Up for Auction Today: Drug Smugglers’ Yacht Louise

Posted on 14 June 2013 by Staff

The 65ft motor yacht Louise made her name when she was at the centre of the largest drugs seizure the UK has ever seen.

The Dutch-built yacht was being used to import drugs. When she was seized in Southampton by UK Border Agency officers two years ago she was found to be carrying cocaine with an estimated £300m street value. Louise is still berthed in Southampton, but at 1830hrs today she is due to go under the hammer at Wilson’s Auctions in County Antrim. See a video of the yacht below:

Louise was built by Zijlmans Jachtbouw BV in The Netherlands in 2002. She has twin 170KW 230 HP Vetus Deutz turbo diesel engines, a 12KVA generator (mastervolt) bow and stern thrusters, full aircon system, KVH4 sat TV system, 4KV open array radar and Autopilot.

Motor Yacht Louise Secifications

LOA: 19.25m • Width: 5.18m • Draft: 1.30m • Height: 4.55m • Berths: 6/8

Folkboat Nordic National Championship

Posted on 13 June 2013 by Staff

This year’s Folkboat Nordic National Championship was sponsored by the marine insurance company GJW Direct. Held over the weekend of June 8-9 in the Western Solent, racing was run by the Royal Lymington Yacht Club. The plan was to race in Christchurch Bay on Saturday and then move inside Hurst Narrows for the final two races on Sunday, but the unseasonal strong north-north-easterly breeze made the trip out into the Bay impractical.

The Folkboat Championship prizegiving: (from left) Principal Race Officer Jane Pitt-Pitts, Matthew Jones, Caroline & Stuart Watson

On Saturday, Principal Race Officer Jane Pitt-Pitts set three testing ‘windward-leeward’ courses near the mouth of Lymington River. With the wind both shifting in direction and varying in speed it was a day of mixed fortunes for many, with places both won and lost in equal measure.

There were race wins for Crackerjack (the Watsons and Matthew Jones), Chris Hills helming Padfoot and Madelaine (Edward Donald). Overnight the lead was shared by Crackerjack and Padfoot with Ado Jardine helming Jeremy Austin’s Tak in third. A good number of very tired Folkboat sailors enjoyed a buffet supper at the club, with wine provided by GJW Direct and the Folkboat Class Association.

The wind had eased by Sunday morning, but was still shifty. It was not a good day for early leaders in either of the two races. Madelaine made a cracking port end start in the first race and led until gear problems at the third mark caused her early retirement. In the last race David Fox sailing Bossa Nova copied Madelaine’s earlier tactic, starting at the far end of the line. Again it paid. He led for the first three legs, but went off course to the wrong mark and this allowed the fleet to pass him as they correctly started up the second beat.

These errors left the three main contenders Crackerjack, Tak and Tagomago (James Harrison) to fight it out for the overall title. Eventually it was Crackerjack who won the final race to take the trophy.

As well as the one-design racing, the class has developed a ‘handicap’ system that allows for the less experienced owners to have a trophy to race for. This year the winners were James Hoare and Graham Coulter on Samphire of Oykel.

Nordic Folkboat Nationals
Overall Results (Top 5):

1^st            Crackerjack (Stuart Watson and Matthew Jones)
2^nd            Tak (Jeremy Austin)
3^rd            Padfoot (Chris Hills)
4^th            Tagomago (James Harrison)
5^th            Samphire of Oykel (James Hoare and Graham Coulter)

Clipper Race to Start and Finish in London

Posted on 4 June 2013 by Staff

London is to host the start and finish of the 2013-14 edition of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. The fleet is due to leave the capital on September 1, 2013 and return in July 2014 after racing 40,000 miles visiting 14 ports on six continents in the world’s longest ocean race.

Boris Johnson and Sir Robin Knox Johnston in London

It has to be great news for the UK, after losing so many iconic races, notably the Volvo Ocean Race that, once upon a time, used to start and finish here, and in recent years we have lost even a single leg (although that’s set to change, with a future stopover ear-maked fro Cardiff see Volvo Ocean Race Returns to the UK).

