Yachting Monthly
December 2021Published by TI Media Limited Yachting monthly is at the heart of the British yachting market and is for people who actively sail their boats - whether cruising across the channel, around the coast or further a field in blue waters. It provides an entertaining mix of vital information for cruising yachtsmen with all levels of experience, which maximises their enjoyment, increases their skills and gives them the confidence to broaden their horizons.
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memories & plans
Unless you are one of the hardy souls planning to sail through the winter (I confess, this year I am not) the hearth side is probably more appealing than the quayside or boatyard. Boats are hauled out, the evenings are dark, and energy must be summoned to brave the elements. All is not lost for the intrepid sailor, however. Much pleasure is still to be had from two vital winter activities – reminiscing and planning. Flicking through my logbook (and the photos on my phone) this year brings back happy memories of windless days at anchor on a miraculously calm Jurassic Coast. For Graham Snook, long-time YM staff member and contributor, he is looking back to 12 years of boat ownership, having recently sold Pixie (pictured right, and p60). A companion…
marine rope could add to ocean microplastic
Hauling lines on boats could result in microplastic fragments entering the ocean, according to new research. The study, by the University of Plymouth’s International Marine Litter Research Unit, is the first to explore the potential for rope to become a source of microplastic pollution in the marine environment. Scientists would now like to see the introduction of standards on rope maintenance, replacement and recycling in order to cut down on microplastic pollution. The study tested a variety of ropes differing in age, diameter and polymer type including polypropylene, which is commonly used by sailors for a heaving line, and polysteel rope which is used by commercial fishermen. Each rope was used for hauling activity over a pulley, typically carried out on a fishing boat, in laboratory and field experiments. It found microplastic fragments, not…
john merricks sailing trust to close
The John Merricks Sailing Trust is to be dissolved in October 2022. The trustees say the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the charity’s current and future income is a major factor in their decision. It was set up to honour the memory of Olympic dinghy sailor John Merricks, who died aged 27 in a car crash in Italy on 15 October 1997. In the last 25 years, grants totalling £730,000 have been made to 285 individuals and organisations. The charity’s residual funds of around £200,000 will be gifted to one or more organisations which can provide a lasting legacy that will continue the trust’s object to help young people under the age of 25 to achieve their potential through the sport of sailing. Preference will be given to dinghy or windsurfing initiatives, however,…
news in numbers
146 Boat maker Winder Boats Ltd has paid fines and costs of £4,271 after pleading guilty to selling 146 trailers that were not type approved for use on UK roads. 140 Coatings firm AkzoNobel’s International® brand has marked its 140th anniversary. It was originally set up by brothers Max and Albert Holzapfel on the River Tyne. 78,000 The King’s Cup, lost since 1835 when it was given by William IV to the Royal Yacht Squadron, is found and on sale for £78,000. New Admiralty EasyTide platform The UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) has launched its new Admiralty EasyTide platform providing free tidal predictions for over 600 UK ports, displayed as a tide table and tidal curve. www.easytide.admiralty.co.uk…
lagoon 450 forward bulkhead deformation
Catamaran builder Lagoon is seeking to reassure Lagoon 450 owners after reports of forward bulkhead deformation. Lagoon, which is part of Groupe Beneteau, has thoroughly examined all cases, and stressed that no navigation or safety issues have been reported as a result of the fault. The French naval architectural firm, VPLP Design, which designed Alex Thomson’s latest HUGO BOSS, reviewed the findings and concluded: ‘there is no safety issue when navigating with a broken or deformed bulkhead. Potential damages on forward bulkhead could not lead to neither dismasting nor any risk for the crew.’ Lagoon brand director, Thomas Gailly told Yachting Monthly that less than 20 per cent of owners had ‘proactively’ contacted them about the issue, and that 80 per cent of the boats inspected had no deformation or ‘were very…
no 2024 vendée for alex thomson
British skipper Alex Thomson has announced that he won’t be competing in the 2024 Vendée Globe Race. Instead, HUGO BOSS will be raced with a different skipper, yet to be announced. Thomson, who stressed he wasn’t retiring from racing, hasn’t ruled out returning for the 2028 Vendée. The Gosport-based sailor said he planned to spend more time with his family, although he would continue to promote sailing, focussing on the next generation. He has competed in the IMOCA circuit for 19 years, and came second in the 2016-17 Vendée.…
