to Win - Handicap races

HOW THE UK'S BIGGEST SERIES IS SHAPING UP Despite some sadly unavoidable Covid disruption, the UK’s biggest handicap race series has forged ahead this winter, with a new venue added and some interesting trends emerging...

At the halfway point of the 202122 Seldén SailJuice Winter Series, 11 races from three events had been completed. 64 different classes had been represented, testament to the huge diversity of the UK dinghy scene. And with a different overall winner emerging from each event, it’s also testament to the competitiveness of this series.

First up securing Draycote Dash victory were Roger Gilbert & Ben McGrane in a 505, followed at Datchet Flyer by Tom Gillard & Rachael Gray sailing a Merlin Rocket, while at the debut Burghfield Breezer it was Nigel &Andy Bird in an Enterprise who finished top.

Although three events, including the Bloody Mary, had to be cancelled, additional events this year have helped ensure as much racing as possible given the circumstances of the pandemic, and overall, organisers have confirmed a high level of interest.

Olympic champion Dylan Fletcher has even taken part this year, at the helm of a National 18. In all, over 170 teams competed in the first three events, with three further events still to take place (as we went to press), including the King George Gallop (22 Jan), Tiger Trophy (5-6 Feb) and the season finale, the Oxford Blue (19 Feb).

Top spots at half time Light winds have dominated the first half of the series, and racing has been extremely close. As Y&Y went to press, winners of the last

74

MARCH 2022 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

round, the Burghfield Breezer, Nigel and Andy Bird had jumped two places to take the overall series lead from last year’s runner-up, Luke Fisher (RS Vareo, Emberton Park SC), with Ben Flower (ILCA 7, Paignton SC) third. In the Trident Top Club rankings, Draycote Water SC were holding on to top spot, closely followed by previous winners, Lymington Town SC. Trends for this season A battle has formed between the Aeros and ILCA 7 (Laser) to top this year’s class rankings, based on the best three results for each class. Organisers say the ILCA 7 numbers have been creeping up in recent years in response to the favourable Great Lakes Handicap numbers pioneered by the Series.

Meanwhile the Aero is the largest class so far this year, an increasingly competitive fleet where the longstanding leader Pete Barton is finding himself challenged by British Sailing Team member Sam Whaley, while other top contenders include Ellie Craig and Steve Norbury.

Another category seeing numbers swell this year is the under 16s; while the 31-60s is still the largest, the 19-30s is most closely contested.

Also attracting attention are the CraftInsure Family Rankings, which reward family members either sailing in the same boat or across different boats. Keen to inspire and re-engage families, the organisers say they are pleased with this year’s interest in what's becoming a closely fought category.

The overall Series Prizegiving will be held at the RYA Dinghy and Watersports Show (ticket info on page 52). For more on the Winter Series, see Enter.SailRacer.org

ABOVE

Understanding angles downwind is key to outwitting your rivals

BELOW

Keep racing through the early season to keep your skills sharp

a handicap race will hurt you a lot more than it would in a fleet race.

In terms of overall skills, if you can, I'd recommend sailing lots of different boats; if nothing else it may increase your love of your chosen class and help you understand your rivals better, which affects how you race against them. Some classes will naturally point high, some classes need a lot of space to gybe, some classes need a certain angle or windspeed to plane and the list goes on. This is all useful knowledge and increases your understanding and enjoyment of sailing.

Above all, even early in the season when there is little class racing, do keep racing! It doesn’t matter how good a sailor you are, or how many seasons' experience you have, if you don’t keep racing those racing skills become less sharp and although this can be very class specific, every hour on the water counts.

Next month: More from Jon Emmett on how to improve your club racing.

Great savings when you subscribe USUALLY £59.40 NOW £42.95

with

OFF-SEAS SAILING ON

4.98 ITALIA 1t and BOATS a: sLATEST ECO KIT AND F E le U S b IS a t N THE GREE comfor

S L I A S H WHIC OOSE? t TO CH ow wha

5 21 £4.9 BER 20 NOVEM

How to cru race througise and a winter afl h oat

kn How to for your yacht is right LLY EAN RA CARIBaBt flotilla!

27-bo

THETISH BRI TING

YACHRDS AWA VOtTsE& 2021 s

with

DECEMBER 2021 £4.95

EST BOAT T

boa for thethe year! f o s ailor SPONSO

with

5 JANUARY 2022 £4.9

CHARTER THIS WINTER BOAT TEST Where to go, OVNI 370 what's new Offshore p eace'G ofRE mEN ind' TRANSAT BOAT BAT Vendée Get the be TERIES st oust to arfs back the latest te chnolo ingac y tion

ON HOW I WEEK W S E COW analysis Regatta

MOMENT E OF CHANG BOAT TEST

sailing Sustainable pr oduction sas goes m

WINTER RTH PRICES We find thBE e best

RED BY

SAVE

CARIBBEA

" "ROOM TO TACKright of way?

Who's really got TP52s UP CLOSE We race in Palma

CHTING HQ CUMBRIA'S YArina guide Whitehaven ma

S RECYCLED SAIL And they perform AGED 70 ROUND BRITAIN "How I finally did it"

19/10/2021

shop price

15:12

01

.indd 3

ber Cover

Novem

v2.indd 1

GORGEO

US DAY-SA Saffier 27 bo at test ILER

86148 9 771367 5

ST+Y&Y

2 7 % off the

What's on N RACING + how to do it

29 1 17: Cover - Dec

21/09/202

NIC AROUND THOLSON 32 HE Incredible WORLD full story

15/11/2021 17:54

Order your subscription today Cover PD.indd

1

Save up to 27% off the shop price with an annual subscription to Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting: UK £42.95 | Europe €66.95 | USA $76.95 Australia $114.95 | Rest of World £58.95 Subscribe online www.chelseamagazines.com/CSTO0322 or call +44 (0) 1858 438 769 (quoting code CSTO0322) NB: Prices and discounts based on the UK cover price of £4.95. If for any reason you’re not happy with your subscription, you may cancel within 14 days of placing your order.

Nautical bracelets These nautical bracelets are for men, women and children, made by Cannes company Mary and the Captain. You can choose a mini-anchor or shackle as the fastener and a theme, ranging from ‘rock star’ to ‘baby shower’ to ‘mini navy’. Each features a suitably nautical knot.  From €19  maryandthecaptain.com

LAUNCHED New kit for you and your boat

Pirate watch This Torpedo Pirata watch from Cuervo y Sobrinos celebrates the “rebellious and romantic side of the buccaneers” of the Caribbean, with its parts “clearly reminiscent of the brazenness of the great pirates”.

The company says: “The case is in the shape of a cannon mouth while the lugs represent the bow of a ship plundering on the Caribbean Sea. The crown subtle design in the shape of the globe and the buckle recaptures the design of the lugs.”  From approx £5,400  cuervoysobrinos.com

Zhik mid-layer Another great looking piece of kit from Zhik, the contoured 3L Soft Shell jacket comes in men’s and women’s versions and “is designed for intense activity as a versatile mid-layer under a shell jacket or as an outer jacket…use it on board, on a bike or hiking in the hills”.  £149.95  zhik.com

Sail Away This nautical storybook for children is written by the Monaco-based yachting business consultant, Marcela de Kern Royer, teaching the basics of sailing through stories accompanied by illustrations by the Mumbai-based artist, Neha Patil. Not shirking from the use of technical terms, there is plenty of adventure and the publishers say the book “brings together important life values, as well as teaching respect for the sea and is aimed at the next generation of oceanographers, meteorologists, sailors and dreamers!”.  £21.70  lulu.com

76

MARCH 2022 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

Winter socks Wet feet while sailing in the northern hemisphere is rarely a pleasure, particularly at this time of year. So consider these waterproof socks from Sealskinz, breathable and “extraordinarily comfortable”. Good for the Fells, too. The company also does waterproof hats, gaiters and more.  £45  sealskinz.com

Naval cookbook Galley, The Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity Cookbook, “shines a light on the incredible skill and talent found within this demanding industry, thanks to the contributions of 20 professional chefs with a connection to the Royal Navy”.