The announcement was made at St Katharine Docks in front of Tower Bridge by Mayor of London Boris Johnson and Clipper Race founder and chairman, the legendary yachtsman Sir Robin Knox-Johnston. Sir Robin became the first person to sail solo non-stop around the world in 1968-69 and established the Clipper Race in 1996 to offer amateurs from all walks of life the opportunity to experience the thrill of ocean racing and a circumnavigation of the planet.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: “Playing host to the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race will once again see London showcasing why it is the best big city on earth in which to hold major sporting events. It’s a fantastic honour for the capital to mark the beginning and end of this feat of human endeavour, which will not only provide an awesome spectacle for hordes of sailing fans, but also give a huge boost to the wider London economy.

“Those who take part are an inspiration to us all and exhibit the very best of the human spirit. As they battle through everything the elements can throw at them, I wish everyone on board these stunning vessels the very best of luck.”

The event will see the debut of the third generation Clipper 70 ocean racing yacht. The twelve-strong matched fleet will be hosted in a race village at St Katharine Docks, central London’s only marina and the official Clipper Race start and finish port, which is currently undergoing improvements (see St Katharine Docks Refurbishment). The boats will begin and end their global journey in the Thames in front of Tower Bridge.

Clipper Race founder and chairman Sir Robin Knox-Johnston said: “This will be the ninth edition of the biennial Clipper Race, a unique global event, and what better place to host the start and finish than London, in front of one of the best known landmarks in the world. This will be the first time the capital has hosted a global yacht race start and finish.

“We have a huge following and I’m proud that this will showcase London to our fans and partners around the world as well as making a significant economic impact in the local economy as crew, officials, sponsors and guests visit and stay in the area to participate in the event.

“Out of the 650 international crew participating in the race more than 80 live in the Greater London area, so it will be especially exciting for them. Our crew come from all walks of life, are aged from 18 into their early 70s, and over a third are women.”

Over 3000 people have participated in the Clipper Race over the last 17 years in what has become the world’s premier ocean race for non-professional and novice sailors. The new enlarged fleet has been commissioned in response to the growing demand for crew places and will serve the event through to 2020. The Clipper 70s will surely make a big impact in St Katharine Docks and on the Thames.

The Best Round the Island Race, Ever?

Posted on 2 June 2013 by Staff

It can hardly be topped; sunshine, breeze, a clutch of new race records and home before lunchtime (or even a late breakfast for some!)… this year’s JP Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race has to be hard to beat, on all levels.

First home was Sir Ben Ainslie in his 45ft America’s Cup catamaran JP Morgan BAR, which stormed round in two hours, 52 minutes and 15 seconds, cutting more than 16 minutes off the previous record time set by Francis Joyon in 2001. He stormed across the finish line at 0802:15, accompanied by a swarm of RIBs, while many non-competitors were only just rising out of their beds!

It was a special day as the team was racing in honour of Andrew Simpson MBE, for whom a moving memorial service had been held the previous day (see Bart Simpson: Special Memorial to a Special Man). “It was a beautiful race the conditions were perfect for us, the boat performed incredibly well and the team sailed her really well, and so everything fell into place and we ended up breaking the multihull record.

JP Morgan BAR wins Round the Island Race

JP Morgan BAR was first to finish in a record-smashing time – photo Onedition

“For us that was a real bonus because we really wanted to do the race in Andrew’s memory. Yesterday was such a difficult day to come out today and have such a wonderful race and to do it in his memory was very special,” said Ben Ainslie.

Another record
Second across the Round the Island Race finish line was Mike Slade’s ICAP Leopard, which crossed the line at 0843.50, shaving nine minutes 45 seconds off her previous record for the fastest monohul.

Speaking while enjoying a glass of celebratory champagne, Slade said: “When we were rounding St Catherine’s Point we were concerned that the wind would start dying off Shanklin – but it stayed up all the way round the Island.”

By 1300hrs, more than 150 boats had already crossed the finish line, including the first finisher in the ISCRS division, led by Daniel Hardy’s Oyster 625 Lady Mariposa, which crossed the line at 1205. The Oyster Lightwave 48 Scarlet Oyster, one of the five boats sailing with the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, finished a few minutes later to the delight of lots of very excited young people on board. She was followed a little later by Coral of Cowes, Richard Oswald’s stunning 100ft gaff schooner built in 1902 – a fabulous sight as she crossed the finish in glorious sunlight.

