News

Mary Lunn to South Brittany

Follow Robin Whaite's tweets from Mary Lunn. Rumours abound that he had to invest in a specially waterproof mobile phone to withstand life on Mary Lunn................

Reeds Almanack 2011

Next year's almanack is now in the reference section of the Library. So all those rally organisers who wish to check tides and other information for their rally destinations can do so now.

Safety at sea means a stout ship and a strong crew

In 1978, Norman Hummerstone (who celebrates his 90th birthday on 12/11/2010) was asked to write an article for The Times to mark the biennial Fastnet Race.

Giant Spitfire statue for Southampton

Plans have been finalised for a giant Spitfire sculpture to be erected at the water's edge in Southampton. The stainless-steel sculpture will be at least 40m tall – twice the height of the Angel of the North – and will feature a Spitfire fighter aircraft climbing into the sky.

Southampton sailors win Student Yachting World Cup

World Cup glory may be beyond the reach of England’s footballers but Southampton students have proved that international sporting prowess can be plain sailing.

Ronhilda's November Fast Cruise outing

Having missed the first fast cruise due to an excursion to Majorca I was determined to join in the second of the series if at all possible. The two pre-requisites having been met (no strong winds due to my metal hip concerns and repairs complete to furling gear, spinnaker, snuffer and batteries), Ronhilda duly set off from Chichester Marina on Saturday morning with Andy C, Patrick M, Charlie Q, Stephen L and Jill M as crew.

FC: November's Fast Cruise - Another tidal challenge

November's Fast Cruise again became a tidal challenge. It was another weekend of big tides but with the added attraction of light winds as well. I was sailing on a chartered boat this time and to take full advantage of the winter weekend charter conditions of 3 days for the price of 2, two of us set off from Hamble Point on Friday morning to move the yacht to Haslar ready for an early start on Saturday morning. After a short break in Cowes to take on some liquids in the Union we arrived at Haslar around 16:30 in very poor visibility and 34 knots of wind from the west.

Were you a Sea Cadet?

Over the last 70 years 1 million people have been a Sea Cadet – that’s one person in 60 in the UK. The charity wants to get back in touch and find out if you can help us, either with a small donation, volunteering or sharing your Sea Cadet stories. You can download a card here to send to the Sea Cadet representative. Or see below for other ways to get in touch.

Success of RYA Sailability's Sail LD

Debbie Blachford, manager of RYA Sailability, a charity which encourages and supports people with disabilities to take up sailing and facilitate sites to develop sailing opportunities, believes the foundations have been laid for an annual nationwide series of sailing festivals exclusively for people with learning disabilities after the success of the RYAs Sail LD 2010 three region trial. With thanks to Emma Slater at the RYA for this story. Visit the RYA site here.

Brian Thompson sets sights on world record bid

Isle of Wight yachtsman Brian Thompson is on the verge of an attempt to break the record for the fastest ever circumnavigation of the globe. The 48-year-old dad of two is waiting for the green light to set sail with the crew of Banque Populaire V, a giant 37-metre trimaran which can hit speeds of up to 60mph.

Cammas powers away, Bilou holds on

In the clash of the giants that is the Ultime class of the 2010 Route du Rhum-La Banque Postale, Franck Cammas is looking increasingly likely to be crowned king, as Groupama 3 profits from another day of unchecked high speed miles down the trade winds motorway towards Guadeloupe.

Groupama 3 streaks ahead

In the fourth day of sailing since the start of the Route du Rhum La Banque Postale, Franck Cammas is continuing his fantastic cavalcade across the Atlantic.

Gavignet rescued after dismasting

In an echo of the carnage that depleted the ORMA multi fleets in previous editions Sidney Gavignet's trimaran yacht Oman Air Majan has been dismasted and suffered major damage to the leeward front beam while sailing in the Route du Rhum yacht race.

Gipsy Moth IV saved for the nation

The famous Hampshire-built yacht Gipsy Moth IV has been saved for the nation by an anonymous donation of £250,000. The boat on which Sir Francis Chichester made the fastest single-handed circumnavigation of the world in 1967 was in danger of being sold abroad.

However two anonymous benefactors from East Anglia have stumped up the money to ensure the Gosport-built vessel stays in the country. Its owner, the charity United Kingdom Sailing Academy, was forced to offer it for sale because of crippling maintenance costs. Former Isle of Wight-based yachtswoman Dame Ellen MacArthur said she was “thrilled” to hear that the vessel had been saved.

Raymarine continues support for Round the Island Race

The Island Sailing Club, organisers of the world-renowned J.P. Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race, is delighted to announce that Raymarine, the world-leading marine electronics manufacturing company, is continuing its support of this unique one-day yachting event, having signed up as a supporting sponsor for a further two year term.