Carolyn Trimming
Mind your step
At this time of year when you are polishing hulls, the multistep platforms are a real boon. After years of borrowing a friend’s, I bought my own.
Unlike my friends old steps, the
Steps use with caution
platform on the new ones do not join together but simply have clips that locate on the rungs that are meant to stop the platform sliding off. “Meant to” being the operative words! One platform extends past the hinge and, as the ladder bent a bit in the middle under my weight, the clips disengaged from the rungs sending me falling through the rungs on the ladder skinning my shin and damaging my hip – it could have been worse. If you have one of these ladders – a top tip is to find some way to join the two platforms together.
A Seamanship Challenge – What would you do?
Radar Assisted Collision – the risk
This true story is taken from an MAIB report, YM article and discussion between professional seafarers. Further reading, arithmetic and layout with paper and compass is valuable.
The Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) carrier, Gas Monarch, collided with the sailing yacht, Whispa, in dense fog 6 miles ESE of Lowestoft.
Gas Monarch was proceeding at full speed, in fog, when her master left the bridge in the hands of his third officer (3/O) and an able bodied seaman (AB), contrary to his own standing orders. Whispa appeared out of the fog on a crossing course at very short range. Evasive action by both craft was unsuccessful and the vessels collided. Continue reading
ARE YOU PAYING TOO MUCH FOR YOUR INSURANCE?
In conversation with a fellow member who also owns a Maxi 1100, the topic of insurance came up and on comparison found we were both insured with the same company, with minor variations in value/content/racing insurance. We found that we were paying approx. £300 more for ours. We had been with the same company for over 15 years and had no claims.
On speaking to the company after a bit of “that can’t be right – there must be some differences”, – they have now reduced our insurance by £250 which we felt was fair as we have slightly higher racing cover.
So do use your contact list (downloadable from the members’ area) and make sure you are not paying too much.
The saving of course has now been spent on other things for the boat – new lifejackets!!
Sara & Andy Horwood
Asante
27/28th April 2013 Rally – Island Harbour Medina, Cowes
Those booked in for the Rally were rewarded with a splendid outing following the months of rain and chill winds. Till the last moment it seemed threatening, but the sun had been shining amid April showers, which were kept at bay for the important pontoon party. 25 crew and 10 boats berthed at the midday tide through the lock. As well as regular ralliers we welcomed new members and occasional attendees. The Island Harbour staff made us all very welcome berthing all together on one pontoon and checking we were satisfied. This was the Spring Rally testing all skippers to complete the winter refit. This location is a change from the usual spring rally at Bembridge and the response was favourable.
Island Harbour is now a lovely setting, well managed with the feel of berthing onto a village green in the quiet countryside. Members took the opportunity to visit Newport, some by a 1½ mile walk, others by ferry. Did they find the tea & cake shop waiting for them? In the other direction was a round the lanes walk to Whippingham and its interesting church looking like the Tardis with 4 rocket boosters on the corners of the tower.
Sue and Peter Stonestreet from Blue Rider prepared a super pontoon party, where tradition was maintained. There were great refreshments and nibbles, which everyone enjoyed as they chatted on the pontoon and an enthusiastic Maxi crowd was rewarded with some lovely Spring sunshine.
The restaurant at Island Harbour has now been taken under the site management, which is a good plan. The chef and staff set out to effectively please all. We selected from the menu early in the afternoon and they produced excellent service to each of the tables without delay.
Peter prepared a challenge to all as a study on an MAIB yacht collision report in order to study the lessons and enigmas that face sailors on dark foggy nights at sea. The synopsis can be seen elsewhere on the website.
Boats present were: Blue Rider, Maxi Magic , Juliette , Lookin for Kloos, Moonshine Blues, Asante, Sea Wolf, Resolute, Maxima and Suive.
