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How to find the perfect summer
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Lagoon 51 and Catana
of fun
Ocean Class on test
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MENAI
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Negotiating
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NATURAL
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Find your way
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DUFOUR 37 New
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 60

REGULARS
8 News
34 Tom Cunliffe
38 Andy Rice
40 Paul Heiney
98 Jess Lloyd-Mostyn
UNDER SAIL
20 Pacific crossing
Planning a Pacific crossing from Panama to
the South Seas by catamaran 20
26 Buying a bluewater
catamaran
One couple’s experience of finding the
perfect boat for a long term cruise
50 Menai Straits
Local expertise on negotiating the notorious
Swellies
56 RORC Caribbean 600
A round up of all the action from an eventful
Caribbean season
72 Charter: Croatia
A look at chartering in this iconic land of a
thousand islands
80 Gull’s Eye
Haslar Marina in sunny Gosport,
86 Summer regatta guide 86
A round up of all the events coming up in an 56
action packed summer

BOATS
16 New boat news
42 Tested: Lagoon 51
A spacious family cruising catamaran
60 Tested: Catana Ocean Class
Speed and luxury on this fast cruising cat
94 Three of the Best
Three of the finest brokerage boats

EXPERT’S FORUM
66 Expert’s Forum
From race tactics to cruising conundrums

50
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 Welcome

EDITORIAL
EDITOR
Sam Jefferson
020 3943 9261
sam.jefferson@chelseamagazines.com
Skipper’s View
GROUP EDITOR
Rob Peake
ART & PRODUCTION EDITOR
THE MULTIHULL REVOLUTION CONTINUES APACE AND HAS CHANGED
Gareth Lloyd Jones THE BLUE WATER CRUISING LANDSCAPE IN THE PROCESS
WRITER AND SUB EDITOR
Sue Pelling
PUBLISHING CONSULTANT
Martin Nott
PUBLISHER SOME MONTHS AGO I took a trip long trip across the Mediterranean on a
Simon Temlett
simon.temlett@chelseamagazines.com beautiful bluewater cruiser. The boat really was the final word in monohull
ADVERTISING design in this genre; large, luxurious and a joy to sail. The skipper was a
ADVERTISEMENT MANAGER veteran of the sailing world having worked on top end superyachts, and
Mark Harrington
020 7349 3734 done refit work in yards around the world. He was a true sailor with a real
mark.harrington@chelseamagazines.com
passion for yachts and he talked at length about selling up and going on
SENIOR SALES EXECUTIVE
Charlene Homewood one long bluewater cruise once his children had flown the nest. There is
020 7349 3779
charlene.homewood@chelseamagazines.com nothing unusual in this. In fact, I have had this conversation in innumerable
GROUP SALES DIRECTOR
Catherine Chapman
watering holes around the world since I can't remember when. What
HEAD OF SALES OPERATIONS surprised me though was when I asked him what boat he intended to buy,
Jodie Green
he replied that he was probably going to be looking at catamarans in the
ADVERTISEMENT PRODUCTION
Allpoints Media Ltd 45-50ft range. The reason I was surprised by this as that he struck me as
allpointsmedia.co.uk
CHAIRMAN
a purist who had spent a good chunk of our trip waxing lyrical on the superb sailing qualities of the monohull
Paul Dobson beneath our feet that was sailing so effortlessly to our destination.
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Vicki Gavin For my own part I was always cynical about cruising multihulls - partly because I tested a couple of the earlier
MANAGING DIRECTOR ones which, frankly, didn't like to go to windward - and partly because I have spent a fair chunk of my sailing
James Dobson
Published by: career trying to shoehorn monohulls into impossibly tight berths in Croatian marinas. Yet the fact is that the old
The Chelsea Magazine Company Ltd
Jubilee House, 2 Jubilee Place, feeling of 'them' and 'us' that used to exist between monohull and multihull sailors has gone and, In the process,
London, SW3 3TQ bluewater cruising has been revolutionised. While sales figures for monohulls have remained largely stable, the
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© The Chelsea Magazine Company Ltd 2020. figures for catamarans have gone through the roof. The great revelation for me has been test sailing some of
All Rights Reserved. ISSN 1367-5869 (print)
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that my own gaff rigged monohull, while boasting more interior space than my own humble apartment. Of
Subscriptions and course, none of this solves the problem of where to park the damn thing when you get to a marina in, say,
back issues Dubrovnik but to me the natural home of yachts such as these is unquestionably anchored off some turquoise
Tel: +44 (0) 1858 438769 atoll in the South Seas - as narrated in our cruising tale on p20. .
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LONG TIME BACK TO

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Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting MAY 2023 5

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News
Ebb and flow
EVENTS | NEWS | TALES FROM THE SAILING COMMUNITY
Lymington wins Club of the Year
Lymington Town Sailing Club was
PHOTO: PAUL WYETH
announced as the 2023 winner of the
RYA and Sailing Today with Yachts &
Yachting Club of the Year, supported by
Gallagher. The trophy was presented by
British Sailing Team ILCA 7 sailor, Micky
Beckett at the RYA Dinghy &
Watersports Show on 25 February.
The award recognises the outstanding
achievements of UK sailing clubs and
their members across the UK.
Lymington Town SC, located in
Hampshire in the RYA South region, was
one of 12 finalists selected by the RYA
Awards Panel. The winner is decided by
public vote.
The club was awarded for its
“outstanding effort and
accomplishment for the creation of a
holistic vibrant model for a modern
sailing club that can be reviewed and
used by other clubs, as a whole or in
part”. Changes made at Lymington
mean the club is benefitting from higher
participation, greater annual income,
and is well-placed to grow in the future.
Club Commodore Tony Evans told a
packed audience at the show
announcement: “We are absolutely
delighted to win this year’s RYA Club of
Kirsten aims for historic win
South African Kirsten Neuschafer is on course to
become the first woman to win a solo round-the-
world race, after taking a commanding lead in the
Golden Globe Race.
She took over the lead after British sailor
Simon Curwen (GBR), who had led since the
Atlantic, was forced to divert 1,000 miles and
take a stop for repairs.
Lifetime sailor Neuschafer, who worked as a
skipper on high latitude adventure trips, is racing,
Minnehaha, a Cape George 36 launched in 1988.
She was in the south Atlantic with Abhilash Tomy
350 miles behind as we went to press.
8 MAY 2023 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting
The RYA and Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting
Club of the Year finalists for 2023:
RYA Northern Ireland - Ballyholme Yacht Club
RYA North West - Bassenthwaite Sailing Club
RYA East - Blackwater Sailing Club
RYA Northern Ireland - County Antrim Yacht Club
RYA Wales - Gresford Sailing Club
RYA South - JOG Yacht Racing
RYA South - Lymington Town Sailing Club
RYA London and South East - King George Sailing Club
RYA London and South East - London Corinthian Sailing Club
RYA North East - Otley Sailing Club
RYA Midlands - Rudyard Lake Sailing Club
RYA South West - Whitefriars Sailing Club
the Year. A massive thank you to
the club volunteers for making this
happen. Congratulations to the
other finalist clubs who are
amazing and their stories are
inspiring. It’s an absolute pleasure
to be here.”
Rob Clark, RYA Director of Sport
Development, said: “Firstly a
massive congratulations to the
winner Lymington Town Sailing
Club. This year we had the largest
number of sailing club nominations,
so even choosing the 12 finalists
was a very difficult task. The club
has really shown not only their
commitment for what they are
trying to do to develop the club and
members, but also their ability to
rally together.”
Sailing Today with Yachts &
Yachting Group Editor Rob Peake
said: “With an easier entry process,
and the chance for anyone to
nominate a club, this great
competition is more popular than
ever. We’ve seen an impressive
level of innovation among the
entries, showing how sailing clubs
are changing with the times.”
SBS Boatlife celebrates successful event
SBS BoatLife was a big success as its second edition took place over four
days at the NEC in Birmingham in February.
Among the popular exhibits were an angling zone, an activity pool and a
number of talks by experienced sailors including Sailing Today with Yachts &
Yachting writer Tom Cunliffe and Group Editor Rob Peake.
A total of 14,000 visitors came to the show and there were 175 exhibitors,
with RS Sailing and Hartley Boats among the sailing brands.
Organiser Richard Dove said: “What has struck me is the definite
beginnings of the community that we always wanted to create. To see this
coming together in only year two is extremely positive. The team has worked
incredibly hard on the show, and I am immensely proud of what we have
collectively achieved.”
Andy Wyer of title sponsor SBS Trailers said: “We are looking forward
to this being a fixed event in the boating calendar and seeing it go from
strength to strength.”
Pete Reeve of exhibitor Marine Power said: “The industry needs to get
behind shows like BoatLife – it’s very important we don’t get too south-
coast-centric.”

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News
News

Maiden to race around the world again

An all-female crew will again race the yacht Maiden engaging with schools, charities and organisations to
around the world. educate and empower girls, fundraising for girls’
A young skipper and up-and-coming sailors, yet to be educational projects.
named, will take part in the 2023 Ocean Globe Race, more Edwards, who announced the project with title
than 30 years after Tracy Edwards (right) and her crew made sponsor DP World, in February, said: “We are very
headlines in the 1989/90 Whitebread Round the World Race. excited to take part in the 2023 Ocean Globe Race, over
The famous yacht will be part of the ‘flyer class’ in the race, 30 years since Maiden and the first all female crew
which aims to recreate the Corinthian spirit of the early defied the odds in the 1989/90 Whitbread race. Since
Whitbread round the world races. Maiden will be up against then Maiden has become a Global Ambassador for
other historic Whitbread boats from the 1970s and 1980s. empowerment of girls through education and we have
The boat will take a break from its ongoing world tour, a young skipper and crew who will have the experience
which began in September 2021 and has covered 30,000nm, of a lifetime, just as we did all those years ago.”

Multihull Show is back

The International Multihull Show is due
to take place in La Grande-Motte in the
south of France from 12-16 April. The
event, founded in 2010, has become a
major showcase of catamarans and
trimarans in the water.
After two editions were cancelled for
the pandemic, last year’s event
PHOTO: PAUL WYETH
attracted 15,000 visitors and more than
65 multihulls. The 2023 exhibitor list
includes major brands including Bali,
Catana, Dragonfly, Excess, Fountaine
Pajot, HH, Lagoon, Leopard, Marsaudon
Composites (ORC), Nautitech, Neel,
Privilege, Sunreef, Windelo and more.
Visit multicoque-online.com

Close call for GB grinder

Matt Gotrel, the grinder with the Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team, had a
close call during a race at the SailGP Sydney event. The former Olympic rower
fell between the hulls and spent a few moments being tossed around wildly
on the end of his harness, as the boat slowed from more than 40kts.
Driver Ben Ainslie described it afterwards as “a pretty insane
situation”, adding his first thoughts were: “Oh my god, how are we going
to resolve this one?”
Gotrel was taken to hospital but miraculously suffered only bruising and
muscle strain to his hip and legs.
Ainslie said: “We were in pretty good shape in the race and went into a gybe,
and we had to take some evasive action on Canada — that little bit of
movement on the boat
sent Matt just flying
through the fairing. He

Tall Ships Youth

was like a rag doll at the
end of his tether with
two foils up quite high.

Trust for Fastnet “We managed to

stop the boat, get him
back on board and he’s
Young beneficiaries of the Tall Ships Youth Trust will take part in the Rolex a pretty tough guy —
Fastnet Race this year, after the charity entered three of its 72ft yachts in he said ‘keep going,
the gruelling event. One of its three yachts will be crewed by people aged keep going’, and we
16-25, while the other two vessels will be crewed by adults who are salvaged a sixth place
fundraising to enable the young people to participate free of charge. The from what could have
race starts from Cowes on 22 July. been a last place.”

10 MAY 2023 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

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News
Q&A
TIM MAYER,
MDL MARINAS
Charter electric
PHOTO: JEAN-MARIE LIOT
What’s your favourite MDL
marina? I love all 19 of them for
Dream Yacht Worldwide and Fountaine Pajot have joined forces to launch different reasons but I do have my
a line of electric catamarans. The companies said in a statement that vessel berthed at Hamble Point.
they “are proud to be the first global brands to launch electric yachts at
scale for consumer retail purchase and worldwide yacht charter How easy is it to find a berth with
vacation”. They said the move is “expected to have a significant global MDL in 2023? Demand for visiting
impact toward more sustainable sea vacation experiences”. yachts remains high. We have
Fountaine Pajot’s Aura 51 Smart Electric model is equipped with launched an online booking system,
electric motors and an intelligent on-board energy management system. offering our berth holders and
Two lithium technology battery banks provide for as much as a week at visitors the chance to book and pay
anchor without any emissions. The Aura 51 Smart Electric will be the first for visitor berthing through our
electric model introduced to the Dream Yacht Worldwide fleet, available website or their mobile, and in
for charter in Italy from April this year. advance. It allows people to view
real time berth availability. If a berth
BVIs with skipper
holder books their boat out, when
they’re leaving the MDL network,
they’ll also receive an incentive if the
The Moorings has launched a new berth is used.
skippered charter package in the
British Virgin Islands (BVIs). With the increased cost of
Caroline Barbour, UK Marketing materials, how can you guarantee
Manager for The Moorings, said: the same quality and customer
“Skippered charters open up sailing service for the same price?
to the inexperienced as your skipper We will always aim to deliver the
will take control of the navigation in highest quality of customer service
your chosen destination. They are but with rising operating costs, the
also a fantastic source of local base annual berthing fees have
knowledge and best-kept secrets.” attracted an increase, however in
Meanwhile The Moorings and sister company Sunsail are celebrating all cases this is below inflationary
after winning three prestigious British Travel Awards – gold in the levels. We promised we would
Sailing and Flotilla Holidays category, bronze in the Adventure Holidays keep any increase as minimal as
category, and bronze in the Special Interest Holidays category. possible and I am pleased we have
been able to follow through.
The Ocean Race
Despite increasing costs, we have
continued to invest significantly.
Team Malizia got a fright when they What’s behind the merging of the
discovered this nasty gash at the top of Green Tech and South Coast Boat
their mast in The Ocean Race. Shows (21-23 April in Ocean
The IMOCA’s headsail came off the lock, Village)? The Green Tech Show is
allowing the halyard to tear a fissure designed for boat owners wishing
through the carbonfibre. to switch to greener options, and
The Anglo/German crew took turns up the prospective owners who’d like to
mast, trying to glue on sheets of start their boating journey in the
carbonfibre in a sea state that caused the most environmentally friendly way.
mast to “swing like a pendulum”. When we started the show in 2021
As we went to press, three weeks after we had over 500 people visiting
leaving Cape Town in the race’s longest over two days. Move to 2023 and I
ever leg, the IMOCAs were sailing within believe manufacturers and the
sight of each other, with Cape Horn ahead. boat-buying public are seeing
12 MAY 2023 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting
sustainable boating as the way
forward, no longer a separate
conversation. Therefore it made
sense to move Green Tech Boat
Show to Southampton, where we
are able to give green marine
technology and the companies
producing it, greater visibility.
How can we vote in the Green
Innovator Award? The Green
Innovator Award, decided by a
public vote, distinguishes products
and services that are pioneering in
sustainability, innovation and
design. Nominations are open to
every company exhibiting at The
Green Tech Boat Show. People can
vote at mdlmarinas.co.uk/
green-award
In recent years MDL put on a
number of different events. What
is the company committing to in
2023/2024? Isn’t it great that
events are now back to normal? All
marinas will be hosting a string of
events through the year, from hog
roasts, to sunset cruises, used boat
shows and meet-the-team
sessions. All can be found on the
marina pages on the MDL website.
How can UK marinas support the
growing interest in multihulls?
We are very fortunate to host lots
of different multihulls from trailer
sailers, to trimarans, from small
catamarans to large ones like the
Rapier 550. In fact at the South
Coast Boat Show we have 10
different multihulls on display. I
would say we are a multihull-
friendly marina operator!
Is MDL planning on making any
new purchases? We continually
look at options. Some exciting
developments will become clear in
the short and medium term!
www.mdlmarinas.co.uk
 12th-16th April

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 News

South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show

The South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show Jamie Marley said: “Marine
takes place from 21-23 April, at MDL’s Ocean decarbonisation has begun, but in order for it
Village Marina in Southampton. to meet net zero targets we must
MDL is running a combined event this collaborate, and share experiences and
year, in order to bring together the knowledge. In this way, we’ll future proof the
boat-buying experience with the growing marine industry to ride out the ultimate
range of products and services aimed at storm, climate change.”
sustainable boating. The winner of the second Green Innovator
As well as many exhibitors, there will be Award will be announced on the Saturday at
talks on the future of marine fuels, on 12.35pm, in the Innovation Hub. The award
sustainable sails, eco-sensitive anchoring, celebrates products and services that are
low emissions motoring, sustainable pioneering in sustainability, innovation and
boat-building and more. The Green Blue’s design. Voting is open until 21 April at
Kate Fortnam will also giving two talks, mdlmarinas.co.uk/green-award/.
advising on how sailors can make their Tickets to the event are free and can be
boating ‘greener’. Boat owners can sign up to The Green Blue Boating Pledge. booked via mdlmarinas.co.uk/events/boat-show-tickets/.
A Future of Boating panel discussion, with Kate Fortnam, RS Sailing’s Jon Appointments to view specific boats or meet with the individual exhibitors
Partridge, Tim Meyer from MDL Marinas and Jamie Marley from Marine can also be arranged via a booking portal on the website.
Electrification Solutions, with other experts, will take place on the Friday. See our Q&A with MDL’s Tim Mayer, page 12.

Position: The Debate

Passing the time of day when you’re doing
The Ocean Race is no easy feat
What to stream next? You thought blasting
through the Southern Ocean in The Ocean
Race was all about trimming, steering, fixing
and navigating? These days the intrepid
souls who venture south face tougher tasks,
like finding something that an international
crew of five wants to watch together. While
the autopilot handles the course-to-steer
and the waves wash harmlessly over the
decktop, the action is somewhat limited for
these bereft adventurers. The trouble is,

THE OCEAN RACE

everyone was halfway through a different
box-set before the start. Now, with days to
kill as they foil eastwards at 20kts, the
atmosphere is rather glum. There’s a limit
G/

to how many Friends re-runs you can put

AMORY ROSS / 11TH HOUR RACIN

up with over a five-week leg. In between

Whatsapp video calls home and the odd bit
of DIY to pass the time of day, the ocean
miles do stretch ahead somewhat.

There’s a limit to how many Friends DIFFICULTY RATING: 4/5

re-runs you can put up with

Quote and buy online at www.noblemarine.co.uk

or call us on 01636 707606
Authorised & regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

14 MAY 2023 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

 Luxury is in
the details.

Enjoy an unforgettable holiday with The Moorings and savour every moment in your dream destination.
With more than 20 locations around the world, The Moorings has a destination to suit your every need.
Why not visit The Dalmatian Islands in Croatia, some of the most famous islands in the Mediterranean, and
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 New boats AT THE MULTIHULL SHOW
A look at the latest launches from around the globe

Bali 4.4
Bali Catamarans has
established itself as a
mainstay of the multihull
world by producing boats
that are unashamedly all
about internal volume, while
also offering surprisingly
sprightly performance. The
new 4.4 sits between the 4.2
and 4.6 in its range of
comfortable cruisers and this
Outremer 52 Olivier Poncin design picks
up where these boats left off,
providing masses of internal
Outremer Catamarans is one of the most recognisable brands on the bluewater
and external volume. Bali
catamaran circuit and its fast, high quality cats have set a benchmark which
was the first designer to
many others have aspired to. Its new 52 picks up where the hugely popular 51
pioneer the tilt/slide ‘garage
left off. The boat is designed with fast cruising in mind and the capable team at
door’ arrangement, which
VPLP design has drawn up a boat that the company hopes will cruise at an
helps blur the line between
average of 10-12kts. As such, they have worked with sister company Gunboat
indoor and outdoor space
to keep weight down by extensive use of carbonfibre in the structure. The aim
while the solid foredeck – as
has also been to improve sight lines for general handling. In common with other
opposed to a trampoline
Outremer’s, the 52 is available with both wheel and tiller steering.
– further boosts the amount
of space.
l Catamaran-outremer.com
l bali-catamarans.com

Nautitech 40 Open
The Nautitech 40 Open has been around for some years but the manufacturer
is presenting a model that has been updated and refined. These Marc Lombard
designed catamarans tread the line between comfort and performance and,
altghough daggerboards are eschewed to keep production costs down, the 40
Open benefits from twin helms situated outboard on the sponsons to provide
good feel for the helmsman. Meantime, interior volume is excellent, making for
a boat that is reasonably fast and fun but also comfortable.

l nautitechcatamarans..com

16 MAY 2023 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting


Excess 14
The Excess 14 was tested in the September
2022 issue of Sailing Today with Yachts and
Yachting and received a favourable write up
thanks to its blend of performance and
comfort. Designed by VPLP. The new boat is
44ft on the waterline and features the now
trademark twin helms aft for better feel
compared to the bridge deck arrangement.
The boat features a relatively low freeboard
compared to, for example, a Lagoon and,
although daggerboards have been
eschewed, the keels are relatively deep
– pointing to the line being trodden between
speed and comfort. That said, this is
definitely a cruising catamaran and the
interior is stylish and comfortable with
plenty of space.
l excess-catamarans.com
OTHER NEW MULTIHULLS
HH 48
HH Catamarans is a US based boatbuilder that cut its teeth designing
truly sizeable yachts before moving down the scale to yachts more
accessible to your standard bluewater cruising couple. The HH48 is its
smallest yet and is a fast bluewater cruiser designed by Morelli and
Melvin. She’s definitely a cut above your standard cruising cat, offering
extensive use of carbonfibre in the construction. The aim is to provide
an owner with a yacht that is fast and fun, yet simple to operate and
comfortable to sail. The plans have been around for a while but rumour
has it that the first test boat will be available in European waters this
summer.
 hhcatamarans.com
Fountaine Pajot 80
French manufacturer Fountaine Pajot has built a solid reputation as a
multihull manufacturer by producing affordable cruising catamarans in
the 40-60ft size bracket. The unveiling of a new 80 footer is, therefore,
something of a step change for the company as it catapults the
boatbuilder into a somewhat different market.
Nevertheless, the new 80 embodies many of the features seen in the
smaller boats in its range, including high levels of comfort and class-
leading accommodation space. At the same time, it’s all just a bit bigger
and more luxurious. The price? A cool €4.9m.
 catamarans-fountaine-pajot.com
Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting MAY 2023 17
 OTHER NEW MULTIHULLS

Balance 580 Privilege Signature 650

Balance Catamarans is a US South Africa collaboration with its
yachts being the brainchild of former Hobie World Champion
Philip Berman, who is American, and a build team based in South
Africa. The company has won plaudits for its fast cruising
catamarans, securing many orders for its 442 and 482 models
(the 482 was reviewed in the February 2023 edition of this
magazine). The 580 is a larger version on the same theme,
featuring lightweight build with carbonfibre reinforcement, sporty
styling and masses of comfort and space aboard.
Privilege’s new 650 sits toward the top of their range and has been
developed to offer a balance of bluewater capability and living comfort.
The huge saloon and owner’s cabin combine implressive interior headroom
and maximum natural light with an elegant, clean design from designer
Franck Darnet.
The tall, powerful rig offers plenty of easy-to-control sail options for fast
passage times. An airy cockpit, huge flybridge and plenty of lounging
space round out the features of a sailing catamaran that looks tailor made
for blue water cruising.

 balancecatamarans.com  inspirationmarine.co.uk

Windelo 50 and 54
Windelo Yachts has cut quite a dash
with its range of fast bluewater
cruisers that also emphasise the
importance of being eco friendly –
featuring all electric propulsion and
basalt fibre construction as opposed
to glassfibre matting. Its Windelo 50
and 54 have both proven popular and
the company has decided that the
time is ripe to relaunch the pair.
These offer something slightly more
than standard MK2 boats by
constructing completely new deck
moulds that are sleeker than the old
designs and give the boats a more
sporty, purposeful look while also
improving sight lines and offering a
host of other refinements besides.

