Innehållsförteckning för March 2020 från Sailing Today

Entries for the world-famous Round the Island Race opened at midnight on 3 January, and the first competitor to sign-up was Martin Thomas, who had completed the formalities for his multihull INXSA just 179 seconds later. The Round the Island Race (RIR) is one of the UK’s largest participation sporting events and is expected to attract over 1,500 boats and thousands of sailors. This year’s event will take place on Saturday 30 May, a few weeks earlier than usual, to accommodate tidal conditions. With starts beginning shortly after sunrise, competitors are expected to enjoy a spectacular first leg down to the Needles, together with a welcome early finish back in Cowes. Racing over 50nm around the Isle of Wight, the fleet will include racing and cruising monohulls, multihulls, gaffers, classics…

Bavaria C42 Bavaria Yachts has had a rough time of things in the last 18 months or so, but news the company is back on its feet is good for the industry. This is confirmed by the launch of the new C42. This is a yacht that augments Bavaria’s new line of the C57 and C45. The C42 comes from Italian yacht designer Cossutti Yacht Design and, in common with many other designers – notably Lombard and Finot/Conq – the Italian has opted for chines carried well forward in order to maximise internal volume. Elsewhere, the C42 retains the distinctively styled coachroof seen on her larger sisters. Down below, the standard layout features two double cabins aft and a large double with en suite forward. bavariayachts.com Italia Yachts 14.98 Italia…

The Financial Times, an excellent organ for those with a bit of spare cash, isn’t my usual newspaper, but a copy came my way recently. Among the impenetrable material about company directors, stocks and shares, I discovered an article centred, of all things, on compass error. I’ll come back to this unlikely reference in a while, but to remind ourselves of the sort of practical slip-up that can befall this generally reliable instrument, we’ll fold away the broadsheet for now and slide off instead to the Atlantic Ocean somewhere north of South America. The events took place long before GPS was heard of, so position was by astro or nothing. Unfortunately, my only deck watch had taken the plunge a week earlier, meaning that while my latitude was good to…

Biscay, the historical territory of the Basque Country, is better known through its association with a very large bay bordered by western France and northern Spain – the Bay of Biscay. The Bay has its jaws open wide to the Atlantic and lies 320 miles across, between Île d’Ouessant, off the western tip of Brittany, and Cabo Ortegal in Galicia, northwest Spain. I have sailed across the Bay both southbound and northbound on a number of occasions: for cruises exploring the coasts of western Europe to the Mediterranean and back; for Atlantic Circuit passages and cruises; and for developing the pilot guide, Atlantic Spain and Portugal – Cabo Ortegal (Galicia) to Gibraltar. The Bay in all its moods has been experienced, and this article and the passages described draw on…

Whatever your opinion of Donald J Trump’s trade war with China, it has thrown out a few strange repercussions. The case of Outbound Yachts is a classic example; the company specialises in building bespoke, high-quality bluewater cruising yachts in relatively small numbers. High-quality bluewater yachts are far from cheap to produce, as we all know, and Outbound mitigated this cost by having the boats built in China. This formula worked very well for the last 20 years and Outbound has built up a strong reputation within the US. Although there have been some European buyers, the focus has always been on Outbound’s home market. All that has changed now because a swingeing tariff on goods from China has had a detrimental effect on the business model. As a result, Outbound…

Sometimes, when a powerful spring tide pours into a funnel-shaped estuary, something exceptional happens; a tidal bore appears, seemingly out of nowhere. According to the International Hydrographic Dictionary, a bore is “a high breaking wave of water, rapidly advancing up an estuary”, and is the result of pressure in the estuary rising to a point where the flood literally ‘bursts’ and surges forward. For those lucky enough to witness this wonder of nature, you will notice two distinct stages. The first is a dramatic wave that appears a couple of hours before high tide, shattering the tranquillity. This is quickly followed by a rapid rise in the tide; six hours of ‘flood’ in a fraction of the time. Although mesmerising to watch, this phenomenon is perilous to sailors who find…