No hard tack is included, but there is an appetising seven-hour lamb recipe from Michel Roux Jr, who served in the French military and has endorsed the book.

Shackleton by Folio

 240-page hardback £25  waterstones.com

The Folio Society is publishing an edition of Shackleton’s Antarctica to commemorate the anniversary of Shackleton’s death. The three-volume edition includes his accounts of his two most famous expeditions, with the complete texts accompanied by original photographs, drawings, maps, and panoramas.

His granddaughter, Alexandra Shackleton, contributes the introduction.  £195  foliosociety.com

Yanmar saildrive This is the new Yanmar SD15 saildrive, developed by the company’s partner ZF, suitable for yachts up to 65 feet. Yanmar claims it now offers the the largest lineup of saildrive solutions on the market, covering engines from 10hp to 150hp.

The SD15 saildrive, which has a light aluminum casing treated to maximize corrosion resistance, is “durable and reliable to ensure longer service intervals”, says Yanmar, and is “compact, easy and safe to install with no specific alignments required”.

The SD15 matches with a Flexofold foldable propeller.  £POA  yanmar.com

Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting MARCH 2022

77

GULL’S EYE

DOUGLAS, ISLE OF MAN

PRINCESS ALEXANDRA PIER

54’08”50N 004’28”40W

From Neolithic monuments to Victorian spledour, the Isle of Man offers rich pickings to sailors.

Sam Fortescue puts in to Douglas

VICTORIA PIER

FERRY PORT

E

S

N APPROACH Approaches to the inner harbour dry to 2m above chart datum, so timing is key. The lifting bridge at the neck of the harbour opens every 30 minutes when the flap gate is open

PORT ANNE JETTY

BASCULE BRIDGE

W

Gull’s Eye - Douglas, Isle of Man

D

ouglas is the capital of the Isle of Man and a bustling port that provides the main means on and off the island. Cruise ships, visiting tourists and goods all come ashore here, and with it’s marina, it is often the first port of call for visiting sailors too.

The island is a Crown dependency, but not part of the UK. It has its own parliament, the Tynwald, and its own administration. Over the years, this has allowed Man to develop some competitive advantages to the UK, notably in financial services, thanks to a low-tax regime.

In the past, this spurred a vigorous smuggling scene, with vast quantities of tax-free beer brewed on the island finding its way to the mainland. In the 18th Century, luxury goods from France also found Man a useful backdoor into Britain. Brewing is still big business, with the best-known brands being Okells and Bushy’s.

People have lived on the Isle of Man since the end of the last ice age, when rising sea levels cut it off from the mainland. Every civilisation has left its mark here.

There are Stone Age megaliths like King Orry’s Grave and the Meayll Circle, Bronze Age burial mounds, inscriptions left by Gaelic arrivals from Ireland, and by the Vikings.

After that, island passed back

80

MARCH 2022 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

ABOVE Looking north across Douglas Harbour

54’08”50N 004’28”40W

and forth between Scottish and English hands – Robert the Bruce held it briefly in 1313. These days, the UK takes care of its defence and represents it internationally, while the island administers all domestic matters itself.

Douglas is the main draw, and home to a two-mile long seaside promenade where horse trams still ply a tourist trade.

The seafront is dramatically illuminated at night, and most amenities are concentrated here.

But there are plenty of other towns on Man, plus marinas, fair-weather anchorages and endless beaches.

And the scenery is stunning, with green hills rising up behind the coast.

At 620m, Snaefell is the highest point on the island, surrounded by an expanse of rough moorland.

Sprinkle in a bit of TT Race magic, and there is something for everyone.

HARBOUR GUIDE Douglas has a bustling outer commercial harbour, but the marina lies in the narrow inner harbour, which grew out of the River Douglas. A longitudinal pontoon offers 130 finger berths that slant back towards the entrance. Seen from above, the effect is a little like a child’s drawing of a Christmas tree.

Built in 2001 and enlarged in 2006, the marina offers limited visitor berths and walk ashore access to facilities. A tidal flap gate maintains the depth at a minimum 2m, with depths up to around 2.8m reported at the eastern end of the pontoon. Being totally enclosed, protection here is excellent.

There is also limited visitor berthing in the deeper water inside the Battery Pier, which lies outside the tide gate. A floating pontoon below the conspicuous gas tank can accommodate three or so boats, usually rafted up several deep. If you moor here, report to the Sea Terminal (aka the Lemon Squeezer) where the ferry docks.

Although this berth frees you from tidal restrictions, it can be cleared at short notice when an oil or gas carrier is due. It is

also exposed to the northeast.

In the inner harbour, every berth has access to fresh water and electricity. Other facilities lie on ‘The Tongue’ between the North and South Quays. Here is the harbour office with its showers, loos, and bins.

Independent suppliers can bring in fuel and cooking gas. Dry storage spaces are available for maintenance or storage, and you can arrange the collection of waste oil with the office.

All the key services are available in and around Douglas, including mechanics, electricians, electronics installers, fabricators and general shipwrighting and repairs. Ask at the office for help finding a local contractor.

The Douglas Bay Yacht Club, also on The Tongue, has a welcoming bar. But the hostelries and amenities of the town lie close by. From fish to curry, the North Quay is well catered for, and The Railway is a popular pub in town.

Ferries run regularly between Douglas and Liverpool, Heysham, Belfast and Dublin, and the airport serves UK routes. On the island, there’s a steam train south as far as Port Erin and a tram will take you north to Ramsey. The airport is a £14 taxi ride away.

ABOVE The inner harbour at Douglas

FACTFILE

DOUGLAS, ISLE OF MAN Open: 08.00-16.00 every day Tel: +44 1624 687543 VHF: Ch.12 Email: MarineOperationsCentre. doi@gov.im Website: gov.im

Facilities: Pontoon berths Water/electricity 24-hour security Wifi Boat and trailer storage Diesel/petrol by delivery Cooking gas – Calor/Campingaz Bins Showers and toilets (accessible 24/24 hours) Berthing fees: Inner harbour: £2.80 (daily pontoon) £2.05/m (daily) £17/m (monthly) £160/m (annual) Outer harbour: £1.36/m (daily) Water: £2.25/cubic metre Electricity: £0.17/kWh

Services: As a commercial port, Douglas offers all the technical services you might need. There used to be a chandler’s in the Inner Harbour, but it closed its doors for the last time in 2020.

However, Bottom Line Marine runs a mail order operation from an industrial estate and may be able to help.

Bottom Line also covers mechanical, electrical and electronic problems and has a fabrication, cabinetry and fibreglass outfit as well. Their services don’t come cheaply, though, with labour charged from £65/hr ex-VAT. And you have to put down a deposit for the value of the work plus 15 per cent – apparently a response to sailors legging it without settling their bills. bottomlinemarine.com +44 1624 671 671 Bevan Ltd is based in Peel, 12 miles west, but the marine electronics specialist travels anywhere on the island. They also handle electrical problems and renewables.

