Gilbert Park undertakes some training for riding out heavy seas and wind in his Mitchell 28 – but first has to find some rough weather
Gilbert took his Mitchell 28 out into rough seas and the overfalls off St Catherine’s Lighthouse as part of his training. Credit: Gilbert ParkRarely in 50 years have I been caught out in rough weather at sea.
Indeed, in recent years it has become even rarer with improved...
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution marks its bicentenary this year. Katy Stickland looks back at its formation and development
The all-weather Shannon Class is the newest lifeboat in the RNLI fleet. Credit: Tony Watson/Alamy“Every stranger, whom the disasters of the sea may cast on her shores, should never look for refuge in vain,” wrote the retired British militia officer, Sir William Hillary.
Having witnessed numerous shipwrecks off his home town of Douglas in the Isle of Man, and seen islanders risk their lives to...
Ten years ago, Colin Haines installed a solar-powered vent on his boat. He shares the results and if it still keeps his boat truly dry
Solar-powered shed ventilator installed on the washboard keeps Colin Haines's boat interior dry over winter. Credit: Colin HainesMains electricity-powered dehumidifiers, are effective but expensive and cost money to run. They also assume that some ‘helpful’ person does not unplug the shore power supply.
I don’t have my boat lifted out of the water during the winter for several reasons.
...
With a modern water-based and VOC-free epoxy Coppercoat gives off no dangerous solvents or unpleasant smells
Visit a boatyard now and you’ll be greeted by the unpleasant smell of solvents. Known as VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), solvents are a major component of traditional antifoul paints, many of which contain up to 45% VOCs.
These solvents pose a problem – they’re major contributors to climate change. To help reduce global warming, regulators are moving to decrease VOC contents, to the point of elimination.
The...
Dena Hankins is on a global voyage aboard her 1984 9m Baba 30 converted to run with an electric propulsion motor – possibly the smallest electric sailboat to circumnavigate the planet
Cetacea on a mooring in Boot Key Harbour, just before the shakedown sailWhen we reached Horta on the second leg of our electric sailboat circumnavigation, my partner James stayed on Cetacea and I rowed in alone.
As the gap widened between me and the 1984 Baba 30 that we’d just spent 29 days sailing from Bermuda to the Azores, I knew we’d made...
Gilbert Park’s maiden voyage in his Mitchell Classique 28 culminates in the rescue of two men from the water after their yacht sank
Owning two boats was a blessing. My Nimbus 365 was kept on a nearby dry-stack, while my Trusty T23 was on a drying mooring in front of my house in Chichester Harbour.
However, the required maintenance, to say nothing of the cost,...
In addition to the his popular Caledonia Yawl, Ness Yawl, Grebe, Tammie Norrie and the Acorn skiff designs, Iain Oughtred was well known for his St Ayles Skiff
A fleet of sailing boats race towards Tarmonbarry on the River Shannon in Ireland. Scottish designer Iain Oughtred helms the nearest boat. CREDIT: Nic Compton/AlamyTributes have poured out across the internet for renowned boat builder and designer Iain Oughtred, who passed away aged 84.
Iain, of Oughtred Boats, grew up in Sydney and sailed, built and designed fast sailing...
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This is the first time new high-definition CCTV camera footage has been used by the Falmouth Harbour Authority in a prosecution – in addition to speeding through the Inner Harbour, the RIB driver was seen using his mobile phone, not wearing a kill-cord or a lifejacket
The owner of this Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) was caught speeding on the Falmouth Harbour’s CCTV system last July. CREDIT: Falmouth HarbourA boat owner caught on Falmouth Harbour’s CCTV system operating at speeds of around 18 knots – almost three times the 6 knot inner...
The 'game changing' advantages of Seldén's new line of manual and electric winches include clever features to speed up tacking and make it safer when sailing with inexperienced crew.
For many years there was little development in new winches, but that has changed recently with several brands announcing new and improved ranges.
Spar and deck hardware manufacturer Seldén has a...