All At Sea - March 2024

More than just a berth

The Premier Advantage: valuable rewards and benefits for boat owners

200 YEARS OF SAVING LIVES

RNLI’S BIG BIRTHDAY

Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved more than 144,000 lives. In this issue we celebrate the charity’s 200th year of lifesaving. SEE PAGE 24

Historic RNLI photos brought to life in colour for 200th birthday - See page 6

FERRARI TO ENTER SAILING COMPETITIONS

Ferrari is preparing to compete in the world of sailing under the guidance of Team Principal and acclaimed navigator, Giovanni Soldini (pictured).

This unique project will see the Maranello-based company utilise cutting-edge technologies throughout the entire cycle, from conception and engineering to realisation. The search for maximum performance at sea will generate innovations and solutions for sustainability that, in line with Ferrari’s tradition, will be an important stimulus in the evolution of its sports cars.

John Elkann, chairman of Ferrari, said: “With this new competitive challenge, motivated by our innovative capacity

and commitment to sustainability, we will push beyond current boundaries. We are happy to be able to count on Giovanni, who is extraordinary in terms of experience, determination and team spirit.”

Giovanni Soldini said: “I am thrilled to start this new adventure with Ferrari. We are working on an important and cutting-edge project with an amazing technological potential that brings together different worlds and skills of the highest level. Working with an exceptional team in the research and development of innovative solutions that are respectful of our environment is a truly unique experience.”

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A specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co has been instructed to sell Broom Boats of Brundall on behalf of Broom Marine Group.

Broom Boats was established in 1898 and has been part of the Brundall boating community for 125 years maintaining, repairing and restoring boats of all types and make. The business established a hire fleet in 1912 enabling clients to explore the unique landscape of the Norfolk Broads National Park, whilst today the business operates one of the newest fleets on the Norfolk Broads, all crafted by Broom Boats. The most recent addition to the business was the acquisition of the former Yare public house adjacent to the site entrance in 2022. The property underwent a £600,000 transformation, opening in October 2022

as The White Heron with a food menu introduced in April 2023 and B&B from boats moored adjacent to the pub in November last year.

Jon Patrick, head of leisure & development at Christie & Co, said: “We have witnessed an uptick in the demand for both inland and coastal marina and boating businesses over the last 18 months. This has come from existing UK and European operators, as well as boating and marine enthusiasts and investors.

YJA AWARD WINNERS REVEALED

The winners of YJA Yachtsman of the Year and the YJA Young Sailor of the Year, supported by Henri-Lloyd, have been revealed at BoatLife.

Cliff Webb, chairman of the Yachting Journalists’ Association, was joined by Hattie Rogers, the 2022 YJA Yachtsman of the Year, to make the announcement.

The YJA Young Sailor of the Year is awarded to those Under 19 at the end of year who, as voted for by the YJA members, performed outstandingly. However, once voting was concluded, there was a tie and so the YJA Committee awarded the trophy to joint winners – two rising stars in British sailing, Jess Powell and Ben Greenhalgh.

13-year-old Jess is the 2023

Topper National Champion and made a successful transition to the ILCA-4 class last year, dominating with six straight wins at an Autumn qualifier.

Ben Greenhalgh became a double world champion in 2023, winning the RS Tera World Championships, and also the RS Feva Worlds.

Both sailors showed their ability to transition between fleets whilst continuing to excel in the results tables.

In the YJA Yachtsman of the Year category, YJA members voted for a household name in the world of yachting, but one that has never graced this prestigious trophy before.

At 67-years-old, Lawrie Smith is an accomplished Olympian, America’s Cup skipper, participated in four editions of the Whitbread Race and is a UK National Champion in multiple classes.

In 2023, however, he had an exceptional run of success, winning the 75th Edinburgh Cup and the Yanmar Dragon Gold Cup.

As he was competing overseas, Andrew Moss, chairman of the British Dragon Class Association, received the trophy on his behalf.

Huge congratulations to Chris Waterman for being voted by you as the best All at Sea reader photo of 2023. Chris was our winning picture back in March 2023 with a beautiful sunset looking across Poole Harbour. Chris’ photo will be included in the 2025 All at Sea calendar. Turn to page 34 to see this month’s photos.

Image: Dr Rodrigo Pacheco-Ruiz

Image: Chris Waterman A boat owner has been ordered to pay £20,000 at the Portsmouth Crown Court following a joint investigation by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and Hampshire Police. Ian Sullivan, 55, from Swindon, pleaded guilty to a failure to keep a proper lookout and failure to proceed at a safe speed under The Merchant Shipping (Distress Signals and Prevention of Collisions) Regulations 1996, in connection with the grounding of his vessel Sully in Totland Bay, Isle of Wight in September 2022. In addition to costs, Ian Sullivan was sentenced to 18 weeks in prison suspended for 12 months and must complete 150 hours of unpaid work. During the sentencing His Honour Judge Newton-Price said Mr Sullivan operated his boat in an unsafe manner and as a result caused his passengers significant injuries. Consumption of alcohol affected his judgement, the judge added. Three passengers onboard the motorboat sustained serious injuries in the incident when the vessel collided with rocks at the shoreline, with one of the crew suffering lifechanging injuries. £20,000 FINE FOR BOAT OWNER (l-r) Alec Wilkinson, Ben Greenhalgh, Jess Powell, Andy Moss, Hattie Rogers, Cliff Webb BRITAIN’S READWATERFRON FREE More than just a berth The Premier rewards and WIN PACK SHIPPING FORECAST A NATIONAL INSTITUTION Quintessentially Forecast moment sea. Entries are open for Cowes Week and the Island Race! Book your BOATSHOW PAGE SHOW PREVIEW

ALL ABOARD

By Jane Hyde

editor@allatsea.co.uk | www.allatsea.co.uk | facebook.com/allatseanewspaper

Sir William Hillary had a vision for a service dedicated to saving lives at sea. I wonder what he would think, 200 years later, of the incredible organisation which has now saved more than 144,000 lives. Over on page 24 we take a look at the history of the RNLI, up to the present day, which includes some fantastic historic photos.

In fact, the RNLI has an incredible library of photos and they have colourised some of the images as part of the 200th anniversary celebrations. We loved them all and so it was di cult to select some, but we have included a few of our favourites in the news pages.

Staying with the RNLI, this month Women of the RNLI opened at the National Maritime Museum, London and you can read all about this exciting exhibition on page 28.

There will be lots more marine events for you next month when we bring you our annual events guide. If your sailing club, marina or town has any maritime events coming up let us know (editor@allatsea.co.uk) and we will do our best to include them in the listing.

A big event for us all is our holidays, and hopefully the specials we ran at the start of the year inspired you (they are still available to read at www.allatsea.co.uk/all-at-sea-the-paper). This month our regular holiday news page returns with more great ideas, plus Sunsail has shared the results of a recent survey they carried out which included what we think our future holidays will look like. Not surprisingly some of the ideas included the use of Artificial Intelligence; read more on page 20.

AI also pops up in the month’s news pages with its use in preserving the nation’s maritime heritage. Find out how it is helping archaeologists on the next page. We will also be bringing you a fascinating feature taking a closer look at nautical archaeology in a few issue’s time.

I am sure those underwater photos will be incredible, but in the meantime we can share the

MARCH

winner of All at Sea’s Reader Photo of the Year 2023. Huge congratulations to Chris Waterman who won by quite a clear margin! You can see his photo on page 3, plus check out this month’s photo roundup and find out how you can enter on page 34.

Lastly, a quick mention for this month’s competitions. With Mother’s Day in mind, we have a gorgeous silver sea turtle necklace and, to celebrate the RNLI’s 200th anniversary, we have a RNLI 200 bundle to giveaway! We also have two copies of Royal Navy Home Fleet 1939–41 up for grabs. Good luck!

WIN WITH ALL AT SEA

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copies to win!

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A large-scale mass casualty exercise took place on the lightship LV21 in Gravesend Reach in February. A large presence of emergency services were in attendance along with seven volunteer actors performing as injured casualties from Casualties Union. The codenamed ‘Exercise Red Ship’ has been declared one of the largest exercises held on the River Thames.

Gravesend RNLI’s Lifeboat Olive Laura Deare II was joined by other emergency services and organisations including London Coastguard, Port of London Authority, Kent Fire and Rescue Service, South East Coast Ambulance Service.

LV21 is a historic, 40m steel-hulled lightship which saw most of its service o the Kent coast, retiring from service in 2008 and now transformed into a floating art space and performance facility.

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LV21 director Páivi Seppälä said: “We are delighted to work together with the emergency services and support one of the largest multiagency training exercises the River Thames has ever seen along Gravesend riverfront.

"The safety of our crew, volunteers and visitors is of utmost importance to us, so we welcomed this unique opportunity to observe and learn from the first responders response to a hypothetical major incident aboard the historic lightship LV21.”

RNLI Thames Commander, Liam Sidders said: “Multi-agency exercises like this are integral for the services to come together and further enhance their own emergency procedures, enabling them to work with unfamiliar environments and improve command of control for mass casualty events.”

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ARCHAEOLOGY MEETS AI

The National Museum of the Royal Navy in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard has completed phase one of a world-first collaboration with the University of Southampton, exploring how AI can support the museum’s work in preserving the nation’s maritime heritage.

The project has seen three Masters students (Siddhi Mahendra Pawar, Donheng Wang and Arundati Roy) from the university work alongside archaeologists and curators at the museum to apply the latest AI technologies to a series of projects, including the restoration of HMS Victory – Vice-Admiral Lord Nelson’s famous flagship during the Battle of Trafalgar.

Currently undergoing a 10-year restoration, the HMS Victory ‘Big Repair’ project involves a team of shipwrights, riggers, conservators and archaeologists who are painstakingly documenting every detail of the work. This helps to capture vital information about historical repairs to the ship, parts that have

degraded and informs planning for the next stages of the work.

Since the restoration of HMS Victory began in May 2022, archaeologists have taken over 3,000 images in addition to the high-resolution images taken to produce multiple 3D digital models of the ship. These additional images had to be stored and analysed manually, but with the aid of AI engines this process is now automated, increasing the quality and resolution of the recording of the works.

Dr. Rodrigo Pacheco-Ruiz, The National Museum of the Royal Navy’s Archaeological Data Manager at HMS Victory and Visiting Fellow in Maritime Archaeology at the University of Southampton, said: “Archaeologists are obsessed with detail and if records are not accurately stored, vital historical information could be lost forever. This is where the help of our University of Southampton students has been invaluable. They have developed an AI-

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based algorithm to match images stored in di erent locations and add them to our digital 3D model to ensure it is as accurate as possible.

“This work has pushed the boundaries of what this type of AI is capable of, as our images are extremely high resolution, complex and detailed. The project is really at the forefront of how AI is being used in archaeology – we are demonstrating just what is possible. It is certainly a long way from the traditional perception of how an archaeologist spends their time.”

The collaboration with the University of Southampton also involved a project led by The National Museum of the Royal Navy’s Collections Information and Access Manager, Amy Adams. Responsible for curating a huge physical and digital collection of historical maritime objects, ensuring public access both online and in-person, is an important part of Amy’s work.

With The National Museum of the Royal Navy’s collection including

everything from figureheads, uniforms and maps to photographic, film and video material, the way in which items are recorded has changed hugely for the museum sector in recent years. Where previously a curator would add a short description of an object to a physical catalogue card, they must now capture detailed information to allow for digital cataloguing and, crucially, retrieval.

Amy said: “By working with students from the university, we were able to use AI for entity recognition – to retrieve and sort through digital records. This has huge time saving potential but also what was really interesting was AI’s ability to label records from the perspective of a visitor, so records are categorised by what people are likely to be searching for (‘WWII ship’ for example) as well as its o cial name.

"The human touch is not obsolete, as the technology still needs that context to focus and drive it forward, but it is certainly exciting to think of the potential AI has for the museums sector.”

AMELIA’S PLANE?

Amelia Earhart’s plane has possibly been found in the Pacific 87 years after the American aviator and her navigator, Fred Noonan, disappeared during an attempt to circumnavigate the globe in a Lockheed 10-E Electra. Footage of the undersea expedition was shared by Deep Sea Vision, an ocean exploration company, with a similar plane shape shown on a blurry sonar image. However, definite conclusions cannot be made as the image is not detailed enough.

WRECK APPEARS

A shipwreck which appeared on the beach of Cape Ray in Newfoundland, Canada is believed to have been dislodged by a hurricane. The boat is thought to have been built in the 19th century and o cials are working to investigate and conserve the remains.

COASTAL DEFENCES

Since February’s story about Hemsby Lifeboat, members of Save Hemsby Coastline and the local independent lifeboat have submitted a petition to Downing Street calling for funds for sea defences. Concerned about coastal erosion, they want government to change the funding formula for coastal defences. Last year another 3 - 4m of Hemsby coastline was lost to the sea. Meanwhile the Norfolk & Su olk Boating Association have begun talks with the Hemsby Lifeboat team about how the NSBA and their a liated clubs may be able to support and promote the lifeboat services at Hemsby.

I’M NOT PART OF THE MARINA CROWD

You don’t need to be. We’re for everyone: the first timers, the casual boaters, the serious sailors, and the just-popping-in-for-a-pint.

Forget the airs and graces. Here, there’s one boating community with everything taken care of, from berthing and boatcare, to brokerage and beer. All in one place where you’re always welcome, and all by boatfolk.

Laser scanning images for the 3D model of HMS Victory

Laser scanning is used to create a 3D map of HMS Victory, which is used in the restoration

Image: Dr Rodrigo Pacheco-Ruiz

Image: Dr Rodrigo Pacheco-Ruiz

RNLI IN COLOUR

As the RNLI celebrates its 200th anniversary on 4 March, the charity has brought some of its rich history to life with a stunning collection of colourised images, some of which we have shared here.

From community events to candid snapshots, the black and white images have been painstakingly cleaned and colourised with folds, scratches and dust removed using digital technology to shine new light on 200 years of saving lives at sea.

The images from across the UK and Ireland include courageous lifeboat crews, early fundraising street collections

and iconic scenes of close-knit communities coming together to launch and recover lifeboats.

Featured in the collection is the most decorated RNLI lifesaver, Henry Blogg, who was born on 6 February, 1876. Henry served for 53 years on Cromer’s lifeboats before retiring in 1947, having helped save 873 lives and been awarded many honours including three Gold and four Silver RNLI Medals for Gallantry.

In the image of Henry, which first appeared in the Lifeboat Journal in 1916, he can be seen wearing black oilskins and a sou’wester, which preceded the

instantly recognisable yellow waterproofs now associated with the RNLI.

In another of the newly enhanced images, children wearing yellow sou’westers sitting in a model lifeboat being pulled by a horse can be seen taking part in a fundraising event in 1939 in Plymouth. A poster on the float advertising the next Lifeboat Saturday is displayed and fundraisers can be seen sporting the iconic yellow oilskins of the RNLI and holding collection boxes.

Another picture shows a Ladies’ Guild; evolving from the first RNLI street collection in 1891 – a world first for the charity - Marion Macara formed a Ladies’ Guild to raise funds in support of volunteer crews. In the following 10 years there were more than 40 Ladies’ Guilds and income had doubled.

RNLI Heritage and Archive Research Manager, Hayley Whiting said: “The carefully coloured images illustrate just a few highlights of the incredible history of lifesaving over the previous two centuries, where over 144,000 lives have been saved to date. Each image has been brought to life by our own inhouse creative team with hours spent on attention to detail, along with research being undertaken to ensure each one gave a true, lifelike representation.”

RNLI.org/200

Turn to page 24 for our three-page special looking back at 200 years of the RNLI.

RYDS ACQUIRED BY CORMATE

Norwegian powerboat builder Cormate has acquired the Scandinavian boatbuilder Ryds. Egil Ranvig, founder, owner and chief designer at Cormate, said: “We are not just acquiring a brand; we are inheriting a legacy. It is about continuing Ryds’ successful journey with a fresh and dynamic approach.

"Our goal is to marry Cormate’s competence in innovative design, e ciency and seaworthiness, with Ryds’ rich history and

professional production methodology, creating boats that transcend expectations.”

Ryds’ history goes back almost 80 years to 1946, with the production of leisure boats beginning in 1968. Ryds also has a background as one of the biggest producers of boats in the Nordic region, with close to 4,000 boats a year from its headquarters and production facilities in Ryd, Sweden.

The company, which entered the UK market in

August 2023, had filed for bankruptcy in November 2023. Now, Cormate’s vision extends to a long-term investment, securing not only the acquisition but also the 8,500m² building.

“Acquiring Ryds’ operational property not only secures local know-how and valuable production expertise but also anchors our dedication to preserving a legacy of craftsmanship in Ryd, ensuring a prosperous future for the community and

the renowned Swedish boat manufacturing landscape,” said Jon Aksel Brynildsen, CEO of Cormate.

Following the news of the acquisition, boatpoint showcased two Ryds models at BoatLife last month. At the show boatpoint unveiled the Ryds 735VI and Ryds 650VI models. These were accompanied by the Quarken 27 Cabin and a pre-launch of the Jeanneau Merry Fisher 795 S2 for boat subscription business, Beyonder.

TARGA 40 UK DEBUT

The new Targa 40 will be making its o cial UK debut at the South Coast and Green Tech Boat Show, taking place against the backdrop of MDL’s flagship Ocean Village Marina in Southampton between 19 - 21 April.

“We are really excited to have such an iconic boat in the Fairline range on display in our beautiful home port at Ocean Village,” said Brett Sawyer of UK dealer Approved Boats.

“After a successful world debut, we are looking forward to showcasing what this fantastic boat has to o er to a UK crowd this spring.”

Other brands heading to the show include Beneteau, Dufour, Hanse, Jeanneau, Lagoon, Princess, Sunseeker, Optima and RS Electric.

The show is also the perfect place to discover a range of sustainable boats and innovative eco-friendly solutions, helping boat owners and prospective boat owners understand the greener options available to them.

Tickets to the South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show are free and can be booked via www.mdlmarinas.co.uk/ boat-show-tickets Show preview next month!

SAVED FROM LANDFILL

A campaign launched by Cornwall-based not-for-profit Clean Sailors and socialenterprise Waterhaul aims to save 200 spinnakers from landfill this winter by collecting and repurposing them into Waterhaul’s beach cleaning bags.

Local sailors are being encouraged to donate their end-oflife spinnakers to the campaign’s drop-o point in Newquay. No longer usable as sails but an amazing resource of strong and durable materials, spinnakers are super lightweight and as clean-up bags, they are durable, repairable and reusable.

With statistics showing that up to 97 per cent of

all end-of-life sails are incinerated or end up in landfill, Clean Sailors launched ‘ReSail’, an online global platform connecting sailors and their old sails with projects that can give them a second life.

It is through ReSail by Clean Sailors that Waterhaul are continuing their mission to increase the recovery of end-oflife spinnakers, which since 2022 they have been turning into beach cleaning bags, ending the reliance on single-use plastic bags for litter picks and beach cleans.

Waterhaul’s upcycled spinnaker bags are also designed to be a perfect fit for their 100 per cent recycled fishing gear bag hoops – which hold

the bag open for easier litter picking.

Holly Manvell, founder of Clean Sailors, said: “ReSail by Clean Sailors is the only global platform in the world encouraging use of endof-life sail materials. We are really excited to launch another campaign with our friends and partners, Waterhaul; a team whose mission is founded on the ethos of re-use and recycle of seemingly ‘waste’ material.

"We look forward to further demonstrating that sail material can sustain its integrity for decades, in a new form and beyond its original purpose. We are grateful for the support of our strong, local sailing communities in kickingo Project Spinnaker!”

Ladies Guild pictured in 1913

Children wearing yellow sou’westers sitting in a model lifeboat being pulled by a horse can be seen taking part in a fundraising event in 1939 in Plymouth

Henry Blogg, the most decorated RNLI lifesaver.

