AAS JULY 2026 by All At Sea

This month SailGP storms into Portsmouth, bringing worldclass racing, breathtaking speed and ﬁerce competition to the South Coast. SEE PAGE 21

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ROUND THE ISLAND RACE

DAN SNOW OPENS EXHIBITION

The Buckler’s Hard Shipyard Trust has opened its latest exhibition, Beaulieu River at War, with historian and broadcaster Dan Snow attending the launch.

Running to the end of October, the exhibition, which has been curated by local historian Marc Heighway alongside Mary Montagu-Scott, explores the profound impact of the Second World War on the Beaulieu River and surrounding estate. Before the outbreak of war, the Beaulieu River was a quiet, working waterway.

However, once requisitioned for naval use, it became part of a much larger and largely hidden wartime operation. Activity intensiﬁed dramatically, with vessels moving constantly along the river, shore facilities rapidly adapted and land across the estate repurposed to support Britain’s war e ort.

Dan Snow said: “From the Second World War to medieval history and 18th-century shipbuilding, Buckler’s Hard is a truly remarkable place of layered history.”

This free exhibition is open every day 10am – 4pm in The Shipyard Gallery.

PRINCESS ROYAL NAMES YACHT

National youth development and outdoor learning charity, Tall Ships Youth Trust has o cially launched the latest addition to its fleet, Challenger 5, during a naming ceremony hosted by HRH The Princess Royal at Gunwharf Quays Marina. The o cial commissioning of the 72ft steel-hulled yacht marks a significant milestone for TSYT, coinciding with the charity’s landmark 70th anniversary year. Serving as a unique ‘floating classroom’, Challenger 5 provides a vital expansion to TSYT’s sea-going capacity, enabling the charity to increase its reach and unlock the potential of over 300 additional young

people nationwide every single year. The vessel – formerly known as Challenge Wales – was transferred to TSYT following the closure of the Penarth-based charity. By integrating the vessel into its ﬂeet, TSYT has safeguarded a vital maritime asset, ensuring its life-changing outdoor learning mission continues across both Wales and the wider UK for decades to come. During the ceremony, HRH The Princess Royal o cially named the vessel and met with the charity’s sea-going crew, volunteers, supporters, trustees and young beneﬁciaries from Solace Partnerships. To honour the vessel’s

Around 700 boats have already signed up for this year’s race, which takes place on Saturday 11 July.

The 50nm race circumnavigates the Isle of Wight, involving competitors from all over the globe. Setting o from the famous Royal Yacht Squadron Line in Cowes, this year from 7.30am, the event is known for bringing together world-renowned sailors with families and ﬁrsttime racers.

The course record for a monohull boat, set by Mike Slade on ICAP Leopard in 2013, is 3h 43m 50s, while Ned Collier Wakeﬁeld set the multihull record of 2h 22m 23s in 2017, on Concise 10.

Dave Atkinson, Race Director, said: “As always, we are very excited about the race and really looking forward to welcoming everybody. It is a very special day to be part of, so whether you have taken part before or thinking about it for the ﬁrst time, we would love you to be there with us.”

“The race itself is di erent each year but regardless of the conditions, we all enjoy a good day’s sailing. The camaraderie and companionship of the ﬂeet going round make it very special, so do not delay, get signed up and enjoy the Round the Island Race 2026 with us.”

In addition to the race, entertainment will be on o er in the newly-extended Race Village on Cowes Parade throughout the weekend, while spectators can enjoy the race from a host of o cial venues across the Isle of Wight. Entries are open until 8 July. roundtheisland.org.uk

THE BIG HELP OUT

Eighty Sea Cadets stepped aboard HMS Belfast for The Big Help Out, taking part in a unique day of handson learning with the volunteers who keep the ship’s stories alive.

Across two sessions, cadets explored the historic warship alongside Imperial War Museums volunteer guides, discovering what life was like for sailors at sea and the strong sense of community that deﬁned the original crew. They also heard ﬁrst-hand accounts from former Royal Navy submariner and ex–Sea Cadet Mike Allen, bringing lived experience to life and connecting past service with future ambition.

As part of the day, cadets took part in a creative workshop where they produced self-portraits, brought together to form a new ‘HMS Belfast crew’ – a modern, diverse reﬂection of the ship’s company, reimagined by today’s generation.

The event formed part of The Big Help Out, marking the end of Volunteers’ Week and highlighting the role of volunteering in preserving history, strengthening communities and helping young people build conﬁdence and skills for life.

Sea Cadets Chief Executive, Guy Holloway, said: “Sea Cadets is about helping young people grow in conﬁdence, resilience and teamwork. On HMS Belfast, they are not just seeing history — they are learning directly from volunteers who are passionate about preserving it. That connection between generations reﬂects everything we stand for and shows young people what they are capable of.”

heritage, young people from Youth Action Wiltshire also hoisted a branded forestay banner featuring the Welsh Dragon as the ship was formally welcomed into service. This strategic expansion is also an important step in TSYT’s S.O.S (Safety, Operability and Sustainability) campaign – a major ﬂeet reﬁt plan designed to modernise onboard living conditions and ensure the vessels remain safe, operational and sustainable for future generations.

Alastair Floyd, CEO of Tall Ships Youth Trust, said: “We are incredibly honoured to have HRH The Princess Royal o cially launch Challenger 5 today, especially

as we celebrate our landmark 70th anniversary year. This vessel represents an exciting new era of growth for the Trust. Operating as a unique platform for learning at sea, Challenger 5 will allow us to bring our innovative threevoyage programme of Exploration, Empowerment and Leadership to over 300 more young people each year.”

The acquisition and reﬁt of Challenger 5 was made possible thanks to the Worshipful Company of Shipwrights and The Gosling Foundation; to recognise this partnership, Challenger 5 carries the names of both supporters on her hull.

Image: Paula Beetlestone

You will have to forgive us the extensive SailGP coverage in this month’s All at Sea, as the SailGP teams return to UK shores later this month after a successful inaugural Portsmouth event in 2025. I am sure you will join us in cheering on the British crew as they strive to go one better than last year and top the podium. Turn to page 21 to read more about the Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix | Portsmouth.

We have a fantastic SailGP competition for you too! Ahead of the Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix, Musto is giving away a VIP ticket to an exclusive, invitation only Musto event. One lucky reader will have the opportunity to meet two of the Emirates GBR SailGP Team crew, as well as receiving o cial Emirates GBR Team merchandise kit and a bottle of limited-edition Telmont Champagne. Plus, in the news, ﬁnd out which singing stars will be providing the entertainment in Portsmouth, and we report back from the latest SailGP event, which took place in Canada. Are the Brits coming into Portsmouth on a high? Turn to page 12 to ﬁnd out.

However, SailGP is not the only big event happening this month with, on 11 July, the much-loved Round the Island Race taking place. Still considering it? Entries are open until 8 July, so don’t hang around! We would love to hear your stories and see your pictures from the day. Send them to editor@allatsea.co.uk and we will feature them in the next issue.

Staying with the Isle of Wight, and coming soon as well is, of course, Cowes Week. Celebrating an incredible 200 years, this year’s is a not to be missed event. See page 18 to ﬁnd out more, but I can say that the ﬁreworks are back!

A much longer event than any of those mentioned so far is the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, which sees crews racing more than 40,000nm around the globe over around 11 months. Reaching its conclusion this month, we caught up with 21-year-old Ella Hebron who is skippering Team Washington DC. Read more about Ella and her journey to Clipper skipper on page 22 and look out for the Clipper yachts arriving in Portsmouth on 25 July.

One man very familiar with racing around the world was

French sailor Charlie Dalin who sadly passed away in June. His record-breaking Vendée Globe victory, alongside his many other achievements, inspired sailors worldwide. The sailing world has lost one of the greats, but Charlie leaves an incredible legacy.

Wooden boat building is a subject we love and have featured several times this year already; this month we have more great stories for you. First up, on page 26, a Shootin’ the Breeze with Emily Stokes, student turned tutor on the Boat Building Academy’s ﬂagship boat building course in Lyme Regis. Discover her journey to becoming a tutor at the BBA.

Staying with the BBA, we also have a story with a Canadian connection. Brenden George, from Toronto, took the Youth Mobility Scheme visa route and trained at the BBA in Lyme Regis. Less than a year later he is working for one of the UK’s premier luxury yacht builders! Read more about Brenden on page 28.

Enjoy the issue!

By Jane Hyde

WIN WITH ALL AT SEA

Saturday11thJuly

Theiconic RoundtheIslandRace returnsthismonth,andthere’sstilltimetobepartofthe action.The50-nauticalmileracearoundtheIsleofWightpromisestobeanotherspectacular event,withhundredsofboatstakingpart.YouhaveuntilWednesday8thJulytoenter,via roundtheisland.org.uk, sosignuptoday!

Race for All

“We’rereallyexcitedaboutthe raceandlookingforwardtothe latestinstalmentofthisamazing event.Eachyearisdifferent,each raceisdifferentandit’ssucha brillianteventtobeinvolvedin. Comeandjoinusandbepartof anothericonicoccasion.”

“We’re really excited about the race and looking forward to the latest instalment of this amazing event. Each year is di erent, each race is di erent and it’s such a brilliant event to be involved in. Come and join us and be part of another iconic occasion.”

DaveAtkinson,RaceDirector

Dave Atkinson, Race Director

Whetheryouareasupercompetitivesailororjustlovebeing onthewater,RoundtheIslandisverymuchopentoall.Worldrenownedsailors, familiesandfirst-timeracerswilltaketheir placeonthestartline,withnearly200prizesupforgrabs.

Whether you are a super competitive sailor or just love being on the water, Round the Island is very much open to all. World-renowned sailors, families and ﬁrst-time racers will take their place on the start line, with nearly 200 prizes up for grabs.

Newfor2026

Whetheryouareasupercompetitivesailororjustlovebeing onthewater,RoundtheIslandisverymuchopentoall.Worldrenownedsailors,familiesandfirst-timeracerswilltaketheir placeonthestartline,withnearly200prizesupforgrabs.

New for 2026

Whetheryouareasupercompetitivesailororjustlovebeing onthewater,RoundtheIslandisverymuchopentoall.Worldrenownedsailors,familiesandfirst-timeracerswilltaketheir placeonthestartline,withnearly200prizesupforgrabs.

Raceorganisers,theIslandSailingClub,hasteamedupwith HellyHansen tolaunchanew2026clothingcollection,while FairviewSailing,anewracepartner,isofferingparticipantsa chancetowinaseven-daycharterexperience.Moredetails roundtheisland.org.uk DaveAtkinson,RaceDirector

DaveAtkinson,RaceDirector

Race organisers, the Island Sailing Club, has teamed up with Helly Hansen to launch a new 2026 clothing collection, while Fairview Sailing, a new race partner, is o ering participants a chance to win a seven-day charter experience. More details availabe at roundtheisland.org.uk

Signupatroundtheisland.org.uk

GB1 BEGINS BASE CONSTRUCTION

The British America’s Cup team, GB1, has collected the keys for its base for the 38th America’s Cup which will take place in Naples in 2027. Construction will now begin at the site in Bagnoli, with work expected to last until this autumn.

Bagnoli, situated about six miles from the centre of Naples, is a reclaimed, former industrial site that sits on the waterfront in the shadow of the small volcanic island of Nisida. The area has been transformed to house the seven competitors in the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup, as well as providing permanent o ce space for America’s Cup Events and the Race Village for the regatta.

Ian Walker, CEO of GB1, was in Bagnoli to sign the initial paperwork to begin construction, with the ﬁrst of the team trucks arriving with their pre-packed base that served as their home-from-home in Barcelona for the 37th America’s Cup in 2024.

Looking out over the crystal waters in front of the team bases, Ian said: “It is only when you get here and see 14 knots of onshore sea-breeze and the most stunning scenery, that you get a sense of just how awesome the Louis Vuitton

38th America’s Cup is going to be. It is absolutely perfect, and now it is over to our build team to take the concept into reality.”

Ian continued: “I was here just six months ago and what has been achieved has been impressive. As the Challenger of Record, we owe a huge debt of thanks to both Sport e Salute and to America’s Cup Events for getting the Bagnoli site to this point, and for us to be in a position to start construction. It is a signiﬁcant milestone for us as a team, and for the event itself, but the clock is ticking as we get ready for sailing and developing the big boat – the AC75 – in the autumn, which is crucial.”

GB1, as the Challenger of Record, will be based next to the Defenders, Emirates Team New Zealand. The other teams will be situated by agreement and by entry protocol to the east of the Defender and Challenger of Record with teams expected to arrive in short order as the base plots become available.

Ian concluded: “You start to really see the scale, and you start to imagine what the event is going to be like, not only in Bagnoli, but also in Naples and being here now in June, looking out over the waters, it is going to be stunning.”

GRANT AWARDED

The Nautical Archaeology Society has announced a £199,060 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to protect the coastal archaeology of Sandwich Bay in Kent and establish a self-sustaining community group to actively investigate and promote the unique heritage at Sandwich Bay.

This grant for its Coastal Pasts –Connecting Community with Coastal Heritage at Sandwich Bay project is the largest single grant the Nautical Archaeology Society has received in its 50-year history.

Sandwich Bay has a signiﬁcant heritage that spans hundreds of years, but it is under immediate and accelerating threat

RNLI VOLUNTEERS AND STAFF RECOGNISED IN KING’S BIRTHDAY HONOURS

Six RNLI volunteers and sta have been recognised in The King’s Birthday Honours for their dedication and commitment to the lifesaving charity.