Bevansmarine.co.uk +44 1624 812 583 Laxey Towing Company on the South Quay can lift out most sailing boats. +44 1624 617436

Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting MARCH 2022

81

Gull’s Eye - Douglas, Isle of Man

Lying closest to Scotland, the Isle of Man is equidistant from Northern Ireland and England, and you can nevertheless see the mountains of north Wales on a clear day. To sail here, then, you must be prepared for an offshore passage where tidal streams will play a big role.

Tides in the northern Irish Sea scour around the Isle of Man, producing very different effects to east and west. High and low waters are roughly in line with those of Liverpool, with ranges up to around 6m. Bear in mind that the inner

82

MARCH 2022 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

harbour at Douglas is accessible some two hours either side of HW, and plan your arrival accordingly.

From the south, the white hotel on Douglas Head provides a good mark.

There is little in the way of hazards as you close the coast, so it’s simple to round the Princess Alexandra Pier and bear into the harbour. Just beware the well-lit dolphin which lies 40m off the head of the pier.

From the north or the east, you’ll need to pick up the marked channel to steer clear of St Mary’s Rocks on your way in. Channel

ABOVE The wide bay of Douglas is clear to see while the narrow inlet that provides the sheltered harbour is largely hidden by the headland in the foreground BELOW The lighthouse at Douglas Head

Buoy 1 is lit Q(3)Green 5s. Leave it to starboard and steer 229 degrees into the harbour past Buoy 3. At night, there are leading lights.

Approaches to the inner harbour dry to 2m above chart datum, so timing is key. For access, turn west from the Battery Pier, to run between the Edward VIII Pier and Fort Anne Jetty. The lifting bridge at the neck of the harbour opens every 30 minutes when the flap gate is open. If traffic is light, you can also request an opening on VHF Ch.12. Observe the traffic signals on the bridge.

PHOTOS ISTOCK/ALAMY

PASSAGE PLANNING

CRUISING GROUNDS There is a wonderful selection of pretty ports to visit just a day’s sail from Douglas Once you’ve made the crossing to the Isle of Man there are plenty of ports and anchorages to explore. In general, the island’s east coast offers the best shelter from the prevailing westerlies.

Five miles southwest of Douglas lies Castletown, the historic capital of the island. Its broad bay is open to the south, but there are drying berths alongside the old town quay, tucked in hard under the walls of the 16th Century Castle Rushen. Just northeast, across the narrow bow of Langness, lies Derby Haven. It makes a good protected anchorage, but is somewhat undone by the airport that fringes it.

West of here is Port St Mary, where you can pick up a visitor’s buoy or go alongside the long breakwater with the local boats. It’s a pretty former fishing town which hosts the Isle of Man Yacht Club as well as some decent pubs. A highlight is The Fish House, run by a well-known Manx fisherman. Here you can buy wet fish or dine in on the best of local seafood, including the celebrated ‘Queenie’

scallop. There’s also a spectacular walk southwest along cliffs lined with deep fissures to the southernmost tip of the island, overlooking the Calf of Man and its race.

If you plan to carry on clockwise, you can cut inside the Calf through a deep channel just a cable wide.

Take it close to slack on a fair tide for the easiest passage. Just to the northwest, Port Erin is a wide sandy bay girdled by cliffs and offers a fine anchorage in easterlies.

This westerly coast is high and wild, with Peel the only other haven available. That said, the inner harbour offers perfect protection in all conditions under the stern gaze of the castle. Access is an hour or so either side of high water over the sill.

To round Man’s shoal northern tip, the Point of Ayre, you must hug the shore, passing well inside Strunakil Bank and the Whitestone. The wide-open Ramsey Bay yawns to the northeast, offering scant protection until you’re inside the drying

ABOVE Port Erin is an attractive destination for a weekend sail BELOW Castle Town - so named for obvious reasons

harbour entrance and alongside the quay. To the south, Laxey offers an attractive drying harbour. Named after the Norse word for ‘salmon’, it is better known for the great wheel of its silver and lead mine, which can still be visited today.

The southeast coast is studded with small sandy bays which could also make an interesting day anchorage in settled weather.

USEFUL CONTACTS Isle of Man Coastguard +44 1624 686612 Port St Mary Harbour Keeper +44 1624 833205 +44 7624 460096 Peel Marina +44 1624 842338 +44 7624 495036 Douglas Bay Yacht Club +44 1624 673965 Tourist Information (Douglas) +44 1624 686766 visitisleofman.com Laxey Big Wheel +44 1624 861136 Manx Museum +44 1624 648000 Isle of Man Steampacket Company steam-packet.com +44 8722 992 992 Taxis A1 Taxis: +44 1624 674488, a1taxis.im Taxicabs: +44 1624 622222 Telecabs: +44 1624 629191

Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting MARCH 2022

83

Boat Test - Beneteau First 27

Back to basics Sailing really can be an uncomplicated and joyous experience as Sam Jefferson discovered when he tested Beneteau’s new First 27

PHOTOS BENETEAU

B

84

ack in 2018 French manufacturer Beneteau acquired Slovenian boatbuilder Seascape in order to develop a new First line of sportier Beneteaus and I felt a little sad. Seascape was a really clever boatbuilder who had clearly put MARCH 2022 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

their all into developing an amazing product without looking any too closely at the bottom line, i.e. money.

I was concerned that Beneteau might destroy this but, a quick spin in their new First 27 dispelled those fears. I hadn’t thought it possible to improve on the Seascape 27 but I’d have to say that, approaching this

from the perspective of a cruising sailor, the boat is if anything better.

The reason for this is that Beneteau, having acquired Seascape, wisely opted not to rip up the rulebook. They kept the Seascape team in place and set about working out how to improve things incrementally. The Seascape

LEFT

Dinghy-like performance in a boat that could safely do a cross-Channel trip

BELOW

The First 27 retains the slippery lines of the original Seascape 27

reduced sail area; and the cockpit and interior have been slightly tweaked.

The net result is a boat that is 300kg heavier with sail area down from 35.7m2 to 26.2m2. if that all sounds like a recipe for just a bit less fun, bear in mind that most of that extra weight is in the keel and the 27 still weighs in at a modest 1,700kg. Essentially there has simply been a bit of detuning going on here but the boat remains at heart a very uncomplicated pocket cruiser that is capable of early planing and cutting a dash on the racecourse in the right hands. The hull itself was drawn by Sam Manuard who cut his teeth designing Mini Transats and much of that knowledge has been ploughed into the First 27. Even though the hull came out in 2014 it remains excellent: relatively narrow beam is married to a low hard chine running from bow to stern plus twin rudders which give tremendous grip off the wind while wetted surface area is kept to a minimum.

Aft sections are very flat to induce early planing while the bow sections are relatively full, which boosts volume and reduces diving. The vacuum infused hull is PVC foam cored making for a very light boat.

This is also a boat that can get you across the Channel without stress. She’s designed as a Category B offshore sailing yacht – rare in a 27 footer - and the boat has buoyancy chambers fitted into the bow and also beneath the cockpit which mean she will stay afloat even if

27 is a superb boat and has been retained as the Beneteau First 27SE but the company wanted to make the boat more user friendly for cruising. To this end the new First 27 was developed. The light, early planing hull was retained but certain modifications were made to make things that bit easier. So what has changed? A single cylinder Yanmar 15hp inboard diesel with a shaft drive has been fitted; the swing keel has been replaced by a fixed T-shaped lead bulbed keel; the backstayless carbon rig with square headed mainsail has been replaced with a more conventional aluminium spar with an adjustable backstay and Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting MARCH 2022

85

Boat Test - Beneteau First 27

the hull is breached. There is also provision of a full sized liferaft built into the cockpit aft which is a very important feature.