In his 53 years as a lifeboat crew member he helped to save 873 lives

NEWS SNAPS

HORNING BOAT SHOW

A great day out for all the family, the seventh Horning Boat Show takes place in Norfolk on 4 May. There will be luxury motor cruisers, sailing boats, plus many accessories and services, along with Broads holiday companies, charity stalls and classic cars. In addition, Horning Sailing Club will be putting on Discover Sailing. Entry to the show is free with parking at BeWilderwood where a shuttle bus will take you to the show for £2. www.horningboatshow.com

A GREY DAY FOR SALE

Dreweatts is presenting a selection of works by one of the most important Irish artists, Sir John Lavery RA, SA, RHA (1856-1941). They include the original on-the-spot sketch for one of the most significant events for Ireland, The Hearing of the Appeal of Sir Roger Casement. An example of John Lavery’s seascapes titled A Grey Day, painted in 1895, is also on offer. With its heavy sky, breaking waves and wrack-strewn sands the work, in oil on canvas, carries an estimate of £10,000 - £15,000. The paintings will be offered in Dreweatts Modern and Contemporary Art sale on  13 March. www.dreweatts.com

EMMA’S SILVER MEDAL

Emma Wilson won silver in a dramatic climax to the iQFOiL World Championships in Lanzarote - and vowed to go one better at the Olympics. The unique nature of the Final Series in the iQFOiL, the new Olympic windsurfing class, sees the top 10 athletes pitched into winner-takes-all knockout racing. However, Emma was handed a fivesecond penalty in the final race after judges said she started early; after dominating the regatta Emma had to settle for second, highlighting the jeopardy of the iQFOiL class finals.

Meanwhile, Sam Sills, who has been selected by Team GB in the iQFOiL class, found the going tough and finished 34th.

WINNING READERS

Congratulations to Robyn Clarke, from Oldham, who won the Hexham Boots competition in January and Paul Rapson, from Southampton, and Josie Bicknell, from Surrey, who won a copy of The Hunter & The Gatherer. This month’s competitions can be found on pages 11, 27 and 35.

SAILING SCALLYWAG

Regular readers will be familiar with occasional contributor Ross Brady, Sailing Scallywag. Later this year he will embark on a solo sailing journey of around 4,500nm from the Caribbean back to the UK raising money for Gloucestershire Nightstop (helping homeless young people of Gloucestershire) and Props Bristol (empowering adults with learning disabilities to achieve rewarding work opportunities). You can donate at: www.gofundme.com/f/solo-sailacross-the-atlantic

RYA YACHTMASTER OF THE YEAR

The RYA’s President, HRH The Princess Royal, presented 24-year-old Freddie Jablonski with the prestigious RYA Yachtmaster® of the Year award. Nominations were put forward by the RYA’s worldwide team of RYA Yachtmaster Examiners.

Freddie said: “I am shocked and delighted to be honoured with the award. It was not something that I anticipated; I was just trying to do my best on the course. It is a privilege to be recognised in this way.”

Richard Falk, RYA director of training and qualifications, said: “Anyone who undertakes and successfully passes their RYA Yachtmaster examination has every right to be proud of their achievement. In being named RYA Yachtmaster of the Year Freddie has not only met the required standard of competence, when measured alongside more than 3,000 other candidates was identified as the very best of the best.”

Of the exam Freddie said: “Probably the most challenging part was having to do my blind navigation to Cowes via the eastern channel, in driving rain and 40 knots of wind, wedged in at the chart table with a towel to absorb all of the water that was dripping off me.”

Growing up in the East Midlands, and despite the lack of coastline, Freddie was introduced to

sailing through the Sea Cadets aged 10 by his dad. Freddie explained: “Sea Cadets not only equipped me with maritime knowledge but also instilled confidence to tackle challenges, work in teams and take on leadership roles.

“My passion for offshore sailing was confirmed in 2014 when I joined other cadets on the 34m brig TS Royalist and the 32ft trade wind TS Vigilant, thus I entered the world of RYA yachting.

“At 19 I was fortunate to be invited to join the crew on the TS Royalist as Bosun, allowing me to meet and work with some amazing sailors, who shared their enthusiasm and experience. These people, the combination of both the RYA and MSSC (Marine Society & Sea Cadets) have allowed me to be where I am today and achieve my RYA Yachtmaster.”

Looking ahead to the future Freddie said: “I would like to work towards gaining my master 200t qualification as well as gaining my RYA Cruising Instructor. Eventually if the opportunity arises it would be cool to become an examiner.

"Despite being cold and wet for most of my exam I really enjoyed it and that was down to the crew and my examiner making me feel at ease. I would like to do the same one day.”

PAINTING FOR THE ‘VERSAILLES OF THE SEA’ AUCTIONED

A painting commissioned for a French cruise ship known as the ‘Versailles Of The Sea’ has been auctioned.

Dreweatts auctioneers sold the painting which was originally commissioned for one of the most luxurious ships of the 1900s, the SS France, known as the ‘Chateau de l’Atlantique’, or the ‘Versailles du Mer’.

Its name came as its interiors were opulently decorated in the gilded Louis XIV style, emulating the famous French Palace of Versailles.

The large-scale painting is by the celebrated French painter, illustrator, engraver and sculptor, Gaston La Touche (1854 – 1913), who was asked to create a

large panel work to go above the staircase in the grand two-tiered first-class dining room.

The painting titled 'L’Arrive de la Princesse' shows a beautiful woman who, having stepped out of her carriage, is being fawned upon by her courtiers, as they escort her to a waiting barge.

To further emphasise the opulence of the first-class dining room, La Touche cleverly has the viewer looking up at the central figure, demonstrating her royal standing, as we see those around her bowing and curtsying.

The oil painting is signed and inscribed and carried an estimate of £8,000 - £12,000, selling for £11,000.

PROTECTING SEABEDS SOLENT INVESTMENT

The Solent’s maritime industry has received a vital Government cash injection to develop green technologies, endorsing the region’s commitment to a more sustainable future.

Maritime UK Solent has welcomed the announcement that 12 out of 33 UK-wide projects include businesses based in the Solent region in the fourth-round funding of the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC4).

Anne-Marie Mountifield, chair of Maritime UK Solent, said: “This is a wonderful boost for the Solent’s maritime cluster and congratulations to those organisations who were successful in securing funding.

“It is a positive step towards achieving Maritime UK Solent’s ambitions for greener shipping using cleaner maritime fuels. These initiatives position the UK as a leader in emerging clean maritime technologies, fostering sustainable high-skilled jobs across the country and boosting coastal economies.

“In the long-term, the green technologies that emerge from the Solent’s world-leading maritime cluster will ensure that the region and the UK retain a strategic position on the global maritime stage.”

Working together with Government officials and Innovate UK, MUK Solent supported its over 900-strong maritime network to explore opportunities, and to encourage applications to the fourth-round funding of the CMDC4.

Over 20 winning businesses and organisations in the Solent region will use the grant to undertake trials and feasibility studies into clean maritime technologies, including electric, hydrogen, ammonia, methanol and wind power.

The Marine Conservation Society welcomed the news from the Government of new byelaws for 13 English Marine Protected Areas to safeguard over 4,000km² of seabed (equivalent to Essex) from bottom trawl fishing.

This increases the area of English seabed protected from bottom trawling to 12 per cent, as well as halting sandeel fishing in the English areas of the North Sea. This closure builds on the success of the Dogger Bank sandeel restrictions, protecting a vital part of the marine food chain and significantly reducing seabed damage.

The 13 new byelaws include areas off the south coast of the Isle of Wight, west of Land’s End and east of Lowestoft, protecting important sea life such as pink sea fans, fragile sponges and anemones. Much of the carbon stored in the UK’s

seafloor (93 per cent) is found in the muddy and sandy sediments in offshore waters. When the seabed is trawled, stored carbon is released into the water column, negatively impacting water chemistry and ocean productivity. When left undisturbed, these habitats store carbon and recover to provide vital habitats for young fish and many other sea creatures.

In June 2022, the Government closed four large offshore sites to bottom trawls, including over 12,300km² of seabed at Dogger Bank MPA. Since the byelaw came into place, MCS identified a 98 per cent drop in fishing activity.

Government has set a target to fully protect all English offshore MPAs designated for their seabed features – a further 28 offshore sites – by the end of 2024.

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Charlie’s watching the world go by from the comfort of ‘his’ dinghy.

The RYA’s President, HRH The Princess Royal, presented Freddie Jablonski with the RYA Yachtmaster® of the Year award

FAR LEFT: L’Arrive de la Princesse by Gaston La Touche (1854-1913) Image: Dreweatts

LEFT: L’Arrive de la Princesse by Gaston La Touche (1854-1913) in situ Image: French Line, S.S. ‘France’, Interior, Dining Salon, 1924 [Byron

Image: Penny Hicks / Shutterstock.com

Image: Dreweatts

OCEAN GLOBE RACE

Pen Duick VI, skippered by Marie Tabarly, crossed the Yacht Club Punta del Este finish line, taking first place in the Cape Horn leg of the Ocean Globe Race.

Pen Duick VI triumphed after 30 days of racing from Auckland, New Zealand to Punta del Este, Uruguay. Pen Duick VI has a long, and what some might say complicated, relationship with the Whitbread Round the World Race – Marie’s father Éric Tabarly first skippered Pen Duick VI in the 1973 Whitbread but was dismasted twice before retiring. Now Marie has proved again, without a doubt, what the iconic ketch is capable of.

Marie admitted that while she was delighted, it was a bittersweet victory as her biggest rival, Translated 9, was forced to withdraw from leg 3 with hull damage. Cracks appeared after experiencing three broaches and a heavy knockdown in a storm. They retired and diverted to the Falkland Islands for repairs.

After days of too-close-to-call back and forth Spirit of Helsinki swept in just 43 minutes ahead of Maiden. But after 6,500nm of racing, taking in

the South Pacific and the infamous Cape Horn, Maiden placed second on the leaderboard when a one-hour time compensation was deducted after the crew stopped racing for an hour to investigate a suspected liferaft sighting. It turned out to be a large orange fishing buoy.

Next in was Neptune, looking in almost perfect condition after 33 days at sea.

The victory for Pen Duick VI, two days ahead of Spirit of Helsinki and Maiden, and the forced retirement of the previous IRC leader Translated 9, along with the arrival of Triana, altered the IRC rankings dramatically. One of the smallest yachts in the fleet at 53ft (Sterna, the other) the hard-working Swan Triana achieved the remarkable by winning first in IRC (followed by Pen Duick VI and Galiana WithSecure) – beating the bigger, more powerful yachts in Flyer Class.

It was a rainy, nighttime arrival for the former Whitbread winner, L’Esprit d’équipe, as the wind built in a large rain squall for their Punta del Este

finish after 35 days of racing. The crew then began investigating issues with their mast which had developed problems – so much so that they were concerned they might dismast, forcing more conservative sailing up the east coast.

Just 2hr 46 minutes later, the Finnish yacht Galiana WithSecure graced the finish line. The classic Swan 55, the oldest yacht in the fleet and with national heritage status in Finland, flew three di erent sponsor spinnakers in the approach.

And then just 4.5 hours later, the Australian entrant Outlaw crossed the line. Outlaw was followed, after 37 days at sea, by Evrika. They were delighted to have finally arrived after a challenging final few days of light winds which slowed their progress, seeing them at times parked outside Punta del Este. This, combined with a broken mast that required maintenance after Cape Horn, meant they struggled to maintain speed.

White Shadow, the Spanish Swan 57, drifted across the line after 38 days at sea with a catastrophically reefed, handkerchief-sized mainsail

It was a duo of Chinese teams, representing the cities of Qingdao and Zhuhai, who took first and second place in the latest stage of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.  After a nail-biting end to the race, Qingdao, the team flying the flag for the sailing city in China, took the top spot on Race 7: Endless Discovery in Ha Long Bay, which saw teams take on a marathon 4,000nm race from Airlie Beach, Australia to Ha Long Bay,

after their forestay broke, sending it flying into the air and shredding their mainsail. This meant very conservative sailing for the final couple of weeks carefully managing to keep the mast up.

The final two yachts, Sterna and Explorer, arrived just four hours apart. After 42 days at sea Sterna, skippered by former Golden Globe Race sailor Jeremy Bagshaw, was the first of the two Swans. Another former GGR sailor Mark Sinclair (AKA Captain Coconut), skippering Explorer, arrived just a few hours later.

Interestingly, Translated 9 which, as mentioned, diverted to the Falkland Islands to repair cracks in the hull, returned to the water after being lifted out to seal the cracks. They had a late February Uruguay ETA; the Swan 65 needed to be in port for four days before the start of Leg 4 to comply with the OGR Notice of Race. Going into the final leg, leading Adventure Class is Triana, Sayula Class is Spirit of Helsinki and Flyer Class is Pen Duick VI (with Maiden in second).

Leg 4, Punta del Este to Cowes, began on 5 March. The historic Royal Yacht Squadron will signal the end of the the OGR with arrivals due between 11 - 26 April. It is fitting as the Royal Yacht Squadron cannon started the race back on 10 September when hundreds of spectator boats waved the fleet o as they set sail for Cape Town, mirroring the original 1973 Whitbread.

Vietnam. Sailing closely behind Qingdao was Zhuhai, crossing the line just 40 minutes later.

The team made the bold decision to go further west than Qingdao in a battle to find the stronger winds, and it was a move that paid o . As Qingdao sat in a wind hole, Zhuhai managed to close the 30nm gap down to just 1.5nm, however, Qingdao managed to hold onto its lead until the end.

Third over the line was UNICEF. The team sailed in

just 1 hour, 28 minutes and 59 seconds behind second placed Zhuhai – a fantastic achievement for three boats to arrive so close together after 22 days of racing. All 11 yachts were docked at the Ha Long Bay International Cruise Port within just over 36 hours.

In March the fleet is racing to Zhuhai in China, before racing on to Qingdao, arriving in port 2122 March. Follow the teams at www.clipperroundtheworld. com/race/standings

NEWS SNAPS

UKSA SCREEN TRIAL

UKSA is launching a screen time reduction trial in a bid to ease anxiety amongst its young students as a third of an increasingly screen dependent Generation Z students aged 16 to 25 worry they are spending too much time on social media. UKSA will work with the students to establish the times they spend more time on screens and offer alternative activities at these periods. According to a GWI 2023 Report on Gen Z, 20 per cent of the generation say social media causes them anxiety, 25 per cent more likely than other generations to say this. Globally, they are more likely than other generations to report having a mental health condition and almost 33 per cent say they are prone to anxiety, a higher proportion than any other age group with the rates of anxiety and stress also rising.

MORE CADET FUNDS

Seafarer cadets are able to continue to access financial support for their training up until 31 March, 2025, as funds have been locked in for a further six months. In 2022 the Government announced an increase in training subsidies for cadets, leading to more than £40 million being awarded to the Support for Maritime Training fund, as well as providing additional support for junior officers.

MCA OFFICER TRAINEE

A deck officer who discovered a “love for the sea” as a teenager has been given the 2023 Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s Officer Trainee of the Year award. Katie Jayne McGahan Hargreaves was chosen for her willingness to go above and beyond in promoting the maritime industry as an enthusiastic and dedicated ambassador. She was 13 when she found her passion for the water having taken up an invite to join her brothers in the Sea Cadets. Katie signed up to a sailing course within weeks and her new lifelong ambition saw her go on to qualify as an officer. She is now third officer for Cemex Marine Aggregates.

WORKING TOGETHER

The RYA has announced a new fouryear partnership with Sunsail. The investment will help support the RYA’s Together on Water strategy, ensuring people from all backgrounds can get afloat and boaters have access to clean and safe waters. Sara Sutcliffe, RYA CEO, said: “Sustainability is at the heart of this partnership, along with our shared passion to inspire people to adventure afloat.” You can read more from Sunsail on page 20.

RAD INVESTMENT

RAD Propulsion has secured a £1million investment from Ocean Infinity, a marine robotics business. The investment is part of a raise round to facilitate RAD’s rapid operational scale up as its RAD 40 electric drive goes into mass production. Dan Hook, CEO of RAD Propulsion, said: “The demand for marine electrification is accelerating at a fast pace and, with 95 per cent of new boats still consuming fossil fuels, the need is clear. Ocean Infinity identified RAD’s unique, tech focused approach which ideally positions us to deliver boat builders, commercial operators and high-end leisure users the solutions they need to reduce their carbon footprint.”

WORKING TO PROTECT MARINE ECOSYSTEMS

The University of Portsmouth is partnering with Gosport-based ocean sailing team, Gentoo Sailing Team, to help protect our planet’s marine ecosystems.

James Harayda, skipper and team principal, will be competing in the 2024 Vendée Globe single-handed non-stop round the world yacht race, which will start and finish in Les Sables-d’Olonne.

University researchers will use James' yacht, Gentoo, as a platform to conduct global marine research to help measure the challenges faced by the world’s oceans, such as climate change, pollution and disappearing biodiversity. The partnership will also raise awareness with the general public and within schools internationally.

The partnership contributes to the UN Ocean Decade of Science for Sustainable Development led by the UNESCO-IOC (Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission) to advance global ocean science, foster sustainable development and protect marine ecosystems through collaborative research and innovation.

26-year-old double British Champion, James Harayda said: “The oceans are not only my racetrack but also the lifeline of our planet’s health. It is crucial that we, as a population, begin to take the protection and management of our world’s oceans more seriously. I am extremely proud to be using Gentoo Sailing Team as a platform to not only raise awareness and inspire the next generation of ocean advocates, but to collect invaluable data to help inform policy makers and drive positive change to our oceans.

“Gentoo is an IMOCA class racing yacht, a Formula One car on the high seas, so to accommodate the equipment and research tasks within my 24/7 working day will be a challenge, but one that I am delighted to take on.”

Professor Alex Ford, deputy director of the Centre for Blue Governance, said: “We will conduct world-leading oceanographic research to understand and inform international decision-making to address the triple planetary crises of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. This project is the latest one

of several we have been fortunate to work on involving oceanographic races. These provide unique opportunities to sample in global locations and in ways not undertaken before and help us better

understand our planet and the impacts we humans have on our environment.” We will be catching up with James later in the year as the start of the Vendée Globe approaches.

STEAMSHIP’S AIR FESTIVAL SAILINGS

Following confirmation of Bournemouth Air Festival dates (29 – 31 August), the heritage steamship Steamship Shieldhall will spend time in Poole, Dorset to visit the event. Once onboard, guests will be encouraged to visit Shieldhall’s impressive engine room and the bridge as well as talking to the Captain and her volunteer crew and listening to the commentary on the sights and sounds of the Solent and Poole Harbour.  Shieldhall’s chairman, Martin Phipps said: “We are delighted to have confirmed our

arrangements for Poole Week. It is always a highlight of our sailing programme, both for guests and our volunteer crew.

"We have the very best views of the aerial action, anchored between Bournemouth and Boscombe Piers, with the sun at our backs and looking towards the beach.

"And for those not attracted by aircraft, we finish our week in Poole with a sailing along the World Heritage Jurassic Coast on 1 September. It promises to be a marvellous trip, to end what we trust will be a memorable week.”

Find out more about the available trips and book tickets at www.ss-shieldhall.co.uk

DRONE USES AI TO DEPLOY LIFEBOAT

TEKEVER has confirmed the successful deployment of a lifeboat from its AR5 drone as part of a search and rescue exercise conducted by the Italian Coast Guard, in partnership with the European Maritime Safety Agency.

With fully automatic operation, sensors onboard the drone enable the detection of vessels or humans on the water. Using artificial intelligence, the drone calculates the optimal time to release the lifeboat close to the vessel or person in distress without human intervention, enabling the lifeboat to be deployed at a close enough, but safe, distance. The system automatically considers weather conditions and flight plan restrictions, allowing the lifeboat to be easily used in a wide range of situations.

Beyond detecting people in distress, this life-saving capability represents a key role in search and rescue missions with the aim of improving maritime safety and reducing the 2,500 marine casualties and incidents reported by EU member states each year (EMSA, October 2023).

RUSSIAN AND BELARUSIAN ATHLETES

In line with the International Olympic Committee’s position on the participation of athletes from Russia and Belarus as independent neutral athletes, the World Sailing Board has agreed the following for athletes with a Russian or Belarusian passport:

Those who meet the necessary eligibility criteria will be permitted to participate as AINs (Individual Neutral Athletes) in competition for the 2024 Olympic Games, starting with the Last Chance Regatta qualifying event, to be held as part of the Semaine Olympique Francaise, 2027 April, and finishing with the Olympic regatta in Marseille.

This permission will also include – for those athletes who have secured qualification –Olympic class competition between the Last

2 COPIES UP FOR GRABS!

Royal Navy Home Fleet 1939–41

Angus Konstam (Author), Jim Laurier (Illustrator) £15.99

www.ospreypublishing.com

Chance Regatta and the Paris Olympic Games. World Sailing continues to recommend that athletes with a Russian or Belarusian passport should not be permitted to compete in events or classes other than those specified.

World Sailing went on to say: “The process for applying for AINs status will be announced in due course. The eligibility criteria will include all the IOC conditions of neutral participation.

“These decisions were made by the World Sailing Board following consultation with the World Sailing Council and as part of the federation’s continued commitment to the Olympic Charter and the Olympic Movement. World Sailing remains wholehearted in its support for the sailing community in Ukraine at what is an unimaginably difficult time.”