 Windelo-catamaran.com

18 MAY 2023 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

Photos Gilles Martin Raget

a t io n
i n
a m dest
d re
Your

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Pacific Crossing

20 MAY 2023 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

South Pacific
Paradise
Choosing to sail across an ocean is a huge undertaking for
most boat owners, so Jenevora Swann and her husband
Fergus planned carefully before crossing the Pacific

Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting MAY 2023 21

Pacific Crossing
hen we looked
at the logistics
of sailing Two
Drifters, our
Lagoon 440
catamaran,
4,000 nautical miles across the
Pacific Ocean, the decision to do it
doublehanded wasn’t made lightly.
My husband, Fergus, is an RYA-
Yachtmaster and nothing much
fazes him when sailing. I, on the
other hand, am not as confident a
sailor, but I have a good instinct,
so we thought we could handle the
expected month-long passage from
Panama to French Polynesia; which
would be the longest sail we’d ever
done together, by a long shot.
Getting the boat ready in the
Panama City anchorage of La Playita
seemed far less stressful than when
we prepared for our first ocean
passage, across the Atlantic Ocean,
three years ago. Maybe because
we had a clearer idea of what to
expect this time, or were more
experienced; but it didn’t surprise
us when there were the inevitable
last-minute mechanical and
technical issues that needed fixing.
Provisioning consisted of
endless trips to the supermarkets
to stock up on dried food, cans,
bottles, milk and juices. Our
final shop, the day before we
left, was for fruit and vegetables,
deliberately picking a selection
of nearly ripe and totally unripe
produce, which we hoped would
last us the duration of our trip.
22 MAY 2023 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting
Being at sea for so long, it
was important to keep fruit and
vegetables in nets in the coolest
part of the boat to prolong their life.
To be on the safe side, in addition
to tinned produce, I also shoe-
horned some frozen vegetables
and a large bag of freshly cut up
pineapple chunks into the freezer.
Passage planning
From Panama, we planned to head
to the Marquesas Islands. The
diesel we were carrying in the tanks
and jerry cans would only get us a
third of the way, so a good weather
window was essential so we could
sail as much of the way as possible.
We needed to leave on a strong
northerly wind, that would spill
over the isthmus of Panama
from the Caribbean, so we could
sail on it for several hundred
miles before the winds turned
light and potentially contrary.
We also had to decide the best
way to reach the trade winds in
the South Pacific, taking in the
Humboldt Current that pushes
north from Ecuador, and the
Galapagos Islands that straddle
the route, forcing either a north or
south-bound route around them.
Our eyes were also firmly on
the ITCZ – the intertropical
convergence zone, better known
as the doldrums, because of its
monotonous, windless weather.
The ITCZ is an area near the
equator where the northeast and
southeast trade winds converge and
PREVIOUS PAGE it’s typically plagued by light winds,
Tiki on the bay
of Nuku Hiva, squalls and thunderstorms. We
Marquesas Islands intended to go through the narrowest
ABOVE LEFT part possible, to avoid having to
Two Drifters anchored motor for longer than needed.
off Panama City
As it was, our trip coincided
BELOW with the equinox, which caused
Sunset over the an interesting mirror ITCZ,
Pacific Ocean
south of Galapagos, making the
northerly route our only option.
Once through the ITCZ, we
expected the trade winds to
kick in so we could clock-up
high-mileage days in beautiful
downwind sailing conditions.
Sail away
The final job was to clean the hull,
so we stopped for a night in Las
Perlas islands on our way out of
Panama. The clean, crocodile-free
waters at Contrador and Mogo
Mogo were the last chance for a
quick swim and sense of normality
before the journey began.

With our new Iridium Go!
activated and working, and the
inReach tracking our route,
our on-board communications
were ready and so were we.
As I watched the islands of
Panama disappear behind us,
a modicum of panic set in. An
anticipated month at sea, seemed
to be a very long time with just
the two of us sharing shifts and
the highs and lows of ocean
sailing. But the challenge of the
sail and the lure of exploring
the South Pacific islands was so
enticing; I quickly got over my
concerns and looked forward to
the adventure that lay ahead.
With the gennaker up, in 11kts
of true wind and with a knot of
current with us, we embarked on
our journey with a very relaxed
sail of 7kts, in perfect conditions.
We couldn’t have asked for more
as we settled into our routine.
About the boat:
Make: Lagoon 440
Year: 2008
LOA: 13.61m (44ft 6in)
Beam: 7.70m (25ft 2in)
Draught: 1.30m (4ft 3in)
ABOVE By monitoring the ocean currents
The last pit stop before
crossing the Pacific; closely, we used them like a conveyer
Mogo Mogo Island, belt, turning normally light and slow
Las Perlas, Panama
conditions into very pleasant sailing
BELOW (L-R) days. At times, these favourable
A Red Footed Booby currents reached 3kts, but on
pays a visit; reeling
in dinner; Fergus average across the entire passage
celebrates crossing we had a current with us of 1kt.
the Equator
We ran a shift system overnight,
which started around sunset. I was
on watch for the first five hours of
the evening, usually until midnight;
and then Fergus took over until 5am.
My favourite part of the day
was sitting on the bridge together
watching first light appear. With
a cup of tea in hand, we would
chat through the emails and news
that had come in on the Iridium
Go! overnight. Fergus would
then turn in to get some sleep,
while I enjoyed the magic of the
sun rising out of the ocean.
With the fishing lines out, it wasn’t
long before we caught a fish; and it
just so happened to be a seven foot
striped marlin – the biggest fish we
have ever landed on Two Drifters. We
cut it into fillets and put as much as
possible into an already-full freezer;
the rest was enjoyed for lunches
and suppers for the next week.
There was an air of excitement as
we crossed the equator, which is not
only the intersection between the
north and southern hemisphere, but
also the home of Neptune. Tradition
has it, boats crossing equator, should
dress up and offer Neptune a tot
of the finest beverage on board
as a thank you for the care he has
shown while sharing his seas.
We totally got into the spirit of
this and a large rum was donated
over board – and a sip or two for us
as we didn’t think Neptune should
drink alone! Although I hasten to
add that we’re technically a dry boat
while sailing offshore, but this was
one tradition we had to run with.
Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting MAY 2023 23
Pacific Crossing
A test of endurance
The weather forecast improved
daily as we headed south, allowing
us to sail much further than we
had hoped possible through the
doldrums. Once we reached the
trade winds, they announced their
presence with a sudden wind shift to
the southeast and a steady 15-20kts
of true wind speed which stayed
with us all the way to the Marquesas
Islands. During our fastest day, we
clocked up 183 miles in 24 hours.
While we were into a rhythm, of
each managing on two small sleeps in
24 hours, (about six hours in total),
PHOTOS: JENEVORA SWANN
inevitably, tiredness was going to
catch up at some point. For us, it was
halfway through the trip, which was
when a weather system, far south of
our position, caused a large swell and
24 MAY 2023 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting
confused seas, making our first 48
hours in the trades uncomfortable.
It became remarkably noisy
both inside and outside the boat.
As the waves crashed into each
of the hulls; in our cabin, it felt
like a bulldozer had struck, and
the whole bed shook. It was like
being in a washing machine on a
spin cycle; even with earplugs in,
trying to sleep off-watch with the
noise and the motion wasn’t easy.
We didn’t realise quite how
much stamina was needed for
this journey when doing it
doublehanded. Just a couple of
days with less sleep, completely
lowered our energy levels and
we had to really push ourselves
hard to keep up the pace. It was
like running a marathon; a total
ABOVE (L-R) test of endurance and the most
Working as a team; big
swells in the Pacific
challenging time of the trip.
But once the winds and the sea
BELOW settled down, it became a sleigh ride
Landfall in Nuku-
Hiva, Marquesas for most of the trip. It was just the
last few days, as we approached the
Marquesas Islands, that we had to
cope with some squally weather.
When the anchor eventually went
down at the anchorage at Taiohae
Bay in Nuku Hiva, we were euphoric.
ABOUT THE Around us were stunning vistas of
AUTHORS
Jenevora Swann and mountainous emerald forests and
her husband Fergus colourful houses scattered along the
Dunipace have been
liveaboards on their shore. It was beautiful and everything
catamaran Two Drifters we could have wished for from our
since 2014. They sailed
around Europe before first landfall in the South Pacific.
crossing the Atlantic to We sailed 4,157 nautical miles
explore the Caribbean,
USA, South and Central from Panama City to Nuku Hiva in
America. Facebook.com/ 27 days. During which, we used our
TwoDriftersTravel /www.
twodrifterstravel.com engine for just 24 hours (using only a
10th of our fuel); the rest of the time
it was all plain sailing, just the way we
like it, at an average speed of 7kts.
Fact Box
There are various ways to receive
weather and ocean current
data while offshore. We used
Iridium Go! paired with Predict
Wind Offshore (predictwind.
com) for weather downloads,
and accessed the Ocean Surface
Currents in Real-Time (OSCAR)
information via s/v Sarana’s
useful email query platform
(svsarana.com).
We also used the services of
Bob McDevitt (metbob.com),
an offshore weather router for
sailors in the South Pacific.
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Buying a Multihull
Choosing
your Cat
Multihulls have changed the game when it
comes to bluewater cruising and there are
many converts. Kate Ashe Leonard talks
through the process of buying a bluewater cat.
Photos by James Hooper
hen I was
just 20, I had
my first ever
experience
on a sailing
yacht. It was
on a crewed maxi racing yacht,
and I stayed onboard with a group
of backpackers as mere guests
for two nights in the Whitsunday
Islands. Blissfully ignorant about the
seasonality of sailing, my cabin for
the weekend was suspiciously cheap.
It was January and cyclone season. I
left the boat two days later resolute
about one thing: I would never sail
or stay on a boat for an extended
period again in my life. Sixteen years
later, I’m sitting with in the cockpit of
our catamaran in French Polynesia.
We are anchored at the island of
Moorea in its lagoon fringed by
coral reef under the backdrop of
26 MAY 2023 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting
the island’s green mountainous
peaks. It’s 6am and a black tip shark
glides underneath the boat visible
through the most transparent
water, iridescent in the morning
sunlight. Turtles occasionally
surface for air. Yesterday we swam
with a mother and calf humpback
whale just outside the lagoon. These
whales migrate to this safe haven
all the way from Antarctica to give
birth and raise their young before
returning on their long return
voyage. I’m thinking about our
own migration, how far we’ve come
and the very first steps we made.
We’ve sailed over 16,000 miles and
are almost half-way through our
circumnavigation four years after
we decided to leave it all behind
and buy a boat. It started back in
August 2017 when we decided we
needed a complete lifestyle change.
ABOVE
We worked together on the same
Polaris, the author's project and our weekly schedule
Catana 47 catamaran
often involved taking several
flights either within Europe or to
and from the US. We lived out of
suitcases in the many hotels we had
to stay in for work and after two
and a half years of airport queues,
jetlag and an unhealthy lifestyle,
we were exhausted. We had our
home base, but also a flat in south
west London which was rented out.
One evening we started to discuss
whether it might be possible to sell
our home and belongings to buy
a boat to live and sail around the
world on. We’d use some savings
and the rental income provided
PHOTOS: JIM HOOPER
by the London property to live
off and maybe pick up some paid
work here and there as we went.
My partner Jim was confident I
might really take to sailing despite

my first experience years earlier.
With few if any other ties we were
more flexible than many of our
friends to just up and leave.
we still didn’t know if we wanted a
monohull or a catamaran. Jim had
only sailed monohulls but his friend
who’d lived on one in the Caribbean
for years felt that, in hindsight, a
catamaran would have been better
overall for the additional space and
comfort both at anchor and sailing
too. Our plan was to complete a
global circumnavigation in three to
six years so, if we took his advice the
catamaran for us needed to have great
performance and safety attributes
for the miles of bluewater sailing
that lay ahead. Initially we began to
investigate the Lagoon 42 and the
Nautitech Open 40. As a result of the
Southampton Boat Show we arranged
to test sail a Lagoon 42 in Cornwall.
We also met a Nautitech broker at the
Dusseldorf boat show and our test
sail of the Nautitech was scheduled to
take place from Hamble, Hampshire.
Jim’s family had had a boat in
ABOVE
A catamaran Chichester Harbour when he was
provides a stable growing up, he had completed a
and comfortable
living space few yacht deliveries in his 20s and
later had skippered a couple of
BELOW bareboat charter holidays. I, on the
Solar panels are
an important other hand, had lived by my word
source of power and hadn’t been on a boat since the
time in Australia. In the absence
of having our own boat to practice
on and concerned about my lack of
experience, weekends were spent
doing RYA sailing courses including
Competent Crew, Day Skipper,
Engine Maintenance and VHF Radio
training. We immersed ourselves
in sailing related activities and only
spent money on things related to our
goal to become full time liveaboards.
Boat shows and
test sails
We attended two more boat shows,
one at St Katharine Dock and the
other at ExCel. The dates for both

Mono or multi?
There were three concurrent areas
of focus to make it all happen:
closing up our soon-to-be former
lives, preparing ourselves to sail
around the world and the search and
selection for the right boat to take
us there. Our work project began to
wrap up and had become entirely
remote, so we were much freer to
make moves towards our dream to
buy a boat. The first thing we did
was to put our home on the market.
Then, when our tenants in London
moved out at the end of their lease,
we transported our belongings
there where we made a temporary
home for ourselves. At that point,

Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting MAY 2023 27

Buying a Multihull
test sails soon came around and
we attended both. We loved the
outdoor helm positions on the
Nautitech Open 40 because we
felt more connected to the sailing.
The Lagoon with its raised helm
position and covering made us feel
removed from what was going on
outside. The Nautitech had very
limited space in the saloon though,
and we were disappointed that
neither boat had a forward-facing
navigation station. Alongside
these we’d begun to research the
performance end of the market
in greater detail. We kept coming
back to Catana and Outremer, both
of which have daggerboards for
better upwind performance. The
Outremer 45 had only recently
come out and the only second-hand
ones available were relatively new,
expensive and had comparatively
less space than a Catana.
Chartering in the BVIs
We began to home in on Catana
as the front runner and ended up
booking a two-week bareboat charter
on a Catana 42 in the British Virgin
Islands. We did our first ever big
provision in the local supermarket
and headed out sailing between the
beautiful islands there. It was less
than a year after hurricane Irma
and the sunken boats protruding
from the water’s surface as well
as those strewn across the nearby
land provided a stark and constant
reminder of some of the worst
28 MAY 2023 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting
dangers inherent in sailing. By
the end of the holiday though,
we both knew we wanted to sail
around the world on a boat like
that. We loved the access to nature
it provided: being able to dive into
the sea off the back steps and we
had visions of kiteboarding from
our own boat in the remote atolls of
the South Pacific. Maybe we’d buy
a dive compressor too someday.
We were attracted to the nomadic
lifestyle with the unique benefit of
always travelling with your home
rather than out of a suitcase. From
a performance point of view, we
were impressed by the speeds we
ABOVE LEFT were achieving, overtaking many
A shot that illustrates other catamarans on that holiday,
the 'tulip' shaped
hulls of the Catana aware that, in ocean sailing, the
ability to go fast becomes a safety
ABOVE RIGHT attribute if you need to outrun
The Catana 47
features lightweight weather systems. The boat was built
construction and strong but light; the blocks, jammers
daggerboards which
improve windward and winches, running rigging and
performance standing rigging were very solid. The
interior furnishings were high-end
BELOW
Skipper Jim at and again, we really liked the twin
the helm aft helm positions for the vantage
point and immersive experience
they provide when sailing. Due to
the layout, it was easy to manage all
the sails from the cockpit where all
the lines run back to. Theoretically
the only reason to leave the cockpit
is to open or close the sail bag and
so it felt much safer than some of
the other boats we had been on.
Catana viewings
Arriving home, our holiday blues
were interrupted when things
began to gather pace. We found
a 2012 Catana 47 called Polaris,
listed online, in France. We had
budgeted for a smaller boat though
and contacted the broker to see if
he had any second-hand 42s. They
had two. We flew there the following
week and were driven to see the
bigger boat first despite our weak
protests. It was an owner’s version
which had never been chartered and
was in excellent condition. It had
completed several Atlantic crossings
and was a proven bluewater yacht.
The difference in size between it and
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the four-cabin 42 we’d chartered
was attractive to us for the extra
comfort and also because longer
boat length contributes positively
to stability in bigger seas. The hulls
were made of glassfibre, reinforced
with Kevlar to guard against
puncture impacts and carbonfibre
was used throughout the rest of
the construction to keep weight
down. It had daggerboards and the
ratio of sail area to displacement
was favourable from a performance
standpoint. It had everything we
wanted; fast and light with generous
living quarters, a forward-facing
ABOVE navigation station, a fully battened
Anchored off Savan
Island, St.Vincent and mainsail, a genoa with roller furling,
the Grenadines, in the a gennaker, one of the winches was
eastern Caribbean
electric, as well as all the systems
BELOW you would want on a liveaboard
The dinghy davit
system utilises the
boat like AIS, solar, a generator and
mainsheet winches watermaker. The davit design was
making it practical
and strong
clever because the two winches for
the mainsheets could also be used to
raise and lower a dinghy as well as
having a maximum load capacity of
300kg if we wanted to add more solar
panels. The boat itself had beautiful
lines with a high freeboard and
'tulip' shaped bows that rose nearly
seven feet above the water line.
Buying a Multihull
Although when it came to spares
there were few, and Polaris didn’t
have a chartplotter, radar or dinghy.
We tried to shake off the spell
being cast over us and told the broker
thanks, but please could we view the
42s that we had travelled to France
to see. With a shrug of his shoulders,
he locked up Polaris and we made
our way in his car back to the Catana
boatyard. Both of the 42s were in
Catana’s Neo programme whereby
they convert ex-charter versions into
three-cabin owner’s configuration to
sell to private buyers. The insides of
both were a work in progress and,
with lots of carpentry underway,
were by no means turn-key.
Contrary to our best efforts we
were only thinking of Polaris and
decided we had to find a way.
Back in London we reviewed our
financial situation as we realised
that these Catana 47s come onto
the market rarely and are highly
sought after. We decided to contact
the broker to schedule a test sail.
Soon we were back in the south of
France and heading out on Polaris in
25kts of wind. But the test sail was
not without drama. The mainsheets
were over tightened on the winches
by the broker to the extent that he
caused the main halyard to snap
and consequently the mainsail and
all its cars came crashing down. He
then tried to furl the genoa, but it
got jammed because the drum had
seized and, in the process, the genoa
Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting MAY 2023 31
Buying a Multihull
sheets began flogging in the wind,
smashing the solar on the coach
roof and spraying glass all over the
boat. In spite of these distractions,
it was hard to ignore how fast we
were going at times, doing 8-12kts,
and how comfortably the boat was
handling it all. When the wind
moderated, we tested the boat’s
upwind performance and with the
daggerboards down, Polaris pointed
high – up to 35 degrees apparent.
The survey that followed brought
up some points that gave us a basis
to negotiate the price slightly and,
within one week, we had made an
offer which was rejected by the
current owner. We made two further
offers and by the end of that month,
which was July, we transferred the
deposit followed by the remaining
total sum and Polaris was ours.
32 MAY 2023 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting
We packed the first of our bags – as
much as we could physically carry –
and flew back to France. Polaris was
now at the dock in the boatyard, and
we had the urgent task to, at the very
least, buy a dinghy and come up with
an alternative to a chart plotter. We
would worry about installing radar
later. We soon found the perfect
dinghy for us in a nearby chandlery,
an Ultralight 290 Highfield with an
aluminium bottom and a 10hp engine
weighing in total only 81kg, making
it light enough for us to pull it up a
beach. It was also small enough to be
driven between Polaris’ hulls when
docked at a town wall or marina.
Instead of a chart plotter we began
to use Open CPN fully loaded with
all the world’s charts on our laptop,
which was more than adequate. We
knew we had a lot of shake down
ABOVE LEFT sails to do and many upgrades to
The Highfield 290 dinghy
come in the future but for now we
ABOVE RIGHT were technically ready to sail away.
Underway with the On one of the final days before our
spinnaker set
departure we caught the lines of a
BELOW LEFT Catana 65 as it pulled into the berth
AND RIGHT
Setting off into
next to ours. It was a French family
the unknown with two young children who, only
three years earlier, had set off from
that same dock and headed west to
start their circumnavigation. Today
they’d completed it and basked in
the glow of their achievement. We
joined them for celebration drinks
onboard their enormous yacht
where they regaled us with stories
of their adventures and wished
us well for ours yet to come.
Three days later, we set
sail ourselves with smiles on
our faces and big dreams to
sail around the world.
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Tom Cunliffe

Tom Cunliffe
It’s easy to get nostalgic for the good old days when life was less complicated. Yet
it wasn’t all plain sailing as Tom recalls...
ave you ever stopped to it’s not so long since that starting an being aware of ultraviolet
consider some of the auxiliary was a heart-in-mouth degradation in some fibres, we really
things on our modern lottery. Those days are gone, thank can take reliable ropes as a ‘given’, but
ILLUSTRATION: CLAIRE WOOD PHOTOS: TOM CUNLIFFE

yachts that we take for
granted? Items that
simply work when we
want them to. Moving parts that
don’t let us down. What about
engines, for example? With one hand
firmly gripping the largest piece of
wood availabe, I can state honestly
that I’ve only been disappointed by
engines twice in the last 10 years, yet
heaven. And what about ropes?
When did you last have a rope snap
under load? Never? I suspected as
much. Since the revolution in
cordage led us away from natural
products, rope technology has
moved so far ahead that there is now
literally something for everyone on
the chandler’s shelf. Always assuming
sensible prevention against chafe and
it’s still worth sharing a thought for
what went before.
Back in the late 1960s I was a very
young hand aboard a trading ketch
recently bought out of the Baltic.
My shipmates and I re-rigged her
PODCAST for a transatlantic voyage as cheaply
Catch up with Tom’s as we knew how. In those days, flax
columns now and
in the future at
or cotton canvas sails cost more
sailingtoday.co.uk than the polyester alternatives, so