The sail plan has changed significantly from the 27SE: gone is the option for a smaller inner staysail on a baby stay and the carbon rig is replaced by a Seldén aluminium spar and a backstay. The retractable bowsprit remains and the gennaker is on a furler for ease of handling.

The cockpit is comfortable with tiller steering and sail controls to hand. The mainsail is on a traveller aft of the helm and the primary winches are situated just in front of the helm. Two further winches are set on the coachroof for the running rigging and can be used for the gennaker sheets.

The cockpit is roomy and could accommodate four without it

86

MARCH 2022 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

being too tight. There is a decent amount of storage under the cockpit seats. Up forward, the inner shrouds are set on chain plates inboard, which is a more expensive set up that provides more strength and also allows for an easier path forward along the side decks. This is just as well, as the side decks are a tad narrow.

Down below

Down below, the boat is surprisingly spacious and markedly more homely and less stripped out than the 27SE. Two portlights are an addition that provide more natural light in the saloon and the furnishings are slightly more lavish. The overall feeling is less stark. The coachroof is relatively high which is important, as it means you’re not exactly crawling around down here, although if

ABOVE

Off the wind with the gennaker up, the boat is eager to get on the plane

BELOW

A clever, compact interior with plenty of light and a decent level of comfort

you’re expecting standing headroom, look elsewhere. The layout is very sensible though with a v-berth forward then twin bulkheads splitting this off from the saloon. Between these two bulkheads is a modest galley with a cooker to port and small heads compartment to starboard.

Clever magnetic folding doors in this central section mean you can separate off all the different compartments – such as the heads for example – with minimum fuss. It’s all very clever although the proximity between heads and galley is not entirely ideal.

The main saloon has comfortable bench seats and a central table with drop down leaves. This can be easily removed if you want to open up space in the saloon or save weight.

There is moderate storage under the bench seats and a mouldedin coolbox to port which can be upgraded to a fridge if you wish.

Under sail

This is a boat that you really want to chuck about in 20kn of breeze – regrettably we had between 10-12kn of breeze with a lumpy sort of swell that was irregular and jarring. Nevertheless, the boat handled it all with aplomb and, what’s more, was very easy to handle. Upwind in 10kn of breeze the boat settled into an easy and very quick groove and we were

soon slicing through the swell at 7kn. The boat pointed high, spun like a top through the tacks and was light on the helm with plenty of feel. I chatted with the team from Beneteau/Seascape about the performance compared to the Seascape 27 and they said that for most sailors, very little gained by the weight saving, it’s all about small percentages.

It’s only when you get into the

ABOVE

higher echelons of performance racing that the difference becomes noticeable. I’m under no illusions; the boat performed just fine for me.

Unfurling the gennaker, we roared off downwind in 12kn of breeze with the boat hitting 9kn and itching to get on the plane whenever the opportunity presented itself. Sailing fast has rarely been less complicated.

Twin rudders provide tremendous grip even when overpressed

BELOW

The boat can be easily single or double handed

THE VERDICT The idea of a detuned and tamed Seascape may sound a bit depressing but a quick blast in the new boat dispels any such concerns. The 27 was really a superb and uncomplicated boat that loses very little compared to its sportier sister. The addition of an inboard motor is a real

boon and the interior is just a touch more comfortable. Ultimately, this clever yet simple boat spelt out to me what sailing really should be about; uncomplicated, high speed fun. If you’re after a boat that can take you across the channel safely and at speed while also putting in a good show on the racecourse, look no further.

THE SPEC Hull length: 7,99m (26’3’’) Beam: 2,54m (8’4’’) Draft: 1.7m Light displacement: 1,700kg Engine: Yanmar 15hp Mainsail: 20 m2 Jib: 17.3m2 Price: €66,600 (exc VAT)

PERFORMANCE:

Contact: beneteau.com

LOOKS : COMFORT

Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting MARCH 2022

87

Three of the best

id a Tp A 0V 0 5,0 9 £1

BROKERAGE | BOATS FOR SALE

£7 VA 95,0 T p 00 aid

MOODY AC 41 | IN THE MOOD DISCOVERY 55’ MK II | KILORAN 2015 build with signature Discovery flag blue hull livery and a stunning maple interior. She has lots of subtle updates and improvements over her earlier benchmark blue water cruising sisters including flush hatches and an open saloon layout. Very high spec with fully automated rig and fit out for serious blue water cruising. Nautical makeover in 2021 including rig review, new topsides paint and very thorough servicing of all systems. She comes with genuine deck saloon, interior watch keeping, superb accommodation for 6 and a secure cockpit from which all sail handling can be managed. She is lying in Lymington and asks £795,000.

Designed by the hugely respected Bill Dixon, whose name is intrinsically linked with the Moody brand, In The Mood is an excellent example of the Moody 41 AC. This is a yacht which combines the best of modern design and engineering with the traditional values associated with Moody Yachts. She represents the spirit of a golden age of yachting, while being completely up to date in terms of performance and comfort.

She has a warm and elegant interior, traditional teak finish. A vertical fully battened in mast furling mainsail, self-tacking jib and roller furling Genoa together with a well-organised and extremely comfortable cockpit make this well equipped boat a delight to sail. This is an Ideal Bluewater cruiser or family yacht.

LOA: 55’9” (17m)

88

Year: 2015

Year: 2015

Beam: 15’8” (4.78m)

LOA: 12.7m (41’7”)

Draft: 7’3” (2.23m)

Beam: 4m (13’12”)

Displacement: 22,500kg (49,500lb)

Draft: 1.99m (6’5”)

Hull material: GRP

Displacement: 9,800kg (21,605 lb)

Engine: 1 x Yanmar 4LHA-HT 160hp

Hull material: GRP

Designer: Ron Holland

Engine: Volvo 55HP

Berths: 6 berths in 3 cabins

Berths: 6 berths in 3 cabins

Location: Lymington, Hampshire

Location: Gosport, Hampshire

Contact: berthoninternational.com

Contact: michaelschmidt.co.uk

MARCH 2022 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

£2 VA 34,0 T p 00 aid

NAUTORS SWAN 44 | ASTRID Absolutely stunning Nautors Swan 44 from 1972. Subject to a comprehensive refit and restoration resulting in a boat ’as new’. Originally launched in 1972, Astrid has benefitted from a total refit and restoration over the past few seasons, culminating in her relaunch in the Autumn of 2021.

In addition to updating and replacing all of her systems and components, Astrid has also benefitted from optimisation of her underwater sections including the repositioning of her rudder and skeg further aft to improve her sailing characteristics. Such modifications are popular amongst the Sparkman & Stephens Swans and represents yet another indication of the attention to detail given to the yacht by her obsessive and knowledgeable owner. Now completed, her owner is planning his next project. ASTRID therefore represents a unique opportunity to acquire a newly restored example of this iconic cult-classic Sparkman & Stephens Swan 44 for immediate delivery and with a price far below that of a new mainstream production yacht of similar size.

Racing intentions are obvious from the boat’s flush deck and the fact that there is no companionway from the cockpit. Entry to the cabin is through hatch. All deck fittings are of high standard. The fore cabin is intended primarily for stowage although there are two comfortable pipecots fitted. The main attraction is giving a good performance combined with a first class interior. She’s very fast, a powerful racing yacht that offers tremendous value.