WIN

Packed with illustrations, this is a new history and analysis of how the Royal Navy’s most important fleet operated and fought the German Navy in the crucial first years of World War II. Throughout its history, the Royal Navy’s most powerful fleet has been the one guarding home waters. In this book, naval historian Angus Konstam explores the fighting power, the roles and the battles of the Home Fleet, in the crucial first years of World War II when it was Britain’s most powerful fighting force, anchored in the northern bastion of Scapa Flow.

Packed with striking new artwork and 3D diagrams and maps, this book offers a detailed portrait of the Home Fleet during these most crucial years of the war, from the capabilities of the warships to logistics and intelligence-gathering, to how the fleet was organized and commanded, and how and why it fought as it did. For a chance to win this book enter online at www.allatsea.co.uk or email editor@allatsea.co.uk with the subject header Home Fleet Book Competition.

Image: TEKEVER

BRITISH TEAM ANNOUNCED

Hannah Mills OBE and Sir Ben Ainslie have announced the Athena Pathway squad of sailors that, entered through Challenging Club the Royal Yacht Squadron, will seek to make history by winning the inaugural Puig Women’s America’s Cup and retaining the Youth America’s Cup for Britain.

The team will be supported by global aerospace and maritime technology innovator Cobham-Ultra, in a continuation of the firm’s extensive investment in UK engineering skills.

Athena Pathway was launched in August 2022 by Hannah and Ben with the aim of fast-tracking development in high-performance sailing and bringing diversity into the sport and the UK marine industry more broadly.

The Women’s and Youth America’s Cups, taking place alongside the 37th America’s Cup in Barcelona in September and October, are a central focus for the Pathway, with the first-time inclusion of a women’s event and the renewed emphasis on supporting the next generation.

Over 300 applications were received for Athena Pathway’s Cup squad, with an intensive 18-month trials period, comprising on-water and simulatorbased analysis, used to assess the hopefuls’ abilities to adapt to the unique skillset required to sail at speeds of up to 100kph in an AC40, the highly technical foiling monohull which will be used in the Women’s and Youth regattas.

Hannah said that selection was “a very difficult decision due to the immensely high standard of the sailors who applied”, but that the process offered an exciting glimpse into a bright future for British sailing.

“It is great to see the level of talent coming through in the UK, and Athena Pathway is focused on supporting and developing this talent both on and off the water – with the longer-term aim of inspiring the next generation into, and through, the sport of sailing,” said Hannah.

With a shared resume of six Olympic medals and 22 World Championship medals, the 12 strong squad also cements the reunion of one of sailing’s most

successful competitive partnerships, with Hannah and her 470 crew Saskia Clark set to race together again for the first time since winning Gold in Rio back in 2016.

The other selected athletes include Tokyo Olympic Silver medallist Anna Burnet, who is set to represent Britain at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Anna is not alone in this double selection, with Ellie Aldridge, Saskia Tidey and Freya Black also selected to race in both the Olympics and the Youth & Women’s America’s Cup competitions.

Also joining the team is Hannah’s Emirates GBR SailGP teammate and experienced offshore sailor Hannah Diamond, who has previously competed in the Volvo Ocean race and Rolex Fastnet. The final six Athena Pathway picks are Nick Robins, Matt Beck, Alex Hughes, James Grummett and Hattie Rogers. With most of the team’s training to date having

taken place on the simulator, preparations are due to intensify over the coming months, aided by the arrival of Athena Pathway’s AC40 in Barcelona.

The British Senior AC Team, of which Ben Ainslie is Team Principal and Skipper, will continue to play an active role in supporting the development of their female and youth counterparts through facilitating upskilling opportunities within their AC40 twoboating programme.

Speaking about the year ahead for Athena Pathway, Ben Ainslie said: “We could not be prouder of what Athena Pathway stands for – giving youth and female sailors more opportunity in our sport. We have selected a high calibre squad and to have someone like Hannah leading them on and off the water is incredibly inspiring. We will certainly be setting our expectation high as we look ahead to the Women’s and Youth America’s Cup.”

TRAINING BOAT FIRE

Britannia

Image: C.Gregory/INEOS

INEOS Britannia, Britain’s challenger for the 37th America’s Cup, suffered damage to one of their one-design supplied AC40 training boats, Athena, after a fire onboard.

The two British one-design AC40s (Athena and Sienna) had left the dock for a two-boat race training day and towed to the northeast of Barcelona to find some good breeze.

However, the crew onboard Athena were required to react to an electrical fire highlighted by smoke coming out of the forward hatch. The team chase boat was quickly alongside, fire extinguishers were deployed, but water was required to be pumped into the forward hatch to submerge the lithium battery to contain the fire.

No one was injured in the incident, and after stabilising the yacht and contacting the emergency services, the team had a long tow back to the INEOS Britannia team base, with constant monitoring of the crew onboard and the lithium battery.

INEOS Britannia skipper and team principal, Sir Ben Ainslie said: “Fire onboard any boat is always an incredibly difficult situation to manage. I want to personally thank the team for their professionalism and the emergency services for their support. We will now focus on assessing the damage to Athena alongside completing the final fit out of our AC75 Race Boat which we will see in Barcelona in April.”

Image: Athena Pathway

Hannah Mills OBE, skipper for the Women’s Team, and Nick Robins, skipper for the Youth Team

THE OCEAN RACE EUROPE 2025

Organisers of The Ocean Race have confirmed Kiel as the host of the start of The Ocean Race Europe. The event is scheduled to begin on 10 August, 2025 and finish in the Mediterranean Sea approximately six weeks later.

Kiel was previously the finish port of the Volvo Ocean Race 2001-02 and last year the German city hosted a successful Fly-By on the penultimate leg of The Ocean Race 2022-23.

The race in 2025 will be the second edition of The Ocean Race Europe, following its debut in 2021, and will be held under the banner of ‘Connecting Europe’ with a race course that stretches from the Baltic Sea, through the North Sea and English Channel, into the Atlantic Ocean before a finish in the Mediterranean Sea. Racing will take place in the newest generation of high-tech IMOCA boats, which foil above the water at record-breaking speeds.

The Ocean Race Europe will have the support of the EU Mission - Restore our Ocean and Waters, an initiative to raise awareness about the ocean and protect it from current challenges.

Richard Brisius, race chairman of The Ocean Race, said: “We are determined for The Ocean Race Europe to be more than a great sailing race. All of us here today are firm in our belief that we are in a Race for the Ocean, that the restoration of ocean health is key to life on our planet.

“This Race for the Ocean is also about creating real changes in policy for the ocean, calling for a reset in the relationship between humanity and the ocean. Initiatives around The Ocean Race Europe will support learning for race fans and school children while our onboard science programme will collect data from the race boats for experts to analyse.”

CRICK BOAT SHOW

Advance tickets are on sale for the Crick Boat Show, saving 10 per cent on the entry price.

The event, which takes place at Crick Marina, near Daventry in Northamptonshire, will be held across the late May Bank Holiday Weekend 25 - 27 May, with an exclusive Trade & Preview Day on 24 May, sponsored by Haven Knox-Johnston.

The show, Britain’s biggest inland waterways event, is expected to attract more than 26,000 visitors. As well as being the canal world’s biggest marketplace, showcasing the inland waterways industry with over 200 exhibitors, Crick Boat Show offers a fantastic day out with more than 30 new boats to view.

There are also used boats, free boat trips, free advice seminars on boat ownership, technical masterclasses, a live music festival sponsored by Aquavista, a beer festival sponsored by LeeSan and a large variety of food and drink stalls.

Matthew Symonds, national boating manager for the Canal & River Trust, said: “Every year Crick Boat Show celebrates Britain’s fantastic network of canals and rivers. We look forward to welcoming thousands of visitors to Crick for a fantastic day out by the Grand Union Canal Leicester Line. Visitors to the Canal & River Trust Marquee can discover more about

the boating, leisure, health and wellbeing opportunities our waterways offer people today, and the work of the Trust to maintain the 2,000 miles of canals and rivers in its care.”

For 25 - 27 May adult day tickets are £19 on the gate, £17.10 if purchased in advance. Entry for children aged 16 and under is free on those dates. Three-day adult tickets are £43 on the gate, £38.70 in advance. For more information and to book tickets, camping pitches and moorings: www.crickboatshow.com

"A ROLLERCOASTER WEEKEND"

Hannah Mills, the team’s Strategist, said the KPMG Australia Sail Grand Prix was a “rollercoaster weekend” for the Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team.

Hannah said it was a difficult start to the event for Emirates GBR, but the crew “really stepped up” on the second day of racing.

GBR’s new Driver, Giles Scott, was in at the deep end after practice racing was cancelled on the Friday,

which gave him little time to get to grips with the F50 in foiling conditions.

On race day one, the British team struggled to get off the start line in good shape in the three fleet races, which led to them starting day two in eighth place. By the end of day two they had moved up to seventh.

Of day two, Giles Scott said: “We certainly felt like we were in the fight today, which made a change from

yesterday. With me coming into the Driver role, I have got to get up to speed quickly and the crew have got to adjust to my way of sailing – but hopefully we are on a steep learning curve.

"We have still got a bit to go, but there are a lot of positives to take from today.”

Tom Sligsby’s home team, ROCKWOOL Denmark and New Zealand took the three spots in the final, and there was chaos at the start line

as Australia attempted to push out the Danes before an extremely close call between New Zealand and Australia.

Despite the Kiwis and Denmark putting up a good fight, Australia went on to secure the home event win.

With Emirates GB sitting in sixth in the season 4 standings, SailGP travels to Christchurch next, where racing will take place on 23 and 24 March. SailGP.com

LIGHT THE SOUTH TRAIL

The Southampton International Boat Show has partnered with Southampton Hospitals Charity as its Charity of the Year.

Central to the partnership is the ‘Light the South Trail’, which will run from 13 July – 8 September. The trail will feature 40 8ft lighthouses and 40 mini lighthouses uniquely designed and decorated by some of the UK’s most talented artists, schools and community groups. Included in the trail, which will take you on a cultural tour of Southampton and Cowes, will be a special SIBS lighthouse. There will also be an interactive experience through the ‘Light the South’ app.

Mark Ring, head of events at British Marine, organisers of the Southampton International Boat Show, said: “This collaboration represents a milestone in our commitment to community engagement and philanthropy.

"It is a unique opportunity to blend our maritime heritage with a cause that touches many lives. We are delighted to join forces with Southampton Hospitals Charity for this inspiring initiative.”

The Southampton International Boat Show is committed to educational outreach, integrating

the younger generation into the maritime world and fostering early interest in the marine sector. As part of the initiative with ‘Light the Show’ 40 school classes, in addition to the 700 plus children who already visit the show each year, will be invited to attend, where they will get a taste of all things marine life.

This partnership will also focus on raising funds for Southampton Children’s Hospital, with various initiatives planned, including a donation option integrated into the boat show ticket purchasing process. There will then be a farewell event during the show featuring all 40 lighthouses, creating an exclusive trail within the show and around the show entrance culminating in a VIP event and auction.

Beth Hall, Head of Charity Operations, Projects and Grants, said: “These unique and individually designed lighthouses will take residents and visitors on a cultural tour of Southampton, all whilst raising vital funds for Southampton Children’s Hospital which cares for 165,000 children across the south each year.”

lightthesouth.co.uk

southamptonboatshow.com/ visitor-information/tickets

Image: Crick Boat Show

Image: Rachel Eismann/Kiel-Marketing

Kiel, Germany will be the start port for The Ocean Race Europe 2025

Image: SIBS

Image: Brett Phibbs for SailGP

KIT BAG

HELLY HANSEN MIDLAYER

MONITORING SYSTEM

From LeeSan, marine sanitation specialist, is the Gobius C, a new Micro Radar tank contents monitoring system. This clever, externally top mounted system has been designed to provide users with exact and continuous level and volume data of contents, regardless of the geometry of the tank. The Analogue unit is ideal for connecting to an existing analogue system where it can be used for monitoring contents and switching equipment such as pumps on and o . The more sophisticated Digital system can be linked to an industry standard NMEA 2000 interface to enable it to control Multi-Functional Displays and Smart Devices. The simple-toinstall system is able to accurately measure black water, grey water, fresh water and even fuels such as diesel and petrol tank contents.

From £295.36

www.leesan.com

Last year Helly Hansen received a 2024 German Design Award for the Evolved Air Hooded Midlayer. Designed with minimal waste in mind, it is made of Ocean Bound polyester fleece and is 100 per cent recyclable at the end of its life as a jacket. The Ocean Bound polyester is made from post-consumer plastic bottles collected within 50km of a coastline or main waterway in regions at risk of plastic pollution. The Midlayer features a high collar and a constructed hood to protect against the elements, as well as thumb holes and hand pockets with concealed zip for safe storage. The Evolved Air Hooded Midlayer is available in both men’s and women’s styling. £130 www.hellyhansen.com

LIMITED EDITION

Spinnaker’s latest collaboration is with the Dolphin Project, a non-profit organisation dedicated to the welfare and protection of dolphins worldwide. With each colourway limited to 200 pieces, the Spinnaker Croft Mid-Size Automatic Dolphin Project Limited Edition not only pays homage to the beauty of the ocean but also supports the vital work of protecting dolphins and their natural habitats. A portion of the proceeds from each sale goes directly to Dolphin Project and each purchase includes a free Dolphin Project rPET cap.

£425

Spinnaker-watches.com

FLOATING PLATFORMS

ELECTRIC SURFBOARD

Looking for a new toy? iAQUA’s X-Jet™

Extreme electric sur oard has a powerful 20kW jet drive. In fact iAQUA says it is the “world’s fastest, most powerful and most versatile electric sur oard”. Weighing just 23kg, the 100 per cent carbon fibre sur oard has a speed of 68kph, and on a single charge the X-Jet™ Extreme can cover more than 30km. It has a 3,670kW high capacity battery, magnetic kill switch, wireless throttle and has a 160kg weight capacity for two surfers.

£9,388

www.iaquawatercraft.com

To celebrate its 10 year anniversary, NautiBuoy has unveiled four new modular inflatable products: E-Foil Dock, C-Shade, Sea Pools and Double Bay Jet Ski Dock. The inflatable platforms are designed to attach and extend the aft of a superyacht to create customisable beach clubs in minutes. Available in four sizes, the platforms can be connected in a variety of di erent ways to create everything from large traditional beach clubs, jet ski pontoons and watersports centres to classic walkways, a diving platform and a secure maintenance platform, with the optional addition of C-dock SEABOB docking stations, inflatable steps and L-Bow joints for high transoms.

E-Foil dock: €1,295

The C-Shade: €3,995

J-Dock (double bay jet ski dock): €6,995

Seapool 400 (4m x4m): €6,495

Seapool 600 (6m x4m): €7,495

www.nautibuoymarine.com

RNLI 200 SNOOD

GET KITTED OUT WITH HENRI LLOYD

Nautor Swan and HenriLloyd have joined forces in a collaboration that will see Henri-Lloyd as the o cial sportswear partner for Nautor Swan and ClubSwan’s sailing ventures. The collaboration began at BOOT Düsseldorf, with the Nautor Swan team dressed by Henri-Lloyd. Also on show was the new 2024 range aimed at inshore and o shore sailors.  Launched back at METS, the range’s aesthetics draw directly on the brand’s heritage, reusing familiar product names and popular past features.

www.henrilloyd.com

The RNLI marks its 200th anniversary this month, and supporters can mark the occasion with a range of commemorative gifts. Here we have the snood, the ultimate layering piece that will help keep your neck and head warm and protected from the elements, while also showing your support for 200 years of saving lives at sea. This snood is light enough to take with you on the go and easy to slip over (or under) your clothes, jacket or coat, and warm enough to keep you cosy without the bulk or weight of a thick scarf or hood. See our special feature looking at 200 years of the RNLI on page 24, plus enter our RNLI competition on page 27.

£10

shop.rnli.org/pages/rnli-200

DECK SHOES

Starting from the summer 2024 season, Chatham and Joules are launching a joint footwear collection, which comprises three seasonal deck shoes. The collection features a canvas deck shoe in pink, blue and green for women – Jetty – alongside Pier, a women’s moccasin deck shoe made in tan nubuck, and Boardwalk for men, a moccasin nubuck deck shoe in tan/navy. The collaboration comes at an exciting time for both Chatham and Joules, as they enter their 35th year of business, and Chatham begins its next chapter, following a rebrand for 2024. The Summer capsule collection will be available to buy from this month and will be available from selected Joules stores, retailers and online.

From £59 www.chatham.co.uk

Image: Jim Raycroft

Keeping you afloat

Make boatcare your one-stop solution across the UK for full-service boat repairs and maintenance. Find specialist support and equipment sales, so you can spend more of your time on the water.

boatcare.co.uk

Onsite hardstanding

Engine servicing for inboard and outboard

Yacht finishing and paint repairs

Antifouling and coppercoat

Hull polishing and GRP repairs

Teak decks and bespoke carpentry

Scan here or visit boatcare.co.uk to find your local boatcare centre

Seacocks, winches and bow thrusters

Supply of specific and general chandlery parts

Major suppliers of:

SBS TRAILERS

WETSUITS FOR KIDS

In order for the younger family members to fully enjoy a day on or by the water they need to be warm, which is where the wetsuit - a brilliant piece of kit - comes in.

When taking part in any water-based activity, for a child to really enjoy and appreciate it they have to feel comfortable, whether that is sailing, surfing, paddleboarding or just running around and dunking each other at the beach. More often than not, the primary course of discomfort for kids when they are out on the water (and for most adults too!) is getting cold. This is where a wetsuit comes in.

Protection against the cold Physics tells us that heat flows from warmer objects to colder ones. For example, our body temperature hovers

somewhere around 36oC, so when the air temperature is 18o outside, we lose body heat and start to feel the cold. This is magnified in kids, especially when they spend a long time in the water, even if the water conditions are warm, as they have less muscle and fat than adults to keep them insulated.

A wetsuit slows this loss of heat by trapping a thin layer of water between a child’s skin and the suit, which then warms and helps to stop their body heat racing away – keeping them warmer for longer.

Reduction in wind chill

As a physical barrier to the elements, one of the great things about a wetsuit is that it can reduce wind chill. This is

especially useful if the kids are learning to sail or kayak and are spending a long time out in a boat. A wetsuit can help to keep them warm both in and out the water, and they are ideal for protecting them from water splashes and spray as well.

Protection from cuts, scrapes and the sun

Covering the whole body, a full-length wetsuit, when used for swimming, splashing around on the beach or snorkelling, o ers small legs and knees protection against cuts and scrapes from sharp stones or shells, and jellyfish stings. Add a pair of wetsuit boots and you do not have to worry about a child standing on anything they should not, as well as making the walk back to the car park a breeze as well.

The all over coverage of a wetsuit also completely blocks out the sun’s harmful UV rays, creating the ultimate all day long sunscreen without the tiresome and sticky application process!

Additional buoyancy

Wetsuits are primarily made from closed cell foam materials, like neoprene, which is filled with thousands of tiny gas bubbles trapped within the structure of the fabric. These built-in air bubbles add to the thermal properties of the wetsuit and assist in maintaining heat, but they also o er the secondary benefit of

adding buoyancy to the wetsuit. This additional buoyancy will help a child to stay afloat more easily on the surface and is a real benefit to them (and a parent’s peace of mind!) if they are not such a confident swimmer.

What to look for

As kids grow, sometimes very fast, you would be forgiven for being tempted to buy a cheap wetsuit. However, it might be a false economy. Cheaper wetsuits often do not fit well, can be uncomfortable and di cult to get on. Inferior neoprene will not stretch as well as higher quality wetsuits and can soon get out of shape, causing the suit to ‘flush’ and carry the heat away rather than keeping it trapped, making the wetsuit less e cient when it comes to thermal insulation.

WATERSPORTS FOCUS WITH

Look for neutral colours, so if there is a smaller sibling, they could use the wetsuit when their older brother or sister has grown out of it – this would mitigate the initial outlay as multiple members of the family could use it as a child is more likely to grow out of a decent quality wetsuit before they wear it out!

typhoon-int.co.uk

Next Month: Preparing your sailing dinghy for the new season.

A wetsuit will keep them warmer - and therefore having fun - for longer

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.

EXERCISE SMASH

Smash was an exercise, including the use of amphibious armoured vehicles, at Studland Bay in preparation for D-Day.

In the Diary last month, we looked at one of the most unseaworthy ways known of getting afloat as the UK started to develop a practical version of a swimming tank. It is one thing going out in a leaky sieve but being stuck down below in a 30 ton+ deadweight, kept afloat by a canvas screen held erect by compressed air whilst being shot at is nobody’s idea of fun.

