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APRIL 2021

BUSY TIMES AHEAD BRITAIN’S MOST READ WATERFRONT NEWSPAPER There is a more positive mood in the country as this month sees a further relaxation of restrictions, which heralds the start of a busy season on the water. Demand for boats and watersports is expected to remain high with staycations continuing to be a popular choice for many. We are also seeing the return of many much-loved shows and events including the iconic Round the Island Race, Cowes Week and the Southampton Boat Show.... SEE PAGE 3

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A TRUE CLASSIC

FAIREY MARINE’S STORY

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COVID CHALLENGES RNLI’S NEW RECRUITS

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ALL AT SEA APRIL 2021

A C L A SSIC E N V I RON M E N T FOR T R A DI T ION A L BOATS Birdham Pool is the oldest marina in the UK and our haven for classic and traditional boats. Even its location, just four miles from the historic county town of Chichester, nestled in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, reflects the pace and elegance of a bygone age. S T O R A G E , R E PA I R A N D M A I N T E N A N C E Looking after traditional boats is what we’re exceptionally good at. Our 30 tonne hoist and transport, dry storage ashore and a boat yard of modern

and traditional skills offered by our tenant artisans means we’re geared for storage, repair and maintenance of all watercraft.

To complete the experience, we have five-star customer facilities, café and great transport links complementing the enviable one-hour access to the Solent and sheltered inland location. Birdham is owned by Castle Marinas, a group of 11 coastal and inland marinas each with its own unique character. We are, and always will be large enough to cope yet small enough to care.

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ALL AT SEA APRIL 2021

Southampton Boat Show is back! This year’s Southampton International Boat Show returns from 10 - 19 September and will include a new layout offering exciting developments for visitors. Bringing back the successful boat show formula, including Europe’s largest purposebuilt marina with hundreds of marine brands, the 52nd edition of the show will be complemented by some refreshing changes. Working in partnership with Southampton City Council, British Marine tells us additional land will be available, making the show bigger than ever before. For example, there will be a new entrance and festival area outside Southampton’s Westquay shopping centre. Once inside, visitors will be immersed in the world of boating and watersports through new zones that cater for specific interests. The first zone will be for paddleboards, kite surfers, kayaks and windsurfers, accompanied by a stage, street food and music to showcase the watersports lifestyle and simplicity of getting afloat. There will be a Dinghy Zone geared towards dinghy sailors and high-performance sailing. This will flow into a Classic Boat & Day Boat Zone aimed at celebrating the boats and craftsmanship that stand the test of time. Moving into Mayflower Park and the massive marina, there will be hundreds of power and sail boats, equipment and services on show. A number of on-the-water experiences will be available as the natural arena between pontoons and shore is utilised further to create a waterpark with opportunities to demonstrate, compete, entertain and get more people out on the water, all with live commentary. Throughout the show there will be new dedicated features, including stages, live music, entertainment and guest speakers. As per the government roadmap, it is planned for outdoor events to run in full format by September. Through engagement with government and Southampton City Council, British Marine will ensure that everyone can enjoy themselves in a safe and happy environment and incorporate any necessary Covid-19 safety measures.

Lesley Robinson, CEO of British Marine, said: “The show will inspire and capture the nextgeneration and growing number of get-afloat newcomers through the new zone experience whilst balancing the more targeted needs of serious boat buyers through the marina showcasing power and sail craft. “Our end goal is to build on this national celebration of boating and watersports, offering a great day out for the family in one location and a way of enthusing next generations. Whether you are a seasoned sailor, have never been on the water before or want to enjoy an array of watersports and the accompanying lifestyle all in one place, the show will demonstrate how accessible and safe getting afloat is.” Councillor Jacqui Rayment, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Customer and Organisation, Southampton City Council, added: “The Southampton International Boat Show is a key event in our calendar, and with plans for the show’s first ever Community Day and festival area, which aims to connect Southampton residents with the marine community, we are very much looking forward to welcoming boat fanatics, young and old, to the event and showing everyone what our great city has to offer.” You can register for show news and be the first to know when tickets go on sale at www.southamptonboatshow.com.

British Motor Yacht Show set for June In response to the Government’s four-step roadmap, the British Motor Yacht Show is now taking place from 12 – 20 June. In its eighth year, the June show is set to feature a great line-up from top British brands Fairline, Princess and Sunseeker, with a carefully curated selection of leading overseas motorboat brands. Graham Bristowe, Premier’s Swanwick Marina general manager, said: “Following

discussion with our show partners Fairline, Princess and Sunseeker, we believe that moving the show into June is a responsible approach to the Coronavirus risk. We hope that by June all restrictions will have been lifted and the boat show can be a relaxed and celebratory occasion.” For those who wish to visit the British Motor Yacht Show, further information about the show’s exhibitor line-up and how to make an appointment to view the boats can be found at Sir Robin Knox-Johnston with Bob Fisher. Image: YJA www.britishmotoryachtshow.com.

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The world-famous Round the Island Race returns this July when it will be celebrating its 90th anniversary. With so many high-profile events cancelled, the Round the Island is being tipped as one of the biggest events to be staged since the UK’s first lockdown. Organised by the Island Sailing Club, the race has always been one of the UK’s largest participation sporting events and regularly attracts more than 1,500 boats and thousands of sailors. The Round the Island Race will also continue to support and fundraise for its official charity, the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, this year. One of the unique attractions of the race is its even-handedness and the opportunity for Olympic and World champion sailors to compete on the same racecourse with amateurs, families and club sailors of all ages. Whilst the majority of the boats will simply enjoy the challenge of getting all the way round, there will be many teams aiming to beat the existing course records. The monohull record is held by Mike Slade on ICAP Leopard, who in the nearperfect conditions of 2013 posted an elapsed time of 3 hours, 43 minutes and 50 seconds. The multihull class, introduced in 1961, generally achieves even faster times, as shown in 2017 when Ned Collier Wakefield’s Concise10 flew round in just 2 hours, 22 minutes and 23 seconds. Rob Peace, rear commodore for Island Sailing Club, said: “The Island Sailing Club is delighted to launch the 2021 race. Sailors are desperate to get back on their boats, and our race is perfectly timed and definitely provides a unique and thrilling experience for all the crews. Over the past 90 years approximately 500,000 sailors and 70,000 boats have been challenged by this race those are some impressive statistics!”

David Atkinson, race director, said: “The focus for 2021 is on organising a great race on the water. While the UK government’s roadmap out of lockdown suggests we will be able to run some of our usual social activities ashore, we are very mindful of the possible need to avoid large gatherings over the race weekend. “No decisions have been taken at this stage, and we will be updating our plans in line with the easing of restrictions over the coming weeks and months. Naturally, we expect those taking part to follow all of the current guidelines in place for the race, and we will be providing a summary of guidance from relevant authorities through a dedicated page on the event website.” The ethos of a ‘Race for All’ continues this year with the first Windeler Cup competition to set sail after the main fleet departs from Cowes, allowing small keelboat racers from the Daring,

Dragon, Etchells, Flying Fifteen, Mermaid, Redwing, Sunbeam, Swallow, Sonar, Squib, RS Elite, Victory and XOD classes to join in the fun with an exciting Solent Race. Also, the race weekend is extended to welcome competitors from the rowing and kitesurfing worlds, who will enjoy their own Round the Island on the Thursday and Friday before the main sailing race on 3 July. Spectators will be able to enjoy a fantastic view of all the action from many points on the Island’s coastline. Working with Visit Isle of Wight, a comprehensive guide to the best ‘fresh air’ viewing spots will be available. Furthermore, Helly Hansen is launching a capsule collection in partnership with the Island Sailing Club. The clothes will feature the special ‘90 Years’ Round the Island Race logo and are available to order on the event website. To enter: www.roundtheisland.org.uk

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ALL ABOARD

A cruising weekend with Bob was always great fun

By Jane Hyde

editor@allatsea.co.uk

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Were you one of the many who returned to marinas last month for recreational boating? It is amazing how much of a boost doing something as simple as spending a few hours afloat can give. In further good news for boaters, this month will see brokerages opening too, along with other non-essential retail. Have you booked your outdoor table for 12 April? Many pubs, restaurants and so on, including many at marinas, opened up online booking systems last month, which were swiftly filled by people eager to meet up with friends again. Whether you are meeting friends in your garden or the sailing club, let’s hope this is the start of a great summer of boating and time spent with friends and family – afloat and ashore. There are going to be plenty of other things to keep us busy too, when we are not catching up with loved ones of course. For some it will be spending time on our boats, and for others it will be getting back into racing – the Round the Island Race has been confirmed for 3 July, followed by Cowes Week. Or perhaps you are looking forward to visiting a boat show. Next month is the South Coast Boat Show, while the British Motor Yacht Show, Chichester Marina Boat Show and Green Tech Boat Show are all set for June. With some events changing dates or being cancelled, next month we will bring you a round-up of all the upcoming boating events. Our calendars are set to change from very empty to very full, but we can’t wait! Going by the recent news about the surge in demand for boats and watersports craft last year, post the first lockdown, this year looks set to be a busy one for the UK marine industry in general. The popularity of the staycation looks set to continue too, especially as the uncertainty about foreign travel continues.

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We do not mind, though, as there are so many stunning locations in this country. I am heading to beautiful Suffolk for a few days in early summer, but cannot wait to get back to the South Coast – our Easter break there, like so many, was cancelled for the second year in a row. While Covid continues to affect all our lives, we should not forget that although we have now left the EU, things are not ‘plain sailing’ yet for boaters post-Brexit. There are several important up-dates for boaters in the month’s news relating to the ongoing impact of Brexit on boaters. The issue of VAT requirements rumbles on, as does second hand boat purchases. It does not look like these issues will be resolved anytime soon, but at least we know the likes of the RYA, British Marine and the Cruising Association are working hard on our behalf to bring clarity and, importantly, solutions. A decision has, however, been made about the use of red diesel and you can read more on page 14. While it is good news for boaters in England, Scotland and Wales, in Northern Ireland recreational boaters will no longer be able to use red diesel for propelling their craft. Furthermore, the change will come into force at the end of June, just a few short months away. Back to this issue, and we have lots of great features for you including, from David Henshall, the first of a fascinating two-part look at the history of Fairey boats (page 28), plus we have a couple of stories related to green boating: the growth of Seabins (page 45), protecting our coasts and waterways (page 38) plus, of course, our regular Green Blue column (page 27). Enjoy the issue!

THIS MONTH APRIL 2021

FAREWELL TO BOB .................. 20

GREEN BLUE ............................... 27

We reflect on the remarkable life of All at Sea’s Consultant Editor, Bob Satchwell, who recently passed away.

The University Sailing Sustainability Challenge has achieved positive changes, despite a challenging year.

POWER TALK ............................... 21

A FAIREY LONG HISTORY ......... 28

From green power to the word’s most powerful outboards, Simon Everett reports on the latest engine news.

The first of a two-part look at the incredible story behind the iconic Fairey boats.

MASTERCLASS ........................... 30 SHORESTYLE .............................. 22 We have a couple of jackets for you, plus some great customisable shoes. RYA

KIT BAG ........................................ 23

This month’s Masterclass considers how well you know your invasive species.

COVID CHALLENGES .................. 31 Becoming a RNLI volunteer crew member during the pandemic.

Out kit bag this month includes energy smoothies and new mooring solutions.

HOT TOPIC................................... 32

PHOTO OF THE MONTH ............ 24

Making your first charter – home or abroad - a success.

Another round-up of your photos. .........

SAIL AWAY .................................. 33 ON COURSE FOR SUCCESS ...... 26 The growth of UKSA’S online training since the start of the pandemic.

Holidays are coming back and, UK or abroad, there are so many great places to visit.

ALL AT SEA BIDS FAREWELL TO BOB It is with great sadness that we share the news that Bob Satchwell, Consultant Editor on All at Sea for 15 years, has passed away aged 72 from pneumonia and Covid-19. As well as Consultant Editor, Bob had been a director and owner of All At Sea Publications Ltd since 2012. Bob had a life-long passion for sailing and an illustrious career in the media, and loved to be able to combine his love for boating with his passion for news. Starting out his working life as a reporter on the Lancashire Evening Post, Bob’s achievements were numerous and included

GETTING HITCHED ..................... 34 Trouble free towing, launch and recovery with great advice from the RYA.

co-founding the Society of Editors in 1999 and winning a number of awards; he won Journalist of the Year in the British Press Awards in 1977. He also enjoyed working with young, enthusiastic journalists and thrived on passing on his knowledge and experience. Albeit the newspaper is a free publication, Bob always believed that editorial excellence should be at the heart of its success. Bob sailed most weekends with family and friends and formed the Girton Vineyard Yacht Club, based in his home village just outside Cambridge. You can read more about Bob’s remarkable life on page 20.

WELLNESS LIVING ..................... 36 Taking a closer look at the future of ‘wellness living’ in yacht design.

DRIVING CHANGE ...................... 38 Ecocoast’s Chris Reeder considers the steps we need to take to protect coastlines and waterways.

MARINA GUIDE .......................... 40 The latest news from around the UK’s marinas, plus your regional marina guide.

ALL AT SEA QUIZ ....................... 43 If you love puzzles, you will love the All at Sea quiz page.

CHANGING FACE OF MARINAS.... 45 We look at how the award-winning Seabin technology is making a big difference to our waters.

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IN THE DRINK.............................. 46 The never ending quest for new beer flavours has led to some interesting results well worth a try.

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ALL AT SEA APRIL 2021

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ALL AT SEA APRIL 2021

Rising tide of boat sales

In positive news for the marine industry, new sales data released by Boats Group has revealed a surge in demand for boats and other watersports craft during 2020. After an unsurprising sales slump of 40 per cent between March and May 2020, with sales inhibited by the UK’s first national lockdown, sales of new and used boats rebounded rapidly in the summer. The impact of the ‘staycation’ effect was felt from June to the end of December, as boat unit sales grew more than 50 per cent compared to the same period in 2019. With reduced travel opportunities for British consumers, Britons and their families sought new ways to replicate the adventure and escape of travel, whilst staying socially distant and safe. Watersports provide the perfect solution to the restrictions presented by the pandemic, offering wellbeing benefits and exciting outdoor recreation choices, helping to create substantial numbers of new boating enthusiasts.

This new audience of boaters and watersport participants; and spike in demand, provides a positive boost to the UK’s marine industry. It is reversing the impacts of a slowing global economy and economic dislocation suffered in the UK’s national lockdown. Furthermore, strong demand from other countries that are experiencing a similar appetite for recreational boating products is providing a boost to economic productivity in UK marine businesses, from manufacturing and retail to boating tourism. While uncertainty remains over the continued disruption of the pandemic and the economic impact of transitioning out of the EU’s custom union, the hunger for boating from UK and global consumers is helping to galvanise the industry. Alastair Walton, of Boats Group, said: “The analysis made available through this initiative with British Marine is drawn from data supplied to Boats Group from hundreds of professional brokers and

dealers here in the UK. It follows a huge surge in traffic to our portals, and is great news for the industry as a whole.” Following the release of these boat sales trends, British Marine members are set to benefit from a collaboration with Boats Group giving access to monthly data for 2021 onwards. Commenting on the figures, Lesley Robinson, CEO of British Marine, said: “Last summer we were seeing evidence and hearing regular news about the staycation effect and boom in sales for leisure marine businesses, however I am delighted that these anecdotal stories are now backed up with the empirical data and figures in this new report by Boats Group. “The sales data is welcome news at a time that has been, and will continue to be, challenging for every business. Furthermore, I am delighted that British Marine members will now benefit from access to future boat sales data on a regular basis, offering them a super tool for real-time insight.”

Second-Hand Boats Post-Brexit

Following the release of the UK - EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement, British Marine and the RYA have been working to understand the impact of various aspects of the agreement on both the marine industry and recreational boat owners. British Marine and the RYA have received further information from the EU Commission and the UK Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on the trade of preowned CE marked recreational craft between the UK and EU following the UK’s exit from the European Union. The UK and EU have confirmed that any vessel being traded second-hand between the UK and EU will be required to meet the obligations set out in either the Recreational Craft Directive in the EU or the Recreational Craft Regulations in the UK, when placed on either market after 1 January 2021.

Therefore, this means that a pre-owned vessel being imported from the EU to be placed on the UK market will, after 1 January 2022, be required to obtain a new UK Conformity Assessed mark in line with the requirements of the RCR. In order to obtain a UKCA mark, a boat will require a Post Construction Assessment and thirdparty verification. Similar rules will apply when selling vessels into the EU. Pre-owned CE marked vessels which were in the UK at the time of departure, 11pm on the 31 December 2020, when exported to the EU will be required to undergo a re-certification of the CE mark when being placed on the EU market. This means a boat will require a Post Construction Assessment in line with the RCD and third-party verification.

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Boat brokerages, distributors, boat owners and buyers may well be heavily affected by this post-Brexit position, as the responsibility will fall upon them to ensure a vessel meets the applicable requirements before buying and selling second-hand boats between the UK and EU. Estimated costs of Post Construction Assessments and verification are between £500 - 5,000 dependent on the vessel. British Marine and the RYA are liaising with the European Boating Industry association in order to raise concerns with this position in Europe, whilst also directly engaging with BEIS in the UK. Lesley Robinson, CEO of British Marine, said: “As a consequence of Brexit, this is a complex and potentially difficult situation. Faced with the process of individual boat re-certification, boat builders, brokers and consumers will be impacted in terms of both time and cost when selling and buying second-hand boats cross borders. British Marine is working hard to seek clarification of the exact ramifications of these regulations.” Howard Pridding, RYA director of external affairs, said: “This is yet another unanticipated and unwelcome aspect of Brexit, which could affect many owners financially through no fault of their own. We are working in partnership with industry to better understand and mitigate the situation and potential cost burden.” British Marine members can contact technical@britishmarine.co.uk with queries. RYA members can contact Brexit@rya.org.uk.

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BACK TO BOATING Following the roadmap outlining the easing of restrictions for England, British Marine met with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to clarify the guidance specific to the leisure marine industry. From 8 March all forms of watersports, including the use of privately-owned craft and self-drive day hire boats for single households, were able to resume in England (subject to local navigation and harbour authority guidance). Marinas also opened from that date to allow recreational boating to take place. From 29 March, as part of the first step, Stay at Home restrictions were lifted. The government continues to advise that people minimise travel up to and including Step 3 (no earlier than 17 May). This means avoiding making unnecessary journeys, combining trips and avoiding travel at peak times where possible. People should avoid travelling further than is reasonably necessary to take part in their activity.