34 MAY 2023 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

“Two of us dashed forward to sort out the mess and narrowly
missed being dumped into the sea by the boom”
we went modern, but natural fibre
rope was still readily available, both
new and used, at relatively popular
prices. Hemp, the king of natural
cordage, was off our pay grade, so
we filled our boots with manila and
sisal. Compared with the hard-laid,
pricey Terylene three-strand then
available, splicing these was a delight.
The manila in particular fell into a
perfect eye as though it was made to
do it. Perhaps it was. Sisal was a bit
slacker. It took the splice but it didn’t
look so tasty and it was always left
with a few hairy strands poking out in
protest. Both brands were pleasant to
whip as well, because unlike Terylene,
they didn’t fall apart as soon as they
were cut. They just sat there patiently
waiting for us to do a proper job.
We rove up the stuff fresh off the
reel for our halyards and rigged the
second-hand for sheets and the rest.
It looked fine hanging in coils from
the pinrails and we congratulated
ourselves on a job well done as we
set sail one February night to catch
the tide at the Needles Channel at
the entrance to the Solent, outward
bound for adventure. The wind off
the Isle of Wight gave us a close
reach for Ushant, so we trimmed
up and set the watch. ‘Three days
to warmer weather,’ we promised
ourselves, but it was not to be. We
were passing between the Bridge
buoy and Southwest Shingles red can
when the squall walloped us. Over
she lay until the scuppers ran white
with phosphorescence and for a few
seconds we grinned at one another as
ABOVE Spain seemed that much closer. Then
The Baltic trader the jib sheet carried away. Two of us
showing off her
substantial bowsprit dashed forward to sort out the mess
and narrowly missed being dumped
BELOW
A nice spot of into the sea by the boom as the
whipping on a mainsheet followed suit. What came
traditional natural
fibre rope next was a session I’ve often tried to
forget, without success. The action on
the bowsprit was alarming. Someone
let go the jib halyard. If we’d had any
sense and rigged this long-luffed
sail with a downhaul we’d have had
no problem. We could have killed
it from the foredeck. Because we
hadn’t bothered, we now had to claw
it down the stay bit by bit from the
bowsprit end with the unrestrained
canvas trying to brain us as the spar
shook and vibrated unpredictably.
I’d set up some rough bowsprit
safety netting myself the previous
week and I was glad I had when the
sail flicked me off the spar into its
welcoming arms. Climbing back
Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting MAY 2023 35
Tom Cunliffe

up again I rejoined my mate and,

totally wet through, we finished the
job. The clew of the sail had blown
out and was hanging on by its bolt
ropes, but the really philosophical
thing was the remains of the sheet.
All semblance of three-strand order
had gone. We were left with a 20ft
length of sisal fibres that looked more
like a giant horse’s tail than a rope.
Back on deck, matters were not
proceeding without incident. It was
still blowing very hard and lashing
with rain. The skipper was at the
wheel, the staysail and mizzen
sheets had mercifully held, so we
were under way, but the mainsail
and its boom had gone berserk. The
halyards had been let run, so the big
sail was partly down. Its unsecured
boom, all 35ft of it, was crashing this
way and that across the hatches in
the darkness, threatening to smash
anything in its path. The mate and
the cook were battling to secure it. I
suppose it was a blessing when the
topping lift showed solidarity with “The unsecured boom, all 35ft of it, was crashing this
the sheets and carried away, dumping
the massive spar on the side deck
way and that across the hatches in the darkness,
between the main cargo hatch and
the bulwarks. We all jumped on
threatening to smash anything in its path”
it while the mate clapped a turn
on the end and lashed it down. ABOVE
concerned. The incumbents of the Nobody, it seemed, had complained
Once the main was stowed, we Six is definitely focs’le played footsie all night long before. I replied that what their other
a crowd aboard customers thought was no problem
gybed round and hacked back a Contessa 32
and the poor soul who drew the ‘drip
against the tide to anchor off tray’ pilot berth in the main saloon of mine. The yacht was crying out
Yarmouth and lick our wounds. was doomed. Those were different for a wire halyard. They came back
Progress back up the channel times and we managed with a good fighting, but I held my ground and
was deadly slow and I remember grace, but it was clear that six-up was the boat duly went back to be refitted.
clearly leaning over the rail, lit just too many on these wonderful I hate wire halyards, but in the days
by the eerie light of the Needles yachts. So a change was mooted, and before Dyneema we really did need
occulting red sector, and being the winner was the Westerly Fulmar. them on any yacht with pretensions
comprehensively seasick. The Fulmar sailed well and had to performance. The halyard supplied
In the cold light of day considerably more internal volume. by the manufacturers simply didn’t
we went to the chandler in She also had a more commodious allow the luff to be properly tensioned.
Yarmouth and bought some of cockpit. The Contessa would eat her Seen in the big perspective of history,
his polyester three-strand. It for breakfast upwind in a nasty blow, these troubles in the period between
held and the trip continued. but other than that she did seem a fragile natural ropes and what we
A rather different issue with better bet. It fell to me to commission have today are but the blink of an
cheap rope came my way when I the first Fulmar, a boat called Shaula. eye. They are long gone thanks to
was an offshore instructor at the She was duly delivered on time and Dyneema which is as strong as
old National Sailing Centre in TOM CUNLIFFE I took her for a trial sail. She went wire, a tithe of the weight, doesn’t
Cowes back in 1981. The centre Tom has been mate on fine, but after an hour or so I noticed stretch and is even nice to handle.
a merchant ship, run
had always used Contessa 32s for yachts for gentlemen, that the luff of the mainsail looked It may not be cheap, but it’s a
cruiser training. We loved them operated charter boats, more like a crinkle-cut chip than an one-off purchase and you can
delivered, raced and
for their sailing characteristics and taught. He writes the example of Mark Ratsey’s finest. The splice it yourself. Peel back the
their good looks, but when asked pilot for the English polyester halyard was stretching. I coat, pop a Brummel eye into
Channel, a complete
to take five students for a one- set of cruising text wound it up. It stretched some more. the core, then milk the coat back
week trip, all living aboard, the books and runs his In the end, the whole thing was so again and stitch it in place. You
own internet club for
rather narrow accommodation put sailors worldwide at tight it was terrifying. The strains can find the splice on the internet.
something of a social strain on all tomcunliffe.com were awful, so I called Westerly. Dead easy. Happy days!

36 MAY 2023 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

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 Andy Rice
The effort to ‘spice up’ the Olympic Games with the final Medal Race format
didn’t really have the desired ending for the sport of sailing

hat is the point of that puts a huge emphasis on

the Olympic Games?
Does it exist to find
who is the supreme
athlete in their
chosen discipline, for example? Or
does the Olympic Games exist to
provide entertainment for a mass global
audience? You could argue that the
Games should be both, that there is
inherent drama and entertainment in
watching the world’s best battle it out.
The 100 metres sprint final certainly
delivers both. Ten seconds of do-or-die
action, and first past the post wins the
Olympic gold. Simple. Easy to understand.
Olympic sailing has never been quite
so straightforward or particularly well
suited to TV drama for the masses.  yellow bib from day one all the
In place of a straight series of races,
the Medal Race format was brought
in for the 2008 Olympic Regatta “...a solid week of race wins
in China. A final double-points,
non-discardable race for the top 10 in the qualifying counted for
placed boats. There are times when nothing in the three-board final”
the Medal Race has worked brilliantly,
but most of the time it’s a bit of a damp squib and hasn’t really
changed things that much. A number of gold medals at Tokyo
2020 were decided before the Medal Race. It’s disappointing
that World Sailing hasn’t made formats more of a priority.  charging through from a long way back in last place and
Last month in this column I argued about the huge – and in
many cases – avoidable costs of the equipment used in Olympic
campaigning. For the sailors, the equipment is possibly the
biggest issue. For the Olympic Regatta itself, and the viability
of sailing retaining its spot in the Games, formats are more
important than equipment. Thomas Bach, the president of
the International Olympic Committee, has said as much.
Look at the new events that have been brought in
for recent editions of the Summer and Winter Games,
and you can see that the IOC is paying attention to the
more dynamic sports and high-drama formats of the
X Games and the kind of extreme events supported by
Red Bull. The IOC clearly wants the medal drama to go
down to the wire, because that’s what we, the audience,
want. It’s what gets us on the edge of our seats.
Think of it from the athlete’s point of view though. At
least four years of your life, more likely eight or 12, and
all that time, dedication, blood, sweat and tears comes
down to not much more than the roll of a dice. Compared
with the predictable format of the Medal Race, which all
the boat classes are still using, the two new events in the
Olympic line up – the kitefoilers and the iQFOiL foiling
windsurfers – have opted for a more extreme format
the final day of competition.
The most extreme is the iQFOiL
where the top three riders go
into a final three-minute race
with all previous scores wiped
off the slate. Whoever wins that
mad dash ends up winning the
gold medal. I interviewed Sam
Sills, GBR’s top rider, about this
recently. Sam’s winter training has
clearly gone well because, from
finishing between about fifth and
seventh place in most of the major
international events last year, he
has dominated the first two events
of the 2023 season in Lanzarote.
In both events he wore the leader’s
way through to the final day. 
In the iQFOiL Games Sam
was neck and neck with Poland’s
Pawel Tarnowski until the final
few seconds before the finish line
when Pawel wiped out. Pawel’s
crash caused Sam to flinch which,
at 30 knots of speed, was enough for him to wipe out too.
Pawel got up and running again soon enough to scrape across
the line in first. Meanwhile French rider Nico Goyard was
could have overtaken Sam, still swimming back to his board.
But in an act of sportsmanship – and protest against a sudden
death format that Nico despises – the Frenchman allowed
Sam to cross the line in second while Nico settled for bronze.
It wasn’t quite so dramatic an outcome at the end of the
Lanzarote International Regatta, but again Sam’s significant
points advantage from a solid week of race wins in the
qualifying counted for nothing in the three-board final. Sam
finished last, taking a consolation bronze, but was widely
acknowledged by his peers as the best sailor of the regatta.
Sam tells me he has made his peace with the format,
although other iQFOiL riders are much more vocal in their
opposition. “If I win a medal in Paris it will be amazing,”
he told me. “But I’m loving every moment of the journey,
the things I’m discovering about myself, the team that are
supporting me, it’s a fantastic experience. I think our medal
format is a bit extreme, but we’ve got to learn to live with it.” 
ANDY RICE
The iQFOiL riders are the pioneers of this sudden-
As a sailing journalist death format, they’re the crash-test dummies. It doesn’t
and TV commentator
Andy has unparalleled
sit easy with me to see sailors have to submit themselves
knowledge of the to a game of Russian roulette, but it will surely generate
performance racing
scene, from grassroots
more excitement than the hit-or-miss, half-arsed Medal
to elite level Race format which is long past its use-by date.

38 MAY 2023 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

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 Paul Heiney
While paying tribute to the late Captain Bungles, Paul raised many an interesting point about
the way we approach seamanship. Not to everyone's taste but definitely worth considering
few weeks back, with
the passing of Paddy
Macklin at 65 years
old, we lost a sailing
legend of whom most
people have never
heard – but should have done. He has
much to teach us, and inspire us.
He never attracted sponsorship like
so many round-the-world sailors these
days, although he and a brewery might
have been a perfect marriage – he
died of cirrhosis of the liver. His book,
in which he styled himself Captain
Bungles, I doubt paid him JK Rowling
riches. However, as bungling goes,
he did pretty well. With his stated
aim of ‘recapturing the true spirit of
amateurism in sailing’, and trying
to eclipse Robin Knox-Johnston’s
312-day non-stop, singlehanded
voyage around the world, he left
Falmouth in late 2009 and returned ‘He shunned ‘gadgets’, so no
in May 2011 having paused in New
Zealand for repairs after having emergency beacon, and no
every catastrophic experience the
Southern Ocean can offer.  For full,
weather forecasts, hence a bit of
stomach-churning details, you need a pasting as he crossed Biscay’
to read Captain Bungle’s Odyssey.
 His choice of boat, Tessa, was a 50-year-old
wooden sloop; the sort of boat those of a nervous
disposition might confine to coastal waters. His
experience was limited, he shunned ‘gadgets’, so no
emergency beacon, and no weather forecasts, hence
a bit of a pasting as he crossed Biscay on his way
south. His main survival aids seemed to be 600 days-
worth of food, and a quantity of whisky to match.
Some will condemn him but ‘Good on you, Paddy,’
I say, and I don’t hesitate to applaud his eccentricity. I
meet so many newcomers to sailing who won’t leave their
front doors without an armful of hastily gathered paper
qualifications, and boxes stuffed with microchips sufficient
to launch a space rocket. And, yes, I’ve got some too, we
all have, but Macklin has made me think again. Do we go
sailing to explore, understand and appreciate the wonderful
and miraculous nature of the waters around us, or are we
playing some computer game? Do we look around us at
the ripples on the water, or the swirl of the tides, to guide
us in our navigation? Or do we quiz our phones and trust
an electronic reply when everything around us might be
telling a different story. ‘Shall we reef?’ The app says no.
 But these philosophical discussions are perhaps best left
to the cabin, late in the evening, when the corks have been
40 MAY 2023 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting
drawn. In the meantime, let me tell
of one thing that irritated me about
Paddy Macklin’s obituaries;  they
repeatedly drew attention to the fact
that he left on his circumnavigation
using  only a school atlas as his
principal navigational support.
Actually, I’m OK with that.
Remembering that his ambition was
to sail non-stop around the world,
why would he need much more?  I
suppose in case of an emergency
landfall. But thinking about it,
it’s not all that difficult to spot an
easy landfall from a tricky one. For
example, I would avoid an unfamiliar
river estuary because I knew there
would be shallows and fast tides. But
if I were approaching, say, an island
harbour, I would be much more
relaxed with my eyeball navigation
once I’d seen the pier heads, and
possibly a navigation mark or two. It
was notable that when Macklin had
sailed all the way to New Zealand, he
never needed any kind of rescue  and
when in trouble in Biscay it was
nervous relatives back home who
initiated a coastguard search with
aircraft support, it was wasn’t Paddy. He just sailed on.
 If you are confident in your navigation, on the
open ocean there is no real need for anything much
more than a school atlas. In fact, for several weeks
while sailing north from the south Atlantic, I made
do with even less. I used a plotting sheet which is, I
suppose, a DIY chart.  It’s a blank piece paper with
scales both horizontally and vertically, a bit like graph
paper. Out of this you make your own chart, decide
which lat and long your ‘chart’ covers, and your daily
pencil marks reveal your progress. For fun, you can
now and again transfer your position to a proper
chart of the entire Atlantic, or onto a page of a school
atlas, but it really is only for amusement so you can
say to yourself, ‘Hey! I’m now abreast Senegal!’ It’s
far more fun than worshipping the plotter which,
HAVE constantly reminds you that, for example, you are
YOUR SAY still 1,000 hours from the Lizard, if the wind holds.
Do you still keep The mention of ‘navigating by atlas’ is really a lazy way
ILLUSTRATION CLAIRE WOOD
a log book? of making him look a fool, but what he achieved called
facebook.com/ for the heights of seamanship. Captain Bungle’s legacy
sailingtoday should give inspiration, not fear, to those who have a
@sailingtodaymag sailing dream and the urgent desire to fulfil it. Perhaps
sailingtoday.co.uk with rather less whisky than Paddy consumed.
Boat test – Lagoon 51

French
polish
French manufacturer Lagoon
is the master of producing
comfortable, practical cruising
catamarans, and its new 51
certainly doesn’t disappoint

42 MAY 2023 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

 eople occasionally ask
me what is the worst
boat test I have ever
undertaken. It’s a fair
question as in my
career I have probably
tested over 100 boats. Anyway, I
always reply quick as a flash that
it was the Lagoon 42. Now, before
the good people of Lagoon start
getting incredibly angry, let me
explain; the boat test took place in
La Rochelle in the middle of winter
and the boat grounded outside the
marina on an exceptionally low
tide – I was also painfully aware
that it looked like I was going to
miss my flight. We were therefore
compelled to wait for the tide for displacement just shy of 20,000kg – ABOVE to improve circulation around
a couple of hours in temperatures no lightweight flier in other words. The 51 features access the boat by removing the mast
so severe I wanted to cry. On the The boat does not have foils – no to the flybridge compression post from the middle
from both sides
flip side, the boat turned out to be a Lagoon does – and the emphasis is of the saloon, and also allowing
good one to be stranded on waiting on practicality and space. To this BELOW for more space on the bridge deck.
for the tide, and we fired up the end, Lagoon has understandably The wide bathing Down below, you have a range of
platforms are shown
heating and sat in the well appointed stuck with the flybridge on this to good advantage choices when it comes to interior
saloon and enjoyed the panoramic model and it is the smallest Lagoon in this shot layouts but if you’re really keen
views of La Rochelle in February. to have access to the flybridge from you can cram in up to 14 people.
Anyway, just a little aside there both the port and starboard side.
but I have to say that to my mind The styling is very classically Lagoon Space exploration
a Lagoon should be enjoyed in but the boat does differ from some Certainly optimising space seems to
friendlier climes and I’m delighted recent iterations as the rig has be a big priority and that starts from
to say that, this time around, the test been moved further forward. That the moment you get aboard. The aft

PHOTOS: GILLES MARTIN-RAGET

of the Lagoon 51 took place in 35°C has been seen in a number of cat ends of the sponsons are big and low
off the coast of Spain. Hell, we even designs recently. This means that to the water and double as bathing
found time to drop anchor and go the self-tacking jib is out and the platforms. This allows for masses
for a swim. It felt like the ghosts of overlapping genoa is back in. This of space for bathers, plus the access
La Rochelle 2014 were well and truly seems to have been done expressly on and off the boat was absolutely
exorcised. It’s only right too that a
Lagoon should be tested in warmer
climes. Sure, you can sail one of these
boats around the world – and many
have – but to me this Lagoon should
be anchored off some golden beach
in the Caribbean, Mediterranean or
Pacific, bathing ladder down and
barbecue fired up. There is a reason
that Lagoon is the biggest selling
multihull manufacturer over the
past couple of decades: it know what
the people want and it knows how
to deliver it. The Lagoon 51 sits in
the middle of the company's current
range and replaces the 50 and the 52.
The boat is designed by VPLP – as
have most Lagoons in recent times
– while the styling is by Nauta.
The result is a big cat with big
volume clearly aimed at both
the charter market and private
ownership. The boat is 50ft 4in
loa with a beam of 26ft 9in, and a

Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting MAY 2023 43

 Boat test - Lagoon 51
excellent either from the side or the
stern. This question of access is a
perennial problem on big catamarans
and Lagoon seems to have cracked it
nicely. Between these is a cradle for
the dinghy which raises and lowers
electrically. It’s a really nifty solution
to an age old problem and makes
launch and retrieval incredibly easy.
In addition, with the dinghy gone,
this platform can be lowered down
to water level and you can enjoy
acres of extra bathing platform
space. It all works beautifully
and, with the dinghy aboard and
platform raised, the tender is well
clear of any following seas.
Stepping into the main cockpit,
PHOTOS: NICOLAS CLARIS
there is a long latitudinal sofa directly
in front of the tender cradle. This
sofa has pods either side with the
obligatory barbecue tucked within.
44 MAY 2023 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting
Head into the heart of the cockpit
and there is a large, sociable seating
area with dining table set to port and
bigger lounging sofa to starboard.
This has storage beneath and a sink
area plus fridge forward. The whole
area is both huge and sociable and
the large sliding patio doors into
the saloon mean that the indoor/
outdoor spaces blend seamlessly.
Step out onto wide side decks and
you arrive on a big foredeck with
its own seating area plus a short
trampoline. It’s very comfortable
and a great space for three or four
people to enjoy a sundowner. There’s
even a small coffee table that lifts
up to reveal the anchor windlass,
while drinks can be passed out here
from the main saloon via a small
window. Right up at the bow there is
a hatch to a cosy crew quarters in the
ABOVE LEFT starboard hull, and a big sail locker
The boat proved a in the port hull. Forward of this is
sprightly performer
despite the light a gennaker on a sprit and the jib
conditions behind, which has a powered furler.
ABOVE RIGHT
Easy access to Bridge over
the bridgedeck troubled water
BELOW LEFT The forward section of the coachroof
AND RIGHT features two more loungers plus a
The saloon with good square metreage of solar panels.
table in dining mode
(left) and coffee Aft of these is the nerve centre of the
table mode (right) boat – a single helming position with
two Harken winches to starboard
and one to port. From here you have
excellent access to everything and a
good view of the sails. It also offers
good all round vision for parking the
boat. There is a long bench seat that
means three people can sit side by
side while one steers. Aft of this is a
big seating area with another decent
sized table. Another great spot for
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sundowners. In case you hadn’t
PHOTOS: NICOLAS CLARIS
already noticed, this is a boat that can
fit in an awful lot of people without
anyone getting in the way too much.
I think during the test sail there
were 10 of us and it didn’t feel at all
crowded. The only minor annoyance
I noted was when descending from
the bridge I got fouled up in the
gennaker sheet which ran through a
padeye in front of the steps. It’s only a
minor irritation and I wouldn’t have
noticed if I’d descended the other
side where the lazy line was slack.
Inside outside
It was time to head ‘below’ although
this is not really the case as everthing
remains on the same level and you
step inside through patio style doors
into a light and spacious communal
area which is dominated by a huge
communal seating area. The main
table serves as a coffee table but can
be raised and lowered electrically. In
the raised position it then folds out
to double size making for a really
big dining table. The chart table is
to starboard of this and this table
also features a huge hinged lid that
flips up with a television on the
underside. It’s a neat, uncomplicated
solution to the sometimes intrusive
presence of a TV aboard. The galley
area is aft of this and there is a large
fridge area to starboard with vertical
and horizontal fridge plus freezer.
To starboard is the cooker and sink.
There is nothing fancy about the
PHOTOS: GILLES MARTIN-RAGET
layout but it is very light and the
lack of a mast compression post
also opens up the space compared
to previous models. The styling is
smart and the finish is good quality.
Descend into starboard hull and
there is a huge master cabin with a
large walk around double berth aft.
Forward of this is a desk area with
a small sofa and, to port is a walk
in wardrobe – I kid you not – then
a massive shower room with twin
sinks and separate head just aft.
Frankly the whole area is palatial
and puts many apartments to shame.
Of course, if you’re going for a more
charter oriented version then this
huge owner's suite is rather sadly
divided up into three doubles –
which in the test boat is what I had
in the port hull, the double aft having
its own en-suite heads and shower
while the forward two berths – one
in the bow and the second set aft
and offset inboard – shared a well
dimensioned heads/shower. There
is also a second freezer down there.
All in all, this is a boat equipped to
carry a lot of people in comfort.
Boat test - Lagoon 51
ABOVE LEFT Under sail
A plethora of
comfortable, well Now this is all very well but Lagoons
lit double berths have been fitting in unlikely amounts
of people in comfort for many years
ABOVE RIGHT
A huge ensuite now but big internal volume and
heads and shower comfort does not always lend itself
in the owner's hull
to sparkling performance. Looking
BELOW at this objectively, the Lagoon 51 is
She performed well reasonably heavy and does not have
for a big, moderately
heavy boat being daggerboards. It was, in other words,
tested in light airs never conceived to compete with
the likes of, say, Marsaudon’s ORC
range. To add to our woes, the wind
was blowing a fitful 5-8kts. Still we
put up the main and unfurled the big
Code 0 perhaps more in hope than
expectation. The results were pleasing.
The big cat proved surprisingly
nimble in the negligible breeze and
we trucked along pretty reliably at
7kts which I thought was pretty good
going. The steering was hydraulic
which is not my favourite set up and
I made the error when I took over, of
not noting that the helm didn’t centre.
This meant that the boat wandered
slowly further off the wind as I
chatted to fellow crew. Once I'd dealt
with that, the steering was actually
pretty good for this set up and I guess
hydraulic steering set ups have come a
long way recently in terms of feel and
subtlety. Sail handling was a breeze
and there is always a deep joy in being
up high on a bridge deck – master
and commander of all you survey.
Lagoons have sailed to the far ends
of the earth so are tried and tested in
all sorts of conditions. I would note
though that I’d be interested to see
how the 51 performed in a heavy head
sea with a relatively low gap between
the water and the nacelle, which
might lead to slamming in a big sea.
Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting MAY 2023 47
Boat test - Lagoon 51
SAM’S VERDICT
Make no mistake, Lagoon know
exactly what their market is
and they know precisely how to
produce the ideal boat for that
market. If you want laser precision
at the helm and eye watering
acceleration, look elsewhere. On
the other hand if you’re after class
leading levels of comfort and
space blended with a plethora
of clever and practical touches,
this is the boat for you. If you
THE SPEC
LOA: 15.35m (50ft 4in)
Beam: 8.10m (26ft 7in)
Draft: 1.38m (4ft 6in)
Light displacement (CE): 19.914kg
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Upwind sail area (std mainsail):
150sq m (1,615sq ft)
48
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Cruising – Menai Strait

All’s Swell that

ends Swell(ies)
The Swellies is the narrow channel that runs between
mainland Wales and Anglesey. It’s a challenging stretch of
water and Don Smith helps get you through

50 MAY 2023 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

 PHOTO/CHART: EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY
he Swellies (Pwll Ceris), lying within Nelson’s
gaze between the Britannia and Menai
Suspension Bridges, is a choke point where
strong tides of 5-8kts run, making it a significant
navigational obstacle, particularly in the days
of sail. This rock-strewn reach, eight cables
long, was formed by fault line activity, glaciation and rising
sea levels, which, about 5,000 years ago, finally inundated
the strait, separating Anglesey from mainland Wales.
In 1693, Captain Grenvile Collins wrote in his
Coasting Pilot “...the rocks at the Swilly are dangerous,
the passage narrow, and the tydes very strong; and
be sure to pass the Swilly at a slack tyde.”
Building the Telford’s Menai Suspension Bridge and
Stephenson’s Britannia Bridge across the strait replaced the
passenger ferry, the fording of cattle across the strait and
provided a rail link to the port of Holyhead. A suitable air
draft allowed continued navigation for sailing vessels of
the day and the work provided opportunities to remedy
some of the longstanding navigation problems.
Between 1824 and 1854, the engineers directed clearance
work to reduce, by blasting, the significant hazards in the
Swellies. These works cleared the south shore and lowered
many of the rocks to low water springs (See chartlet). The
Swelly Rock lost 160ft of its northwest extremity and was
cleared to low water, leaving a vertical face which contributes
to the Swelly wave, best seen mid-flood on a big spring tide.
Despite these efforts, Frank Cowper, writing in Sailing
Tours (1895), “ran the gauntlet,” and he confirmed,
“the best time to run the Swellies is at slack water,
provided there is a breeze.” He was singlehanded, and
considered himself lucky to get through unscathed.
More recently, Henry Glazebrook, in Anglesey and North
Wales Coast Pilot (Yachting Monthly, 1970), described four
passages; the well-known south shore passage along the Welsh
mainland bank; the north shore passage on the Anglesey
side; and the lesser-known passages between Gored Goch
and Cribbin Rock, the middle and beeline passages. Henry
Glazebrook sailed a 14ft dinghy, which is quite a different
proposition to Robert Kemp’s clinker-built yacht (Sarahay),
with a much deeper draft. Robert Kemp’s (1978) view was
didactic, “The Swellies is no place to play about in. There is one
safe, straightforward course: holding to the mainland bank.”

Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting MAY 2023 51

Cruising – Menai Strait
Working the tide
The flood tide is divided by the Isle
of Anglesey. Passing north and south
about Anglesey, the two streams
meet in an area of slack water
that advances from Puffin Island,
down the Menai Strait, reaching
the Swellies two hours before high
water (HW) Liverpool. The water is
docile during the slack lasting 20-30
minutes and then the westward
flow starts abruptly, functionally
becoming the ebb tide even though
the tide continues to rise for another
hour and 40 minutes to local HW.
While a westward transit is possible
for a while after HW slack, the water
is moving fast for several hours,
and is full of eddies and sheers,
making it a rollercoaster ride. Any
small boat, particularly one moving
slowly or with little steerage, can
find itself doing pirouettes in the
eddies and is how HMS Conway
was seized and wrecked on the
Platters in 1953 while under tow.
To the west, the ridge-like reef
of Cribbin Rock and Gored Goch
Island divide the Swellies into north
and south channels, which merge
beyond Swelly Rock. The head of
the Cribbin Rock dries first (4.5m),
it enlarges and gently converges
towards the south shore where the
Cribbin tail lies adjacent to the
white pyramid, drying to 3.0m.
The channel here marks the close
limit for the white transit pylons
PHOTO: DON SMITH/ISTOCK
sited under Britannia Bridge.
After LW slack (Liverpool HW+4)
the tide falls for a further two
hours until local LW, providing a
useful extra bit of depth above CD
52 MAY 2023 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting
for LW slack transits. Yachts with
moderate draft can make neap
LW slack passages along the south
shore, with two hours tidal height in
hand before LW but springs could
be more problematic, particularly
nearer local LW. Only the south shore
is marked for night navigation.
At local LW, Cheese Rock (0.4m), a
westward extension of Cribbin ridge,
is a potential grounding hazard on
very low tides but it can be dodged.
The channel adjacent to the pyramid
is shallow (~1.0m), as is the spit off
Price’s Point and the tail of the Swelly
Rock, which extends towards shore,
but all are well covered at HW slack.
ABOVE RIGHT
Both Menai bridges
There are rocky shallows
viewed through the extending north of Gored Goch
Anglesey span of
Britannia Bridge
where rapids form and shallows
to the west. Duncan Rock (1.1m),
ABOVE LEFT lying west southwest of it, dries
A Three Peaks
Yacht racer about and is seen only on the lowest
to enter the Swellies tides but can cause local waves.
against a dying ebb
The passage between Gored Goch
BELOW and Cribbin Rock (middle and
The Swellies tidal
streams, from Morris beeline passages) is narrow and
very shallow at low water, but
offers great fun for kayakers.
Swelly Rock is marked with a
south cardinal perch on which
an impressive bow wave forms
in mid-tide and a standing wave
forms on big spring floods. It
dries at low water, as does the
East Swelly Rock just to the north
but both are well covered at HW
slack. To the north, the islands
Benlas, Welltog and Tysilio, lie in
shallows at HW and the Benlas-
Welltog Sound provides surfing
opportunities for both kayakers
and seals during the flood tide.
East of the islands, Carreg Halen
dries though is not a problem
but sheers onto the Platters on
the south shore and will catch
the unwary. While strong winds
blowing down the strait can
produce unpleasant standing waves
against the tide, the steep, treed
banks also mask the wind and can
make it both light and fickle.
HW slack (Liverpool HW-2)
is the assumption for the yacht
passages described. Large powered
craft, RIBs and planing craft
have more flexibility against a
foul tide, while the white-water
opportunities are ideal for kayakers.
SOUTH SHORE
PASSAGE
West to East
Steer for the centre of the mainland
span of Britannia Bridge (26m)
keeping the white pyramid in
transit. When under the bridge
come close into the shore as the
channel is narrowest abeam the
white pyramid where the tail of
Cribbin Rock encroaches.
Once abeam of the pyramid,
pick up the two white pylons under
the mainland pier, which, when in
transit (051/231°T), keep you clear of
Cribbin Rock and also Price’s Point
spit at half tide or less., Price’s Point
spit. When abeam of Price’s Point
Beacon follow the shoreline round to
starboard, 20m inshore of the south
ABOVE RIGHT cardinal Swelly Perch. Yachts will have
Gored Goch at
Liverpool HW+2,
room to avoid each other around this
with Cribbin head bend but larger vessels need your
just breaking water consideration; listen for their whistle.
BELOW The Caernarfon Harbour Trust website
1 – Price’s Point provides excellent illustrated details.
2 – Prices Point Spit Follow the shoreline round, close in,
with kelp visible
3 – Cribbin Rock to clear Swelly Rock and its tail, then
4 – Gored Goch keep the Anglesey pier of Britannia
5 – Swelly Rock Bridge open to Price’s Point and follow
6 – east Swelly Rock
at LW springs this clearing line to avoid the Platters.
Once abeam of the bungalow to
starboard, you will be past the Platters
and can steer for the centre of the
Menai Suspension Bridge (29m).
East to West
Pass under the centre of the
Menai Suspension Bridge. To
stay clear of the Platters, steer
for the white gable-end of Gored
Goch cottage (263°T) and keep
the Anglesey pier of Britannia
Bridge open on Price’s Point.
Pass 20m inshore of Swelly
Perch and continue in that general
direction until you pick up the
transit (231°T) at the Britannia
Bridge (BB). To avoid the spit at
Price’s Point in lower states of
the tide, delay your turn to port
until you are on the transit. When
abeam of the white pyramid,
stay close inshore, then pass
under the centre of the mainland
span of BB, before crossing the
strait towards Indefatigable,
and proceeding onwards.
Not only do hundreds of
boats make the transit without
incident every season, a number
of competitive events transit the
Swellies, too. The 65-mile Round
Anglesey Race starts at Menai
Bridge at HW slack so the yachts
sail the Swellies in ideal tidal
conditions but the prevailing wind
often forces short-tacking, in
which case the wind may be better
on the more open north shore.
The annual Great Straits Raft
Run takes the flood tide from Port
Dinorwic to the Swellies, where
they follow the south shore to finish
at Menai Bridge. It is an exciting
race and they clearly have a great
deal of fun helping local charities.
The Three Peaks yachts sail for
this tidal gate as soon as their
runners re-embark in Caernarfon
after returning from their ascent
of Snowden. They would prefer to
make the transit on the flood but
Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting MAY 2023 53
Cruising - Menai Strait
they make do with what they get,
often rowing for lack of wind and
generally they follow the South
Shore Passage. Between the slack
periods, a foul tide, with eddies
and sheers, can halt their progress,
drag them backwards, push them
aside or threaten grounding. It is
not uncommon to see their yachts
in an epic struggle against the tide,
probing and weaving for hours,
trying to make headway but always
aware of exiting, backwards, under
Britannia Bridge. Meanwhile, more
pragmatic crews observing these
heroics, moor, relax and enjoy a
hearty breakfast while waiting for
more favourable tidal conditions.
There are also races for small craft
and rowing skiffs from Beaumaris to
Caernarfon, duck races through the
Swellies, as well as RIB-rides from
Menai Bridge between the bridges.
Various emergency services use the
Swellies for rescue training. Fast
powered craft can make the south
shore passage at almost any time
and kayaks have the most fun when
the water conditions are lively.
There are mishaps, often related
to pilotage error, which cause
grounding, particularly on a falling
54 MAY 2023 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting
tide at half tide or less. Sometimes
there is damage to hull, steering
or propellor, requiring rescue;
fortunately, there have been no
injuries or deaths reported in recent
years. These groundings usually
occur on Cribbin Rock, Price’s Point
Spit, Swelly Rock or the Platters
but the unwary can be wrapped
round Swelly Perch by the tide.
Boats have changed considerably
since 1693 and so too have the
Swellies, but the South Shore Passage
remains the best. It is well marked,
the shortest and is used safely by
almost all larger craft (air/water
draft permitting) at HW slack. With
care and use of old school leading
and clearing lines, the North Shore
Passage is viable, but a chart plotter
or tablet is bound to be at hand
these days. Racing yachts often
take this route and even the MV
Balmoral has too. Having not yet
taken this passage, I shall refrain
from a detailed description. The
Middle and Beeline passages are
only suitable for shallow-draft craft.
RIBs and other craft clearly have
many more options for working in
and navigating the Swellies than
yachts, and larger craft. However,
ABOVE RIGHT unless you have the local knowledge
The Platters and
Swelly Rock at
and experience, I would stick to the
LW springs South Shore Passage at HW slack.
Timing is key; at HW slack the
ABOVE LEFT
The South Shore water is quite docile, but afterwards
Passage at LW springs it could be home to Charybdis.
with the Cribbin
Rock well-exposed I usually motor through even if I
have sail set, but that does not stop
BELOW LEFT me using a favourable wind and
A fun blast on a RIB
going through the having the engine running, ready. I
Swellies; tides aren’t
a problem for them
usually go through on the HW slack
but recently made a west bound
transit close to LW slack at Liverpool
HW+3.5 on a spring tide. Getting a
yacht from Conwy to Menai Bridge
in time for HW slack is a non-starter
so, arriving late, we moored near
Menai bridge for a few hours until
the tidal stream had abated to about
one knot. Half an hour before LW
slack, it was the quietest passage
I’ve ever had through the Swellies,
there was still plenty of water and
most of the rocks were still covered.
The Swellies is a highly dynamic
waterway and rarely still for
long. I do wonder what it would
be like to transit the Swellies
as they were before clearance
began. Eye opening, I suspect.
I am grateful to the Cruising
Association, RNLI Beaumaris,
Three Peaks Yacht Racers, and
the Royal Welsh Yacht Club for
their help and information.
Bibliography
Irish Sea Pilot, David Rainsbury
Cruising Anglesey and adjoining waters, Ralph Morris
Swellies Pilotage, Caernarfon Harbour Trust
Three Peaks Yacht Race Advice 2017, Keith Mander
Anglesey and North Wales Coast Pilot, Henry Glazebrook
(Out of print)
Anglesey and Menai Strait, Robert Kemp(Out of print)
Survey by Captain FW Beechey RN 1846
Sailing Tours, Frank Cowper 1895
Coasting Pilot, Captain Grenville Collins RN 1693
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RORC 600
Showdown in Paradise
TIM WRIGHT PHOTOACTION.COM
Georgie Corlett-Pitt hears from Ned Collier-Wakefield how the 600nm
RORC Caribbean 600 race was won by just 11 seconds, and rounds up the
highlights from an exciting new inshore series…
he RORC Caribbean
600 is known for high
calibre offshore racing in
Champagne conditions,
attracting a variety of
entrants across IRC,
multihull and Class 40 divisions.
And the 14th edition proved no
different, this year drawing 70
boats with nearly 600 sailors from
30 nations to the startline under
the dramatic backdrop of Antigua’s
Towers of Hercules. As the gun
went, spectators looked down
from the clifftop onto a stunning
showcase of boat-on-boat action in
18kts of breeze and rolling swell.
You’d be forgiven then for
thinking that the scene at the finish
line – some 30 hrs, 55 mins and
45 secs later – seemed something
of an anti-climax, as the leading
boat, Erik Marais’ MOD70 Zoulou
(FRA), crossed in near-slow motion
to take multihull line honours.
But that was far from the case, as
the giant multi claimed the accolade
by just 11 seconds after racing 600
complex nautical miles through
the Caribbean islands neck-and-
neck with rival MOD70 Maserati
56 MAY 2023 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting
– leaving Giovanni Soldini’s Italian
team settling for the runners-up
spot for the second consecutive
year. As a snapshot finale, it couldn’t
have been more dramatic – so
close was the action that neither
boat knew the result until they
reached the dock and officials
confirmed Zoulou as the winner.
Sailing with Zoulou’s all-star
French crew was British offshore
multihull expert Ned Collier-
Wakefield, onboard as co-skipper
and navigator; it’s the sixth time
Ned has taken part in the RORC
Caribbean 600 but he’s never known
a finish to be so phenomenally close.
He describes the astonishing
situation: “It was really shifty coming
into the line. We knew if the breeze
went five degrees left we’d have it,
if it went five degrees right they’d
have it. We’d been in sight of each
other the whole way round and
it all came down to the last tack.
Honestly, on the water, we didn’t
know who’d done it. When we
heard afterwards, it was amazing
– although it did feel a bit naughty
as Gio had raced incredibly well.”
The result was a great victory for
ABOVE LEFT the Zoulou crew – which includes
IRC Super Zero
startline action
stars the likes of Loïck Peyron and
Thomas Le Breton and which Ned
describes as “tight-knit but very
welcoming” – in a season which has
so far included the Rolex Middle Sea
Race and the RORC Transatlantic;
Les Voiles de St Barth regatta and
the Rolex Fastnet Race are yet to
come, after which the boat will have
t-rudders and new lifting foils fitted.
The foils are identical to another
MOD70 Argo and the two giants
are expected to line-up for battle in
next January’s RORC Transatlantic.
It’s an exciting time to be involved
in the team, as Ned explains the
decision to go for what are essentially
one-design foils will help to “limit
the arms race in the fleet and
keep the boat-on-boat element of
racing, which is what we love”.
Boat-on-boat
It was the boat-on-boat tactics that
undoubtedly cinched the photo-
finish victory for the Zoulou team,
their capabilities came to the fore in
the very early stages of the race, as
they led their fully-foiling competitor
Maserati off the line and set the
 TIM WRIGHT PHOTOACTION.COM
pace until midnight on the first than any other 600 I have done, so ABOVE LEFT to attack, and they drew Maserati

TIM WRIGHT PHOTOACTION.COM

PHOTO: ARTHUR DANIEL

AND RIGHT
day, well after rounding St Barths. there were lots of sail manoeuvres; Never a dull moment into a tacking dual. With their non-
It was only on the reach to on Zoulou as she takes
I think the reef came in and out off and steams ahead
foiling set-up Zoulou was quicker
Guadeloupe when Maserati was about 20 times and it meant lots of through the tacks and therefore
able to overhaul them in full-foiling peels between the J2 and J1 for us as BELOW confident of a gain each time their
Team Zoulou weighing
mode. Team Zoulou worked hard to well at that sort of wind strength. up tactics at the start rival tacked to cover them. The
claim the distance back on the next “We were seeing see some big wind plan of repeatedly splitting tacks
upwind leg, using their extensive shifts around the clouds. The wind to lure Maserati in to covering
pre-race analysis to identify when range was around 10-20kts them paid and, with the breeze
to attack. While Maserati fell foul but dropping and increasing really dwindling as they neared the finish
of a wind hole underneath a cloud, with 30 or 40 degree shifts every line, the boats were almost equal.
Zoulou picked through the squalls, time. On such a short-legged course “To be honest, I thought they had
closing the gap as the battling where you are trying to minimise it, but we managed to push really
duo now approached Redonda. the distance sailed between the hard through the last two tacks,”
With the intensity notching up marks, it’s really important to recounts Ned. “The pin was the
further as the wind increased to change sail quickly. On Zoulou, closest part of the line and they’d
perfect foiling conditions – 15kts everything is hydraulic and we were left the door open which allowed
and flat water – Ned describes his slightly lacking in man power as us to just get our nose in. At that
awe at seeing Maserati pop up onto we had seven crew to their eight, stage, the race committee wouldn’t
the foils next to them and leap with Loïck carrying a pre-race tell us on the radio, they wanted
powerfully ahead. But despite the injury. It was pretty intense.” to verify it and check the trackers,
formidable sight of their rival surging Regardless, Ned and the team so neither boat had any idea.”
ahead and exhaustion kicking in, kept pushing on through the final In the elation that followed when
knowing they were closing on the stages, reaching the convergence the result was finally confirmed,
final part of the race gave the Zoulou zone behind Antigua where shifty Ned described the race as “magical”
crew even greater determination to conditions gave another opportunity and added: “It proves how
push themselves to the extreme. incredible these boats are, that you
“When it’s boat on boat like that can do a 600-mile race and finish
you’re pushing extra hard, and there with that tight a margin, even in
is so much reaching involved in that such different configuration, to
course, the boat speed is often in the still be that close is amazing.”
high 30s, so you’re constantly in the Zoulou’s Erik Maris said: “It was
power zone,” says Ned. “At that kind as close as it gets; an incredible
of speed, the boat feels like a freight finish and great fun”, while his
train, the whole thing is rumbling Maserati counterpart Giovanni
and it’s hard to stand up so you’re on Soldini reflected: “The whole
your knees; you feel pretty on edge. race was interesting and crazy,
PHOTO: JAMES TOMLINSON

“This race involves lots of turning not just the finish,” before good
marks and rocks to avoid, so there naturedly adding: “This time they
are lots of manoeuvres. This year it have won, but it is no problem,
was pretty squally, much more so next time it will be Maserati!”

Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting MAY 2023 57

 RORC 600
Rest of the fleet
TIM WRIGHT PHOTOACTION.COM
It wasn’t until the morning of
day three that Gunboat 68 Tosca
(USA) with offshore legend Alex
Thomson skippering crossed the
line, taking the MOCRA class win
after time correction, and putting
Maserati second and Zoulou third.
Meanwhile, leading the monohull
fleet to take line honours in just
42 hours 45 mins 06 secs was
Roy P Disney’s Pyewacket 70
(USA), a ‘turbo-charged’ Volvo
70; its famous owner notable
by his absence due to knee
surgery. Their time may not
have set the new course record
they wanted, but it was enough
to see them win under IRC, a
double celebration for the crew.
Scooping second overall
under IRC was IRC0 winner,
RORC Vice Commodore Eric de
Turckheim racing NMD54 Teasing
Machine (FRA). Eric, who is Vice
Commodore of RORC, described
the race as a “fantastic battle in
IRC0 with four highly competitive
boats… We finished within 30
minutes of each other; that is
exciting as well as the sailing itself.”  racing in IRC1, who won by a
The first IRC Two-Handed
team to cross the line was also
competing in IRC0, the Verdier
54 Notre Mediterranee - Ville de
Nice (FRA), sailed by Fabien Biron
and Pim Nieuwenhuis, with an
impressive time of 02 days 17 hrs
15 mins 15 secs. Also showing the
variety of boats entered and the
calibre of racing was IRC1 winner
Dan Litchfield’s Hound (USA)
an Aage Nielsen 59 sloop built in
1970, the oldest boat in the race.
Meanwhile it was another USA
boat, Peter McWhinnie’s JPK 1080
In Theory (USA), winning in IRC2.
58 MAY 2023 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting
Hot new inshore series
Competitors had even more to
celebrate at the final prizegiving this
year, as points from a new series
of five inshore IRC races together
with the Antigua 360 (a 52nm anti-
clockwise race around the island)
and the main RORC Caribbean
600 race counted towards a
new series, the Nelson’s Cup.
The series, run by RORC in
association with Antigua YC,
has been dubbed a great success
and is already scheduled to run
in the same format next year as a
highlight of the Caribbean race
season. RORC CEO Jeremy Wilton
has billed it as a ‘must-do’ warm-
up, saying: “Many of the teams that
competed this year have said it’s a
no brainer if you want to do well
in the RORC Caribbean 600, you
have to do the Nelson’s Cup Series.
The regatta prepares teams for the
weather conditions and gives them
experience in the actual race area
for the RORC Caribbean 600.”
The winner of the inaugural
RORC Nelson’s Cup was Niklas
Zennström’s CF520 Rán 8
single point from fellow IRC1
entrant Frederic Puzin’s Ker
46 Daguet 3 Corum (FRA).
But if the fight for the overall
win was close, the margins were
even narrower in deciding IRC2,
where OnDeck’s Farr 65 Spirit of
Juno (ANT) won on countback
from Marie Tabarly’s Pen Duick VI
(FRA). Some close racing indeed!
Champagne moments
Rán declared their intentions
early as star of the inshore series
with string of first places in the
windward-leeward races, despite
ABOVE LEFT
Zennström admitting he and the
TIM WRIGHT PHOTOACTION.COM
The VO65 I love
Poland at Redonda crew were “still learning to sail
ABOVE RIGHT
the boat” after launching early last
Marie Tabarly’s Pen summer. He described the opening
Duick VI finished
second in class
day’s 15kts as giving “Champagne
sailing in perfect conditions, big
waves and good competition.” 
With the wind gradually building over
the next two days, an early start for
the Antigua 360 race saw 25kts and a
three metre swell. Rán was once again
showing form, taking line honours in
4 hrs, 1 min, 42 secs, clocking speeds
of high 20s with Niklas on the helm,
and tussling with Botin 56 Black Pearl
(GER) skippered by Stefan Jentzsch
for much of the race. Rán’s navigator
Steve Hayles says ‘sub four’ is
definitely possible and no doubt teams
will be upping their game next time!
First on IRC for the Antigua 360 went
to RORC Commodore James Neville’s
HH42 Ino XXX setting a provisional
new IRC race record despite the
testing conditions. “With the A4 up
and the jib inside it, we topped out at
27kts of boat speed,” said James. “We
had some good sail choices, especially
as the wind speed was at times over
20, but also down to 12kts and we saw
close to 30kts in some rain squalls.” 
But perhaps raising the most
eyebrows as competitors made their
way around the island was Antiguan
kiteboarder, Tiger Tyson, who started
his Round Antigua record attempt
just after the Multihull start, blasting
around in 2 hours 38 mins to smash
the outright record – set by Lloyd
Thornburg’s MOD70 Phaedo3 –
by six minutes. An amazing feat!
The 19-year-old now hopes to
qualify for the next Olympics, but
meanwhile has posted a challenge
to see who can beat his record in
next year’s event… No doubt the
MOD70s will have taken note!
 0%
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Boat test – Catana Ocean Class

What took you so long?