RNLI Chief Executive Peter Sparkes said: “I am always astounded by the dedication of our volunteers and sta and these six are testament to the commitment demonstrated by so many of our people. Over 70 years of selﬂess service is truly remarkable, and Les Coe is by no means alone in this achievement; so many of our volunteers give decades of their time to saving lives at sea.

Whatever their role, they are all lifesavers and the RNLI could not do what we do without them powering our

from environmental e ects and human activity and without this funding from the Heritage Fund the 11 wooden wrecks will remain unidentiﬁed, and stories from the multitude of artefacts that wash up on the beach will remain untold.

Mark Beattie-Edwards, CEO of the Nautical Archaeology Society, said: “We are thrilled to have received this support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players we will be able to connect the local community to the coastal heritage at Sandwich Bay and actively protect it for future generations, and for the beneﬁt of everyone.”

Supported for three years by a parttime locally based project o cer, the Nautical Archaeology Society’s multigenerational community heritage group will be dedicated to exploring, protecting and recording the coastal archaeology of Sandwich Bay.

The community group’s activities will include regular low-tide walks, artefact identiﬁcation sessions, training in conservation and photogrammetry, excavation of a shipwreck, school activities, community talks, archival research to identify the wreck and innovative outreach including augmented reality to digitally recreate the wrecks.

To get involved, visit the Nautical Archaeology Society website. Information on how to apply for the community group local Project O cer position can also be found on the website. www.nauticalarchaeologysociety.org

frontline services with passion, talent and kindness. My heartfelt congratulations to these six Honours recipients, and as we enter our peak summer season, my thanks go to the thousands of volunteers who give their time so generously to the RNLI.”

Those recognised are:

n Eric Taylor, Chair of the Penlee RNLI Fundraising Branch, has dedicated more than 43 years to the RNLI and has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM).

n Ian Stroud, Chair of Porthcawl RNLI Lifeboat Management Group, is to receive the BEM and has been a volunteer for more than 34 years.

n Former RNLI volunteer and sta member, Phill Corsi, has dedicated more

FULL CIRCLE

A crew of 70 wounded, injured and sick (WIS) veterans and serving personnel have completed a historic 2,000-mile anticlockwise voyage around the UK in two traditionally rigged tall ships, Spirit of Falmouth and Pellew, after arriving in Falmouth at the end of the Full Circle Expedition.

Over 12 weeks and two days, the vessel visited 22 ports across England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, carrying the Invictus Games ﬂag, helping to build momentum towards Invictus Games Birmingham 2027.

The voyage was coordinated by veteran sailing charity Turn to Starboard and delivered in partnership with Invictus Games Birmingham 2027, raising funds to transform the lives of wounded, injured and sick veterans facing challenges such as PTSD, physical injury, isolation and loss of conﬁdence.

than 44 years to the charity, across a variety of roles and has been made a Member of the British Empire (MBE).

n Leslie Coe has been involved with the RNLI for more than 70 years at Walmer Lifeboat Station and has been awarded the BEM for voluntary services to the charity.

n Andy Burden (pictured), Lifeboat Operations Manager at Cleethorpes, has been awarded the BEM for services to Defence, Veterans and the RNLI. n Jono Dodd, Helm at West Kirby, has dedicated nearly 40 years to the charity, holding a number of roles and has been made a Member of the British Empire (MBE).

Browning of Gravity Industries and raised for the last time on the expedition to mark one year to go before the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027.

Sally Terry, CEO of Turn to Starboard, said: “The T2S Full Circle Expedition was always an ambitious undertaking, but it has exceeded all expectations. It has tested the resilience of both the crews and the Turn to Starboard team, while demonstrating the transformative power of non-clinical therapeutic adventure in veteran recovery.

“Full Circle has shown how adventure-based programmes can complement or even replace clinical support by helping individuals focus on their strengths, potential and future opportunities. Throughout the voyage I have seen ﬁrsthand how lifelong bonds have been formed, lost conﬁdence has been rediscovered and lives have been transformed.

The expedition was welcomed home at a public celebration in Falmouth, with the ships escorted into the harbour by a ﬂotilla of vessels with the Invictus Games ﬂag being transported by Jet Suit to Pendennis Castle by Richard

“Turn to Starboard is committed to building on the legacy of Full Circle, empowering more veterans to discover purpose, embrace new challenges and navigate life with intention, conﬁdence and fulﬁlment.”

Image: Ryan Sosna Bowd

Volunteers recording a wreck at Sandwich Bay in Kent

CRAFTED IN PLYMOUTH

Employees, along with their families and friends, came together to celebrate the pride, skill and craftsmanship behind some of Princess Yachts’ most iconic models at the inaugural ‘Crafted in Plymouth’ Family Boat Show.

Designed for Princess employees, the event was held at King Point Marina in Plymouth and gave attendees the opportunity to experience Princess yachts finished exactly as customers see them. Building on the success of previous family engagement initiatives, over 1,500 people registered for the event, which provided a unique, first-hand opportunity for those who design, build and support the production of the company’s yachts to experience them finished and fully dressed while sharing their achievements with loved ones.

Will Green, CEO of Princess Yachts, said: “The Crafted in Plymouth Family Boat Show was about recognising the incredible talent and dedication of our people. Every yacht on display represents thousands of hours of skill, teamwork and craftsmanship. It was wonderful to see employees sharing that achievement with their families and celebrating the role they

play in creating world-class yachts here in Plymouth.”

Following the positive response, Princess plans to make the Family Boat Show a more regular event.

In further news from the boat builder, Princess Yachts has launched Princess Genuine, the o cial parts and accessories store created to support Princess yacht owners, captains, engineers, reﬁt projects and service professionals worldwide.

Princess Genuine has been developed to help customers care for their yachts using genuine OEM parts engineered to exact Princess speciﬁcations.

Will Green, CEO of Princess Yachts, said: “Behind every Princess yacht is an enormous amount of engineering, craftsmanship and technical expertise, and Princess Genuine gives customers direct access to the original parts that keep those yachts performing at their best. Whether it is a service team completing maintenance, a reﬁt project underway or an owner carrying out smaller jobs themselves, customers can now source genuine Princess parts with complete conﬁdence.”

princessyachtsgenuine.com

END OF CHALLENGE

▲ Andrew Bedwell pictured reading All at Sea last year while preparing for the challenge

Andrew Bedwell, who was attempting to cross the Atlantic Ocean raising money for Cancer Research UK in ‘the world’s smallest boat’, was rescued by the Canadian Coast Guard just a few days into the challenge.

Andrew had departed Newfoundland, Canada for his 1,900-mile crossing, which would have broken the record for the ‘world’s smallest boat’ crossing the Atlantic Ocean. The existing record has been held by American Hugo Vihlen since 1993, in a boat measuring 1.62m.

Just 30nm into the challenge, which Andrew had hoped to complete in around 90 days, he made the call to the Coast

CAMPAIGN TO HELP INCREASE PARTICIPATION IN SAILING

Henri-Lloyd has launched Sail Free, an initiative designed to break down the barriers preventing people from experiencing sailing for the ﬁrst time.

Created in partnership with RYA training centres across the UK, Sail Free aims to make sailing more accessible, more inclusive and easier to get into for anyone curious about life on the water.

Research commissioned by Henri-Lloyd reveals that more than 7.2 million people in the UK are interested in learning to sail, while 13.2 million would be likely to try a beginner sailing lesson. However, cost, accessibility and uncertainty about where to start remain signiﬁcant barriers to participation.

Henri-Lloyd’s ﬁndings are supported by research from the RYA and British Marine, which identiﬁed cost, lack of awareness and perceived accessibility as key obstacles preventing more people from getting involved in sailing and watersports.

Through the Sail Free initiative, customers who purchase qualifying HenriLloyd products will receive a £300 voucher redeemable against recognised RYA sailing courses.

Participants can complete an RYA Start Yachting twoday introductory course free of charge, or use the voucher towards more advanced qualiﬁcations including Competent Crew and Day Skipper courses.

Chris Hammond, CEO of Henri-Lloyd, said: “Henri-Lloyd has always existed to support people who want to go further on the water. Sail Free is a natural extension of that belief. If we want sailing to thrive, we need to make it easier for more people to experience it for themselves.This initiative is not about selling jackets. It is about opening doors, creating opportunities and helping the next generation discover the freedom, adventure and wellbeing that life on the water can bring.”

Sailing centres are being encouraged to join the Sail Free programme, helping more people access recognised training and experience the beneﬁts of life on the water.

“STEP ABOARD A LIVING PIECE OF MARITIME HISTORY”

Guard. Sadly his aluminium vessel Big C V2, which measured 1.2m long, had to be abandoned.

Andrew said: “This time I felt much better prepared. The boat was designed and built especially, I was physically and mentally in much better shape and I had very high hopes of success. I had three good days at sea and it was going very well, I was covering good ground and the boat was sailing fantastically.

“On day three what I can only describe as a ﬂuke accident happened, which would have meant a risk to my life, I decided the best option was to return to shore, as I was only three days in and 90 miles away, I could then hopefully make minor repairs and set sail again. I was hopeful that the boat could be towed back in, but unfortunately that did not prove to be possible and sadly we had to abandon the boat at sea.”

Andrew will not attemp the record a third time after this second attempt; the challenge in 2023 ended when the original vessel was damaged before launch.

Andrew added: “I would truly love to break this record, but there comes a time when you have to ask yourself at what cost. Not just to myself but to everybody else who is involved. I was undertaking this challenge for three reasons: to push myself, to inspire others and to raise as much money for charity as possible.

Those three reasons are still at the forefront of my mind and I will continue to do things that contribute to those.”

The heritage sailing trawler Vigilance of Brixham has passed its ﬁnal safety inspection and has been cleared to carry passengers, paving the way for the start of public cruises this summer.

The vessel celebrates its centenary in 2026 following a major four-year restoration project costing almost £2 million. Funded largely through grants from the National Heritage Memorial Fund and the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the project has returned one of Brixham’s most iconic vessels to sailing condition.

The restoration included extensive work at specialist shipyard Stirling & Son in Devonport, where the vessel received a new hull and deck. Built at the

renowned Upham shipyard in Brixham in 1926, Vigilance was the last sailing trawler constructed in the town and is listed on the UK Register of Historic Ships. Today the vessel is owned and operated entirely by volunteers.

Chair of Trustees, Rob Murray said:

“This vessel is an important part of Brixham’s maritime heritage and bringing her back to life has been a remarkable achievement by our volunteers, supporters and funders.

“We are recruiting skippers with a commercial endorsement to join our existing team and we have begun crew training – familiarising the deck crew with the boat after a four-year break.

As we increase our sailings, skippers with the commercial qualiﬁcation are invited to contact me with a view to joining the team. We expect to welcome passengers on board from mid-July.”

Moored at Brixham Harbour’s Heritage Pontoon, Vigilance will o er three-hour sailing cruises around Tor Bay, providing passengers with a unique opportunity to experience a traditional sailing trawler while enjoying views of the English Riviera coastline.

“A trip aboard Vigilance is more than a cruise,” said Rob. “It is a chance to step aboard a living piece of maritime history and create memories that will last a lifetime.”

Image: Ricardo Pinto for SailGP

Vigilance's crew celebrate a successful safety inspection paving the way for her to take passengers on cruises around Tor Bay this summer

Image: Trevor Taylor

CHARLIE DALIN: 1984 – 2026

French sailor Charlie Dalin, 2025 Rolex World Sailor of the Year, Vendée Globe record breaker and multiple IMOCA Globe Series winner, has passed away after a battle with cancer.

Charlie, who was 42, captured the imagination of the sporting world when he won the 2024-25 Vendée Globe, after ﬁnishing second in the 2020-2021 race. While battling gastrointestinal cancer, which required him to take immunotherapy medication throughout the race, he smashed the previous record for the quadrennial event by almost 10 days, crossing the ﬁnish line in January 2025 after 64 days, 19 hours and 22 minutes. That achievement saw him crowned Rolex World Sailor of the Year at the 2025 World Sailing Awards.

Alain Lebœuf, President of the Vendée Globe, said: “Charlie leaves an indelible

mark on the history of the Vendée Globe, through his talent and his ﬁghting spirit, both on the ocean and in the face of the ordeal he faced. Behind the champion, I do not forget the man, and the respect he inspired from all those who knew him.”

Winner of 20 major ocean races since 2004, other notable successes included three times IMOCA Globe Series Champion, as well as ﬁrst places in the 2022 Vendée Arctique, the 2019 Transat Jacques Vabre and the 2012 Transat AG2R. He was also inducted into the Cape Horn Hall of Fame last year.

Born in Le Havre, France, Charlie developed a passion for the sea at an early age and went on to build a distinguished career in sailing. Trained as a naval architect, he combined technical expertise with exceptional seamanship. Charlie made generations of sailors

dream, and his life and his example will continue to inspire.

David Graham, World Sailing Chief Executive, added: “This is desperately sad news. Charlie represented all that is great about our sport and everyone in our global sailing community will be touched by his tragically early death. ‘Inspirational’ and ‘legend’ are words which can be used too easily in sport, but Charlie was both. He showed determination in the face of unbelievable adversity and a commitment to excellence.

“And he did this while remaining humble, approachable and wonderfully generous with his time. His sporting achievements on their own guaranteed him a place among the greats of sailing, but the bravery he demonstrated in ﬁghting his illness means he will be held forever in the hearts of sailors.”

The epic migrations of humpback whales and Arctic terns, alongside the small but vital daily movements of limpets, are among the incredible journeys being uncovered as part of The Wildlife Trusts’ National Marine Week, 25 July - 9 August, a nationwide celebration of Britain’s coastlines and the wildlife they support.