In further good news for boaters, brokerages can open in line with nonessential retail from 12 April. Lesley Robinson, CEO of British Marine, said: “This roadmap provides hope and reassurance, and I am pleased that the collaboration between government, other user groups and ourselves has resulted in aligned guidance for marine businesses and participants. “It is welcome news that parts of our industry should be able to re-open in time for the Easter holidays. I am cautiously optimistic about the months ahead, based on the assumption that, as the vaccine rollout accelerates, the phased easing of restrictions is achievable.” Note that guidance for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland differs - check the advice for where you live. British Marine remains engaged with government on the individual plans set out by the devolved administrations. www.britishmarine.co.uk

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ALL AT SEA APRIL 2021

NEWS SNAPS KEELBOAT LEAGUE

A boat show happening next month! The South Coast Boat Show guided by Raymarine is set for the weekend of 7 - 9 May. As the first post-covid boat show to take place in the UK this year, the show, in the heart of Southampton, will be an event not to be missed for both buyers and exhibitors alike. Visitors can expect more than 60 boats from global boating brands at MDL Marinas’ flagship Ocean Village Marina. Brands who have confirmed their attendance include: Bavaria, Beneteau Power and Sail, Broadblue, British Boat Club, Chaparral, Chris-Craft, Dehler, Dufour, Finnmaster, FlexiSail, Grand RIBS, Hanse, Hylas, Jeanneau power and sail, Lagoon Catamarans, Moody, Princess, Raymarine, Seaward and X-Yachts. Andrew Millar, MDL’s Ocean Village marina manager, said: “The South Coast Boat Show is proving to be a very popular platform for marine businesses

The British Keelboat League is open for entry with the first event set for next month in Cardiff Bay. The league, established back in 2016, was introduced to increase participation in keelboat racing. Sailors compete, representing their club in a series of short sprint races against teams from other clubs in their region in a qualifying round of weekend racing. The best teams from each region then battle it out in a national final to be crowned the British Keelboat League champions. www.britishkeelboatleague.co.uk

SPRING SERIES

Sailors are being invited to enter a new event called the SeldenSailjuice Spring Series this April and May. Each boat taking part will be sent a SailRacer GPS tracker, which records performance through the water and around your local race course. The data is recorded centrally on the SailRacer database. Entry to the Series is £20, which includes use of the tracker for the duration of the Series. selden.sailracer.org

WORLD RALLY

The Oyster World Rally 2022-23 is already fully subscribed, and the high demand from owners has resulted in Oyster Yachts announcing its fourth event, starting in Antigua on 14 January 2024. With a limited number of spaces, the Oyster World Rally 2024 - 25 is a sixmonth, 27,000nm circumnavigation of the world. Allie Smith, head of group events at Oyster Yachts, said: “Whether a life-long experienced sailor, or new to offshore cruising, we help provide all participants with the specialist training and learning to ensure they have the skills needed to stay safe at sea and enjoy the voyage of a lifetime.” www.oysteryachts.com

SUMMER REGATTA

The Salcombe Gin RS Summer Regatta takes place at Royal Torbay Yacht Club over 26 - 27 June, incorporating the Noble Marine Salcombe Gin RS500 National Championship. The event was sold out within a record 48 hours, but the RS Class Association and Royal Torbay are working on plans to accept those on the waiting list. They are also keeping an eye on the ‘roadmap’, with ideas in mind for an après sail celebration to match the racing.

REGATTA CANCELLED The Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta has been cancelled, although for classic yachts already in Antigua it is hoped an informal sailing weekend can be held at the end of April. Dates for next year’s regatta are 30 March – 4 April.

Power of Green Solutions The MDL Green Tech Boat Show, running from 19 - 20 June at Queen Anne’s Battery in Plymouth, is aimed at boat owners wishing to make the switch to greener options. Fischer Panda UK will be introducing its customised electric drive solutions at the show, highlighting the potential of electric in enabling boat owners to improve on board comfort and experience, reduce emissions and protect the environment. Boat owners will be able to discuss their

needs with Fischer Panda UK engineers and find an appropriate solution. Fischer Panda UK sales and marketing director, Chris Fower, said: “Boat owners want to explore more sustainable options and adopt greener solutions. The show looks certain to be the perfect platform for the boating community to join together, raise awareness about environmentally-friendly systems and products, and generate even more enthusiasm about a greener future.” Visitors will need to book an appointment in advance to view boats. Access to landside exhibits will be ticketed. www.fischerpanda.co.uk Read more about green boating on page 27.

Cowes Week returns Image: Paul Wyeth

Entries for Cowes Week 2021 opened on 29 March. Whilst this is later than usual, the event is carrying over nearly 200 entries from 2020. The team have also been inundated with questions about the opening of the entry website, so we can expect it to be a bumper year. There will be eight IRC classes, Black Group One Designs such as the J/109 as well as 17 One Design Day Boat classes in the White Group. A completely new class to Cowes Week is the Club Cruiser Division where it is planned to run two starts each day, depending on the number of entries. There will be a further four starts in the Performance Cruiser Division.

CWL has also told us that the first ever Cowes Week opening party will take place on 31 July, after race day one. For the first time there will be a daily prize giving, open to all competitors, to be held on the Parade at 18:00 each day celebrating the race winners across the regatta, which it is hoped will become a great social occasion in its own right. After the prize giving there will be plenty of time to enjoy all of the social events throughout the town, at yacht clubs, pubs, bars and restaurants, all subject to the Covid guidelines in place at that time. There will be more news on Cowes Week next month! www.cowesweek.co.uk

to showcase their brands to a discerning audience. This year’s event will also feature a landbased exhibition area for smaller boats and ancillary services such as associated gear, finance and insurance.” Will Blair, head of marketing at Ancasta International Boat Sales, said: “We are so excited to have the opportunity to actually get people on to boats once again. Demand has remained extraordinarily high over the lockdown period, so it will be great to be able to welcome potential buyers on board our remaining stock, allowing them to get a real feel for the boat. With the show being earlier in the year, we can speak to someone at the show and get them out on the water, on their new boat, this season.” Visitor attendance at the show is by appointment only, helping keep people Covid-secure. www.mdlmarinas.co.uk/events/ south-coast-boat-show

CHICHESTER’S SHOW Premier tells us that Chichester Marina’s annual boat show will return over 26 - 27 June, and will be a ‘must visit’ for serious buyers. With on-water and onshore displays from Ancasta International Boat Sales, Blackrock Yachting, Boat Shop and RBS Marine, it will be a great opportunity for visitors to get close and personal with the boats and talk to experts. Marina manager, Paul Cook said: “This year’s show will be a celebratory occasion, showcasing our on-site marine businesses which make up the community here at Chichester Marina. We will still have various precautions in place to ensure visitors have the opportunity to view the boats they want to see in a safe and relaxed environment.” Other on-site businesses attending the show include sailing and lifestyle clothing retailer Coastal and Outdoor Living, Chichester Yacht Club, Roger

Upham Marine Electronics and RYA Training Centre Chichester Marine Training. A team member from Premier Marinas will also be on hand to provide visitors with a quote and information on berthing options at Chichester Marina, or at one of Premier’s other eight sites. www.premiermarinas.com

Boat jumbles coming Chaddock & Fox Promotions have announced a cautious return of four boat jumbles on the South Coast for 2021. Starting with their Titchfield Boat Jumble in Hampshire on 16 May, the organisers hope to see a safe return of these popular nautical bargain sales with a raft of Covid safety protocols to protect the public and ensure a great day out for all. All recommended national Covid safety guidelines will be observed including social distancing measures such as extra wide stall spacing gaps, wider gangways and segregated queuing and, although the risk of Covid transmissions at outdoor events is very small, additional precautions such as

multiple hand sanitization stations and more frequent cleaning of facilities will be in place. So, if you have missed the buzz of the boat jumbles, now is your chance to clear out your unwanted chandlery and book a car boot pitch or a bigger stall space. Or if you are looking for some new or used boat bits for your vessel, or fishing tackle, this will be your first opportunity to get out there again in a long time. • Titchfield Spring – Sunday 16 May • Titchfield Summer – Sunday 4 July • Portsmouth – Sunday 22 August • Solent – Sunday 3 October Open: 10am / Adults: £5 boat-jumbles.co.uk

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ALL AT SEA APRIL 2021

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ALL AT SEA APRIL 2021

NEWS SNAPS RUBBISH RESCUE

A Lithuanian sailor survived 14 hours in the Pacific Ocean after falling from a cargo ship. 52-year-old Vidam Perevertilov survived by clinging on to an old fishing buoy – rubbish he found floating in the sea. Amazingly, his own ship rescued him, despite sailing on for about six hours before realizing the engineer was not on board. Distress messages were sent out, however, after working out Vidam’s rough location, the ship was first to locate him.

SUNKEN BEER

A massive 1,000 pints of beer has been stolen. What has that to do with boating you ask? The Daily Mail reported that thieves stole the booze from inside a sunken Soviet fishing ship off the coast of Argentina. It had been left there ‘to age’ by three breweries which had recruited divers to bury their beer. After being retrieved, it was to be blended with another drink before being bottled to sell.

PURRFECT RESCUE

Thai Navy sailors rescued four cats from a sinking boat near the island of Koh Adang. After the crew had been rescued, the navy discovered the cats together at the edge of the boat, which had caught fire. They were carried to safety through the water on the back of their rescuers who are now caring for them. The boat has since sunk.

Solent set to become one of 10 freeports In the Spring Budget, Chancellor Rishi Sunak confirmed the locations of eight of the 10 new freeports in England. They will be located in the Solent, East Midlands Airport, Felixstowe and Harwich, the Humber region, the Liverpool City Region, Plymouth and Thames and Teesside, with a further two to be announced. Those also bidding for freeport status include Southampton, Dover and Bristol. The freeports, which can be up to 27 miles across, will benefit from import and export tax reliefs with the aim of helping create jobs, growth and innovation. The

Image: Julian Hickman

Connecting with Raymarine FLIR Systems has announced the availability of Raymarine LightHouse™ Charts cartography, which they say brings new levels of clarity and control to marine navigation. Furthermore, LightHouse Charts customers will have improved purchase and delivery options via the new Raymarine Chart Store and RayConnect mobile app. Engineered for both recreational and professional applications, LightHouse Charts allow captains to switch between an official government-style chart presentation or an information-rich leisure chart view. Captains can also choose between four chart colour

pallets optimised for bright sun, daylight, dusk and night conditions. Raymarine users can also take advantage of a LightHouse Premium subscription to access continuous chart updates, an expanded POI library powered by Marinas.com and Reeds, as well as enhanced satellite imagery from Mapbox. There is a new online Raymarine Chart Store, and LightHouse Charts can also be downloaded on the new RayConnect mobile app available on the App StoreTM and AndroidTMdevices. www.chartstore.raymarine.eu Turn to page 23 for more kit news.

Solent Local Enterprise Partnership says its plan could generate 50,000 jobs, more than half of them in the Solent area, in sectors including maritime, science and research, logistics and defence. The new freeports will begin operations from late 2021. The UK previously had seven freeports between 1984 and 2012, and it is hoped that bringing them back will help regenerate deprived areas and bring economic opportunities to poorer regions and ‘level up’ the country. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are expected to announce their own freeport initiatives.

CAPTURING THE BEAST

Last month we reported that the 70ft Ferro Cement Schooner, Sea Beast, had sunk in Brixham Harbour, creating concern about the environmental impact of the release of litter and fuel into the surrounding water. All at Sea reader Trevor Taylor has sent in these photos showing the sunken vessel, and Sea Beast subsequently tied up alongside a jetty of the inner harbour looking very much the worst for wear. DevonLive reported Adam Parnell,

head of Tor Bay Harbour Authority, estimated the cost of dealing Sea Beast, which has now sunk three times this year, could be as high as £200,000. This would cover repairing the pontoon damage and for the disposal costs of the concrete hull. The boat was in a poor condition at the time of the sinking and had been up for sale for just £113.11 last year. If you come across a nautical story in your area send details to editor@allatsea.co.uk.

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The projects also support the long-term objectives of the LEP’s ‘Solent 2050 Strategy’, as well as the goals of the LEP’s ‘Economic Recovery Plan’ for survival, stability and growth in the wake of Covid-19 and the Brexit transition. Brian Johnson, Solent LEP chair, said: “2020 was an incredibly tough year for Solent businesses, but we believe our area will recover stronger and the LEP remains committed to investing for the long-term growth of our economy. ”

It is thought artifacts found in the Savannah River in Georgia, USA could be from the scuttled Royal Navy ship HMS Rose. The ship was scuttled in 1779 during the American War of Independence to prevent the French fleet from supporting the American soldiers who were attempting to capture Savannah.

The Solent economy will receive a £840m boost as a result of Solent Local Enterprise Partnership investment through the Local Growth Deal. Distributed across the whole of the Solent area, the funds have been invested in transport infrastructure, connectivity, housing development, training centres and research and innovation facilities. Collectively, the projects will create and safeguard more than 1,000 jobs in the Solent.

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International leisure travel from England is not yet allowed, but in an effort to encourage tourists, Thailand is allowing travellers to spend their two-week quarantine on a yacht or small cruise ship in Phuket. The move is part of a bid by the Thai government to revive the country’s important tourism industry, which accounts for about a fifth of Thailand’s GDP. You can read more sailing holiday news on page 33.

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ALL AT SEA APRIL 2021

Marlin Trimarans

NEWS SNAPS NO HULL HERE

Launching to investigate reports of a white overturned hull, Looe RNLI discovered the carcass of a whale drifting in the bay. The crew said they were preparing themselves for the worst, as from a distance the object looked like the upturned hull of a yacht. Although a false alarm, the RNLI said the first informant did the right thing contacting the coastguards.

ROYALE CABIN

Known as the Royale Cabin model, the latest in the Foiler flying yacht series combines ENATA’s foiling technology with a new layout that features a front cabin and luxurious sofa seating at the stern. Technology developed at ENATA’s aerospace division has given the Foiler the ability to rise and drop gently on and off its foils and 132 smart sensors constantly monitor everything from foil and rudder trim to engine performance.

SUTTON HOO BUILD

Delayed by the pandemic, work is resuming on recreating the seventh century king’s burial ship found at Sutton Hoo in 1939. This year the team plans to finish the keel and prepare and fix the nine planks each side that make up the hull. By this time next year they hope to have a watertight vessel, ready to be finished to take to water in 2023 to mark 1,400 years since King Raedwald’s burial. Work is also going on beyond the actual build, and as restrictions ease there will be live demonstrations and opportunities for people to see the build first hand. You can help support the project at: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/build-thesutton-hoo-ship-1#start

New wave of boating British electric boatbuilder, Neva Group has announced the introduction of the Pixii™ brand of electric boats after securing a first-round low-carbon development grant worth £100k. Inspired by Hippolyte Pixii, a scientific instrument maker from Paris who built the first apparatus for generating an alternating current from a rotating magnet, the zerocarbon Pixii™ range is 100 per cent electric and built using recyclable materials. The key driver of the Pixii brand is the creation of state-of-the-art electric boats for a new generation of boaters who want an environmental connection and sense of tradition. Managing director, Charles Hall said: “Covid-19 has forced an acceleration of the fourth industrial revolution, which is really good news for the advancement of smarter technology. By investing in a business that creates a positive impact on the environment, we are delighted to be part of this new wave of cleaner boating.” The Pixii® SP 750, the first model to be introduced, has an estimated top speed of close to 40 knots and a run time of eight to 10 hours at 12 - 14 knots – enough for a day out on the water.

With an anticipated 90 per cent reduction in maintenance and running costs, upgrades to Pixii’s electrical specification are also being offered to customers and OEMs who want to convert their existing vessels for economic and environmental benefits. The SP range is also being adapted for the utility and workboat markets for use in harbours, marinas and offshore renewable vessels. Prices for the Pixii SP 750 start from £150,000 for the base hull and drivetrain package, rising to around £260,000 for a fully specified twin-engine luxury day boat or performance tender. www.pixii.co.uk

The Marlin trimaran is a proven race winner, but these trailerable and foldable sailing racer-cruiser craft are also great for group and family adventures as well as single and double-handed racing and cruising. The Marlin trimarans have kickup centreboards and rudders. This avoids major damage at the boards and hulls if you hit something in the

water, making them ideal for sailing in archipelagos, fjords, rivers and bays with shallow and tidal waters. The Marlin trimaran is selfsufficient in energy with a 450W solar panel on the roof of the deckhouse, which supplies power for its electric motor, light and other equipment on board. www.marlintrimarans.com

A SPECIAL CRUISER

Yanmar Holdings has collaborated with design house ‘fragment design’, headed by designer Hiroshi Fujiwara, to develop a special version of Yanmar’s flagship X47 Express Cruiser. The vessel, called the X47FRGMT, is now on sale. Yanmar’s X47 high-performance motor yacht, designed by world famous industrial designer Ken Okuyama, a director of Yanmar Holdings, offers a high level of quality accommodation with two wellappointed en-suites cabins, a lounge and kitchen with living spaces bathed in natural light. The vessel combines the thrill of a

Image: Wendy Davies

powerboat with the elegance of a cruiser and was made reality by the advanced FRP modelling technology of luxury Italian yacht builder Azimut Yachts. x47frgmt.com www.yanmar.com/global/about/x47

ALL AT SEA APRIL 2021

TRAVELLING IN STYLE Advanced Aerodynamic Vessels has delivered its third high speed power catamaran. Monaco One will connect Monaco Marina to the Ventimiglia new harbour in less than 15 minutes at 50 knots. It offers a reduction by half of the fuel consumption compared to conventional fast vessels. The French shipyard has also unveiled a new yachting version, with an opening top roof. The roof reveals a 500sqm rear open deck that can be arranged according to the owner’s wishes. www.aavessels.com Read more marina news on page 40.

Superfly X95 Debut

The Princess ‘Superfly’ X95 made her global boat show debut at March's Palm Beach International Boat Show. Antony Sheriff, executive chairman Princess Yachts, said: “The X95 breaks the mould of traditional yacht design. The unique open plan architecture provides 10 per cent more outdoor space and 40 per cent more

indoor space than a traditional motoryacht of similar exterior dimensions. “We are deeply grateful to the organisers of the show, who are taking the safety of the exhibitors and visitors seriously by providing a Covid-19 secure environment for the show to operate within.”

BOAT CLUB FLEET GROWS

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Challenge us to beat your insurance premium Premier Agapi Boat Club has introduced two new Agapi boats to keep up with the anticipated growth of membership from customers looking to experience the thrill of performance boating this season. The Club’s fleet already includes the award-winning Agapi 950, an Agapi 800, Ring 680 and a Ribeye 650. Last month the club took delivery of an additional Agapi 800 and an Agapi 950 powered by a single 425hp V8 outboard, Yamaha’s most powerful outboard to date. Built to a high specification, the four Agapi cabin RIBs also offer year-round boating and stay-aboard options, with below deck accommodation, an electric sea toilet and cooking facilities. With capacity for up to eight people they

make for a great friends and family boat. Based at Premier’s Swanwick Marina, the Premier Agapi Boat Club offers an established subscription membership model suited to both experienced and novice boaters. With a variety of membership and training options on offer, members can tailor a fee plan to reflect their boat choice, level of usage and service level requirements. Club members also have access to a selection of Premier’s Solent based marinas with options for overnight stays and the opportunity to use any of the growing number of Agapi Boat Club Centres in Europe. For further information on becoming a member: contact@premieragapiboatclub.co.uk / 01489 884076.

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BOATS ON THE MOVE IN EUROPE

Marine transport and logistics provider Peters & May is reporting a surge in enquiries from sailors seeking advice and assistance about bringing boats back to the UK in time to avoid tax levies following the country’s departure from the EU. Since 1 January, all boats moved between the EU and UK require customs declarations at the border and face paying import VAT, although for many, a 10 month window still exists in which to get boats home without facing this charge. The rules state that UK VAT paid yachts must return to the UK within three years of having left the UK or EU and not have changed ownership in the meanwhile to qualify for Returned Goods Relief on VAT. There is a final deadline in place of 31 December 2021 for yachts to return if they departed more than three years ago. Richard Howatt, Peters & May Marine sales manager, said: “We have been contacted for advice by many brokers, dealers and owners all looking for clarification about the regulations. Having

operated in this field for decades, we are well placed to help; both to transport boats home, despite current travel restrictions, and to handle all the complexities of customs paperwork for clients.” Brexit changes have also brought added difficulties for those hoping to enjoy long cruises in Europe. UK residents are now restricted to spending a maximum of 90 days in any 180 days within the Schengen area, meaning it is no longer possible to plan leisurely extended trips sailing in EU waters. As a result, vessel transportation has become an increasingly attractive alternative, enabling yacht owners to maximise cruising time by spending the full 90 days exploring their chosen location. Jesper Jensen, Peters & May sales manager for Germany and Scandinavia, explained: “We have been experiencing increasing demand for shipments from the Eastern Mediterranean in particular, to the UK and Northern Europe, including the Baltic Ports.” www.petersandmay.com

RED DIESEL DECISION MADE

HM Treasury has confirmed its decision to maintain recreational boaters’ entitlement to use red diesel beyond April 2022. The decision allows for easy refuelling in England, Wales and Scotland for safe sailing and will avoid the logistical and environmental difficulty for the fuel supply industry of changing from red to white diesel. As part of the Spring Budget announcement, the government stated that it is not changing the treatment of private pleasure craft in Great Britain where they will continue to be able to use red diesel and pay their fuel supplier the difference between the red diesel rate and the white diesel rate on the proportion they intend to use for propulsion. In Northern Ireland, however,

recreational boaters will no longer be able to use red diesel for propelling their craft. This is to ensure the UK meets its international obligations under the Northern Ireland Protocol of the Withdrawal Agreement. It will also align with fuel used by private pleasure craft in the Republic of Ireland, which the government believes will make it simpler for private pleasure craft users to access the fuel they need if they sail between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The change to white diesel is to be in force from 30 June. For the fuel suppliers and those who keep their boats in Northern Ireland, who may visit Great Britain, the extremely short time for transition will produce the same changeover problems previously

submitted to HMRC. There are no marine white diesel pumps in Northern Ireland, and demand is insufficient for commercial operators to make provision. The RYA’s director of external affairs, Howard Pridding said: “We are disappointed that the same allowances have not been granted for recreational boaters in Northern Ireland. We will work with our colleagues in RYA Northern Ireland and continue to maintain dialogue with government on the practical difficulties that it is going to present.” Julian Dussek, president of the CA has urged the Treasury to work with the Northern Ireland Assembly to produce financial incentives for the fuel industry to create a viable marine supply of white diesel in the province.

