Innholdsfortegnelse for March 2025 i Yachting Monthly

A new boat show is set to launch in Plymouth this year with Plymouth Boat Fest being held at Plymouth Yacht Haven on Saturday 21 June. Marina owner Yacht Havens is set to host the Plymouth show, bringing together maritime enthusiasts, families, and the local community for a day of nautical fun and exploration, as well as showcasing the region’s maritime heritage and marine services. The festival will feature a variety of boats, yachts, innovative watercraft, and traditional vessels. Attendees will have the opportunity to board the vessels, meet industry experts, and learn about the latest advancements in boat technology and marine services. The family-oriented event is also designed to entertain children with activities and live demonstrations. There will be local food and drink stalls, alongside entertainment ranging from live…

Sailing to high latitudes has become increasingly popular, with the Northwest Passage in the Arctic, and, at the other extreme, the Antarctic Peninsula, recording the largest number of visiting yachts in any one year in 2024. To mark the 40th anniversary of the ARC transatlantic rally, ARC founder Jimmy Cornell has launched an event aimed at anyone interested in joining other like-minded sailors on a voyage to those exciting destinations. Jimmy Cornell has sailed twice to those destinations and has planned the route of the High Latitude Challenge to benefit from favourable wind and weather conditions, as well as safe seasons, along the entire route. Two essential factors that were taken into account are the best time to sail to Antarctica (January-February), and to transit the NW Passage (July-August). Equally…

One of life’s pleasures is to support others as they tackle their dreams and remotely sweep you aboard to share both triumph and disaster. For some reason I seem to attract dreamers and so have a gaggle of what we call ‘our chickens’ across the globe. All inspiring and motivating in equal measure. Last year Adriano and Marissa sailed into Fowey on their new Garcia 45 Exploration. They had been in constant contact as they prepared for delivery and had come to one of our Garcia Blue Water seminars. On delivery of their boat I spent a day on board covering all aspects of blue-water cruising before an afternoon’s masterclass on the water. Opting for a free-flying Parasailor, I realised they hadn’t ordered a spinnaker pole. It’s not for me…

When we saw the race briefing it was a little bit fuzzy,’ John Quinn told me, recalling events that had happened over three decades earlier, before the start of the Sydney Hobart Race in 1993. ‘It could have been tough, it couldn’t have been tough, they were a bit uncertain…’ The object of the uncertainty was a low-pressure system headed for the Bass Strait, which separates the island state of Tasmania from the Australian mainland. It’s a key section of the legendary race to Hobart. ‘As it turned out the thing was a lot worse than what we thought it was going to be…’ continued Quinn. The winds in the storm that hit the ’93 race fleet reached over 70 knots, equivalent to a low-grade hurricane. John Quinn and the…

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW WHAT KIND OF CHARTER? There are many ways to charter and every company will do things slightly differently. If you’ve never sailed before, it’s worth getting some instruction in a stunning location – many companies offer courses. If that sounds too much like hard work, a skippered charter will let you sit back and relax. If you’re ready to spread your wings a little, a flotilla gives you independence but with the guidance and support of a lead crew. A bareboat charter will let you go it alone, albeit with help on call if needed. Some companies can supply a skipper for a day or two while you get your confidence up. To go the whole hog, a luxury charter might include a skipper, crew,…

Situated at the mouth of many rivers in Guinea-Bissau, the Bijagos archipelago is one of Africa’s most isolated maritime regions. Strong tides, violent currents, murky waters, rocky reefs, constantly shifting sandbanks and unstable winds make access difficult both from the sea and from the continent. The Portuguese never fully overcame these obstacles. Until the country’s independence in 1973, the Bijago people resisted colonisation by retreating into the islands. Within the forest, they maintained their life as sedentary hunter-gatherers with a partially matriarchal social structure, continuing their animist beliefs and complex initiation rites. The natural barriers of the islands also benefited the other living creatures inhabiting the archipelago. The islands host an ecosystem of unique variety: migratory birds, monkeys, crocodiles, hippos, sea turtles, manatees, sharks, and all sorts of fish. Such…