Each year, many species return to or pass through UK waters, following routes they have used for thousands of years to feed and breed. Some undertake extraordinary feats of endurance, travelling vast distances across oceans, while others depend on smaller but equally important movements to survive.

By celebrating the extraordinary wildlife embarking on these epic travels

The Wildlife Trusts aim to highlight the incredible wildlife in UK seas and the connections between them, both within and beyond national borders.

The focus on protecting these species, and wider marine life, comes at a pivotal moment. The global High Seas Treaty came into force earlier this year — creating, for the ﬁrst time, a

legal framework to establish protected areas in waters beyond national borders.

The Wildlife Trusts are calling on the UK Government to work with other nations to ensure this Treaty results in the e ective management of nature in international waters, while continuing to call for action at home to protect marine life in UK waters.

Marine biologist, wildlife ﬁlmmaker and ambassador for The Wildlife Trusts, Inka Cresswell said: “That is why National Marine Week is so important — it is a chance to celebrate our seas and discover the incredible wildlife they support beneath the waves and around our coasts. Everyone can get involved, whether you live by the sea or further inland — from exploring your local wildlife and joining events, to simply learning more about the seas around us.”

Attracting thousands of nature-lovers to shores around the UK each year, National Marine Week features a range of events and activities, uncovering the secrets behind these remarkable species and showing what people can do to protect marine wildlife. wildlifetrusts.org/national-marine-week

THIS TIME IN 2017…

There were major celebrations nine years ago when Britain’s youth America’s Cup sailors were crowned Red Bull Youth America’s Cup Champions in Bermuda after beating defending champions NZL Sailing Team. In the same issue we were celebrating 50 years of Fairline and Hannah Stodel was sharing her post Paralympic plans (she is now Para World Sailing Manager overseeing the promotion and development of Para Sailing with the objective of achieving reinstatement to the Paralympic Games). You can ﬁnd past issues of All at Sea at www.allatsea.co.uk/ all-at-sea-the-paper

NOSEDIVE FORCES BRITS OUT

WINNING READERS

Congratulations to May’s competition winners. James Holyland, Dyfed, won the Ocean Signal rescueME EDF2 electronic distress ﬂare, Kelly Anne Hiam, Sta ordshire, won a Discover Maritime Archaeology Course and Joe Dawson, Tyne and Wear, won a copy of D’you Hear There! Daily Pipes of the Royal Navy. This month’s competitions can be found on pages 14 and 20.

HEARTS & CRAFTS

Cotswolds Distillery has launched an exclusive limited release of 1,200 bottles in its Hearts & Crafts Series. For this latest release, Cotswolds Distillery Single Malt Whisky has been matured in hand-selected American Oak Madeira casks and is non-chill filtered, delivering a rich, full-bodied flavour profile with notes of sweet fruits and toasted spices. This yearly limited-edition series celebrates the Arts and Crafts movement which flourished in the Cotswolds in the late 19th century and stood for the importance of traditional craftsmanship – the same values upon which the rural distillery was built.

UP-DATEDHANDBOOK

The Drascombe Association has published a 2nd edition of their member’s handbook Getting the Most Out of Your Boat. The book, edited by long-standing member Andy Biggs, with contributions by more than 20 other members, was originally published in 2020. It has been updated and additional topics, like alternative rigs and electric outboards, are included. The handbook is given to all new members joining the Association as part of their ﬁrst year’s subscription.

SAILGP MILESTONE

MSP Sports Capital has acquired a majority stake in the New Zealand SailGP Team – completing a landmark milestone for the SailGP Championship, as all 13 national teams are now owned by strategic third party partners. The news follows high-profile acquisitions in the 2026 Season, including Quantum Pacific’s purchase of the Spain SailGP Team, the sale of the Danish-flagged Rockwool Racing to Orlando Magic owner Doug DeVos, and the Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds-backed ownership group behind the Bonds Flying Roos (Australia) last year.

It was a day of two halves for Emirates GBR on Race Day 1 of the Canada Sail Grand Prix as “wacky conditions” played havoc in Halifax.

After a review of the weather forecast, SailGP opted for split fleet racing with the 13 teams split between two groups. The two groups each raced twice, with Emirates GBR finishing sixth in the first race and second in the last race of the day.

Emirates GBR Driver Dylan Fletcher MBE said: “It was a very di cult day out there with some super wacky conditions. We needed to have a bit of lady luck on our side but unfortunately we slipped on a few banana skins in the ﬁrst race, but at least we had a solid result in the last race of the day. We felt like we were chipping away in the last race but we could not quite catch Artemis on the line, but we felt like we were sailing the boat a lot better which was a positive.”

However Race Day 2 did not go as planned for the British team. During practice laps, Emirates GBR su ered a nosedive which caused damage to the wing of the team’s F50 race boat. All team members were OK, but the damage to the wing meant they were unable to race.

Dylan Fletcher said: “We were just doing our typical warm-up laps and in a bearaway around the top mark we lost the rudders and the boat spun round out of control into the gybe and broke the wing.

“It is obviously very disappointing to not have raced but we are very thankful that

STAR POWER IN PORTSMOUTH

Singer-songwriter Craig David and pop sensation Jess Glynne will bring star power to this summer’s Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix | Portsmouth.

The performers will headline SailGP’s Après-Sail experience, across a weekend of high-speed racing and entertainment on 25 - 26 July. Taking place on Southsea Common, the performances will follow each day’s racing, with Jess Glynne taking to the stage on Saturday 25 July and Craig David closing the weekend with his TS5 show on Sunday 26 July.

Set against the backdrop of the Solent, the performances will take place on the main stage in front of the Waterfront Grandstands, with fans able to follow the action live across big screens throughout the Race Stadium.

SailGP’s Chief Marketing O cer, Leah Davis said: “Portsmouth delivered an incredible atmosphere for SailGP’s debut last year, and we are building on

that momentum as one of our most iconic stops in 2026. Having Jess Glynne and Craig David headline our AprèsSail music programme brings an incredible new energy to the weekend, pairing worldclass racing with worldclass live music. It is the perfect blend of highspeed sport, summer atmosphere and headline entertainment that SailGP has become known for.”

The Après-Sail line-up forms part of the waterfront experience, with 20,000 fans expected across the two days. As well as the high-speed racing from the league’s cutting-edge F50 catamarans ﬂying just metres from land, fans can expect live DJs, roaming performers and interactive activations. The o cial SailGP Simulator will also give fans the chance to test themselves against the world’s best. Tickets.SailGP.com/Portsmouth

RISK V REWARD

the SailGP tech team do such a great job and have a bank of spares, so I am sure the boat will be ﬁghting ﬁt for Portsmouth. We have had a real rollercoaster of a season so far but hopefully we will be back on the up and putting on a great show for the home fans.”

Emirates GBR Shore Team Manager, Matt Haslam said: “There is quite a lot of damage to the wing but in terms of the platform of the F50, that is mostly superﬁcial damage.

"We will give everything a good inspection and do some ultrasonic testing but SailGP has spare wing parts and with the next event being Portsmouth, and so close to SailGP Technologies in Southampton, everything is in good shape for the team to get back on the water for our home event.”

Mubadala Brazil also su ered damage (in Race 5) with the umpires handing down a four-point penalty for damage after the team crashed into a leeward gate mark.

After the day’s racing, the four teams in the ﬁnal were Australia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland, with Diego Botin’s Spanish crew sealing the deal after nailing the start and fending o sti competition from the Swedes. Spanish driver Diego Botín said the result “felt amazing and the team has really good momentum.”

Spain's Los Gallos moved into second on the SailGP Championship standings, tied with Emirates GBR for points – both trailing the Bonds Flying Roos by 18 points.

SailGP’s behind-the-scenes docuseries Racing on the Edge, produced in partnership with Rolex, returns with Episode 2 of its sixth season.

Set against the top-end breeze of the New Zealand SailGP, the question every team on the water is asking is: when does the risk outweigh the reward? At the heart of the story are two athletes who have built their careers on knowing exactly how far to push.

Kiwi Phil Robertson – driver for the Red Bull Italy SailGP Team – grew up without the privileges often associated with the sport he has built his life around: “We do not come from a wealthy background so in terms of sailing I would say it is not the easiest. But dad and mum always made sure we had a boat that could win races.”

In Auckland, Phil Robertson competed with the same instinct that shaped him growing up – aggressive, calculated and realistic about the cost of getting it wrong.

“How do you win on a day like today? It is risk versus reward. You take the start like it is a separate part of the race and ask

yourself: how much are you willing to risk to be P1 at mark 1?”

For Tash Bryant, strategist of the Bonds Flying Roos, risk is something to be managed rather than chased. In conditions as extreme as they are in Auckland, her role becomes the most important on the F50: “My ultimate goal is to let the team sail as fast as they can without worrying about whether we are going to crash.”

The episode does not shy away from the consequences of miscalculation. When the Black Foils (New Zealand) and DS Automobiles SailGP Team France collide on the water, the ﬂeet is reminded of what is always at stake.

“It very much felt like for a second we were passengers on a boat going sideways,” said Black Foils driver Pete Burling. “We were just hoping that the boats behind us managed to give us a wide enough berth.”

Episode 2 of Racing on the Edge 2026 Season is available to watch on SailGP’s YouTube channel.

Image: Ricardo Pinto for SailGP

Shipwreck

Carl Douglas & Björn Hagberg | £35

Hardback with cloth quarter binding Collector’s Edition also available www.bloomsbury.com

This is a photographic collection of the shipwrecks of the South Coast; thousands of ships were lost there over the centuries. From Cornwall and the remote Isles of Scilly, four generations of the Gibson family documented these shipwrecks in photographs, creating a unique archive. This book is the largest ever created on the Gibson Family collection, with almost 100 images presented as never before alongside text by Carl Douglas and Björn Hagberg. This book is published in co-operation with the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, which holds the Gibson collection.

Abandon Ship: Shipwreck in Art

By Carl Douglas, Bjorn Hagberg, Martin Widman | £40

Hardback with cloth quarter binding www.bloomsbury.com

The dramatic, tempestuous and glorious history of the shipwreck, told through centuries of art. The paintings in this book, from many of the ﬁnest museums in the world, transform shipwrecks into powerful metaphors for human vulnerability. Embark on a journey spanning several centuries, from medieval mythical disasters via Romantic tragedies to shipwrecks in the contemporary realist era.

SAILTIES ADVENTURES

SailTies Adventures, the sailing trip marketplace built by sailors for sailors, has o cially launched.

Finding a berth on a sailing adventure has always been possible, but ﬁnding the right one has never been easy. SailTies Adventures puts the entire market in one place. The platform brings together professionally crewed trips from vetted operators worldwide, all bookable by the berth or cabin.

Berths are available from £300, with trips spanning racing, expedition, cruising and sail training across six continents. In many cases, little or no sailing experience is required at all.

This approach makes the full range of sailing travel genuinely accessible. A solo

traveller can join an o shore racing crew for a transatlantic passage. A couple can take two berths on an expedition voyage to East Greenland. Sailors looking to build their qualiﬁcations can ﬁnd RYA Day Skipper courses anywhere from the Solent to the Philippines.

Dozens of trips are already live worldwide, spanning o shore racing, blue-water cruising, polar expeditions, sail training, coastal adventure and everything in between, with new operators joining the platform.

The venture was developed by the team behind SailTies, the sailing logbook and tracking app.

Chris Jacobs, co-founder of SailTies, said: “Everything we build starts from being sailors ourselves, and we know how hard it has been to ﬁnd the kind of trips that inspire you. SailTies Adventures exists to ﬁx that. By sailors, for sailors and now for anyone who has ever looked at the ocean and wanted to be out on it.”

A DAY AT FLUFFYVILLE PORT

By Britta Teckentrup | Hardback | £11.99

This latest look-and-ﬁnd adventure,

A Day at Flu yville Port, explores the bustling harbour, as it comes to life across seven beautifully illustrated spreads. Children can follow a family as they tour the port, ride the ferry and even visit a pirate ship. Familiar faces return, including the mischievous Bandit Badger as a stowaway hiding in plain sight. Each detailed scene is packed with playful surprises and whimsical characters. Whether it is cranes unloading cargo, seagulls swooping overhead or curious critters peeking from behind barrels, every page invites readers to slow down and explore.

With its detailed artwork, interactive format and irresistible cast of characters, children will return to this book again and again.

Available from good booksellers. For

A month

When you book a 3 month seasonal mooring this summer you won’t pay anything for the ﬁrst month.

Tucked away on the calm waters of the Chichester Harbour in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Birdham Pool Waterside & Marina is the perfect spot – even if we do say so ourselves.

Expect loads of wildlife, friendly crew, and uninterrupted views across the harbour. One of the oldest marinas in the country – with all the modern amenities you need. If you’re looking for a special location to enjoy weekends and holidays with your boat this year, we have moorings available now.

What’s more, when you book a 3 month seasonal mooring this summer you won’t pay anything for the ﬁrst month.

Come and see us, we’d love to show you around. Call 01243 512310 or visit aquavista.com for more information.

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Industry leading 25% NCB* after 5 years claim free.

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BOAT SEA FISHING ZONE

HIDDEN GEM: SEA FISHING FROM AMBLE, NORTHUMBERLAND

While many sea anglers head for the well-known ports of Whitby, Weymouth or Plymouth, the small Northumberland harbour town of Amble remains one of the UK’s most underrated ﬁshing destinations.