MARINE BREAKDOWN SERVICE

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ALL AT SEA APRIL 2021

SEEKING SOLUTIONS Ongoing lack of clarity from HMRC threatens a disastrous ripple effect across the pleasure boating sector and the marine industry, the RYA and British Marine have warned. Since well before the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement was ratified at the beginning of 2020, the RYA and British Marine have been working to establish what the future holds for recreational boaters and to clarify what measures the government intends to put in place for VAT, import duty, Returned Good Relief and Temporary Admission. RYA and BM have, over many months, endeavoured to engage with various HMRC policy teams to provide sector knowledge and experience to address the issues of concern and develop workable guidance. They have written to the Chief Executive of HMRC calling for a holistic approach and reconsideration of fundamental issues that are increasingly presenting an adverse impact for private pleasure boaters, the secondhand boat market and the UK marine industry as a whole. The letter seeks reconsideration of the one-year period of grace granted in October 2020 by HM Treasury in respect of the three-year condition for RGR, which fails to understand the many factors that affect the repatriation of vessels. RYA and BM believe an extension to three years is needed. Incorrect advice was provided by HMRC on VAT relief in April 2019 and again on 3 November 2020; this was only corrected on 17 December 2020.

This has resulted in boat owners having insufficient warning that they would be liable for VAT on import from 1 January 2021 if they had never owned their boats in the UK. The RYA and BM believe that it is unreasonable for the government to take its citizens and residents out of the EU and not let them repatriate their boats to the UK as part of the ‘withdrawal package’. This penalises UK citizens and residents unnecessarily due to the ‘one size fits all’ approach that has been taken to replicating EU returned goods relief in UK law and does not recognise the freedoms we had as EU citizens. Howard Pridding, RYA director of external affairs, said: “Up until 31 December 2020, UK nationals have used their boats in Europe, travelling around EU27 countries, exercising their right to freedom of movement and complying with Union goods and VAT requirements. Boat owners do not see their boats as goods that have been exported and imported. They are personal possessions that they have used as a means of transport to travel in a private capacity.” Lesley Robinson, CEO at British Marine, said: “The fact that UK citizens will not want to bring their vessels back to the UK to sell them due to the risk of having to pay VAT, thus creating a situation where all second-hand boats coming from the EU will be 20 per cent more expensive, will have a dramatic impact not only on boat sales in the UK, but more importantly on jobs.”

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Ferrying school books

NEWS SNAPS RestartSailing and Software Sailing Alliance are merging to form the RestartSailing Tech Group with the aim of supporting grassroots sailing and increasing participation. SSA chair, Jeremy Pocock said: “The Covid pandemic has highlighted the importance of technology supporting sailing clubs and events, and accelerated its adoption, so joining with RestartSailing was a natural progression, particularly as we share similar aims of helping grow grassroots sailing participation.”

FOLK TALES PODCAST

Boatfolk has launched a new podcast series, Folk Tales, featuring untold stories and interviews from across the UK boating community. The first episode starred Tim Long, who at just 15 became the youngest person ever to sail solo around Britain in 2020. Tim talks about his epic adventure, what motivates him and where he is setting his sights for the future. The weekly podcast is available to download or stream from the boatfolk website or across all mainstream podcast players. www.boatfolk.co.uk/ folk-tales-podcast

PLYMOUTH’S PARTY

A three-day music event, 1 Big Summer, is set to take place over 27 – 29 August on Plymouth Hoe. Councillor Pete Smith, deputy leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “It will be an amazing three days of live music and entertainment. We all need a party after the past year, and this is just the ticket!” Four tickets per person: £10 - £17.50 www.1bigsummer.com

All Images: @jasondecairestaylor/www.underwatersculpture.com

GRASSROOTS SAILING

Facing up to the future An underwater museum, featuring six 10 ton sculptures, has opened off the French coast after four years of development. The museum is Jason de Caires Taylor’s first installation in the Mediterranean Sea and features 6ft sculptures portraying a number of locals including an 80-year-old fisherman, an entrepreneur, a curator and schoolchildren. Each face is significantly upscaled and sectioned into two parts, the outer part resembling a mask. The theme of masks connects to the history of Île Sainte Marguerite, the island just off the coast of Cannes well known as the location where the Man with the Iron Mask was imprisoned. Cannes, through its famous annual film festival, is also well known for its relationship with the performing arts. With all his projects, Jason aims to draw attention to the sea as a fragile biosphere in urgent need of protection. The split mask is a metaphor for the ocean. One side of the mask depicts strength and resilience, the

other fragility and decay. From land, we see the surface, calm and serene, or powerful and majestic. This is the view of the mask of the sea. However below the surface is a fragile, finely-balanced ecosystem - one which has been continuously degraded and polluted over the years by human activity. Placed at a depth of between two and three metres in crystal-clear waters, these artworks rest on areas of white sand, in-between oscillating posidonia sea grass meadows in the protected southern part of Sainte-Marguerite. The location was previously an area of disused marine infrastructure; part of the project was removing marine debris such as old engines and pipelines to create space for the artworks, which have been designed using ph neutral materials to attract marine fauna and flora. The site has been cordoned off from boats, making it safe for snorkelers and divers and to prevent damage by anchors to the seagrass meadows.

As children in the UK waved goodbye to home schooling last month, hundreds of pupils in the Philippines are still getting their schoolwork delivered to them – by boat. Schools in the Philippines have been closed and children have been told to stay at home since early 2020, as the islands wait for vaccine rollouts. But unlike children in the UK, the lack of Internet provision has meant many pupils have not been able to access remote learning from home. For 200 pupils living on remote islets in the province of Cebu, their only access to the outside world is by sea – even their school, Sulangan Integrated School, is across the water on the neighbouring island of Bantayan.

So international maritime charity Sailors’ Society, which was running a school ferry boat service to the islets before lockdown, is now using the ferry boat to deliver books and schoolwork to the children two or three times a week, until they can return to school. Sara Baade, CEO of the charity, which has its headquarters in Southampton, said: “Lack of Internet access means the education gap is becoming even wider for children in the most deprived areas of the Philippines, so we urgently needed to offer something to support them. “These books are the only way these children have been able to continue any kind of education since their schools were closed nearly a year ago.” www.sailors-society.org

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ALL AT SEA APRIL 2021

Podium for British Duo

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Amy Seabright and James Taylor won bronze in the first ever mixed 470 World Championships, while Hannah Mills and Eilidh McIntyre narrowly missed out on a podium spot following an epic comeback in the women’s fleet. Amy and James notched up five top-five finishes on their way to securing their podium spot in the new 470 class format for the Paris 2024 Olympics. In the men’s fleet Team GB sailors Luke

Patience and Chris Grube came back from a tricky start to finish strongly with a string of top five finishes, claiming 13th overall. Teammates Martin Wrigley and Alex Hughes were 19th. The RS:X European Championships, also held in Vilamoura over the same dates, saw Britain’s Emma Wilson finish fifth overall, just three points off the podium, while in the men’s fleet Tom Squires came home 21st. Image: Uros Kekus Kleva

NEWS SNAPS CYLINDER SAFETY

Crewsaver has launched EXOLOK, a cylinder locking system that will be fitted to all Crewsaver lifejackets giving increased security for gas cylinders attached to lifejackets. It can also be retrofitted to Crewsaver lifejackets with UML or Halkey Roberts firing heads. The system removes any potential for a gas cylinder to work loose within a lifejacket. Find more kit news on page 23.

REGAL LADY MUSEUM

NO FOREIGN FANS Overseas spectators will not be permitted to attend the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020. In a statement it was announced that: “It is highly unlikely that entry into Japan will be guaranteed this summer for people from overseas. In order to give clarity to ticket holders living overseas and to enable them to adjust their travel plans at this stage, the parties on the Japanese side have come to the conclusion that they will not be able to enter into Japan at the time of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.” Accredited Games participants going to Japan this summer will be required to follow the Tokyo 2020 Playbooks for their stakeholder group. A second version will be released by the end of this month. Tokyo 2020 President Hashimoto Seiko said: “In many ways the Tokyo 2020 Games will be completely different to any previous Games. However, the

essence of the Games will remain unchanged, as athletes give their utmost and inspire the world with transcendent performances.” The domestic leg of the Olympic torch relay began on 25 March; the opening ceremony of the relay was held without spectators. Around 10,000 runners will carry the flame through Japan’s 47 prefectures before the opening of the Olympics on 23 July. DID YOU KNOW? It is a long time away, but preparations are already starting for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. Already the 2025 49er, 49erFX, and Nacra 17 World Championship are planning to be held on Olympic waters in Long Beach, California. The Long Beach Olympic Classes Organizing Committee was formed to run key Olympic Classes racing on the Olympic waters ahead of the Games itself and it looks like plans are well in hand.

OLYMPIC EVENT CANCELLED The Semaine Olympique Française, planned for April, has been cancelled. Coming a few months before the Tokyo Olympic Games, the event in Hyères was to be the key event for Olympic sailing. The Finn class had planned to award their European title there, the RS: X their World Champion title and the Laser the last four European quotas for the Olympic Games. Nicolas Hénard, President of the FFVoile (France’s sailing federation), said: “We studied all the ways we could guarantee an event that would respect health standards

and guarantee all the athletes attending watertight health and safety. We hoped that this event, focused on sailors engaged in an Olympic programme, would obtain the necessary agreements, especially after re-planning it over four weeks. But at this point, due to the ongoing health crisis, we cannot hold this event.” The focus of the organising committee is now on the 2022 edition, from 23 – 30 April. Image: Sarah Wilde It will be an international competition hosting the new Olympic disciplines for Paris 2024.

A 1930s-built Dunkirk Little Ship has been turned into a floating museum called the Regal Lady Dunkirk Experience. One of her previous skippers, Heath Sample, decided to buy and restore her. During the 1930s and up until the 1950s, she was one of the Yarmouth-Gorleston Steam Packet Company’s pleasure steamers. Originally called Oulton Belle, she went to Dunkirk three times and rescued more than 900 soldiers. Based in Scarborough Harbour, as well as Dunkirk artefacts, Regal Lady has a cinema room, bar and areas to sit inside and out. www.dunkirkexperience.com

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED The Canal & River Trust is looking for volunteers to give some of their time as lock keepers at Llangynidr on the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal, on the Kennet & Avon Canal in Bath and at the Caen Hill Flight. No experience is needed, just a spare day each week and a willingness to get involved. After an induction and training the roles start in April and run through to October.

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Image: Wendy Davies

KEEPING THE CUP 18

ALL AT SEA APRIL 2021

All Images: ACE | Studio Borlenghi

Image: RNLI/John McCallion

After a closely fought battle against Luna Rossa in the early races of the America’s Cup Match, the Defender – Emirates Team New Zealand – stepped up a gear and went on to dominant the closing stages to lift the Cup once again.

To win seven races sounds simple, but to be the team to lift the Auld Mug was never going to be easy, as the opening races of the America’s Cup Match proved when the Challenger, Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, took on the Defender, Emirates Team New Zealand. Day one of the 36th America’s Cup presented by PRADA did not disappoint, with the Defender and Challenger sitting on a tie after two races. Pretty even performances between the two boats once again confirmed that there was no space for mistakes. After 23 minutes of racing ETNZ took the first win by 31 seconds in a race that was defined by the first few seconds off the start. Then, after a poor start by New Zealand in race two, there was an even closer finish, just seven seconds. The Italians had put their first point on the board, and the scores were now even. Day two of racing was all about getting your nose in front and staying there. The day highlighted again just how evenly matched the teams were in light conditions. Although both boats were sailing at around 20 - 22 knots upwind in race three, the real difference between them was that Luna Rossa seemed to be able to tack more quickly and smoothy too, gaining with each manoeuvre. As they headed down the last leg Luna Rossa were more than 500m ahead, and 27 minutes and 55 seconds after starting race three there was another Italian point on the board as Luna Rossa crossed the line to take their second win of the series. However, ETNZ came back strong in race four, taking the win by 58 seconds and levelling up the scores again with two wins each. As if written in the script, day three of the America’s Cup was again all to play for with ETNZ and Luna Rossa finishing the day in a 3-3 tie. As in the previous races, starts were crucial and played a big part in shaping the final result where light breeze made staying up on foils the priority. Out on the water ahead of race five it was another spectacular scene as thousands of spectators lined the racecourse boundaries. But the one thing that had not turned up in abundance was the wind. In these conditions the expectation so far had been that this

would favour the Italians with the Kiwis less comfortable in the light airs. The Defenders did have a poor start, but they managed to chip away at the Italian’s lead, which was down to just 18 seconds by the time Luna Rossa crossed the finish to take their third win. For race 6, the second of the day, the breeze remained much the same, but the pressure on the Defenders had increased significantly. On the face of it, ETNZ’s Peter Burling had perfected his start, while Luna Rossa’s Jimmy Spithill appeared to have got it wrong. Yet there was another potential issue at play; the breeze was becoming patchier. By gate one ETNZ were 51 seconds ahead, a lead they simply extended - they won by 1 min 41 seconds. Tying the scores at 3-3, ETNZ’s Glenn Ashby summed up the battle for the 36th America’s Cup: “The regatta starts tomorrow.” However, the weather won the day on Waitemata Harbour on the fourth day of the Cup with the Race Committee forced to call off racing due to the lack of wind. It was all change on day five of racing, which was the most heart stopping yet. For the first time both races saw lead changes. Unsteady and light winds played a big role in the change of fortunes, as being on the foils meant the difference between leading and losing. After four days of deadlock and races decided five minutes after the start, ETNZ won races seven and eight and put two points on the scoreboard, taking a two win lead over Luna Rossa. Just one-and-a-half minutes into race seven and the Italians had a 150m lead, sailing high and climbing on to the Kiwi track. They forced ETNZ to tack off on to starboard. But the left was paying and the Kiwis benefitted, plus they were going quickly. Within another minute they had halved the distance between them and the Italians down to 70m. The Kiwis went on to take the lead, eventually crossing the finishing line 58 seconds ahead of Luna Rossa. The pressure was now on Luna Rossa, but until that point neither team in the 36th America’s Cup team had

been able to win two races in a row. In race eight Luna Rossa were using a larger jib than ETNZ, but would this pay off in the lighter breeze? The Italians started well and passed through gate one 16 seconds ahead. As the Italians passed through gate two they were almost a leg ahead, and while the next pass that came was close, the boats were on different legs, the Italians almost 2km ahead. By the time the Kiwis rounded the bottom gate they were 4:08 ahead. But then at gate three there were problems for the Italians. The breeze had dropped further and their last tack onto the layline dropped them off their foils. They managed to creep around the right-hand mark and slide out to the right-hand side of the course. But there was no breeze and the Italians failed to get back up on to their foils. Meanwhile, ETNZ were flying and hauling back lost distance. Now the tables were turning, the Kiwis flying, the Italians stuck in the water and heading to the boundary as the Kiwis overtook their opponents. There was penalty after penalty for the Italians as they sailed through the boundary, not that it made much difference. Getting back on to the foils was key. While the Italians did get back onto their foils, they were now over 2km behind with just over a leg to go. And from there nothing changed as ETNZ won the second race of the day giving the Defenders five wins to Luna Rossa’s three. ETNZ had come back from being down by four minutes to winning by four minutes. An ETNZ statement described the race as “one of the most astonishing races in recent America’s Cup history”. For Jimmy Spithill, on Luna Rossa, it was a tough result: “We were out in front, but it was never in the bag - we came to the top of the course, it went light, we fell off the foils and were stuck for some time.” ETNZ then moved to within one win of retaining the Auld Mug after day six. The first race of the day was without any doubt the tightest match raced so far, with the teams fighting neck-to-neck until the Defender took the lead on the penultimate leg and sailed to a 6:3 score. Race 10 was due to follow, but a last minute wind shift forced the Race Committee to call off the match giving both teams another day to prepare for might be the final day of racing, unless Luna Rossa could achieve an amazing comeback. And so it was on, lucky for some, day seven that the America’s Cup was won when ETNZ took the title for New Zealand for the fourth time, in front of thousands of spectators. Tension on the day was increased when, as the start time drew closer there was little sign of the breeze, forcing a postponement. But then, as the clock counted down the breeze started to build and after a 30 minute delay Race 10 was underway. In the end ETNZ were again the dominant team in the race, which they won by 46 seconds to take their fifth race in a row. After 10 races and a score line of 7:3 the America’s Cup was New Zealand’s once again. Winning skipper, Peter Burling, said: “It just means the world to us as a team. We have been learning all week, and today we really showed what this boat can do, and so to win on home waters is something our entire team is incredibly proud of.” For now the other teams will take time to reflect on where it all went wrong, but then thoughts will start to turn to the 37th America’s Cup. Where, when and who…

Image: Riviera Studio

A flotilla of 90 Riviera luxury motor yachts and more than 600 Riviera family members and their guests made a spectacular sight as they cruised through Auckland Harbour in support of Emirates Team New Zealand. The impressive armada of Riviera owners was one of the largest ever assembled in the 41-year history of Australia’s largest luxury motor yacht builder. Image: Wendy Davies

ALL AT SEA APRIL 2021

(R-L) Aaron Young, Commodore of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Club, Bertie Bicket, Chairman of Royal Yacht Squadron Racing and Sir Ben Ainslie, Team Prinicipal of INEOS TEAM UK on board IMAGINE

UK UP FOR THE CHALLENGE With the America’s Cup Match still fresh in our minds, INEOS TEAM UK and Royal Yacht Squadron Racing have confirmed that the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, on behalf of the Defender Emirates Team New Zealand, accepted their Notice of Challenge for the 37th America’s Cup and have become the Challenger of Record for AC37. The Challenge letter was actually signed on board the yacht IMAGINE, by Bertie Bicket, chairman of Royal Yacht Squadron Racing,

and accepted by Aaron Young, commodore of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Club, as ETNZ crossed the finish line to win the America’s Cup. Bertie Bicket said: “We are delighted to be embarking on our third successive America’s Cup challenge with Sir Ben Ainslie and INEOS, as the Challenging Yacht Club for the 37th America’s Cup.” It will be the first time a British team has competed in three consecutive Cup cycles

since Sir Thomas Lipton and the Royal Ulster YC bids between 1899 to 1930, and the first British Challenger of Record to compete in an America’s Cup since the 12m Sovereign back in 1964. INEOS have also confirmed they will continue to back Sir Ben Ainslie’s team. INEOS TEAM UK skipper and team principal Sir Ben Ainslie said: “INEOS TEAM UK are committed to working alongside ETNZ and our respective yacht clubs to continue

the development of this historic event. The introduction of the AC75 class of yacht has proven to be a transformative moment in the history of the America’s Cup and will be the bedrock of a really bright future.” Aaron Young, RNZYS commodore, said “It is great to once again have the RYSR involved, given they were the first yacht club that presented this trophy over 170 years ago, which really started the legacy of the America’s Cup.”