BARTON MARINE GENOA CARS DECK EQUIPMENT www.bartonmarine.com A fresh approach to genoa car design from Whitstable-based deck equipment specialist Barton Marine, this fully re-engineered and re-styled range has spent several years in research and development. Designed specifically for yachts up to 50ft, they are manufactured using strong but lightweight high-grade anodised aluminium, to provide optimum protection from the rigours of the marine environment, along with low-friction corrosion-resistant nylon inserts. Featuring simple-to-grip plungers, the range also includes universal track inserts to ensure compatibility with any existing tracks. With a maximum break load of 2,280kg (5,016lb), the 25mm version weighs no more than 297g and is suitable for yachts from 7m to 10m (23ft to 33ft), using line diameters up to 16mm. The 32mm GT version, with a maximum break load of 3,280kg…

TANTON 43 ‘The cat ketch rig provides the optimum power to weight ratio for larger boats with the least amount of weight aloft. It allows for proper balance of hull/rig parameters, lowers the centre of effort, increases the boat’s stability, allows for the shallowest draught with the best windward ability, and lets you carry maximum sail with the easiest sail handling capability in all sorts of sailing conditions.’ So writes Yves-Marie Tanton on his design website (tantonyachts.tumblr.com). And it’s hard to disagree. Fans of cat-ketch rigs will recognise all those attributes (though ‘best windward ability’ might be pushing it), as well as many more, not least the boats’ tendency to have enormous internal volume. Tanton’s own 43-footer is a pretty double-ender, with a slightly surprising canoe stern to distinguish it…

A teak deck is a beautiful and safe platform, but like many beautiful things in life it comes at a price. The caulking will eventually lose its elasticity and begin to part company with the wood. Tell-tale damp patches that remain when a wet deck is drying off will give away the failures. Water will then begin to get in and find its way down below to somewhere else. Warrior 40s didn’t come with a teak deck. Ours was retrofitted with one in 1999, 10 years after she was built. It was done well, but inevitably not as precisely as a newbuild, and a previous owner had clearly been scrubbing it far too much – losing around 3mm to 4mm of thickness over the years. Water was finding its way…

After sailing almost 3,000 miles across the Atlantic from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, ARC 2024 crews from over 100 yachts came together in Rodney Bay, St Lucia in December to celebrate. First to finish in just under 12 days was the largest boat, Southern Wind 105GT No Rush, owned by Ghada Barsoum and skippered by Diogo Cayolla. The last boat to cross the line before the prizegiving was the British Moody 37 Good Mood 4, the young crew arriving on 19 December to a huge celebration after 25 days at sea. During the crossing sailors experienced a wide range of conditions, from periods of calm to 40-knot squalls, as well as solid downwind tradewind sailing. The crews also paid tribute to Swedish sailor Dag Eresund, who was tragically lost…

Q I recently bought a 20-year-old 34ft J105, which we use for some cruising, but primarily for club racing under IRC – there is no class racing where we are – and for offshore racing on the JOG circuit. The boat has a theoretical hull speed of 7.3 knots and draught of 1.98m. Compared to her modern rivals, the boat came with a low aspect ratio rudder (short and wide), and we are considering an upgrade, keeping a similar weight but to a higher aspect ratio design, as I believe this could reduce drag and increase boatspeed. This raises all sorts of questions about construction, shape, profile, tip shape, leading and trailing edges, and off the shelf or bespoke solutions, as well as implications for structure, safety and insurance. Can…

This article is about enjoying a few extra days’ sailing, not pitting ourselves against extreme weather over prolonged periods. If there is any risk that you’ll need to combat survival conditions, it’s probably best to choose a different day to go out! We should, however, talk about hypothermia and windchill. Hypothermia starts with shivering and pale/blue cold skin and develops to slurred speech, tiredness and confusion. As skipper, the thing to watch out for is when a cold person stops shivering. You must check that this is because they have warmed up, because you also stop shivering when you get life-threateningly cold. And if one person is cold, assume others are too. As skipper, you may not feel it due to higher adrenaline and activity levels. The other thing to…