TP52 Five Degrees West Round the Island winner

The TP52 Five Degrees West was the Gold Roman Bowl winner – photo Onedition

Overall winner
In the clash of the big boats against the small vying for the Gold Roman Bowl, the prize awarded to the first boat in the IRC rating system and the ultimate Round the Island Race trophy, TP52 Five Degrees West, owned and helmed by Sir Keith Mills, was the overall winner by eight minutes from another TP52, Johnny Vincent’s Pace.

Third overall went to a French boat, Dussere Louis-Marie’s 33ft JPK10.10 Raging Bee, while the best placed of the small IRC boats was Jo Richard’s beautifully fitted-out 27ft H-Boat Woof, which finished in seventh overall.

Sir Keith Mills said, “It was a great race, although I didn’t expect to win as it’s usually a small boat like a Folkboat or Contessa 26 that gets it in the end. We always have a good tussle with the other TP52s – Pace and Weapon of Choice – but today we had a new sail that we’ve not used much before. It’s an A3 spinnaker that helped us pull away from Pace on the way to the Needles. We then had some really good fast surfing round the back of the Island, although my arms feel as though they have stretched today – the boat has tiller steering, which is hard work.

“It was great for the team on board today. They really enjoyed it and it was more special because most of us were at Bart’s [Andrew Simpson] funeral yesterday – we all thought it would be a fitting tribute to him if we had a good race today.

Round the Island Race Results

LINE HONOURS OVERALL (first over the line)
1. J. P. Morgan BAR (Sir Ben Ainslie) 2hrs 52mins 15sec
2. ICAP Leopard (Mike Slade) 3hrs 43mins 50sec
3. Buzz (Phil Cotton) 3hrs 54mins 47sec

LINE HONOURS MONOHULLS
1. ICAP Leopard (Mike Slade) 3hrs 43mins 50sec – winners of the Observer Trophy and J. P. Morgan Asset Management Trophy
2. Hugo Boss (Alex Thomson) 4hrs 12mins 1sec
3. Artemis Ocean Racing (Brian Thompson) 4hrs 19mins 27sec

LINE HONOURS MULTIHULLS
1. J. P. Morgan BAR 2hrs 52mins 15sec
2. Buzz (Phil Cotton) 3hrs 54mins 47sec
3. Orion (Harvey Bowden) 4hrs 17mins 40sec

Cancer Sufferer and Her Dog to Sail Round UK

Posted on 23 May 2013 by Staff

A solicitor who was given just months to live after being diagnosed with cancer has defied doctors by embarking on a lifelong ambition to sail around the entire coast of Britain – with her pet dog.

Lori Murdock and her dog Betty

Lori Murdock, 57, began planning the voyage when doctors told her there was no cure for the aggressive form of skin cancer which had spread around her body. The mother-of-three will now set sail from Falmouth, Cornwall, on board a restored 1950s wooden yacht with her two-year-old dog Betty, who could become the first canine to circumnavigate the UK. She will stop off at various locations around the country as part of the trip, in which she hopes to raise awareness of her condition and cash for cancer charities.

Lori, who has previously sailed across the Atlantic and to exotic locations like the Galapagos islands, said she became determined to make the voyage happen when doctors gave her just nine months to live last year. She said: “I’ve been fortunate enough to sail to some wonderful places, but I realised that I did not know my own island. Nine months is no time at all so I realised I needed to make this trip happen and I only hope that I’m alive long enough to get all the way around.”

Lori was diagnosed with malignant melanoma in September 2009. She became concerned about a mole which had changed and reported it to her GP, who failed to recognise the seriousness of the situation and denied her a referral. Two years later scans showed the cancer had spread to other areas of her body.

Lori, from Topsham in Devon, said part of the reason for the trip was to make people aware of her situation in the hope that other sufferers might get the early diagnosis and treatment needed to combat the disease. She added: “Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer but it can be cured in most cases if you catch it early. I’m hoping that by doing something like this that I can raise awareness and if it helps one person then it will all be worth it.”