A Protocol Governing AC37 will be published within eight months including: • It has been agreed the AC75 Class shall remain the class of yacht for the next two America’s Cup cycles, and agreement to this is a condition of entry; • The teams will be restricted to building only one new AC75 for the next event; • A single Event Authority will be appointed to be responsible for the conduct of all racing and the management of commercial activities relating to AC37; • The Defender and the Challenger of Record will be investigating and agreeing a meaningful package of campaign cost reduction measures including measures to attract a higher number of Challengers and to assist with the establishment of new teams; • A new Crew Nationality Rule will require 100 per cent of the race crew for each competitor to either be a passport holder of the country of the team’s yacht club as at 19 March 2021 or to have been physically present in that country (or, acting on behalf of such yacht club in Auckland, the venue of the AC36 Events) for two of the previous three years prior to 18 March 2021. As an exception to this requirement, there will be a discretionary provision allowing a quota of nonnationals on the race crew for competitors from 'Emerging Nations'; • There are a number of different options, but it is intended that the Venue for the Match will be determined within six months and the dates of racing announced in the Protocol, if not before. As ETNZ CEO Grant Dalton said: “The 37th America’s Cup effectively starts the moment the team crossed the finish line. The New Zealand Herald reported that a one-off defence next year against just INEOS TEAM UK in the Solent is being considered. This would replicate the first America’s Cup battle in 1851, but it will be interesting to see how well that idea would be received by other potential teams…

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ALL AT SEA APRIL 2021

Former Consultant Editor of All At Sea ‘crosses the bar’ Bob Satchwell has died from pneumonia and Covid-19 age 72. He had a life-long passion for sailing and an illustrious career in the media.

Image: RNLI/John McCallion Bob and First Mate Bull with Greek bar owner Yanni.

Bob with the All At Sea team on the Canal Du Midi in 2011.

ob Satchwell was Consultant Editor of All At Sea for 15 years and a director and owner of All At Sea Publications Ltd since 2012. He was delighted to be able to combine his love for boating with his passion for news. He enjoyed working with young, enthusiastic journalists during his time of leadership and thrived on passing on his knowledge and experience. Albeit the newspaper is a free publication, Bob always believed that editorial excellence should be at the heart of its success. Bob sailed most weekends with family and friends and formed the Girton Vineyard Yacht Club, based in his home village just outside Cambridge.

Satchwell’s newspaper and media career

Bob was co-founder of the Society of Editors in 1999. He started as a reporter on the Lancashire Evening Post, went on to become assistant editor for the News of the World and then edited the Cambridge Evening News from 1984 to 1998. Ian Murray, who took over from Bob as executive director of the SoE, paid tribute to a “true giant of the industry”. “I know I speak for the board and membership of the Society when I say we have lost one of the media’s greatest champions. The principles of a free press ran through his veins. “Bob was one of life’s great communicators and this gift made him superbly able to fight his many battles on behalf of the press. From Leveson to the creation of IPSO, from threats to Freedom of Information, to the countless other attempts to stifle free speech, Bob was always there in the fight. We all owe him a huge debt of gratitude.” The Society of Editors has members in national, regional and local newspapers, magazines, broadcasting and digital media, media law and journalism education. It campaigns for media freedom, the wider right to freedom of expression, freedom of information and the public’s right to know and for the maintenance of high media standards. He was a member of the Editors’ Code Committee, which produces the newspaper and magazine industry’s Code of Practice that is policed by the Press Complaints Commission. He was chairman of the judges for the British Press Awards and a former board member of the

Matthew and Andrew, only found out after five or so races that St Catherine’s Point was the second mark of the course not the first. Bob’s cruising weekends were great fun, with a leisurely sail from the Port Solent base into Cowes on Friday night and then going west for Saturday night to Yarmouth, Lymington or Poole. At the end of each sailing year an end of season dinner was held in The Old Crown. Misdemeanours on board were reviewed at a Court Martial conducted by Bob after dinner. One such notorious crime, that can be recorded here, was committed by a crew member who turned up for a weekend aboard with silk pyjamas. There were many hilarious offences committed over each sailing season, and they all reflected Bob and his crew’s love of fun and enjoyment. In January 2017, just before Bob became ill with a bleed on the brain, he purchased a Beneteau 351, Wild Thyme. Bob chartered a number of yachts in Greece, first with family and then with the Girton Vineyard Yacht Club members. Some of these charters were not without drama of course, which he recorded and embellished in the pages of All at Sea. Bob died of pneumonia and Covid-19 on 2 March. Girton Vineyard Yacht Club lives on with a number of its members continuing to holiday together in Greece each year.

“The annual Round the Island Race became the high point of Bob’s sailing year, when much fun was had, usually in the middle of the ﬂeet.” National Council for the Training of Journalists. Bob was Journalist of the Year in the British Press Awards in 1977 and Crime Reporter of the Year the same year. He went to Fleet Street as assistant editor of the News of the World before returning to regional newspapers as editor of the Cambridge Evening News in 1984. Bob was included in the Press Gazette Regional Newspapers 40 years Hall of Fame in 2006. He was awarded the Journalists’ Charity Chairman’s Award in the National Press Awards for 2012 and was awarded an International Writer’s Award by the International Council of Jurists and Writers in 2014. During his tenure, the Cambridge Evening News was one of the most successful regional newspapers in Britain. It was Press Gazette Newspaper of the Year in its category for 1993 and Daily Newspaper of the Year in the BT Awards for the London and Homes Counties North region for 1994. It also won Newspaper Society prizes for best circulation increases in 1993, 1995, and 1996.

Bob’s sailing journey

Bob started sailing in France when he was on holiday with some school friends. They rented a house which had a Mirror Dinghy. He went on to crew for his brother, Chris, on 36ft yachts and Chris’s small cabin cruiser. The enthusiastic brothers then bought several bigger yachts together as their families grew, including a Foxcub, Newbridge Venturer and a Moody 28. In the early 90s, after Chris took on the role of Sailing School Principal with Sunsail, Bob purchased a Beneteau 305. This was an ex-Sunsail charter boat called Viane of Cowes. Viane’s first sailings were with his family in the Solent, and then crossings to France. Bob’s beloved wife Michele, who died suddenly in 2015, was first mate and his four children, Matthew, Andrew, Anna and Ellie, were his faithful crew. Bob set up a sailing group called the Girton Vineyard Yacht Club. Its members were friends from his home village of Girton near Cambridge. The clubhouse was the bar in The Old Crown pub or any pub, restaurant, hotel or yacht club the crew visited in the Solent area. The annual Round the Island Race became the high point of Bob’s sailing year, when much fun was had, usually in the middle of the fleet. Bob’s two stepsons,

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Image: Wendy Davies

ALL AT SEA APRIL 2021

POWER TALK

Simon Everett is the man in the know when it comes to what is being launched and the latest technologies emerging in marine engines. Get the inside scoop right here…

Green solutions on show It is unrelenting, the march of ecopower systems throughout our lives, and boating has not escaped, even if it is following in the wake of the gadget and automotive industries. This is partly because propelling a boat through the denser fluid of water requires rather more power than to push a box-on-wheels through the air.

Great strides are being made, though, and solar panel generation is helping to provide greater range to the ever expanding options. Hybrid motors seem to be the most favoured for extended range or heavier boats, while lighter day boats can be happily provided for with pure electric now. This June there will be the opportunity to discover a whole range of options at The Green Tech Boat Show taking place at MDL

Marina’s Queen Anne’s Battery in Plymouth. Chris Fower, sales and marketing director, Fischer Panda UK, said: “We are hearing firsthand that boat owners want to explore more sustainable options and adopt greener solutions on board. We are, therefore, really looking forward to showcasing our solutions alongside other green technologies and innovations at The Green Tech Boat Show.”

A whole lot of power While the electrical boffins are hard at work, their internal combustion cousins are striving equally diligently, imagining and bringing to fruition new engines that are ever more sophisticated.

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Back in December 2020 I made mention of the decision by Volvo-Penta to cease production of the Seven Marine behemoth, leaving the gate open in the market for someone to fill the void required by boats that need hyperpower sized outboards. Step forward Mercury to claim the crown of boasting the world’s most powerful outboard motor, and it must be the most superlative too, being the world’s first V12 outboard motor. If Top Trumps did outboards, this would be the card to have: 12 cylinders, four camshafts, 48 valves, 600 horsepower, rotating two-speed gearbox with advanced hydrodynamics and nose cone water intake. The new Mercury is a monster, despite not quite making as many horsepower as the V8 Seven. It is a factory production unit rather than a custom build, which the Seven marine engine was.

The new Mercury V12 incorporates some radical features that are aimed at ensuring super smooth, vibration free power delivery for ultimate refinement. The V12 retains the same 60-degree angle between the banks as the well proven V6 and V8 models. Four cams and 48 valves provide refinement like never before, and in a radical move the powerhead remains fixed in position, providing more rigid mountings. Only the slim gearbox swivels, providing 45 degrees of steering with no external rams, as everything is contained within the housings.

“These engines give boat designers the freedom to create even larger centre console sports boats or to use one outboard where previously two would be required for the same horsepower.” Conventional outboards are restricted to about 30 degrees of steering angle, so the new outboard offers greater manoeuvrability, especially with the joystick control and the grip enhancing counter rotating dual propellers. To harness all that power and torque required a new approach to transfer the power to the water. The innovative two-speed gearbox incorporating a hydraulic, wet clutch provides buttery smooth, automatic gear changes that are virtually imperceptible. For multiple installations the engine management software ensures all the gearboxes are perfectly synchronised and changes occur simultaneously. Whilst the new V12 is the most powerful outboard in production, it is not designed to be the fastest, but it is better suited to larger craft with a performance envelope up to about 80mph. In such boats the use of outboard power makes an awful lot of sense; to achieve similar speed with inboards would require about 30 per cent of the internal volume to be taken up by machinery. The employment of powerful outboards frees up useful internal space, and the result is quieter running with the engine noise astern and outboard. So, these engines give boat designers the freedom to create even larger centre console sports boats or to use one outboard where previously two would be required for the same horsepower. I am sure Greta will approve, the Scandinavians love their high performance toys! Expect to hear the howl sometime this summer. Personally, I cannot wait.

SHORE STYLE

ALL AT SEA APRIL 2021

SALT COASTAL JACKET

Helly Hansen has been working with teams in The Ocean Race for decades. Drawing on inspiration from the first all-Norwegian team’s kit – the Berge Viking crew – the new Salt Coastal Jacket launches this summer. In 1981, the Whitbread Round the World Race, now The Ocean Race, welcomed its first all-Norwegian crew aboard the Berge Viking boat. For their official gear, the team turned to Helly Hansen. The new Salt Coastal Jacket features the classic flag stripe design used in the team’s official apparel 40 years ago. The jacket is waterproof and breathable, and features double cuffs, six-pockets, a hi-vis packable hood, SOLAS-approved reflectives and a high protective collar. £260 www.hellyhansen.com

Developed from the popular Navigator jacket, the stylish unisex Kenton Jacket is a breathable, waterproof full-length zip-up jacket made from a two-layer soft handle fabric. With fully taped seams, a durable water repellent finish and thermal insulation in the sleeves and torso, it is non-absorbent, quick-drying and warm. Added extras include a rollaway hood with two-way volume adjustment, adjustable cuffs for wet weather protection, an inner storm guard and an internal security pocket. XS – XXL / Steel Grey or Ocean £165 www.gillmarine.com

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WUZZOS, launched in December 2019, design, manufacture and sell premium boat shoes and can even personalise deck shoes. The hot foil emboss can be overlaid in silver or gold, or left natural to provide a dark, slightly burnished finish. Add, say, your boat name, sail number or initials for £15; even a logo can be added. The Corinthian Pro Shoe, designed for performance, comfort and grip on deck, is available from WUZZOS. Made with Wave-Shock technology, the shoe is made with premium salt, stain and water-resistant leather, as well as ventilated mesh for increased breathability. Colours: Navy, Dark Brown, Grey £120 www.wuzzos.com

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ALL AT SEA APRIL 2021

KIT BAG

NEW BLOCK RANGE

Seldén Mast has a new range of light weight and durable soft attachment blocks, which many sailors are now opting for with a view to reducing weight and increasing breaking load. The blocks also offer greater articulation than a conventional shackle or strap block. Ideal for upgrading and refining dinghy cascade systems, kickers and mainsheet and jib control systems, the soft attachment block is available this spring in three sizes for both single and double sheave variants, with varying Safe Working Loads and line sizes. From £12.22 www.seldenmast.com/dealer-list

NAUTICAL NUTRITION

THE FISHBONE

Sustainable mooring solution specialist, SEAFLOATECH has added the FISHBONE, a collective mooring platform that can be installed in open sea and/or windy zones. The Fishbone modules are fixed to the seabed with the SEAFLOATECH POD®, a seabed-to-surface anchoring device. The pod allows boats to be moored without being individually anchored, by absorbing the effects of the wind, swell, currents, surges and tides, flooding and rising water levels subject to surface installations. The pod has been awarded the Solar Impulse Efficient Solution label, rewarding profitable and sustainable solutions which protect the environment. www.seafloatech.com

New nutrition brand Tribal Sports Nutrition has launched two vegan and organic energy smoothies for a great boost on race day, or for just practicing your gybe. The smoothies, which come in pouches, utilise the energising and revitalising properties of baobab fruit to create a natural fuel. They are also packed with nutrients to help boost performance. The smoothies are good for the planet too; the baobab is wild harvested by cooperatives in Africa, bringing income to people and helping to preserve local ecology. Tribal Sports Nutrition Energy Smoothies are available in several varieties including Morella Cherry & Baobab and Pineapple & Baobab. Available from: Sainsbury’s, health stores, Amazon and www.tribalsportsnutrition.com £14.99/box of six

POSEIDON 7

From Oceanic Systems comes the Poseidon 7, a monitoring and control system designed for smaller vessels. Ideal for 25 60ft craft, the NMEA2000® certified Poseidon 7 monitors and controls any systems including tank levels, engines, AC and DC power and digital switching and bilge and fire detection systems. It can be uniquely configured by the user to create a multipage data and control display using the simple drag and drop editor. The high resolution, sunlight readable, touchscreen display is also compatible with Ethernet Programmable Logic Controllers. www.osukl.com/Poseidon7

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ALL AT SEA APRIL 2021

PHOTO OF THE MONTH

Send in your photos and you could be in a future issue of All At Sea. Send your entries, with a caption, to editor@allatsea.co.uk. A wild sea at Teignmouth sent in by Paul Hruza.

PHO OF T TO MON HE TH

Thanks to Alexandra and Kitt Athay for sending in this photo.

On holiday on the Norfolk Broads in a Hunter class yacht. Thanks to Carol Ashman for this photo. This photo of Folkboat racing at Lymington was sent in by Anne O’Brien.

Here is a photo of a couple who have been sailing together for 15 years. They are often spotted around the Solent and the IOW. The dog’s called Bob! Sent in by Elaine Sinclair. A suitable visitor to Osborne House beach. Thanks to Rod Chadwick.

A glorious day spent in Worbarrow Bay sent in by Paul Dancy.

ALL AT SEA APRIL 2021 A regular visitor to Weymouth sailing academy, this was sent in by Kathryn Hinsliff-Smith

Viewing a stunning burnt orange sunset at low water from Chichester Marina. Sent in by Carolyn Clarke. “A motorbike ride found us at this beautiful piece of water at Topsham, Devon.” Thanks to Laura McGhin. Grzegorz Gregula sent in this lovely English Channel shot.

A peaceful sunrise at Cobbs Quay. Thanks to Adrian Chatterley.

Jason Holtom sent in this photo taken during a Tamar river cruise

Stodig, as featured previously in AAS, is an unsinkable converted lifeboat, shown here berthed at Newhaven. She went on to the Arctic Circle to raise funds for the healthcare charity Health Hope Action. Stodig is actually Norwegian for steadfast. Thanks to Jill Hazel.

On course for success

ALL AT SEA APRIL 2021

Online benefits

Online learning, with continued restrictions in place, allows students to progress their learning and careers without the need to travel. The lessons are recorded, you can message or just ask the instructor any questions and get instant feedback. You can also email the instructor after the course with any follow-up questions, plus there are less distractions when you are studying online.

In the future

UKSA will continue to deliver online training alongside classroom training, even after the restrictions are lifted. We have invested in three purpose built broadcast suites to deliver this training, and we are always looking at ways to increase not only the quantity of our training but also its quality. uksa.org

Image: Paul Wyeth

UKSA’s MCA training manager, Gregor McGowan, explains the development of the charity’s online training since the start of the pandemic… UKSA, a non-profit organisation which believes in harnessing the power of the sea to make a positive difference, delivers training both on-site and online. Our senior lectures have been delivering bespoke preparation courses for students studying for their MCA certificate of competency oral exams for many years using online platforms such as Skype and Zoom. When the pandemic first started, I decided to see if I could develop other courses which could be run online due to the closure of our site. UKSA had been delivering RYA training for navigation courses such as Day Skipper theory in this way, but we did not have approval to run any online training

for MCA courses. I spoke to an auditor at the MCA and arranged a pilot course for our GSK module, which the MCA observed. After that course was approved, the MCA allowed UKSA to complete online training in a variety of other modules. The RYA interactive website also delivers training online for courses, such as using a radio as well as elementary navigation, and we recommend that our students undertake this training as part of a long term training plan.

with the instructor, using Zoom. In many ways it is the same as in-class teaching; you can ask/interrupt your instructor at any time. Or, if you have a question and you do not want to ask it in front of peers, you can send it as a private message to your instructor.

Course format

Most online courses use pre-recorded presentations and exercises. However, UKSA delivers the online training in a ‘live’ format,

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ALL AT SEA APRIL 2021

THE GREEN BLUE

Winning Green Clubs The clubs taking part in The Green Blue’s University Sailing Sustainability Challenge have achieved positive changes despite a challenging year. Kate Fortnam, The Green Blue Campaign Manager

Actions, small and large, are making a difference. Image: Birmingham University

Now in its fifth year, the returning clubs move through a three-tier award system: Bronze, Silver and then eventually to Gold. Each tier has a different set of actions for the club to achieve, which range from raising awareness of The Green Blue’s key campaign issues, eliminating single use plastics from training and events, to undertaking an environmental assessment of the club’s sailing venue.

Helping hand

The Silver Award was given to Bournemouth University, University of East Anglia and the University of Plymouth. Finally, the clubs to successfully complete the Gold Award of the Challenge were the University of Bath Sailing Club and the University of Portsmouth. All those clubs were entered into a cash prize draw, sponsored by eco-friendly clothing brand OceanR. University of Plymouth Sailing Club won £250 in the Bronze category, £350 for the Silver category was won by Bournemouth University Sailing Club and University of Bath Sailing Club won £450 in the Gold category.

The students were helped with the free guides and documents available on The Green Blue’s website, including the Inland Club Environmental Checklist and the How to Write an Environmental Policy Guide. The resources are available to all sailing clubs with an interest in becoming more sustainable. Although the pandemic may have meant that the students were unable to meet up and hold he clubs have risen to the task of events in the same way, they were still able to raise lowering waste and increasing awareness via their social media networks. The sustainability at their local clubs Green Blue’s website has a range of infographics, despite pandemic setbacks, says The which all clubs and training centres can download Green Blue. for free and add to club newsletters or social The annual challenge, which is sponsored media sites. by OceanR, encourages members of university The university sailing clubs which achieved the sailing clubs to become more environmentally Bronze Award this year are Aberystwyth University, aware and recognises the positive actions that University of Birmingham, Durham University, the clubs have implemented to lower their Exeter University, University of Liverpool and BHG Marine 1-4 (LYH):Layout 1 21/10/20 16:57 environmental impact. Swansea University.