1 LIFEJACKETS ‘The first thing I did when I came back was to throw out all the lifejackets,’ explained John Quinn. ‘And I put inflatable lifejackets on board the boat for everybody, because inflatable lifejackets allow you to control your buoyancy in the same way as a diver can control their buoyancy. And that I regard as absolutely critical because I think with a full lifejacket [and] those waves picking you up, I don’t think you’d last very long.’ 2 BOAT SUITABILITY ‘I shouldn’t have been racing a boat that light in the Sydney to Hobart race. The J/35 is a magnificent little coastal racing boat, but it’s not designed to go into that sort of weather.’ 3 SAFETY DECISIONS ‘When I realised we were going into that sort of…

As Sailing Holidays Ltd celebrates its 49th year, we remain committed to the principles of flotilla sailing; exploring the Greek islands aboard your own yacht, supported by one of our lead boats. The friendships formed during these one-, two-, or three-week holidays are truly special, fostering connections and lifelong friendships. Whether you’re a family, a group, a couple, or a solo adventurer, this experience is undoubtedly a ‘holiday of a lifetime’. WHERE WE SAIL Our flotillas primarily operate in the Ionian Islands, plus two flotillas in the Argolic Gulf (south of Athens) and two in the enchanting Sporades Islands, where you can truly escape the everyday. Our flight-inclusive sailing holiday package ensures everyone can relax. We greet you at the airport, provide support throughout your holiday, and return you to…

Sail Ionian is a premier yacht charter company renowned for delivering exceptional sailing holidays. Its fleet of modern, high-spec yachts is combined with the company’s commitment to luxury, friendliness, accessibility and fun. Whether guests are seasoned sailors or novices, Sail Ionian’s charters are designed to provide an unforgettable experience. It caters for families, couples, and groups of friends, ensuring everyone enjoys the perfect sailing holiday. WHERE WE SAIL Based in the stunning Ionian Islands of Greece, Sail Ionian offers charters across some of the most beautiful and diverse sailing destinations. Highlights include exploring hidden coves, enjoying local cuisine, and experiencing the rich culture and history of the islands. For those who prefer a more laid-back experience, Sail Ionian offers skippered charters, allowing guests to sit back and enjoy the journey while…

The first evening on board was just like coming home, it felt like we had never been away from life on board and was so wonderfully familiar. Sipping hot drinks in the cockpit under a blanket after an evening swim in glassy water, with the children asleep down below, was just perfect. The sky was pink and seagulls bobbed nearby. Our first passage may have been a mere three miles from Plymouth to Cawsand, but being back afloat was every bit as magical as I remembered. We looked at each other, slightly frazzled after a day of packing, driving, shopping and coaxing two little ones into lifejackets with all the inevitable meltdowns. Only time would tell whether a week’s charter in the UK would be the end of our future…

The timing was tight. I took the call 24 hours before we were due to fly. Alex kindly asked me if she could help stock the boat. We were scheduled to join our Seafarer yacht in Kiato after midnight and to sail first thing in the morning. Alex sent a link to a local Greek supermarket. I tapped a few items on my phone – the Greek alphabet blurring my choices. The goods would be delivered to the boat and stowed for the trip. Unbelievable service! And so our family sailing holiday began. We boarded the Bavaria 37 Stairway to Heaven, rather nicely named, at 0130 – Alex, the first mate, gallantly stayed up to greet us. This holiday would help us – Milen, Siena, Christian and myself – hone…

www.yachtingmonthly.com/books In January 1940 Antony Bridges and Margaret Townsend had a wartime contract to deliver gelignite from Scrabster to Lyness across the Pentland Firth, using Mermaid, a 15-tonne, ex-Kings Lynn pilot cutter. Detonators were needed urgently. A stack was loaded in Mermaid’s cabin but an easterly gale had been blowing for days. Could they time their tides right to make the crossing? We started out next morning, with three reefs down, close-hauled on the starboard tack, heading for the point of Dunnet. The three cases of detonators were well chocked off with the rolls of felt and the amorphous sacks of nails, and the total of cargo made a fine addition to our ballast. The wind howled as wetly as ever; but there was a distinct relief at being out…