Year: 1972 LOA: 44’2” (13.48m) Beam: 12’5” (3.83m) Draft: 7’5” (2.3m) Displacement: 12700kg (28,000lb) Hull material: GRP Engine: Beta 50hp Designer: Sparkman and Stephens Berths: 6 berths in 3 cabins Location: West Country, United Kingdom Contact: grabauinternational.com

Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting MARCH 2022

89

TIME OUT SAM JEFFERSON AND STEVE BROWN REVIEW THE LATEST BUNKSIDE READS, CLASSIC BOOKS AND MORE

Addicted to More Adventure Bob Shepton Bob Shepton’s adventures are well documented – not least in this very magazine. It’s fair to say that the affable retired chaplain and Tilman style sailor, mountaineer and general adventurer is closing in on national treasure status. Many readers will already have enjoyed Addicted to Adventure, his first volume, which looked back at many of his swashbuckling trips to far corners of the world generally aboard his trusty Westerly Discus, Dodo’s Delight. Unsurprisingly given the title, Addicted to More Adventure picks up where the last book left off, with further tales of journeys in the high latitudes and beyond. Highlights include a west–east transit of the North West Passage plus a trip from Antarctica to Easter Island. The narrative style is easy and informal and Shepton always comes across as a thoroughly likeable man who narrates quite stressful incidents and impressive achievements with sang froid and modesty. The book is a celebration of the joy of sailing and the quest for adventure that is well worth a read for those planning an adventure whether it be from the helm of a yacht or the comfort of your armchair.

Amazon £15

Uncommon Courage Julia Jones Julia Jones may be familiar to some readers for her children’s books such as A Ravelled Flag but she has now made a move into adult non-fiction with this interesting – and somewhat niche – look at the sailors of the Royal Navy Voluntary Supplementary Reserve who formed a vital part of the Royal Navy during the savage Battle of the Atlantic during World War II. Jones, inspired after discovering the journals of her own father, who served in the RNVSR during the war. Jones homes in more specifically on the yachtsmen and amateur sailors who made up a significant part of this force and were drafted in to one of the bloodiest and intimdating battlefields known to man. The book looks not only at famous sailors such as Nicholas Monserrat and Sir Peter Scott through to the many unknown men who served with diligence in the most trying of settings. The book makes a useful companion to Nicholas Monserrat’s superb The Cruel Sea, a work of fiction based loosely on his own experience during the Battle of the Atlantic. This is a good book that offers a welcome insight and turns the spotlight anew on some of the forgotten men of a terrible conflict.

Bloomsbury £20

90

MARCH 2022 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

The Five Year Voyage Stephen Ladd Stephen Ladd is probably best known for his adventures narrated in Three Years in a 12-Foot Boat. A trip through the rivers and waterways of Central and South America that took in paddling, portaging and a bit of sailing too – all carried out in extreme discomfort as you can imagine.

Following on from that, Stephen managed to convince his adventurous wife Ginny to take a similar trip in a 21’ boat – this time with an outboard – to carry out a similar trip on a slightly grander scale. Setting out from Florida, they head to the Caribbean along the coast of Central and South America then ascend the Orinoco River to a remote stream connecting with the Amazon. They descend this to Manaus, then climb another tributary south through Bolivia. They then transit the world’s largest swamp then float down the Paraguay to Argentina.

As is so often the case, at this point Ginny falls pregnant and Steve opts to do the decent thing and sail the boat home himself. Regrettably the boat is wrecked on the way home. This is a book it is hard to get bored with and is written with a certain degree of long suffering humour. It’s a good contrast to Tristan Jones’ Incredible Voyage, which covers many of the same routes but is an altogether grumpier book.

Seekers Press $16.95

Inland waterways of France David Edwards May This was first released in 2010 and the news is essentially that this is the latest edition. As such, it features important updates which, as you can imagine, are quite extensive on inland waterways. As someone who relied on this book to get me through the canals and rivers of France as I traversed the country from the English Channel to the Mediterranean, I can personally vouch for its excellence. Many state that you have to buy the Fluviacarte maps to get through the canals but I did not do this and had absolutely no problem thanks to this well thought out book that provides essential facts such as distances between locks, etc, but also excellent insight into the many stop offs along the route and also clear directions on how to deal with the many varied different types of locks along the French waterways. I would say it’s an invaluable guide for anyone planning to traverse France by boat.

Imray £32.50

Mediterranean France and Corsica Pilot Rod & Lucinda Heikell Another Imray publication that is not new but has been revised for a new edition. This is another book that I can personally vouch for as it has been my bible for three seasons of sailing in this area and has been absolutely indispensable. Heikell is known as one of the major hitters in the field of pilot guides and he shepherds you around the French Mediterranean coast with gentle authority. The guide naturally runs from the Spanish border to the Italian but Heikell also offers invaluable pilotage for those entering and navigating the canals that run through Languedoc Roussillon connecting the River Rhone with the Canal du Midi, an important route. In addition to being very well researched and authoritative, one of the standout features is Heikell’s diplomatic descriptions of some of the less desirable ports along the way, whereby much is achieved not by what is written but what is omitted.

Imray £45

Classic Choice Typee Herman Melville These days we all know Herman Meliville for his somewhat weighty tome, Moby Dick, which charts the familiar story of man meets whale, loses leg, becomes obsessed with whale… you get the picture. Yet Melville’s masterpiece was only a real hit after the great writer had died.

During his lifetime, Melville only really enjoyed success thanks to his autobiographical Typee which charts the adventures of himself and a fellow sailor who jumped ship in Nuku Hiva in the Marquesas after many months serving on a whaling ship. Having fled the vessels they went in search of a friendly local tribe called the Happars, with the aim of hiding from the captain of the ship. The pair had been warned to avoid the altogether more violent Typee tribe but inevitably they stumbled into the Typee village and the rest is history.

It’s a right rollicking swashbuckling yarn and Melville is, of course, a superb narrator.

Although the dialogue is a touch dated, it still grips the attention as the story heads towards an inevitable denouement. The book is laced with poignancy too as it was a fairly unique description of life in a South Sea Island village viewed from within at a time before many of these tribes were decimated by illnesses brought from Europe and centuries old ways of life were permanently disrupted. Melville painted a sympathetic and fairly enlightened view of people often dismissed by colonialists as ‘savages’. His adventures inspired the next generation of voyagers with Jack London and Robert Louis Stevenson both making a pilgrimage to Nuku Hiva as part of pioneering yacht cruises.

Sadly, Jack London reported that the Typee tribe had been destroyed by disease.

Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting MARCH 2022

91

Cruising - River Thurne

River Thurne

As part of an occasional series, Stuart Fisher explores some of the more obscure tidal rivers of the UK and assesses their potential for sailors. He starts with the River Thurne in the Norfolk Broads I’ve sailed the North River, the Ant and the Thurne, I’ve known them both wild and still, but the best sight of all’s when we make the last turn, and there’s old Davy’s mill.

John Helsdon

PHOTOS C LAUNAY/EXCESS

Despite starting at sea level with the sea less than 3km to the northeast, the River Thurne flows southwest across Norfolk to join the River Bure.

Various windmills can be seen dotted across the flat farmland to the north.

The river begins at West Somerton Staithe where there is limited parking beside the B1159. A notice warns that launching is only for

92

MARCH 2022 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

ABOVE

The wind pump at the end of Thurne Dyke

LEFT

Head of the river at West Somerton

the residents of Somerton and Winterton. Next to the head of the river with its moored boats is the green with an ornate village name sign of the kind usually found only in this part of the country. Possessive geese prevent anyone coming too close to it.

Weed in the river is well chopped up by the powered craft. Reed cutting takes place opposite the first armless windmill while there are nature reserves designated on both banks.

Martham Broad has two sections, that to the south of the river being wired to keep boats out and the northern half also requesting

boats to keep away. The 59ha are designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The Broads are flooded medieval peat diggings.