Situated at the mouth of the River Coquet, Amble o ers easy access to a wide variety of species and productive marks throughout the year. Charter boats operating from the harbour can quickly reach inshore reefs, wrecks

and rough ground that hold cod, pollack, coalﬁsh and ling. During the warmer months, anglers can also target mackerel, bass and even tope in suitable conditions. What makes Amble particularly appealing is the relatively light ﬁshing pressure compared to more famous ports further south. The surrounding coastline is rugged and scenic, with numerous shore marks available for those preferring to keep their feet on dry land. Rock anglers

regularly encounter cod, wrasse and pollack, while nearby sandy beaches can produce ﬂounder and school bass.

The harbour itself is a thriving working port with excellent facilities, friendly local tackle shops and plenty of cafés for a post-ﬁshing breakfast.

For anglers seeking quality ﬁshing, stunning coastal scenery and a quieter alternative to the UK’s better-known sea angling destinations, Amble deserves a place on the bucket list.

CATCH OF THE MONTH

Send in your best angling pics every month – you and your catch!

BIXPY K-1: POWERING NEW HORIZONS FOR KAYAK SEA ANGLERS

The growing popularity of kayak fishing has seen anglers venture further afield in search of productive marks, but distance, wind and tidal flow can quickly limit how much water can be covered in a session. The Bixpy K-1 electric propulsion system o ers a practical solution, providing reliable power without the weight and complexity of traditional outboards or trolling motors.

Designed for kayaks, inflatables and other small craft, the compact K-1 motor can be fitted using a range of mounting options compatible with many popular fishing kayaks. Controlled via a waterproof wireless remote, it delivers smooth, responsive propulsion, allowing anglers to travel e ciently between launch sites and fishing grounds.

For sea anglers, the biggest advantage is conserving energy for ﬁshing rather than paddling. Reaching o shore reefs, rough ground or distant coastal features becomes easier, particularly when faced with adverse wind or tidal conditions. The motor can also be used for precise positioning when working a mark or making small adjustments during a drift.

Its rechargeable lithium battery provides ample runtime for most day trips, with performance varying according to speed, craft type and sea conditions.

Safety is another key beneﬁt. While no propulsion system replaces sound planning and seamanship, having powered assistance available can make returning to shore more manageable if conditions deteriorate or fatigue sets in.

Beyond kayaks, the Bixpy K-1 is equally e ective on small inﬂatables, tenders and lightweight ﬁshing boats, o ering a clean, low-maintenance alternative to petrol-powered engines.

For anglers looking to extend their range, improve e ciency and spend more time ﬁshing, the Bixpy K-1 is a versatile addition that enhances both capability and conﬁdence on the water.

If yours is the winning photo, you will receive a RAILBLAZA Rod Holder R* and cap. Email your photo to editor@allatsea.co.uk including your name, ﬁsh species and where it was caught.

This month’s winner is James Heighes with a common carp caught at the Isle of Wight. The runner-up is Florence Jennings, with her ﬁrst shore caught ﬁsh, a bass (63cm).

See more of your catches at www.allatsea.co.uk.

The K-1’s quiet electric operation is well suited to inshore ﬁshing, producing minimal disturbance while maintaining excellent manoeuvrability.

BAIT OF THE MONTH

SQUID:

The Summer Big-Fish Magnet

night sessions when larger predators become more active.

Send us your catch photo and you could win a prize from RAILBLAZA too!

July is prime time for sea anglers around the UK coast, with warm water temperatures bringing a wide range of species within casting distance. When it comes to targeting larger ﬁsh, few baits can rival the e ectiveness of squid.

Simple pulley or running ledger rigs are all that is needed, with larger hook sizes helping to present bigger baits confidently. For added attraction, many anglers pair squid with mackerel strip to create a scent-rich presentation that bigger fish find di cult to ignore.

Tough, durable and packed with natural scent, squid is a versatile bait that can be presented whole, as strips or combined with other baits in cocktails. Its resilience makes it ideal for ﬁshing in strong tides and rough ground, where softer baits can quickly be stripped away.

Throughout July, squid is particularly e ective for bass, smoothhound, rays, huss and conger eel, making it a favourite among anglers targeting specimen ﬁsh from both shore and boat.

Reliable, readily available and capable of attracting some of the UK’s most powerful inshore species, squid is a deserving Bait of the Month for July and a staple in any serious sea angler’s bait freezer.

It excels over mixed ground, rocky marks, estuary channels and surf beaches, especially during evening and

COWES WEEK BICENTENARY

Every summer, the busy waters of the Solent come alive with colour, competition and celebration as Cowes Week, which is celebrating its bicentenary in 2026, returns to the Isle of Wight.

This iconic regatta is one of the longest-running and most prestigious sailing events in the world, attracting thousands of sailors and spectators each year. Beyond the racing, Cowes Week o ers a vibrant social programme, with waterfront entertainment, live music and a lively festival atmosphere. Combining rich maritime heritage with modern sporting excellence, the event remains a highlight of the British summer calendar and a showcase for the enduring appeal of sailing.

BIGGER AND BETTER

Cowes Week is one of the world’s oldest and most celebrated sailing regattas, with a history that stretches back two centuries. The event was ﬁrst held in 1826 when the Royal Yacht Club (later Royal Yacht Squadron) organised a race around the Isle of Wight for a modest prize of a Gold Cup valued at £100. What began as a gathering of wealthy yacht owners quickly developed into a major ﬁxture on the British sporting calendar.

The regatta’s growth was closely linked to the rise of Cowes as a fashionable seaside destination. During the 19th century, royal patronage played a signiﬁcant role in elevating its status.

Queen Victoria and Prince Albert frequently visited the Isle of Wight, making Osborne House their summer residence.

Their presence attracted aristocrats and inﬂuential ﬁgures, helping establish Cowes as the centre of British yachting. By the late Victorian era, Cowes Week had become an internationally recognised event, drawing competitors from across Europe and beyond.

Technological advances in yacht design added further excitement, transforming the regatta into both a sporting contest and a showcase for innovation. Throughout the 20th century, despite interruptions during the two World Wars and the pandemic, the event continued to grow in scale and prestige.

Today, Cowes Week welcomes hundreds of boats and thousands of sailors competing across a wide range of classes, from

traditional yachts to cutting-edge racing vessels. The regatta has evolved beyond the racing itself, becoming a major social and cultural festival that attracts visitors from around the world.

Despite its modern appeal, Cowes Week remains ﬁrmly rooted in tradition. Its unique blend of sporting excellence, maritime heritage and community spirit continues to honour the vision of those early competitors who gathered on the Solent 200 years ago, ensuring its place as a deﬁning event in the global sailing calendar.

CELEBRATING 200 YEARS

Cowes Week 2026 promises to be one of the most signiﬁcant editions in the regatta’s long and distinguished history. Taking place from 1 – 7 August, this year’s event marks its bicentenary, celebrating 200 years since that ﬁrst race was held on the Solent. As the world’s longest-running annual sailing regatta, the milestone provides an opportunity not only to honour the event’s remarkable heritage but also to look ahead to the future of competitive sailing.

“Two hundred years after a handful of yachts ﬁrst raced from Cowes, the regatta remains a unique blend of sporting excellence, maritime tradition and a summer spectacle”

Interest in the anniversary edition has been understandably strong, with more than 500 boats entered months before the starting gun is ﬁred. Competitors range from seasoned professionals and international teams to amateur sailors and club racers, reﬂecting the inclusive spirit that has helped make Cowes Week a cornerstone of the global sailing calendar.

Adding further signiﬁcance to the occasion is the announcement of North Sails as the event’s new title sponsor.

The partnership aims to enhance the racing experience through improved technology, performance data and race analysis, demonstrating how Cowes Week continues to evolve while remaining true to its traditions.

The bicentenary celebrations will extend far beyond the racecourse. Organisers are planning a programme of special events designed to commemorate two centuries of sailing history. Highlights will include a Parade of Sail, anniversary races including a Bicentenary Gold Cup race, exhibitions charting the event’s development and an extensive programme of shoreside entertainment including an aerial display of stunt aircraft and vintage planes and a week-long calendar of music events for competitors and visitors at locations throughout Cowes.

Visitors can also take the Maritime Heritage Trail from the Royal Yacht Squadron to the Classic Boat Museum. On the way, you can drop into North Sails Cowes Week’s own Regatta House to see a display of 200 years of racing. Also on the trail, the Royal Yacht Britannia Trust is organising a special exhibition of royal racing yachts in Commodore’s House, which used to belong to U a Fox, the famous yacht designer and friend of Prince Philip. Spectacular ﬁreworks – the ﬁrst since 2019 - and live music will once again contribute to the festival atmosphere.

This year sees the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust named as the O cial Charity of the regatta. The partnership reﬂects

Cowes Week’s commitment to community engagement and will help raise awareness of the Trust’s work supporting young people living through and beyond cancer.

As the sailing world prepares to gather on the Solent, Cowes Week 2026 stands as both a celebration of the past and a statement of intent for the future. Two hundred years after a handful of yachts ﬁrst raced from Cowes, the regatta remains a unique blend of sporting excellence, maritime tradition and a summer spectacle - qualities that continue to make it one of the most cherished events in international sailing.

BE A PART OF HISTORY

Whether you are an experienced sailor, a ﬁrst-time competitor or simply a spectator, Cowes Week o ers a unique opportunity to be part of sailing history. Marking the regatta’s bicentenary, this year’s event combines world-class racing with special celebrations, waterfront entertainment and a vibrant festival atmosphere.

Racing starts on 1 August, with the J70 class scheduled to be the ﬁrst start from the Royal Yacht Squadron line at 10.30am. The ﬁnal Prizegiving will take place on 7 August. Visitors can enjoy spectacular views of hundreds of yachts competing on the Solent, while participants experience the thrill of racing in one of the sport’s most prestigious events. With its blend of tradition, competition and community spirit, this year’s Cowes Week promises an unforgettable experience both on and o the water. n

INFORMATION

Cowes Week

n 1 – 7 August

n Standard entries open until: 18 July

n Entries: entries@cowesweek.co.uk

n www.cowesweek.co.uk

n 2027: 31 July – 6 August

All images: Paul Wyeth

HOT TOPIC

WEATHER ROUTING – DARK ART OR PURE SCIENCE?

Alex Alley, world record holder and world champion sailor, discusses weather routing.

Many people see weather routing as a mystical dark art while others call it true science. In my opinion it is somewhere in the middle. Some of the most powerful computers in the world are employed crunching the numbers to produce weather forecasts. Even so, the forecasts are generally only accurate a few days out. Beyond that is a best guess, although they are getting better all the time. Access to the internet now allows anyone to get information on weather, and systems like Starlink have been a game changer, allowing access anywhere on the planet.

TWO PARTS

Weather routing at sea comprises two parts. The forecast element can come from a multitude of di erent models and sources. On the internet now there is a huge array of paid and free forecasts, the paid ones usually give more detail over a more deﬁned area. For example, a free service may average the weather over a 100km by 100km area every six hours, while a paid one can bring that forecast down to as little as 1km by 1km and every hour in some cases. However, for all of them, anything beyond three days needs to be viewed as more of a trend rather than an accurate forecast.

“there is much more to weather routing than simply downloading a weather forecast”

The second, and arguably the most important, element is to understand who or what you are routing. Many yachts have ‘polars’, which are a series of performance predictions in di erent conditions and wind angles, often available from the designers. By using some computer software, you can input the polars and the forecast and the programme will work out the optimum route for you.

THERE IS ALWAYS A BUT… However, there is a very big caveat with this. This assumes that the boat is sailed at its optimum at all times and the weather does exactly as forecast for the duration of the routing. Neither of which tends to happen in the real world very often.

We discuss important topics with marine industry experts who share their opinions and top tips to help you get the most from your boating.

This is where the skill of a good weather router comes in. Di erent weather models tend to perform better under di erent circumstances and locations. Also understanding the crew is

very important. Are you routing a cruising yacht across an ocean, making sure of a comfortable passage and avoiding any unpleasant weather? Or is it a race team with a high level of skill and an appetite for risk looking to win a race or break a record? This all a ects how you use the routing models. The more expensive programmes will also consider crew fatigue and damage to sails etc and modify the polars automatically. So, there is much more to weather routing than simply downloading a weather forecast. Feedback to a router is also important as it can help to hone the accuracy of a forecast. A weather front might come through quicker and bring more wind with it – this can all be added into the programme to get a more accurate routing.

At the end of the day, weather routing on the ocean has enabled people to have safer and faster crossings and the forecasts are only going to get better and better with more and more powerful computers. ■

Alex Alley is a multiple world record sailor who has raced around the world and across oceans at the highest level. He weather routes for all sorts of people, from cruisers wanting a safe, comfortable route from A to B, to top level race crews and also ocean rowers racing across the Atlantic and Paciﬁc. He now skippers superyachts for private owners around the world, but still ﬁnds time to help out crews who want to be more e cient crossing oceans. alexalley.com

Onboard with BOATSHED

Every month Neil Chapman, founder of Boatshed.com, discusses important topics in the marine industry and o ers advice for buying and owning boats.

Boating’s paradox is that craft are increasingly a ordable, but many related costs and procedures are growing, making participation harder and threatening the culture and freedom that makes it so appealing in the ﬁrst place.

One of the strange things about operating inside a global marine business is that patterns start appearing long before anybody formally talks about them. You hear fragments of the same conversation repeatedly.

In the Caribbean, owners quietly wonder whether they can justify another season. In the US, it is marina waiting lists and storage costs. In the UK, people stare at perfectly usable old cruising boats while trying to work out where on earth they could realistically keep them without remortgaging their sanity.

Even down in the mudﬂats of Gosport, the maths is starting to feel slightly unhinged and lately, the marine industry increasingly feels like a pressure sandwich.

HIGH NET WORTH

At the top end, the money appears almost detached from gravity. There are bigger yachts, marina developments and service ecosystems. Entire waterfronts are reorganised around a relatively small number of ultra-high-net-worth individuals buying privacy, comfort and insulation from inconvenience.

