Nearly 2000 miles, 11 Sea areas and 32 ports later…….
In the middle of May Magie De Mer set off across the North Sea heading for Denmark. On board were John & Thelma Band, John Garrad and Angus MacDonald (returning to collect Nyvaig which had wintered in Denmark). 420 miles later after a fairly uneventful but fast crossing we arrived in the Limfjord just ahead of force 9/10 winds. After a day of rest in Lemvig we set off for a small island called Fur (pronounced Fua) and sailed north in some strong winds but on arrival in the small harbour we had to attempt mooring in a ‘box’ with a force 9 doing it’s best to thwart us. Despite cuts and bruises and blood on the deck we tied up and settled down to calm our nerves with the help of a few large ones.
New advice on the carriage of emergency distress alerting equipment
The use and carriage of flares as distress signals at sea has changed as more robust and technologically advanced alternatives have developed.
As a result the RYA has revised its advice to mariners regarding the carriage and use of flares in combination with more modern alerting methods such as EPIRB’s and VHF DSC.
The new guidelines, for skippers of pleasure craft under 13.7m in length, provide information on the combinations of equipment you could consider carrying and using depending upon the type of your vessel and where you use it.
“We have revised our guidelines in light of advancements in technology for sending a distress alert at sea”, comment Stuart Carruthers, RYA Cruising Manager.
“Our revised guidance will allow boaters to make informed decisions about the types of equipment they choose to carry. We are not saying don’t carry flares, but combined with modern devices you might not need to carry as many as previously recommended. Think about what you want on board as you may prefer other methods for alerting attention.
“EPIRBs and VHF DSC are both reliable alternative alerting methods to the use of parachute flares to indicate distress, however the alternatives to flares for pinpointing vessels in need of assistance are less reliable, therefore flares remain the recommended means for location in the final mile for the time being”, concluded Stuart.
To support these revised recommendations from the RYA, the MCA has agreed to trial some of the new alternative equipment for location, such as laser flares, and are to review regulations for vessels over 13.7 metres and the carriage requirements set out in the small vessel codes. Full details of the new guidelines can be found by visiting www.rya.org.uk/go/carriage
The RYA places the safe, responsible boating under sail and power, both offshore and inland, throughout the UK, at the heart of its work.
Schoolgirl sets the pace in powerboat championships
The James Gillespie's pupil has just been named a Scottish champion after racing around Port Edgar in a 45mph powerboat – having only practised twice.
The schoolgirl single-handedly guided her craft around an obstacle course created on the choppywaters, zooming round buoys, picking up objects and rearranging displays in the fastest time to become the winner.
She triumphed over nine male competitors in her age group and will now go on to compete for the British title and the chance to win a small £15,000 powerboat – or rib – for her team, the Royal Forth Yacht Club.
'Nyvaig' Wins Orkney Race
Hi Folks, thought you'd all like to know that DSC boat 'Nyvaig' owned by Angus MacDonald, has won the 200-mile Granton to Orkney Race organised by the Royal Forth Yacht Club.
Angus and his crew, son Hector, Angus Cameron and Johnny Blyth completed the trip to Kirkwall in 46 hours, an excellent time.
Other Dunbar boats were also high on the list with 'Magi de Mer' skippered by John Band with his wife Thelma, John Garrad and Jamie Forester as crew came in fourth of the 11 yachts taking part and 'Aquila' with joint owners Dave Anderson and 70-year-old Bob Wilson was sixth.
Congratulations to all concerned. They have certainly done the club proud!