Instead, the idea was to somehow get tanks onto a defended beach in support of an attacking force of infantry – an amphibious invasion. Having got their amphibious heavyweight, the next task was to try it out in conditions that were as close as it was possible to get to the ‘real thing’.

DRESS REHEARSAL

In the bigger picture, by the middle of 1943 the invasion of France had been pencilled in for the following summer, with the plan being to cross the English Channel to land an army of men and materials on the French coast. The swimming tanks would be but a small part of this, as what was shaping up to be D-Day would be the most complex military manoeuvre ever undertaken.

So much of what was being envisaged would be groundbreaking, which meant that it was imperative that new ideas were tried out in practice, and with the intended date of early June 1944 drawing close, a full-blown dress rehearsal, Exercise Smash, was planned.

The chosen location would be the wide expanse of sandy beach at Studland Bay, just to the south of the entrance to Poole Harbour, which today is one of the most popular open anchorages along the South Coast (not to mention being the site of what supporters claim to be the UK’s finest naturist beach!). The location was

paramount importance, as they would be watching the exercise from close at hand. At the southern end of the beach lies Redend Point, a rocky outcrop that is topped with the glowering bulk of Fort Henry, a 90ft long blockhouse constructed earlier in the war as an observation site.

It had been named as Fort Henry as a tribute to their home bases by the Canadian Royal Engineers, who had constructed it, and with the walls and roof made of more than 3ft of reinforced concrete the bunker, with its stunning views along the curve of the beach it would give the watching VIPs a panoramic view of the exercise.

DISASTROUS DAY

However, in advance of the big day, Exercise Smash would consist of a number of smaller activities that all led up to the top of the bill day which was scheduled for mid-April 1944.

One of the first tests took place early in April, when the swimming tanks were to be tested. Conditions earlier in the day were good, but as anyone who uses Poole Harbour knows all too well, running south from the entrance is the mile long rocky groyne called the ‘Training Bank’. This forced the launching of the ‘swimming tanks’ to be conducted further offshore than originally planned at which point disaster struck.

The National Trust, who manage the whole site, have provided plenty of information boards along the WW2 walk, adding an interesting new aspect to spending time at the Studland Bay anchorage...

important as it was within easy reach of the Solent, which was rapidly filling up with the invasion forces, plus it would be easy for the troops used in the exercise to make their way back up to their starting point at Southampton.

LIVE FIRE EXERCISE

Luckily the beach profile at Studland closely matched that of one of the French beaches, plus the local area was not heavily populated, which eased the task of moving the local residents away to a safer area. This was important as the plan called for Exercise Smash to be the UK’s largest live fire exercise of the war, with the full range of weaponry being deployed. There would be barges capable of launching salvos of rockets, fire support from the Navy,

swimming tanks and landing craft full of infantry to assault the beach.

In total some 10,000 servicemen were involved, with their efforts being observed by the very best of the ‘top brass’: King George VI, Churchill, along with those who would be heading to Normandy just a month later, ‘Ike’ Eisenhower and ‘Monty’ Montgomery. With so much heavy ordnance

keeping the observers safe was of

There is some debate about exactly what went wrong, but recent discoveries on the seabed point towards the tanks turning onto a south-westerly course, which would have seen them butting their bluff canvas screens into a head sea that had suddenly gotten rougher. With freeboard of just 12 inches, meeting waves nearly three foot in height would prove disastrous, resulting in the loss of six tanks and the death of six of their crew.

Just as with D-Day six weeks later, for the main exercise of sending troops to the beach the assault would be delayed by bad weather, but on 18 April the exercise was given the green light. This time things worked better, with a whole regiment of tanks successfully sent to the beach under the watchful gaze of the King and his senior military advisers.

8O YEARS LATER

Once Exercise Smash was concluded the need for total secrecy dictated that all the documentation concerning the operation was destroyed, preventing any leakage of information as to what was being planned for the Normandy shoreline.

Fast forward to today and the whole of Studland is a magical location with it enjoying clear water and good holding with the sandy bottom. Ashore the sand dunes are a haven for wildlife whilst the beach itself is a classic with soft, golden sand, but the part the area played in the lead up to D-Day has not been forgotten.

The lost tanks are still there on the seabed, but after being rediscovered and documented by a team from Bournemouth University these are now protected ‘look but do not touch’ sites. A walk past the beach centre allows the visitor to pick up the Studland Beach Second World War Walk that takes you up past Fort Henry, run by the National Trust and is also now a protected monument after being given Grade 2 listed building status. From there the views back to the beach are a joy to behold, but spare a thought for how it must have looked back in those tumultuous days in 1944.

the

flying,

The view from the ‘arrowslit’ at Fort Henry has to be one of the best anywhere along the south coast. It was from this very point that the King and Winston Churchill watched Exercise Smash - the dress rehearsal for D-Day

Despite its size, Fort Henry is hardly conspicuous to the point that many of the visiting yachts to Studland might well miss itbut when viewed from close up, it is certainly impressive

Alongside Fort Henry is a touching memorial to the crews of the swimming tanks that were lost just off the beach at Studland. Their tanks, now protected, are still out there on the seabed, a reminder of the costs borne to ensure our ‘Peace and Freedom’

YOUR PROPULSION

POWER SHORTS

 Cox Marine has welcomed E.P. Barrus Ltd to its distributor network. With over 100 years of marine experience, family-owned Barrus is a leading marine engine distributor in the UK and has a significant network of marine dealers and they will be collaborating with Cox to select those that will become o cial Cox / Barrus Dealers.

Alonsea ‘picnic boat’ with Yamaha 50hp outboard

 Yamaha delivered a Tech Talk session at the RYA Training Conference 2024, which is a key event in the calendar for RYA instructors, playing host to a variety of speakers and exhibitions, alongside important updates from the RYA and wider industry. Ed Stevens, commercial and boat partner sales manager at Yamaha Marine UK, delivered a Tech Talk Session on a number of key topics, including the importance of fuel and fuel filters.

 TEMO, who in 2020 launched their first patented product onto the market the TEMO·450, has completed a €6 million Series A financing round with the US impact fund At One Ventures to develop its range of electric propulsion solutions and help turn the recreational boating sector carbon free. The company’s ambition is to add three new power units to its catalogue by 2027 and to step up its international presence, particularly in the United States.

 Barrus and Hybrid Marine have entered into an agreement to create a new hybrid propulsion systems company, Hybrid Marine International. This joint venture takes their 14-year partnership to the next level in the drive to support the government’s strategic vision for a clean maritime sector in the UK by 2050. Since 2010, Barrus and Hybrid Marine have been working together in the development of hybrid propulsion systems based on Yanmar marine diesel engines, while Hybrid Marine has been developing advanced hybrid systems since 2002, pioneered by leading hybrid development engineer, Graeme Hawksley.

 Caudwell Marine has partnered with ZF, a global technology company and supplier of systems for passenger cars, commercial vehicles, marine and industrial technology. The technical partnership sees ZF supporting Caudwell Marine in enhancing the performance and capabilities of its 300hp turbo-charged V6 diesel outboard. ZF has played “an important role in helping ensure Caudwell Marine’s 300hp turbo-charged V6 diesel outboard engine delivers exceptional performance and durability even in the most demanding marine environments.”

 Registered owners will have been advised that the UK’s O ce for Product Safety and Standards has issued a product recall for Top Cowl Assembly in certain Mercury Marine V6 and V8 outboard engines. The product presents a risk of injury due to the potential for fingers to enter the top cowl air vents on some engine models. To prevent this, Mercury Marine is o ering a bezel assembly to cover the top cowl air vents. Installation of the bezel assembly is required on all sold and unsold product. Mercury Marine has contacted all registered owners advising them of the issue and that they should contact an authorised dealer to schedule a service appointment to enable the bezel assembly to be fitted. www.mercurymarine.com/en/us/find-a-dealer

UK DEBUT FOR KURO

Making its UK debut at last month’s BoatLife was the Suzuki DF250 ‘KURO’.

The DF250 ‘KURO’ series comes in an eye-catching matt black finish, which is reminiscent of the paint finishes and wraps used on super cars. The word ‘KURO’ means ‘deep black’ in Japanese and thus represents the new paint finish and matching decals. In addition to the new look, the new DF250AUNX has a number of technical features that set it apart from a standard Suzuki DF250A.

Its 4-litre, 24 valve V6 engine has been upgraded with new electronic mapping that increases the rev range from 5,700rpm to 6,000rpm. Match this with the new cowling that has re-worked air intake louvres to provide better air supply as well as cooling and you have got a power unit that revs and picks up speed quickly.

In addition, the lower unit has also been re-designed in a similar way to those found on racing outboards, to improve cruising performance and prevent cavitation. The skeg also has a specially designed ‘left/right asymmetry’ with a curve in it to assist in low-speed manoeuvring. Finally, the upper clamp brackets have been improved with sti er bushings to increase stability at speed.

ELITE ON SHOW

ePropulsion showcased the eLite electric outboard motor at boot Düsseldorf. Created for the tender and smaller boating market, the eLite benefits from nominal power of 500W and a maximum power in boost mode of 750W.

With a focus on minimal maintenance and a compact and lightweight design, weighing just 6.7kg (excluding bracket) and measuring 297 x 75 x 890mm, the eLite is easily manoeuvred and very transportable. The electric outboard features easy removal and installation

AVATOR ELECTRIC OUTBOARDS

Mercury Marine unveiled two new low-voltage electric outboards, the Avator 75e and 110e, at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.

New for 2024, the 75e and 110e complete Mercury’s five-model line-up of low-voltage electric propulsion. Also at CES, Mercury offered a first look at the next step in its electrification journey with a high-voltage electric concept propulsion system.

“We are thrilled to unveil the Avator 75e and 110e on a world stage at CES,” said John Buelow, Mercury Marine president. “As we deliver on our commitment to introduce five low-voltage electric outboards, we are also excited to provide a concept of a highvoltage electric propulsion system.

“This concept, along with our incredible internal combustion products which have redefined outboard performance, continue to position us as the innovation leader in the marine industry.”

The 75e produces 7.5kW (7500W) of propulsive power at the propeller and the 110e produces 11kW (11000W) of propulsive power at the propeller. Pricing will be released upon product launch in mid-2024.

outboard performance, continue to position us as the (11000W) of propulsive power at the propeller. Pricing

facilitated by its one-click quick release system, which eliminates the need for electrical connections or tools. So, users can e ortlessly lift the motor on or o for charging or maintenance while securely leaving the clamp bracket in place, all at the touch of a button. An intuitive digital control and display provides essential information including battery level, power output, system status and alerts. It also has a single button control to select mode and switch the main display from power output to battery level with ease. The motor is an entry level product in ePropulsion’s extensive electric outboard portfolio and has a retail price of £937.

HYDROGEN OUTBOARD

Yamaha Motor unveiled a prototype hydrogen-powered outboard engine (pictured) at February’s Miami International Boat Show.

Marine products run through water and are thus subjected to water resistance, requiring significantly more energy for propulsion than land vehicles. Additionally, the performance and engineering requirements for marine products can vary widely depending on the usage environment as well as the usage itself.

To achieve carbon neutrality while facing such challenges, Yamaha is promoting a multi-directional development approach, looking to other new energy sources and technologies in addition to its electrification e orts.

At boot Düsseldorf Boat earlier this year Yamaha launched its latest outboard model, 350hp V6. Highlights include 20 per cent more fuel e ciency than its predecessor, alongside enhanced user features and superior power to weight ratio. Add its distinctive new look in Pearlescent White and Traditional Gray and it is clear the new 350hp V6 is a big power, light-weight option for a wide variety of boating applications. The company has also signed an agreement to acquire all shares of electric propulsion manufacturer Torqeedo, with the aim of strengthening its development capabilities in the field of electric propulsion, as well as supporting Yamaha’s e orts to help achieve carbon neutrality in the marine industry. Renowned as a pioneer in the field of electric propulsion, Torqeedo o ers a wide-ranging line of products; from electric outboards to batteries and various other accessories.

Image: Benjamin Sellier

Image: Powder Point Media (Christophe Ponchant)

Image: David Bazabal 2023

GOING ELECTRIC

We look at converting from fossil fuel to electric and how far it can take you.

Every sector in the UK is keen to do its bit towards decarbonisation, and nowhere is this more apparent than in the marine industry. Global online brokerage group, Boatshed.com, reports high levels of interest in electric yachts, and with more and more electric yachts coming onto the market, George Symes explains how he converted his fossil fuel Oyster Mariner 35 Ketch to electric.

George and partner Sinead (above) bought Muhuhu (named after its interior wood) in May 2019 from Boatshed.com Hayling Island. A smaller version of the Oyster 39, the couple saw her potential as a solid bluewater cruiser with a large and beautiful solid wood interior and bright and roomy aft cabin.

After giving her a new copper coat, a polish and some engine work, George and Sinead sailed her from Haying Island to Poole. In 2020 they cruised to Plymouth, Falmouth and the Isles of Scilly, powered primarily by two 100W solar panels, on swivelling backets, designed to pivot through two axes to always face the sun (doubling their yield).

AN ELECTRIC SOLUTION?

George says: “In 2021, in Plymouth, we wanted to get her ready for extended periods of off-grid liveaboard cruising abroad so decided to refit her mechanical and electrical systems. We planned a complete rebuild of the Perkins 4108 engine, engine bay, fuel system, tanks, fuel lines, filters etc and a partial rewire, plus an electrical upgrade comprising a LiFEPo4 battery bank, a large solar bimini, an inverter and a larger second alternator. We also considered a DC generator.

“When we compared this cost against that of an electric propulsion system, it was fairly even, and after doing power calculations we realised our current style of sailing and desired lifestyle was compatible with an electric solution.

“We sold the engine and installed a Bellmarine Drivemaster 15kW liquidcooled motor and to power it, with North Devon Marine, we put together a 48V Victron energy system, 10kWh lithium battery bank, 3kVa inverter and some MPPT solar charge controllers. We also designed a stainless solar bimini frame to fit two 415W bifacial LG solar panels over the cockpit (pictured above).

“In January 2022 we sailed from Plymouth to Falmouth, recharging batteries in Falmouth until the days got longer and our solar yield increased. The Silentwind turbine, mounted up the mizzen mast, generally yielded enough to power domestic loads like the lights, fridge, charging phones and powering the Wi-Fi.”

LIVING OFF-GRID

“We lived off-grid in the Isles of Scilly for five months, powered solely by solar and wind. The Bellmarine motor powered Muhuhu into 50 knot gusts to re-anchor during storms, and the bifacial solar panels yielded higher than expected, generating 6.5kWh one day.

“In late 2023, after a summer sailing between the Isles of Scilly and Falmouth, and now with a doubled battery bank of 20kWh and some extra solar panels, we headed towards the Bay of Biscay. With 15-20 knots of wind all the way, and 45 knot squalls bringing torrential rain showers, the Bellmarine was in regeneration mode, providing up to 300W of power. This averaged around 4kWh per day, more than needed for our induction hob, electric oven and immersion heater (which was left on).

“Our route took us past Finisterre, Vigo, Porto, Nazare and Cascais. Due to sailing later in the year, and the Portuguese coast having few sheltered places to anchor, around half our stops were in marinas offering, in many cases, free electricity which made it easier to motor sail between ports when the wind

The boat’s two 100W solar panels, on swivelling backets

was lower. On the passage from Cascais to Sagres we had mostly light wind with some large swell and, after slowly motor sailing for two days, we arrived in Sagres with 46 per cent battery remaining.

“After solar recharging for a day, we motorsailed to Lagos and charged fully. Following a week anchored in a nearby lagoon, the wind filled in enough for us to sail to Portimao and Faro. Since then, we have sailed past Gibraltar, into the Mediterranean and up to Cartagena in Spain, wintering to escape the Cornish winters.”

POWER SUCCESS

“Since going electric, the Bellmarine system has run for over 1800 hours, with over half of that in regen mode, where the motor’s on but generating power from the propeller when under sail. We have covered 3,000nm (1,700 in the last year)

and, so far, have not run out of power. There are those who say ‘you can hardly pass a spare can of electric to a boater who has lost power in a seaway’, but how often is engine failure attributed to actually running out of fuel? It is more often clogged filters, water in the fuel, overheating or a mechanical failure.

“For us, spare electrons are better.

Twice we have rafted alongside Waynes Oceanvolt-powered Contessa 34 Nazca, charging one boat from the other. Thanks to the huge solar arrays, electric sailboats are floating power stations which take a few days of sunlight or sailing to recharge.”

“The only thing we miss about our engine is switching it off – the transition between noisy motoring and silent sailing was always beautiful – now we have silence all the time.”

In good conditions, Muhuhu sails at 2.5 knots on solar alone, delivers 4 knots from 3.5kW of power and 7 knots, for 1.5 hours under electric. She can reach 8 knots under sail (if the copper coat hull is freshly scrubbed). Fully battened main and mizzen sails are also a bonus in light winds.

George concludes: “We may one day, once again, take advantage of high-density fuel, be it a fuel cell or a DC generator with a new species of prime mover burning HVO or hydrogen. For now, we are keen to see how far Muhuhu will take us using the wind and sun.”

George is an engineer, specialising in marine energy, electric and hybrid propulsion and Sinead is an ethical procurement specialist. Starlink high-speed internet enables them to work remotely.

⚫ A global range of boats are available to view on Boatshed.com

⚫ To find out more about conservation technology visit northdevonmarine.org

FUTURE HOLIDAYS

Learning new skills, pillowplumping robots and less crowds, please - a Sunsail survey reveals the future of the travelling Brit.

According to a study commissioned by yacht charter company Sunsail, to celebrate its 50th anniversary, 28 per cent of Brits said they had experienced ‘rowdy’ tourists spoiling the peace whilst on holiday and 59 per cent said that over-tourism in other countries has or would put them off visiting a particular country.

Overcrowding was not the only thing on the minds of travellers. 40 per cent said that what they wanted from a holiday had changed drastically, or a little bit, over the past five years, and 1 in 4 said they wanted to learn something new on a holiday. Meanwhile 43 per cent of respondents said they think about how close to the sea/beaches they are when choosing where to go on holiday, but this does not mean lounging on the beach all day.

AI powered travel

When it comes to where they thought travel technology is heading, the answers were everything from AI planners (16 per cent) and solarpowered or AI-powered commercial planes (both 13 per cent), to commercial space tour flights (14 per cent), superfast ships (11 per cent) and no air travel at all (5 per cent).

39 per cent would like to see instant translation earbuds in the future – that take in the audio from the person speaking and translate it back into your ear - and 23 per cent suggested solarpowered sailboats with AI navigation would pique their interest. Underwater luxury yacht excursions were not far behind this, at 14 per cent.

What about the kids?

British yachtswoman and Sunsail ambassador, Dee Caffari MBE, also

talked to the next generation to get their ideas and opinions: “We had a whole range of answers from artificial intelligence and technology that does the thinking for us, and to do all the procedures for us. There are no right or wrong answers; after all, this is the next generation who will innovate for the future, and I am sure somewhere in the middle there will be our future in 50 years.”

Answers included:

“I’ll go on a massive cruise boat and have robots that do everything, like plump pillows.”

“I would have a VR headset on, listening to an electronic voice telling me what to do and where we were going.”

“Boats would be able to go underwater and then be like a flying fish being able to skim the water.”

“The sea will be pancakes and when you get on the boat there are butterflies that fly you into the air.”

A more sustainable future

It is also clear from the results that sustainability is at the forefront of the traveller’s mind. 68 per cent said it was very or quite important that holidays be made environmentally friendly, and 37 per cent thought that renewable energy-powered airports were an intriguing concept for future ecofriendly travel.

34 per cent liked the idea of windpowered cruise liners with hydrogenerators (powered by water instead of fuel to power the cruise liner to move in water), and 37 per cent liked the sound of renewable energy-powered airports.

Caroline Barbour, UK marketing manager for Sunsail, said: “People

are moving away from the typical sun lounger holiday and are looking for something a bit different, with a good balance of relaxation and adventure –they do not just want one or the other.

“It is also interesting to see how sustainable energy and technology that focus on connecting us to others, such as translation earbuds, is a priority. I am not sure how likely it is that the sea will be made of pancakes… but flying boats and pillow-plumping robots do not seem completely out of the question!

“For those who have yet to try it, a sailing holiday can tick all these boxes. You get to go off the beaten track and avoid the crowds, find hidden gems and places not accessible by land and learn a new skill.

“Even better, you can choose whether you want to make an adventure of it, for example, booking a flotilla and sailing with others or going solo and kicking back to relax while an expert skipper takes charge.”