While this is happening, ordinary boating is becoming structurally harder. This month, Boatshed’s automated auction system - boatbid.com - sold a 27ft cruising yacht for £1,000. It was not a wreck or an abandoned fantasy restoration project, it was a genuinely useful little boat, capable of serious cruising if handled properly.

And in many places, the entire boat costs less than a month’s mooring. This is an important contradiction, because the boats themselves have not become less capable. That little yacht could still do exactly what it was designed to do decades ago; cross channels, explore coastlines, teach children resilience, force families to work together and disconnect people from modern life for a while.

FINANCIAL ENGINEERING

The boat still works - what no longer works properly is the ﬁnancial architecture wrapped around it. And perhaps that is the real story quietly unfolding underneath the glossy marine headlines. Boating was never supposed to be this ﬁnancially engineered. The whole idea was beautifully simple; most of the planet is covered in water. The sea represented movement, freedom, unpredictability and access to places beyond roads and fences. Ordinary people could realistically participate in that dream, not e ortlessly or cheaply, but realistically. Now something strange has happened.

CHANGING DYNAMICS

Boats themselves are becoming astonishingly a ordable, while every surrounding layer becomes progressively more expensive, regulated, privatised, restricted or psychologically inaccessible. You can buy the boat, but you just cannot exist around it anymore (and probably do not have a garden large enough to store it because housing has changed).

Similarly, you may not have a nearby slipway because waterfront access disappeared and it is unlikely you have any spare time because modern life is now permanently connected and ﬁnancially exhausting.

So increasingly, owners are funnelled toward marina systems whose economics themselves are being dragged upward by waterfront real estate pressure, labour costs, insurance, regulation, environmental compliance, investor expectations and luxury development.

ECONOMIC INVERSION

The result is a strange economic inversion where the machine designed to create freedom, becomes the cheapest part of the equation. Imagine owning a perfectly usable car, only to discover the annual cost of parking and accessing it had overtaken the value of the vehicle itself. At some point, most people would conclude the surrounding system had become detached from its original purpose. Yet boating has drifted quietly into exactly that territory.

This is not an attack on marinas - most marina operators are under enormous pressure themselves, trapped inside the same ﬁnancial machine as everybody else. The real issue is broader than boating. More and more of modern life now seems built around monetising access rather than ownership itself. This includes storage, subscriptions, infrastructure, permission, compliance, membership and systems wrapped around systems.

EXPOSING THE TREND

Boating simply exposes the trend more visibly because the contrast is so absurd. A perfectly capable family cruising yacht can now cost less than a few months of keeping it stationary. This should make the industry pause for a moment, because once ordinary participation begins disappearing, something much larger disappears with it.

It is not just boat sales or brokerage volume, it is the wider culture surrounding the sea itself. The marine world has always depended on a huge ecosystem of enthusiasts, mechanics, teachers, dreamers, families, tinkerers and slightly obsessive people willing to tolerate inconvenience because the reward was freedom.

But increasingly, younger generations are entering adulthood already ﬁnancially-stretched before they even consider leisure. Housing costs alone have changed the equation. Add marina pricing, servicing, insurance and time scarcity, and boating can begin to feel less like freedom and more like another expensive subscription model.

Which is ironic, because the actual boats may represent some of the best value they ever have. The sea is still there, the boats are still there - but increasingly, the space between the two is being ﬁnancially engineered.

IRONY

And perhaps that is the ﬁnal irony of running a boat sales business. People sometimes ask me whether they should buy a boat. The truthful answer is that I often ﬁnd myself accidentally explaining why they probably should not. Not because the boats are bad - in many ways, they have never o ered better value – it is everything wrapped around them that has gone slightly bonkers. ■

WIN A VIP INVITE TO AN EXCLUSIVE MUSTO EVENT WITH EMIRATES GBR SAILGP TEAM!

Ahead of the Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix in Portsmouth over the weekend 25 - 26 July, All At Sea has teamed up with Musto to giveaway a VIP ticket to an exclusive, invitation only, Musto event*.

One lucky reader will have the opportunity to meet two of the Emirates GBR SailGP Team athletes in person at the event. The winner will also receive an o cial Emirates GBR Team merchandise kit and a bottle of limitededition Telmont Champagne.

In celebration of the partnership and in eager anticipation of the Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix in Portsmouth, Musto will be hosting this exclusive in-store event at their flagship store at The Lighthouse, Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth on Thursday 23 July in collaboration with Telmont Champagne.

Musto became O cial Technical Clothing Partner to Emirates GBR SailGP Team in January 2026 and launched a collection of Emirates GBR SailGP Team merchandise. Designed for life on and o the water, the merchandise range mirrors the Musto gear

worn by the Emirates GBR SailGP Team and shore team, allowing fans to wear the same Musto designs inspired by the athletes competing on the water.

The new merchandise collection includes a selection of waterproof and so shell jackets, polos and t-shirts, waterproof bags and caps.

HOW TO ENTER

To be in with the chance of winning this great prize enter below, at www.allatsea.co.uk or by email to editor@allatsea.co.uk with the subject header Musto SailGP Competition. You can also enter via the All at Sea newsletter (sign up at www.allatsea.co.uk/aasnewsletter).

Q: When did Musto announce their O cial Technical Clothing partnership to the Emirates GBR SailGP Team?

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ADDRESS:

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One runner-up will win an o cial Emirates GBR SailGP Team Musto so shell jacket, t-shirt and a 10L Dry Bag worth £220.

SOLENT SHOWDOWN

Home waters, high expectations: Emirates GBR targets Portsmouth SailGP glory.

When the Rolex SailGP Championship arrives in Portsmouth this month, the Solent will once again become the centre of the sailing world. Against the backdrop of Southsea Common, the Spinnaker Tower and one of Britain’s most historic maritime cities, the F50 catamarans, the world’s fastest racing boats, will battle at speeds approaching 100km/h in what promises to be one of the standout events of the 2026 season.

Racing just metres apart in a format designed to keep spectators close to the action, the racecourse sits directly o Southsea Common, providing excellent shoreline views and a festival atmosphere throughout the weekend including AprèsSail entertainment from both Jess Glynne and Craig David.

Grammy Award-winning Jess Glynne will take to the stage on Saturday 25th, while

multi-platinum selling artist Craig David will close the weekend out on Sunday 26th.

RACING HOME

For British fans the story is about far more than spectacular foiling catamarans and the festival atmosphere. All eyes will be on Emirates GBR and their quest to deliver a home waters victory in front of what is expected to be another passionate Portsmouth crowd.

Portsmouth’s debut SailGP event in 2025 proved a huge success, drawing packed crowds and creating one of the most vibrant atmospheres on the championship calendar.

Emirates GBR thrilled supporters by topping the fleet racing standings before ultimately finishing second behind New Zealand in the three boat final race. This year, the challenge is clear: go one step further.

At the helm is Dylan Fletcher, whose calm decision-making and assertive racing style have seen Emirates GBR become one of the most consistent performers in SailGP.

An Olympic gold medallist and former Moth world champion, Dylan has become one of the sport’s premier F50 drivers, combining technical precision with an instinctive understanding of high-pressure racing.

He is supported by one of the strongest squads in the championship including Olympic gold medallists Hannah Mills OBE, Stuart Bithell MBE and Ellie Aldridge MBE, as well as America’s Cup athletes Neil Hunter, Nick Hutton, Luke Parkinson and Ben Cornish. Kai Hockley, a 20-year-old from London, completes the squad as a development sailor who is part of the team’s Athena Pathway programme.

Behind the scenes, the team is led by the most successful Olympic sailor of all-time and America’s Cup winner, Sir Ben Ainslie, whose vision has helped establish the team as one of SailGP’s benchmark organisations.

The statistics underline just how far Emirates GBR has come since their fourth place ﬁnish in season 1 seven years ago. The team entered this season seeking to build on a remarkable 2025 campaign in which it became the ﬁrst SailGP team to achieve a unique treble: winning the overall Season Championship, topping the season standings and claiming victory in the league’s Impact League.

DEMANDING VENUE

Yet Portsmouth presents a di erent kind of challenge. The Solent is one of the most demanding race venues. Strong tidal ﬂows, shifting breeze patterns and tight race boundaries leave little room for error. While local knowledge can o er advantages, it can also bring additional pressure. Every manoeuvre will be scrutinised by thousands of spectators lining the shoreline and millions watching worldwide.

grandstand. You can hear the crowd, you can sense them, it is very special.”

Throughout recent seasons the team has often demonstrated an ability to perform when expectations are highest. However, Dylan and his crew have also seen mixed success in starts, but when they get it right can place themselves in winning positions before the ﬁrst mark. In SailGP’s short-format racing, where passing opportunities can be limited, that skill could prove decisive.

Dylan said: “It was an incredible event last year, and this year we want to show our best for all our home fans and bounce o the energy from them. As a team we do feel the extra pressure in a home event that we need to deliver a bit more than normal, but I think the whole team really thrives o that pressure and energy, and it really helps fuel us on that start line and around the race course.”

Competition will be ﬁerce; SailGP’s international ﬂeet continues to expand, with 13 national teams expected to compete in Portsmouth (both Emirates GBR and Mubadala Brazil su ered damage to their boats in Canada last month).

Traditional heavyweights such as Australia and Spain remain perennial threats, while emerging teams continue to close the performance gap. In a championship where margins are measured in seconds and centimetres, predicting a winner is increasingly di cult.

Nevertheless, there is a sense that Portsmouth could be a deﬁning weekend for the British campaign. The event marks the beginning of SailGP’s European leg and o ers an opportunity to establish momentum during the crucial middle phase of the season.

MEMORABLE WEEKEND

Away from the racecourse, Portsmouth has embraced SailGP. Organisers are promising a bigger and more immersive experience, with grandstand viewing (fans can follow the action on screens across the Race Stadium), entertainment zones and hospitality areas creating a festival atmosphere around the racing. Following the sold-out success of the inaugural Portsmouth event, expectations are high for another memorable weekend on the South Coast.

For British supporters, though, the equation is simple. They want to see their team standing on the top step of the podium. The ingredients are certainly there: a world-class crew, proven championship pedigree and a race venue steeped in British maritime history. Add the boost of racing at home, and Emirates GBR enters Portsmouth as one of the favourites.

Emirates GBR strategist Hannah Mills said: “It is such a phenomenal race course, the grandstand is right there on the sea front. Last year we were going round the bottom marks, metres away from the

“All eyes will be on Emirates GBR and their quest to deliver a home waters victory in front of what is expected to be another passionate Portsmouth crowd”

SailGP has built its reputation on unpredictability. A poor start, a mistimed manoeuvre or a sudden wind shift can transform fortunes in an instant. Yet if Emirates GBR can harness the energy of the home crowd and reproduce the form that delivered championship success, Portsmouth could provide one of the deﬁning moments of the 2026 season. n

INFORMATION

Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix | Portsmouth n 25 – 26 July n Southsea Common, Portsmouth n tickets.sailgp.com/ Portsmouth

RACE DAY 1 | SATURDAY, 25 JULY

Race Stadium Opening Hours: 2 - 6:30pm

Race Times: 4 - 5:30pm

RACE DAY 2 | SUNDAY, 26 JULY

Race Stadium Opening Hours: 2 - 6:30pm

Race Times: 4 - 5:30pm

Last year’s Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix | Portsmouth Image: Ricardo Pinto for SailGP

Image: Jason Ludlow for SailGP

ROUNDING THE WORLD IN A CLIPPER 70

At 21-years-old, Ella Hebron is skippering Team Washington DC in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.

Sponsored by Events DC, Team Washington DC has spent the better part of the past year racing more than 40,000 nautical miles around the globe alongside nine other identical Clipper 70ft yachts. Unlike most professional sailing competitions, many Clipper Race crew members are amateur sailors who joined with little or no sailing experience before completing the race’s intensive training program.

Ella Hebron’s connection to sailing traces back to the Chesapeake Bay, where she ﬁrst experienced being on the water during a childhood visit to Maryland for a family wedding. Back home in England, that early memory helped spark her interest in the sport, leading her to begin sailing dinghies at Pevensey Bay Sailing Club on the South Coast.

“In the beginning, I crewed on Sundays for a sailor in his seventies who taught me a huge amount about trim, tactics and racing,” Ella said. She later progressed into o shore racing with the Royal Ocean Racing Club and the Junior O shore Group, while also gaining experience with Oyster Yachts and its commissioning team.

FIRST MATE TO SKIPPER

Her rise through the Clipper Race ranks has been remarkably fast. After serving as First Mate aboard Team Washington DC during the 2023-24 circumnavigation, Ella returned this cycle to lead the team as skipper, adding her name to the list of the youngest skippers in the history of the Clipper Race. The role of skipper extends far beyond navigation and race tactics. It requires managing

crew morale, ensuring safety, building trust and making critical decisions far from shore.

“Becoming skipper for the 2025–26 race was hugely meaningful for me, not only because it is something I have worked towards since I was 15, but because of what the role represents,” said Ella. “To lead a team of people from completely di erent backgrounds (most with little or no prior sailing experience) around the world, and through some of the toughest oceans on the planet, is an incredible privilege and responsibility.” Ella’s rise is a direct reﬂection of how the Clipper Race develops new o shore sailors. For many, the event serves as an entry point into professional o shore sailing, o ering beginner sailors the opportunity to gain ocean racing experience at the highest level.

