Quarantine Reminder

During the COVID-19 crisis Cowes Harbour informs us that it is only open for essential commercial traffic, particularly in view of Government advice that marinas should remain closed.  The Royal Yachting Association additionally advises that UK recreational boat users should “avoid pressure on emergency services, act responsibly and adhere to Government Regulations to help limit spread of the virus.”

LNTM No.10(T) of 2020

Policy Statement
"I wouldn't touch him with a barge pole!". 
Curmudgeon's Observation (Scuttlebutt #5555)

Join millions helping scientists track the virus across the UK!

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This credible research project is one of the fastest growing in the world, led by Dr Tim Spector (Professor of Genetic
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Everyone's encouraged to get involved, so please tell your family and friends

Free Video Series

A new video seminar every Friday has been launched by the Storm Trysail Foundation.
Review your safety issues while self-quarantining.

- MOB
- Weather
- Firefighting
- Emergency Steering
- And more...

Check out the first in the series:-
Man Overboard Recovery

The Elcano Challenge 

Jimmy Cornell, founder of the ARC, plans to repeat the ship Victoria's historic first circumnavigation of the world.   Ferdinand Magellan was killed in the Philippines and his fellow crew member, Juan Sebastian Elcano, took over as captain and returned the ship to Spain in 1522.   

The ‘Elcano Challenge’ commemorates the 500th anniversary of this event and Jimmy, who will be 80 next year, has opted for a catamaran named ELCANO with two electric saildrive units and a bank of lithium batteries.

Starting in October from Seville, with stop-offs in S America, he will pass through the Magellan Straits and on to the Cook Islands, Philippines, SE Asia, around the Cape of Good Hope to Cape Verde and arrive home in July 2021.

https://cornellsailing.com/2019/10/jimmy-cornells-new-adventure-the-elcano-challenge/

Are you prepared?

Collision with a submerged object such as a container, whale or drift net can cause a rudder to fail or break off.   Professional sailor Michael Keyworth suggests that the old idea of fashioning a spinnaker pole and a table-leaf really doesn't work, nor does sail trimming alone!   He trials several jury-rigs and recommends setting up a few key elements for an effective drogue steering system.

Read the full report here (PDF)

Electronics

A somewhat dry but useful overview of electronic aids to navigation:-

https://youtu.be/X3j5xKRwdzA

GCCC members are invited to Papercourt's Quiz Night on Saturday 4th April.

Latest Design?

Lyman-Morse claim to have reached a new level in the construction of motorboat hulls. Take a look at their innovative approach to a new ‘express-cruiser’ the Hood 57:-

https://www.lymanmorse.com/project/hood-57/

Straight to the Chase

Tom Cunliffe’s sixth edition of the Complete Day Skipper is now out in which he reflects that “When I was teaching sailing, my favourite course was Day Skipper... because it cut straight to the chase and delivered the basics of the job - .. from which students could move forward at their own pace and in their own way... ”

www.tomcunliffe.com

Ultimate Goal?

The 10th edition of this epic cruise started on 11th January from Rodney Bay, Saint Lucia with 33 yachts setting off on a 26,000nm worldwide circumnavigation for a 'once in a lifetime' opportunity.  

Progress can be followed via the Fleet Tracker on the WCC website www.worldcruising.com