Celebrating 50 Years

“I’ll go on a massive cruise boat and have robots that do everything, like plump pillows.”

In 2024 Sunsail is celebrating 50 years of offering unforgettable experiences to sailing enthusiasts and adventurers, and in honour of this milestone is launching two new, one-off flotillas in Lefkas and The British Virgin Islands. www.sunsail.co.uk

The one-week Lefkas 50th anniversary flotilla includes snorkelling amongst a plane wreck, exploring rocky cliffs, walking the sands of private beaches, visiting ancient fortresses and fragrant pine forests and experiencing the Ionian’s most unmissable sights with a group of new friends.

Prices for the one-week Lefkas Flotilla, departing on the 19 May 2024, start from £2,724, for a Sunsail 34, 2 cabin, 1 head classic yacht. At each daily morning briefing, the lead crew advises on the day’s sailing, ideal routes, weather conditions and hidden gems to discover.

Meanwhile, the BVI 50th anniversary flotilla promises swimming with turtles, white sand beaches and friendly waterside bars in the stunning British Virgin Islands. Both flotillas will offer a mix of discovery, adventure and companionship for those who want the ultimate holiday this year.

Prices for the one-week BVI Flotilla, departing August 2024, start from £3,099, for a Sunsail 41.9, 3 cabin, 2 head classic yacht. As with the Lefkas flotilla, at the daily morning briefing, the lead crew advises on the day’s sailing, ideal routes, weather conditions and hidden gems.

Lefkas 50th Anniversary Flotilla – one-week itinerary

BVI 50th Anniversary Flotilla – one-week itinerary

Image: Tony Denim

SAIL AWAY

STAR BREEZE

Windstar Cruises has introduced the all-suite, 312-guest Star Breeze, replacing Wind Spirit, as the new year-round ship in Tahiti and French Polynesia.

“This strategic shift in ships not only doubles capacity but also brings new experiences given the Breeze’s multiple dining options, enlarged spa and fitness centre and spacious accommodation,” said Windstar Cruises’ president Christopher Prelog.

“Travellers aboard Star Breeze still navigate Tahiti’s out-of-the-way harbours, hidden lagoons and pristine beaches in Windstar’s signature, small ship style.”

The vessel change means faster travel to and from the islands of French Polynesia and the greater South Pacific, enabling expansion to the remote Marquesas Islands with the new 14-day Tahitian Treasures & Magnificent Marquesas set to sail in July 2024.

The 148-guest Wind Spirit leaves Tahiti to sail in the Caribbean during the winter season and the Mediterranean and Greek Isles between May and November. Wind Spirit joins sister-ship Wind Star in the Greek Isles to double occupancy in this top selling region. www.windstarcruises.com

MOST SEARCHED CRUISE DESTINATIONS

If you could take a cruise anywhere, which destination would you choose? A study by Cruise Mummy has found an interesting range of locations with the Caribbean being the most Googled cruise destination by the UK public, followed by Norway.

Perhaps a little more surprising is that cruises in and around the American state of Alaska are the third most Googled cruises in the UK. From a cold climate to a warmer one, Greece comes in fourth followed by Amsterdam.

Perhaps giving an indication of where most people who are thinking of taking a cruise live, the UK areas that are making the most cruise-related enquiries on Google are, interestingly, all Scottish.

Glasgow, Aberdeen and Edinburgh comprise the top three.

Cruise Mummy’s Jenni Fielding said: “Searches by UK residents for cruises hit a five-year high at the beginning of 2023, indicating how popular cruises are. With trends indicating that searches for cruises generally spike during the new year, it will be interesting to see if these popular cruise destinations remain the most sought after for 2024 holidays or are replaced by newly trending destinations.”

Top tips from Cruise Mummy for keeping your cruising costs down:

1 - Book your cruise through a travel agent

on your dream holiday this year with the latest news and o ers

BOOSTED TO PLATINUM!

PlainSailing.com has received the Feefo Platinum Service Award – the highest award possible from the independent review company.

The charter business was awarded the ‘Platinum Trusted’ status for 2023 in recognition of outstanding customer service and exceptional customer satisfaction. It is only awarded to companies who have achieved a Feefo ‘Customer review’ score of an impressive 4.5 or more out of 5 for three consecutive years.

PlainSailing.com, specialists in Mediterranean and Caribbean sailing holidays, have maintained a key focus on customer service over the years, and their e orts have been rewarded with both winning awards like these and building customer loyalty.

Tommy Tognarelli, co-founder of PlainSailing. com, said: “It has not been easy, but we have been relentlessly focused on doing everything possible to make sure our customers are not just happy, but delighted with our yacht and catamaran charter service – and the fact that we have a Feefo score, as voted for by our loyal customers, of 5 out of 5 shows that we are achieving that aim.”

“A huge thanks to our fantastic customers, to the charter companies we work with and trust and, of course, to all our team, who work so hard in making this possible, year after year after year.”

EASTER ON THE SOLENT OFFER

Make the most of the four-day Easter break and explore the beautiful Solent coastline with family and friends. The Solent o ers outstanding natural beauty, sheltered anchorages and excellent conditions for sailing.

Spring is a wonderful time for sailing, with marinas and local waters far quieter than the peak season summer months. Enjoy seeing the countryside in bloom and the changing landscape as you cruise

by, making unforgettable memories. Hamble Point Yacht Charters o ers a fleet of sailing and motor yachts available to charter from their base on the Hamble Point Peninsula. If you have not sailed before they have a friendly, professional team of skippers who can accompany you. An independent company with a personable ethos, Hamble Point Yacht Charters welcomes both families and their pets onboard and are o ering four days of sailing for

the price of three over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend*.

Set sail over the Easter weekend and spend time spotting local wildlife or moor up to explore many of the fantastic destinations nearby. With Cowes, Isle of Wight, Beaulieu River and Chichester Harbour all within proximity the world is your oyster!

⚫ Admire the architecture of Osborne House, Queen Victoria’s residence on the Isle of Wight.

⚫ Visit the picturesque marina and

18th century village of Buckler’s Hard.

⚫ Sail to the coastal town and seaport of Poole with its awardwinning beaches and ecologically rich natural harbour.

⚫ Arrive at Lymington Harbour to explore the Keyhaven Marshes and Nature Reserve.

⚫ Moor up at Gunwharf Quays Marina and explore the Historic Dockyard and the ships HMS Victory, HMS Warrior and the Mary Rose. www.yacht-charter.co.uk

*This Easter o er runs from 5pm Thursday 28 March to 5pm Monday 1 April, 2024.

(often they get access to special fares or packages with flights that are not readily available otherwise)

2 – Consider sacrificing optional extras

3 – Book last minute or at least a year in advance  4 – Look for reduced child rates (some cruise lines may charge a reduced fee for younger cruisers, while others allow children onboard free of charge)

5 – Pay for WiFi rather than using your phone data onboard (WiFi packages are available onboard and can be much cheaper than paying for your data roaming)

6 – Consider bringing your own alcohol (check with your cruise line first, as they have di ering policies)

MARITIME HERITAGE TOURS

If you are thinking of an autumn trip, how about this one from Maritime Heritage Tours who frequently charter a small ship to cruise in the Adriatic. They are doing it again and will sail on 14 September from Opatija to Split. There are just 18 cabins on the ship, so get in touch for the latest availability.

This month, though, they are o to Senegal for a seven day ‘Africa Queen experience’ on the Senegal River, so if a last minute adventure sounds tempting get in touch to find out if they have any cabins.  www.maritimeheritagetours.co.uk

Image: Nancy Pauwels/Shutterstock

Image: Windstar Cruises

Image: ansharphoto/Shutterstock

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200 YEARS OF SAVING LIVES AT SEA

On Monday 4 March, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution – the charity that saves lives at sea –celebrates its 200th birthday.

The charity has a remarkable 200-year story to tell – from triumphs to tragedies; from oar-powered boats to the modern boats used today; from introducing the first lifeboats on the River Thames to rolling-out a lifeguard service on over 240 UK beaches; from running the UK’s biggest ever drowning prevention campaigns to working with others overseas. The charity is saving more lives, in more ways, in more places than ever before.

Funded by donations, and with lifeboats crewed by specially trained volunteers, the RNLI is a truly unique rescue organisation. It operates more than 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland covering 19,000 miles of coastline. They include four on the River Thames and five inland: at Loch Ness in Scotland, Carrybridge and Enniskillen in Northern Ireland and Lough Derg and Lough Ree in the Republic of Ireland.

RNLI Chief Executive, Mark Dowie, said: “It has been an honour and a privilege to be at the helm of the RNLI for approaching five years, and to see the charity reach its bicentenary. For a charity to have survived 200 years based on the time and commitment of volunteers, and the sheer generosity of the public donating to fund it, is truly remarkable.

“It is through the courage and dedication of its incredible people that the RNLI has survived the test of time, including tragic losses, funding challenges, two World Wars and, more recently, a global pandemic.

“In 2024, we mark the bicentenary of the RNLI. We remember the achievements and commitment of all those who have been part of the RNLI family over the past two centuries; we celebrate the world-class lifesaving service we provide today, based on our

200 years of learning, expertise and innovation, and we hope to inspire future generations of lifesavers and supporters who will take the RNLI into its next century and beyond.

“I am immensely grateful to everyone who is involved with the charity – our volunteers, supporters and sta . This is our watch and it is our role to keep our charity safe and secure so it can continue to save lives into the future, as we strive in our vision to save everyone.”

Sadly around 140* people die accidentally in UK and Irish coastal waters every year. The RNLI is determined to tackle this; the RNLI works with communities and partners – in the UK, in Ireland and worldwide – to prevent people from getting into danger before they need the charity’s help. They do this by raising awareness of drowning and promoting safer behaviour around water, but let’s go back to where it all began…

THE BEGINNING

Sir William Hillary’s vision for a service dedicated to saving lives at sea became a reality in Bishopsgate’s City of London Tavern on 4 March 1824.

Living in Douglas on the Isle of Man, William Hillary saw the treacherous nature of the sea first-hand. He witnessed dozens of shipwrecks and saved many lives with the help of locals. In the early 19th century, there was an average of 1,800 shipwrecks a year around our coasts. Rescue services did exist in some places, but the danger of shipwreck was an accepted way of life at sea. William, however, wanted to take action.

On 28 February 1823, he made an appeal to the nation. He published a pamphlet detailing his plans for a national lifeboat service manned by trained crews. He sent it to the Navy, ministers and prominent citizens, appealing for the formation of a National Institution for the Preservation of Lives and Property from Shipwreck. This approach did not have the desired result, but he did not give up. Instead, he rebranded his appeal for the more philanthropic members of London society. And this time it worked. Over 30 gentlemen put their names to the fledgling charity at the inaugural public meeting. Vice-president and Archbishop of Canterbury,

Dr Charles MannersSutton, presided over the meeting of aristocrats, clerics, politicians, naval o cers, brokers, bankers, merchants and philanthropists.

FIRST CHARITY STREET COLLECTION

Fundraising in 1824 was very successful, bringing in almost £10,000. But by 1849 income had dropped to £354. Fundraising e orts around this time were focused on the wealthy, and it was not until the late 1880s that the RNLI saw how generous the general public could be. Unfortunately, this swell of support was prompted by tragic events.

12 resolutions were unanimously passed, including:

⚫ That an Institution can now be formed… to be supported by donations and annual subscriptions.

⚫ That such immediate assistance be a orded to persons rescued as their necessities may require.

⚫ That the subjects of all nations be equally objects of the Institution, as well in war as in peace [and] that medallions or pecuniary rewards be given to those who rescue lives…

Little did they know that the resolutions would still stand as part of the RNLI’s charter almost 200 years later.

On 9 December 1886, 27 lifeboat crew members from Southport and St Annes lost their lives while trying to rescue the crew of the Mexico. A public appeal was launched, and local man Charles Macara took the cause to heart. An 1891 appeal, supported by the press in the north-east of England, raised £10,000 in two weeks.

On 1 October of the same year, Charles and his wife Marion

WARTIME

RNLI lifeboat crews continued saving lives at sea throughout both World Wars. When the First World War broke out, many lifeboatmen were called away to fight. The average age of the lifeboat crews left at home increased to over 50. During the war years (1914-18), RNLI lifeboats launched 1,808 times, saving 5,332 lives. In 1939, young lifeboat volunteers were called away again to

organised the first Lifeboat Saturday. Bands, floats and lifeboats paraded through the streets of Manchester, followed by volunteers collecting money. More than £5,000 was taken on the day, which was the first recorded example of a charity street collection.

Marion Macara formed a Ladies’ Guild to help organise the street collection and, within 10 years, more than 50 Ladies’ Guilds had sprung up around Britain and Ireland, and the RNLI’s income had doubled.

war. Nevertheless, by the end of the Second World War in 1945, RNLI crews had saved 6,376 lives around the coasts of Britain and Ireland.

In 1940, 19 RNLI lifeboats were used to evacuate Allied troops from Dunkirk. Two had RNLI crews onboard, while the others were manned by the Royal Navy. The lifeboats and their stand-in crews saved thousands of lives while being shelled and bombed for days.

An early typical Lifeboat Saturday Parade at Southsea, Portsmouth, with crowds lining the streets – 1902 Image: RNLI

Sir William Hillary, founder of the RNLI Image: RNLI

The first Lifeboat Saturday in Manchester, organised by Charles and Marion Macara. The crew on the lifeboat are wearing cork lifejackets

Sir Charles Macara - organiser of the first charity street collections ‘Lifeboat Saturday’

Image: RNLI

Image: RNLI

DID YOU KNOW?

Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 144,000 lives

PROUD HISTORY

VOLUNTEERING

While innovations and developments in technology over the course of 200 years have inevitably changed how the charity saves lives, some things have remained the same. The volunteering ethos at the heart of the RNLI is what makes the charity so special – volunteers have given their time and commitment over the past two centuries, as they continue to do today.

Since its founding in 1824, the RNLI has launched more than 376,000 times and saved more than 144,000 lives thanks to the dedication of its volunteers who are on call aroundthe-clock, 365 days a year and make up 97 per cent of the charity’s frontline lifesavers.

The lifesaving charity now boasts over 30,000 volunteers in more than 100 roles such as water safety educators, fundraisers, press o cers, shop volunteers, launch authorities, visits o cers, boat house managers plus many others including those volunteers who head out to sea on lifeboats – each and every volunteer plays their part in saving lives at sea.

Lifeboat volunteers have all kinds of backgrounds and jobs. At a moment’s notice, they readily exchange work, comfort or sleep for cold, wet and fatigue. They spend many hours of their own time training together so they can meet the dangers and challenges they face on search and rescue missions at sea.

Only 1 in 10 of the RNLI’s volunteer crew members has a maritime profession, so training is essential.

Poole Lifeboat College

Image: RNLI

The Heritage Team cares for objects and archive materials to preserve the history of the RNLI and to inspire future generations of supporters and lifesavers. The RNLI manages museums and visitor centres around the UK, and collections at the RNLI Support Centre in Poole, Dorset. Historic items are also displayed in many lifeboat stations.

External heritage funding has supported the redevelopment of museums celebrating the life of Grace Darling – who helped to rescue survivors of the wrecked Forfarshire in 1838, at Bamburgh, and the RNLI’s most decorated crew member Henry Blogg, at Cromer.

Eastbourne, Whitby, Poole and Salcombe museums are set in their original boathouses. The Historic Dockyard Chatham holds the RNLI Historic Lifeboat Collection, and the RNLI’s Seawatch Centre at Moelfre tells the story of local maritime and lifeboat history.

Find out more and plan a visit to any of these venues at RNLI.org/heritage.

They are provided with comprehensive training and recognised qualifications in everything from boat handling and navigation to first aid and sea survival.

The high training standards are maintained and developed with the help of the staff and facilities at the RNLI College in Poole, Dorset, and the National Maritime College of Ireland in Ringaskiddy, County Cork, which complement training around the coast. RNLI College also provides accommodation, classrooms and distance-learning resources. Its Sea Survival Centre, with state-of-the-art lifeboat simulator, wave tank and live engine workshop, gives crews handson experience.

RNLI lifeguards advise, supervise and rescue people on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. They are responsible for making beaches a safer place, so visitors can enjoy their time at the coast and return home safely at the end of the day. When someone’s in danger in the water, seconds count and lifeguards are often the first on hand to help. All RNLI lifeguards hold an internationally recognised beach lifeguard qualification.

Each lifeguarded beach is equipped with rescue boards, rescue tubes, first aid kits, defibrillators and other items of essential lifesaving equipment. Some also have inshore rescue boats, rescue watercraft and four-wheel drive vehicles. You can find out more about volunteering with the RNLI at: rnli.org/support-us/volunteer

TIME LINE

1824

The Royal National Institution for the Preservation of Life from Shipwreck is founded by Sir William Hillary. The Institution’s first Gold Medal is awarded to Charles Fremantle for his efforts to save the crew of a wrecked brigantine off the coast of Hampshire.

1838

Grace Darling and her father, a lighthouse keeper, rescue survivors from the Forfarshire, wrecked on the Farne Islands. The Darlings are awarded RNLI Silver Medals and become national celebrities, focusing public attention on saving lives at sea.

1854

The charity’s name is changed to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). Cork lifejackets are issued to crew members for the first time.

1861

Whitby lifeboat capsizes and 12 out of 13 crew drown. The sole survivor, Henry Freeman, is the only one wearing a lifejacket.

1891

The first RNLI street collection is held in Manchester.

1914

As lifeboatmen are called away to the First World War, the average age of crews increases to over 50. During the war years (1914–18), lifeboats are launched 1,808 times and their crews save 5,332 lives.

1939

Young lifeboat volunteers are again called away to war. By the end of the Second World War in 1945, RNLI crews have saved 6,376 lives.

1940

19 RNLI lifeboats help evacuate Allied troops from Dunkirk.

1941

Cromer Coxswain Henry Blogg is awarded his third RNLI Gold Medal after going to the aid of a stranded convoy. He remains the RNLI’s most decorated crew member.

1963

Inflatable lifeboats are introduced to the RNLI fleet to help deal with the growing number of incidents close to shore. Today’s D class lifeboats are direct descendants.

An oil on canvas portrait of Grace Darling by Thomas Brooks (1818-1891)

Image: RNLI Grace Darling Museum

INSET: Henry Blogg, coxswain of Cromer lifeboat – 1942 Image: RNLI

Newhaven RNLI’s Severn class ‘David and Elizabeth Acland’ Image: Stephen Duncombe/ Watch and Shoot Lifeboats

North Berwick RNLI crew members spot a casualty through the spray caused by Storm Dennis. The crew featured in Saving Lives at Sea (BBC Two), alongside interviews with volunteers from North Berwick RNLI Image: RNLI/Matthew Gibbons

1969

Elizabeth Hostvedt of Atlantic College becomes the first woman qualified to command a lifeboat.

1981

The eight crew of the Penlee lifeboat Solomon Browne are lost as they attempt to save those onboard the coaster Union Star.

1995

The RNLI’s Sea Safety campaign is launched, with the aim of preventing seagoers from getting into trouble in the first place.

2001

RNLI lifeguards begin patrolling beaches in south-west England. The service is expanded to other areas in the following years. The first inland lifeboat station is established at Enniskillen.

2002

Four lifeboat stations are established along the River Thames, following an enquiry into the 1989 Marchioness disaster.

2003

Rod MacDonald becomes the first RNLI lifeguard to be awarded an RNLI Medal for Gallantry, for saving a swimmer o Fistral Beach, Newquay.

2005

Helm Aileen Jones becomes the first female crew member to be awarded an RNLI Medal for Gallantry.

2012

The RNLI’s International programme begins, working with partners worldwide to understand and tackle the global drowning epidemic.

2015

The All-weather Lifeboat Centre opens in Poole. The RNLI now builds and maintains its own all-weather lifeboats.

2021

The first World Drowning Prevention Day runs on 25 July, after UN member states show their commitment to water safety by adopting the UN’s first resolution on drowning prevention.

GALLANTRY MEDALS

The RNLI rewards rescues of special merit with Medals for Gallantry in Bronze, Silver or Gold.

In 1824, Navy Captain Charles Fremantle was awarded the Institution’s first Gold Medal for his attempts to rescue the crew of the Carl Jean o the Hampshire coast.

The youngest medallist was Frederick Carter who was awarded a Silver Medal at the age of 11 for his part in a rescue in Dorset in 1890. He and another boy, 16-year-old Frank Perry, rowed through heavy surf to save two men whose boat had capsized. Frank was also awarded the Silver Medal.