Early spring can be a testing time for sailors as they consider their options when it comes getting their boat ready for the spring season. With the boat out of the water and a bitterly cold breeze frequently still howling around the boatyard it can take a bit of strength of will to envision the summer season ahead and remember that if you put in the hard yards now, your yacht will be resplendent and all set for the season ahead. Marina or mooring buoy? Sometimes the decision is simple as you may well have a favoured marina or mooring you have used for years. Yet cruising intineraries can also change and there is every chance you may wish to strategically place your yacht nearer to some tempting new cruising…

It has been a torrid time of late for marine insurers, as boat owners will have noticed from the upward trajectory of their insurance premiums. Increases vary widely, of course, but in general there have been double-digit rises for sailing yachts. At the racing end of the spectrum and in superyachts, the hike has been much more dramatic. Insiders point clearly to the losses that stemmed from just four weeks of extreme weather in 2017. The three hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria caused an estimated $215bn of damage, $100bn of which was insured losses. Competition for new marine business, especially in the glamorous superyacht and grand prix racing sectors, meant that risk was seriously undervalued and even in a good year, margins razor thin. Underwriters were unprepared, with the industry…

The holding company that owned the rights to build Discovery Yachts was forced to appoint administrators in December, after the High Court in London awarded almost £1.5m in costs and damages to a disgruntled yacht owner. The administrators for Discovery Yachts Group immediately sold its boatbuilding assets in a so-called ‘pre-pack’ deal involving the largest shareholder, Binti Holding GmbH. That has allowed manufacturing to carry on as usual, with the yacht-building business operating as Discovery Shipyard Ltd. The court heard complaints set out by Noel Casey, a barrister acting for Andrew and Maria France, who in 2017 bought the yacht Elusive – which the couple subsequently dubbed ‘HMS Disappointment’. The judge in the case, Mr Justice Teare, ruled there had been a failure to ensure the yacht complied with the…

RYA DINGHY SHOW 29 FEB-01 MARCH ALEXANDRA PALACE, LONDON Now in its 69th year, the RYA Dinghy Show in association with Yachts & Yachting, will once again offer a weekend of interactive features, expert advice, and all the latest boats and kit dinghyshow.org.uk SAILGP SEASON 2 KICK-OFF 28-29 FEBRUARY, SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA National pride will be on the line as world class teams take part in dramatic, adrenaline-filled racing on the iconic Sydney Harbour, when SailGP’s second season gets underway sailgp.com SYDNEY HARBOUR REGATTA 1-8 MARCH , SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA Stay on in Sydney after the SailGP event for the spectacular regatta hosted by Middle Harbour Yacht Club, and featuring 200 yachts racing in 25 divisions shr.mhyc.com.au A MUSICAL ODYSSEY 05-06 MAR MAYFLOWER THEATRE, SOUTHAMPTON Set sail for an epic evening of…

Anyone who has sailed on the west coast of Scotland will appreciate that there are two ingredients that make it one of the most beautiful cruising grounds in the world – the sea and the stunning hills and mountains. To combine the pursuits of hiking and sailing means you can make the most of both of these ingredients. The key is to work out an itinerary. Happily, we have one ready made, thanks to a little help from the experts at Sail Scotland. Soaring more than 3,000 feet (904m) into the sky and set in some of the most incredible landscapes on the planet, sailing in the shadow of one of Scotland’s 282 Munros is an awe-inspiring experience – but mooring up, donning your walking boots and conquering one on…

I have a stark warning for anyone who sails to the Galician Rías – there is a very real risk that you may never leave. Now, some would argue this is not a risk but something to be welcomed with open arms. Simply befriend the locals, set up shop and you’ll pass a very pleasant few decades as a bona fide Galician. However, if you have a maritime journey to complete in a timely fashion, Galicia’s almost irresistible lure can be dangerous. We met a couple who had set off from Southern Ireland bound for the Mediterranean two years before. Yet, there they were, entirely content living aboard in the Ría de Arousa, now so friendly with the boatyard owner they were off to his grandson’s christening. Galicia is not…

