Sailing for prolonged periods away from shore power is going to challenge the electric power system. The prospect of running the engine for three hours a day just to top up the batteries is an anathema to this boater. What to do?
The fast cruise to Beaulieu
The up and coming fast cruise to Beaulieu will be a whole new experience for me. I am chartering a yacht for the very first time.
I started sailing whilst at school in the early '60s and spent the latter years of the '60s, all of the '70s and early '80s racing Merlin Rocket dinghies and Dart catamarans.
Arrived in Jolly Harbour
Arrived in Jolly Harbour, Antigua, at 14.30 today; after a long slow and bouncy 3000 mile crossing.
Had electrical problems, traced to a loose battery connection and low electrolyte levels eventually. So could not use the autopilot. Hand steered for about 2,600 miles.
Blew out my cruising chute in a 40 knot squall at 1.00 am.
Engine water pump shaft sheared 4 days ago.
Cheap little petrol generator worked perfectly!
Big swells and a nasty cross sea most of the time, so we rolled and corkscrewed most of the way.
All in all slow and tough.
5,500 miles since leaving Plymouth on 12th August.
Now for white beaches, cold beers, and hot sun!
Just had a long hot shower, now going for a steak, egg, and fries.
Regards,
Malcolm
Dr.Malcolm Lewis-Jones
Yacht Amber Sea
malcolmlj@gmail.com
+44-7831-155753
A story of copper coating.
When Anne and I fell in love – with a boat, our stout Moody S38 Storm Petrel – we realised that at some time soon she would have to have her bottom properly cleaned. Years of caked anti fouling were curling at the edges and ready to peel off at the first hint of another seasons dressing. We decided to have our summer of sailing so launched at the first opportunity and had some wonderful days of local cruising and familiarising ourselves with our new acquisition.
The warm summer days turned to autumn and with the offer of a cheap lift out we resolved to address the problems of our pitted hull.
Sailing around UK and Ireland in 2010
After more than twenty years working in the IT industy I have the opportunity to take a gap year and sail around UK and Ireland.
Welcome to Anne's 'Kazbek' blog
In 2006 we had the privilage of doing two of the final legs of the baton relay. We sailed from Harwich to London (Gallions point, Docklands) via Burnham on Crouch and Gravesend. Life was complicated by engine failure off Southend. We tried to start the engine, but nothing happened!
South Coast Forum
South Coast Forum: Ocean Village
LSC skippers met on a gale swept Saturday 14th November at the Royal Southampton Yacht Club to discuss what it was that members who sail on the south coast were looking for from our sailing programme. Over a dozen intrepid South Coast skippers representing ports from Plymouth to Chichester braved the worst storms of the year and the meeting was very constructive and some good suggestions were aired and discussed.
2010 rally to the Scilly Isles
Skippers, sail to the Scilly Isles in late June 2010 We aim to start in Falmouth on Saturday June 26th, 2010 with boats making their own way to Falmouth. (or you could charter in Falmouth) The rally will make its way to Penzance or Newlyn on Monday June 28th and to the Scillies on Tuesday June 29th.
Bagheera boarded by customs
Photo: Mike Gill
Boarded! 30 hours out from Castlehaven in Southern Ireland, we were cruising happily along in the sunshine off Mounts Bay when we saw a grey warship or similar lurking close inshore - almost invisible against the coastline. It then detached itself from the shore and came fast out in an arc towards us and then kept station with us at a distance of about 3 cables astern for about 10-15 minutes before lowering a RIB, which came after us.
Ireland 2010
Have you ever thought of sailing your yacht to the beautiful south west coast of Ireland? Now is your chance to join a select group of members who after the Scillies Cruise from Falmouth on 26th June will sail on to Cork and ultimately Baltimore.