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University sailing clubs may be leading the way with sustainability, but their actions are easily transferable to other local clubs and training centres. Issues such as waste management, energy and catering are universal factors that could be affecting your club’s sustainability. If you are a student who would like to nominate your university to take part in next year’s challenge or a member of a club interested in learning how you can make activities at your club more sustainable, visit the ‘Get Involved’ pages on The Green Blue website or follow The Green Blue on Facebook, Twitter @TheGreenBlue and Instagram: @the_green_blue #GreenBlueUniChallenge. www.thegreenblue.org.uk

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ALL AT SEA MAY 2021

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

A Fairey long history Fairey boats may no longer be built, but the name remains hugely popular, and so we decided to delve into the story of this iconic boat builder, which goes back more than 100 years and begins, perhaps surprisingly, not on the water but in the sky. FAIREY PLANES

The big step change came in 1915 when the site was allocated to a new aircraft company created by Richard Fairey. Fairey, who was only 27 at the outbreak of the war, had already proved himself a clever and innovative engineer and one with a strong interest in flight. Driven by the demands of wartime, the Fairey company developed a range of planes and, though they also became a supplier to the Royal Flying Corp/ RAF, they were best known for their Naval aircraft. The rapid growth and development in aviation would slow, then come to almost a complete stop in the post-war

Beautiful to look at and bullet proof in construction – the Fairey Finn. Image: D. Henshall

here is a very good adage that says when something looks right, the chances are it will work right. Most people will have their own examples of this. From the Spitfire to the E-Type Jaguar or the 5o5 dinghy to the QE2, we all recognise that magical fusion of design and functionality. For those who love their boats, and in particular, their powerboats, there is one craft that, despite being some 50-yearsold, still clearly falls into this select, elite group that will always turn heads. The boat, of course, is the wonderful Fairey Swordfish, a curvaceous 33ft long masterpiece from the drawing board of designer Alan Burnard. These boats would come to represent the epitome of that unique building method that is so associated with not just the Fairey name, but with their long term presence in a large factory on the point of the northernmost shore that guards the entrance to the Hamble River. Yet the presence of the Fairey factory has its roots more than 100 years ago, as a new form of transport was just beginning to spread its wings.

The Navy was keen to get to grips with aviation with the Royal Naval Air Service being formed just before the outbreak of war in 1914, at which point it had more aircraft, not to mention more type of aircraft than the Royal Flying Corps! The area around the Solent quickly became a hotbed of Naval flying, and when war broke out the boatyard at Hamble Point was requisitioned by the Ministry of Defence.

years, with the 1920s being very lean years for the UK flying industry. Hamble was not immune to the effects of the downturn. At Hamble Point, Fairey hung on and at times clung on, with their travails being recounted in a barely disguised form in some of the books of novelist Nevil Shute, who had formed a long friendship through the shared interests in planes and boats. As the UK slowly emerged from the Great Depression, life down at Hamble Point would also pick up pace. Although it was easy for the site to do work on seaplanes, which could be launched from their large slipway, Hamble Point suffered from not being co-located with an airfield. Instead, the aircraft were placed on a ‘Queen Mary’ low loader trailer and transported a mile up the road to Hamble aerodrome, though with the narrow and twisting lanes that fed the village this produced some interesting and at times comical situations.

CHANGING In the end the nationsTIMES of northern Europe would Once thetopace ofthe work quickened up with come together defeat Barbary Pirate menace, the of war fleet andshelled rearmament, andnew whenthreat an Anglo-Dutch Algiers planes were towed onbe their thousands of often slaves would finally released. undercarriage behind a tractor, but the Image: Everett Collection/Shutterstock

reality for aircraft work at Hamble Point was changing fast. The days of wood and canvas had gone, to be replaced by aluminium, but in a strange twist of fate it was planes built in wood that would determine the Fairey future at Hamble. The technique of cold moulding was certainly not new in aircraft construction, with French aircraft being built of laid up and glued veneers back at the end of WW1, but with the global shortages caused by the 1939-45 conflict, moulded construction, often using early forms of plywood, became a necessity. However, this would push the current glue technology past acceptable limits, given that a plane could be operating in the frozen regions of the northern latitudes or the humid heat of the jungle. The scourge of moulded structures is delamination, not wanted at 400mph and 20,000 feet up! The answer was to build huge cylindrical steam ovens and ‘pressure cook’ the structure, resulting in the term ‘holt moulded’ as distinct from the existing ‘cold moulded’. At Hamble, a number of these ‘autoclaves’, together with the supporting boilers, were constructed making what had been a traditional boatyard look ever more like an industrial plant, but the writing for wooden construction was already on the wall for all to see.

LEFT: Instantly recognisable, a Fairey Classic with strong connections to Hamble - the Fairey Swordfish. Image: A. White

Today Fairey powerboats are rightly considered a true classic. Image: David Henshall

FLYING START

The first generation of aeroplanes at the start of the 20th century was made of wood and canvas, so it was little surprise when areas rich in boatbuilding expertise would be involved in the manufacture of the first aircraft. On the area known as ‘Hamble Point’ the Luke family, who had moved down to the South coast from Limehouse on the Thames, operated their boatbuilding business, and in 1910 became involved in the Hamble Hydrobiplane or HL1. Sadly, this plane was not a success, but the Solent would soon be full of the sounds of other aircraft. In 1913, Winston Churchill, in his capacity as First Lord of the Admiralty, came to the Solent and took his first ever flight, which even included him spending some time at the controls.

All images: Andrew Wiseman

ALL AT SEA APRIL 2021

NEW APPLICATION

With the advent of the jet engine, there would not be a peacetime requirement for wooden aircraft parts, even those that had been hot moulded. Luckily for the factory at Hamble, both Sir Richard Fairey (knighted in 1942) and Fairey MD Charles Chichester-Smith were very keen sailors, who realised that the investment in the autoclaves could indeed have a peacetime application. Chichester-Smith knew top helmsman Charles Currey from their pre-war days in the International 14 fleet and, knowing that he was about to be ‘demobbed’ from his role in charge of a high speed Motor Gunboat, signed him up for the new venture, Fairey Marine, which would be based out of Hamble. The tooling was constructed for a mould of a 12ft dinghy to an Uffa Fox design, on to which the hulls were laid up and cooked in the autoclave. The laying up process itself used a number of strips of very thin Agba wood (veneers), which were then stapled to the mould and each other. To ensure that the glue was evenly applied the veneers were manually put through what can best be described as a large washing mangle, where the rollers were wetted with the glue. This was normally a task given to the apprentices, few of whom bothered with protective gloves. In the surrounding villages, it was very easy to spot an apprentice from Fairey as the glue stained their hands yellow, though it did not seem to cause any long term harm. The result, though, was a hull that was light, incredibly strong and long lasting and without the web of internal ribs that were such a part of the dinghies of the day.

In effect the autoclaves were just giant sized pressure cookers, with steam heat and pressure curing the glue used in the moulding process. Image: G. Currey

FIREFLY BORN

The new boat was christened the Fairey Firefly, a nod to the parentage of the company as the name Firefly had already been used several times for successful Fairey aircraft. The first sail of the prototype, with Charles Currey and Uffa Fox on board, could have been a disaster as the mast came down (today’s Health and Safety would not have been impressed as neither man was wearing a lifejacket, but both were in weighty duffel coats and wellington boots!). Hard on the heels of the Firefly came another boat that bore the name of a famous Fairey aircraft, the 15ft Swordfish, another design by Uffa Fox. However, there would be those who complained that all he had done was to scale the 12ft hull up to 15ft. Much is made of the story of how the Firefly was used in the 1948 Olympic regatta at Torquay, but until quite late on in the proceedings that had not been the plan. Instead, it was the bigger Swordfish that was supposed to be on duty for that event, only for the lack of a single hander see the Firefly pressed into service. The Swordfish was then dropped, to be replaced by the American Star keelboat. For Fairey, the Olympics meant a confirmed order for 24 boats that were then shipped to Torquay on a Tank Landing Craft. However, this was a one way only trip. Past the Games, the boats were sold ‘from the beach’ as cash strapped Torquay tried to recover some of their outlay. The Firefly was a huge success, not least because it came equipped with a metal mast (at least the lower section was metal) and together with the Swordfish they would help drive the expansion in domestic dinghy sailing.

EXPORT BOOST

The big boost to the Hamble factory would come from their success in feeding the export market, firstly with the Olympic Finn singlehander, then with

Before the land was reclaimed in front of the factory (by just dumping in all the now redundant aircraft at the end of WW2) the Fairey site at Hamble Point. Image: Fairey Marine

the 5o5. Fairey were already building one candidate for the International Trials that would be held to choose a new performance dinghy with the Uffa Fox Jollyboat, but just across the river at Warsash the prototype of a far superior boat, the 505, was being constructed in Jack Chippendale’s boatyard. After cold moulding the first few hulls Jack found the whole process labour intensive and passed the project across the river to Fairey, where it would join the Flying Dutchman and International 14. By now the Fairey line of boats was looking more like a dynasty, ranging from the diminutive Duckling to the highly successful Albacore, with motorboat enthusiasts being catered for with a high speed ‘ski boat’ and a dumpy 16ft motor-launch. There is, however, another very good old adage that suggests that the potential profits from boatbuilding increase in direct proportion with the size of the boat built. As well as huge growth in the dinghy scene cruising, together with what was becoming known as the ‘atomic family’, was an equally buoyant area that Fairey would tap into with their 26ft long, turtle decked, lifting keel Atalanta (named after Sir Richard Fairey’s wife), which could justifiably stake a claim as being the first practical trailer sailer. From the Atalanta came the Fulmar and Titania. Beauty, especially in boats, will always be in the eye of the beholder, but the Atalanta was a huge success which then led on to a stretched 31ft version. With some justification Fairey marketing material could claim that this was the ‘biggest range from Europe’s largest boat builder’. Next month we will continue the fascinating story of Fairey from the 1950s and 1960s to the iconic brand’s eventual demise.

“Luckily for the factory at Hamble, both Sir Richard Fairey and Fairey MD Charles Chichester-Smith were very keen sailors, who realised that the investment in the autoclaves could indeed have a peacetime application.” Where it all began - The Luke Brothers boat yard on Hamble Point. Image: I. Underdown

ALL AT SEA APRIL 2021

HELP TO STOP THE SPREAD How well do you know your invasive species? and oxygen to native species in the water. In the spring months the weed can grow up to 10cm a day. WAKAME SEAWEED: It can be identified by its green-brown leaves and its frilly base. The seaweed is a prolific grower and excludes native algal species and alters the local food chain. It can grow up to nine feet and can create a thick canopy.

he spread of non-native invasive species is becoming a major issue in both the marine and inland waters around the UK. This is because the invasive species compete with our native plants and wildlife, introduce diseases and cause major changes to entire ecosystems. They can also disrupt boating by restricting navigation, blocking inlets and outlets and increasing the biofouling of boats and marine structures. Invasive species can unintentionally become transported to a new habitat by becoming attached to boats, caught

in watersport’s equipment or even by latching on to clothes. The best way to protect your local area of water is to follow the ‘Check, Clean, Dry’ approach to removing invasive species. Check for any plant or animal material on your boat, equipment and clothing. Clean your boat, equipment and clothing that has come into contact with the water thoroughly with tap water. Pay particular attention to crevices where species can be hidden. Dry your craft, any piece of equipment or clothing thoroughly. Many species can survive in damp conditions for weeks.

Here are some of the prolific aquatic invasive plants and animals to look out for when spending time by the coast. WIRE WEED: Originally from Japan, it grows on hard substrata in shallow waters and can also live in estuarine conditions. Wire weed has a rapid growth rate and easily out competes the native seaweed species. Its dense stature means that it blocks out light

CARPET SEA SQUIRT: The Carpet Sea Squirt is a marine filter feeder and smothers local marine life. As an individual, it is incredibly small, however individuals live in large colonies creating the appearance of one large structure. Once established they can spread fast on the seabed. It is brownish in colour and can become a serious threat to biodiversity. PACIFIC OYSTER: They are more irregularly shaped than the flat native oysters, and the edges of the shell have wavy, large frills. The inside of the shell is white to off-white with purple streaks. Establishment of Pacific Oysters can significantly alter diversity, community structure and ecosystems. CHINESE MITTEN CRAB: These crabs often begin life in lower estuaries and marine habitats and then move upstream to riverbanks and streams.

They can range from green, to brown to grey in colour and their front white tipped pincers are covered in dense fine white hairs. Due to their burrowing activity in riverbanks, they can cause heavy bank erosion and flooding.

“Invasive species can unintentionally become transported to a new habitat by becoming attached to boats, caught in watersport’s equipment or even by latching on to clothes.” The Green Blue is dedicating 24 – 30 May to Invasive Species Week. The aim is to raise awareness of non-native invasive species, to help water users feel confident in identifying any invasive species that they encounter and to share preventative measures and tips. Can’t wait ‘til then? Check out The Green Blue website: www. thegreenblue.org.uk where you will find a range of information on how you can improve the biosecurity of your sailing club or centre as well as guidance and advice for how all recreational boaters can do our bit to prevent the spread of invasive species. Read more from The Green Blue on page 27. Inset images: NonNativeSpeciesSecretariat

ALL AT SEA APRIL 2021

The journey of Oban RNLI’s newest volunteer crew members through a pandemic.

Andy Lockwood (left) Gillies Pagan (right). Image: RNLI/Leonie Mead

BEATING COVID CHALLENGES

oining the RNLI as a lifeboat crew member is one of the most exciting and fulfilling volunteer roles around. Being on board one of Scotland’s busiest lifeboats is no small commitment, but in the midst of a global pandemic, like everyone else, the RNLI’s new recruits faced extraordinary challenges. The assistance of Oban lifeboat is often in high demand. 2019 saw their volunteer crew launch 83 times, which is an average seven call-outs a month. Each launch requires a crew of six including a duty coxswain and mechanic. During 2019 the lifeboat spent 164 hours at sea during call outs, which equates to nearly 1,000 hours or 41 days of voluntary time. The end of that year saw Oban lifeboat with a team of 22 sea going volunteers, along with a full time coxswain and mechanic. But, they still had a couple of spaces to fill. Ally Cerexhe, their full time coxswain, said: “We are a busy station and having enough volunteers is essential to ensure we always have a crew ready and able to launch. Sometimes we can be out on a shout all day, only to return home and launch again a few hours later. It is important that we can share the workload as all of our crew have jobs and other commitments outside of the RNLI.”

Trainees chosen

Through an open recruitment evening two new trainees were selected, and by January 2020 Andy Lockwood and Gillies Pagan had signed up to their new volunteer roles; ones that would see them selflessly drop everything at any time to go to the aid of others. Imagine being woken at 3am by the high pitched sound of a pager, as a squall of driving rain and wind batters your bedroom window. You leave your

snug bed, throw on some clothes, leave your loved ones behind and head out to sea on the lifeboat, in complete darkness. The stormy sea experience equates to that of being in a washing machine, but you are in for a long night; a fishing boat requires assistance and it is 20 miles away. You will probably get home as the day begins, go to work on a few hours’ sleep and, quite possibly, do it all over again in a few hours. Andy, whose day job sees him skippering boats and offering powerboat instruction, said: “I wanted to join as I felt I had something to offer from a sailing and maritime background. Having always known the RNLI was there if I needed them, it felt right to offer something in return.“ Gillies, owner of local business Fiuran Property, explained: “It felt like a good way to give something back to the community. I did not have a huge amount of maritime experience, but I love the water and I am pretty active so I thought I could maybe be of use. “At the recruitment evening I met some of the team and had a look around the lifeboat. It was then that I decided it was something I really wanted to be a part of, and luckily I got invited back for an interview.”

Highly trained

No experience is necessary to volunteer for the RNLI. In fact, only one in 10 crew members join with a maritime background. The training the RNLI provides is world class and it ensures volunteers have all the lifesaving skills they need. Weekly exercises are undertaken at every lifeboat station year round, regardless of crew experience, so the learning never stops. Therefore, not only do crew members give up their time to respond to their pager, but they also dedicate a huge amount of time to training too.

As a trainee, the journey begins with a development plan that covers all aspects of the volunteer role; from getting to know the lifeboat and the equipment she carries, to learning rope work and man overboard skills. It is only when the entire plan has been successfully assessed that they become a fullyfledged lifeboat crew member.

Pandemic hit

But with 2020 came extraordinary challenges. Lifeboats remained on service and volunteer crews continued to risk their lives for others as the global pandemic unfolded. Along with extra PPE, additional safety measures were introduced to keep them safe and social contact was restricted. Stations were closed for all but essential reasons, training was put on hold and fundraising and social events cancelled. Andy recalled: “We were both signed up by January 2020, but no sooner had our paperwork come back from the RNLI’s HQ allowing us to train that everything started to grind to a halt.” Gillies said: “I remember feeling relieved to get my pager. Covid was having an impact on everything by that time and we were really lucky to get allocated at all. “Ally and Tom (full time mechanic) worked hard to organise training on the lifeboat when it was permitted. So we did have some time afloat before the pandemic took hold, and we completed a large portion of our training in a short space of time. The RNLI also has a good online learning resource and lockdown has been a good opportunity to learn the theory side of things too.” At a time when our day-to-day lives offered so much uncertainly, not only were Andy and Gillies fitting in training around their own commitments, but they also joined the rest of the volunteer crew.

Remembering their first shouts, Andy said: “I had only had my pager a few days! It was fairly late in the evening and I remember for a brief moment thinking ‘where is that racket coming from’ before I realised and headed to the station. It was a boat taking on water, so there was some trepidation as well as excitement for me.” Gillies said: “It was a Sunday evening. I had not long finished dinner and I remember it feeling very surreal. I responded and we launched to assist an injured walker.”

Covid challenges

As restrictions prevailed, RNLI volunteers were among millions forced to adapt in ways they could never have imagined. Lifeboat stations traditionally offer a home away from home for their volunteers; a place to debrief and reflect after a shout and somewhere for the wider station family to gather. This was difficult for everyone, but for trainees it posed additional challenges. Gillies explained: “Having grown up in Oban, I was fortunate that I knew a few of the crew already, but I have not been able to get to know everyone and it is especially strange knowing that I could

Continuing journeys

In under a year, Andy and Gillies responded to 32 and 21 shouts respectively and their initial training is close to completion. Oban Lifeboat’s operations manager Billy Forteith said: “The commitment shown by all our volunteers both ashore and afloat, throughout this pandemic, has been outstanding. The restrictions are hard on everyone but they are necessary to keep everyone safe. Andy and Gillies have shown dedication despite challenges they have faced, and it clearly illustrates the level of commitment required to be a lifeboat crew member.” Reflecting on their journey so far, Andy said: “It has been amazing working with a close knit team in often challenging situations. The support from the crew has been second to none, and I am looking forward to completing my initial training and moving on to expand my role and knowledge.” Gillies said: “There are many highly experienced volunteers on the crew so it is great to be learning from them. The RNLI is such a well-respected organisation and as their lifeboat crews are predominantly volunteers, there is

“In a way, maybe I am fortunate not knowing what life as a lifeboat crew member was like ‘pre-Covid’. I cannot compare my experience to anything, but I am definitely looking forward to a time when restrictions ease and I can go for a beer with the crew!” be on a serious lifesaving mission with any of them at a moment’s notice. “Covid has undoubtedly made the whole journey harder but, like anything else, you have just got to get on with it. In a way, maybe I am fortunate not knowing what life as a lifeboat crew member was like ‘pre-Covid’. “I cannot compare my experience to anything, but I am definitely looking forward to a time when restrictions ease and I can go for a beer with the crew!”

no undue pressure. It has been quite different to how I had imagined it would be, but that is almost entirely due to Covid, which has changed everything for everyone.”