Lori, along with her partner Stephen Rodwell, 60, and two-year-old Patterdale terrier Betty, will set sail from Falmouth in May. They are planning for the trip to include the Round The Island Race at the Isle of Wight and will culminate in the Dartmouth Regatta at the end of August.

They expect to be at sea for three months, but Lori says that her dog, is well prepared for the trip after joining her on previous sea voyages. Lori said: “Betty is a seasoned seadog and shouldn’t be too fazed by a few months at sea. We will have to give her shore leave as often as we can so she gets her exercise though. It might sound traumatic for a dog but she loves the boat and she has her own lifejacket which she has been wearing since she was a puppy.”

The team are hoping to raise £10,000 for cancer charities Macmillan, Force and Factor 50. You can donate money by visiting virginmoneygiving.com/lorimurdock.

Safety Video: Using a Kill Cord Correctly

Posted on 17 May 2013 by Staff

In the light of recent events, this short video from the RYA is essential viewing. However short any trip in a small powerboat, by using a kill cord you can literally make the difference between your passengers getting wet if something goes wrong, or someone getting killed.

For more about the potential tragic results of not using a kill cord, see Use a Kill Cord: Deaths in Padstow Could Have Been Avoided.

Spring Series Grand Finale

Posted on 29 April 2013 by Staff

The final gathering for the Brooks Macdonald Warsash Spring Series and Spring Championship took place over April 27-28. Having had no cancellations due to gales and flat calms, the event has been a great success all round. Over the eight race days race officers have run over 170 separate races and even if the early spring was unseasonably cold, there was a warm and convivial atmosphere in the clubhouse for post-race banter.

J/70 North Sails - photo Iain McLuckie

April 27 – Spring Championship Day 3
Four races were scheduled for Black Group on Day 3. The committee boat anchored near Sunsail buoy and set up windward/leeward courses with the addition of a windward spreader mark. The second round for IRC3, IRC4 and J/109s used a shorter windward leg. IRC1 was first to go and over enthusiasm led to a general recall. Their restart used for the first time the new “U” flag as a preparatory signal, indicating anyone over the line would be disqualified. Sadly, one boat was caught out and there are no discards in the Spring Championship. After a 50 minute race Tokoloshe (Mills 40 – Michael Bartholomew) counted her first win in the Championship followed by Anthony O’Leary’s Ker 39 Antix. There was keen competition further down the results when, after handicap calculations, eighth place produced a dead heat between Jeez Louise and Belladonna. La Reponse (Beneteau First 40 – Andrew McIrvine) beat Premier Flair (Elan 410 – Jim Macgregor) in IRC2 and Sardonyx IX (William Edwards) topped the J/109s.

For the remaining races the committee boat moved west to Flying Fish buoy for less effect from the strong spring tide. This time a leeward spreader was introduced. As grey clouds gathered during the day there were short 27 knot gusts and the brief arrival of hailstones. IRC3 and IRC4 called it a day after three races. The tussle between Tokoloshe and Antix continued in IRC1, with the Irish boat scoring a first in the final race. La Reponse made a clean sweep in IRC2 as did Sardonyx IX in the J/109s.

White Group raced near the North Channel with the tide pushing boats along the line. Starts went generally to plan with a couple of general recalls. The J/70s and SB20s got away cleanly only for two SB20s to be swept onto the anchor line of the committee boat and across its bows, with the tide pinning them down. For the J/80s the start line was moved and a large fender marked the anchor chain! T

he wind here coming from the north was shifty and sometimes reaching 25 knots. It was during one such gust in the last race of the day that an SB20 became caught on one of the buoys forming the leeward gate, reducing the gap just as the J/80 class arrived. Those in the lead were sufficiently spread out to negotiate the reduced space, but a bunch came as the race committee RIB was trying to lift the mark. The race had to be abandoned but was quickly resailed. The strong tide had an impact on the runs, particularly in the gusts, with many boats from all classes being seen to white sail to the gate having been carried too deep. North Sails (Ruairidh Scott) took three wins in the J/70s, with Boats.com taking one race. Stewart Hawthorn in J’ai Deux Amours posted two firsts in the J/80s with Betty (Jon Powell) and Aqua-J (Patrick Liardet) taking one each. Gill Race Team (Craig Burlton) headed the SB20 class after four races.