They are shallow and steadily drying out. Bordered by reeds, they have rare plants and animals, otters, Britain’s largest butterfly, the swallowtail, and such birds as winter wildfowl, garganey, great crested grebes, bitterns, bearded tits, blackheaded gulls, marsh harriers and swans. The Broads are noted for their remarkable sunsets and the dry climate, especially

early and late in the year.

Inevitably, the river quickly becomes tidal although tidal effects are minimal. A derelict drainage windmill beside Eelfleet Wall has only the remains of its arms, a point emphasized by lapwings as they tumble across the sky, using their wings to the full. In the distance is the estate of Heigham Holmes.

To the southeast a water tower stands higher than its surroundings at Damgate while the church tower at Martham is equally

ABOVE

A wherry coasts down river

BELOW LEFT

Approaching Potter Heigham

BELOW RIGHT

The DutchTutch Cottage near Potter Heigham

prominent, viewed along the side channel from Martham Ferry. The Roaring Donkey pub with it’s giant stuffed pike in Arthur Ransome’s The Big Six would be in this vicinity.

After another windmill, Candle Dyke joins from the right. This takes most of the boat traffic from the River Thurne as it gives access to Heigham Sound, Hickling Broad and Horsey Mere. A 6km/h speed limit

Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting MARCH 2022

93

Cruising - River Thurne

is imposed but the problem is not so much speeding powered craft as tacking sailing boats, most of large size, several of which may be present at once. Hovering kestrels and high flying skylarks seem to mock another impotent armless windmill. Arthur Ransome’s Coot Club, which ranges right across the Broads, uses the alternative spelling of Kendal Dyke.

Of great interest is the 14th century Heigham Bridge, a scheduled ancient monument, one of the lowest and most difficult on the Broads. It has a main span of only 6.4m with just 2.1m to the crown of the arch, reducing as sea levels rise so that many fewer craft can get through than in the past. Getting trapped underneath on a rising tide will not improve the varnish and paintwork. There are also a pair of pointed 2.5m side arches, partially submerged with chamfered ribs in the soffits.

The cantilevered buttresses at the abutments are unusual while there are shallow stone buttresses over the piers. The parapets and refuges were rebuilt in brick after the First World War. The spandrels bulge outwards from traffic loadings and both road and water traffic have scarred the bridge over the years, the latter because powered

94

MARCH 2022 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

craft have to take the main arch at full speed despite its restricted size. Pilots are available from the adjacent fleet hire base and are compulsory for hired boats. The A149 has removed most traffic to a newer bridge just upstream.

The village has three boatyards and there are a number of options for food and drink. At the south end of the old bridge is Harry’s Fish Bar, beyond which are the remains of St Peter’s chapel in Bastwick, dating from the 14th century.

Coot Club describes running the bridge and also a close encounter here with the Margoletta. The Big Six sequel involves shackles stolen from a boatyard here.

It is claimed that a phantom carriage driven by skeletons crashes into the river from the bridge, possibly in flames, on May 31st each year since the incident of a bride snatched at midnight after a wedding in 1742.

The next windmill has no cap at all but it is not the only circular building among the waterside chalets. There is the circular Dutch Tutch Cottage of original styling and also a circular thatched gazebo, adding dashes of originality to the inevitable slightly ramshackle appearance of such communities.

Beyond Repps another ramshackle community is a treetop rookery while mallards and coots frequent the river.

The speed limit rises from 6km/h to 8km/h 2km below Potter Heigham old bridge.

Womack Water used to be a 3ha broad but it is now a simple channel with bream, pike, roach and eels. It leads down from

ABOVE

The battle scarred medieval Heigham Bridge

BELOW

The final windmill on the river with a cormorant perched on one of the arms

Ludham where the 14th century church with its fine rood screen is dedicated to St Catherine. The village is the base for the Albion, the only remaining Norfolk wherry.

Thurne Dyke leads to Thurne where the last road access point on the river is by the Lion Inn and toilets. The entrance to the dyke is marked by a windpump with an exhibition of Broadland windpumps.

The best windmill on the river is the last, perhaps with the unusual sight of a cormorant perched on one of its sails. Unusually, the Thurne joins the River Bure on the outside of a tight bend, a strangely disorienting scene like the view through a wide angle camera lens.

FACTFILE

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Stuart Fisher is a writer and sailor who has devoted a good deal of time to exploring the tidal waterways of rthe uk.

His Tidal Rivers of Britain is available at Bloomsbury.com

Distance 11km from West Somerton to the River Thurne Navigation Authority Broads Authority OS 1:50,000 Sheets (133 North East Norfolk) 134 Norwich & the Broads Admiralty Charts 1543 Winterton Ness to Orford Ness (1:75,000) Tidal Constants Gorleston HW Dover –0220 LW Dover –0210 Sea Area Thames Rescue Inshore lifeboat: Hemsby Connections R Bure – see tidal Rivers of Britain p175

Considering an Electric Outboard?

“Using a well-engineered electric outboard has been a revelation.’’

TOM CUNLIFFE Classic Boat

Quiet, Convenient, Reliable and Easy-to-Use In the popular 2-4hp category, the latest electric outboards – with their integral and rechargeable lithium batteries – have transformed the market, rendering petrol motors all-but obsolete. Advantages include: From £1650 Epropulsion Spirit PLUS 1276Wh battery Faster to charge Battery floats if dropped Foldable tiller means only one cable to connect › Three shaft length options › Direct drive (no gearbox) › › › ›

› Ease of Use Switch on, twist the tiller handles, go. Almost anybody can do it; no experience, strength or mechanical knowledge is needed. › Ease of Handling The batteries are removable, and the “pass up and down” weight (the shaft/motor assembly) is then 10kg or less. › Ease of Storage These electric motors divide into components, don’t leak oil or petrol, and don’t mind which way up they’re stored. › Quietness & Smoothness Electric motors are a delight to use.

From £1750 Torqeedo 1103 › 916Wh battery › GPS data on tiller gives speed & range indication › Removable tiller (more compact for storage) › Near‐silent direct drive › Much more robust than the previous model (Torqeedo 1003)

› Power Forget slow speed “trolling motors”, these 1kW electrics have huge torque (more like a 3hp petrol). › Range There are many variables, but most users achieve at least 9 to 10 nautical miles per charge, at 4 to 5 knots (2.5m inflatable dinghy).

Much more if you slow down a little. › Reliability Many outboard motors don’t get used very often, and small petrol motors hate this. Electric outboards have fewer parts in general, and in particular there’s no carburettor to “gum up”.

Of course, it’s not all perfect. The range may still not be enough for some users.

And they’re undeniably More Expensive than petrol outboards, mostly because lithium batteries are expensive. But that extra upfront cost is largely offset by their Lower Lifetime Running Costs, including (almost) No Servicing.

NESTAWAY BOATS is the UK’s number one retailer for both Torqeedo AND Epropulsion. You can find out more on our website, and we are always happy to discuss further – and offer advice – by email or phone. If you’d like to see them before making a purchase, we are based in Christchurch, Dorset (UK).

www.nestawayboats.com mail@nestawayboats.com Tel 0800 999 2535

Classified

To advertise call +44 (0)207 349 3787 or email mark.harrington@chelseamagazines.com

BOAT SHARING

YACHT SHARES

DINGHY COVERS

www.rainandsun.co.uk

YACHT YACHT SHARES SHARES

Dinghy covers

Buy and sell shares Buy and sell with withshares confidence from the UK’s no.1 confidence from the yacht-share UK’s no.1 broker since 1991 yacht-share Buy and sell sharesbroker since 1991 with confidence from the www.yachtfractions.co.uk UK’s no.1 yacht-share broker since 1991

rain .co.uandsun k

Tel:

023

803

4 88 54

Call Philip Bull on 023 8034 8854 VISIT US AT THE RYA DINGHY SHOW 26 & 27 FEBRUARY – STAND D4

DINGHIES

INSURANCE

www.yachtfractions.co.uk

SCORPION DINGHY, WHOLE OR FOR PARTS, INCLUDES LAUNCHING TROLLEY. Everything for sale. Glass fibre hull has small hole that could be repaired - 2 suits of sails, canvas cover only 3 years old, would wash well. Launching trolley with removable jockey wheel. Would prefer to sell the whole as a lot. Everything in fair condition. £100 Tel 01969 368371 / 07815 643408 (LEYBURN)

From dinghies to racing yachts, we’ve got you covered.