Adrian Mulville had one purpose in mind when he was looking for a boat in 2007. He wanted a vessel he could take his family on a year’s sabbatical, sailing across the Atlantic to the Caribbean and back. The boat would have to satisfy that ultimate test for any sailor: to keep his or her family safe and happy while sailing across an ocean. The stakes could hardly have been higher. By then, he had half a lifetime’s experience on boats, starting on the old gaffers his father – legendary author Frank Mulville – took him sailing on as a child, including sailing across the Atlantic to Cuba aged nine on the converted Cornish lugger Girl Stella. He even survived being shipwrecked off the Azores at the end of that…

‘I MOVED MY ANCHOR LOCKER AFT – NOW WE SAIL BETTER THAN EVER…’ DIAGNOSIS: The chain locker in Britannia’s bow was totally inadequate for the 250ft (76m) of 3/8-inch chain I considered to be a bare minimum for my 22-tonne boat. Every time we weighed anchor, and even when only part of the rode had been laid, the chain would always pile up in the locker and jam the windlass. Someone then had to scramble over the forward cabin bunks, open the locker’s equally inadequate little door, then push the pile of wet chain over to one side to allow the remainder of the chain to be fed in. Sometimes this had to be done more than once, and it became extremely tiresome, especially when my wife and I were the…

Twelve sailors set off in January to sail 3,000 miles solo across the Atlantic in home-built, one-design 5.8m yachts, taking part in the third edition of the McIntyre Globe 580 Transat, The intrepid sailors cast off from Marina Rubicon, Lanzarote bound for the National Sailing Academy in Antigua, the host port for the finish of the McIntyre Globe 580 Transat as well as the start of the McIntyre Mini Globe Race on 23 February. The inaugural Mini Globe 580 Race has 15 sailors registered. They will sail a course following in the footsteps of John Guzzwell, who in 1955 set off in his home built 20ft timber yacht TREKKA to become the first ever ‘Mini Yacht’ to sail around the world. Currently leading the Transat fleet is Keri Harris aboard…

RNLI volunteer Lou Hoskin set off before Christmas for a five-month trip to Goudier Island, Antarctica, working with the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust (UKAHT) to man the post office at the very south of the world. A crew member at Plymouth Lifeboat Station, Lou is one of a five-person team stationed for the austral summer at Base A, Port Lockroy, known as the birthplace of British Antarctic Science, where they will live in constant daylight. ‘UKAHT looks after a number of buildings on the continent, including Station A on Port Lockroy,’ Lou explained. ‘It was built as part of the Second World War effort but abandoned and fell into a state of disrepair. ‘We all do a lot of roles, but as base leader I am overseeing things, making sure…

Testing yachts in the middle of winter is a fiddly business. You need a boat in the water, some breeze, ideally neither rain nor snow, and a glimmer of sunshine through the leaden skies. Amazingly, early December gave us some of the best sailing conditions of the year, with a lively Force 4 to 5 from the northwest (we’d have to forgive it for being a little gusty), a few broken clouds to make the sky look extra blue, and beautiful sunshine. The boat I had come to see was the latest offering from German yard Hanse. It’s a sign of the times that the Hanse 360 is now the second smallest boat in the Hanse range (the 315 from 2016 is still going strong), yet she still has a…

There is something really quite special about finding yourself out on the water and having most of it to yourself. Being the solitary boat in an anchorage or being able to moor up in your favourite spot can be a wonderful thing. But as we all know, there is a good reason why we try to squeeze our boating into the summer months: the weather. More specifically it’s the cold, and there is nothing like the anticipation of being cold to put you off heading out on a sunny winter weekend. I find I am quite comfortable in cold weather. I spent the early part of my Royal Marines career in the commando unit that specialised in mountain and cold weather warfare. It’s not that I don’t get cold, I…