April 28 – Spring Series Day 6, Spring Championship Day 4
The Black Group line was set near South Coast Sailing buoy. The initial windward leg went across the Bramble Bank, which the race committee brought clearly to the attention of all navigators by radio! IRC1 had a 16 mile course and the following classes slightly shorter courses of 13 and 11 miles. For all boats life was made interesting for tacticians and those watching the depth. The wind varied from the forecast later in the morning turning some of the runs into tight spinnaker reaches. With everyone back after two and a half to three hours’ racing, a very short second race was then held for the Spring Championship competitors only.

Tokoloshe once more came to the fore in IRC1 beating Magnum III (Ker 40 – Andrew Pearce) by over a minute. In IRC2 Richard Fildes and the team on Impetuous had travelled from Abersoch, north Wales, to use the final Spring Series race for training and to test new sails. Their debut brought them a first place by 38 seconds from Jim Macgregor’s Premier Flair. Mike Bridges in Elaine chalked up his second win in IRC3 and Tigh Soluis II (Iain MacKinnon) finished on a high in the J/109s. Mefisto was forced into the enviable position of having to discard a first place in her series results. Helmed by Kevin Sussmilch with Andy Budgen on main sheet and tactics, the remaining crew are locally-based students. Mefisto’s performance, whether in light or heavy conditions, has been outstanding throughout.

IRC4’s start line was near Royal Southern buoy. After a half hour delay awaiting the arrival of the wind, racing got underway. The quarter tonners kept to the port side of the first beat to a laid mark with others to starboard trying to maximise the benefits of the tide in the early light winds. Flashheart (Mike Webb and Tom Bailey) was first round and led for some time. From 7 knots at the beginning, the breeze steadily increased to 15 knots and above. By this time Aguila (Sam Laidlaw) held the fleet in her wake until all boats had to make navigation decisions at the Brambles Bank. Menace (Tim Rees, Derek and James Morland) kept well over the bank, but Aguila slipped into an adverse tide. Capitalising on this small mistake Menace was able to win by a minute. Prospero of Hamble (Allan Fraser) was again the best of the Sigma 33s.

On White Group there was a total lack of wind when the committee boat set up station by the Meon shore but just before the start time a gentle breeze began to fill in from the south-west to give enough pressure for the first race to get underway after a short postponement. The wind continued to build through the three races to reach 15 knots by the end of the third race, causing a few broaches and “wineglasses”. North Sails continued in fine form in the J/70s taking all three races. In the J/80s Betty (Jon Powell), Aqua-J (Patrick Liardet) and Juicy (Allan Higgs and Cressida Robson) shared the honours. There were also three different winners in the SB20s – Henri Lloyd/Forelle Estates (Llewellyn, Vigus and Wakefield), Wkd (Geoff Carveth) and Gill Race Team (Craig Burlton).

The prizegiving for the Brooks Macdonald Warsash Spring Series and Spring Championship takes place on May 17 and all competitors are welcome to join the race management team at Shore House, Warsash to celebrate another enjoyable event.

Results: Spring Series
IRC1 Tokoloshe (Michael Bartholomew)
IRC2 Puma Logic (Sailing Logic)
IRC3 Elaine (Mike Bridges)
IRC 4 Menace (Tim Rees, Derek and James Morland)
J/109 Jahmali (Mike and Sarah Willis)
Sigma 38 Mefisto (Kevin Sussmilch)
J/70 North Sails (Ruairidh Scott)
J/80 Betty (Jon Powell)
SB20 Whyaduck (Tom and Richard Clay)

Spring Championship
IRC1 Tokoloshe (Michael Bartholomew)
Farr 45 Rebel (Stewart Whitehead)
IRC2 La Reponse (Andrew McIrvine)
IRC3 Starspray (Bateson family and friends)
IRC4 Aguila (Sam Laidlaw)
J/111 Jeez Louise ((James Arnell)
J/109 Sardonyx IX (William Edwards)
J/70 North Sails (Ruairidh Scott)
J/80 J’ai Deux Amours (Stewart Hawthorn)
SB20 Henri Lloyd/Forelle Estates (Jo Llewellyn, Jerry Vigus, Nigel Wakefield)