“Ella represents a new wave of o shore sailors proving that leadership is not deﬁned by age, but by the ability to guide others through uncertainty, challenge and adventure across the world’s oceans”

“The Clipper Race places people in demanding, real-world environments, where leadership, teamwork and resilience are developed through experience on the water, and Ella has shown exactly what can be achieved through that pathway,” said Georgina Best, Head of Partnerships at the Clipper Race.

EQUAL PLAYING FIELD

This year’s race has also highlighted the growing presence of women in o shore leadership roles with women making up 55 percent of the race professionals across the fleet; marking a significant milestone for an event traditionally dominated by men. Ella has spoken openly about the way sailing creates an equal playing field, where conditions at sea challenge every sailor the same way regardless of age or gender.

“Sailing has traditionally been very male dominated, so I am proud to be part of a generation helping change that perception,” she said. “Once people see you operating under pressure, making decisions and leading the team, age and gender tend to become irrelevant very quickly.”

She also noted that while empathy and collaboration are often readily accepted in young female leaders, exercising authority and accountability can still challenge expectations.

FLEET WEEK

Over the past several months, the crew has dealt with heavy Paciﬁc swells, cold overnight watches, interrupted sleep, tight sleeping quarters and the relentless pace of round-the-clock racing, not to mention working around their soaked foul-weather gear drying on deck. Amid those conditions, the team has proudly served as ambassadors for the nation’s capital. Sponsored by Events DC for a second consecutive edition, the yacht has carried the city’s name across Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa and the Americas, helping showcase Washington, DC as both a tourism destination and an emerging waterfront sailing hub.

In June, the crews headed to Washington, DC during Clipper Race Fleet Week at The Wharf, where crowds

gathered along the waterfront to welcome the ﬂeet. Hosted by Events DC, the multi-day celebration featured public yacht tours, crew appearances, live entertainment and maritime programming designed to bring the excitement of o shore racing directly to the community. The turnout reﬂected growing enthusiasm for sailing in the region while allowing visitors the rare opportunity to experience a global ocean race up close.

“Clipper Round the World showcases our world-class city as an international destination for sports, culture and legacy,” said Angie M. Gates, president and CEO of Events DC.

For many visitors, Fleet Week o ered an opportunity to better understand the human side of the Clipper Race. Crew members shared stories from months at sea, discussed the physical and mental demands of ocean racing and reﬂected on the unique camaraderie built during a round-the-world challenge. For Team Washington DC, the stopover served as both a celebration and a reminder of how far the team had travelled since departing nearly a year earlier.

FINAL STAGES

Ella and Team Washington DC are entering the final stages of their circumnavigation. The fleet is pushing toward the closing stretch, with the final race leg from Washington, DC to Oban, Scotland where they will arrive in mid-July, before the final sprint back to Portsmouth on 19 July. It is a passage that continues to test every crew physically and mentally, even as the sight of the finish line edges closer on the horizon.

Regardless of the ﬁnal standings, Ella’s progression from First Mate to skipper has become one of the top stories of the 2025-26 race. She represents a new wave of o shore sailors proving that leadership is not deﬁned by age, but by the ability to guide others through uncertainty, challenge and adventure across the world’s oceans.

Ella Hebron, skipper of Team Washington DC Image: Clipper Race

▲ During Fleet Week at Washington, DC crowds gathered along the waterfront to welcome the Clipper yachts

Image: Clipper Race

MEDWAY YACHT CLUB

This month we are paying a visit to Kent’s Medway Yacht Club. ON

If you spend time on a boat on the Medway, you cannot help but notice Medway Yacht Club with its prime position overlooking the river just a short riverside walk from Upnor Castle standing guard directly opposite the Chatham Historic Dockyard, the largest preserved Georgian Naval dockyard in the world.

With more than 600 members and founded in 1880, the club enjoys unrivalled views over the river, with the clubhouse boasting an excellent bar and galley open to visitors as well as hosting events all through the year with talks, dinners and popular themed parties. The clubhouse and two conference rooms can also be booked for meetings, weddings and private gatherings.

THE WATER

Last year the club opened a purpose-built training centre with the aim of improving and promoting sailing and safety to all those who enjoy being on the water, novice or experienced, young or vintage. All led by the club’s own full time RYA instructor.

There is an active weekend racing programme for both dinghies and cruisers. Saturday racing is run for Dragon, Sonata, Wayfarer, Squib and Handicap. Cruisers race on Sundays with a number of series that attract entries from other clubs on the river and beyond. One of the main events is their Regatta in June, and the club also prides itself in hosting National and Open meetings. For the non-racers there is an active cruising ﬂeet that organises rallies along with social gatherings.

The club has a strong connection with local schools too, through the Kent Schools Sailing Association and the Sea Scouts who regularly hold training sessions and races hosted by the club with its new changing rooms.

THE CLUB’S FACILITIES

A main feature is an all tide walk ashore pontoon with a minimum depth of 2m at chart datum, free to use for members, but also available to visitors. There are more than 200 moorings at the club, both swinging and fore-and-aft with a regular trot boat service. The club’s yard team o ers essential boat services that are hard to source elsewhere on the Medway, and they have the only Wise Travel Hoist on the river able to lift boats up to 11 tonnes.

During the winter months the storage ashore accommodates over 110 yachts, and summer boat parking is available for short-term maintenance. The club also has a powered scrubbing trolley allowing short term haul out of yachts up to 10 tonnes for hull cleaning.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

FAMOUS DRAGON

The most famous classic Dragon to sail on the Medway has to be Bluebottle, originally presented to the late Queen and Prince Philip as a wedding present in 1947. Ten years later Bluebottle was winning races as part of the Medway YC race team, together with Snapdragon, raced by David Clarabut, the father of the current MYC Commodore.

It would appear that so keen was the late Duke of Edinburgh to see his Dragon racing in a local Royal Regatta during a state visit to Denmark, that both Snapdragon and Bluebottle were shipped aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia to Copenhagen. Bluebottle’s race ﬂag was later presented to the club, but there is no record of how well the Medway YC team fared... ■

This summer, the club will host the Medway Yacht Club Festival on 15 August with live bands, stalls, BBQ and other food options, with tickets now available at: medwayachtclub.com

The art of commissioning

Signing on the dotted line when purchasing a yacht might feel like the ﬁnal step. In reality, it marks the beginning of the ownership journey.

At Ancasta, commissioning is where that journey truly begins. It is the stage where a new yacht becomes your yachttailored to the way you plan to cruise and enjoy life on the water.

We spoke with Ancasta’s Commissioning & Aftersales Manager, Chris Date, about why this stage is so important - and how a carefully managed commissioning process can shape the entire ownership experience.

WHAT IS COMMISSIONING?

“Commissioning is the process of preparing a new yacht for her owner after the contract has been signed,” explains Chris. “It bridges the gap between the factory build and the moment you step aboard for the ﬁrst time as the owner.”

But commissioning is far more than a technical checklist.

It is about personalising the yacht around how the owner intends to use her - whether that means Mediterranean cruising, extended bluewater passages, charter operations or relaxed family weekends on the water.

From equipment upgrades and custom features to connectivity systems and safety requirements, commissioning ensures the yacht is conﬁgured precisely for her owner.

“But just as importantly,” Chris adds, “it is the stage where the owner begins building a long-term relationship with our team – the people who will support them throughout their ownership and help them get the very best from their yacht.”

A DEDICATED TEAM FROM DAY ONE

Once a yacht purchase is conﬁrmed, Ancasta assigns a dedicated commissioning team to the project.

“Each

and an Aftersales Coordinator,” says Chris. “Each person has a speciﬁc role to ensure every detail is carefully overseen.”

This team becomes the owner’s primary point of contact throughout the entire process.

Before meeting the client, the commissioning team works closely with the relevant sales broker to review the deal, understand the owner’s boating background and experience and discuss the factory speciﬁcation alongside any potential customisations.

“The client is then invited to a Commissioning Meeting - ideally in person at our Hamble headquarters, or via video call if that suits them better,” Chris continues. “During this session we walk through the next stages of the journey, from registration options and factory speciﬁcations through to upgrades and custom additions.

“The goal is to create a clear, streamlined pathway from contract signing through to handover day.”

ONE POINT OF CONTACT, UNLIMITED POSSIBILITIES

One of the deﬁning features of the Ancasta commissioning process is its single point of contact approach.

“Rather than coordinating with multiple people from di erent areas of the business, owners deal directly with their Client Project Manager,” says Chris. “The project manager then liaises with any specialist suppliers and our inhouse technicians to ensure everything progresses smoothly towards the planned handover date.”

This structure provides owners with expert guidance at every stage.

Ancasta’s project managers bring extensive practical experience - many have delivered, raced or managed a wide range of vessels - giving them valuable real-world insight when helping clients make decisions.

“Owners often rely on that honest, unbiased advice when choosing equipment or planning how they will use their boat,” Chris explains. “Sometimes the best option is actually not to install a particular upgrade - and we will always talk clients through the pros and cons so they can make the right choice for their plans.”

That impartial guidance is invaluable during a process where the options can be extensive.

PREPARING THE YACHT FOR HANDOVER

Once the yacht arrives, a dedicated technician prepares her for delivery.

This includes unwrapping and inspecting the vessel, completing comprehensive factory and Ancasta pre-delivery checklists, conducting sea trials and running all onboard systems to ensure smooth operation before handover.

The technician works closely with the commissioning team throughout, ensuring the yacht is fully ready for her new owner.

“Commissioning is not just about preparing a yacht. It is about beginning a relationship - and setting the course for years of enjoyment on the water”

HANDOVER: A MILESTONE MOMENT

“Handover day is the culmination of months of preparation - and for some owners, years of dreaming - so we treat it as a real occasion,” says Chris.

Handovers are typically held at Ancasta’s headquarters in Hamble and can take place over one or two days depending on the yacht. Every owner receives comprehensive tuition from the commissioning technician, who walks them through each onboard system before heading out for a sea trial.

“It is a thorough but relaxed introduction to the yacht,” Chris explains. “By the end of the handover, owners leave feeling conﬁdent and ready for their ﬁrst trip.” At Ancasta, the relationship does not end when the yacht casts o .

“During the handover, owners are introduced to their dedicated Aftersales Coordinator, who becomes their main point of contact throughout the warranty period and beyond,” says Chris.

From maintenance guidance and warranty support to digital monitoring tools such as Seanapps, the aftersales team ensures the yacht continues to perform exactly as she should.

“Our aim is simple,” Chris concludes. “We want owners to spend their time enjoying the water, knowing they have a team behind them whenever they need support.”

Because commissioning is not just about preparing a yacht. It is about beginning a relationship - and setting the course for years of enjoyment on the water. ■

Ancasta International Yacht Sales is one of Europe’s leading yacht brokerage and service companies. With over 40 years of experience and o ces across the UK and Europe, Ancasta supports owners through new and used yacht sales, commissioning and aftersales, helping them get the very best from life on the water. ancasta.com

Checking the windlass

Selecting the materials and fabrics

Image: Mike Jones / Waterline Media

Sail testing on a Beneteau OC47

Highﬁeld Tender on a Prestige M48

Solar gantry installed on a Lagoon 42

Shootin’ the Breeze...

…with Emily Stokes, tutor on the Boat Building Academy’s ﬂagship boat building course in Lyme Regis.

AAS: Ten years ago you completed the BBA’s week-long Introduction to Boat Building course. What made you choose this particular course?

ES: I blame my sister for that! We used to meet halfway in Lyme Regis between our homes and walk along the front. We came across the Boat Building Academy on one of these meet ups and spoke to Former Principal Yvonne and tutor Matt about the boats, the students and the courses available. My sister, Laura, mentioned to them that I loved working with wood and rowing in Pilot Gigs down the coast and that I had always dreamt of building a boat. Yvonne and Matt said “you should come on a course”. So I looked at the options and decided to do a week-long course all about creating the initial set up of a traditionally built boat; building frames and the backbone for a clinker boat, including making the stem, keel, hog and transom for a small dinghy and ﬁt the components together. I thought that if I could do a short course, enjoy it, understand some of the basics, use my hands to practically make something, then maybe just maybe I might be able to see my dream come true.

AAS: Until recently you have been a part of the shipwright team working on Victory Live: The Big Repair in Portsmouth. Can you tell us more about this project?

ES: It is a 10-year restoration project to get HMS Victory back to her former glory, as she was when she was about to take part in the battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Originally launched in 1765, for her to still be around over 250 years later is testament to previous restoration projects. The scale of the project is huge. £42 million will be spent to restore her and ﬁght against rot and the slow destruction caused by wood-boring Deathwatch beetles. On the starboard side, where the prevailing weather has blasted into her from across the Solent, the restoration is extensive. Most of the framing and planking above the waterline is being replaced along with the lintels and sills around the gunports and some of the internal ceiling planks. Whilst I was at HMS Victory, I replaced some of her futtocks – the jointed parts of her framing. Each one was patterned and recreated using laminated teak planking and shaped to re-install. The weight of each futtock required the use of cranes to lift and secure them into place.

AAS: A former BBA student, how did you come to now be a tutor on the ﬂagship 40-week course?

ES: When I was a student at BBA I could not have imagined being a tutor here! I have got previous teaching experience as a science teacher but that was a long time ago. After leaving the 40 week course I worked at Spirit Yachts in Su olk and then

at HMS Victory and was expecting to stay building and restoring boats for some time to come. When the opportunity arose to join the team as tutor, I needed some time to consider what to do, but this type of chance does not come around every day and I decided to go for it. I came back to school for a few days last year, to help on a course and see how I would get on. Everyone seemed happy with my input and I was asked if I would like to take the role up earlier this year.

AAS: What have you enjoyed most as a tutor?