MIRROR 14 (MARAUDER). 14 foot racing dinghy with spinnaker & trapeze. With launching trolley and boom-up cover. £100 Tel 07913 604 574 / (STAINES)

KEELBOATS

01636 707606 www.noblemarine.co.uk Calls maybe recorded. Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)

FLYING 15 WANTED. Ovington Flying 15 wanted - can travel UK. Mk10 onwards preferred. Budget flexible. £8000 Tel 07738 984826 / (UK - ANYWHERE )

KNIVES

MYERCHIN KNIVES

Boat Insurance made easy Get a quote in 20 seconds On cover in 2 minutes Low on-line premiums

MYERCHIN Everyone MYERCHIN can have Craftsmanship EveryoneMYERCHIN can have The Right Tool Everyone can have Quality

Get the App - craftinsure.com/app

craftinsure.com 03452 607888

Enter coupon ‘ST2022’ on checkout for a free Myerchin Light Pen

Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

01305 302304 facebook.com /Myerchinuk

sales@myerchin.co.uk

www.sailingtoday.co.uk | www.yachtsandyachting.co.uk 96

MARCH 2022 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

twitter.com /MyerchinUK

instagram.com /myerchinuk

Classified

To advertise call +44 (0)207 349 3787 or email mark.harrington@chelseamagazines.com

KEELBOATS DEHLER 41DS RIGID WINDSCREEN - NEW. Brand new acrylic windscreen for Dehler 41DS. £950 Tel 07714 259616 / (OBAN) 31 FOOT CRUISING YACHT. A Sparkman and Stephens designed sailing sloop, with a black GRP hull, teak deck, beautiful lines and shape. Fully equipped for sailing, roller reefing and GRP/Radar installed 2011. New Nanni 21 hp engine and seacocks. Down below: 4 berths, leather upholstery, cooking galley, separate toilet and washing area. £12000 Tel 07971 010186 / (NEWRY)

OTHER EQUIPMENT

LEATHER STEERING WHEELS

BOAT LIFTER FOR DRY BERTHING. Boat lifter for dry berthing suitable for RIB/Boston/J24 or Keelboat. Fully adjustable up to 1500Kg. Approx 25 feet length. £3950 Tel 07795 966305 / (WIMBORNE)

LEATHER WHEEL COVERING KITS

FITTING OUT

FLYING FIFTEEN 3726 - “JUST PERFECT”.

Extensive re-fit 2020, new Goacher Sails - Main, Genoa, Spinnaker. Good full set of P&B. New cover. Hull, keel, Rudder, trailer all in VGC. Great looking boat, great to sail, currently dry-secure driveway. £6250 Tel 07494 958799 / 01889 270567 (STAFFORD) SANDHOPPER 162 DISCO. 2010, last Sandhopper made. Very well kept, in great condition. - Stored in garage for 2 years New sails, new string, new harken blocks Carbon tiller. £8950 Tel +44 (0)1702 690635 / +44 (0)7564315926 (THORPE BAY YACHT CLUB ) J24 - GBR4254Y - HULL 5072 J BOATS ITALY 1994. Juju / White hull 24ft built 12/1/1994. minimum weight last measured for 2018 10 Worlds/WCA trophies 20/21 North Sails still competitive. cushions etc includes cruising and racing sails Double axle braked trailer with storage. Near Irish ferry. £9000 Tel 07917 832254 / 015394 33156 (WINDERMERE) WESTERLY PENTLAND KETCH. 1976 reliable Ford 1.6 diesel, new Heat exchanger, alternator, batteries. Radar Large screen with chart, fish-finder, AIS, VHF & other instruments. 7 berths three cabins, centre cockpit, SS fresh water and fuel tanks, new fresh water pump, easy single handed, auto steering. Dinghy, stern ladder. £14200 Tel 07711 924472 / 01424 892381 (EASTBOURNE) CONTESSA26 GENOA AND SPINNAKER - WESTAWAY. Little used sails, westaway spinnaker AP design 400 sq ft approx.

Westaway epoxy furling genoa, Sail Register dacron furling genoa. Stored indoors. very little use only. full zip covers. offers invited. £240 Tel 01405 812307 / (DONCASTER)

• Leather Spinnaker pole covers • Handy Pull Tags to open Shackles

NEW CATALOGUE

Rubber seals and trims for the marine industry

ISSUE 16

ENDURANCE 38 DECKSALOON. Beautifully light maple interior by Blondicell Southampton. Safe comfortable Grp criusing yacht with raised saloon for all the family and friends, 6 berths. Only lightly used. Fin and skeg hung rudder. Autohelm, GPS, Heater, 240v Battery charger. £74950 Tel 07770 860730 / (PLYMOUTH)

• Suppliers of Marine Leathers to Sailmakers & Riggers

FREE, fully illustrated catalogue Please visit our website or call SOLVE YOUR SEALING PROBLEMS MARINEINDUSTRIALCARAVANAUTOMOTIVE

• For all wheel sizes and sprayhood grab rails

01425 617722

Seals+Direct Ltd, Unit 6, Milton Business Centre, Wick Drive, New Milton, Hampshire BH25 6RH Email: sales@sealsplusdirect.co.uk

MARINEINDUSTRIALCARAVANAUTOMOTIVE MARINEINDUSTRIAL

www.sealsdirect.co.uk

Don’t miss our sister title

Clyde Marine Leather www.clydemarineleather.com T. 0141 881 4981

SAILS Clyde_RYA_Win_16.indd 1

01/11/2016 09:55

T: (01929) 554308 The Sail Loft, 16 Sandford Lane Ind Est, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 4DY

chelseamagazines.com

www.kempsails.com

SAILING TUITION

YACHT DELIVERIES

Ready for an adventure?

NEW

YACHT CHARTER AVAILABLE

01621 744902

MARINAS

Arbroath Harbour

WORKSHOPS & STORAGE “Arbroath Harbour has 59 floating pontoon berths with security entrance which are serviced with electricity and fresh water to accommodate all types of leisure craft. Half height dock gates with a walkway are located between the inner and outer harbours, which open and close at half tide, maintaining a minimum of 2.5m of water in the inner harbour.

UP TO 24' (7.3M) LONG

Great for use as a garage/ workshop or storage area for boats, projects, etc “Great product and would highly recommend it, great value. Installed on my driveway to house my old car and does the job brilliantly.”

Other facilities in the harbour include free parking, toilets and showers, a crew room, fueling facilities, on site laundry facilities and boat builders’ yard.

The town of Arbroath also offers a variety of social and sporting amenities to visiting crews and a number of quality pubs, restaurants, the famous Arbroath Harbour twelfth century Abbey and Signal “Arbroath Harbour has 59 floating pontoon berths with security entrance Harbour Office • Arbroath • DD11 1PD Tower Museum are located close to the which are Master: serviced withBruce electricity and fresh water to accommodate all types harbour. The railway and bus stations Harbour Fleming of leisure craft. Half height dock gates with a walkway are located between are only 1km from the harbour with Tel: 01241 872166 the inner and outer harbours, which open and close at half tide, maintaining direct north and south connections.”