The most recent Gold Medal to be awarded by the RNLI went to coxswain/mechanic Peter Hewitt Clark of Lerwick for his part in the gale force rescue of the crew of the Green Lily in 1997.

Aileen Jones from Porthcawl became the first female crew member to be awarded a Medal (Bronze) in 2005 for rescuing the crew of the fishing vessel Gower Pride.

Brian Bevan became the first crew member to be awarded the Bronze, Silver and Gold Medals for Gallantry in the same year in 1979, for rescues to the Savinesti, the Diana V and the Revi respectively. Rod MacDonald was the first RNLI lifeguard medallist, being awarded the Bronze Medal in 2003 for helping to save the life of a bodyboarder o Fistral Beach in Newquay.

BE A PART OF IT

Throughout its bicentenary year, the charity will be running events and activities to remember its important history and celebrate the modern lifesaving service it is today, while hoping to inspire generations of future lifesavers and supporters.

A Service of Thanksgiving to mark 200 years of the RNLI will be held in Westminster Abbey on Monday 4 March. The service (invitation only) will mark this major milestone, with a congregation made up of representatives from RNLI lifesaving communities around the UK and Ireland.

Alongside this there will be numerous other events taking place around the country, including other services, fundraising events and festivals. There are plenty to choose from with events on your doorstep and a programme of events across the UK and Ireland.

Your local lifeboat station might have something planned, plus the RNLI website lists events planned for 2024, which include:

from around the UK and Ireland to sing to save lives. You and your choir can take part by holding a concert or performance to raise funds in aid of the RNLI. There are also opportunities to join up with local fundraisers and volunteers to include their voices in your event. Email rnli2024@rnli.org.uk for more information.

200 VOICES PODCAST

2024

It’s the RNLI’s 200th birthday. Together we commemorate the past, celebrate modern-day lifesavers and inspire a new generation.

Image: RNLI

Image: RNLI

LIFEBOATS

There are two types of lifeboat: all-weather and inshore. The craft on service at a particular station depends on geographical features, the kind of rescue work carried out and the cover provided by neighbouring stations. There are currently 441 lifeboats in service across Ireland and the UK, including the relief fleet, comprising 160 all-weather lifeboats and 281 inshore

Yarmouth Severn Class Lifeboat Eric and Susan Hiscock (Wanderer) providing safety cover at the Round the Island Race 2022

Image: RNLI/Andrew Parish

lifeboats. In addition, there are seven rescue hovercraft – four at stations and three in the relief fleet. Hovercraft are ideal in tidal mudflats and other areas that are inaccessible to lifeboats.

The RNLI builds and maintains allweather lifeboats at the All-weather Lifeboat Centre in Poole, Dorset. The RNLI’s Inshore Lifeboat Centre on the Isle of Wight supplies and maintains over half of the inshore lifeboats.

■ Harwich Lifeboat Dinner and Dance (2 March)

■ RNLI 200 Service Livestream at Royal Cornwall Museum (4 March)

■ RNLI Newhaven 200th Anniversary Party (9 March)

■ The Shout - written and performed by Wareham Whalers (15 March)

■ RNLI 200 Evensong at Norwich Cathedral (17 March)

■ Falmouth Lifeboat Ceilidh (23 March)

■ Poole Lifeboat Festival (18 – 19 May)

■ Longstock Park Water Garden Open Day (31 May)

■ RNLI 200 Year Anniversary Ball (28 September)

Plus, you can get involved in fundraising either through the charity’s All Hands on Deck initiative. Bring your sailing community together with, say, a dinghy race or entertainment evening to raise funds. Sign up your sailing club and you will automatically get your own online fundraising page, and after the All Hands on Deck event your sailing club will be given a Certificate of Appreciation. Find out how to register your club at the RNLI’s website. The RNLI has also partnered with ChoirCommunity to invite choirs

RNLI ACTIVITY TIPS

In the run-up to the RNLI’s 200th birthday, the RNLI released one podcast episode every day for 200 days. Hear from crew, people who have been rescued, dedicated fundraisers and caring supporters. Some names you will be familiar with, such as Geo Holt, Louise Minchin, Pip Hare, Sir Ben Ainslie and Dee Ca ari, while many are those with incredible stories to share. A particular stand out is episode 137 in which HRH The Duke of Kent reflects on 55 years as President of the charity. The Duke speaks with Chief Executive of the RNLI, Mark Dowie, about being President, recalling the events and stories that have stayed with His Royal Highness over the years, and how it felt to have a lifeboat named The Duke of Kent.

SHOP THE 200

As featured in All at Sea, a RNLI 200 range has been created for the 200th year. Including mugs, caps, cu inks, dog accessories and a range of clothing, the collection can be found online and in RNLI shops across the UK and Ireland.

Each item has an exclusive RNLI 200 logo underlined by the iconic lifeboat stripe of yellow on red, and every purchase you make will help power the lifesaving charity into its third century. Enter our RNLI gift bundle competition on the next page for your chance to win !

DONATE

Generous donations have continued to power the RNLI’s lifesaving work – everything the RNLI has achieved since 1824 has been made possible thanks to this generosity. Your donations can help fund everything volunteers need to become lifesavers. If you wish to make a donation visit: rnli.org/support-us/ rnli-200-appeal/donate

For more about the RNLI’s 200th anniversary, or the many ways you can donate, visit RNLI.org/200

■ Sailing and motorboating: Wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid, ensure everyone onboard knows how to call for help, get appropriate training, and check your engine and fuel before every trip.

■ Swimming: Wear the right equipment (wetsuit, bright hat and tow float) and acclimatise slowly.

■ Visiting the coast: Swim at a lifeguarded beach, between the red and yellow flags.

■ Paddleboarding: Wear an appropriate leash and flotation device, keep a means of calling for help on you, and avoid going out in o shore winds.

out more at RNLI.org/safety

Aileen Jones was awarded a Bronze medal in 2005 Image: RNLI

Brian Bevan, former Superintendent Coxswain of Humber lifeboat station - taken from Nigel Millard’s book The Lifeboat: Courage on our Coasts

The All-weather Lifeboat Centre in Poole

Since the earliest days of the RNLI, volunteers have come together to sell items to raise vital funds. Today, over 170 volunteer-run shops and the charity’s dedicated online shop stock a fantastic range of products, which all help to save lives at sea.

We have teamed up with the RNLI to give one lucky winner a prize bundle worth over £100, featuring products from a new range that celebrates the charity’s 200th anniversary. The range, which includes clothing, homewares, gifts and collectables, takes a look back at two centuries of fundraising and lifesaving innovation, from the first cork lifejackets and the world’s

first charity street collection to the design of the iconic RNLI flag we know today.

The 200th anniversary range is available at all RNLI shops, found in 172 locations across the UK and Ireland, and at the RNLI shop website. Every pound of profit made from sales of the anniversary products will be put back into helping the RNLI in its mission to save every one. As a charity reliant on the generous support of the public, this funding is vital to keeping RNLI crews and lifeguards trained, equipped and able to respond to calls for help, now and for the 200 years to come.

HOW TO ENTER

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

Q: Which anniversary is the RNLI celebrating this year?

A:

NAME:

ADDRESS:

EMAIL:

WOMEN OF THE RNLI

On 2 March, Women of the RNLI opened at the National Maritime Museum, London to mark the bicentenary of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

The exhibition celebrates the vital role that women have played in saving lives at sea, highlighting the work and success of women in a variety of roles throughout the RNLI’s 200-year history.

The RNLI was founded in 1824 by Sir William Hillary with the mission to preserve life at sea. The charity is funded by the generosity of supporters and relies on the tireless work of thousands of volunteers across the UK and Ireland. This exhibition highlights and celebrate the lives and experiences of current women volunteers, as well as those who have paved the way in areas such as fundraising, campaigning, technological innovation, training and as volunteer lifeboat and shore crew.

Laura Boon, Lloyd’s Register Foundation Senior Curator: Contemporary Maritime, says: “Women have always been at the heart of the RNLI from its very beginning. Although

women were not part of the crew until the 1960s, they played a vital role in a myriad of ways such as fundraising and even launching the lifeboats during emergency callouts. As the RNLI celebrates its 200th anniversary, it is a wonderful opportunity to highlight women’s roles both past and present.”

Portraits

Women of the RNLI features a series of 42 photographs by documentarist Jack Lowe. The portraits of women who volunteer for the RNLI will be displayed alongside their lifeboat station’s corresponding slipway, putting the landscape that these women operate in at the heart of their stories. The images form part of Jack’s ongoing Lifeboat Station Project, an attempt to photograph all 238 operational RNLI lifeboat stations and crew members at each.

Jack uses a 12x10 inch ThorntonPickard field camera from about

Alongside the portraits the exhibition will include recorded oral histories from some of the sitters featured, who share their experiences of life with the RNLI. Six histories have been collected during the creation of the exhibition, which will also be available via the Royal Museums Greenwich website.

Fundraising and  Campaigning

The exhibition is formed of three main sections, opening with ‘Fundraising and campaigning’ which explores how women have played a crucial role in ensuring the RNLI remains functional through their fundraising efforts.

The section includes early RNLI collecting boxes that were used for street collecting, often by women who formed local branches of the Ladies’ Lifeboat Guild. The RNLI staged the world’s first street collection in Manchester in 1891 and it has been a mainstay of RNLI fundraising ever since.

Also in this section Janet Kelly MBE recounts the challenges of establishing a new lifeboat station on the Thames in Central London. Tower RNLI station was opened in 2002 in response to the 1989 Marchioness riverboat disaster. Janet was key to promoting the RNLI’s presence on the Thames and even helped negotiate the purchase of the station’s pier location for just £1. Tower is the RNLI’s busiest lifeboat station, and Janet served as manager until 2016.

RNLI Crew

In ‘RNLI crew’, the exhibition considers the variety of RNLI roles and responsibilities that have been available to women throughout its history. Sitting at the heart of coastal communities since its conception, this section will also uncover the deep intergenerational and family links between RNLI crew that have persisted throughout its history.

Oral histories include mother and daughter Moira and Síle Scanlon from Ballycotton RNLI station in Ireland. Síle grew up around the station where both her parents volunteered and knew that she wanted to join from a young age.

She recalls: “I was about eight, nine, ten and I used to come in and be like, seven more years, six more years...”

Síle also experienced the other side of the RNLI’s work when she and her friends were rescued by her mother when they were stranded while kayaking. As soon as Síle turned 17 and was able to join she signed up to the RNLI and has now qualified as a navigator on Ballycotton’s all-weather lifeboat.

Equipment and Training

The third section ‘Equipment and training’ looks at the range of specialised lifeboats, launch and recovery apparatus and training used by the RNLI today. Included in this section is footage from 1970 showing the ‘Lady Launchers’ at Dungeness, on the Kent coast.

Before the adoption of tractors and trailers, lifeboats were frequently launched and recovered by local women. They carried on this tradition for over 100 years before it was phased out in 1979.

Working at the Dungeness station today is Natalie Adams who is a volunteer navigator and coxswain in training. Natalie joined the RNLI aged 17, encouraged by her father who volunteered as coxswain at Dungeness. The RNLI was a key part of her childhood and local community, and she was even christened on a lifeboat. As well as volunteering, Natalie works full time as a trainer for the RNLI instructing volunteers around the UK at various stations.

She says: “Every team, every crew, every station you go to, they just look after each other.”

Janet Legrand KC, RNLI Chair, concludes: “Women of the RNLI at the National Maritime Museum is a wonderful opportunity to commemorate and celebrate the pivotal role that our women volunteers, staff and supporters have played throughout the 200-year history of the RNLI and continue to do to this day.

“From fundraisers and shop volunteers to lifeboat crews and lifeguards, the RNLI has always been powered by our volunteers and supporters. We are immensely proud of them all and everything they do to save lives at sea.

“We are honoured to be able to share some of their captivating stories and experiences at such a prestigious maritime venue and hope in doing so to inspire the next generation of RNLI lifesavers and supporters.”

1905. The photographs are then developed using a process called wet collodion, a technique invented in the mid-nineteenth century. This creates beautifully atmospheric and evocative photographs with a sense of timelessness.

The Lifeboat Station Project began in 2015 and Jack has now photographed more than 150 stations across the UK and Ireland. Once finished it will be the first complete photographic record of every single RNLI lifeboat crew.

Jack says: “I am proud beyond words that the National Maritime Museum are showcasing the Lifeboat Station Project in the Women of the RNLI exhibition, championing and highlighting the role of women within the charity, just as I hope and intend to achieve while making my project.

“I feel the NMM has always been a natural home for my work, so it was a very special moment when the Museum got in touch to say they would like to acquire prints of my photographs for their archive. It feels like the ultimate reward for all involved to have such a bright light shone on this aspect of maritime culture, a vital slice of island life that can be taken for granted all too often.”

Women of Aberystwyth RNLI lifeboat station, 24 September 2016

Image: Jack Lowe. National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London

Leah, Whitby RNLI lifeboat volunteer, 15 June 2017

Image: Jack Lowe. National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London

The view from Whitby RNLI lifeboat station, 15 June 2017

Image: Jack Lowe. National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London

Natalie, Dungeness RNLI lifeboat volunteer, 20 September 2018

Image: Jack Lowe. National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London

The RNLI is a charity, and no rescue would be possible without donations from kind supporters – people who are proud to help others in trouble and who share a passion for the sea. As we mark our 200th anniversary, find out how your kindness could help write the next chapter of the RNLI’s incredible lifesaving story.

CRUISING MATTERS

The latest news and views from the Cruising Association.

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

FREE GUIDANCE NOTES ON EUROPEAN INLAND WATERWAYS CRUISING

Every year, a considerable number of sail and motor cruisers take their boats into the European Inland Waterways. However, finding accurate and up-to-date information about what is involved is not always easy.

Falling foul of rules and regulations in unfamiliar waters can be expensive and inconvenient. Few resources detail all the necessary information, such as locks, bridges and water depths in one place, and are not always available in English.

Preparing a boat for the inland waterways also requires a different approach to conventional coastal cruising.

The European Inland Waterways Section of the Cruising Association has stepped in to address these challenges with the launch of 11 free Guidance Notes to cruising on the European Inland Waterways, authored by EIWS member Machiel Lambooij. This initiative not only bridges an information gap but also ensures cruisers can access valuable insights essential for a smooth and successful journey.

Among these is a new and comprehensive guidance note on Trip Planning on the European Inland Waterways. This resource provides detailed advice on preparing for Europewide cruising, covering specific requirements for navigating in Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg and the Netherlands.

Other free Guidance Notes feature:

n Sources of information on the European Inland Waterways

n Planning for long-term cruising

n Wintering in the European Inland Waterways

n VHF and ATIS (Automatic Transmitter Identification System)

n CEVNI rules

n Amsterdam vignette for pleasure craft

n Tips for cruising the French inland waterways

n Inland cruising information for the Netherlands

n Using the Waterkaarten Nederlands app

n Transiting the Kiel Canal

All Guidance Notes contain dozens of useful hyperlinks to a wide range of further information sources on cruising in Europe and can be downloaded free in PDF format at www.theca.org.uk/public/sections/eiw#free-guides

The free Guidance Notes complement the CA’s range of EIWS Cruising Guides which provide extensive advice and insights to navigating the intricate waterways of France, Belgium, the Netherlands, the River Moselle/Mosel and the German Rhine. These can be purchased in either full-colour print or PDF (free to members) format from the online shop at www.theca.org.uk/catalog

FRANCE SAYS ‘NO’

France has firmly rejected the proposed amendment to the French Immigration and Integration Bill, which sought to grant an automatic visa/visa waiver for six months to UK subjects who own ‘secondary residences’ in France. The decision by the French Constitutional Court on 24 January is considered final, with no avenue for appeal.

The CA and members had actively lobbied for this bill to embrace the cruising community too, which would have enabled stays in France for longer than 90 days without the need for a visa.

For UK subjects this means the status quo remains post-Brexit. Visafree visits to France and the Schengen Area continue to be permitted for UK subjects under the 90/180-day rule.

Those intending to stay beyond three months must apply for a long-stay visa. You can apply for a VLS-T (Long Stay Temporary Visa for France) annually from outside France, provided the validity of the new VLS-T visa commences at least six months after the expiry date of the previously held VLS-T visa. You can only apply for a new VLS-T visa within three months of your intended departure date. The VLS-T is valid for six months.

The CA has published a detailed guide and presentation, which is available to members, on UK subjects applying for a VLS-T Visa which is valid for stays of between three and six months.

For stays of between six months and a year, or for stays more than one year in length, UK subjects will need

MARCH INTO NEW CRUISING WATERS

Whether you are a seasoned cruiser or a curious novice, the CA seminars are a fantastic knowledge resource. All seminars are open to members and non-members and are held in-person at CA House, London.

n 2 March - European Inland Waterways Seminar: this will provide a wealth of information to help make the most of your time exploring, featuring talks on travelling through France to the Med, routes through the Netherlands, locks and boat handling, French VLS-T visas, cruising information and mustsee places.

n 9 March - Baltic Information Day: discover the wonders of the Baltic with presentations covering various countries.

n 16 March - Crossing Biscay: crossing experiences, weather wisdom, preparation tips and insights into avoiding orca encounters.

n 23 - 24 March - Mediterranean Seminar: includes preparing your boat for solo sailing, first aid, Greek formalities, French visas, boat maintenance and 3D printing for boats, along with talks on specific cruising areas, including Western Med, Croatia, Greece and Turkey.

n 28 April - Blue Water Spring Seminar: the morning kicks off with a range of first aid and medical advice for blue water sailors. The afternoon is a ‘living the dream’ circumnavigation, covering the yacht, planning and provisioning, weather, communications and maintenance.

Find out more about these CA seminars and plenty of other events and talks at www.theca.org.uk/calendar

AN EVENING OF CRUISING KNOWLEDGE

Mark your calendar for an evening with the Cruising Association’s Regulatory & Technical Services group (RATS) on Thursday 21 March.

RATS will delve into the current hot topics impacting cruisers and share practical advice. The evening will feature concise five to 15-minute presentations lasting approximately one hour, followed by a Q&A session:

n Orca: insights into ongoing interactions with orca off the coasts of Portugal and Spain, discussing avoidance tactics.

n HVO and Sustainability: examining Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil which could be an eco-friendly replacement for diesel, weighing the pros and cons and exploring regulatory obstacles.

n EU Visas and Permits: addressing challenges posed by the 90/180-day rule for UK citizens visiting Schengen countries, with updates on positive developments in some nations.

to apply for and be issued with a longstay visa equivalent to a residence permit (VLS-TS).

However, the VLS-TS visa is subject to a further validation procedure once in France, including a possible medical examination, and should you wish to extend it without leaving France you must apply for residency with all the associated tax implications.

Future changes to EES/ETIAS: please note there will be future changes across Europe to the process for applying for authorisation before travel and entry/exit, with EES (EntryExit System) scheduled to come into force by late 2024 and ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) has now been postponed until 2025. However, these dates may change.

n CE/UKCA and RCD: the latest on conformity marking of vessels brought into service from outside the UK and

STAY UP-TO-DATE WITH THE CRUISING ALMANAC

the EU and exploring the impact of the UK Government’s decision on CE marking.

n RATS Technical Projects: an overview of other issues, including battery technology, end-of-life boat scrapping, emissions, electrical systems, remote monitoring of boat systems, alternative propulsion, connecting to shore power, UV degradation of safety lines/equipment, transmission of emergency information and diving from your boat.

You can attend in-person at CA House, London or via Zoom - free for CA members / £7 for non-members. Please book at www.theca.org.uk/ events/rats-evening.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE BITE-SIZED CRUISING MAGAZINE

Subscribe to the CA’s free monthly updates to the CA Cruising Almanac, which take into account Notices to Mariners, changes to buoyage and lights and other new developments at theca.org.uk/almanac/corrections

Non-members can subscribe to receive a bite-sized edition of the quarterly magazine Cruising, which is packed with plenty to read, advice, expert tips and more at www.theca.org.uk/ public/cruising

Specialists

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

Heavy Duty Boat Stands

Ever Popular! ‘Titan’ Heavy Duty Boat Stands’

Our ever popular heavy duty Titan boat stands are on the shelf again. This time we’ve increased our stock so that everyone who needs them can take advantage of our great prices. Used by boat yards and individuals alike, these heavy duty stands offer the following features:

Sturdy Tripod Open Base for Stability and Easy Storage

Small

600 - 900mm

£99.90 each

Double Fixing Points for Storm Chains & Straps

Calibrated Chain suitable for Windlasses

*Test Certificate supplied with chain on request.