Warsash Spring Series Reaches Halfway Point

Posted on 9 April 2013 by Staff

The six-Sunday Brooks Macdonald Warsash Spring Series resumed on April 7 after a break over the Easter weekend. On a positive note, this was the warmest day of the event so far this year which has seen very cold conditions. However, the sea temperature has yet to warm up – 4.5 degrees compared with 10 degrees at the same time in 2012! Nonetheless, crews and race officers alike donned their thermals and foul weather gear to enjoy a great day’s racing in a steady 10-14 knot breeze from the south-east in a fairly flat sea state.

Close competition in race 3

The Black Group committee boat set up a start line at SCRA buoy just east of the Brambles Bank and without delay got all classes underway, with courses ranging between 11 and just under 14 miles. Tacticians needed to find a way out of the tide on the windward legs, without losing the best wind. There were three fast downwind legs with the tide, when places were often changing and this resulted in some crowded mark roundings. In IRC1 Tony Mack (McFly – J/111) was out for the first time and took a win by over five minutes from Loco (Sydney 40). Mitchellson Interceptor moved up from last week’s second to first place in IRC2. Finishers were close in IRC3 with Stiletto (Beneteau First 35 – John Barratt) 11 seconds ahead of Starspray (Dehler 36). A slightly longer gap of 16 seconds in the J/109s separated first placed Jagerbomb (Paul Griffiths) from Jynnan Tonnyx (Owain Franks and Jean Lockett). In the Sigma 38s however Mefisto continued her amazing winning ways; this week 13 minutes ahead of runner-up Rho.

Flashheart took second place in IRC4

The IRC4 start line was a little further from the Hamble entrance than usual and with a strong flooding tide, some only just made it for the starting gun with seconds to spare; but all boats got away cleanly. Menace (Tim Rees) was first to the windward mark and held the lead throughout the race to take both line and handicap honours, despite an uncharacteristic navigational error by James Magellan. Flashheart (Mike Webb) again provided the stiffest competition, finishing just 9 seconds after Menace on corrected time after two and a half hours’ racing. The quarter tonners enjoyed the closest racing although Bullet (Howard Sellars) tacked into the tide shortly after the start and never recovered. Alan Fraser, helming Prospero of Hamble (Sigma 33), was determined to improve on his fourth place in the previous two races and after a good start remained with the leaders throughout to finish third.

At the halfway point, Tokoloshe (Michael Bartholomew) leads Loco (John Reivers) by one point in IRC1. A similar situation has resulted in IRC2 between Mitchellson Interceptor (Stuart and James Wilkie) and Puma Logic (Sailing Logic). Elaine (Mike Bridges) heads IRC3 with Jiggery Pokery and Starspray on level points. Menace (Tim Rees, Derek and James Morland) also holds a one point lead over Flashheart (Mike Webb and Tom Bailey) in IRC4. Although Offbeat (David McLeman) slipped to fifth place this week, two wins gives them top placing in the J/109s whilst Mefisto (Kevin Sussmilch) has three straight bullets in the Sigma 38s.

On Peter Knight’s White Group line the wind steadied around 120 degrees, so the three 40-50 minute races could use the same course. The slightly warmer temperature may also have been reflected in White Group’s spinnaker handling. With slightly less numb hands, there was a significant reduction in the numbers taking the wide route round the leeward gate. In the first and second races, the J/70 Boats.com (Ian Atkins) saw off the rest of the fleet, but in race three were pushed down to fourth. This let Ruairidh Scott’s North Sails, helmed by Geoff Carveth, win the day with a 2,2,1 score line. As in previous weeks, the J/70 racing remains close. In the J/80s, Race 2 saw a general recall when a mid-line bulge occurred a few seconds too early. Given a second chance, the class then got away cleanly although Rock n Roll just beat the gun in the third race and had to return. Out for the first time this season, Stewart Hawthorn in J’ai Deux Amours took all three wins.