Email: harbourmaster@angus.gov.uk a minimum of 2.5m of water in the inner harbour.

31422

WORKSHOPS/STORAGE

See www.machinemart.co.uk

LENGTH UP TO 24' MODEL SHOWN CIG81220

5 EASY WAYS TO BUY...

CALL & COLLECT AT STORES TODAY

FROM ONLY

239EXC.VAT .80 286INC.VAT

£

.00

£

MODEL CIG81212 CIG81015 CIG81216 CIG81020 CIG81220 CIG81224

ZIP CLOSE DOOR

Tough, triple-layer, waterproof cover Fully UV treated for long-term protection Heavyduty, powder-coated steel tubing Ratchet tightening to ensure drum-tight cover Includes ground anchoring system

SIZE (LxWxH) 3.6 x 3.6 x 2.5M 4.5 x 3 x 2.4M 4.9 x 3.7 x 2.5M 6.1 x 3 x 2.4M 6.1 x 3.7 x 2.5M 7.3 x 3.7 x 2.5M

EXC.VAT £239.00 £279.00 £319.00 £349.00 £399.00 £489.00

INC.VAT £286.80 £334.80 £382.80 £418.80 £478.80 £586.80

SUPERSTORES NATIONWIDE

TELESALES

CLICK & COLLECT

ONLINE www.machinemart.co.uk

OVER 10,000 LOCATIONS

0115 956 5555

All prices correct at time of going to press. We reserve the right to change products and prices at any time. E&OE.

Other facilities in the harbour include free parking, toilets and showers, a crew room, fueling facilities, on site laundry facilities and boat builders’ yard.

www.sailingtoday.co.uk | www.yachtsandyachting.co.uk

The town of Arbroath also offers a variety of social and sporting amenities to visiting crews and a number of quality pubs, restaurants, the famous twelfth century Abbey and Signal Tower Museum are located close to the harbour.

The railway and bus stations are only 1km from the harbour with direct north and south connections.”

Arbroath Harbour Harbour Office Arbroath DD11 1PD l

l

Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting MARCH 2022

97

Jess Lloyd-Mostyn Sailors are lonely, right? It’s a solitary thing, just the man, his boat and the wind and waves, out there in the elements

W

ell no actually.

From spontaneous pot-lucks to rallies, race crews to drinks at the bar after, those of us involved in sailing know first-hand just what a friendly and welcoming world the cruising community truly is. And no practice exemplifies this better than the idea of ‘buddy-boating’.

It’s an expression we first heard from American friends of ours, keen to have company on a trip they were planning in the Caribbean. They suggested we buddy-boated along the Panama coast, from Bocas del Toro to the San Blas islands to spend Christmas and New Year there, before heading back westwards.

We were already great friends and found to our surprise that they, with their small, coastal catamaran and us with our blue-water monohull, were equally well-matched in terms of speed. The trip was a great success and we island-hopped together, always following the rule that the first ones into the anchorage would get the dinner arranged too. It meant that we always had friends close enough to hail on the VHF if a squall was closing in or to double-check elements of pilotage with. It even meant that when we arrived into Portobelo in white-out rain our friends already had their dinghy in the water and sped over to help guide and support us.

When we set off to cross the Pacific we had amassed a veritable flotilla of boats with similar plans who were all helping each other, poring over the weather forecasts together and criss-crossing routing plans on charts. We would anticipate a good weather window and all scurry to get our fresh provisions bought and stowed only to find that the conditions then changed and there were lots of crews left with fast-ripening bananas in the marina. When we did eventually leave it meant that we could keep tabs on one another by SSB radio and would all report in to Pacific ‘nets’ to relay our daily position and make a note if anyone we knew hadn’t checked in. It felt comforting to know that out there, in the largest expanse of water in the world, we were still sailing in company, knowing others had our backs and were looking out for us. Once we all made landfall in different spots in the Pacific there were joyous

reunions and stories to swap.

Buddy-boating with kids is a whole different ballgame.

Families who sail are generally on the lookout for other families with kids of similar ages. And it’s something that many take pretty seriously. ‘Kid-boats’ will buddy-up together for months or even years at a time, as it’s a travelling floating community and reaffirms the friendships and bonds that are so important for children. And it’s not always just two boats. We know a group of three catamarans and a monohull that sailed alongside each other for 18 months, from the South Pacific into South East Asia. The only thing that ultimately divided this merry band was when Covid-19 hit and each boat crew had varying needs and challenges to tackle.

And it’s not always firm-friends who take it upon themselves to band together this way.

There are Facebook groups and marina noticeboards where people announce they are looking for friends to sail with along certain routes. We made new friends as soon as we arrived in Singapore as they had four kids on board and both our boats were somewhat stuck due to the pandemic. Liveaboard kid-boats are very unusual in South East Asia so both crews were thrilled to get to know each other. One year on we were still celebrating birthdays and special occasions together at our favourite hidden anchorage.

I think what surprises non-sailors by this long term camaraderie is that there are still many ways in which boating is thought of as a personal challenge. We think of the big name solo circumnavigators and are excited by the tough circumstances they overcome entirely alone. We think of Slocum and Knox-Johnston. Or perhaps now the idea of couples and families living aboard and sailing worldwide is more understood but again we tend to think of them in isolation, going along their journey and documenting it.

What’s comforting to learn and makes us long term sailors just like everyone else is that we too need work colleagues to gripe to and share problems with; we also long for an extra helping hand or sympathetic ear; and how else do you get that lovely family photo without someone else there to hold the camera? Thanks buddy.

98

MARCH 2022 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

JESS LLOYDMOSTYN Jess and James left the UK in 2011 in their Crossbow 42 and have sailed halfway round the world, growing their crew en route.

Follow their journey at water-log.com

ILLUSTRATION MICHAEL PARKIN

‘Once we all made landfall in different spots in the Pacific there were joyous reunions’

BOATING MADE SIMPLE A membership with Freedom Boat Club is the gateway to making the most of the boating life We take care of everything – maintenance, cleaning, repairs and storage – so that all you have to do is book your boat, relax and revel in time spent with family and friends.

We’ll provide these fantastic benefits: •

Unlimited access to any boat in our home fleet

•

Reciprocal access to a variety of boats in over 300 clubs across the UK, Europe, USA and Canada

•

Liability, hull and mechanical insurance

•

Maintenance, cleaning, repair and storage

•

Full Royal Yachting Association accredited training

•

Member social events

Contact us to learn more.

We look forward to showing you the ropes!

@fbc.uk

Freedom Boat Club UK

Tel: 023 9323 3255

Trafalgar Wharf

Email: Portsmouth@freedomboatclub.co.uk

Hamilton Road

freedomboatclub.co.uk

Portsmouth PO6 4PX

Whether you’re new to boating or an experienced boater – come and chat to us on stand C69 and discover how simple we make boating.

New technology for underwater protection.

No matter if you are racing or just cruising…

No matter if in fresh or salt water…

Respect yourself, your boat and the environment.

Use Hempaspeed TF.

Key Features Thin-film hard antifouling Ultra-smooth finish Biocide-free

Hempaspeed TF is a high performance, hard, thin-film coating. Forms an ultra-smooth surface that minimizes growth and reduces drag. For use as an antifouling for boats of glass fibre, steel and aluminium. Suitable for pleasure boats and racing / regatta boats. Ideal for both fresh and salt water use. hempelyacht.com