RUSTLER 44 Another classically designed modern cruiser with narrow, easily driven lines purpose-built for bluewater cruising. The styling of the Rustler successfully treads the line between modern classic and bluewater cruiser. The quality of fit-out is excellent. rustleryachts.com HALLBERG RASSY 44 There was a time when Swedish boatbuilder Hallberg Rassy was synonymous with conservative styling and design. These days, that’s not a charge you can level at the 44. Nevertheless, this is a serious bluewater cruising yacht with surprising performance. hallberg-rassy.com FAURBY 460E Danish boatbuild er Faurby specialises in producing a small amount of beautifully built cruisers. The emphasis is slightly more on performance, but this is a similarly slightly leftfield, individual yacht with a plethora of clever touches. faurby.dk…

I have a confession to make. I never thought I’d say this, but as a dyed-in-the-wool monohull sailor who has spent many years both privately and professionally railing against the rise of catamarans, I think I’ve been converted – and It’s all thanks to the new Dufour 48. With global yacht cruising demand shifting in favour of catamarans, helped by technical leaps and vastly improved designs, it was only a matter of time before traditional monohull builders branched out and took the plunge into the murky world of twin hulls. Perhaps, inevitably, after its takeover by Fountaine Pajot last year, Dufour is at the vanguard of this group with the 48. On first impressions, the Dufour 48 is certainly striking. Her clean, sweeping lines are as attractive as any you’ll…

After you’ve arrived in St Lucia it would be a shame not to explore the island, as it’s very beautiful, with stunning beaches and bays, pristine tropical rainforests and a pumping Caribbean culture. The closest must-see areas to your arrival point at Rodney Bay are a lovely, although often crowded, beach at Reduit, and the beautiful and historic Pigeon Island. Among the island’s attractions is a British fort built during numerous battles with the French for its control – during the 17th and 18th centuries the island changed hands between them an incredible 14 times. For nightlife, nearby Gros Islet is the venue for the amazingly lively ‘Jump Up’ street party on a Friday night, with great food, endless rum and very loud Caribbean music. Slightly further down the coast,…

MOODY 33S | MARIAN After what might have been an expensive festive period, how about three cruising yachts for under £100,000 each? The Moody 33S was designed by Angus Primrose of Sir Francis Chichester’s Gypsy Moth IV fame and built in GRP at Marine Projects in Plymouth. One of five iterations of the original Moody 33 hull, which was first launched in 1972, the 33S underwent a redesign as a an aft cockpit version. This fin-keeled, mast-head sloop, one of 54 built between 1979 and 1982, has been well maintained, having her standing rigging professionally replaced in 2017, a new Bukh 24hp engine in 2015, and refits in 2013 and 2011. Upgrades include an electric windlass, diode split charger for engine and service batteries, and an AIS transponder.…

Poole Harbour landmark Round Island is looking for a new tenant. According to estate agents Albury and Hall, it has been in the ownership of the same local family since 1968 and is now being offered to let for the first time. Included in the tenancy are three furnished cottages, each capable of sleeping six to eight, with fantastic views across Poole Harbour, and each having a private patio for barbecues. Residents will have use of the sandy beach and pier as well as enjoyment of the island’s many acres of woodland with stunning elevated harbour views. The island is looked after by resident caretakers, who will meet the new occupiers and guests on dry land at a marina in Poole before taking them across Poole Harbour and landing them…

Rock-a-bye baby Get afloat early with this classic cot The Plymouth Rock’R is a rocking boat cradle designed for 1- to 3-year-olds and their proud parents (or grandparents) to enjoy. The design is in the spirit and tradition of the Banks dories once used by the fisherman of Massachusetts in their quest for cod fish. Each is handcrafted by third and fourth generation boatbuilders using teak and mahogany, and finished with non- toxic paints and varnishes. Decals for a child’s or boat’s name are included. The Plymouth Rock’R is 45in (114cm) long and 21in (53cm) wide. £POA southshoreboatworks.com Heave-to on Hayling Island Northney Marina is on the doorstep of this five-bed property Northney Marina isn’t the only attraction for prospective purchasers of this attractive property on the banks of Chichester…

