Is it just me being a cantankerous pedant, or are nautical standards slipping? Maybe they are just evolving and changing to reflect the times ? There was a time when yacht Ensigns were âdippedâ to Royal Naval Vessels, and the Navy were expected to âdipâ in return as a matter of courtesy and etiquette, poor... Continue Reading →
America’s Cup update November 2021
The announcement of the venue and dates for the 37th Americaâs Cup in 2024 has been delayed again. With the NZ government only offering $100 million dollars (!) to fund the staging of the cup, there appear to be several locations clamouring to host the event. The speculation includes Ireland, Italy, Spain and even Saudi... Continue Reading →
Such Sad News
It is such sad news to report that Barry Locke-Edmunds died at home in Wales on the 28th of October aged 73. Readers of this blog will know that he crewed on the Atlantic crossings to and back from the Caribbean. Barry helped me prepare Hejira for the adventure and gave me such a lot... Continue Reading →
Mayday Postscript
Since returning, I have been in touch with Steve Hancox, skipper and owner of âBryonyâ and we have had some interesting correspondence. Bryony is an old wooden âGafferâ which Steve restored in the garden of his house in Herefordshire. She is 10 metres over the deck with a 2.85-metre bow sprit.  She is a âdouble-enderâ... Continue Reading →
Mission Accomplished
We did manage to evade the zealous Yarmouth Harbour fee collectors and after a sumptuous full nightâs sleep, we slipped our mooring at 06.45 bound for Northney Marina. Heading down the Solent under a clear blue sky and with the tide under us, we had the best âwhite sailâ sail since departing the Cote DâAzur... Continue Reading →