How to pick up this tricky mooring solo? Q John has been sailing with friends for many years but has finally decided to buy his own yacht. It is a 10m cruiser racer which he reckons will be light enough to sail single-handed, as his partner has shown little interest in yachting. Apart from crewing on yachts John has sailed dinghies and has completed the RYA Day Skipper practical course, but he has little skippering experience. He is on his first solo voyage, very sensibly taking everything slowly and carefully. He has decided that his first stop will be a mooring buoy to save any close manoeuvring in a marina. The mooring he is looking at has a pick-up buoy and there is a little less than a knot of…

With 10 flotillas operating in four countries, Seafarer has the options to take you to areas other flotillas don’t go. 30 years of operating experience hasn’t got in the way of this independent business’s focus on the personal touch, with market-leading customer service, whether you want to join a flotilla, skipper a bareboat, or chill out at a beach club. WHERE TO SAIL Seafarer offers the widest range of flotilla destinations of any company, and as an independent family company, it takes customer service personally. It also offers RYA training in Greece, Croatia or the UK, plus worldwide bareboat and cabin charter. Flotillas are spread throughout the Ionian and Aegean, as well as two in Croatia, one in Turkey and another in Thailand. Wherever you decide to go, this variety…

Sailing holidays overseas in sunny climates with guaranteed sunshine remain popular, and operators often have vast fleets. Chartering in the UK is often much more affordable and doesn’t require air travel. We loved the fact that a three-hour drive was all the travelling we needed to do. The UK charter industry has, however, been through a challenging time, largely tied up in expensive red tape and some of the toughest operating standards in the world, making running a charter business no mean feat these days. Outside of the Solent, where there are some larger charter fleets, British charter operators are largely small-scale companies with a handful of yachts that often double up as sailing school boats available for hire when courses aren’t being run. Still, if you do some looking,…

ROUTE Heather and family chartered a Bavaria 37 with Seafarer Cruising and Sailing Holidays www.seafarersailing.co.uk. They sailed the Saronic Gulf route from Kiato, through the Corinth Canal, to: Korfos, Old Epidavros, Aegina, Aegina Marina, Kanakia, on Salamina, and back through the Corinth Canal to Kiato harbour. WIND The Saronic Gulf sees winds in the summer from the north to north-west, but from the south-east in the winter. Winds can also funnel down the Gulf of Corinth. Conditions can change relatively quickly and weather forecasts were not relied on. ALERTS The Greek government has set up a system alerting visitors and locals to extreme events, such as storms and forest fires. The alerts are timely and helpful. Local sailors pay attention. CORINTH CANAL The canal is 3.2 miles long and 25m…

Before using the sextant you must note the index error. All sextants have an index error, especially plastic instruments which have to be checked regularly. When you have achieved an unbroken line (see image), note the index error. Remember that index error is what you have to add or subtract in order to get 0.0’. The index error is the same for any angle. It can change – check the index error before any observation. ALIDADE ANGLE Find a secure place to stand. Hold the sextant in your right hand and move the alidade until you see the sun in the right half of the viewer. Move the alidade until you see the horizon as well. Fine-tune the alidade with the micrometer screw until the sun ‘touches’ the horizon. It…

I have a multitool with a sawblade worn down to a blunt curved knife edge. It cuts caulk easily, wood with difficulty, and glass fibre not at all. I use it to cut carefully down between the caulk and the wood in a failed seam. This lets me pull out the hard, sometimes brittle, strip of aged caulk. Using a screwdriver ground down to a chisel edge on both sides and the point, I carefully scrape the sides of the groove – a vacuum cleaner is pretty well essential at this point. Then I mask off the deck on either side, and fill the groove with brand new polyurethane caulk, pressing it in immediately afterwards with a narrow flat scraper. There’s very little wasted caulk. I always pause before reaching…