MOB Recovery

Although demonstrated in benign conditions, this video encourages the immediate deployment of a floating object (life-ring, fender, etc) pre-attached to an aft mooring cleat by at least 30 meters of floating rope (polypropylene, to minimise the risk of a fouled propeller).   A scrambling net attached amidships allows the MOB to climb aboard unaided or to hold on while a halyard is deployed.

The Storm Trysail Club has released a series of tutorial videos for sailors to watch while self-isolating at home:-

http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2020/04/03/video-practical-mob-recovery/

Learn The Racing Rules

In exchange for agreeing to receive their online monthly newsletter, UK Sailmakers have clarified the racing terminology and provided some interesting animated race-course situations. 

www.uksailmakers.com/rules-quiz-program.

Better than conventional radar?

It uses less power, requires no warm up time, gives a clearer picture, needs less tuning and is simpler to use.   Working on Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) broadband pulsation solid state technology, it compares frequency changes between the transmitted and received signals.

What impact it makes on the marine leisure market over the next few years remains to be seen!

https://www.rya.org.uk/knowledge-advice/cruising-tips/navigation/Pages/broadband-radar.asps

(see also Digital Radar https://www.rya.org.uk/knowledge-advice/cruising-tips/navigation/Pages/digital-radar.aspx)

Are you prepared?

Ensure your fire extinguisher fits through a properly positioned engine compartment access hole. Check that seacocks & fuel valves can all be accessed outside the engine bay.

https://www.rya.org.uk/knowledge-advice/cruising-tips/hints-tips/Pages/fire-extinguishers.aspx

Countdown!

Summer Sailstice 20th Anniversary events are popping up all over the world for this year’s longest day!   The Solent section plans to meet up at Stokes Bay, 10:30am, for a 2hr timed passage to Thorness Bay - just east of Newtown Creek.   Forecast: F4 southerly winds, dry & mainly sunny.

HW Portsmouth 20 June 2020 1200hrs,

Go to https://summersailstice.com/plan/solent-sailstice for more details.

Italian Borders 

Amongst the first to relax it's Covid-19 restrictions Italy opened its borders to the rest of Europe, including the UK, on 3rd June 2020 with little more than keeping to recommended social distancing and hygiene:-

confindustrianautica.net/en/

Help Needed

Many ocean cruisers’ plans are being disrupted by Covid-19 immigration restrictions where countries have 'closed down' for up to a year.  With 10,000 sailors in some form of circumnavigation at any given time, many are currently unable to obtain provisions or resolve medical issues and in need of a lobbyist!   See www.noonsite.com 

Covid-19 Update

Latest Government advice is that unlimited outdoor activity, including water sports, can now take place - although limited to groups of household members and one other person whilst continuing to follow social distancing & hygiene guidelines.

Staying on board overnight, at this stage, is prohibited (unless your primary residence) and so only day sailing is allowed, after first checking with your local marina and port authority.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do#public-spaces--outdoor-activities--exercise

Cowes Harbour opens its facilities but not yet for short stay visitors or for overnight use.  LNTM:- 

https://www.cowesharbourcommission.co.uk/local_notice_to_mariners_no_16t_of_2020

RYA Guidance

In response to the latest Government announcement concerning Covid-19, that unlimited outdoor activity will be permitted in England, the RYA has issued Guidance for English Affiliated Clubs about the importance of planning and the continued need for social distancing and hygiene.

“We are encouraging clubs to.... carefully plan and develop their own policies.... with clear communication to their membership”.

Further advice is available on the RYA website.