Yachts & Yachting magazine May 2021

I MUST ADMIT TO HAVING mixed emotions when I saw that Ben Ainslie and Team Britannia had managed to turn things around so magnificently in the Prada Cup. On the one hand, I was obviously excited about the very real prospect that, after a 160 year losing streak, the UK might once more claim the 'Auld Mug'. Having spent my childhood avidly reading about the exploits of various Brits such as Sir Thomas Lipton against the occasionally underhand methods of the New York Yacht Club in their efforts to regain the trophy, it would certainly be something truly revolutionary. Yet something in me also hesitated. After all, there is something rather magnificent about a 160 year losing streak. It's not as if Brits are noted as bad sailors - our…

Club of the Year 2021 announced The RYA and Yachts & Yachting Club of the Year was announced at the virtual RYA Dinghy Show in February, with the sought-after title this year going to Port Dinorwic Sailing Club/ Club Hwylio Y Felinheli. The competition, supported by Gallagher, recognises the outstanding achievements of clubs across the UK. The north Wales club was one of 10 regional finalists selected by the RYA awards panel and was crowned overall winner following a public vote. The win was announced by Dinghy Show host Hannah Diamond and RYA CEO Sarah Treseder, with an introduction by Rob Peake, group editor of Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting. Port Dinorwic SC was also recognised for being at the ‘heart of the community’ for ensuring club activities could continue to run safely post-lockdown. It…

Thousands of sailors from across the world tuned in for the 2021 virtual RYA Dinghy Show, presented by Suzuki, which was held over 27-28 February. More than 8,000 people registered and made more than 12,000 individual visits over the weekend. RYA Director of Sport Development Rob Clark said: “It was fantastic to see such great engagement with both the speakers and exhibitors and for the Dinghy Show content to be accessible to so many sailors all over the world. There is definitely a real buzz to get back on the water when we are able to!” Hannah Diamond hosted two virtual stages with visitors tuning in to watch expert speakers including cruising expert Roger Barnes, Team GB sailors, meteorologist Simon Rowell and Olympic coach Mark Rushall. Sailing Today with Y&Y group editor Rob…

100 years for N&G Navigators and General is celebrating its 100th birthday this year, making it one of the longest-serving marine insurers in the UK. The Brighton-based company, owned by Zurich UK, was founded in 1921 by Captain William Coombs, a Merchant Navy officer and WW1 veteran. He started the company after hearing of the misfortune of a fellow officer, who was demoted to seaman when his steamer was sunk in a collision. Today N&G offers cover for all boats. Can we go sailing? British Marine has put together a series of routemaps for sailors and the marine industry as lockdown restrictions start to be lifted in England. Following Government guidance, the routemaps advise what boating can and can’t be done at different stages of lockdown. Find the advice in the News section…

Entry for the 90th anniversary Round the Island Race is open. The popular event, which often sees a fleet of more than 1,500 yachts, takes place on 3 July this year and race director David Atkinson said: “The focus for 2021 is on organising a great race on the water. While the UK Government’s roadmap out of lockdown suggests we will be able to run some of our usual social activities ashore, we are very mindful of the possible need to avoid large gatherings over the race weekend. “No decisions have been taken at this stage, and we will be updating our plans in line with the easing of restrictions over the coming weeks and months. “Naturally, we expect those taking part to follow all of the current guidelines in place for the…

Vendors of used boats could face additional costs of between £500 and £5,000, in order to comply with post-Brexit rules, British Marine and the RYA warn. The two organisations have been working to understand different aspects of the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement. Their latest “unwelcome” revelation is that “any vessel being traded second-hand between the UK and EU” will need a UKCA mark, which means having a Post Construction Assessment and third-party verification. Estimated costs are between £500-£5,000, dependent on the vessel. The RYA and British Marine warn the responsibility will fall on brokerages, distributors, boat owners and buyers. They have raised the issue with the European Boating Industry association. Howard Pridding, RYA Director of External Affairs, said: “This is yet another unanticipated and unwelcome aspect of Brexit which could affect many owners…