Catana set the blueprint for fast cruising catamarans but hadn’t launched
a new boat since 2017. Now they are back with the Catana Ocean Class.
Sam Jefferson takes it for a spin
hese days multihulls are market owes an awful lot to one
such an integral part of manufacturer, Catana, who was there ABOVE
The Ocean Class
the sailing landscape in the early days of the multihull with her distinctive
that it’s easy to forget boom and, by sticking to a belief that dreadnought bows,
and high freeboard
that it wasn’t so many cruising multihulls could be both
years ago that they were fast, comfortable and stylish, helped
viewed as, well, somewhat esoteric. pave the way for other manufacturers
Yet you only have to take a look at to flood the market with the sort of
yachts such as Donald Crowhurst’s rapid cruisers that have changed the
doomed Teignmouth Electron to way we approach bluewater cruising.
see why they were seen as, um, a It has therefore been something
bit different. The transition to the of a surprise that the company left
current state of affairs whereby fast such a significant length of time
cruising multihulls are taking up between launching its Catana 53 in
an increasingly large sector of the 2017 and its latest boat, the Ocean
Class, which was first exhibited
at last year’s Multihull Show at La
Grand Motte. This probably owes
a lot to the rapid expansion of Bali
catamarans, part of the Catana
group dealing with the comfortable
cruising/charter side of the market.
Nevertheless, if the explanation is
simple enough, the upshot has been
dismay among followers of the brand
who have grown to love these fast
cruisers. The reaction among these
loyalists to Catana returning to the
fray with the Ocean Class has been
both delight tempered with concern.

60 MAY 2023 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

This is because, for the first time in
many years, Catana has eschewed its
trademark twin helm configuration
and gone for a more comfortable and
protected single helm position set
inboard. This is a bit of a departure
for a brand that made a name for
itself with twin helms and lots of feel
and connection with the elements.
First impressions
The Ocean Class certainly looks
the part with her dreadnought
bows, high freeboard and angular
lines giving the boat a muscular,
purposeful look. There is a good
deal of freeboard, meaning clearance
between the nacelle and the sea is
a generous 90cm. This is important
on a multihull as it minimises
slamming in a head sea. The yacht
is designed by Olivier Poncin and
he has gone for a hull shape with
minimal rocker, fine waterlines and,
as you’d expect for a yacht in this
class, daggerboards. The coachroof
is carried quite a way aft and, with
the sliding patio door into the
saloon, this creates a big indoor/
outdoor space as is the vogue these
days. The big question is, what has
it done about the helms? This is of
course the really big change from
previous models and the answer is
that the company has offset the helm
to starboard and it is raised slightly
above cockpit level to provide good,
all round vision while not completely
isolating the person steering. Indeed,
the boat and the helm are definitely
one of a piece because this is a yacht
that feels a little less out and out
sporty than some of its predecessors
with the blend between comfort
and performance, tipped perhaps
slightly more towards comfort than
some previous designs. That said,
no expense has been spared to
make sure the boat is strong, light
and stiff, with foam coring in the
hulls and carbonfibre reinforcement
in key areas of high stress.
The sail plan is a powerful one;
in fact she boasts the same sail
area as her larger sister, the 53 and
you can fly either a self-tacking
jib or a larger overlapping genoa
on the twin forestays. This makes
for a very versatile rig on ocean
passages. Like her predecessors, the
mainsail is controlled using a bridle
system that, at first glance seems a
bit counterintuitive as both main
winches are used to control the sail.
This is because the windward winch
is essentially used as a traveller while
the leeward is utilised to flatten
the sail. This is a clever system
ABOVE LEFT for fine tuning the sail but does
The saloon is carried
well aft creating a mean you have to use both lines in
large enclosed space tandem when you tack. As you’d
when the weather
isn't playing ball. Note expect, the single helm position is
the helm station to very much the nerve centre of the
starboard with large
window into saloon yacht with all lines leading back to
these. The clear intention is that the
ABOVE RIGHT boat can be handled by a couple.
In the saloon
looking forward to
the nav station Cockpit space
BELOW
Multihulls are all about space and
The Ocean Class in the Catana is no exception; step
action – she boasts aboard – preferably via one of the
the same overall
sail area as her big stern sugar scoops as opposed the
sister, the Catana 53 rather towering sides – and you
find yourself in a broad outdoor
area with a bench seat stretching
almost the full width of the transom
and enclosing the space nicely.
This aft area is actually relatively
narrow but, given that the sliding
patio doors that lead you into the
saloon blur the line between indoor
and outdoor space, this is less
noteworthy. Perhaps what is worth
noting, however, is that in a big
following sea, those big back doors
may seem a bit vulnerable than some
other cats in this class. On the other
hand, this set up buys you a whole
lot more interior space, particularly
if the weather is a bit grim.
Up onto the side decks and, as
mentioned, the helm station is to
starboard and is comfortable and
provides excellent all round vision
– a big problem on multihulls in
general. There is a nice bench seat
and all four (powered) winches
plus the banks of jammers are to
hand. A good deal of thought has
obviously gone into how to keep the
helmsman in touch with the cockpit/
saloon, so there is a large sliding
window just below the helm which
you can look down into and chat
Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting MAY 2023 61
 Boat test – Catana Ocean Class
with people below. If you’re a bit
more agile, you can actually jump
down into the saloon this way. It’s a
thoughtful solution though perhaps
less sophisticated than the Versahelm
on the Balance 482, which can be
set at two different heights, while
the Outremer 4x’s use of both tiller
and wheel steering is an elaborate
but fun way of getting around the
problem. There is a small bimini
above the helm to protect him or
her from the elements. Up at the
bow there is a pleasant lounging
area and then the trampoline.
Down below
Using the term ‘down below’ is a
real misnomer given the cockpit/
saloon layout but, nevertheless, let's
stick with sailor parlance. The aft
part of the saloon is the section that
would often be ‘outdoors’ on other
multihulls and consists of a large
folding table and L-shaped seating
arrangement to port. This provides
ample seating space even if you were
entertaining a large party and the
triangular folding table is practical
and also features storage in the base.
To port is the sliding window that
connects the helm station to the
saloon, and below this is storage plus
two pull out fridges. Forward of this
is the saloon proper and this features
a substantial nav station to port with
fine views out to sea plus the sort
of skipper's chair and layout that is
extremely comfortable and pleasing
because it feels like something
out of the Starship Enterprise. You
could plot your course from here
feeling very much like Master
62 MAY 2023 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting
and Commander. To starboard, is
another large L-shaped sofa. The
forward windows can be opened to
provide a through breeze in tropical
climes. The galley is aft of this
area and is L-shaped with a decent
sized sink and plentiful storage.
Stepping down into the hulls,
you have a choice of a number
of layouts. The most popular will
doubtless be the owner’s version
with a full suite in the port hull and
a big ensuite heads and shower in
the bow. There is another option
that features four doubles with two
heads/shower rooms, and also a four
cabin version with a bunk room
aft plus twin heads and showers
in both hulls. Whichever option
you take, you’ll find the cabins
light and spacious. The quality of
fit out was good, and the general
ambience was very pleasant.
ABOVE LEFT Out to sea
A well appointed I tested the boat off Catana’s home
owner's suite
PHOTOS: CATANA
base of Canet on a very sultry day
ABOVE RIGHT with fitful breezes that maxed out
The nav station at 12kts. Not ideal conditions but
gives you a feeling
of being on the nevertheless, it was a chance to see
Starship Enterprise how the boat performed in moderate
conditions. First up, leaving the
BELOW
The Catana was rapid, berth under motor demonstrated
particularly when how good the visibility was from
the wind piped up
the helm position. The ability to
see all four corners of a multihull
when parking is vital and this has
been achieved by Catana. Hoisting
the sails was a breeze thanks to the
electric winches, and the sail bag was
reasonably easily accessed despite
the helm station bimini adding a bit
to the boom height. Under sail the
boat proved a willing performer in
the sluggish breeze and the helm
had good feel. Perhaps not up there
with the old outboard twin helms
but the payoff was that the helm feels
well protected and the sail handling
is arguably easier due to all ropes
leading to one single nerve centre.
The boat pointed well on the wind,
easily getting up to 35 degrees and
sitting comfortably in a groove
around 40 degrees to the wind in
most conditions. In the gentle puffs
of breeze, the Catana accelerated
well. I was later to witness the
boat in action in more boisterous
conditions – although sadly I was
testing another yacht – and she
looked to be a very lively performer.
Ultimately, this is a boat that is
both comfortable and reassuring
but also capable of regularly
posting runs of 200nm, making
for a real mile muncher.
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64 MAY 2023 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting


SAM’S VERDICT
Catana has long been the master
of producing the fast cruising
cat and the Ocean Class shows
it still has the magic touch. The
boat doesn’t offer the blistering
performance of, say, Marsaudon’s
range of amped-up fast cruisers
but it still provides plenty of
THE SPEC
Designer: Olivier Poncin
Hull length: 14.99m (49ft 2in)
Overall length: 15.75m (51in 8in)
Beam: 7.83m (25ft 8in)
Draft (boards up): 1.17m (3ft 10in)
Draft (boards down): 2.49m (8ft3in)
Light displacement: 14.5T (19.5t)
thrills while also dishing out high
levels of creature comfort, ease of
handling and fast cruising potential.
LOOKS: HHHHH
PERFORMANCE: HHHHH
BLUE WATER: HHH HH
Engines: 2 x 45cv/HP or 57cv/HP
Fresh water: 800L
Price: €915,000 to €1,250,000
Contact: catana.com
Boat test – Catana Ocean Class
ALTERNATIVE
BOATS
OUTREMER 4X/4E
French manufacturer Outremer is Catana’s
great rival and its 4X has been around for
a while now. A touch smaller at 48ft loa
but offering a similar blend of sparkling
performance and blue water comfort. The 4E
is the same hull but features electric motors.
catamaran-outremer.com
WINDELO 50
Like Outremer, Windelo is based in Canet and the
company has made a name for itself as builder of fast,
stylish blue water catamarans. There is a real focus on
ecologically sustainable methods of production and
the boats also come with electric motors as standard.
windelo-catamaran.com
BALANCE 482
Conceived in the US and built in South
Africa, these stylish catamarans also blend
performance and comfort into an alluring
package. The 482 was tested in the February
edition of Sailing Today with Yachts and
Yachting and received a favourable write up.
balancecatamarans.com
Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting MAY 2023 65
 EXPERTS' FORUM
Unchartered
waters
In the first of a series, Tom
Fletcher reveals an insider’s
advice on how to get the most
out of a charter company,
putting his job on the line to get
you the best value
orking in the
office over
the winter is a
blessing. Don’t
get me wrong,
I love the
boatyard on a sunny day; maintaining
the charter fleet is great. But even at
Sail Ionian, when it’s cold and raining,
I’ll take the office, and its endless cups
of tea, any day. I really enjoy dealing
with potential guests’ enquiries,
it’s really all just boat chat, isn’t it?
And everyone is in a good mood
because they’re sitting at work too, it’s
raining outside, but they’re booking a
summer holiday! So, here is my low-
down on how to get the best possible
deal out of a charter company,
including all the extras you could be
missing out on – if you don’t ask.
Firstly, take your time. Unless you
are booking last minute there is no
need to rush a booking. Send out
enquiries to several companies, and
consider the options available. Try
66 MAY 2023 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting
to make your enquiry as detailed
as possible, think about what size
yacht you are comfortable with, and
what is really important to you. Bare
minimum; try and include number
of people/cabins you need, a yacht
size range you prefer, the ideal dates
you want, and anything else vital
to you, like slab reefing or in-mast
furling. The more information
you include in your enquiry, the
more accurate the offers will be.
Just as not all yachts are alike,
not all charter companies are alike.
Some charter fleets consist of basic
yachts, designed to be simple to use
and maintain, with few extras. Look
ABOVE carefully at the yacht specifications
An ideal anchorage and equipment list. Consider
in Lygia
whether things like an autohelm are
BELOW important to you. Solar panels are
Think about whether a great benefit, particularly in hot
you want to include
an SUP in your climates where you’ll be running the
list of extras fridge a lot. Lithium batteries are a
recent development, and have huge
power advantages over traditional
AGM batteries. Electric outboards
mean no more flooded carbs – a
god send. And if you’re going to
be anchoring a lot, ask about the
type of anchor, and length of chain
the yacht has. A high specification
charter fleet will offer a lot of extras.
Don’t be afraid to ask for
recommendations. Hopefully the
person you are speaking with knows
their yachts, and can advise which
boats are very popular, and why. If
they don’t, find a different charter
company where you’re speaking
to the people on the ground, at
the base. They’re the only people
who can really offer good advice.
 If you’re looking for an amazing
deal, choose early or late season
dates, avoiding half-term weeks.
Prices can drop considerably off
season, and the weather will still be
a lot better than the UK. Probably.
But if it’s the summer you’re looking
for, then consider if you want air
conditioning, or make sure the
yacht at least has fans in all the
cabins. The days of a wind scoop
being considered enough to cool a
boat are over. If you’re chartering
in higher latitudes ask about the
heating systems on board.
Within an enquiry or two you
should be getting a feel for the speed
and accuracy of the information
you are getting back from various
companies. This is probably
representative of the overall service
level you can expect, and should
hold true for the quality of route
plans and yacht handover briefs
for example. It’s worth asking what
additional services the company will
provide on charter too though. Do
they send any weather forecasts for
example? Do they give you phone
number for marinas, or pontoons
so you can pre-book? What is the
emergency breakdown service
like? If your windlass breaks mid-
holiday, will they try to repair it,
or replace it? Will you be given
mobile phone numbers for the base
manager, and the head engineer?
Remember to check what extras
are not included in the price you are
being quoted; transfers, yacht fuel
and insurance are often not included,
but some old-school companies still
charge extra for final cleaning and
equipment like outboard engines.
If you’re in need of any assistance
now is the time to arrange that too.
For example, if you’re chartering in
southern Europe some companies
will include a free stern-to (Med-
mooring) practice session, Sail Ionian
included. Afterall it’s in our interest
you bring back a yacht without any
scratches! A day or two with a skipper
can be arranged too, which is a great
advantage if you’re a bit rusty, or have
crew who haven’t sailed before.
Will the charter company get
you out sailing the day you arrive,
or will you have to wait until the
next morning? Similarly, could
you bring the yacht back the
morning of departure, or will
you be spending the last night
of your holiday at their base?
Don’t forget to check what
qualifications you need to charter –
several countries in the EU, and others
worldwide, now require an ICC and
that needs to be applied for well in
advance of your holiday, if necessary.
ABOVE (L-R) Always, always ask for a discount
An electric outboard
stowed neatly on
– as a nation we British generally
the port side stern shy away from talking money, but if
guardrail; Decide
whether you want
you don’t ask, you will just be given
to include features list price. Large discounts might not
such as an autohelm;
A yacht manual
be available if you’re coming during
is a nice touch peak season, but you can usually
get some movement on the price
BELOW
A well sorted, colour initially quoted. If they won’t give
coded anchor and you money off, what else can they
chain system. Don't
forget to ask about offer? Most charter companies rent
the chain length SUPs now, can they include one for
free? Post Covid-19 many are not
providing snorkelling equipment,
or lifejackets, but it’s worth asking.
Remember to check reviews
too – Tripadvisor or similar –
may reveal some insights into
past guests’ experiences. You can
actually search within the reviews
ABOUT THE on Tripadvisor – so you can
AUTHOR:
Tom Fletcher is a search for a specific yacht name,
veteran of the charter or just look at ‘flotilla’ reviews
market having
worked as a skipper from a specific company. Also,
and instructor for try sorting the reviews by date,
Sail Ionian, based in
Lefkas, for well over and see what people were saying
a decade. For more about the area during the month
information, go to
sailionian.com you are considering going.
Finally, if you are getting serious
about one of the options, ask the
company to hold the yacht for you,
while you discuss it and deliberate...
until Friday. I worked in advertising
in a previous life, and we were always
taught to do a deal late on a Friday
afternoon. We used to call our sales
rep and be very chatty, just as they
were trying to get out of the door
to the pub! Push for an extra five
per cent off, if you confirm there
and then, it’s known as the ‘buyers
close’. I bet you get it. Happy sailing!
Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting MAY 2023 67
 EXPERTS' FORUM
Swell Navigation

All’s swell In the second

instalment of our
four-part series

and good with author William

Thomson, we learn
how to navigate by
the swells

68 MAY 2023 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

 here is a myth that Polynesian seafarers could navigate
with their testicles. While this might seem an over
exaggeration, there is in fact method to the madness;
Pacific navigators were so tuned into the motion of
their vessels that they could feel subtle changes in the
canoe, either judging that they were going off course
or that an island still out of sight was affecting the swell, giving
them a clue which way to steer. In this article we will explore how
you can tune into your boat and use many of these techniques to
get a better understanding of what’s happening around you.
Before we get carried away with how you can achieve these remarkable
skills, let us start with the fundamentals of swell. When wind blows
over the sea, energy is transferred from the air to water and waves are
born. They start as ripples, but grow in size if fuelled by three vital
ingredients; wind speed, wind duration, and fetch (the area of water
over which wind blows consistently). In short, strong winds blowing
for a long time over a large area of sea will generate powerful swells.
You can judge the power of a swell by its period, which is the time
between two consecutive waves. Short periods below 10 seconds are
defined as ‘windswell’ and typically symbolise low energy and messy
conditions. They cannot travel far, have not had time to organise
into clearly defined sets, and are often found in the area where the
winds are still blowing strongly. But as the period grows over 10
seconds it becomes ‘groundswell’ with more energy having been
transferred from the wind so the waves will travel further, contain
more energy and even grow taller when they reach shallow water.
For navigators, groundswell is the most useful of the two. This is
because they keep a more consistent direction over time, allowing a
navigator to hold a course in relation to the swell. The tactic Polynesians
Fig 1
g1
used was to steer a course by the stars at night and tune into how the
swell moved their boats, then in the daytime they could maintain the
bearing by making sure the vessel kept that specific pitch and roll. Too
much of one and the navigator would alter course back on track.
For a modern sailor, you have the advantage of modern technology
to analyse the swell. When I’m planning passages I use PredictWind
and check the prevailing swell direction over the coming days –
this means I already know which direction the swell is coming
from before I get out on the water and can tune into it quicker.
UPSWELL OF ISLANDS
When a long-period groundswell hits an island, it literally bounces off
and travels back the way it came (fig 1). The simplest way to understand
this is to think of a swell hitting a seawall and rebounding off; you can
see this on a small scale in many harbours in the UK, especially Dover
and Brighton and the effect on your boat is a quicker pitching or rolling
motion. On a much larger scale in the Pacific, sailors have noticed it
happening 50nm off the Marquesas, a steep archipelago of islands that rise
precipitously up from the deep ocean and rebound swell that has travelled
all the way from South America, generated by the prevailing trade winds.
Atlantic shores that experiences long-period goundswells – especially
in Europe where the continental slope is narrower – will experience a
similar effect, especially around steep-rising islands such as Madeira.
Above left: A gap in the white water clearly markes the pass
through the reef; Above right: The picture can be less clear
approaching from seaward; Below left: How swells interact
and wrap around a small island; Below centre and right; how
swell direction can help you navigate by day and night
Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting MAY 2023 69
 EXPERTS' FORUM
Fig 2 Fig 3

Fig 2: Tidal or ocean currents can have a profound effect on the shape of a swell and this is clearly evident from the deck of your boat if
you are attuned to the waves; Fig 3: The manner in which waves behave can also give strong clues to the undulating shape of the seabed

DOWNSWELL OF ISLANDS
In contrast to the bounce-back effect on the ‘upswell’ side of islands,
a very different pattern happens on the ‘downswell’ side. Immediately
in the lee, as you would expect, is a swell shadow of smooth water
that is perfect for anchoring if it coincides with an offshore breeze.
But what is less known are the areas of turbulent patches known as
‘swell nodes’. This is where refracted swells that have wrapped around
the island converge on the downwell side, making confused seas (see
Infographic). The effect is similar to a tide race, with a steepening of
waves where they collide, often in a single area. Once you are away from
it, the seas then calm down again – which is why you should be careful
coming around the edges of landmasses with a big swell running.
While there will always be confused seas in these areas, the size of
the sheltered patch depends on the unique geography of the island and
what’s around it. A solitary island in an area of long-period groundswells
may find swell refracted all the way around. But this effect is severely
diminished if there are other islands and reefs around, creating a bigger
barrier to protect from the swell. For example, Captain Cook noted in
his journal that when he approached a large archipelago in the Pacific
called the Tuamotos, there was a significant diminishing in swell size.
Modern sailors have observed a similar change in the conditions in that
same area today and you can apply this to any archipelago in the world.
If you’ve noticed a change in pitch and roll and it’s not because of
an underwater hazard, in inshore waters it commonly indicates a turn
in the tide (fig 2). If you are travelling downswell and the tide is with
you, the sea will be calm because the swell and currents are travelling
the same direction. But if the sea state becomes choppy – seemingly
without reason – this could indicate that the tidal streams have changed
direction and now the swell and streams are colliding, creating the chop.
Naturally, we have apps and charts telling us when slack water
should be, but it is rarely ever bang on time. Sometimes it is early
and at other times it is late – often by up to an hour. The main
reason for this variation is often wind direction, but there can also be
geographical quirks that affect the time of slack water. In short, you
never know exactly when it will be – but feeling the change in your
boat’s movement can give you a clear idea when it is actually happening,
helping develop your connection with the environment around you.
In the next article William will explore
how you can navigate with the birds.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
William Thomson – founder of Tide School (www.tide-school.
com) and author of Book of Tides – is currently on a long-term
sailing voyage with his young family aboard Luna. Inspired by
explorations, William has drawn upon a mixture of practical
experience and theoretical study to create a series of books and
articles focusing on navigation using our natural resources

LOCAL CHANGES
The techniques explained above are mainly useful when approaching
offshore islands or archipelagos. But these are not the only places
where tuning into the swell is useful; a feel for how your boat
pitches and rolls is equally practical closer inshore, especially in
coastlines with big tides like those we experience in the UK.
If you notice a rapid change in your boat’s movement, the primary
concern should be to check the depth and make sure there is not a
sudden shallowing of the seabed (fig 3). This is especially vital in places
with a sandy seabed, where strong currents and storms can dramatically
change the bathymetry since the last chart was made. The Goodwin
Sands is a notable place where this happens; a catamaran I was once
on showed 1m under the keel when the chartplotter indicated 20m
depth. Lucky we weren’t in a monohull or we’d have run aground.