Interested in finding out more about becoming a RNLI volunteer? You can find out more here: shorturl.at/hBETY

ALL AT SEA APRIL 2021

HOT TOPIC

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

CHARTERING FOR THE FIRST TIME

Talk it through

Whether you are a group of friends or a family, work out in advance what everyone wants from the experience. An element of compromise will always be essential and, if it is a family holiday, consider which items are negotiable with the younger members – democracy can have a cost! This choice will, in part, depend on your level of experience and what you wish to do. Skippered charter: Similar to hiring a ski guide, skippered charters can be your golden ticket to some of the best and off-the-beaten-track areas. Options range from booking a cabin on board and mixing in with others, similar to a room in a ski chalet, to booking a luxury yacht with a skipper/crew, relieving you of all sailing and even catering responsibilities. Get involved or just sit back and relax. Flotilla sailing: Sailing as part of a group with other yachts all heading to the same destinations, supervised by a lead boat, has appeal for experienced sailors as much as people wanting to try something new. Flotilla holidays have moved on from ‘follow-the-leader’ type of sailing and ‘organised’ socials, allowing much greater freedom to do your own thing. The opportunity to mix with other families and make new friends can be important with, say, teenage children. The technical support and area familiarisation provided by the lead boat can be very handy in peak season, especially when trying to find berths and restaurants. Originally something that started in the Mediterranean, there are now some UK flotilla breaks.

‘Bareboat’ charters: Similar to hiring a campervan, you are provided with a fully equipped boat to use as your own and sail where you please, normally within a pre-defined sailing area and proof of sailing ability. Alternatively, you can create your own ‘mini-flotilla’ with a group of friends with a couple of bareboat charters. There is nothing better than the freedom of sailing on your ‘own’ yacht during the day and then meeting up with friends in the evening.

Image: Jean Marie Liot / Dufour Yachts

Thinking of a holiday this year - one to get you away from the crowds? Hiring a yacht, known as a charter, could be just the answer. If it is not something you have done before, as with any holiday, getting the balance right and keeping your whole group happy is important.

Image: Jean Marie Liot / Dufour Yachts

Chris arwic , principal at Universal achting, on ma ing your first charter home or abroad a success.

Sailing Area

Whilst chartering is popular in the Mediterranean or Caribbean, do not forget the UK offers great sailing options, especially in these current times. You can take a quick weekend break or spend a week exploring the coastline, enjoying everything it has to offer, all on your doorstep.

ravel, ights and transfers

Overseas travel can eat time out of your hard-earned holiday, as well as adding hassle or cost if flights are not part of the package. A holiday you can reach by car may be preferable.

Every sailing area will suit different groups, so decide whether you prefer: ■ Complete independence; ■ Avoiding the hustle and bustle of harbours and towns; ■ Eating on board in a remote bay vs lively harbourside restaurants; ■ Short or long day sailing; ■ Days off sailing to explore some of the local sights.

eather considerations

Whilst no one can predict the weather, especially these days, every charter company will highlight which are low and high wind destinations. No wind can be as frustrating as too much, so always work around the person with the least sailing experience. An experienced yachty will shrug off no wind and still have a good day, yet someone new to sailing could get put off by high winds. Be prepared to adapt, after all you would not expect a new skier to do a black run!

ime of year

he right yacht

Budget will play its part, as will experience and the number of people in your group, with your choice of boat. Most yachts will normally sleep eight people, although some newer yachts above 45ft may boast additional cabins with capacity for 10 - 12 people. Be wary of cramming more in to get the price per person down. Do not let the reality spoil your holiday and consider: ■ who sleeps where? ■ will your 6ft teenager fit into the single bunk bed? ■ who gets the master cabin if you are splitting costs equally? Whilst you plan to spend most time outside, space can be important, especially off-season or where there are no weather guarantees. As a general rule, if a boat sleeps eight then six on board will be comfortable.

Although older yachts are often cheaper, it does not have to mean that they are tired and worn out. However, build age into your expectations, especially if chartering privately online. Do not rely on ‘brochure shots’, and if booking with a larger charter company by phone, remember they may never have seen the actual yacht. For most people the sailing is the easy part. However, anchoring a large yacht in an open bay is different to trying to manoeuvre in a crowded marina or harbour. Whilst it is tempting to go for the biggest yacht you can find, be realistic about your abilities. Why put yourself under unnecessary pressure?

he right company

You may prefer smaller, family run companies with a more personal service, or a wider choice offered by larger companies. Either way, be clear about booking conditions and cancellation terms, especially in current times.

Sailing out of season has great appeal, often being quieter and lower cost. There is a risk the weather may be less reliable, so assess whether you are prepared to tolerate some cloud, rain or even storms.

rior experience

Getting some refresher training before your trip may make a big difference to your break, especially if you are a little rusty or taking inexperienced sailors with you. If you are a completely new to chartering, book a day with a skipper locally to see if everyone is going to enjoy your holiday idea before you commit to booking. Always check with your charter company what sailing qualifications and certificates are required before you go. Most countries in Europe, for example, require you to have the International Certificate of Competence as a minimum. www.universalyachting.com

“ hilst chartering is popular in the Mediterranean or Caribbean, do not forget the UK o ers great sailing options, especially in these current times.”

Storing your boat indoors will help protect it from the elements

ALL AT SEA APRIL 2021

SAIL AWAY

on your dream holiday this year with the latest news and oﬀers

Dinghy Cruising Trails Dinghy sailors can be inspired to explore the British Isles with the Dinghy Cruising Trails’ initiative, launched at the virtual RYA Dinghy Show. The initial six trails are at Ullswater, Largs, Rutland Water, Milford Haven, Brownsea Island and Hickling Broad, with more to come. All are under six miles and each trail has been selected because launching is free or available at nominal charge. “We know this is the summer of the staycation, and this is a fantastic low-cost way of using your dinghy with family and friends whilst exploring our beautiful coastline and inland waters. Dinghies are not just about racing, it is about discovering the great outdoors,” said RYA programmes manager Michelle Gent. Each trail comes with its own map and instructions including distance, safety, sailing times and launch sites. They are also packed with details of navigation or anchorage, wildlife spotting, picnic spots and more. rya.org.uk/programmes/Pages/Dinghy-Cruising-Trails.aspx

Caribbean adventure

Enjoy a rare piece of yachting history with a Caribbean charter on the award-winning Thandeka, a 37m Camper & Nicholsons yacht. Thandeka’s accommodation, for up to eight guests, includes a full-beam master suite with a private lounging area and en-suite, as well as a double cabin and two twin cabins. Guests will also be able to enjoy the yacht’s interior update, including the fitting of new entertainment systems. The crew of six includes a chef who is renowned for his culinary prowess and imaginative creations. In between dining, guests can enjoy a selection of watertoys including a jetski, kayaks, paddleboards and diving equipment. The yacht’s guests can access all manner of remote bays and coves, allowing you to get the most out of a charter by getting up close to both sea life and nature ashore, as well as docking in the numerous vibrant port towns around the Caribbean. For this supremely luxurious getaway – £73,000 a week! y.co/yacht/thandeka

Marvellous Martinque

For travellers looking to soak up a charming mix of French flair and laid-back Caribbean vibes, Sunsail has added Martinique to its holiday destinations. Nicknamed the ‘culinary capital of the Caribbean’, Martinique is a cultural melting pot that blends cosmopolitan appeal with local island charm. Located in the heart of the Lesser Antilles’ Windward Islands, the volcanicformed island is a mountainous region that is part of the French Republic. With an average year-round temperature of 24 - 30˚C and consistent trade winds blowing in from the northeast, sailors enjoy a tropical climate and ideal cruising conditions. Anchorages and stopovers are easy to navigate with line-ofsight cruising and plenty of mooring buoys available. Prices for a one-week Martinique charter start from £646 per person (based on four people) departing on 17 May 2021, on board a Sunsail 41.1 premier yacht. An optional skipper can be hired for £180 per day. Flights can be booked through Sunsail from £600 per person from London Heathrow via Paris. Kate Staniforth, UK senior marketing manager for Sunsail, said: “From hiking through exotic rainforests to bathing in natural hot springs, strolling along striking blacksand beaches to feasting on authentic French and Creole cuisine, this one-of-a-kind destination is worthy of every traveller’s bucket list. “We are making sure our customers experience their Sunsail adventure in a safe environment, and have made sure that we are able to adhere to all social distancing guidelines and have implemented stringent new health and safety procedures across all of our bases to protect our guests and staff.” 0330 332 1182 / www.sunsail.co.uk

Ultimate UK staycation P&O Cruises is offering short break and week-long UK cruises as ‘the ultimate escape’ staycation this summer. P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow said: “Whilst holidays here in the UK will be the first to become a reality, we will, of course, gradually see the return of international travel, but first we want guests to be able to enjoy a proper summer holiday at sea with the best in relaxation, entertainment and dining choice. These sailings will leave from our home port in Southampton and sail around UK coastal waters enjoying the summer sunshine. “We will do our utmost to make it a very special time. There really will be something for everyone and the opportunity to spend precious and much-longed for time with family and friends. P&O Cruises says sailings on cruise liners Britannia and Iona in the Ultimate Escape UK holidays will be for UK resident, Covid-19 vaccinated guests only. Proof of vaccination – including the second dose - and the dates given will be required for boarding. Relevant travel insurance must also be obtained. Paul continued: “In order to offer these UK breaks it does mean that, unfortunately, we need to cancel some of our published programme of holidays this summer. Cruises on

Arcadia, Aurora, Azura and Ventura have been cancelled until the end of August, and on Britannia and Iona until the end of September. “We remain in very close contact with the UK government and associated bodies as we monitor the situation and guidance on travel. From the moment we see travel restrictions lifting we will begin the significant logistical task of re-starting our operations. It will take some time for the first ship to return to service, followed by the phased return of the remaining fleet. We cannot wait to welcome everyone back on board with the protection of effective protocols to safeguard the health and wellbeing of all crew and guests. “I really am so sorry for the disappointment these cancellations will cause, but hope that the new UK cruises will enable everyone to enjoy a wonderful holiday this summer.” All guests whose cruises have been cancelled will automatically receive a Future Cruise Credit worth 125 per cent of what they paid. This 125 per cent Future Cruise Credit can be redeemed against any new booking made by the end of December 2021. Alternatively, a 100 per cent refund is available through www.pocruises. com and may be requested until December 2021.

Holiday travel restrictions up-date In England, the stay at home rule finished on 29 March, although holidays within the UK will not be allowed until 12 April at the earliest subject to four tests being met including the vaccine rollout going smoothly and no surge in Covidrelated hospital admissions. People are then allowed to stay away from home with other members of their

household, or bubble, in self-contained accommodation. The earliest date people from England will be able to travel abroad for a holiday is 17 May. Hotels and B&Bs are also set to open for holidaymakers in England on 17 May at the earliest. Note that different rules apply for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and so check local rules before booking any holiday.

Bahamas’ silent island

Silent Resorts, partner with SILENTYACHTS, the Austrian company that produces solar electric catamarans, has secured a SILENT55 as its maiden promotional yacht and chosen the Bahamas for the location of its first resort. Construction will begin this year and will include 16 four-bedroom waterfront villas and eight custom solar powered catamarans from SILENT-YACHTS, along with a beachside clubhouse, resort-style pool, restaurant, bar, fitness room, games room and a spa. Silent Resorts’ mission is to make island villa and luxury yacht ownership more affordable and create a sustainable, self-sufficient,

private and secure luxury land and sea experience. All Silent Resorts members/ owners will have access to their villas and four-cabin suite yachts for five weeks or more per year, with the possibility to share their no-cost stays with friends and family. www.silent-resorts.com

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

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

ALL AT SEA APRIL 2021

GETTING HITCHED Top tips from the RYA for trouble free towing, launch and recovery. Slipway preparation

Preparation is key to successful launching

On arrival check out the slipway to ensure that your car will be able to handle the slope. Bear in mind that rear wheel drive cars can struggle on slippery ramps, while front wheel drives suffer from wheel spin if the weight of the trailer is excessive. If you have been on a long trip, it is worth bearing in mind that immersing hot wheel bearings may create a vacuum as the bearings rapidly cool. This draws in water and washes out the grease from the bearings. If this is the case, allow time for them to cool. Before you launch the boat, ensure that you have removed the light board, loaded your boat up with the relevant supplies and, most importantly, inserted the bungs. You would be amazed how often people forget! At this point, you are ready to go.

5,4,3,2,1… launch

The rear of the boat needs to float so that it can be reversed or pushed off the trailer. Car wheels are best kept well away from seawater. Reverse down the slipway, then push the boat off the trailer or hop into the boat and reverse it away. If the gradient of the slipway is shallow and prevents you launching with the trailer attached to the car, use a rope or metal extension bar to enable the trailer to be reversed further into the water. This can be achieved by the following method:

hen you buy a sportsboat or a RIB, your main concern is likely to be whether you can actually drive the thing without crashing into pontoons and other boats, navigate without getting lost and deal with any mechanical issues that arise. What many of us overlook is that, unless you are fortunate enough to own a waterside property, or pay for a regular mooring, you are probably going to have to know a bit about towing too. Not only do you have to tow your boat safely to a destination, but you also then have to back it down a slipway, generally with an audience eagerly awaiting catastrophe. But fear not, the RYA has a few handy pointers to help you tow safely, securely and confidently.

Legalities

Before you do anything, you will need to know whether you are legally allowed to tow. Requirements differ depending on when you passed your driving test. If you passed prior to 1 January 1997, you will be entitled to drive any vehicle/trailer combination up to 8.25 tonnes. After 1997 you can tow a trailer up to 750kg on a vehicle up to 3.5 tonnes. In addition to this, you can tow a trailer over 750kg provided the weight of the trailer and load does not exceed the unladen weight of the towing vehicle. Whenever you passed your test, you are going to need at least third-party insurance cover for your trailer while towing.

Size matters

If you are towing an oversize or overweight trailer, you are breaking the law. A trailer drawn by an ordinary car must not exceed 7m in length, excluding the hitching device. The combined length of vehicle and tow must not exceed 18m on vehicles built before 1 June 1998 and 18.75m on vehicles built after that date. In addition to this, a trailer must not exceed 2.3m in width. In terms of the boat itself, you will need to fit special markers if it projects

more than 305mm from one or both sides of the towing vehicle. There are also restrictions on weight. If you tow a small trailer without brakes, the weight of the trailer is limited to 50 per cent of the kerb weight of the car, or 750kg, whichever is less. When towing larger trailers with brakes fitted, the weight of the trailer should not exceed 85 per cent of the kerb weight of the towing vehicle as a rule of thumb.

Before leaving

Bear in mind that trailers often sit idle for ages and are then immersed in salt water before sitting idle again. It is a recipe for rust, and wheel bearings are always vulnerable. Keep track of when the trailer was last serviced and leave nothing to chance. Check the ball hitch mechanism is working correctly, and once you have hooked up the light board confirm that it is working correctly. Remember to attach the safety lanyard and also raise the jockey wheel. Make sure everything is lashed down safely and, if there is an outboard on the back, make sure you have tilted it up and the propeller is covered. Once on the road, remember that the speed limit is 60mph if you are towing.

It is important to check the local tide tables before launching and recovery

■ At the top of the slipway, lower the jockey wheel and put the handbrake on ■ Chock the trailer wheels ■ Connect a long line between the trailer and the tow hook using bowlines ■ Disconnect the trailer ■ Drive the car forwards to take up the slack in the line. Remove the handbrake and the chocks and slowly reverse down the slipway while an assistant keeps the trailer in line ■ To avoid the boat sliding off the trailer when backing down the slipway, ensure the winch strap remains attached to the boat along with an additional safety chain or line between the boat and trailer

Boat recovery

There are a number of different options here, but it always helps to have two people. In some cases, it may be best to stop the boat at the slip, back the trailer into the water and manoeuvre it on by hand. Otherwise you may have to drive the boat on to the trailer. This is particularly useful when you are dealing with a steep slipway.

Driving on to a trailer

This calls for a bit of finesse and precision. You will need to ensure that the trailer is submerged so that there is enough depth to get your boat on to it, and then trim your engine up to the point where the prop will not ground. Drive on to the trailer, ensuring you have just enough speed for steerage. When the boat is on the trailer, either attach the winch strap to the forward D-ring or lash a line from the boat to the trailer. From here you can generally get it properly lined up on the trailer with a bit of fiddling about, and usually you can use the trailer winch to get the boat fully pulled up and you are on your way. So there you have it; stress free towing, launch and recovery. With a little care and thought, you can ensure that the main excitement when you go boating is out on the water!

“Much like towing, launching can also be stressful if you do not know what you are doing.” Want to know more?

The two-day RYA Powerboat Level 2 course is a perfect introduction to the skills and background knowledge needed to drive a powerboat safely and with confidence, including launching and recovery. For more information about the course and to find an RYA recognised training centre near you, visit www.rya. org.uk/training. For more boating advice, visit the RYA website www.rya.org.uk.

Preparing to launch

You have managed to get your boat to the water, now you need to get it in and out. Much like towing, it is fair to say that launching can also be pretty stressful if you do not know what you are doing. Many of us will have witnessed some fairly unorthodox methods - the classic being unhitching the boat from the car followed by the boat rolling uncontrollably down slipway. This kind of thing really should be avoided at all costs, so here are a few useful tips to ensure that both launch and recovery are hitch free.

Planning ahead

Careful preparation is the key in this situation. If you are not confident with reversing a trailer, then perhaps consider practicing in your driveway or somewhere secluded before heading to the slipway. Ensure your tow vehicle will cope. Check the local tide tables in advance to ensure you have enough water for launching and recovery. Also look at the conditions on the water; will they make launching more difficult?

Make sure you are aware of the towing regulations

The RYA covers all forms of boating, including dinghy and yacht racing, motor and sail ruising, I s and s orts boats, windsurfing, inland cruising and narrowboats and personal watercraft.

To advertise here please call 07740 118928 35

ALL AT SEA APRIL 2021

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ALL AT SEA APRIL 2021

WELLNESS LIVING

We take a closer look at the way design studio Nuvolari Lenard envisages the future of ‘wellness living’ in yacht design. Carlo Nuvolari, co-founding a tne and hief na al en inee at the inte nationally awarded Venice-based u ola i ena d, sha es his thou hts on why onside in a dee e , mo e holisti a oa h to wellness offe s a ette , mo e ontem o a y solution for our living spaces, whethe in su e ya hts o lu u y land ased homes.

o e than a ea h lu

Of course, the growing popularity of the waterside beach club cannot be ignored. These spaces have evolved from small vestibules, linking the swimming platform to the interior with the odd comfy chair thrown in, into fully functioning relaxation and wellness spaces in their own right, with foldout balconies opening directly on to the water. On the largest yachts, tender stowage is now often relocated to the bow area, either directly on to the foredeck or in gull-winged hangars beneath. This frees up substantial desirable real estate, allowing guests to feel closer to the water once again. But the overwhelming majority of these beach clubs are still used for a singular purpose, for working out or spa and wellness treatments, or as a holding space while enjoying a morning with the yacht’s watertoys. You would likely only spend time in them if you are taking part in the relatively narrow number of activities for which the space has been created, rather than choosing to accompany someone who is having a treatment or workout.

s designers, it is our responsibility to create spaces that best serve those who spend time in them. Architecture mirrors the way we live and it has done for centuries, if not millennia. We can look to the layouts of dwellings from the past for a snapshot of how people lived their daily lives. And it follows that how we choose to live today does not stagnate but continues to evolve alongside emerging social trends and technologies.

o in with the times

Never before have we been more aware of the importance of mental wellbeing, health and staying active as a way to enjoy a better, longer life. Beyond the obvious physical benefits, they allow us to think more sharply, feel less stressed and enjoy the mood enhancing boost of endorphins. So why are we not reflecting this trend by evolving our designs and layouts for yachts and homes to reflect owners’ increasing allocation of time to wellbeing and health? Compared to the relatively innovative commercial building sector, the architecture of yachts – and, to a lesser extent, land-based homes – is generally very conservative. Traditionally, yacht and home layouts have allocated significant prized real estate to formal lounging and dining areas, many of which are lavishly decorated, seldom used and are

All Images: Nuvolari Lenard

“The reality is that most people do not want to be alone to take part in what may be their favourite activities, and there is another pathway that we, as designers, are able to offer home or yacht owners and their guests; something that is convivial, modern and in line with day-to-day living.” not related to the way we live today. Conversely, active lifestyle and wellness related spaces – such as gyms, spas, saunas, beauty salons and cinemas – are banished to less desirable, isolated locations that receive relatively little natural light and separate those using them from friends and family. There is a degree of anxiety that we experience when the flow and layout of a dwelling is not comfortable or suited to our lifestyle. By compartmentalising our

daily life into a series of small, separate rooms requiring us to travel between spaces and away from our companions, we are led to feel out of kilter. The reality is that most people do not want to be alone to take part in what may be their favourite activities, and there is another pathway that we, as designers, are able to offer home or yacht owners and their guests; something that is convivial, modern and in line with dayto-day living.