Competitors in the sportsboat classes may well have been discouraged by the cold weather, as not all those entered have made it to the start line. One who has been out each week is Ian Atkins’ J/70 Boats.com with a 12 point lead at this stage over North Sails (Ruairidh Scott). Betty (Jon Powell) has never slipped lower than third place in the J/80s and currently holds off Rock ‘n Roll (Gillian Ross) by 11 points. The SB20s have been most seriously affected by the chilly spring. No competitor has entered every race but Whyaduck (Tom and Richard Clay) braved the elements the most and currently lead the class.

Back in the clubhouse John Wallace, the local director from sponsor Brooks Macdonald, and his family enjoyed the warmth and after-race banter whilst presenting the weekly champagne prizes. The Brooks Macdonald Warsash Spring Series continues on April 14.

Saltica Sailing Race Arrives for the Fowey Festival

Posted on 3 April 2013 by Staff

Organised over two years, the Sailtica Race will alternate between Fowey and San Vicente in Northern Spain. Monohull cruising yachts over 8.5 metres and multihulls over 9.0 metres will compete in a two leg challenge, 250 miles each way, spanning the Bay of Biscay and the English Channel.

The 2012 Pornichet San Vincente Race

2013 is the first year of the link with Fowey and the yachts will be arriving overnight on May 5-6 and leaving at midday on Thursday, May 9, for the return leg to Pornichet. The harbour will be closed to all commercial traffic during the start of the return leg of the race for what should be a spectacular sight.

The Royal Fowey Yacht Club is co-ordinating the Fowey end of the race, and the Sailtica shore team will be based at the club. For the three days the French yachts are in Fowey, the locals will be pulling out all the stops to offer the French visitors a warm welcome.

Fowey - photo John Such

The 120 visiting Frenchmen and women can learn to play croquet and in return give us a few lessons in Boules, enjoy Cornish cream teas, join in with sea shanties with Falmouth shanty group Rum and Shrub and enjoy Morris Dancers dancing throughout the town, all part of the Fowey Festival. The French crews are also being invited to join in the Wednesday night racing aboard the Troy Class boats unique to the port and Fowey River boats.

The visit coincides with the start of this year’s Fowey Festival of Words and Music, from May 8-18, formerly Du Maurier Festival. The eleven day celebration of the arts is famed for its eclectic programme of music, drama, literary greats and films combined with walks, talks and excursions.

Race leaders after the first leg who arrive in Fowey on May 5 will also be able to take in one of the Cornwall International Male Voice Choral Festival performances by Male Voice Choirs of Peterborough, Tamar Valley and Gledholt (Yorkshire) in Fowey Church.

Yacht Charter: 15 Tips on How to Pack and What to Bring

Posted on 27 March 2013 by Staff

My husband Kostas and I sail with charter guests around the Greek Isles on our Atlantic 70 sailing yacht, Stressbuster. Over the years we’ve developed a list of what our guests need (and what they won’t miss). Here are our top 15 tips of what to include and how to pack when getting ready for your next charter vacation.

1. Travel documents
If you’re traveling outside your home country, make sure you’ve got the necessary travel documents in order and ready to go: passports or visas, tickets, and cash/credit cards.

2. Use soft-sided bags only; never hard-sided, square bags.
Luggage storage space on almost all boats is limited, and hard-sided bags can cause damage to teak decks and other wood trim. Soft duffels can be folded up and stowed after you’re unpacked. Soft bags with wheels are acceptable, but should be handled with care onboard to avoid damage to the yacht.

For boats, the bag on the right is preferable to the one on the left. Even soft bags that have a rigid frame can't be folded down for easy stowage onboard.

3. Fill your medium-sized soft-sided bag with everything you want to bring – then reduce it by half
The single most common mistake people make on a yacht charter holiday is bringing too much stuff. On all but very formal charters, the lifestyle is very casual. Especially in tropical or warm-weather locales, you won’t need to bring too many clothes to meet your daily needs.