TITAN GRADE 40

250mm Threaded Bar for finer pad adjustment

Medium

900 - 1400mm £139.20 each

Tested, Stamped & Certificated, Hot Dip Galvanised, Calibrated Chain Suitable for use on windlasses

Titan Chain is BGD’s own brand. Sourced in China and made specifically for BGD, Titan chain is a high quality, Grade 40 chain that performs well on windlasses. Titan chain can be supplied c/w a test certificate on request.

Titan HDG 6x18.5 DIN766 £3.45 per mtr

Titan HDG 7x22 DIN766 £4.56 per mtr

Titan HDG 8x24 DIN766 £6.48 per mtr

Titan HDG 10x28 DIN766 £9.36 per mtr

Titan HDG 10x30 ISO £9.36 per mtr

Titan HDG 12x36 ISO £12.24 per mtr

Titan HDG 13x36 DIN766 £13.80 per mtr

SOLID ZINC grade 40, calibrated chain is manufactured in Italy and is coated with an increased layer of galvanising, giving it increased longevity. It’s smooth finish & calibration makes it perfect for use on windlasses.

SOLID ZINC is tested, stamped & certified. Certificates available on request.

MF Solid Zinc 6x18.5 DIN766 £4.25 per mtr

MF Solid Zinc 7x22 DIN766 £5.30 per mtr

MF Solid Zinc 8x24 DIN766 £7.70 per mtr

MF Solid Zinc 10x28 DIN766 £11.15 per m

MF Solid Zinc 10x30 ISO £10.85 per m

MF Solid Zinc 12x36 ISO £15.30 per m

MF Solid Zinc 13x36 DIN766 £16.80 per m

New Ball Joint assembly with easy to replace rubber pads

Large

1200 - 1900mm £169.20 each

Polyester Mooring Lines

Ready spliced, braided black polyester with 15” soft eye & whipped end. Packed in pairs in a netted stowage bag.

* 1 Line Only

Trefoil Anchor (Bruce Pattern)

Ratchet Strap

6m x 5 Tonne Only £9.95

READY MADE

16mm Diam x 8mtr £29.78

16mm Diam x 10mts £35.71

16mm Diam x 15mts £50.47

18mm Diam x 8mts £33.41

18mm Diam x 10mts £40.13

18mm Diam x 15mts £56.93

20mm Diam x 8mts £42.65

20mm Diam x 10mts £51.50

20mm Diam x 15mts £37.80*

Channel Anchor

Voyager

2kg £14.50

5kg £34.50

7.5kg £49.95

10kg £64.90

15kg £99.36

20kg £149.00

30kg £209.00

316 Stainless Trefoil Anchor (Bruce Pattern)

2k £69.00

5kg £124.95

7.5kg £182.40

10kg £299.00

15kg £399.00

20kg £496.80

25kg £649.00

Anchor (Delta Type)

6kg £49.95

10kg £69.50

15kg £119.75

20kg £177.62

25kg £237.84

33kg £299.00

316 Stainless Voyager Anchor (DeltaType)

2kg £69.20

5kg £139.00

10kg £240.00

16kg £384.00

20kg £480.00

6kg £34.08

10kg £64.20

16kg £96.75

20kg £109.50

Cruising Anchor (Danforth Style)

2.5kg £14.95

4.5kg £22.65

7kg £40.29

10kg £49.75

14kg £69.60

20kg £99.75

Shootin’ the Breeze...

WE CATCH UP WITH NICK GRIFFITH, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF ANCASTA GROUP.

AAS: You have been with Ancasta since the mid 1990s. What are some of the biggest/important changes in the boating industry that you have seen in that time?

NG: From a sales and service perspective, we have seen yacht sales move from an industry operated by enthusiasts providing limited customer service and technical skills to a point where customer service levels and technical support are now more akin to what we see in the automotive industry.

This development can also be seen in the way yacht sales businesses have evolved in both scale and technical ability with regards to marketing and sales. Succinct and secure data management and online technologies have replaced the Guinness Bar at Earls Court approach!

AAS: Which types and sizes of boat would you say are currently the most popular on the second-hand market?

NG: Well maintained, well presented, recognisable brands are preferred, both power and sail. Size wise we are seeing a preference for craft between 30-60ft in the UK, while in the Mediterranean buyers are seeking slightly larger vessels in the 40-80ft range.

AAS: Ancasta has the largest boat sales network in Europe. In which countries do you see the most boat sales?

NG: The UK is still our largest market, but we are strong and experiencing growth in France and Spain. Although primarily Europe at the moment, we also market and sell boats all over the world.

AAS: Ancasta prides itself on its customerorientated approach; in what ways does the company put its customers first?

NG: Alongside our boat sales and marketing businesses, we have invested significantly in creating our own service business, Ancasta Yacht Services. AYS gives us the ability to call upon our own in-house technicians in all areas to support our customers’ maintenance, service and warranty needs. Not only for new boats but used as well. The fact that our head count on the sales and marketing side of the business matches the head count of our service businesses is a good indication of the level of our commitment to a customer orientated approach.

AAS: As well as selling new and used boats Ancasta has, since 2020, had a separate business, Sanlorenzo Yachts UK, which is the UK dealer for the Sanlorenzo brand. Can you tell us more about these craft?

NG: Italian shipyard Sanlorenzo has been building an exciting selection of luxury motor yachts since the late 1950s. It produces a range of bespoke yachts from 78-130ft and a superyacht range in steel and aluminium from 40-75m.

Over the decades, Sanlorenzo has earnt an enviable reputation for building beautifully crafted, made to measure yachts which demonstrate the highest quality of craftmanship and the latest in design and innovation. We are very pleased to be bringing the Sanlorenzo range to UK and Ireland

owners. The brand is extremely well known around the world, however in the UK access and awareness were limited, so we established Sanlorenzo Yachts UK to change that, and the team has done a remarkable job so far.

AAS: In addition, Ancasta Yacht Services offers refitting, repair and maintenance services. Do you think people are increasingly turning away from doing work themselves?

NG: I am not sure whether there is a trend away from do it yourself, but our experience is that our customers are busy people and time is valued. Consequently, they are happy to pay the right amount of money for the right service when it proves to be the most efficient use of their time

“Our experience is that our customers are busy people and time is valued. Consequently, they are happy to pay the right amount of money for the right service when it proves to be the most efficient use of their time and money”

and money. If you can provide and demonstrate genuine value, then customers are prepared to have a professional look after their boats.

AAS: Having added, for example, Protector Boats, Scorpion RIBs and Spencer Rigging in recent years, Ancasta is clearly a business always looking for the next great addition; what is coming up in 2024?

NG: We are always looking at ways and means to add to the Ancasta Group offering. Be that additional complementary new boat brands, additions to the sales network (franchise or wholly owned) or new service providers, such as Spencer Rigging which we acquired last year.  Our strategy is to seek opportunities that augment everything the Ancasta Group does with the objective of providing our customers with an allencompassing yacht sales and service business - all under one roof.

AAS: What kind of boating do you enjoy?

NG: I get involved in all sorts of boating from commuting most days between Cowes and our head office on the Hamble in a 10m Cabin RIB to yacht racing, primarily inshore, in one design keel boats to bigger race boats. In addition, when time allows, I enjoy cruising in both power and sail around the UK’s South Coast and in the Med.

AAS: Tell us something people might not know about you!

NG: My first foray into the yachting business was circumnavigating South America as a very young deck hand on an 83ft ketch before moving into racing and building IOR boats in Spain. This was followed by setting up a composites component shop in Cowes in the late 1980s. During my career, I have spent time before the mast and on the tools, but have been desk bound for the last 30 years!

Why choose a British Marine member for your marine products and services?

The Southampton International Boat Show is a major showcase for the industry

Sector-Specific Safeguards

Certain associations within British Marine, like the Boat Retailers & Brokers, go even further than the Code of Practice with additional safeguards. For instance, those hiring boats on inland waterways must hold a Quality Assured Boatyard scheme certificate. This level of detail in regulation instils confidence in every transaction.

The Mark of QualityBritish Marine Logo

service. This code mandates compliance with legislation, insurance cover, fair customer treatment and prompt responses to enquiries or complaints. This commitment to excellence is not just a promise; it is a practice.

To find out more about the British Marine Code of Practice, visit britishmarine.co.uk/Membership/Codeof-Practice

The British Marine logo is more than just a symbol; it is a mark of quality and trust. Member organisations proudly display this logo, distinguishing themselves as top-tier service providers in the marine industry.

So, next time you are searching for specific marine products and services, remember the ‘Find a member’ tool by British Marine. It is not just a directory; it is your assurance of quality, reliability and excellence in the marine industry.

Take a look at mymembership.britishmarine.co.uk/ membership/find-a-member

More than just a Directory

British Marine is not just about connecting customers with services, it is a membership organisation and its 1,300 plus members are the heartbeat of the UK marine industry, collectively contributing to 60 per cent of the industry’s impressive annual revenue of over £4.2 billion, with a significant 29 per cent of this being exported globally.

British Marine also includes 25 Regional and Sector-Specific Associations, each representing specialised interests within the industry. While through its subsidiary, National Boat Shows, it hosts the Southampton International Boat Show which provides a major showcase for the industry and the perfect opportunity for visitors to have a go on the water thus helping drive participation.

The onthewater.co.uk website (www.onthewater. co.uk) is another fantastic portal to help connect people with their local watersports providers, from sailing in Scotland to kayaking in Kent, check it out to find your next boating adventure.

Find out more about British Marine at www.britishmarine.co.uk.

Photos of the Month

Send in your photos and you could be in All at Sea, on our Facebook page or in our weekly newsletter (sign up at www.allatsea.co.uk). Send entries, with a caption, to editor@allatsea.co.uk. Each month’s winning photo will be included in the Photo of the Year reader vote. See 2023’s winning photo on page 3!

will go forward to a

The start of the Clipper Race!

This is Angus Scott’s photo taken from his yacht Arctic Explorer in the North Sea.

Thanks to David Wallace for this fun photo.

Nikki Allen took this pic of a boat leaving the estuary out of Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire.

This photo was taken by Madeleine Hilton in Musselburgh, Scotland with a storm approaching.

This is Helen pictured at sunrise at Old Harry Rocks, Studland, taken by Seamus Bowerman-Ellis.

WIN A SEA TURTLE NECKLACE

All at Sea has teamed up with Jana Reinhardt jewellery to give away a handmade recycled silver sea turtle necklace

You can win this beautiful sea turtle necklace, handmade from recycled sterling silver by master goldsmith Jana Reinhardt at her Sussex seaside studio. Delicate yet detailed, the turtle measures 20mm by 20mm and is hand polished to a high shine. It is the perfect accessory whatever you are wearing, making it an ideal Mother’s Day gift for any ocean or wildlife loving mums. The pretty pendant comes with a matching 1.2mm trace chain, which can be worn at 16 or 18 inches.

The turtle symbolises peace and inner strength and is a powerful reminder to take things that little bit easier. Turtles approach life at their own pace, slow moving on earth, yet super fast and agile in water; we could all take some pointers from turtles and slow things down.

Founded in 2006, Jana Reinhardt Jewellery is a husband-and-wife team of master goldsmiths who create sustainable jewellery collections with the very best craftsmanship and attention to detail. For every piece they make Jana Reinhardt try to o set the carbon created by planting a tree with Ecologi, and all their packaging is entirely plastic free. They have also created several exclusive pieces intended to raise awareness and funds for various charities including Animal Aid, The Sloth Conservation Foundation and PETA.

You can browse their collections here:  www.janareinhardt.com

HOW TO ENTER

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

Q: In which English county will you nd Jana Reinhardt’s seaside studio?

A:

NAME:

ADDRESS:

EMAIL:

Onboard with BOATSHED

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

Neil Chapman considers the state of the boat sales market: past, present and future.

What do you think boating will look like in the future?

Historically, the boat sales market has seen negotiating margins – the di erence between the initial asking price and final sale price – of around 27 per cent. This figure takes into account reductions due to market conditions and survey adjustments.

Post-Covid, negotiating margins shrunk to around 12 per cent - a clear indicator of the willingness of buyers to pay premium prices to secure their desired vessels and return to some semblance of normality after lockdown. This demand surge was a seller’s paradise, resulting in record prices and lightning-fast deals.

At Boatshed.com we saw the boom first-hand, with Q2 2022 sales soaring 30 per cent year-onyear. But those razor-thin di erences between what sellers initially asked and the final prices they accepted were not to last.

WHERE WE ARE NOW?

A shift in consumer behaviour and expectations, with economic anxieties prompting caution, unsurprisingly, consigned those euphoric days where a 12 per cent negotiating margin was the norm, to the past. By 2024, industry brokerage data confirmed the margin had returned to 27 per cent (where, according to our records, it was for most of the last 25 years).

Having returned to this past familiar landscape, buyers, rather than sellers, now have the leverage. And for sellers, keen to cling to the 2023 lownegotiating margin, it may mean more expense.

Boats priced above market realities risk accruing costly mooring fees and maintenance expenses with each passing day and while Boatshed.com consistently sells boats in around 110 days, industry data paints a di erent picture, taking an average of 320 days.

A new landscape demands a strategic shift for sellers, so what is the answer?

Dynamic asset rather than leisure toy - view your boat as an investment, not just a leisure item. Continuous, strategic advertising keeps it on buyers’ radars, potentially attracting unexpected o ers. At Boatshed.com, we anonymise listings, allowing you to gauge interest without prematurely committing to a sale.

Pragmatic pricing - embrace the market realities. Our cost calculator sheds light on the daily, weekly and monthly expenses of boat ownership. Pricing your vessel realistically reduces these costs and increases the likelihood of a timely sale, maximising your return on investment.

Embrace change - do not get anchored to unrealistic expectations. Adapt your strategy to current market conditions. A successful sale hinges on flexibility and understanding the market dynamics.

PREDICTIONS FOR THE FUTURE

While the boom has subsided, a healthy demand for boats persists. The key to success in 2024 and beyond lies in adaptability and realistic pricing. By embracing these principles and leveraging the expertise of brokers to help navigate market shifts, you can ensure a smooth and satisfying journey towards selling your boat.

This does not mean, however, that the next five to 10 years will not be a challenge. There is a rise in the number of people opting for ‘experience’ ownership, where they buy shares in a boat or rent them by the hour, reducing that potential buyer pool.

Gentrification is as prominent in the boating sector as it is within our urban areas, and if we are to grow the boat user, and buyer, base from the bottom up, we need to put more focus in getting people on the water at every level. Only then will we see a return to a traditional, more cost-e ective boat ownership model.

Turn to page 22 for 5 simple steps to selling your boat with All at Sea and Boatshed.

Across

1 Floors of a building (7)

4 Rear of a boat or ship (5)

8 Overhung threateningly (6)

9 Swathe (7)

10 Passes on (6)

13 Smell (5)

14 Monarchy on the coast of the Arabian Peninsula (4)

16 Resort on the French Riviera (4)

18 Tests of proficiency (abbr) (5)

19 Expels (waste) from the body (6)

21 Did as one was told (7)

22 Long-tailed black and white crow (6)

24 Japanese form of fencing (5)

25 Arrogant or presumptuous person (7)

Down

1 Italian port (7)

2 Yoko ___, widow of John Lennon (3)

3 Each one, without exception (5)

5 Leeway, margin (9)

6 Like the unthinking functioning of a machine (7)

7 Indian civet-like animal that eats snakes and rodents (8)

11 Renounced, denied (9)

12 Capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina (8)

15 Total distance covered by a motor vehicle (7)

CROSSWORD

Solve

17 Least difficult (7)

20 Substance from which window panes are made (5)

23 Popular vegetable (3)

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

42

Using the letters in the wheel, you have

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):

MARINA GUIDE

Your

guide to finding the perfect marina

LONDON

ST KATHARINE DOCKS

Manager: Paul Atkins

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

T: 0207 264 5312

E: marina.reception@skdocks.co.uk

W: ww.skdocks.co.uk

SOUTH WEST

PREMIER MARINAS FALMOUTH

Manager: Mark Evans North Parade, Falmouth, Cornwall. TR11 2TD

T: 01326 316620

E: falmouth@premiermarinas.com

W: www.premiermarinas.com

PORT PENDENNIS MARINA

Manager: Mark Webster Challenger Quay, Falmouth, Cornwall, TR11 3YL

T: 01326 211211

E: marina@portpendennis.com

W: www.portpendennis.com

MYLOR YACHT HARBOUR

Manager/contact: Culum Matheson

Mylor 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, 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: Alex Warner

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: Mike Smith

Bridge Road, Kingswear, Dartmouth

Devon, TQ6 0EA T: 01803 839087

E: noss@premiermarinas.com

W: www.premiermarinas.com

DOLPHIN BOATYARD

Galmpton Creek, Brixham, Devon

T: 01803 842424

E: info@dolphinhaven.co.uk

W: www.dolphin-haven.co.uk

MDL BRIXHAM MARINA

Manager: Martyn Sherratt

Berry Head Road, Devon. TQ5 9BW

T: 01803 882929

E: brixham@mdlmarinas.co.uk

W: www.brixhammarina.co.uk

MDL TORQUAY MARINA

Manager: Martyn Sherratt

Torquay, Devon , TQ2 5EQ

T: 01803 200210

E: torquaymarina@mdlmarinas.co.uk

W: www.torquaymarina.co.uk

WATCHET MARINA

Manager: Matt Driscoll

10 The Esplanade, Watchet, Somerset, TA23 0AJ

T: 01984 322230

E: Info@themarinegroup.co.uk

W: www.themarinegroup.co.uk

WEYMOUTH MARINA BY BOATFOLK

Manager: Neil Bedwell

Commercial Road,Weymouth Dorset. DT4 8NA

T: 01305 767576

E: weymouth@boatfolk.co.uk

W: www.boatfolk.co.uk

WEYMOUTH HARBOUR

Manager/contact - Jamie Joyce

13 Custom House Quay, Weymouth

T: 01305 838423

E: weymouthharbour@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

W: www.weymouth-harbour.co.uk

PORTLAND MARINA BY BOATFOLK

Manager: Paul Swain

Osprey Quay, Portland, Dorset. DT5 1DX

T: 01305 866190

E: portland@boatfolk.co.uk

W: www.boatfolk.co.uk

LAKE YARD MARINA

Manager/contact - Jenny Burrows

Lake Yard Marina, Lake Drive, Hamworthy, Poole, Dorset. BH15 4DT

T:- 01202 674531

E: o ce@lakeyard.com

W: www.lakeyard.com

POOLE QUAY BOAT HAVEN

Manager: Kerrie Gray

Poole 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: Kelly Trewern

Hamworthy, Poole, Dorset. BH15 4EL

T: 01202 674299

E: cobbsquay@mdlmarinas.co.uk

W: www.cobbsquaymarina.co.uk

LYMINGTON YACHT HAVEN

Manager: Rupert Wagsta

Kings Saltern Road, Lymington, Hampshire , SO41 3QD

T: 01590 677071

E: lymington@yachthavens.com

W: www.yachthavens.com

BUCKLER’S HARD YACHT HARBOUR

Harbour Master: Wendy Stowe Harbour Master’s O ce. Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour,, Hampshire, SO42 7XB

T: 01590 616200

E: harbour.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 BY BOATFOLK

Contact name: Julie Spensley-Corfield

Bursledon Bridge, Southampton

SO31 8AZ

T 023 80 402253

E:deacons@boatfolk.co.uk

W: www.boatfolk.co.uk

MDL HYTHE MARINA VILLAGE

Manager: TBC

The Lock Building, Shamrock Way Hythe, Southampton, Hampshire.

SO45 6DY

T: 023 8020 7073

E: hythe@mdlmarinas.co.uk

W: www.hythemarinavillage.co.uk

DRONE TESTING

Drones have been flying over the UK’s first ‘drone-friendly’ harbour in Falmouth as part of ship-to-shore flight trials carried out by Open Skies Cornwall - a UK Research and Innovation-Future Flight Challenge programme, delivered by Innovate UK.

The flights were part of a series of trials testing Falmouth Harbour’s ground infrastructure, flying capabilities and airspace for future maritime-focused drone activities, such as the delivery of emergency medical, food bunkering or maintenance supplies.

Following the successful conclusion of these trials, Open Skies Cornwall’s aspirations are to fly sorties for realworld use cases to large civilian vessels at strategic moorings in the Harbour. They also aim to intercept vessels up to 50 miles o shore in the Atlantic Ocean/Celtic Sea, providing additional resilience connectivity for maritime workforces at sea.