A new space to ome to ethe

The way Nuvolari Lenard envisages the future of ‘wellness living’ in yacht design, it will reflect the values and preferences of a new wave of yacht owners, who no longer believe that for a space to be luxurious and beautiful, it needs to be formal. These clients do not mind breaking a sweat on the treadmill or enjoying a dip in the swimming pool while their nearby friends and family watch a movie, chat in a nearby lounging space or enjoy a mid-morning snack in a casual dining area. In fact, that is what they would prefer. Imagine an informal, integrated lounge, seamlessly connecting to the outside space through large sliding doors to create the indoor-outdoor ambiance that we have seen growing in popularity of late. Gone is the stuffy seating with oversized coffee tables while the

awkward, unused formal dining area has also been banished. Instead we find an open, light-filled space where you will want to spend time together, whether sitting or lounging, cycling on a spin bike, bathing in a swimming pool, eating at an informal table or watching a movie. Exercise equipment no longer needs to be an eyesore, and can be assimilated into the design scheme using bespoke, high-end materials and without heavy, dark plastic dominating a space. This lounge should promote wellness of mind as well as body, with top entertainment systems and a library space for reflection and conversation. It would also offer a space in which to hold casual business meetings, whether remote or in person. Perhaps it is located on the lower deck, directly opening on to the water through fold-down balconies, or it could sit comfortably on the main deck, with the popular large swimming pool on the aft deck just a few steps away. Ultimately, as designers we need to provide our clients with new spaces that offer good company in a comfortable setting, so they can spend time doing whatever it is that they love to do. A modern home, whether floating or on land, should reinforce ‘wellness living’ and whatever that means to a particular client. It is our responsibility to look forward and offer these new pathways to a better life, rather than looking back and doing what has always been done before. www.nuvolari-lenard.com

ALL AT SEA APRIL 2021

Every year at least 24 million tons of plastic end up in the oceans

DRIVING CHANGE o oast s hris eeder looks at the ne t ste s we need to take to rote t oastlines and waterways

he marine environment is facing unprecedented change as a result of direct human activity such as pollution and over-fishing, as well as climate change. Marine pollution is a global challenge, which needs to be addressed from multiple angles, both behavioural and technological, and from prevention to restoration. Based on current projections these challenges, if not met, will have major implications for global biodiversity, infrastructure, human health and wellbeing, and the productivity of the marine economy. It is vital that we are proactive in taking advantage of new technology opportunities to drive change.

he u ent state

Globally at least 24 million tons of plastic end up in the oceans every year, and make up 80 per cent of all marine debris from surface waters to deep-sea sediments. Marine species ingest or are entangled by plastic debris, which causes severe injuries and deaths. Plastic pollution also threatens food safety and quality, human health, coastal tourism and contributes to climate change. However, plastic is not the only issue. Many pesticides and nutrients used in agriculture end up in coastal waters, resulting in oxygen depletion that kills marine plants and shellfish. Factories and industrial plants discharge sewage and other runoff into the oceans. Furthermore oil spills pollute the oceans,

Technology is continually being developed to combat marine pollution

though water-sewage treatment plants discharge twice as much oil each year as tanker spills. Invasive species have entered harbour waters and waterways and disrupted the ecological balance. We also need to consider silt, sediment, pollutants and other debris that enter the waterways and oceans through construction, development and everyday living. As a restoration measure, marine booms were developed to aid debris and pollution control at vulnerable sites where a constant risk exists. These include industrial areas, nature reserves, harbours or marinas, pumping stations, water treatment works and dam spillways, to mention a few. Ecocoast has focused on creating fully flush faced debris booms because the design ensures they are self-clearing when installed at a suitable angle to the current flow. Easy debris collection, or deflecting debris away from sluices or intakes to stop them from getting blocked, makes them more effective in the battle to reduce the impact of pollution on the marine environment.

hat is ne t

The future sea will be busier, with new technology opening it up for greater exploration and exploitation. Its resources will be more in demand from a growing global population. Ocean warming of 1.2 – 3.2°C, depending on emissions, is projected by the year 2100. Evidence shows that this will cause a decline in cold-water fish

species, coral bleaching and is likely to lead to new species in unfamiliar waters. Plastic in the ocean is also projected to treble between 2015 and 2025. Chemical pollution is another ongoing issue, as pollutants can persist in the oceans for decades after their use is restricted by legislation. The list of chemicals deemed to be persistent organic pollutants continues to grow. The shores will continue to develop 2 too. In the last 30 years, 12,741m has been added to the coastline, with this rate set to accelerate due to reclamation activity and climate change. Future reclamation activities include the luxury tourism islands of The Maldives as well as a brand-new development in The Red Sea, set to develop 50 new islands. Continuing into the future, affecting the marine environment are port development activities such as the deepwater port at Ndayane, Senegal, to serve as a major logistics hub and gateway to West and North-West Africa. These developments, critical to e-commerce and human development, must work in harmony with the marine environment, which will see a tightening of marine protection regulations to protect marine ecosystems against the effects of these developments. Another positive development is the growth of sustainable industries such as aquaculture to curb overfishing commercial habits and the increased investment and reliance on sustainable energy sources such as floating solar farms, offshore wind power and hydropower.

New technologies can help to sustainably meet the long-term challenges associated with growing resource demand. For example, marine biotechnology has the potential to provide solutions to food production, cleaner fuel and the development of new pharmaceuticals and could even be used to genetically engineer coral to be more resilient to bleaching. Autonomous debris collection devices are also one area in which engineering is working hard to find solutions to difficult challenges at sea. Using an autonomous, environmentally-friendly floating device, plastic pollution can be scooped out of rivers before it reaches the sea and help battle linear economies. One such project can be seen in Flanders, Belgium. DEME has implemented the longest Bolina boom, which serves as a floating funnel that covers part of a river to catch and collect floating debris. The debris, once ‘caught’, is transferred to the riverbank for collection and processing. Initiatives like 24-hour plastic catchers are helping to clean European waterways and provide a solution for river pollution.

A call to commitment

In the face of increasing pollution from plastic to pesticide run-offs, current commitments are not enough to effectively mitigate the crisis we are facing. These commitments would only have a substantial impact if water contamination was halted completely. Therefore, a fundamental transformation of the waste economy and water environment is essential, while also developing an effective clean-up strategy for removing what is already in the water. With a history built on innovation and delivering new ways of protecting marine environments, the engineering community – including Ecocoast – has ensured that the science and technology exists to deliver this. Looking ahead, corporate

enterprises and governments need to join in and universally commit to protective schemes that will support our oceans and waterways for years to come. Next month we will be Shootin’ The Breeze with Chris Reeder.

About Ecocoast

Ecocoast is at the forefront of designing, manufacturing and distributing a range of marine products globally for coastal and marine protection, demarcation and navigation. The company is built around offering products and services at every stage of the coastal and marine development lifecycle, from development, infrastructure and coastal protection, to operation and maintenance, focusing on sustainable products to protect and support our coastlines, waterways environment and people. Chris Reeder

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Pay by instalments • Heated indoor swimming pool • Ample car parking heory ✓ Full RYA training or book online atwww.yachtdiscovery.co.uk www.yachtdiscovery.co.uk or book online • Fullyat centrally heated e following: ✓ All accommodation throughout ve ✓ Bed, breakfast and 4 • All bedrooms have ensuite chartwork ONLY 8 ONLY 8 facilities course evening meal PLACESPLACE nd tidal S each night AVAILAA • Tea and coffee making BV L A E IL A BLEsail a This Summer not £1000why facilities in all bedrooms P£ E1R000 PE ✓ Full use of the hotel R PERSON P E the North Sea to Amsterda R • Complimentary tea and S O N leisure facilities. ations coffee replenished daily • Remote control colour Day 1 Depart Cowes to Eastbou eamanship television and radios in all RYA COASTAL SKIPPER gation Day 2 Free Day Eastbourne rooms PRACTICAL se of Residential including meals • Telephones in all bedrooms Day 3 Eastbourne to Ramsgate nd GPS RYA COASTAL SKIPPER THEORY Theory 28th January 2019 RYA Day • Skipper Large bar lounge Day 4 Free Day Ramsgate assage Monday 12th July & AMSTERDAM ADVENTURE 5 DAYS ONLY £495 • September Entertainment most 13th The day skipper theory Day 5 Ramsgate to Lowestoft course covers the following: evenings in the ballroom 5 days This Summer why not sail across Day 6 Free Day Lowestoft only £595 • A comprehensive ONLY the North Sea to £99PP AmsterdamINCLUDING LUNCH • Lift to all fl oors RYAtoCOASTAL PPER introduction chartwork SKIPPER RYA Costal / Yachtmaster This Summer why not sail7across Lowestoft to Amsterdam Day • Tidal heights and tidal streams YACHTMASTER THEORY • Theory Full size snooker table AL Day 1 Depart Cowes to Eastbourne the Norththe Sea to Amsterdam Throughout year we will be offering day sails from Cowes • Buoyage August & extend your Day 2 Free Day Eastbourne Day 8 – 10 Residential including meals 2nd ding meals Insailing Amsterdam • Why not stay on the Isle of Wight. These highly popular days provide • Collision regulations Day 3Day 1 Eastbourne toCowes Ramsgate 4th October 6 Days Depart to Eastbourne 28th January 2019 y 2019 • Meteorology and make a holidayDay of4 with it Free you an Day excellent Ramsgate opportunity to experience sailing whilst only £695 Day 2 Free Day Eastbourne seamanship ONLY £595 (Includes accommodation Y £495 • The basics6ofDAYS meeting new people. There are plenty of chances to try your Rooms from £49. Day 5 Ramsgate to Lowestoft Day 11 Depart to Ramsgate Day 3 Eastbourne to Ramsgate

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13:07

06/12/2018

ALL AT SEA APRIL 2021

MARINA GUIDE APRIL 2021

SOUTH WEST

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

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

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

MDL COBB’S QUAY MARINA Manager: Frank Gelder Hamworthy, Poole, Dorset. BH15 4EL T: 01202 674299 E: cobbsquay@mdlmarinas.co.uk W: www.cobbsquaymarina.co.uk LYMINGTON YACHT HAVEN Manager: Rupert Wagstaff Kings Saltern Road Lymington, Hampshire SO41 3QD T: 01590 677071 E: lymington@yachthavens.com W: www.yachthavens.com BUCKLER’S HARD YACHT HARBOUR Harbour Master: Wendy Stowe Harbour Master’s Office Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour Beaulieu Hampshire SO42 7XB T: 01590 616200 E: harbour.office@beaulieu.co.uk W: www.beaulieuriver.co.uk HAVEN QUAY, LYMINGTON Haven Quay Dry Stack Mill Lane, Lymington Hampshire SO41 9AZ T: 01590 677072 E: havenquay@yachthavens.com W: www.yachthavens.com DEACONS MARINA Manager/Contact name: Rachael Foster Bursledon Bridge, Southampton SO31 8AZ T 023 80 402253 E:berths@deaconsmarina.co.uk W: www.deaconsmarina.co.uk MDL HYTHE MARINA VILLAGE Manager: David Lewis The Lock Building, Shamrock Way Hythe, Southampton, Hampshire. SO45 6DY T: 023 8020 7073 E: hythe@mdlmarinas.co.uk W: www.hythemarinavillage.co.uk MDL OCEAN VILLAGE MARINA Manager: Andrew Millar Marina Office, 2 Channel Way Southampton, Hampshire. SO14 3TG T: 023 8022 9385 E: oceanvillage@mdlmarinas.co.uk W: WWW.OCEANVILLAGEMARINA.CO.UK

Online training Karpaz Gate Marina has launched a series of free online training talks for boaters looking to improve their sailing knowledge. The Five Gold Anchor-rated marina is running the webinars this spring to help attendees prepare for the season, with many people across the world still required to spend more time at home due to travel and social restrictions. Led by Karpaz Gate Marina’s RYA

MDL SHAMROCK QUAY Manager: Barry Radband William Street, Northam, Southampton Hampshire. SO14 5QL T: 023 8022 9461 E: shamrockquay@mdlmarinas.co.uk W: www.shamrockquay.co.uk MDL SAXON WHARF Manager: Andrew Millar Lower York Street, Northam, Southampton. SO14 5QF T: 023 8033 9490 E: saxonwharf@mdlmarinas.co.uk W: www.saxonwharf.co.uk MDL HAMBLE POINT MARINA Manager: Debbie Burns School Lane, Hamble, Southampton Hampshire. SO31 4NB T: 023 8045 2464 E: hamblepoint@mdlmarinas.co.uk W: www.hamblepointmarina.co.uk MDL PORT HAMBLE MARINA Manager: Bertie Marsh Satchell Lane, Hamble, Southampton Hampshire. SO31 4QD T: 023 8045 274,1 E: porthamble@mdlmarinas.co.uk W: www.porthamblemarina.co.uk MDL MERCURY YACHT HARBOUR Manager: Simon Cothill Satchell Lane, Hamble, Southampton, Hampshire. SO31 4HQ T: 023 8045 5994 E: mercury@mdlmarinas.co.uk W: www.mercuryyachtharbour.co.uk

Training Centre Chief Instructor, Erez Ben Eshay, from Ocean-Yachting, the English-language lectures offer a special virtual opportunity to learn more about a variety of sailing topics, such as modern navigation, weather, ocean crossing, licensing and insurance. Anyone interested in learning more about RYA training courses at Karpaz Gate Marina or the free spring lectures can email sailingclub@karpazbay.com.

PREMIER MARINAS SWANWICK Manager: Graham Bristowe Swanwick (on the Hamble) Southampton, Hants. SO31 1ZL T: 01489 884081 E: swanwick@premiermarinas.com W: www.premiermarinas.com TOWN QUAY MARINA Manager: Brian Akerman Management Office Town Quay, Southampton, SO14 2AQ T: 02380 234397 E: bakerman@abports.co.uk W: www.townquay.com HAMBLE YACHT SERVICES Port Hamble, Hamble, Southampton, Hampshire,SO31 4NN T: 02380 201501 E: info@hysgroup.co.uk www.hysgroup.co.uk UNIVERSAL MARINA Crableck Lane, Sarisbury Green Southampton, SO31 7ZN T: 01489 574272 W: www.universalmarina.co.uk HASLAR MARINA Manager: Ben Lippiett Haslar Road, Gosport, Hampshire. PO12 1NU T: 023 9260 1201 F: 023 9260 2201 E: berths@haslarmarina.co.uk W: www.haslarmarina.co.uk PREMIER MARINAS GOSPORT Manager: Jonathan Walcroft Mumby Road , Gosport, Hampshire. PO12 1AH T: 023 9252 4811 F: 023 9258 9541 E: gosport@premiermarinas.com W: www.premiermarinas.com

ALL AT SEA APRIL 2021

New base for Wesup

Flares Disposal Days Premier Marinas, in conjunction with disposal expert, Ramora UK, will be holding two Flares Disposal Days this summer. This is a chance for boat owners to bring along out-of-date flares, have them checked and disposed of safely. The first three flares will be free of charge for Premier berth holders, with additional flares charged at £2. Visitors will be charged £2 per flare disposal. The dates are: Sunday 13 June at Chichester Marina from 10.00 to 15.00. The RNLI will be on hand to conduct lifejacket clinics and own boat checks. Saturday 26 June at Brighton Marina in collaboration with on-site Nickys Chandlery from 10.00 to 15.00. The chandlery will pay £1 towards the flare

disposal fee when berth holders* buy a new flare from the chandlery. Moreover, berth holders and visitors can park right outside the chandlery for one hour for free. All profits will be donated to the RNLI. Premier Brighton marina manager, Mike Hatch said: “This event is a good reminder for boat owners to check expiry dates on safety equipment regularly and replace them before they expire - so that they can be sure to be properly equipped in an emergency.” For those who intend to dispose of a large number of flares please email marketing@premiermarinas.com. *Berth holders will be eligible for the saving on production of their boat name and key fob.

New regional managers MDL Marinas has announced the appointment of two new regional operations managers, and a new marina manager for its Mercury Yacht Harbour marina and Holiday Park. Les Robertson and George Bovill both join MDL as regional operations managers, looking after MDL’s 19 marinas and boatyards between them. Joining MDL with a wealth of experience from the hospitality, retail and leisure industries, Les most recently worked within the holiday park sector as commercial director at Sandy Balls Holiday Village and then head of commercial operations for Aria Resorts. George Bovill comes to MDL with 18 years of customer service and operational experience from time spent in various customer focused businesses across the restaurant industry. Since joining MDL’s growing team, Les and George have been busy conducting quality audits of the marinas as part of MDL’s Quality Audit Programme, which is designed to help improve the cleanliness and appearance of MDL’s marinas.