‘Receiving impromptu canoe visits from excited and curious strangers has been something we’ve been used to’ When you come from a world of shops, fixed prices and hard currency it’s hard to imagine how you’d go about trading goods or swapping skills in exchange for your family’s food. It sounds daunting, risky, an uncertain way of putting dinner on the saloon table. But, when we started sailing through the islands of Melanesia, it became a way of life. It started back in New Zealand, where we filled up on supplies. We set off prepared, having taken advice before leaving about the best things to stock up on in places where they were cheap and readily available. Items like rice, sugar, flour, fishhooks, matches, soap, tinned fish and corned beef, crackers,…

Galicia in the northwest corner of Spain boasts a dramatic coastline indented by a series of large flooded valleys and estuaries, known in Spanish as Rías, which offer a wonderful cruising ground. They are made up of the Rías Altas, the estuaries lining the coast north of Cape Finisterre, and the Rías Baixas, the estuaries south of Cape Finisterre on the west-facing coast of Galicia. Each Ria is within a day’s sail of its neighbours, offering plenty of sheltered water, anchorages and marinas, but also some navigational challenges. The Rías Altas – the high estuaries – are mostly smaller, quieter and less developed than their counterparts further south. 1) Ria de Viviero – easy entrance, exposed to north, several light weather anchorages, a sheltered deepwater fishing port at Cillero or…

The Outbound 46 is a carefully put together boat that boasts extreme attention to detail. Whether it’s the beautiful joinery downstairs or the little touches designed to make life easier for the sailor and the absolute plethora of handholds, this is a boat for the serious bluewater sailor with a specific vision of what he or she has in mind. Given that the design of this boat dates back to 1999, it’s hardly surprising that her look both on the water and down below is a little bit retro compared with, say, a recent Hallberg Rassy. Yet, this is also one of her assets as it ensures the boat stands out from the crowd. While some may be turned off by the old-school hull shape, others will covet a yacht…

IPSWICH, SUFFOLK 52° 02.0’N, 001° 09.1’E From humble beginnings as a family leisure boat builder and restorer in the 1920s, today Fox’s Marina and Boatyard is a 15-acre one-stop-shop known for its expertise in refitting all sorts of boats, from large worldgirdlers to small family cruisers. Fox’s became synonymous with Oyster Yachts when Oyster Marine founder Richard Matthews took over the current site at Ostrich Creek, just south of Ipswich, in 1985. The brand still has its UK sales office and brokerage on site and works closely with Fox’s on the rigging and commissioning of the majority of its new yachts, which are launched at Fox’s Marina. Managing director Will Taylor-Jones says: “Our primary focus is running a high-quality refit yard and we have a fairly modest but friendly and…

The weather may be frightful, but the days are already getting longer and there is just the occasional hint that spring is around the corner. That means it’s time to head down to the boatyard and face the music by setting about recommissioning your yacht. This often ends up being a hellish rush but it can be a joyous thing as you are able to remedy all the niggling defects that drove you crazy last season. So, take a deep breath and prepare to immerse yourself in the world of pre-season prep. General preparation You may well have had your engine winterised, so there is the rather painful task of reversing this process. You could be in the frame of mind to get an engineer in to do the serious…

Land Diving By blessing the rich fertile soil with their shoulders to ensure a good yam crop, when the vines reach their optimum strength, the brave fearless land divers throw themselves off a 30 metre high precarious wooden structure, at specially selected sites in Southern Pentecost Island, Vanuatu every Saturday between April and June. The men and boys, some as young as 8, wearing only banana leaves to protect their manhood, take it in turns to climb the tower, psyching themselves up for the leap of faith, whilst women and girls from the village, wearing only grass skirts and shell necklaces, chant and sway at the base of the tower, as the tension starts to build. Children jump from the lower ledges, both ankles binded, arm and legs flailing for…