70 MAY 2023 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

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Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting MAY 2023 71

Charter Guide – Croatia

Dalmatian coast spots

With uncrowded anchorages, a reliable climate, plus fascinating history,
and culture to discover, Croatia is now considered one of the top charter
holiday destinations writes Sue Pelling
he charter holiday to the popular city of Split, so for ABOVE The area off the Dalmatian coast
Hvar town on Hvar
season in Croatia those travelling with young children Island is well worth is blessed with 1,200+ islands and
typically runs from and/or older family members, this adding to your islets and is known for its ‘line
itinerary, with plenty
May to early October is a location worth considering. of historic places of of sight’ navigation with plenty
and with so much Also because of its northern interest to visit, and of short hops between islands
secluded bays in which
going for it, including Mediterranean location, the to drop anchor and anchorages. As well as the
easy access from the UK, and temperature is generally less intense spectacular sailing and the natural
conditions to suit all abilities, it has early in the season, with an average beauty of the backdrop of verdant
become a new favourite as far as 22°C to 28°C from April to May, mountains, Croatia is enhanced
sailing holiday destinations go. which makes it ideal for those who by architectural jewels in places
Its location in the Adriatic Sea prefer slightly ‘cooler’ conditions. like Trogir, Split, Pula, Korcula,
opposite the eastern coastline of The typical wind conditions Zadar, Sibenik, and Dubrovnik.
Italy and its border countries of throughout the season are generally The more you explore, the more
the Balkan Peninsula (Slovenia, light to moderate up to about 20kts charming harbours and ‘secret’
Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, with fresher conditions when the north anchorages you’ll find, which means
Montenegro, and Albania), offers a westerlies or south/south easterlies – there’s every chance you’ll have
short haul flight of approximately known as the Bora and the Jugo – are to make a return trip to visit the
two and a half hours from Gatwick in force up and down the Adriatic. seemingly endless beauty spots.

72 MAY 2023 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

What’s on offer friends, and travel companions BELOW: Sailing. Its Dalmatian Island bases

PHOTO: ISTOCK
Croatia’s popularity as a charter free to participate in the sailing as Check out Sunsail for include Split Kastela, Split Town,
its range of sailing
holiday destination means more much or as little as they wish. holiday opportunities Trogir and Dubrovnik, while the
and more companies now offer this As with bareboat charter, most in Croatia Kornati Island option has bases
option. Before booking however, you companies have skippered and in Biograd, Sibenik, Sukosan and
need to decide on the type of charter fully crewed charter possibilities. Zadar. Some companies, such
that suits you and your travelling A company that has one for as Sunsail, Nautilus Yachting
companions’ requirements/skills. largest ranges of bareboat or and Sunscape Yachting, offer
Most companies that operate in skippered holiday bases in tuition too, which means you
the Mediterranean have a Croatian Croatia is Sailing Holidays’ can even combine your holiday
charter, but the following is a charter division – Independent in Croatia with learning to sail.
reminder of what you are likely to
find advertised, and the type of
charter you need to consider.
Bareboat – If you or someone in
your party hold a practical sailing
certificate equivalent to RYA Day
Skipper Practical, or International
Certificate of Competence (ICC) for
example, and have a VHF licence,
it is possible to charter your ‘own’
yacht without a charter company
skipper onboard, and you’ll have the
freedom to plan your own itinerary.
Skippered and fully crewed
charter – Without the appropriate
qualifications the options are
limited to skippered charter (with
company’s qualified skipper aboard),
PHOTO: SUNSAIL

or fully crewed. Fully crewed is

when the yacht is crewed by a
professional team, leaving family,

Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting MAY 2023 73

Charter Guide – Croatia
By the cabin charter – This is
a good choice for solo travellers
because not only does it offer the
luxury of a personal cabin, but
also everything on board is taken
care of, giving you time to enjoy
the sailing, relax and meet other
likeminded members of the party.
Sunscape Yachting, which runs
flotilla, bareboat, skippered and
fully crewed holidays, has a cabin
charter holidays which starts and
finishes in Dubrovnik. It has an
interesting itinerary to the south
taking in Montenegro, with an
opportunity to visit the famous
walled city of Kotor and beautiful
Herceg Novi amongst others historic
places of interest. The Globe Sailor is
also worth looking at for its eight-
day cruise aboard a Lagoon 400
catamaran, as is Nautilus Yachting.
Flotilla – If it’s your first
time on a sailing holiday and
you don’t a have qualifications,
you might like to consider a
flotilla holiday whereby you
sail in company of other yachts
under constant supervision. As
mentioned previously, those
with an appropriate skipper
qualification don’t need a hired
skipper onboard but with a flotilla
there’s the advantage of a lead
yacht whose skipper is not only
familiar with the local area and
its rules and regulations but will
PHOTO: SUNSAIL
also have the local knowledge
to help plan an interesting ‘off
the beaten track’ itinerary.
74 MAY 2023 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting
More and more companies are
now specialising in flotillas in this
area including Seafarer Cruising
& Sailing Holidays that not only
sails from Dubrovnik but also
Split. With an increase in demand
for Croatian flotillas last year, this
company has reinstated its Split
flotilla with its base in ACI Marina,
which is just 10 minutes’ walk or
a quick water taxi away from this
historic town with highlights that
include the Diocletian Palace.
Nautilus Yachting, that specialises
bareboat and flotilla holidays, runs
two flotillas in Croatia which cover
the coast from Kornati islands
to Dubrovnik. It also has a good
range of yachts to suit all tastes
including Dufour, Jeanneau and
Beneteau. The Globe Sailor has
several flotilla options in Croatia,
as does Sunsail with its two bases
including one in Dubrovnik.
Yacht charter agents
PHOTO: ISTOCK
ABOVE:
The quayside in Split
with the Diocletian
There are many worldwide, on-line,
Palace as an yacht charter, or boat rental agents
impressive backdrop
such as Plainsailing, SamBoat,
BELOW boataround, borrowaboat, Helm,
A sailing holiday Click&Boat, Cosmos Yachting,
in the sun in
Croatia offers an
Island-Sailing, and The Globe Sailor
ideal oportunity that have a huge range of yachts
to learn to sail
of all shapes and sizes available in
Croatia. This is not only a good
option if you want to go it alone
rather than being tied into a more
package-style bareboat charter
deal, but also, you’ll find that most
of these charter agents have a
skippered or fully crewed charters.
Some like The Globe Sailor, have
a whole range of possibilities,
so it’s well worth checking out
what’s on offer, and what deals
are available, on associated
websites from the list below.
Useful contacts
samboat.com
dreamyachtcharter.com
moorings.co.uk
nautilusyachting.com
plainsailing.com
sailingholidays.com
independentsailing.com
seafarersailing.co.uk
sunsail.co.uk
sunscapeyachting.co.uk
theglobesailor.com
borrowaboat.com
helm.yt
click&boat.com
boataround.com
cosmosyachting.com
island-sailing.com
 Over 15 000 boats
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Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting MAY 2023 75

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 Dinghy & Watersports Show
It’s always a great crowd and this year’s show was no disappointment, as small
boat sailors showed their passion for their sport in all its forms over a buzzing
weekend at Farnborough
expert talks and presentations
he RYA Dinghy & manufacturers and retailers from BELOW: the RYA taking place across the weekend. 
Interactive Zone
Watersports Show, across the small boat sailing and was awash with RYA Director of Sport
presented by Suzuki, boardsports community. This year visitors trying out the Development Rob Clark said: “The
windsurfing, winging
was a big success the show welcomed 8,500 visitors, and sailing simulators, atmosphere was alive with passion,
in its second year 160 exhibitors and hundreds of the trapeze rig and enthusiasm and excitement as
360 VR Experience.
at Farnborough boats and boards with some 74 people browsed all the latest boats,
International Exhibition Centre, as boards and equipment, soaked up
thousands of sailors flocked to the expert knowledge and hit the shops
venue over the weekend of 25-26 for some early-season boating
February. There was a buzz in the bargains.
hall as soon as the doors opened “The RYA organises this show
and the event was busy through to to bring together the small boat
Sunday evening, with exhibitors sailing and boardsports community,
showcasing dinghies ranging from and it was absolutely thriving this
a Thames A-rater to a Topper. The weekend. I just loved seeing people
PHOTO: MARTIN KERUZORE

show now encompasses windsurfing, getting involved in the interactive

wingsurfing and foiling, as well sessions, catching up with old
as paddleboarding. It also brings friends and making new ones,
together clubs, training centres, getting inspired to get afloat and
class associations, equipment discovering new ways to do so.”

Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting MAY 2023 77

 ABOVE: Olympic gold medal-winning father and daughter Mike and Eilidh McIntyre take questions from a packed crowd, with
SailGP sailor Hannah Diamond hosting. Eilidh recently announced she will not be defending her Tokyo title in the 470.

ABOVE: The Sailing Today with Yachts and

Yachting team enjoyed a roaring trade at the
show, with a subscriber offer of Dartmouth
Gin proving to a be a very powerful draw

ABOVE: the model yacht-racing pool had a long queue, with experienced practioners and newcomers
trying their hand at the sport. A lively compere kept all entertained over the microphone.

ABOVE: club sailor Ken Fowler, who aims to

complete his Yodare challenge this summer, sailing
his RS Aero around each of England and Wales’ 250
islands, attracted one of the biggest crowds of the
show as he talked about his fundraising challenge.

RIGHT: the Show’s three stages (Suzuki Main

Stage, Knowledge Zone and an expanded
Watersports Stage) all attracted big crowds.
Here keen ILCA sailors glean some top tips
from British Sailing Team members Sam
Whaley and Hannah Snellgrove. There were
also winging workshops and plenty more.

78 MAY 2023 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting


he Wildwind team is looking forward to unpacking
all the new kit for the season. For us sailors, is there
anything more satisfying than opening a brand-new
sail? There’s nothing to compare with the pleasure of
that lovely crispy feel and sound! The Wildwind team
promises videos of them happily surrounded by 78
new sails: YES you read that right: 78 BRAND-NEW SAILS. The
company prides itself on providing quality kit for their clients.
As Wildwind has always been the sailing holiday
designed and provided for by sailors, this shines through
with this current investment in new equipment.
New sails mean you can really make the most of putting all their
coaching tips into action and perfect your technique without being
held back with saggy old ones, so often found on holiday boats.  them just last month: https://youtu.be/VZ2CMnKD6cY
As Niall Peelo, ILCA sailor and UKLA member, wrote in ILCA
UK news last year: “Having done several ‘dinghy beach club’ type
holidays, I have always been slightly disappointed that the boats
have been old, average condition and the sails had no battens.
"I checked out the Wildwind fleet of ILCAs first, and
was honestly amazed. The boats were superb. Some were
brand-new, built by Riotechna, and the sails were all new
ILCA / Laser Intensive Training
Clinic - 7 May
Are your thoughts turning to dreams of podium glory in your
ILCA/Laser this year? Whether you are relatively new to club
racing or a seasoned virtuoso, Wildwind offers a week of
intensive race training in the sun to get your season off to a
flying start. The week covers
everything from boat tuning
and tactics to boat handling.
Specialist ILCA coach Aaron
Smith will be on hand to help
improve your high wind race
boat handling and tactics with
a rescue team as back-up:
if you approach high wind
gybes with trepidation, this is
the place to tame them. The
light winds in the morning
are ideal for perfecting technique and superb preparation for
those all too frequent light-wind UKLA and club races when
patience and technique win the day. As a bit of background
Aaron started off on the RYA Optimist UK National Squad
with a string of podium positions, three national champion
Advertorial
New kit
for 2023
What's new at Wildwind beach
clubs this summer
ILCA logo sails (which had battens), and on top of that
they actually let you go sailing when it’s over 15 knots!”
Positively encouraging and supporting clients to sail in the high
wind afternoons, rather than grounding everyone to protect the
kit, is a USP at Wildwind – thus the name. The bosun is there
every day to take care of the boats – not to dampen your sailing
and learning experience. The all-important Wildwind safety boat
fleet has also been updated over the winter to make sure that
help will always be on hand when needed out on the water.
Additions to the fleet this year will include four spanking
new Hobie 16s, only used at last year’s World Championships
and in the special colours for the event. You can watch a
video of Beach Manager Joe Bennett unpacking one of
Hot off the press is the news that there will also
be an RS800 waiting on the beach this year to fly
round Vassiliki Bay at awesome speeds. 
In the catamaran fleet, the six Hobie Tigers, three FX1
single-handers and three Pacifics all have freshly refinished
hulls with rubber grip for comfort and improved traction
for trapezing in that famous thermal afternoon wind.
titles (also in the RS Feva) and
representing Great Britain at
several World Championships.
He then transitioned to the
Laser 4.7 (ILCA 4), worked his
way up to the RYA Laser Radial
(ILCA 6) UK National Youth
Squad before transitioning to the
Standard (ILCA 7), representing
Great Britain at five World
Championships across all three
rig sizes: so whether you want
to focus on racing the ILCA 4
(4.7), ILCA 6 (Radial) or ILCA 7 (Standard): he’s your man. Aaron turned
his hand to coaching in 2011, kicking off in the UK, where he focused
on the RYA Optimist Zone/Development Squads. With an impressive
list of 16 RYA instructor qualifications to his name, he spent five years
at Wildwind so he is no stranger to all things Vassiliki from instructing/
joyriding and “generally drinking too much”. Having spent the last
few seasons as Chief Instructor and Centre Manager at The Andrew
Simpson Centre in Lake Garda, he will be returning to Vassiliki Bay for
two weeks. Those lucky enough to bag the remaining slots on the 7
May ILCA Laser intensive clinic will be the ones unfurling the 23 brand-
new ILCA sails: any racing sailor’s dream. Visit wildwind.co.uk
Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting MAY 2023 79
 S

W
E
GULL’S EYE
N

HASLAR MARINA
50.7904°N 1.1207°W

This Gosport-based, boatfolk-run marina couldn’t be more convienient as a

south coast base for berth holders and visitors writes Sue Pelling

WASHROOM AND
LAUNDRY
THE CREEK

SEALIFT

BLACK PILES WITH ODD

NUMBERS TO THE LEFT
EVEN NUMBERS TO THE
RIGHT

PUMP OUT FACILITIES

 BERTHING FOR 650 YACHTS
Pontoon rows A-K plus visitor area
near the Lightship, rows L-M

MARINA OFFICE

VISITOR BERTHS

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82 MAY 2023 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting


aslar Marina, in
Gosport is one of
11 boatfolk marinas
based around the
UK and a popular
choice on the
south coast thanks not only to
its convenient location on the
western side of Portsmouth
Harbour, but also the fact it’s
accessible at all states of the tide.
As with all boatfolk marinas,
Haslar is open 24/7 and offers
extensive facilities although it’s
worth noting there is no fuel
berth, which means you’ll need
to make plans to re-fuel at nearby
Gosport Marina. Haslar, however,
has recently been upgraded and
extended with berthing now
possible for up to 650 yachts.
Berth holders who choose to
become an annual resident can
expect a high-end boatfolk package
which, as well as well-maintained
berth in the sheltered waters of
Portsmouth Harbour, also includes
a sought after national cruising
pass, which gives 300 free nights at
any of boatfolk’s 10 sister marinas.
Also included in the ‘package’ is up
to six weeks free storage ashore, an
invite to the berth holders’ summer
party, and complementary tickets
to the Southampton Boat Show
in September. As far as discounts
go, you’ll also get 20 per cent off
boat insurance with Towergate
insurance, and 10 per cent discount
on boatcare and boatyard services.
Boatfolk’s Flexi Berthing plan
is another option particularly for
those who don’t want to commit
to an annual contract, and/or who
are keen to spread the costs with
monthly payments. boatfolk say
this option is ‘no fuss, no contract
but no extra benefits’ included.
Given the huge array of
incentives, its prime location near
the Naval town of Portsmouth, easy
reach of the Solent, and with some
of the UK’s most popular cruising
grounds on its ‘doorstep’ to the
east and west, it’s not surprising
Haslar Marina remains a desirable
option for both annual berth
holders and visitors alike. It is
also close to Portsmouth Harbour
railway station, and has a spacious
and secure carpark plus, in its
ABOVE recent revamp, Haslar Marina now
View of Haslar offers en-suite accommodation,
Marina. One of the
best landmarks for (open this spring) for those
navigation is the who fancy a waterside break.
Portsmouth Spinnaker
Tower, seen here Although there is an easy
directly ahead to access, dedicated visitor
berth area with plenty of space,
visitors are advised however, to
check availability before arrival
because the marina does get busy
particularly in the summer or when
there are special events taking
place in Portsmouth, and on the
Solent with regattas such as Cowes
Week and Round the Island Race.
The marina complex includes
the usual high end facilities you’d
expect from boatfolk with four
sets of toilets and shower blocks
including disabled facilities,
laundry, pump out station (on the
breakwater pontoon), and free
wi-fi. There is also the advantage
50.7904°N of having two on-site restaurants
1.1207°W including Haslar’s signature green
floating ‘landmark’ – The Lightship
– which opens in the spring after
recent restoration, and will offer
fine dining. There is also The Creek
for breakfast, lunch and dinner
with waterside views overlooking
Gull’s Eye – Haslar Marina
the marina. Both restaurants
are open to visitors by boat on a
free, four-hour short stay basis.
For boatcare and repair, this
marina is well equipped with lift
and launch services and offers
a one-stop shop for all boat
repair and maintenance tasks,
from deck repairs to rigging and
electronics. Whether it’s a quick
lift and scrub on the Sealift (a
submersible cradle where they
can lift scrub and relaunch in 90
minutes), or general repairs or
maintenance, Haslar has it all.
Once moored up, you’ll find
the area brimming with places
of historic interest including the
Royal Naval Submarine Museum
and the Explosion Museum of
Naval Firepower close by. Also,
just a short hop over the harbour
(on the Gosport pedestrian ferry)
you’ll find yourself in the heart
of Portsmouth’s Naval Town with
attractions that include the historic
Naval Dockyard – home to HMS
Victory, HMS Warrior, and the
remains of King Henry VIII’s Mary
Rose housed in a new purpose-
built museum. Gunwharf Quays
shopping centre is the place to go
for retail therapy, while a visit up
the imposing 170m tall Spinnaker
Tower offers spectacular views.
Passage planning
Haslar Marina is perfectly located for
easy access from the Solent, nestled
just within the entrance to Portsmouth
Harbour. Upon entering the harbour
you’ll see Haslar Marina’s iconic green
Lightship located on your port side.
When entering Portsmouth
Harbour remember to keep in the
small boat channel if you are under
Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting MAY 2023 83
 Gull’s Eye – Haslar Marina
20m, vessels over 20m must call
‘KHM’ (Kings Harbour Master) on
Ch11 for permission to enter or leave
the harbour by the main channel.
Once you spot The Lightship,
call on Ch80, call sign ‘Haslar
Marina’ or ring 02392 601201 to
request a berth from the friendly
berthing team. As mentioned
previously, during peak season it
is recommended you call ahead to
ensure there are berths available.
To make navigating into the
marina as easy as possible, there
are black piles at the end of each
pontoon, which are marked with
letters – odd numbers to the left
and even numbers to your right.
Cruising ground
Basing yourself at boatfolk’s Haslar
Marina either as a berth holder or a
visitor is an ideal option for making
the most of the extensive south
coast cruising ground. There really
are so many places of interest to
visit and explore along the stretch
from Selsey Bill to Anvil Point.
For those keen on heading further
afield out the Solent, Poole Harbour
is a delight (approximately 30nm),
or further still along to the Jurassic
coastline, a World Heritage Site
which extends approximately 95
miles from Old Harry Rocks, near
Swanage in Dorset to Exmouth,
Devon. The coastline is dotted
with anchorages like Lulworth
Cove, Worbarrow Bay, and the
sheltered waters of Portland
Harbour (approximately 58nm).
But you really don’t have to travel
that far from Portsmouth to take
in all the glorious cruising options
with the likes of Chichester Harbour
just ‘around the corner’ to the east
and within an Area of Outstanding
Natural Beauty. At high water there
84 MAY 2023 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting
ABOVE
Old Harry Rocks at the
are 29 square miles of local
cruising opportunities within
southern end of
Studland Bay, Dorset, the harbour, with the likes of
is a pleasant place to
anchor for lunch in
Bosham, Birdham and Itchenor
fine weather all pretty places of interest with
BELOW
attractive villages that offer
Worbarrow Bay on the plenty to see and do ashore.
Jurassic coast lies just With easy access to the Solent,
to the east of Lulworth
Cove on the Isle of it doesn’t take long to venture
Purbeck across to the Isle of Wight either,
with stop-offs in Seaview, and
Osborne Bay – a great place to
drop anchor for lunch and a have
a swim. Cowes (approximately
9nm) is a popular sailors’ haunt
with plenty of restaurants
and pubs to suit all tastes, but
beware the summer season gets
extremely busy there, particularly
during the annual Round the
Island Race and Cowes Week.
Finally, a bit further towards
the Needles on the Western
Approaches is the delightful
town of Yarmouth (17nm),
which has a marina and well
worth a visit. It’s a great place
for dining out, with plenty of
pubs and restaurants, including
the Terrace – a waterside
Michelin star restaurant.
PHOTO: ISTOCK
FACTFILE
Haslar MARINA
Postcode: PO12 1NU
VHF: Ch 80
Call sign: Haslar Marina
Email: haslar@ boatfolk.co.uk
Tel: +44(0)2392 601201
Prices:
Annual berth: starting from £544 per metre
Flexi Berthing: starting from £40 per metre
per month
Visitor berth: from £4.10 per metre per night
Short stay: (up to 4 hours) from £15
Weekly: £24.60 per metre
On site services:
Yacht brokers
– boatpoint Portsmouth:
+44(0)2392 414188
Boatyard
– boatcare +44(0)2392 584374
Sea school and yacht charter –
Andrew Simpson Watersports:
+44 (0)2392 522777
Four Seasons Yacht Charter: +44(0)2392
511789
Nearest chandlery:
You Boat: +44(0)2392 522226
Places to eat and drink:
PHOTO: ISTOCK
The Creek: +44(0)23 9400 2461
The Lightship: +44(0)23 9400 6170
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Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting MAY 2023 85