ES: I especially like seeing how students progress from their ﬁrst day here to developing and honing their skills after weeks of hard work. It is a fast-paced course with a new topic and project most weeks, lots of theory and practical hands on experience. It keeps everyone busy and on purpose.

AAS: What would you say to anyone considering a career in boat building?

ES: Come and see us and talk to us about what the opportunities are and if it is the career for you. BBA is a small snapshot of what yards are like to work in, as we build boats from scratch to launch on each course. You will get a ﬂavour of what is involved. You can speak to current students, ﬁnd out where graduates have ended up working, all around the world. You need to have a passion for learning new skills and knowledge if you come to BBA, and that is the same as the rest of the industry. Every day is a learning day. That never ends.

AAS: In terms of women in boat building what do you think needs to happen to encourage more women into the industry? What has your experience, as a woman, been?

ES: I came into the industry after more than two decades in work and I did not have a thought about my gender when I came to study at BBA. I have worked in predominantly male and female workplaces over the years. I am someone who wants to build a career

in boat building and I happen to be a women. I now understand from talking to many people in the industry, both men and women, that there are many issues that a ect whether women decide to come into the industry and whether they stay in it, but I feel that these are all manageable if approached in the spirit of collaboration. More information about the roles that are available is needed, understanding about what the working conditions are like, more opportunities to visit workplaces and to see more people that look like you in yards and more employers who are actively working towards a diverse workforce. More conversations need to be had, cultures need to shift focus slightly and once that happens having more women in the industry will become normalised.

AAS: You have also worked on luxury yachts with Spirit Yachts. What was your role?

ES: I was a boat builder at Spirit. Having left BBA only three weeks before I was what is known as a ‘greenhorn’ for sure. I had a solid foundation of skills and knowledge but had never worked on boats over 20ft before and ones that have large fit outs that require a very high level of attention to detail. I worked on every aspect of building the wooden parts of a yacht from setting up the strongback, making ring frames, planking, fit out, decking, painting and varnishing. It was a great place to refine my skills learning from the experts around me.

AAS: What does the future hold for you, and the BBA?

ES: I am about ﬁve months into the job now so it is still early days! I am looking forward to the launch day of my current class in December already. We will have been together for 40 weeks and it will be a proud moment to see all their hard work come to fruition. For BBA the future holds great ambition to further develop our home on Monmouth Beach to be able to house more students, provide better facilities and

increase the opportunities for people far and wide to come and study with us. It is key for the heritage and future of this craft that we thrive.

AAS: You have travelled a great deal; do you have any favourite memories or destinations?

ES: Where to start?! Touching down in Oahu, Hawaii, and racing in a taxi to witness the end of the Molokai to Oahu women’s outrigger event was amazing. They race for 41 miles between the islands and I got to see the ﬁrst team past the ﬁnish line. Hundreds of people lining the beach in Honolulu, clapping and cheering with conch shells blaring. A great way to start a visit to Hawaii. I also absolutely loved visiting Mongolia about 20 years ago. One of the most land locked countries in the world with beautiful mountains, lakes and people. Not many made roads then, hundreds of kilometres of open steppe, proper travelling. ■

www.boatbuildingacademy.com

QUICKFIRE QUESTIONS

Are you a morning or night person? Neither anymore!

What is your favourite sport to play/ watch? Is yoga a sport? I love watching the pilot gig racing from the Isles of Scilly every year now it is streamed live.

Moment in history you would love to have been at? Marco Polo meeting Kubla Khan for the ﬁrst time!

What is your favourite ﬁlm? Out of Africa. No judgement please!!

If you could have dinner with one person, who would it be? My Mum. Just one more time.

Emily is a tutor at the Boat Building Academy in Lyme Regis

Guide of Dunkirk

It is full circle for Guide of Dunkirk, after being built in East Anglia she took part in Operation Dynamo before working as a lifeboat in Cornwall and then ‘retiring’ in Cornwall. Now, she has returned to East Anglia and, after being lovingly restored by Abbey Boat Builder and a team of craftspeople, she is back on the water.

Guide of Dunkirk was commissioned in 1939 as one of the ﬁrst self-righting lifeboats for the RNLI. The Girl Guides paid for her to be built through their incredible wartime fundraising e orts, raising an astonishing £5,000, the equivalent of nearly a half a million pounds in 2026. This money went to Rowhedge Ironworks in Essex where they set to work on building her.

She was supposed to be stationed in Cadgwith on the Cornish Coastline, but on the day of her launch she was commandeered by the Navy to head straight to the beaches of Dunkirk to take part in Operation Dynamo. Because of her shallow draft she was used to collect stranded soldiers from the beaches and bring them to larger ships waiting further out at sea. In total she made three trips from Ramsgate to Dunkirk; each time she was loaded to the gunnels with as many soldiers as possible.

Due to heavy enemy ﬁre she sustained severe shell damage on her stern and after her third trip was sent back to Rowhedge Ironworks to have the stern rebuilt. When she ﬁrst launched she was named Girl Guide, but after her heroic e orts in Dunkirk she was renamed Guide of Dunkirk.

In total an incredible 338,000 lives were saved in Operation Dynamo, helped by around 850 Little Ships, 19 of which were lifeboats.

LIFE AFTER DUNKIRK

Guide of Dunkirk’s story does not end there. After the repairs had been completed, she began work as a lifeboat in Cadgwith, Cornwall and she worked as a lifeboat until 1963.

When she came out of service she went to a traditional boatyard in Mevagissey owned by John Moore, and later taken over by his son Peter Moore. Here she became a part of Cornish history and a local tourist attraction. Peter remembers spending his childhood playing on Guide of Dunkirk and in later years when he came to run the boatyard, he dedicated countless hours to her maintenance and upkeep.

Peter made the tough decision to sell Guide of Dunkirk in 2025. She was advertised for sale on the National Historic Ships website for £5,000, the same sum it cost to build her back in 1939. Abbey Boat Builder, a traditional boatyard on the Norfolk Broads, got in touch with Peter without hesitation.

LIFEBOAT AMBITION

Abbey’s boatbuilding ancestors were heavily involved with building and crewing these old lifeboats and ever since she started her apprenticeship as a boatbuilder she had admired the lines and the technicalities of the builds.

After serving her time as an apprentice for seven years and a lifetime ambition to own a traditional lifeboat one day, little did she know that day was here. The only problem was how to get Guide of Dunkirk from Mevagissey all the way to the Norfolk Broads, nearly 400 miles away.

The roads in Mevagissey are so narrow and winding that it was not an option to transport her by road. Abbey was overrun with work at her boatyard, so she enlisted the help of her parents, Kate and Laurence, who spent four days in Cornwall patching up Guide of Dunkirk as best they could, smearing Sikaﬂex in open seams and trying desperately to seal the bottom.

The tide in Cornwall waits for no man so with the launching window closing quickly, Kate, Laurence and Peter Moore rolled Guide of Dunkirk down the slipway and into the salty Cornish waters for the ﬁrst time in more than 30 years.

She made it! With very few leaks and no bits falling o she was towed to Plymouth by a local ﬁsherman and lifted out of the water, onto a lorry and transported to Abbey Boat Builder in Reedham, Norfolk.

CONTINUING THE LEGACY

Abbey had grand plans for Guide of Dunkirk. Being a Director of Women In Boat Building she had a keen interest in the historical e orts of the Girl Guides, combined with her passion for boat building and her ancestors having built and worked on these incredible vessels, it was time to make them proud and continue the legacy.

Restoration work began in winter 2025 with a planned launch date of June 2026. The team at Abbey Boat Builder set to work, carefully removing all the brass work and cataloguing parts. The wheelhouse was removed, the paint stripped from the hull, the engine lifted out and the bilges scraped and cleaned. The hull was surveyed and inspected and found to be in remarkable condition, with only three rotten planks in the wheelhouse, two rotten handrails on the cabin roofs, two sections of rotten rubbing bands and the need for new decks. Some may call it a miracle that she survived so well, but really it is down to the dedication of John and Peter Moore who had painstakingly maintained her.

FOLLOWING TRADITION

Abbey was passionate about involving as many people as possible in the restoration, using Guide of Dunkirk as a platform to teach and inspire the next generation and to remind them of the history that is so often forgotten. It was also important to involve as many traditional craftsmen and women as possible.

Abbey found a traditional rigger and ropemaker, Sue Pennison, who ran rope making workshops with the Girl Guides and local people, making over 200 feet of new

Members of Women in Boat Building

traditional rope. Sue is a stickler for detail and spent countless hours researching the original sail plan; after a trip to the Royal Brass Foundry in London she managed to ﬁnd all the original lines drawings and technical information for Guide. This was invaluable to the restoration process and meant that all the craftspeople involved could ensure they were following the plans exactly as intended.

LOCAL BUSINESSES

Hattie and Poppie, two young women based not far from where Guide of Dunkirk was originally built in Rowhedge, had just set up a new sail loft, East Coast Sail Makers. They were tasked with sourcing traditional Flax sail cloth to replicate Guide’s original sails. Miraculously the original Mainsail was in excellent condition so they set to work on repairing a few moth holes and painstakingly copying the original design and making a new Jib and Mizzen sail.

Jaz of T.S Rigging in Maldon was commissioned to remake all the traditional wire rigging and oak blocks and, further aﬁeld, Jack of Pardoe and Co was commissioned as a blacksmith to replicate all the shrouds and mast bands.

All of this was made possible because of Sue Pennison’s research and discovery of the original plans, along with some avid followers on social media who went above and beyond. One man found an old RNLI Axe hanging on the wall of his local pub and got in touch to send patterns and measurements to ensure Jack, the blacksmith, was making the correct shape.

A NEW GENERATION

Whilst everyone was busying away on the sails, rope and rigging, Abbey and her team were beavering away on the woodwork. With little to no money to spend on the project, everything was repaired and rebuilt using o cuts from the boatyard. Abbey spent evenings, weekends and early mornings steaming in new planks on the wheelhouse and using Guide as an opportunity to train her own team in the more technical aspects of boat building.

Tom Horner, her newest employee, was fresh out of the Boat Building Academy in Lyme Regis and in his ﬁrst week on the job was tasked with learning how to laminate and steam new deck boards along with laminating new rubbing bands. There was neither the time nor the ﬁnances to ensure the use of perfectly matched timber, but these di erences have become a part of her story and a part of her history. Young people from up and down the country have worked

weekends alongside Abbey learning how to restore and preserve timber, so if you see some scratch marks under the varnish, do not judge the workmanship, instead admire the enthusiasm of the next generation learning a new craft.

OLD AND NEW

A combination of both modern and traditional techniques were used to restore Guide, to show the growth and development of boat building though the ages. Instead of Copper Riveting, West Systems epoxy was used to bond new timbers and laminate deck boards. This not only helped to keep the costs down but also enabled Abbey to teach people how modern techniques can complement and preserve old vessels.

As the old brass was removed and they began polishing they discovered each ﬁtting was stamped with Guide’s original build number ON826. Great pride was taken in polishing and lacquering all the brass work to ensure the skill and care of the generation that built her could be admired and appreciated for years to come.

When Guide of Dunkirk was originally built she was given an engine salvaged from a previous lifeboat wreckage where all but one of the crew members died. The lifeboatmen at Cadgwith considered this to be bad luck and so they removed the original and replaced it with the Diesel Fordman she sails with today.

Abbey and her team removed the engine and John Halstead, a longstanding Broadland engineer, set to work on rebuilding it. Despite not having the original engine, the team at Abbey Boat Builder have gone to great lengths to keep the original copper fuel tanks and even the handmade copper tank straps that were installed in 1939.

Gavin Utting of Pure Marine Stainless has fabricated all structural metal work such as the Tabernacle brace, centreboard case and repairs to the original wheelhouse bulkhead.

The whole project has been a labour of love for Abbey Boat Builder and the team. With customers, Girl Guides and even the children of the craftsmen involved all pitching in to help bring her back to life. The ultimate goal for this project was to have as many people as possible not only take pride in helping to maintain her but to also enjoy her on the water and to continue to add to the story of Guide of Dunkirk for generations to come. It has been a platform for new and existing craftsmen and women to showcase their work and inspire more people into the idea of craftsmanship as a career. n

Back on the water and looking resplendent

“YMS helped me become a boatbuilder in the UK”

Brenden George, 35, from Toronto took the Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) visa route and trained at the Boat Building Academy in Lyme Regis. Less than a year later he is working for one of the UK’s premier luxury yacht builders and owns and lives aboard his own sailboat.

Brenden says: “I had been working in banking since graduating with a business degree and reached a breaking point with corporate life. I wanted to leave that world completely. I wanted to go on an adventure, and I wanted my new life to involve sailing in some way.

“I had joined a sailing club which fuelled that passion and started to look at my options to train as a boatbuilder. A quick Google search brought me to the BBA in Lyme Regis, Dorset. Although there were other options in Canada and the United States, I was impressed with the BBA’s curriculum and the beauty of England’s South Coast.

“My searches also led me to Spirit Yachts in Su olk and I contacted them to see if they would be open to employing a BBA graduate from abroad. They gave me a resounding ‘yes!’, so long as I had the legal right to work in England. So early that year I spoke with the BBA’s Director Will Reed and was soon o ered a place on the upcoming September course.

“It was not long before I learned about the YMS visa from a friend at work, and the application process was surprisingly seamless.”

THE YMS VISA

The YMS visa – which was historically restricted to certain Commonwealth nationals – is now an attractive option for many young people from 13 speciﬁc countries, including Japan, South Korea and India.

The requirements for the countries di er slightly, but it ordinarily allows individuals aged 18 - 30 to obtain (normally) a two-year visa, which permits employment in the UK.

An update to the law now means that nationals of Canada, Australia and New Zealand can (a) be aged up to 35 years and (b) reside in the UK on this visa for up to three years.