In addition, Simon Cothill has been promoted to marina manager at Mercury Yacht Harbour and Holiday Park, following two years as dock master at MDL’s flagship Ocean Village Marina. These new appointments highlight MDL’s ongoing commitment to providing the best quality of both services and facilities for its berth holders, tenants and visitors. George Bovill has joined MDL as a regional operations manager

Les Robertson comes to MDL from the holiday park sector

Passionate about stand-up paddle boarding and the coastal lifestyle, Wesup is moving its Hamble River base to MDL Marinas’ Mercury Yacht Harbour and Holiday Park. This base will be Wesup’s second within the marina group’s network, with one already established at its Torquay Marina. Ready to open its new clubhouse as soon as restrictions ease, Wesup is delighted with its new tranquil riverside location. “We are thrilled to be establishing our new base at Mercury Yacht Harbour and Holiday Park,” said Wesup founder, Sean White. “Not only ROYAL CLARENCE MARINA The Bridgehead, Weevil Lane, Gosport, Hampshire. PO12 1AX T: 023 9252 3523 F: 023 9252 3523 E: info@royalclarencemarina.org W: www.royalclarencemarina.org PREMIER MARINAS PORT SOLENT Manager: Mark Phillp South Lockside, Port Solent, Portsmouth, Hampshire. PO6 4TJ T: 023 9221 0765 F: 023 9232 4241 E: portsolent@premiermarinas.com W: www.premiermarinas.com PREMIER MARINAS SOUTHSEA Fort Cumberland Road Portsmouth, Hampshire. PO4 9RJ T: 023 9282 2719 F: 023 9282 2220 E: southsea@premiermarinas.com W: www.premiermarinas.com GUNWHARF QUAYS MARINA Manager: Carl Jarmaine Gunwharf Quays Marina Office Portsmouth Hampshire PO1 3TZ T: 02392 836732 E: gwqmarina@incentive-fm.com W: www.gunwharf-quays.com/marina

ISLE OF WIGHT COWES YACHT HAVEN Manager: Katy Ednay Vectis Yard, High Street, Cowes, PO31 7BD T: 01983 299975 F: 01983 200332 E: berthing@cowesyachthaven.com W: www.cowesyachthaven.com VHF: Channel 80

is it a beautiful part of the river with lots of creeks to explore, it is sheltered from the westerly winds, creating an ideal environment for learners as well as more experienced paddlers.” Situated on-site at the marina, Wesup’s clubhouse will also be the hub of its social activities, promoting the outdoor lifestyle. Staffed by senior instructors Harry Sullivan and Phoebe Vernon, the new base will be selling and hiring an extensive range of Fanatic paddle boards, from touring to racing, beginners to advanced. MDL’s Mercury Yacht Harbour and EAST COWES MARINA Manager: Mike Townshend Britannia Way, East Cowes Isle of Wight. PO32 6UB T: 01983 293983 F: 01983 299276 E: berths@eastcowesmarina.co.uk W: www.eastcowesmarina.co.uk COWES HARBOUR SHEPARDS MARINA Manager: Jock Rafferty Medina Road, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7HT T: 01983 297821 E: shepards.chc@cowes.co.uk W: cowesharbourshepardsmarina.co.uk ISLAND HARBOUR MARINA Manager: Danie Erasmus Mill Lane, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 2LA T: 01983 539994 E: info@island-harbour.co.uk W:www.island-harbour.co.uk BEMBRIDGE HARBOUR Manager/Contact - Gordon Wight The Duver, St Helens, PO33 1YB T: 01983 872828 E : mail@bembridgeharbour.co.uk W: www.bembridgeharbour.co.uk

SOUTH EAST

MDL NORTHNEY MARINA Manager: Claire Kennedy Northney Road, Hayling Island, PO11 0NH T: 023 9246 6321 E: northney@mdlmarinas.co.uk W: www.northneymarina.co.uk MDL SPARKES MARINA Manager: Claire Kennedy 38 Wittering Road, Hayling Island Hampshire. PO11 9SR T: 023 9246 3572 E: sparkes@mdlmarinas.co.uk W: www.sparkesmarina.co.uk BIRDHAM POOL MARINA Birdham, Chichester, W Sussex. PO20 7BG T: 01243 512310 E: info@birdhampool.co.uk W: www.birdhampool.co.uk

Holiday Park berth holders and guests receive a 20 per cent discount on all paddleboard activities offered by Wesup. hambleriver.wesuphq.com PREMIER MARINAS CHICHESTER Manager: Paul Cook Birdham (Chichester Harbour) West Sussex. PO20 7EJ T: 01243 512731 E: chichester@premiermarinas.com W: www.premiermarinas.com SMALL BOATS WELCOME LITTLEHAMPTON MARINA Berthing Manager: Darren Humphries Ferry Road, Littlehampton, West Sussex, BN17 5DS T: 01903 713553 F: 01903 732264 E: sales@littlehamptonmarina.co.uk W: www.littlehamptonmarina.co.uk LITTLEHAMPTON YACHT CLUB (LYC) Rope House, Rope Walk Littlehampton, West Sussex BN17 5DH Office: Fiona Boyce: 01903 713 996 Berthing Master: Bill Kellett T: 01903 732 926 F: 01903 725 911 E: fiona@littlehamptonyachtclub.co.uk W: www.littlehamptonyachtclub.co.uk PREMIER MARINAS BRIGHTON Manager: Mike Hatch West Jetty, Brighton, East Sussex. BN2 5UP T: 01273 819919 F: 01273 675082 E: brighton@premiermarinas.com W: www.premiermarinas.com PREMIER MARINAS EASTBOURNE Manager: Dan Heckford Sovereign Harbour, North Lockside, Pacific Drive, Eastbourne. BN23 5BJ T: 01323 470099 F: 01323 470077 sovereignharbour@premiermarinas.com W: www.premiermarinas.com SMALL BOATS WELCOME NEWHAVEN MARINA Manager/Contact: Russell Levett Address: Newhaven Marina, The Yacht Harbour, Fort Road, Newhaven, BN9 9BY T: +44 (0)1273 513 881 E: info@newhavenmarina.co.uk W: www.newhavenmarina.co.uk

TO BE INCLUDED IN OUR MARINA GUIDE CONTACT JOHN JOHN@ALLATSEA.CO.UK - 07740 118 928

ALL AT SEA APRIL 2021

MARINA GUIDE APRIL 2021

GILLINGHAM MARINA 173 Pier Road, Gillingham, Kent. ME7 1UB T: 01634 280022 E: berthing@gillingham-marina.co.uk W: www.gillingham-marina.co.uk MDL CHATHAM MARITIME MARINA Manager: Emma Crompton The Lock Building, Leviathan Way Chatham Maritime, Kent. ME4 4LP T: 01634 899200 E: chatham@mdlmarinas.co.uk www.chathammaritimemarina.co.uk MEDWAY YACHT CLUB Contact: Sue Bannister Lower Upnor, Rochester, ME2 4XB T: 01634 718399 W: www.medwayyachtclub.com PORT OF DOVER MARINA Manager: Chris Windsor Address - Dover Marina, Crosswall Quay, Union Street, Dover, Kent, CT179BN T +44 (0) 1304 241 663 E marina@doverport.co.uk W www.doverport.co.uk/marina

SURREY

MDL PENTON HOOK MARINA Manager: Andrew Smith Staines Road, Chertsey, Surrey. KT16 8PY T: 01932 568681 E: pentonhook@mdlmarinas.co.uk W: www.pentonhookmarina.co.uk

BERKSHIRE

MDL WINDSOR MARINA Manager: John Harris Maidenhead Road, Windsor, Berkshire. SL4 5TZ T: 01753 853911 E: windsor@mdlmarinas.co.uk W: www.windsormarina.co.uk

SUFFOLK

MDL WOOLVERSTONE MARINA Manager: Kelly Sharman Woolverstone, Ipswich, Suffolk. IP9 1AS T: 01473 780206 E: woolverstone@mdlmarinas.co.uk W: www.woolverstonemarina.co.uk LOWESTOFT HAVEN MARINA Manager: Bob Beare Lowestoft Haven Marina (twin site), School Road and Hamilton Dock, Marina Office, School Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk. NR33 9NB T: 01502 580300 F: 01502 581851 E: lowerstofthaven@abports.co.uk W: lowestofthavenmarina.co.uk FOX’S MARINA & BOATYARD Marina Manager: Lee Gilson Fox’s Marina, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP2 8SA T: +44 1473 689111 E: foxs@foxsmarina.com W: www.foxsmarina.com

ESSEX

FAMBRIDGE YACHT HAVEN Manager: Danyal Adams Chelmsford, CM3 6LU T: 01621 740370 E: fambridge@yachthavens.com W: www.yachthavens.com

WALES

ABERYSTWYTH MARINA Manager: Jon Booth Y Lanfa Aberystwyth, Trefechan SY23 1AS T: 01970 611422 E: aber@themarinegroup.co.uk W: www.themarinegroup.co.uk

MDL BRAY MARINA Manager: John Harris Monkey Island Lane, Bray, Berkshire. SL6 2EB T: 01628 623654 E: bray@mdlmarinas.co.uk W: www.braymarina.co.uk

CARDIFF MARINA Manager: Andy Coles OBE Watkiss Way, Cardiff. CF11 0SY T: 02920 396078 F: 02920 345116 E: info@themarinegroup.co.uk W: www.themarinegroup.co.uk

ST OLAVES MARINA Contact: Tamsin Bromley/Mary Hall Beccles Road, St Olaves, Gt. Yarmouth NR31 9HX T: 01493 488500 E: enquiries@stolavesmarina.co.uk W: www.stolavesmarina.co.uk

MILFORD MARINA Manager or contact: Melanie Durney Milford Marina, Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire SA73 3AF Tel: 01646 796518 E: enquiries@milfordmarina.com W: www.milfordmarina.com

NORFOLK

Image: Shutterstock/ Avigator Fortuner

PENARTH MARINA Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan, F64 1TQ T: 02920 705021 E: penarthoffice@quaymarinas.com W: www.quaymarinas.com NEYLAND YACHT HAVEN Manager: James Cotton Brunel Quay, Pembrokeshire, SA73 1PY T: 01646 601601 E: neyland@yachthavens.com W: www.yachthavens.com

SCOTLAND

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PAGE

A TRUE CLASSIC

FAIREY MARINE’S STORY

PAGE

NEW S BOAT CTRIC, ELE AND FOILERS MORE!

PAGE 12

COVID CHALLENGES RNLI’S NEW RECRUITS

PAGE

HOME OR ABROAD

FIRST-TIME CHARTERS

7-9th May 2021 • Ocean Village Marina • Book Tickets at mdlmarinas.co.uk/scbs

PORT DINORWIC MARINA Marina Manager: Ged Tyrer Y Felinheli Gwynedd, LL56 4JN T:01248671500/01248 670176 E: portdinorwic@themarinegroup.co.uk W: www.themarinegroup.co.uk BURRY PORT MARINA Harbour Master: Robert Hockey The Harbour Office Burry Port Carmarthenshire T:01554 835 691 E: burryport@themarinegroup.co.uk W: www.themarinegroup.co.uk

N. IRELAND BANGOR MARINA Manager: Kevin Baird Bangor, Co. Down T: 02891 45329 W: www.quaymarinas.com

CARRICKFERGUS MARINA Harbour Master: Nigel Thompson 3 Quayside, CARRICKFERGUS BT38 8BJ T: 028 9336 6666 W: www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk

BRISTOL

PORTISHEAD MARINA Portishead, Bristol BS20 7DF T: 01275 841941 E: portisheadquays@quaymarinas.com W: www.quaymarinas.com

NEWCASTLE ROYAL QUAYS MARINA North Shields, Tyneside NE29 6DU T: 0191 2728282 W: www.quaymarinas.com

Read All at Sea FREE online www.allatsea.co.uk/paper

RHU MARINA Contact: Suzanne Bell Rhu, Helensburgh G84 8LH T: 01436 820238 E: rhumarina@quaymarinas.com W: www.quaymarinas.com

LARGS YACHT HAVEN Manager: Carolyn Elder Irvine Road, Largs, Ayrshire, KA30 8EZ T: 01475 675333 E: largs@yachthavens.com W: www.yachthavens.com TROON YACHT HAVEN Manager: Stephen Bennie The Harbour, Troon, Ayrshire, KA10 6DJ T: 01292 315553 E: troon@yachthavens.com W: www.yachthavens.com

SPAIN

N CYPRUS

HOLLAND

ITALY

MDL SANT CARLES MARINA Manager: Nicolas Gonzalez Ctra Poble Nou s/n, Apartat de Correus 192, 43540, Sant Carles de la Ràpita, Spain T: (0034) 9777 45153 T (UK): 023 8045 0227 enquiries@santcarlesmarina.com W: www.santcarlesmarina.com

JACHTHAVEN BIESBOSCH Manager: Renate Ilmer Nieuwe Jachthaven 54924 BA, Drimmelen, NL T: +31 (0)162 682249 E: info@jachthavenbiesbosch.nl W: www.jachthavenbiesbosch.nl

KARPAZ GATE MARINA Customer Service: Emel Suerdem PO Box 12 Yenierenkoy, Iskele TRNC Via Mersin 10 / Turkey T: +90 533 833 7878 E: info@karpazbay.com W: www.karpazbay.com

MARINARA Front Desk: Federica Civilla Via Marinara 11, Marina di Ravenna, 48122 Italy T: (0039) 0544 531644 E: info@marinara.it W: www.marinara.it

ALL AT SEA APRIL 2021

OFF WATCH SUDOKU Place a number (from 1 to 9 inclusive) into each square in such a way that every digit appears once in each horizontal row, each vertical column and each box of nine squares.

EASY

3 8

9 1

MODERATE 2 7 4 3

9 6 2

7 8

5 6

4 5 6

8 3 1

1 8 9

7 3 4

5 4

7 6 9 7

5 6 3

2 4 7

4 2

1 9 7

2 7 3

6 9

1 3

5 1

TOUGH 4 7 5

3 6 7

1 3 6

7 2 9

8 1 5 3

4 4 2

6 7 7

5 9

4 1

1 1 7

8 8 9

3 9 2

8 9 9

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

Check-box 1

18 22

3 6

7 2

CODEWORD

21 Sound made by a dove (3)

4 5 7

23 Goads (5)

18 Impurities left in the final drops of a liquid (5)

7 4 9

14 Fold or collapse (7)

5 1

7 6 9

22 Boundary lines (7)

17 Raise, erect (3,2)

13 Woody core of a maize ear (7)

20 Thin skin at the base of a fingernail (7)

2 3 8 9

3 4 5

11 Red wine grape variety (5,4)

4 1 5

2 1 5

7 Contraptions (7)

6 6

5 Residents of a prison (7)

16 Not contested (9)

1 4 7

15 Bunkum (3) 19 Chew noisily (5)

6 Genus of plants to which the busy Lizzie belongs (9)

13 Awareness (13)

8 5 3

4 Bacterium that can cause scarlet fever, pneumonia, etc (13)

3 7

ANSWERS ON PAGE 46

A B C D E F G H I J K L M

15 2

18 23

18 17

13 2

12 7

11 23

22 1 3 5

1 3

22 10

16 12

N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

18 6

20 7

18 15

26 17

18 8

2 6

20 16

18 3

18 23

17 10

1 5

21 1

8 22

7 6

3 4 1

2 8 8

2 3 5

9 1

8 8

7 2

W O R DW H Using the letters in the wheel, you have ten minutes to find as many words as possible of three or more letters, none of which may be plurals, foreign words or proper nouns. Each word must contain the central letter and no letters can be used more than once per word unless they appear in different sections of the wheel. There is at least one nine-letter word to be found. Nine-letter word(s): _________________________________________________________

N E

T I

E R

A S

E L

9 Mooned about (5)

1 6

2 9 8

7 9

6 7

3 Figure out (5)

12 Definite article (3)

5 7

8 Shaped like a ring (7)

2 Charged particle (3)

7 1

4 Going by boat (7)

5 3

1 Car wheel immobilising device (5)

6 2

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

1 Counters used to represent money when gambling (5)

10 Container with a perforated lid used at table (6,3)

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ALL AT SEA APRIL 2021

ALL AT SEA - CLASSIFIEDS

ALL AT SEA APRIL 2021

THE CHANGING FACE OF MARINAS We have litter bins on land, why not have them in the water too? Enter the Seabin. Bryan Stewart from Inland and Coastal Marina Systems explains how this technology is already making a di eren e in waters, in luding marinas and harbours

DID YOU KNOW? Cigarette butts are the most commonly caught item in the 860 Seabins in use across multiple marinas and harbours worldwide.

A newly installed Seabin

t is estimated that eight million tonnes of plastic waste enter the oceans each year. As recreational boaters, we see the effects of this everyday along our shorelines, floating out at sea or building up in the corners of our marinas. With 80 per cent of waterborne waste originating from the land, it is an ongoing battle to keep the waters where we play clean and litter free. But help is at hand.

What is a Seabin?

The Seabin is an award-winning piece of technology which acts as a floating rubbish bin, specifically designed to be installed in marinas, yacht clubs and harbours, or any calm body of water with access to electricity. The Seabin sits in the water and moves up and down with the range of the tide, collecting all floating debris. Water is drawn in from the surface and passes through a fine mesh catch bag inside the Seabin. The submersible water pump is capable of displacing 25,000

A Seabin installed in a marina

litres per hour and plugs directly into either a 110V or 220V outlet. Made from recyclable material, a Seabin will catch floating litter, such as plastic bottles, crisp packets and sweet wrappers, as well as intercepting microfibres and microplastics as small as 2mm in diameter. Easily equipped with oil absorbent pads, the Seabin is also able to absorb petroleum-based surface oils and detergents present in most marinas and harbours around the UK, no matter how careful the operators are.

How well does it perform? A Seabin can catch an estimated 3.9kgs of floating debris per day or 1.4 tons per year (depending on weather and debris volumes), but can cost as little as 80p a day to run. To put this in context, each year a Seabin has the capacity to catch: ■ 90,000 plastic bags ■ 35,700 disposable cups ■ 16,500 plastic bottles ■ 166,500 plastic utensils

Funding opportunities

The Seabin is an essential tool for collecting waterborne waste and creating cleaner marinas for us to enjoy our boating from. Funding opportunities exist for marinas, harbours or watersports centres that wish to improve the quality of their immediate environment, but might lack the capital to do so. Of the many Seabins already installed around the UK and Ireland, approximately 20 per cent have been funded by other businesses or organisations. So, anyone wishing to install a Seabin should seek information about any funding available for environmental initiatives in their area. To find out more about the Seabin, and how you can get involved in helping to clean up your local marine environment, visit inlandandcoastal. com/product/seabin or contact bryan@ inlandandcoastal.com.

Here is a Seabin installed on River Soar

In the drink With Paul Antrobus

BY PAUL ANTROBUS

Time to Taste the Difference e e er e

ue t

r e

beer fl

Old Golden Hen and Old Hoppy Hen are siblings of the long established Old Speckled Hen

he collective growth of market share for small ‘craft’ brewers seems to have slowed to a trickle. Small start-up breweries have succumbed to buy-outs by the mainstream brewers, perhaps as a natural evolution of markets accelerated by the Covid environment. Also, the big brewers themselves are producing brand extensions with a variety of types and flavours, like the core offer craft brewers have typically relied on. Brand extensions like Old Golden Hen and Old Hoppy Hen, as siblings of Morland’s long established Old Speckled Hen (Greene King), offer the supermarket consumer taste variety and get themselves more

Editor

Jane Hyde 079 402 403 90 editor@allatsea.co.uk

Art Editor

Mark Hyde design@allatsea.co.uk

Contributors David Henshall Simon Everett Paul Antrobus

shelf facings to catch the eye of customers shopping for home consumption. The idea of small production being better than mass production has always sustained localised small ‘boutique’ breweries, but their continued existence seems to be founded mainly on ever more unlikely additions to the mash recipe, such as strawberries and pineapple. To my taste they are not ‘real’ beers, but younger drinkers seem to like them as part of the trend to ever more unlikely combinations. I find the Morland variations quite effective. Old Golden Hen is self-styled as ‘refreshing craft beer’, 4.1 per cent abv, with a touch of grapefruit in the taste. Old Hoppy Hen is billed as ‘crisp pale ale’ at 4.2 per cent

Advertising and Distribution Director John Baggaley - 07740 118 928 john@allatsea.co.uk

Publisher

Sue Baggaley - 07949 203 424 sue@allatsea.co.uk

ublishing Assistant Ellie Baker Gray ellie@allatsea.co.uk

ur br

and has a sharp bitterness of hops, which makes it a very suitable summer ale. Adnams (Suffolk) produce Earl Grey beer. The idea is that tea leaves impart the same flavour-making extracts that hops do. Muslin bags of Earl Grey tea are introduced at the brewing stage and removed before the fermenting stage, just as you might make a cup of tea. Try putting a tea bag in a beer poured at home and see what you think! Web site realale.com is an interesting site I found recently. It is a retailing operation with three shops in London specialising in a huge variety of beers, mainly with novelty ingredients and colourful names and graphics. There are too many to include here, but if you have turned to unusual beers to brighten up the enforced drinking at home, it is worth having a look at.

More Spanish oranges

The realale.com website also lists a variety of wines including 10 orange wines. Previously in AAS we have explored ‘orange’ wines made in concrete or clay amphora (quevris) and highlighted the lack of information on the labels. Metamorphika Brisat, on realale.com, shows a whole round slice of orange as the dominant visual on the ceramic bottle, plus ‘macabeu orange’, as bold a statement as you can get.

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tere t

re u t

Macabeu (or ‘macabeo’) is a white grape grown mainly in Spain’s Rioja region and regularly used for making Cava. Metamorhpika is made in clay amphora and fermented on the whole grape skins and pips for as much as 10 weeks. The result is described as distinctly tannic with taste notes of apple and lime and other savoury flavours. It is quite pricey at £27.95 for 75cl, 13 per cent, but there are cheaper ones. My favourite label is Solara Orange, which has a glorious picture of half the orange slice ‘sunsetting’ over a dark horizon. It is from Romania, which many say was the birthplace of the orange wine genre. £10.75 and evocative of spring and better summers to come!

Some orange wines are becoming more obvious

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ULTIMATE ; adjective [ before noun ]

being the best or most extreme example of its kind.

From the lightweight DF2.5 to the award-winning DF350A, Suzuki has an outboard for every application.

Visit marine.suzuki.co.uk to find your local Suzuki Dealer

All At Sea - APril 2021

Articles inside

IN THE DRINK

MARINA GUIDE

DRIVING CHANGE

WELLNESS LIVING

COVID CHALLENGES

A FAIREY LONG HISTORY

HOT TOPIC

SAIL AWAY

GREEN BLUE

MASTERCLASS

FAREWELL TO BOB

ON COURSE FOR SUCCESS