Regatta Guide
SUMMER REGATTA
GUIDE 2023
It’s nearly summer and to help you plan your calendar, we’ve invited sailing and yacht clubs across the country to
share their summer regatta dates and delights! As ever our annual guide brings you a full range of stunning venues
- river, inland and coastal - and every kind of dinghy and big boat racing. Whether you’re looking to combine with a
family holiday or compete at an iconic yachting regatta, there will be an event for you!
NORTH
BASS WEEK
5-13 August, Bassenthwaite
SC, Bassenthwaite Lake, Cumbria
OVERVIEW: Nine days of racing in
the beautiful Lake District, with a great
family environment in a setting of
unrivalled natural beauty. Camping
available on site and full social
programme for all ages. A mix of fleet
and handicap racing, with some races
Photos: Martin Allen Photography; Sue Giles; Tim Bees; Holly Hancock
run as a series while others are one-
offs. Excellent value summer race week
and one of the most popular open
events in the north of England.
WEBSITE: bassweek.org.uk
FILEY REGATTA
20-21 May, Filey SC, Arndale Way,
Filey, North Yorkshire
OVERVIEW: Sailing in beautiful Filey
Bay. A total of six races, open to all
dinghies PY1250 and below, with
trapezoid courses for Fast, Medium and
Slow handicap fleets run by national
race officers. Saturday night social and
camping available.
INSIDER TIP: Can your club take home
the Filey Town Council Tide Clock
86 MAY 2023
2022 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting
Trophy for club with the most entries?
WEBSITE: fileysc.org.uk
ROYAL YORKSHIRE YACHT CLUB’S
165TH ANNUAL REGATTA
6-12 August, The Royal Yorkshire YC,
Bridlington, East Yorkshire
OVERVIEW: Six days of racing and a ‘fun’
day in and around the beautiful Bridlington
Bay, with classes for IRC Cruisers, YTC
Cruisers, Yorkshire One Designs and
modern dayboats/sportsboats,
supported by a varied and interesting
social programme.
INSIDER TIP: Book early, accommodation
Ullswater
may be available at the club and pitches
may be available in the members’
camping area.
WEBSITE: ryyc.org.uk
ULLSWATER YACHT CLUB HOLIDAY
WEEK
7-11 August, Ullswater YC, Pooley
Bridge, Cumbria
OVERVIEW:: A combination of racing,
children’s activities, tuition, leisure
sailing and family fun on and off the
water, as well as daytime and evening
entertainment and catering. A packed
five-day programme includes a kids’
club and sailing lessons on a morning
and racing on an afternoon. Also on
offer are opportunities to explore the
lake with the leisure sailing group and
fun water activities for everyone. Tents
and campervans (sorry no caravans)
are welcome on the club’s ‘Birkett field’
with its stunning lake views.
INSIDER TIP: Make the most of what
beautiful Ullswater has to offer – take
to the hills, go for a ride on an iconic
Ullswater Steamer, or simply relax and
enjoy the stunning scenery.
WEBSITE: ullswateryachtclub.org
and ullswatersailingschool.com
EAST
ALDEBURGH YC REGATTAS
6-10 August, Aldeburgh Junior &
Youth Regatta; 13-18 August,
Aldeburgh Regatta, Aldeburgh
YC, Suffolk
OVERVIEW: Located between the sea
and the River Alde, one mile south of
the historic town of Aldeburgh - Junior
& Youth Regatta is for children and
young people up to the age of 21, all
classes welcome; Aldeburgh Regatta
 Brancaster
then follows with a warm welcome for
dinghies, keelboats and cruisers.
WEBSITE: aldeburghyc.org.uk
BRANCASTER STAITHE SAILING WEEK
7-11 August, Brancaster Staithe SC,
Brancaster Staithe, Norfolk
OVERVIEW: Brancaster Sailing Week is
a multi-class open regatta with daily
races at sea for senior fleets and in the
harbour for junior fleets. Briefing is on
Sunday 6 August and there are social
events during the week. Registration is
online via the website.
INSIDER TIP: Competitive and friendly
racing for all the family.
WEBSITE: members.bssc.net
BURNHAM WEEK
26 August-2 September, Burnham-
on-Crouch, Essex
OVERVIEW: A friendly competitive
Cruising -regatta
Cotewith
d’Azur
a colourful mix of cruisers,
dayboats and dinghies. There is a class
for everyone whether IRC, local
handicap, new to racing or experienced.
One design classes are a welcoming
and friendly group. A variety of courses
keeps interest piqued and the race
committee listens to competitors
ensuring that needs are met
throughout. Family friendly with a full
social calendar. A great way to round
off your summer.
INSIDER TIP: Book your mooring early
and ensure you enter when the discount
is valid and follow us on social media @
burnham_week on Instagram or
Facebook to keep up to date with news.
WEBSITE: burnhamweek.com
EAORA OFFSHORE REGATTA
15-18 June, East Anglian
Offshore Racing Association
(EAORA) representing clubs on
the East Coast, principally East
Anglia and Kent
OVERVIEW: This year being a Fastnet
year, EAORA is running its ever popular
Offshore Regatta, a highly sociable as
well as competitive regatta, which
starts with the 120-mile RORC East
Coast Race (Harwich to Ostend) on
Thursday 15 June. Racing continues
with the Cannonball Trophy (Ostend to
Ramsgate) on Saturday 17 June and
Graham Wallis Trophy (Ramsgate to
Harwich) on Sunday 18 June. There will
also be a shorter Haven Combined
Clubs passage race from Harwich to
Ostend on Thursday 15 June to
encourage those who do not need
RORC Fastnet Race qualifying miles to
join in the fun of the regatta.
INSIDER TIP: Be prepared for serious
racing and serious socialising on this
quick spin around the southern
North Sea.
SPONSOR: DXB Pump & Power
WEBSITE: eaora.org.uk
HORNING OPEN REGATTA WEEK
31 July-4 August, Horning SC,
Norfolk Broads
OVERVIEW: The annual Open Regatta
at Horning Sailing Club sees the River
Bure at Horning become a hive of
activity with racing from 9am-
6pm every day outside the
clubhouse. Races for Dinghies,
Keelboats and River Cruisers - and
great for spectators too!
INSIDER TIP: There are great socials
taking place every night, come and
get involved.
WEBSITE: horning-sailing.club
MERSEA WEEK
13-18 August, West Mersea YC &
Dabchicks SC, Mersea Island, Essex
OVERVIEW: The largest sailing regatta
on the East Coast, Mersea Week is
organised by a team of volunteers and
supported by both West Mersea YC
and Dabchicks SC, with both clubs
offering a host of social events
throughout the week. Dinghies and
yachts of all classes are welcome, with
Mersea Week consistently having over
100 boats registered. Join in for a great
week on and off the water.
INSIDER TIP: Free moorings for visiting
boats so no extra cost to worry about.
SPONSORS: Week sponsors: Adnams
and Marine Store
WEBSITE: merseaweek.com
NORTH WEST NORFOLK WEEK
29 July-5 August, various
locations along the north and west
coast of Norfolk
OVERVIEW: Competitive but fun family
regatta week with close racing at a
different venue every day. Organised by
Pyefleet Week
Horning Regatta
the North West Norfolk Sailing
Association, visiting the sailing clubs of
Snettisham Beach, Brancaster Staithe,
Wells, Ouse Amateur, Blakeney, Overy
Staithe and then back to Snettisham
Beach. Nine races in total, with six to
count, providing a good balance between
sailing and holiday, with short tidal
windows meaning there are no long
postponements, so plenty of time for the
family to spend on the beaches. Daily
trophies, weekly trophies, lady and junior
helm prizes - something for all sailors.
INSIDER TIP: Be warned - it is extremely
addictive. Most people having been once
will return year after year.
WEBSITE: norfolkweek.co.uk
OULTON WEEK
20-25 August, Waveney and
Oulton Broad YC, Suffolk
OVERVIEW: Six days of racing for
dinghies, keelboats and river cruisers.
The dinghies are in fast and slow
handicap fleets although ILCAs and
Optimists will also have some class
races. Squibs and local one designs
(Waveneys, Broads and Yare & Bures)
have class races, plus there are mixed
keelboat races. There’s a busy social
programme and some racing in the
evenings.
INSIDER TIP: Find accommodation
afloat if possible, such as aboard hire
cruisers - and bring your children -
they’ll love it.
WEBSITE: wobyc.com
OVERY STAITHE REGATTA
17-20 August, Overy Staithe, North
Norfolk Coast
OVERVIEW: A series of races for
Toppers, Mirrors, 12sqM Sharpies, OKs,
ILCAs, handicap boats. Also some all-in
handicap racing.
INSIDER TIP: Make sure you have a
lifting rudder and an alarm clock.
WEBSITE: overystaithesc.org.uk
Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting MAY 2023
RAMSGATE WEEK
6-11 August, Royal Temple YC,
Ramsgate, Kent 
OVERVIEW: Ramsgate Week is widely
recognised as the ‘friendly regatta’ and
the alternative to Cowes. The 2023 IRC
East Coast Championships runs as a
separate series within Ramsgate
Week. After a challenging day’s sailing
between the North and South
Forelands, you’re a five minute walk
from your berth to the Royal Temple
Yacht Club where you can relax while
enjoying the renowned hospitality.
INSIDER TIP: The shifting sands can
catch navigators out, pay attention to
your depth gauges.
SPONSORS: Icom, Shepherd Neame,
Kent Decking Supplies, Ramsgate Town
Council, Page & Sons Ltd, Miles and
Barr, North Sails, Riga Marine
WEBSITE: ramsgateweek.com
ROYAL BURNHAM YACHT CLUB
CADET WEEK
17-20 August, Royal Burnham YC,
The Quay, Burnham-on-Crouch
OVERVIEW: Welcoming youngsters
with the option of both river and pond
sailing, a great social programme and
lots of fun activities for the youngsters
and their parents.
WEBSITE: rbyc.uk/afloat/cadets/
ROYAL HARWICH YACHT CLUB
JUNIOR RACE WEEK
29 August-1 September, Royal
Harwich YC, Woolverstone, Suffolk
OVERVIEW: Open to competitors born
PYEFLEET WEEK
29 July-4 August,
Brightlingsea SC,
Brightlingsea, Essex
OVERVIEW: Kick off your summer
holiday with a week of sailing on
the East Coast. Pyefleet Week
offers great racing for a wide range
of classes from Optimists to
Moths, plus a full social
programme for all ages. With
fantastic local shops, a historic lido,
its own beach, a campsite on the
doorstep, and the beautiful
Brightlingsea Harbour and River
Colne as a backdrop, it’s a great
place to holiday.
INSIDER TIP: Book
accommodation early, pack your
fancy dress, bucket and spade
and prepare yourself for a good
old fashioned regatta week.
WEBSITE: pyefleetweek.com
87
 Charming Harbour with First Class Mooring Facilities

Only a step away...

Beautiful Georgian Town
New Forest Activities
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Things To See & Do

GREECE THAILAND
CROATIA FRANCE
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NEW IN 2022
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Find out more:

Let’s get social www.lymingtonharbour.co.uk
info@lymingtonharbour.co.uk
01590 672014

Royal Southern Yacht Club

Summer Series 2023

North Sails May Regatta

7-8 May

Champagne Charlie June Regatta

3-4 June

Salcombe Gin July Regatta

8-9 July

September Regatta
15-17 September

royal-southern.co.uk

88 MAY 2023 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting


between 1 September 2004 and 31
Tony Ketley; Chris Brown Photography; Paul Wyeth
August 2015, sailing monohull dinghies
of no more than 5m loa with a 2023
RYA PY no less than 1000. Racing fleets
are expected to include: Optimist; ILCA;
Topper; RS Tera; Handicap.
INSIDER TIP: On-site camping available
for over 15s.
SPONSORS: Royal Hospital School,
Fox’s Marina and Barracuda Bay
WEBSITE: royalharwichyachtclub.co.uk
THREE RIVERS RACE
3-4 June, Horning SC, Norfolk
Broads
OVERVIEW: A true spectacle, the Three
Rivers Race sees upwards of 100 boats
leave Horning Sailing Club to participate in
the tough 50-mile endurance race, which
will see competitors sail through the
night, across the Broads, and lowering
their masts under three bridges.
INSIDER TIP: Great spectator points
include the Medieval Potter Heigham
Bridge and Acle Bridge, where exciting
mast lowering/raising can be seen.
SPONSOR: Yachtmaster Insurance
WEBSITE: 3rr.uk and horning-sailing.club
WHITSTABLE WEEK
2-6 August, Whitstable YC,
Whitstable, Kent
OVERVIEW: Competitive 10-race,
5-day racing series on the sea off
Whitstable - this year Wednesday to
Sunday. Great racing for ILCAs, General
Handicap dinghies including Solos,
Tasars, Merlin Rockets, Wanderers,
Toppers, and catamarans including Dart
18s, F18s and Tornadoes. Live music
COWES WEEK
29 July-4 August, Cowes Week
Ltd, Cowes, Isle of Wight
OVERVIEW: Cowes Week is one
of the UK’s longest running and
most successful sporting events
and is a key highlight of the British
sporting summer. The regatta
sees up to 600 boats in up to 40
different classes take part in
seven days of world-class racing.
To add to the on-the-water
action, the lively apres-sail
atmosphere at Cowes Week
means there are plenty of social
and exciting onshore activities for
the sailors and spectators who
visit Cowes each year.
INSIDER TIP: Be part of the action,
enter online or book a spot on
a spectator boat.
SPONSORS: Musto, Mount
Gay, Red Funnel, Seahorse
Magazine, Sailing Today with Yachts
& Yachting
OFFICIAL CHARITY: Tall Ships
Youth Trust
WEBSITE: cowesweek.co.uk
Bourne End
and entertainment each evening
supported by sponsor
holidaycottages.co.uk, all within
walking distance of Whitstable’s
shops, pubs and restaurants.
INSIDER TIP: Less than 90 minutes
from central London, or an hour from
the M25. Lots of accommodation
available in and around the town but
best to book early.
SPONSOR: Holidaycottages.co.uk
WEBSITE: wyc.org.uk
WROXHAM WEEK
23-30 July, Norfolk Broads YC,
Wroxham, Norfolk
OVERVIEW: Fabulous week full of
competitive racing and lively socials.
Suitable for all ages and abilities,
something for everyone during this
exciting week. There is a full racing
programme throughout, as well as
social events, ranging from fun quizzes
and children’s entertainment to rowing
races, duck races and the end of
regatta party. Members and visitors
welcome.
INSIDER TIP: Pre-book your races and
social events online before the week
begins, call the office on 01603 782808 for
more information or help with booking.
WEBSITE: nbyc.co.uk
SOUTH
BOURNE END WEEK
26-30 May, Upper Thames SC,
Bourne End, Bucks
OVERVIEW: River racing at its best, on
the widest stretch of the non-tidal
Thames. Featuring the Thames A Rater
National Championship, Merlin Rocket
River Championships, International OK
River Championships, class racing for
Wayfarers, plus Fast Handicap. Camping
is just behind the clubhouse, quality
catering every evening, with the Saturday
supper included in the sailing entry.
INSIDER TIP: Don’t miss the famous
sunset cocktail party, this year on
Sunday, followed by a
Caribbean buffet dinner and live music
delivered by These Certain People.
WEBSITE: utsc.org.uk
BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK
15-22 July, Royal Yacht Squadron/
Cowes Yacht Haven, Isle of Wight
OVERVIEW: British Classic Week,
organised by British Classic Yacht
Club, is the UK’s leading classic
yacht regatta and attracts a fleet of
beautifully maintained classic sail
and motor yachts from across the
UK and Europe. During the six-race
series organised by the prestigious
Royal Yacht Squadron, there is
plenty of action on the water and
much of the racing can be watched
from the Esplanade. The complex
tides of the busy Solent deliver
challenging conditions for the
talented sailors racing in the UK’s
most iconic stretch of water for
competitive sailing.
SPONSORS: Spirit Yachts, OneSails,
Classic Marine, Suffolk Yacht Harbour,
Classic Boat, David Murrin Global
Forecaster, Adnams Southwold, The
Dartmouth Distillery Co, Hattiers Rum
OFFICIAL CHARITY: Tall Ships Youth Trust
WEBSITE: britishclassicweek.co.uk
CHICHESTER HARBOUR RACE
WEEK
14-18 August, organised by
Chichester Harbour Federation at
Hayling Island SC
OVERVIEW: Family Regatta week with
class starts for Fireball, Finn, 29er,
RS200, 2000, RS Aero 7, RS Aero 5,
Solo, RS Feva, Optimist and RS Elite.
Combined class starts for ILCA 6 and 4,
RS Tera Pro and Tera Sport, Hadron H2
and D Zero, and RS Aero 9. Handicap
fleets: Fast PY 1034 and below,
Asymmetric PY 942 and below,
Medium PY 1035-1220.
INSIDER TIP: Early bird entry fees
available from 1 May until 30 June.
Four race areas within Chichester
Harbour with the Elite course just
past Harbour entrance.
SPONSORS: Event sponsor Bentley
Walker, supplemented by Chichester
Harbour Gin, Raymarine, Optimum
Timers, Marine Superstore
WEBSITE: chichesterharbourraceweek.
sailevent.net
Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting MAY 2023
Cowes Spring Classics
COWES SPRING CLASSICS
12-14 May, Cowes Corinthian
YC/Shepards Marina, Cowes,
Isle of Wight
OVERVIEW: Cowes Spring Classics is
a regatta for classic wooden yachts
designed before 1970, including:
Cruisers and Cruiser Racers,
Affordable Classic Cruisers around
25ft, Gaff Rigged Yachts and Pilot
Cutters, Day Boats and Raters,
Classic Metre Yachts plus Modern
Spirit of Tradition Yachts. Racing
organised by Cowes Corinthian YC.
Berthed at Shepards Marina with the
Sugar Store as the focus for the
shoreside activities.
Non-racing yachts and motorboats
also welcome.
SPONSORS: Classic Marine, West
System, British Classic Yacht Club,
Simon Winter Marine, Mermaid Gin,
Classic Boat, Shepards Marina
WEBSITE: cowesspringclassics.com
MUDEFORD WEEK
2-6 August, Mudeford SC,
Christchurch, Dorset
OVERVIEW: Family racing and fun
sailing at a sheltered safe location. The
sailing club is right on the edge of the
race area, giving close-up views of
the action. Full social programme
including cycle ride, crabbing, fish and
chips and fireworks.
INSIDER TIP: Have a sail around before
racing starts to find out where the
shallows are.
WEBSITE: mudefordsc.or]
SOUTH WEST
CAMEL WEEK AND JUNIOR
CAMEL WEEK
10-17 August, Camel Week and
27 July-3 August, Junior Camel
Week, Rock, North Cornwall
OVERVIEW: Camel Week is an open
regatta for dinghies and catamarans,
with separate starts for fast and slow
dinghies and catamarans. Regatta
combines handicap and pursuit races.
Beach launching close to the racing
areas in the Estuary or Padstow Bay.
Junior Camel Week is an open
regatta for dinghy sailors between
the ages of 8 and 17 (as at
1/09/2023). Ideal regatta for a first
‘open’ event with plenty of support
and help for newcomers. Open for
dinghies with PY numbers between
987 and 1649.
INSIDER TIP: The format for both
Camel Week and Junior Camel
Week combines well with a family
Cornish holiday.
SPONSORS: Camel Week, Sharp’s
Brewery; Junior Camel Week, John Bray
Cornish Holidays and Anne’s Cottage
WEBSITE: rswsc.co.uk
89
Regatta Guide
Photos: Fowey Sailing; Paul Gibbins Photography; Lucy Burn
DARTMOUTH ROYAL REGATTA
SAILING WEEK
20-27 August, Royal Dart YC,
Plymouth Dinghy
Kingswear, RegattaDevon
Dartmouth,
OVERVIEW: Dartmouth Royal Regatta is a
family orientated regatta that offers
competitive racing in Start Bay and the
River Dart, with a wide range of activities
for all the family, including a funfair and
firework display on the Saturday evening.
The Dinghy Regattas start the week’s
racing with the Juniors at RDYC 20-22
August and Pilot Financial Dinghies at
Dittisham 20-23 August. The yacht
regatta follows with the passage race from
Brixham to Dartmouth on Wednesday 23
August and racing in Start Bay 24-27
August. There will be classes for IRC and
SWYTCF rated yachts, one design fleets,
classics, dayboats and gaffers depending
on the number of entries.
INSIDER TIP: Dartmouth Royal Regatta is
very popular with visiting yachts so make
sure you book your accommodation
early. Details available on the website.
SPONSORS: Salcombe Gin, Pilot
Financial, Paradigm Norton, Chatham
Marine, Savills, Dream Charter Holidays,
Key Yachting, Rockfish
WEBSITE: dartmouthsailingweek.com
FALMOUTH CLASSICS
16 -18 June, Port of Falmouth,
Cornwall
OVERVIEW: One of the largest classic
SALCOMBE YACHT CLUB
REGATTA
6 -11 August, Salcombe Yacht
Club, South Devon
OVERVIEW: A very special
regatta for members and visitors
with stunning summer sailing,
fantastic racing and a SYC
friendly welcome. Golden
beaches and quiet creeks to
explore, the superbly located
yacht club terrace high above the
racecourse has exceptional
viewing of the racing, and there is
a fun ‘après sail’ social life. It’s a
sailing celebration.
INSIDER TIP: Book early to enter.
Accommodation from camping
and glamping to hotels, B&Bs and
family friendly holiday lets all
available in and around Salcombe.
Dinghy berthing passes available
for Mill Bay Beach with a trolley
transfer either end of the week.
SPONSOR: Salcombe Gin
WEBSITE: salcombeyc.org.uk
90 MAY 2023 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting
Fowey
sailing events in the UK, Falmouth
Classics provides three days of racing
and parades for classic craft with a
programme of onshore activities and
coinciding with the Falmouth
International Shanty Festival. The event,
in its 36th year, takes place in the idyllic
sailing waters of the River Fal and
Falmouth Bay with moorings provided
in the heart of the town.
SPONSORS: Title sponsor Atkins Ferrie
Wealth Management
PARTNER SPONSORS: Classic Boat,
Falmouth Harbour Commissioners,
Falmouth Town Council, Royal Cornwall
Yacht Club, Teamac
WEBSITE: falmouthclassics.org.uk
FALMOUTH SAILING WEEK
5-12 August, Falmouth, Cornwall.
OVERVIEW: Seven days of varied
racing for over 20 classes ranging from
IRC yachts to dinghies. Starting with a
skippers and competitors reception at
Royal Cornwall YC on Saturday evening
with complementary cocktails, regatta
bags and a jazz quartet playing on the
lawn, with paella options to book. The
regatta is hosted by six clubs starting
with Helford River SC (6th) then visiting
Mylor YC (7th), Restronguet SC (8th),
Royal Cornwall YC (10th), St Mawes SC
(11th) and Flushing SC (12th) for the
final regatta and overall prizegiving.
Multi class options for entry including
five classes for dinghies. Racing in the
harbour, Carrick Roads or Falmouth
Bay. Daily entries, a three-day series
and seven-day entry all possible. This
year also includes the IRC South-
West Championship.
INSIDER TIP: Register early for the best
entry fees. There’s a fantastic social
scene shoreside with music events in
Dartmouth
Falmouth throughout the regatta week.
SPONSORS: Mylor Yacht Harbour, Hine
Downing Solicitors, Mainbrace Rum,
Ancasta International Boat Sales and
The Flip Flop Shop; Mylor Chandlery and
Rigging, Super Yacht Services Falmouth,
Dynamite Valley Brewing Co, Falmouth
Town Council, Paul Gibbins Photography
WEBSITE: falmouthweek.co.uk/
sailing-week
FOWEY ROYAL SAILING REGATTA
13-18 August, Fowey Gallants SC
and Royal Fowey YC, racing in
Fowey Harbour, St Austell Bay and
passage races to/from Flushing
OVERVIEW: A family friendly event
with racing for cruisers (IRC and YTC),
Troys, Fowey River Dinghies, Falmouth
Working Boats and dinghy handicap
fleets with entertainment ashore. One
of the UK’s best known sailing events
with a long history. Town events
include fireworks, crab-catching,
classic car show, harbour swim and
live music.
INSIDER TIP: After racing each day
sailors gather at either Royal Fowey
YC or Fowey Gallants SC for great
food and drink and a good chat about
the day’s events before prizegiving.
SPONSOR: St Austell Brewery
WEBSITE: foweysailing.org
NORTH DEVON YACHT CLUB
OPEN WEEK
5-12 August, North Devon YC,
Instow, Bideford, Devon
OVERVIEW: Located on the beautiful
North Devon Coast, NDYC Open
Week is a highlight of the club’s
summer season, offering sailing and
racing for all with a varied
programme of events and a social
Salcombe Regatta
programme. Racing includes cup
events plus a regatta series for
dinghies, catamarans and gaffers.
WEBSITE: ndyc.org/event/2023-
open-week
PASAB (Penzance Around Scilly
And Back)
21-24 July, Penzance SC, Albert
Pier, Penzance, Cornwall
OVERVIEW: PASAB is the club’s annual
race that has been running since 1978
and it is made up of three legs: Leg 1 on
Friday night is from Penzance to St
Mary’s; Leg 2 on Sunday is a race
around the Islands (various courses
dependent on conditions) and Leg 3 on
Monday is the race back to Penzance.
INSIDER TIP: PASAB is a great way to
see the delights of the Isles of Scilly.
WEBSITE: pzsc.org.uk/pasab/
PLYMOUTH DINGHY P P
REGATTA
S A
10-11 June, Port of
Plymouth Sailing
Association, Mount
Batten Centre, Plymouth
OVERVIEW: Come to
Britain’s Ocean City
for Plymouth Regatta, with
mixed handicap racing and
classes offered for more
than six boats, this year DINGHY
featuring the Buzz
REGATTA
dinghy-regatta.ppsa.org.uk
Nationals. Free storage,
facilities and social included.
INSIDER TIP: While in Plymouth, visit
local sailing clubs to see what other
events they have in store.
SPONSORS: Rooster Sailing,
Kingfisher Ropes, Cattewater Harbour
Commissioners, Highwater Sails
WEBSITE: dinghy-regatta.ppsa.org.uk
PLYMOUTH YACHT REGATTA
7-9 July, Port of PlymouthCowes
Sailing
Spring Classics
Association, Plymouth Yacht Haven
OVERVIEW: Plymouth Yacht Regatta
2023 will include the J/24 National
Championship, 2.4mR Tidal National
Championship, IRC and mixed YTC cruiser,
singlehanded and white sail racing, as well
as a predicted log event for boats under
motor. Race village and social at Plymouth
Yacht Haven, with bands and
entertainment throughout the weekend.
INSIDER TIP: This regatta has seen sun
and scorching temperatures the last
two years so bring your sun cream.
SPONSORS: Ancasta Yacht Sales,
Hemisphere Rigging, Mount Batten
Boathouse, Plymouth Yacht Haven,
Dart Sails and Covers, Rooster Sailing,
Cattewater Harbour Commissioners
WEBSITE: yacht-regatta.ppsa.org.uk
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Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting MAY 2023 91