4. Shoes: Street, boat, and water
Almost all yachts forbid the wearing of street shoes aboard, and most have dedicated baskets or lockers for street-shoe storage, where footwear is deposited when you board. On Stressbuster, we prefer that clients leave their street shoes in our shoe basket or in their cabins and either go barefoot or wear flip flops or some other clean, comfortable, light-soled shoes aboard. Don’t overdo it on shoes – two or three pair is all you’ll need.

For swimming in places where there are sharp rocks or sea urchins, bring a pair of water shoes.

5. Bathing suits (you’ll live in them)
During a day of sailing, your attire will likely consist of bathing suits and a simple cover up of some sort. Even going ashore for dinner doesn’t usually require a change out of the garb you’re wearing during the day, unless you’re feeling the need to freshen up.

6. Fins, mask, and snorkel
If the yacht you’ll be sailing on or the charter company does not provide them, bring your own. If you plan to spend a lot of time in the water, you may want to consider a lightweight wetsuit jacket to stay warm while snorkeling, especially in early or late season months.

7. Cover ups, street clothes
Tee shirts, tank tops, or sarongs for women are all a good bet to wear over bathing suits and protect you from the sun. For leg protection, plan on shorts, jeans, or other lightweight long pants; those that have removable, zip-on/off legs so they can be either shorts or long pants are very handy. For shore clothes, you can “go as you are” almost anywhere in the Greek islands – shorts, tees, jeans. The only exception is if you choose to visit a church or a monastery, where conservative dress is required – covered legs and arms. At such places they generally have racks of clothing for visitors to don when they arrive.

Ladies, if you do feel the need to dress for dinner, sundresses are good—or simple lightweight trousers and shirts. Capri pants are cool and comfortable. For men, lightweight trousers and tees or cotton shirts are fine. For all, jeans are fine everywhere.

8. Lightweight sweater or fleece
Most of our charters are during the warm summer months. In the early spring or late autumn months, warm fleece, leggings, socks, and a warm sweater should be added to this list, as nights can get quite cool.

This guest did it right - he used a soft, medium-sized, collapsible duffel bag without wheels. (And only one of the two bags is his.)

9. Sunscreen, hats, sunglasses.
Avoid packing sunscreens containing oil, which can stain both teak decks and canvas deck and sunbed cushions.

10. Washcloths
Not all charter companies provide them, and in Greece most people use island-harvested sponges instead, so they’re difficult to find. Almost all charter yachts include linens (sheets and towels); some provide beach towels (Stressbuster does). Ask, and if beach towels won’t be provided, bring one of your own.

11. Lightweight foul weather gear
Bring a waterproof jacket and trounser if you have them.

12. Earplugs
If you’re a noise-sensitive sleeper, other crews (or your own) can sometimes be noisy. And in Greece the streets along the quays where we dock are often abuzz until the wee hours.

13. Electronics
Ipods: Ask if the boat you’ve chartered has a stereo system to which these can be hooked up (most crewed yachts do).

Chargers: Ask if you’ll be able to recharge your cameras, computers, and other electronics onboard. On Stressbuster, we have an inverter, so guests can readily recharge cameras, laptops, and other small electrical items. The voltage in Europe is 220V so UK electronics will need a converter plug.

Hair dryers: If you absolutely can’t travel without one, ask if your vessel has one onboard. (Stressbuster does).

14. Seasickness remedies
Unless you want to be very sleepy, we suggest the “non-drowsy” formulas. Even for people who don’t get seasick, taking something on the morning of the day you board is a good idea – it will give your body a chance to get used to and adapt to the motion of the boat. Many people have good luck with the prescription Transderm Scop® behind-the-ear patch, but be very mindful of possible side effects. Discuss these with your doctor and/or pharmacist before using.

15. Medications
Foreign prescriptions are not honoured at Greek pharmacies, so make sure you bring what you need.

And last but not least, organisation helps. Fold and stack your clothes in groups – shirts, tank tops, shorts, long trousers, bathing suits, and undergarments, for instance. Vacuum-bagging clothes in plastic bags or rolling items up will save space. And remember, no matter where you charter, there are almost always laundry facilities available onshore!

Nordic Folkboat Nationals Overall Results (Top 5):

Nordic Folkboat Nationals
Overall Results (Top 5):