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The Long Haul & the Disaster..!

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Created on Sunday, 05 February 2012 04:32

Written by Jerry Tremain

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This week, Jerry leaves Brixham harbour with a full crew, and heads for northern Spain.... 

Our stopover in Brixham was planned for two reasons; firstly I didn't want to over-do the initiation to offshore sailing for the novice crew and secondly, I needed to pick up my 'spare' Watch Leader Bob. However, Bob had had his own 11th hour disaster as he was struck down with Gout the previous week and had still been in hospital a few days earlier! It was going to be very much a case of lets 'suck it and see' to determine if he was going to be fit enough to make the trip.

I was keen for my old friend to join us and Bob was determined that if it could be done he would give it a go. However, when an 'older, well rounded chap' (we hadn't seen each other for over 15 years) turned up with the help of two crutches my heart sank and for a moment I thought about how ridiculous the concept would be for both of us! My gut reaction was that Bob would not be fit enough to undertake such an arduous sail and this wasn't helped as he struggled to climb aboard!

All the same, Bob gingerly dragged himself into the boat, took a look around and then declared himself fit, providing I was happy of course. It was a tough decision and had Cushla been a monohull I think we would both have agreed that it would be a non-starter. But with the prognosis that Bob's leg could only get better with the drugs he was taking I decided that we could cope. Anyhow, he was only going as far as Gibraltar; a mere 1000nm, where we had a date with the 'Rock' for a few reminiscent beers - what could possibly go wrong?

RYA removes recognition from Hot Liquid Southampton

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Created on Thursday, 02 February 2012 16:19

Written by Sailers

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In a short but poignent statement issued today, the RYA announced that it has removed its recognition of Hot Liquid Southampton as a provider of RYA training courses. This means that Hot Liquid Southampton is now no longer able to offer or run RYA training courses.

The decision was made by the RYA following three serious safety related incidents involving Hot Liquid Southampton between January 2011 and January 2012.

The RYA had already suspended its recognition of the Southampton based Sailing School at the beginning of January this year, immediately following a serious incident when one of the School's yachts got into difficulties in storm force winds off Dungeness and had to be towed in by the RNLI (see our report here).  At the time, the RYA said that the suspension would remain in place pending the outcome of an investigation by the MCA Enforcement unit as well as its own investigation.

Canal & River Trust secures £1 billion funding

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Created on Wednesday, 01 February 2012 02:13

Written by Sailers

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The Canal & River Trust will be given over £1 billion of Government help to give it the best possible start Environment Minister Richard Benyon has announced.

This unprecedented funding for a new charity paves the way for the launch of the new Canal & River Trust later this year – a new 'national trust for the waterways' that will harness the support of thousands of supporters and volunteers to help look after the canals and rivers in England and Wales for the benefit of future generations.

This is a good deal for the taxpayer, the waterways and for the millions of people that enjoy them. Releasing the nation's waterways from Government control gives more certainty than ever to their financial future. The Canal & River Trust's charitable status will mean new opportunities for revenue through donations, charitable grants and legacies, increased borrowing powers, efficiencies and volunteering activity.

First port of call - Part 2

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Created on Thursday, 26 January 2012 06:47

Written by Jerry Tremain

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Last week, we saw how Jerry Tremain started to plan his passage from Southampton to the South of France.  This week we hear about the start...  Jerry writes:

THE DAYS BEFORE DEPARTURE

The preceding days in March proved to be quite worrisome. Having gotten most of the gear, mostly second-hand from Ebay, there was the matter of a lift which was planned for two weekends in the middle of the month at Saxon Wharf. As it turned out, the lift was delayed due to the launch of Superyacht Hetairos taking longer than expected. I now only had the one weekend to do all the painting and gearbox servicing and with no spare leave to call on I was in fear of not getting it all done in time for a test sail and the departure.

Fortuitously, Cushla's hull was in a very good shape despite having been immersed for the last two years without break. There was very little weed; just some barnacles on the waterline and over the props. The base antifouling was sound and would only need a scrub and top coat. That said, catamarans have two hulls and it is always frustrating to look over your shoulder and notice that 'the other' hull needs doing as well!

Passage to Portland

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Created on Saturday, 28 January 2012 07:08

Written by Sailers

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If you're looking for something special to do to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee or just fancy doing something a bit different this year then why not sign up for the RYA's Passage to Portland event.

The RYA will be celebrating the Queens Diamond Jubilee and the forthcoming London 2012 sailing events over the Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend (2-5 June), with a whole host of activities and events.

The weekend's celebrations centre around a British Street Party themed event at Portland Castle following a TV screening of the Thames Jubilee Pageant earlier in the day.

This unique event provides participants with an exclusive opportunity to tour the Olympic and Paralympic sailing venue ahead of the Games, a behind-the-scenes look at the Skandia Sail for Gold regatta and hear all about the British Sailing Teams' preparations for London 2012.

Cathy Brown to Edit Cruising Association Magazine

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Created on Friday, 27 January 2012 00:45

Written by Richard Thomas

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We are delighted to report that Cathy Brown, one of our most influential members,  has been appointed editor of the Cruising Association's Cruising magazine, following the retirement of Fred Barter from the post.

The Cruising Association writes:  "Cathy, who is a member of the CA, is a journalist who has worked on daily newspapers, monthly magazines, and more recently websites. She also has sailed for many years with husband Richard. She believes her combination of journalistic skills, sailing experience and appreciation of the aims and work of the CA make her ideally qualified to meet the challenge of editing Cruising. The March issue will be her first."

We offer our congratulations to Cathy and Richard.