MDL OCEAN VILLAGE MARINA

Manager: Lauren McCann

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

T: 023 8022 9385

E: oceanvillage@mdlmarinas.co.u

W: www.oceanvillagemarina.co.uk

MDL SHAMROCK QUAY

Manager: Barry Radband

William Street, Northam, Southampton Hampshire, SO14 5QL

T: 023 8022 9461

E: shamrockquay@mdlmarinas.co.uk

W: www.shamrockquay.co.uk

MDL SAXON WHARF

Manager: David Walters

Lower York Street, Northam, Southampton, SO14 5QF

T: 023 8033 9490

E: saxonwharf@mdlmarinas.co.uk

W: www.saxonwharf.co.uk

MDL HAMBLE POINT MARINA

Manager: Debbie Burns

School Lane, Hamble, Southampton Hampshire. SO31 4NB

T: 023 8045 2464

E: hamblepoint@mdlmarinas.co.uk

W: www.hamblepointmarina.co.uk

MDL PORT HAMBLE MARINA

Manager: Bertie Marsh Satchell Lane, Hamble, Southampton Hampshire. SO31 4QD

T: 023 8045 274,1

E: porthamble@mdlmarinas.co.uk

W:www.porthamblemarina.co.uk

TOWN QUAY MARINA

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

T: 023 8023 4397

E: info@townquay.com

W:www.townquay.com

Miles Carden, CEO at Falmouth Harbour, said: “The e ciency, safety and environmental benefits of using drones for commercial maritime activity are very exciting and could potentially drive significant additional economic value to Falmouth. We hope to accelerate the planned tests and use these operations as a springboard for new activity right through 2024.”

MDL MERCURY YACHT HARBOUR

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

E: mercury@mdlmarinas.co.uk

W: www.mercuryyachtharbour.co.uk

PREMIER MARINAS SWANWICK

Manager: Graham Bristowe Swanwick (on the Hamble) Southampton, Hants. SO31 1ZL T: 01489 884081

E: swanwick@premiermarinas.com W: www.premiermarinas.com

HAMBLE YACHT SERVICES

Port Hamble, Hamble,Southampton, Hampshire,SO31 4NN

T: 02380 201501 E: info@hysgroup.co.uk

W:www.hysgroup.co.uk

PREMIER MARINAS UNIVERSAL

Manager: Graham Bristowe Crableck Lane, Sarisbury Green, Southampton, Hampshire, SO31 7ZN

T: 01489574272

E: universal@premiermarinas.com

W: www.premiermarinas.com

HASLAR MARINA BY BOATFOLK

Manager: Ben Lippiett

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

F: 023 9260 2201

E: haslar@boatfolk.co.uk

W: www.boatfolk.co.uk

PREMIER MARINAS GOSPORT

Manager: Jonathan Walcroft Mumby Road , Gosport, Hampshire, PO12 1AH

T: 023 9252 4811

F: 023 9258 9541

E: gosport@premiermarinas.com

W: www.premiermarinas.com

Image: Falmouth Harbour

New Marina in Portugal

Vilamoura Group has announced the construction of a new marina on the Algarve coast in Portugal.

Three pontoons with 68 berths will be installed, equipped with the latest technologies to provide firstclass facilities, user comfort and environmental sustainability.

All 68 berths will be specifically designed for large boats, between 20 and 40m, in order to respond to the fastgrowing trend in this sector. Each berth will include features such as wastewater pump-out systems, charging points for electric boats and systems for

ROYAL CLARENCE MARINA

remote monitoring and management of water and electricity consumption.

Work is also underway to explore the implementation of desalination systems and photovoltaic energy generation for e cient water and electricity supply.

Isolete Correia, administrator of Vilamoura World, said: “This new marina in Vilamoura really sets the destination apart and responds to the growing needs within the market in relation to large boats, which currently pass this part of the coast.”

Completion of the new marina is expected by the end of 2024.

COWES HARBOUR SHEPARDS MARINA

AQUAVISTA BIRDHAM POOL WATERSIDE & MARINA

Premier Marinas has partnered with Sea Angling Classic, the ‘catch, photograph and release’ fishing event aiming to attract anglers nationwide. Taking place this summer, it o ers a competitive platform and welcoming environment for all skill levels.

Premier Marinas will provide a new home for Sea Angling Classic 2024 at Port Solent Marina from 20 – 23 June. Anglers will be competing for a share of the biggest prize table in UK recreational angling – including a first prize of an Extreme 645 Game King boat with Lowrance fishing system and SBS trailer, worth over £100,000.

Premier’s marketing manager, Clair Logan, said of the partnership:

“Sea angling is a popular pastime for a large number of recreational boaters, and we look forward to welcoming participants, spectators and marine enthusiasts to enjoy the first-class facilities at our marinas.

MDL Marinas has announced its exclusive partnership agreement with Club Lagoon at its Ocean Village Marina in Southampton, o ering a range of preferential rates and enhanced benefits for Club Lagoon members.

Freedom Boat Club is continuing its expansion across Spain with two new locations in Murcia at the San Pedro del Pinatar and the Tomas Maestre marina. They are the sixteenth and seventeenth locations in the country and are slated to open for the 2024 boating season.

A €100 million green hydrogen refuelling infrastructure for recreational boating, a project led by NatPower H, is set to see its first station installed in Italy by the summer. 25 Italian marinas and ports have been enlisted and the project aims for 100 fuel stations by 2030.

South of Malmö in Sweden, Skanörs Hamn needed to increase its capacity; it decided to rebuild with a stateof-the-art floating concrete dock array from SF Marina. In addition, SF Pontona Sweden AB installed a dinghy dock on the quay and removed chain and concrete block anchoring of a smaller dock replacing it with piles.

“The organisers of Sea Angling Classic promote angling responsibly –events also incorporate environmental shoreline clean-ups, marine research, educational workshops and conservation initiatives.”

Ross Honey, founder of Sea Angling Classic, said: “The facilities and expertise that Premier Marinas o ers ensure that participants and spectators alike will have an unforgettable experience at this year’s tournament.”

Premier will also provide locations for recreational ‘Let’s Meet & Fish’ gatherings at several of its 11 South Coast marinas. Confirmed so far:

27 April – Port Solent Marina 11 May – Southsea Marina 1 June – Gosport Marina

Participants for all events are invited to register at: www.seaanglingclassic.com

PREMIER’S BIG CATCH AROUND THE MARINAS

IGY Marinas has announced the development of a marina in Savannah, Georgia. Developed in partnership with Savannah Harbor Partners, the marina will be branded IGY Savannah Harbor Marina.

Multiple boats were destroyed, and one sank, after a fire at Anchorage Marina, Maryland. No injuries were reported.

This year’s Cannes Yachting Festival will see changes including a new area dedicated to new motor boats from 8m. This marina will cover more than 1,700m² and provide more than 300m of linear quay; 170 boats, 150 in water and 20 on land, are expected in this space.

D-Marin has expanded its Italian portfolio with the acquisition of Marina degli Aregai and Marina di San Lorenzo bringing the number of D-Marin facilities in Italy to five and increases the company’s portfolio to 26 marinas across the Med and Gulf regions.

Dock Maarten Marina, located on St. Maarten in the Caribbean, has completed the construction of a 187m dock, which acts as a breakwater for the inner basin of the upgraded superyacht marina and provides sideto-dockage for superyachts.

The Bridgehead, Weevil Lane, Gosport, Hampshire. PO12 1AX

T: 023 9252 3523

E: info@royalclarencemarina.org

W: www.royalclarencemarina.org

AQUAVISTA ROYAL CLARENCE

WATERSIDE & MARINA

Weevil Lane, Gosport, Hampshire, PO12 1AX

T: 023 9252 3523

E: royalclarence@aquavista.com

W: www.aquavista.com

PREMIER MARINAS PORT SOLENT

Manager: Mark Phillp South Lockside, Port Solent, Portsmouth,Hampshire. PO6 4TJ

T: 023 9221 0765

F: 023 9232 4241

E: portsolent@premiermarinas.com

W: www.premiermarinas.com

PREMIER MARINAS SOUTHSEA

Manager: Peter Pring Fort Cumberland Road Portsmouth, Hampshire. PO4 9RJ

T: 023 9282 2719

F: 023 9282 2220

E: southsea@premiermarinas.com

W: www.premiermarinas.com

GUNWHARF QUAYS MARINA

Manager: Carl Jarmaine

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

T: 02392 836732

E: gwqmarina@incentive-fm.com

W: www.gunwharf-quays.com/marina

ISLE OF WIGHT

COWES YACHT HAVEN

Manager: Katy Ednay

Vectis Yard, High Street, Cowes, PO31 7BD

T: 01983 299975

F: 01983 200332

E: berthing@cowesyachthaven.com

W:www.cowesyachthaven.com

VHF: Channel 80

EAST COWES MARINA BY BOATFOLK

Manager: Mike Townshend

Britannia Way, East Cowes Isle of Wight. PO32 6UB

T: 01983 293983

F: 01983 299276

E: eastcowes@boatfolk.co.uk

W: www.boatfolk.co.uk

Manager: Jock Ra erty Medina Road, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7HT

T: 01983 297821

E: shepards.chc@cowes.co.uk

W: cowesharbourshepardsmarina.co.uk

ISLAND HARBOUR MARINA

Manager: Danie Erasmus

Mill Lane, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 2LA

T: 01983 539994

E: info@island-harbour.co.uk

W:www.island-harbour.co.uk

BEMBRIDGE HARBOUR

Jack Miskin, Deputy HM

The Duver, St Helens, PO33 1YB

T: 01983 872828

E : mail@bembridgeharbour.co.uk

W: www.bembridgeharbour.co.uk

YARMOUTH HARBOUR

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

T: 01983 760321

E: info@yarmouth-harbour.co.uk

W: www.yarmouth-harbour.co.uk

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

SOUTH EAST

MDL NORTHNEY MARINA

Manager: Tom Ward Northney Road, Hayling Island, PO11 0NH

T: 023 9246 6321

E: northney@mdlmarinas.co.uk

W: www.northneymarina.co.uk

MDL SPARKES MARINA

Manager: James Rizzi 38 Wittering Road, Hayling Island Hampshire. PO11 9SR

T: 023 9246 3572

E: sparkes@mdlmarinas.co.uk

W: www.sparkesmarina.co.uk

BIRDHAM POOL MARINA

Birdham, Chichester, W Sussex. PO20 7BG

T: 01243 512310

E: info@birdhampool.co.uk

W: www.birdhampool.co.uk

PREMIER MARINAS CHICHESTER

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

T: 01243 512731

E: chichester@premiermarinas.com

W: www.premiermarinas.com

Chichester, West Sussex, PO20 7BG

T: 01243 512310

E: birdhampool@aquavista.com

W: www.aquavista.com

LITTLEHAMPTON MARINA

Berthing Manager: Darren Humphries

Ferry Road, Littlehampton, West Sussex, BN17 5DS

T: 01903 713553

F: 01903 732264

E: sales@littlehamptonmarina.co.uk

W: www.littlehamptonmarina.co.uk

LITTLEHAMPTON YACHT CLUB

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

O ce: 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

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

LADY BEE MARINA, SHOREHAM PORT

Manager: Julian Goldie

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

T: 01273 591705

E: LBChandlery@shoreham-port.co.uk

W:www.shoreham-port.co.uk/chandlery

KENT

GILLINGHAM MARINA

Manager: Chris Aldous 173 Pier Road, Gillingham, Kent. ME7 1UB

T: 01634 280022

E: berthing@gillingham-marina.co.uk

W: www.gillingham-marina.co.uk

MDL CHATHAM MARITIME MARINA

Manager: Emma Crompton

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

T: 01634 899200

E: chatham@mdlmarinas.co.uk

W: chathammaritimemarina.co.uk

MEDWAY YACHT CLUB

Contact: Sue Bannister

Lower Upnor, Rochester, ME2 4XB

T: 01634 718399

W:www.medwayyachtclub.com

PORT OF DOVER MARINA

Manager: Chris Windsor Dover Marina O ce

Esplanade

DOVER

Kent, CT17 9FS

T : +44 (0) 1304 241663

E: marina@portofdover.com

W: portofdover.com/marina

SURREY

MDL PENTON HOOK MARINA

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

T: 01932 568681

E: pentonhook@mdlmarinas.co.uk

SUFFOLK

MDL WOOLVERSTONE MARINA

Manager: Shane Cheshire

Woolverstone, Ipswich, Su olk. IP9 1AS

T: 01473 780206

E: woolverstone@mdlmarinas.co.uk

W: www.woolverstonemarina.co.uk

LOWESTOFT HAVEN MARINA

Manager: Bob Beare

Lowestoft Haven Marina (twin site), School Road and Hamilton Dock, Marina

O ce, School Road, Lowestoft, Su olk NR33 9NB

T: 01502 580300 F: 01502 581851

E: lowerstofthaven@abports.co.uk

W: lowestofthavenmarina.co.uk

FOX’S MARINA & BOATYARD

Marina Manager: Lee Gilson

Fox’s Marina, Ipswich, Su olk, IP2 8SA

T: +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:Adam Knowles

NEYLAND YACHT HAVEN

Manager: James Cotton

Brunel Quay, Pembrokeshire, SA73 1PY

T: 01646 601601

E: neyland@yachthavens.com

W: www.yachthavens.com

PORT DINORWIC MARINA

Marina Manager: Charlotte Dawson

Y Felinheli, Gwynedd LL56 4JN

T:01248671500/01248 670176

E: Info@themarinegroup.co.uk

W: www.themarinegroup.co.uk

BURRY PORT MARINA

Harbour Master: Robert Hockey

The Harbour O ce, Burry Port, Carmarthenshire

T:01554 835 691

E: Info@themarinegroup.co.uk

W: www.themarinegroup.co.uk

N. IRELAND

BANGOR MARINA

Manager: Kevin Baird Bangor, Co. Down T: 02891 45329

E: bangor@boatfolk.co.uk

W: www.boatfolk.co.uk

CARRICKFERGUS MARINA

Harbour Master: Ryan Hack

Marina Manager: Karen Steelen

3 Quayside, Carrickfergus , BT38 8BJ

T: 028 9336 6666

E: harbour.master@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

W: www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk

BRISTOL

PORTISHEAD MARINA

SCOTLAND

RHU MARINA

Contact: Suzanne Bell

Rhu, Helensburgh G84 8LH

T: 01436 820238

E: rhu@boatfolk.co.uk

W: www.boatfolk.co.uk

LARGS YACHT HAVEN

Manager: Dave Hewitt Irvine Road, Largs, Ayrshire, KA30 8EZ

T: 01475 675333

E: largs@yachthavens.com

W: www.yachthavens.com

TROON YACHT HAVEN

Manager: Stephen Bennie

The Harbour, Troon, Ayrshire, KA10 6DJ

T: 01292 315553

E: troon@yachthavens.com

W: www.yachthavens.com

SPAIN

MDL SANT CARLES MARINA

Manager: Nicolas Gonzalez Ctra Poble Nou s/n, Apartat de Correus 192, 43540, Sant Carles de la Ràpita, Spain

T: (0034) 9777 45153

T (UK): 023 8045 0227 enquiries@santcarlesmarina.com

W: www.santcarlesmarina.com

N CYPRUS

KARPAZ GATE MARINA

Customer Service: Mucella Kara PO Box 12

Yenierenkoy, Iskele

TRNC

Via Mersin 10 / Turkey

T: +90 533 833 7878

E: info@karpazbay.com

W: www.karpazbay.com

Y Lanfa Aberystwyth, Trefechan SY23 1AS

T: 01970 611422

E: aber@themarinegroup.co.uk

W: www.themarinegroup.co.uk

CARDIFF MARINA

W: www.pentonhookmarina.co.uk

BERKSHIRE

MDL WINDSOR MARINA

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

T: 01753 853911

E: windsor@mdlmarinas.co.uk

W: www.windsormarina.co.uk

MDL BRAY MARINA

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

T: 01628 623654

E: bray@mdlmarinas.co.uk

W: www.braymarina.co.uk

LANCASHIRE

AQUAVISTA GLASSON

WATERSIDE & MARINA

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

T: 01524 751491

E: glasson@aquavista.com

Manager: Andy Coles OBE

Watkiss Way, Cardi . CF11 0SY

T: 02920 396078

F: 02920 345116

E: info@themarinegroup.co.uk

W: www.themarinegroup.co.uk

CONWY MARINA

Manager – Jon Roberts

Conwy Marina Ellis Way, LL32 8GU

T: 01492 593000

E: conwy@boatfolk.co.uk

W:www.boatfolk.co.uk

MILFORD MARINA

Manager or contact: Melanie Durney

Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire, SA73 3AF

Tel: 01646 696312

E: enquiries@milfordmarina.com

W: www.milfordmarina.com

Manager: Simon Davis

Portishead, Bristol BS20 7DF

T: 01275 841941

E: portishead@boatfolk.co.uk

W: www.boatfolk.co.uk

NEWCASTLE

ROYAL QUAYS MARINA

Manager: Matt Simms

North Shields, Tyneside NE29 6DU

T: 0191 2728282

E: royalquays@boatfolk.co.uk

W: www.boatfolk.co.uk

YORKSHIRE

AQUAVISTA HULL WATERSIDE & MARINA

Warehouse 13, Kingston Street, Hull, Yorkshire, HU1 2DQ

T: 01482 609960

E: hull@aquavista.com

HOLLAND

JACHTHAVEN BIESBOSCH

Manager: Maarten Voskuil

Nieuwe Jachthaven 54924 BA, Drimmelen, NL

T: +31 (0)162 682249

E: info@jachthavenbiesbosch.nl

W: www.jachthavenbiesbosch.nl

ITALY

MARINARA

Front Desk: Federica Civilla

Via Marinara 11, Marina di Ravenna, 48122 Italy

T: (0039) 0544 531644

E: info@marinara.it

W: www.marinara.it

W: www.aquavista.com

LIVERPOOL

LIVERPOOL MARINA

PENARTH MARINA

Manager: Stuart Jones

Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan, F64 1TQ

T: 02920 705021

E: penarth@boatfolk.co.uk

W: www.aquavista.com

W: www.boatfolk.co.uk

Manager:Daniel O’Dea

Liverpool Marina, Coburg Wharf, L34BP

T: 0151 707 6777

E: reception@liverpoolmarina.com

E: manager@liverpoolmarina.com

W: www.liverpoolmarina.com

Name the drinks the island of Ireland is famous for and most people would easily list Guinness, followed by Murphy’s Irish Stout, Jameson’s and Bushmills Irish whiskey, Cork Dry Gin and possibly Poteen.

With Paul Antrobus

In the drink

BY PAUL ANTROBUS

Irish ales of the IPA sort would probably not be high on the list but they do exist and are growing sales in line with the market trend towards lighter-bodied beers.

One such is Chieftain IPA 5.5 per cent abv produced by the Franciscan Well Brewery, Cork, which came to me as one of the beers in a novelty sampling box I received as a Christmas present.

My sampling box

Most of the major supermarkets now have quite extensive shelf runs of craft beers with psychedelic labelling and, personally, as a long-term real-ale man, I feel quite daunted deciding what to choose. So a novelty sampling box of half a dozen selected by someone else floats my boat. It also solves the problem of what to give dad/grandad for Christmas, their birthday or Father’s Day - so win-win!

The Franciscan Well Brewery and brew pub is one of Ireland’s longest established and best respected craft breweries. It

was founded in 1998 on the site of the Franciscan monastery and well, dating back to the year 1219. Legend has it that water from the well has miraculous curative properties. The brewery is best known for its Red Rebel Ale, launched in 1998, on draught and in cans and is the Irish real ale market leader.

My sample box present introduced me to their Chieftain IPA, 5.5 per cent abv. Modern IPAs have a strong hoppy bitterness. Chieftain has a distinct citrus feel on the tongue and is very much ‘modern’ and refreshing.

It may be hard to find in English supermarkets so try searching online. I found it in stock at www.revl.co.uk at £11 for a box of five 330ml cans.

Also in the tasting box was Sharps O shore Pilsner, 4.8 per cent, a pale straw beer with a herbal lemon aroma. In the mouth the beer is crisp and light with clean fruit notes. The finish is brisk and refreshing, leaving a dry citrus linger. Also available from Revl at £9.50 for five 330ml cans.

Sharps is based at Rock, Cornwall and is best known for its Doombar IPA. It is well established on draught and cans and bottles across the UK, so although not a new find it is a useful benchmark for the Irish candidates.

level to below five per cent, some even below four per cent, in response to the cost of living crisis and the abv impact on shelf prices and, they say, for a market preferring lower alcohol levels for a range of drinks.

So the 5.5 per cent Chieftain is welcome and noticeably authentic. I like it and hope you will, too.

Art Editor Mark Hyde design@allatsea.co.uk

Editorial Assistant Marianne Rickard

Contributors David Henshall Paul Antrobus

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