Regatta Guide
TORBAY DINGHY REGATTA
50 North Photography; Adam Collinson; Bill Harris
7-8 October, Royal Torbay YC,
Torquay, Devon
OVERVIEW: Two day regatta with
racing for PY dinghies (asymmetric and
non-asymmetric) and junior classes in
stunning Tor Bay on the English Riviera.
Fast and easy access to the sailing
waters, lots of accommodation within
easy walking distance, and Saturday
night social.
INSIDER TIP: Enquiries from class
associations are welcome.
WEBSITE: rtyc.org
TORBAY ROYAL REGATTA
18-21 August, Royal Torbay YC,
Torquay, Devon
OVERVIEW: Racing over three days for
IRC, Cruiser Classes, J/24s and
Sportsboats. Competitors can expect
fun and competitive racing on the fine
sailing waters of Tor Bay.
Free berthing is included in the entry
fees and, from the sheltered harbour,
there is quick and easy access to the
race areas. The town offers an enviable
range of accommodation, restaurants,
bars and car parks all within walking
distance of the club and harbour.
Competitors and their families can be
sure of a very warm welcome and will
enjoy a friendly atmosphere, cordial
hospitality, and great shoreside
entertainment.
INSIDER TIP: The English Riviera is a
great place to be during August. The NOR
is on the website and further information
is available from events@rtyc.org
WEBSITE: rtyc.org/event/torbay-
royal-regatta/
WALES
ABERSOCH DINGHY WEEK
22-28 July, South Caernarvonshire
YC, Abersoch, North Wales
OVERVIEW: Racing for all classes of
asymmetric, doublehanded and
singlehanded dinghies in Cardigan
Bay’s fabulous waters. Continuing on
with the new format started in 2022:
committee boat starts with two
shorter races back-to-back per day
and varied courses, with the traditional
starts from the club line as well, being
wind dependent. Coached regatta fleet
for the novice sailor/new racer. Full
social programme.
INSIDER TIP: Abersoch’s golden
sandy beaches and the spectacular
waters of Cardigan Bay allow SCYC to
offer a fabulous week of competitive
dinghy racing.
SPONSOR: Abersoch Boatyard
WEBSITE: scyc.co.uk/event/
dinghy-week
92 MAY 2023 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting
Torbay Royal Regatta
ABERSOCH KEELBOAT WEEK
21-25 August, South
Caernarvonshire YC, Abersoch,
North Wales
OVERVIEW: South Caernarvonshire YC
is delighted to be organising and
hosting AKW again, renowned for 40
years as a fun regatta with a serious
edge. Fleets: Small Keelboats; IRC1; IRC2;
White Sails (non-spinnaker – split into
two fleets); Sports Boats (new fleet).
Small Keelboats and White Sails will have
YTC scoring. IRC classes: committee
boat starts. Others: club or committee
boat starts, using club marks.
INSIDER TIP: A relaxed atmosphere off
the water complements the
competition on it. Practice race on
Sunday 20 August.
SPONSORS: One Sails (South)
WEBSITE: scyc.co.uk/event/
keelboat-week
MENAI STRAIT REGATTAS
31 July-12 August, Anglesey,
North Wales
OVERVIEW: Racing on the Menai Strait, a
narrow stretch of water separating
Anglesey from mainland North Wales. The
majority of the boats racing are classic
boats such as the Fife One Design, Mersey
Mylne One Design and Conway One
Design. Cruisers and dinghies in handicap
fleets also welcome. The event is largely
based at Beaumaris towards the northern
end of the Strait but other venues along
the Strait to Caernarfon are included. The
regattas include the iconic races from
Beaumaris to Caernarfon through the
Swellies and around Puffin Island.
INSIDER TIP: There is no charge to watch
the racing at any of the clubs along the
Menai Strait.
WEBSITE: menaistraitregattas.org.uk
SCOTLAND
FINDHORN WEEK
3-7 July, Royal Findhorn YC,
Findhorn, Moray
OVERVIEW: A family dinghy week for
Jersey Regatta
Abersoch Keelboat Week
both Handicap and Class (depending on
number of boats) racing. There is also a
separate Novice event for children. All
taking place in Findhorn Bay. There is an
extensive social programme alongside
the sailing which makes this a great
holiday for the whole family.
INSIDER TIP: A great family week with
lots of sailing and plenty of social
events. Get your accommodation in
Findhorn booked early.
SPONSOR: Gale Force Marine
WEBSITE: rfyc.co.uk/sailing/events
MUDHOOK YACHT CLUB
REGATTA
10-11 June, East Patch area of Firth
of Clyde, Helensburgh & Rhu
OVERVIEW: 2023 is an extra special
year for this historic event, with the
club looking forward to its Saturn Sails
Mudhook Yacht Club 150th Anniversary
Regatta. This two-day annual regatta
offers competitive racing for One
Designs such as Etchells, Hunter 707,
Sigma 33 and Garelochs as well as
yachts rated under IRC, and others with
CYCA handicaps.
INSIDER TIP: More information on the
club website.
SPONSOR: Saturn Sails Ltd
WEBSITE: mudhookyc.co.uk
SCOTTISH SERIES
26-29 May, organised by Clyde
Cruising Club, racing at Tarbert,
Loch Fyne
OVERVIEW: The Scottish Series has a
long history of inclusive participation and
offers a variety of yacht racing on some of
the most stunning waters in Scotland: IRC,
CYCA, One Design and Two-Handed,
including short course and passage racing.
WEBSITE: scottishseries.info
WEST HIGHLAND YACHTING WEEK
29 June-4 July, Craobh, Oban and
Tobermory
OVERVIEW: It is the 75th year of this
special event set in stunning
surroundings, with a winning
combination of round the buoys and
passage racing, and an excellent social
programme. In addition to spinnaker
classes, restricted sail classes are
offered for skippers with limited
experience, equipment or crew, which
are also ideal for young families.
INSIDER TIP: Competitors can enter the
whole week, just the passage races or
individual races throughout the week.
Or just one race or a feeder race, before
going off on a cruise.
SPONSORS: Tunnocks, Tobermory
Harbour Association, The Majestic Line,
Moulin Brewery, Treeline Woodlands
Ltd, Ballachulish Marina
WEBSITE: whyw.co.uk
IRELAND
VOLVO DUN LAOGHAIRE REGATTA
6-9 July, Dun Laoghaire Harbour,
all clubs in Dun Laoghaire
OVERVIEW: With over 300 sailing races
across 30 classes and 2,500
competitors ranging from Olympic and
world-class professionals to weekend
sailors, there is room for everyone in
Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta 2023.
INSIDER TIP: Spread the enjoyment
across four clubs.
SPONSORS: Headline sponsor Volvo;
Helly Hansen, Rationel, Dubarry, DLRCC,
Crane Hire, Royal Marine Hotel
WEBSITE: dlregatta.org
CHANNEL ISLANDS
JERSEY REGATTA
8-10 September, Royal Channel
Islands YC, St Helier YC and St
Catherine’s SC, Jersey.
OVERVIEW: Now in its silver anniversary
year, this ‘flagship’ event is designed to
provide three days of fun and
competitive racing coupled with a lively
‘après racing’ social programme. The
regatta is the largest multi-class event in
the Channel Islands area and provides a
very warm welcome to all, locals and
visitors alike. The 25th Jersey Regatta
incorporates the 10th GBR IRC Channel
Islands Championship. Regatta classes
include cruiser/racer, Quarter Ton and
sportsboat (IRC), cruiser/racer classes
(RYA YTC), dayboat, dinghy, sport
catamaran and windsurfer classes.
SPONSOR: Headline Carey Olsen; co-
sponsor Ports of Jersey - Jersey Marinas
INSIDER TIP: Book early for ferries and
accommodation, the island really
buzzes in September; visit jersey.com
for a wealth of information; ship
chandlers and refuelling stations at St
Helier Harbour and St Aubin’s Harbour;
early bird discounts for entries received
no later than 18 August.
Website: www.jerseyregatta.com
 Have a great time with your friends and family, competing in Britain’s Favourite Yacht Race
around the stunning coastline of the Isle of Wight on 1st July 2023.
Please visit the event website for race information and to enter.
Follow us on social media for the latest race news.

www.roundtheisland.org.uk

Race Organiser Race Clothing Partner Race Marine Electronics Partner Official Media Partner Official Partner Official Race Charity

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This Hanse 455 has had just one owner from

JEANNEAU SUN ODYSSEY 410 | HULL IN ONE
The Sun Odyssey 410 was voted Cruiser of the Year at the British Yachting Awards
in December 2019, and it is easy to see why. Clarke and Carter tell us everywhere
you look on Hull in One are innovative design features from the ‘stepless’ side deck
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new and offers a fantastic specification with
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The brokers tell us she has been lightly used and
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her 57Hp Yanmar diesel engine.

Year: 2019 Year: 2017

LOA: 13m (42’5”) LOA: 14.04m (46’)
Beam: 4m (13’1”) Beam: 4.38m (14’4”)
Draft: 1.6m (5’2”) Draft: 2.25m (7’4”)
Displacement: 7,900 kg Displacement: 11,600kg
Hull construction: Glassfibre Hull construction: Glassfibre
Engine: Yanmar 4JH45CR Engine: Yanmar 57hp
Designer: Marc Lombard Designer: Judel/Vrolijk
Accommodation: 4 berths in 2 cabins Accommodation: 6 berths in 3 cabins
Location: Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex Location: Inverkip, Inverclyde, GB
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craftinsure quote: £739.20 craftinsure quote: £866.39

94 MAY 2023 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

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Built for extensive bluewater cruising, this immaculate
Discovery 54 first splashed in 2018. Custom specified at
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raised saloon and a large aft cabin. Minots Light has been lightly
used and maintained by a full time captain. She is turnkey
ready for 2023 cruising.

Year: 2018
LOA: 16.83m (55’3”)
Beam: 4.8m (15’9”)
Draft: 1.84m (6’)
Displacement: 28,000kg
Hull construction: Glassfibre
Engine: Yanmar 150hp 4 cylinder
Designer: Ed Dubois
Accommodation: 7 berths in 3 cabins
Location: Antigua
Contact: berthoninternational.com
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included. £600 Tel 01726 832525 / (ST Spinnaker, Training sail. £1000 Tel 07967
AUSTELL) 813579 / 01749 671456 (CHEDDAR)

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96 MAY 2023 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

To advertise call +44 (0)207 349 3787 or email mark.harrington@chelseamagazines.com
BOATS FOR SALE
PHANTOM 1498. Ovington Phantom,
sailed once! Rig & foils used more.
Paragon mast & HD sail. Milanes foils &
Winder stock. Covers & trolley. £11000 Tel
07738 984826 / (WEYMOUTH)
ANGLO MARINE WANDERER. Anglo
Marine Wanderer. Built 1987 and in
good condition for year; sails are
undamaged and perfectly good for
cruising. Comes with boom-up cover,
outboard bracket, furling jib, trailer
and trolley. Currently on a drying
mooring in Flushing, which could be
made available to the new owner.
£1750 Tel 01326 617621 / 07596 235901
(FALMOUTH)
POOLE AB 36. Varnished mahogany
finish in good condition. Dry stored for
last 20 years. Reluctant sale as lady
owner ageing. Fast boat with many
club wins. Elvstrom self-bailer, oars, 2
suits sails. Original Measurement Cert
signed By Harry Poole. Launching
trolley. Inspection welcome. £200 Tel
07752 623550 / 01292 610919 (AYR)
SCORPION DINGHY 990, INCLUDES
LAUNCHING TROLLEY. Composite
construction. Glass fibre hull has small
hole that could be repaired - 2 suits
of sails, canvas cover only 4 years
old, would wash well. Everything in fair
condition. Decks need revarnishing.
We had a lot of fun racing this boat
in Chichester Harbour on handicap.
£100 Tel 01969 368371 / 07815 643408
(LEYBURN)
SAILBOAT CONTEST 29. Sturdy build
no nonsense boat in good condition.
Good old boat - constructed in 1968
by Conyplex shipyard. Hull #154. Sitka
spruce spars (genuine). Roller reefing
genoa, main, storm jib - mint condition.
Mahogany internior in good shape.
Inboard engine Volvo Penta MD2 in
working order. On the hard in Greece.
£6000 Tel +30 6995483750 / (CORFU)
BARBARY KETCH OCEAN RATED SINGLE
HANDED. Captain Nancy is a ketch
motor sailor 9.91 m length. Accom 6 in
3 cabins. 1973. Eberspacher heating.
Electric windlass. Recon Merc 42hp.
Long encapsulated keel. Scotland Bute
Rothesay Marina plus mooring site
near marina and Kyles of Bute/survey
and photos on request via whatsapp.
£22000 Tel 07917 832254 / 01539 433156
(ROTHESAY)
MARINAS
Arbroath Harbour
Arbroath Harbour
Harbour Office • Arbroath • DD11 1PD
Harbour Master: Bruce Fleming
Tel: 01241 872166
Email: harbourmaster@angus.gov.uk
Classified
KNIVES
MK2 OSPREY (937). Built early 1970s.
17ft long. White. Robust glassfibre
construction. Not race-ready but a
useful trainer or dayboat for up to three
crew. All basic kit and sails including
spinnaker. Launching trolley but no
road trailer. Whatsapp for photos/
full details. £250 Tel 07516 938394 /
(SOUTHAMPTON)
SQUIB 755. Barker Brewer boat,
maximum correctors: Milanes rudder:
original gelcoat, never painted: shaped
keel, no antifoul electric pumps: recent
Superspars mast: main: Batt 8/10 and 3
x Batt club: jib: Batt 8/10 and 2 x Batt
club: spinnaker: Batt 9/10, Hyde 8/10
and 2 x Batt club: floor and bearers
replaced, full epoxy coating: Robbins
lightweight ply: Brian Mather trailer:
£5000 ono. £5000 Tel 07881 780267 /
01248 716821 (ANGLESEY)
DEHLER 41DS RIGID WINDSCREEN -
NEW Brand new acrylic windscreen
for Dehler 41DS. £690 Tel 07714 259616
/ (OBAN)
31 FOOT CRUISING YACHT BY SHE.
A Sparkman and Stephens designed
sailing sloop, with a black GRP hull, teak
deck, beautiful lines and shape. Fully
equipped for sailing, roller reefing and
GRP/Radar installed 2011. New Nanni 21
hp engine and seacocks. Down below:
4 berths, leather upholstery, cooking
galley, separate toilet and washing
area. £9000 Tel 07971 010186 / (NEWRY)
MIRROR 14 (MARAUDER). 14 foot
racing dinghy with spinnaker & trapeze.
With launching trolley and boom-up
cover. £150 Tel 07913 604 574 / (STAINES)
CLOTHING
MUSTO LARGE HPX OCEAN GORETEX
JACKET. Musto Large size HPX Goretex
Ocean Jacket colour BrightYellow. As FITTING OUT SAILS
New (Worn Twice) Unmarked. massive
saving on new price. £375 Tel 07754 NEW
337398 / (CHICHESTER)
CATALOGUE
Rubber seals and trims
for the marine industry
OTHER EQUIPMENT FREE, fully illustrated catalogue
Please visit our website or call
BOAT LIFTER FOR DRY BERTHING. SOLVE YOUR
SEALING 01425 617722
Dry berthing boat lifter suitable for
PROBLEMS
Seals+Direct Ltd, Unit 6, Milton Business Centre, T: (01929) 554308
Wick Drive, New Milton, Hampshire BH25 6RH The Sail Loft,
RIB/Boston/J24 or Keelboat. Fully
MARINEINDUSTRIALCARAVANAUTOMOTIVE
Email: sales@sealsplusdirect.co.uk
adjustable up to 1500Kg. Moor your MARINEINDUSTRIALCARAVANAUTOMOTIVE 16 Sandford
boat on its berth then lift the boat clear www.sealsdirect.co.uk Lane Ind Est,
of the water Approx 25 feet length. BIG Wareham, Dorset,
REDUCTION in PRICE. Make an offer . To advertise please call BH20 4DY
£2100 Tel 07795 966305 / (WIMBORNE)
Mark on 020 7349 3787 www.kempsails.com
LEATHER STEERING WHEELS YACHT DELIVERIES
“Arbroath Harbour has 59 floating
pontoon berths with security entrance
which are serviced with electricity and LEATHER WHEEL
fresh water to accommodate all types COVERING KITS
of leisure craft. Half height dock gates
with a walkway are located between the
inner and outer harbours, which open
• For all wheel sizes and
and close at half tide, maintaining a sprayhood grab rails
minimum of 2.5m of water in the inner
harbour. • Leather Spinnaker pole covers
Other facilities in the harbour include • Handy Pull Tags to open
free parking, toilets and showers, a crew
room, fueling facilities, on site laundry Shackles
facilities and boat builders’ yard.
• Suppliers of Marine Leathers
The town of Arbroath also offers a
variety of social and sporting amenities to Sailmakers & Riggers
to visiting crews and a number of
quality pubs, restaurants, the famous Clyde Marine Leather
twelfth century Abbey and Signal
Tower Museum are located close to the www.clydemarineleather.com
harbour. The railway and bus stations T. 0141 881 4981
are only 1km from the harbour with
direct north and south connections.”
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Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting MAY 2023 97
 Jess Lloyd-Mostyn
Maintenance on a yacht is a year round fact of life and the annual haul out
and refit is always a big deal - though not without its rewards
veryone I know who
owns a boat tends to
think of her as their
pride and joy. They reel
off various statistics
on her as proudly as
parents boasting of their kids’
performance in exams: “she loves
it upwind”, “I can get 7kts out of
her under spinnaker alone”, “mine
was solid as a rock in that sea”. And
much like the doting classic car
owner, relishing the opportunity
to cover his beauty in suds and
wax, we boaters take similar
care in maintaining our vessels,
as a matter of critical safety as
well as one of cosmetic charm.
So, whether it’s every week,
once a month, a seasonal or
annual round of it, a bit of spit ‘For us, our general round of
and polish is a principal element
of boat ownership. For us, our
sprucing up the boat is much like
general round of sprucing up the a spring clean in a house or flat’
boat is much like a spring clean
in a house or flat. We dust and
wipe down surfaces, vacuum and sweep floors, scrub
sinks and toilets, and give the deck a good wash down.
The next level up is a less frequent round of meticulous
stainless steel polishing, gelcoat buffing and waxing and
teak oiling above deck. Chainplate re-bedding is a bit
of a fiddley one, as it involves a strategy for loosening
shrouds and stays in turn but it’s also a very necessary
part of keeping your rig in good order. We’ve exposed
these gleaming stainless plates in our saloon, not only
for easy inspection and maintenance but in order to
celebrate honestly the construction of the boat.
Below deck everything is wooden, a mixture of
cherry, maple, teak and holly all vying for attention. The
trouble here is that in order to properly give some love
to these surfaces, what is called for is a round of sanding
and varnishing every so often, which is not all that
compatible with full-time family life on board. We tend
to tackle this periodic task in stages, prioritising the high
traffic areas of our saloon and galley and starting with
easy removable objects, like our companionway steps
which can be taken out completely, or our washboards.
Convincing our youngest child to fully leave alone
any temptingly sticky varnish is no easy duty, and
the endless sanding dust beforehand means that this
particular job is one best left for those rare times when
we de-camp from the boat entirely when she’s hauled
98 MAY 2023 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting
out and on the hard stand. Wood
has such a beautiful warm glow
when it is well-maintained and
the whole boat seems to hum
with gratitude when any portion
of this chore is completed. The
only problem is, particularly
on a 33 year old boat like ours,
no sooner do you sluggishly get
round to re-varnishing everything,
then the first bit your started
needs attending to again.
Other things are more plug and
play, like for like, consumables to
be replaced. Water filters, engine
filters and fan belts, lines above
deck and hoses below are all on
our seasonal shopping list. Some
items, like toilet pumps and 12-volt
fans, are clearly not designed with
year-round, constant use in mind.
And no one wants a squeaky fan
or a leaky toilet pump on board!
The big drivers of the boat, her
sail wardrobe and the auxiliary
engine, receive a different kind
of care. As they are used most often, their condition is
also monitored closely. Sail patching, reinforcing, or
new UV protecting strips and covers are always tackled
as soon as we are able, geography and infrastructure
allowing of course. But there will inevitably come a
time when there is only so much MacGyver-ing an old
‘Franken-sail’ can take before you need to cough up
and replace it. The same is true of inflatable dinghies
and their associated outboards. Whereas a decent
marine diesel engine will see most boats through
several ownerships. They are forgiving workhorses and
the best approach in caring for them is regular filter
changes, running them only with good quality oil and
fuel, and keeping the engine mounts in good nick.
So add it all together and yes, of course
the costs will mount up. Probably more than
maintenance on a car but less than on a house.
You won’t necessarily see a return on any of this
work, but to keep your boat looking good, running
JESS LLOYD- well, sailing at her best, and enjoying your experience
MOSTYN
Jess and James left the
on her; whether that’s one of living aboard full-
ILLUSTRATION HOLLY ASTLE
UK in 2011 in their time or just playing on the water at weekends, it all
Crossbow 42 and have
sailed halfway round
seems so very worth it to take the time, spend some
the world, growing hard-earned cash and elbow-grease to keep those
their crew en route.
Follow their journey
experiences full of happy sails, purring engines,
at water-log.com gleaming wood and sparkling steel as a backdrop.
 Meet us at
LA GRANDE MOTTE

Exceptional
comfort
Thoughtfully designed for long-distance cruising,
a Privilège catamaran offers the ultimate
combination of technology, safety and luxury.
Contact us to arrange an appointment
to view Signature 510 ‘Ona’ at the
International Multihull Show from 12–16 April.

Inspiration Marine Group are the exclusive Privilège specialist for the UK, Channel Islands and Ireland.
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