While the visas themselves are strictly temporary, the people arriving on them are not necessarily temporary migrants. People are allowed to switch to a visa route that o ers long-term residence, such as a Skilled Worker visa, if they can ﬁnd a sponsor during their two or threeyear stay.

“I ﬁlled out some online forms and visited an application o ce to have my biometrics taken, which included ﬁngerprints and a headshot. At the same time, I submitted my passport for processing,” explains Brenden.

“My application was e ectively approved over the weekend, and I received my stamped passport back not long after that. Applying through an o ce outside of Toronto that was less busy seems to have made all the di erence.

“With the help of Janine at the BBA I found the perfect ﬂat in Lyme with the sweetest couple. At that point I was only a few months, a ﬂight and a train ride away from starting my new life as a boatbuilder in training.”

THE COURSE

The 40-week boatbuilding course incorporates the City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Boatbuilding (Advanced). However, it goes far beyond the requirements of this qualiﬁcation, providing comprehensive practical instruction in traditional and contemporary boat building construction methods and related skills.

At the start of the course, a series of boat commissions are discussed and agreed. Typically, around four or ﬁve boats are commissioned by students themselves, and these boats are theirs to take away upon successful completion of the course.

The course is structured into two parts. In the ﬁrst half of the course, students develop dedicated boat building skills and knowledge through the highly structured training programme. In the second half, skills are further honed as students build boats from start to ﬁnish using both traditional and modern construction: gaining the skills that only hands-on experience will bring.

The highly practical environment enables students to take full advantage of the facilities and expertise of the tutors. The course is full-time, ﬁve days per week from 0830 to 1730. Each course has at least one dedicated tutor, with an aim of a minimum 40 hours of workshop time per week. All students are encouraged to work on several boats to give them a wide range of experience.

“Woodworking projects were something I had only really done on occasion with my dad, who often took the lead. But I was not the only person joining the course with limited skills. It is more about being practically minded and committed,” continues Brenden.

“It is intense, packing a full college curriculum into less than 10 months, which is a huge undertaking for anyone.

“I probably made it harder than it needed to be in the beginning. I am a perfectionist and spent many late nights in the workshop that perhaps could have been avoided.

“Moving downstairs, I was assigned to ‘Skylark’, a 14ft lug-rigged clinker dinghy designed by Paul Gartside and commissioned by Ariana Cottam. Skylark was later renamed ‘Lo Verily’ to honour our late tutor, Matthew Law.

“My team was excellent – full of fun, talented and dedicated students who understood how important it was to stay on top of things. That is why we were able to ﬁnish on time, without the need for any ‘all-nighters’, which are so commonplace on the course.

MOVING ON

“During the course I had spoken to Will about job prospects going forward, which included working for Spirit Yachts. He has a great relationship with the yard and its Managing Director Karen Underwood and encouraged me to reach out.

“Launch day was incredible. It is an occasion which is watched by hundreds of people, including the town’s Mayor, and is followed by a whole day and night of celebrations.

“I could not think of a better way to celebrate graduating than to launch our boats in the harbour by the Cobb. Taking a boat you have helped to build into the water for the ﬁrst time is a thrill, knowing that only by the grace of the good lord will it ﬂoat, and I will never forget looking back on Lyme from the middle of Lyme Bay; it was the perfect backdrop to

our morning of sailing (and rowing – lots of rowing!).

“Having graduated in good academic standing, I revisited past conversations with Spirit and was o ered a week’s trial.

“It was nerve-wracking to arrive at such a renowned yard, known for its stunning modern-classic sail and power yachts. I had not slept a wink the night before but was conﬁdent that the skills I had gained on the course would carry me through.

“During that week I was given the opportunity to ask questions, and the autonomy to tackle work thrown my way. I made it clear early on that if I received an o er, I would accept it on the spot, and that o er came by Thursday.

“I was invited on a company cruise down the River Orwell which ended with a beach barbecue. I knew then that I was where I was supposed to be and was grateful for the opportunity to work with such a close-knit team.

“Looking back, so much seemed to just fall into place: from my visa to the lovely couple who o ered me a place to stay and the work opportunities that sprung from my training with the BBA –things could not have gone better.

“I am currently helping build the ﬁrst Spirit P50, which has most recently involved installing subdecks and laminating glass and carbon throughout the vessel. It has been an interesting complement to the skills I have picked up at the BBA.

FINDING A HOME

“Not long after joining Spirit I came across a little Hallberg-Rassy on the hard for sale by the brokerage next door.”

The Hallberg-Rassy 26 is renowned for its classic lines, robust hull and comfortable cruising interior, making it an ideal choice for both coastal and short o shore adventures.

“She needs some work, but she is mine, and I am now living aboard while I prepare her for the water. My parents, who have been so supportive, think I have lost my mind. But I am as happy as I have ever been.”

Brenden has gone on to launch his boat ‘Hall-I Dej’ (pronounced ‘hol-eeday’, he calls her Holly) and she has a berth in Ipswich Beacon Marina, right beside Spirit. He has completed a fair amount of work, including fitting out the anchor locker, and he is now building the anchor bow door which will be fixed to the anchor launching mechanism, a complicated project involving the use of non-traditional materials like high density foam and fibreglass. He has also helped build the aft bulwarks and veneers, as well as some removable access panels.

SPIRIT TEAM

“I intend to stay at Spirit for as long as my visa allows. Although it expires this summer, being Canadian, I have the option to extend it for an additional year.

“I think the YMS is a great opportunity for young people looking to go on their own adventure, whatever that may be. It gives you a means to live, study and work abroad without having to worry about visit timeframes or excessive red tape.

“Although I am not entirely sure where I will end up next, I know the skills that I have gained will serve me well wherever I go. I am just going to take things one step at a time and take advantage of the next opportunity that comes my way.”

Karen Underwood, Managing Director at Spirit Yachts, said: “The graduates from the BBA who join the Spirit team have always been valuable additions to our team and Brenden is no exception. His work ethic, friendly manner and the skills he acquired during his training at the BBA have stood him in good stead and he is thriving on the build of our ﬁrst P50 motor yacht.

“Whilst we have fantastic boatbuilders in the UK, the demand for trained, skilled woodworkers is high. The YMS scheme gives opportunities to talented people like Brenden and gives yards like ours the option to grow our team with the next generation of highly skilled craftsmen and women.”

SUCCESS STORY

Will Reed, Director of the BBA added:

“Brenden was an excellent student. He had high standards, enthusiasm and the determination to do the best he could in every area. As far as I am aware Brenden is the ﬁrst student who has used the Youth Mobility Scheme to join a course at the BBA, and hopefully he is the ﬁrst of many.

“He tells a real success story – from Canada to a ﬁrst-class education and into a fantastic job in one of the most prestigious boat building companies in the UK. I wish him every success and hope many more follow from across the globe using the YMS.”

The UK government is expected to announce a Youth Mobility Scheme between the EU and the UK sometime in 2026. Formal negotiations over the scheme started in September 2025. The scheme is expected to be modelled on the UK’s existing schemes with countries including Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and Japan. ■

Brenden took the YMS route to train on the BBA’s 40-week boatbuilding course

Image: Volano Media

Solent based dinghy sailor David Henshall is a well known writer and speaker on topics covering the rich heritage of all aspects of leisure boating

Classic Faireys

We look at the enduring appeal of classic boats through the remarkable story of Fairey Marine, whose iconic powerboats continue to thrive thanks to passionate preservation e orts, especially those of the 40-year-old Fairey Owners Club.

Don’t we just love our classics? It does not matter if they be car or bike, plane or boat, there is a widespread expression of “how lovely” whenever an oldie hoves into view. Even though the last couple of years have seen some fairly stringent tightening across the ﬁnancial scene that has resulted in some classic prices softening, the general trend is always upwards towards better, more impressive restorations.

Even better still is the news that most of these reborn oldies head not into a museum, but back out into their intended environment, as witnessed at events such as the Goodwood Revival on the track or at Cowes Classic Week for yachts. In this respect Cowes may o er a glorious spread of sail, but it is very much a menagerie event, with little in the way of a central theme other than the age of the entrants.

FAIREY OWNERS CLUB

However, over in powerboat land, there is one single brand that has come to represent all that is so special about the restoration and preservation of old boats. Under the supportive, guiding hand of the Fairey Owners Club, the iconic family of boats from Fairey Marine have become so entrenched on the classic scene that over the ‘longest day’ weekend this June, the club was celebrating 40 years of keeping these fantastic (not to mention elderly) boats right at the forefront of the powerboat scene.

Just how successful the club has been became clear when you see how boats from the Fairey marque are now strong perennial contenders when the restoration awards are being handed out, with Double Century being a great example of this. Not only does this amazing boat look the part of a classic, but she has the added advantage of having an amazing story to tell.

AIR TO WATER

Yet Double Century is far from a unique example of the Fairey brand, as their boats hark back to the last days of WW2 when the then Fairey Aviation were faced with a problem. What were they to do with a pair of giant autoclaves, in essence huge pressure cookers that could be used to cure moulded wood (Faireys were making parts for the ‘wooden wonder’, the Mosquito).

By the war end, planes were being built in aluminium, so rather than see the autoclaves go to waste, Fairey moved into building small boats. Starting with the 12ft Fairey Fireﬂy, Fairey set out to build a huge range of competitive dinghies as they gained along the way the title of Europe’s largest boatbuilder. To add to their successes with dinghies, Fairey Marine would next add a range of innovative small cruisers, then a couple of small launches.

BIG CHANGES COMING

At the end of the 1950s there were big changes coming to the world of motorboats, driven by the new availability of more modern, lightweight marinised engines.

Image: David Henshall

Although far from being a strippedout racer, this Fairey Huntsman 31, powered by nothing racier than a pair of 180hp Fords, took part in the 1972 running of the London to Monte Carlo powerboat race. She completed the 2,400-mile haul at an average speed of 25kts, collecting along the way a hatful of awards not to mention ﬁve survivors from a rescue.

More recently she was damaged in a storm, before being brought to the Isle of Wight and the wonderful talents of Nick Whittle at Yarmouth. The result is, quite simply, a stunner that is still adding to her silverware collection as she is now rewarded for the quality of her restoration.

Meanwhile, over on the Eastern Seaboard of the USA, a clever young designer, Ray Hunt, was perfecting his thinking for the ‘deep vee’ planing hull.

In a collaboration with Alan Bernard, the in-house designer at Fairey, a new range of boats was launched, with the ﬁrst o erings paying homage to the American input though the names used, ﬁrst the 23ft Huntress and then the twin engined 28ft Huntsman.

An iconic lineage of boats had been born, but every new boat needs a little bit of luck, and a huge dollop was heading the way of the Fairey Huntress. Cubby Broccoli, the American ﬁlm producer, was making his next Bond ﬁlm, ‘From Russia with Love’, which included a boat chase. Budget constraints would see Western Scotland rebadged as the Adriatic, with Sean Connery, as Bond, being chased by the baddies, all in Fairey boats.

Faireys were the publicist’s dream team and soon they would prove to be hugely successful in the new big public sporting spectacle, the Daily Express Cowes to Torquay Race, with boats leaving the Hamble Point factory as quickly as they could be built. Bigger boats would follow, then the graceful Swordﬁsh, itself a tribute to the wartime Fairey ‘stringbag’ Swordﬁsh, before GRP construction took over with more modern additions to the range, but they all carried that wonderful Fairey family likeness with them, even the more futuristic (for the 1970s) all GRP Fairey Fantôme.

THE END?

Although Fairey Marine would diversify into work and military boats, along with so much of the original post-war industry, the factory would not survive the pressures of the 1970s and when the parent company was taken into administration, the future looked bleak.

Just as with the consolidation of the aircraft industry, Fairey Marine linked up with a number of other boatbuilding enterprises and continued turning out hulls, mainly in aluminium.

Eventually the end would come, the prime site at the mouth of the Hamble River was sold o and the workshops cleared of the Fairey legacy. Many of the hull moulds were dragged out onto Hamble Point at low tide, doused in petrol and burnt, a ﬁtting Viking end to one of the mainstays of the UK postwar leisure boating scene.

That should be the end of the story, but thanks to the inspired stewardship of the Fairey Owners Club, most of the remaining boats are being preserved and used around our coasts, attracting attention wherever they go.

As part of the 40th birthday celebrations a wonderful collection of these boats gathered at the hallowed ground of the old site at Hamble Point, before heading out onto the Solent for a photoshoot, before moving on to Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight for a gala dinner.

Despite some of the boats being old enough now for a bus pass, far from sailing away into the history books, these classic Faireys look set for a bright times ahead stretching on into the future. www.faireyownersclub.co.uk

Do you own a Fairey? Send us a pic and a bit of info about your boat! editor@allatsea.co.uk

“Despite some of the boats being old enough now for a bus pass, far from sailing away into the history books, these classic Faireys look set for bright times ahead stretching on into the future”

▲ Once the ﬂeet had assembled, the judging for the concours competition could start, with the standard of boats higher than ever

▲ Some of the prize winners with their silverware at the anniversary dinner

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(6)

Portray (6)

Very recently (5)

13 Ground together, of teeth (7)

16 In attendance (7)

17 Projecting edge of a roof (5)

20 Accident, fate (6)

22 Remove an electrical device from a socket (6)

24 In bondage (8)

25 Exertion of body or mind (6)

Down

1 Draw o liquid by atmospheric pressure (6)

2 Indian bread, baked in a clay oven (4)

3 ___ truly, letter ending (5)

4 Straw for animals to sleep on (7)

5 Applaud (4)

6 Building material made of sand and cement (8)

9 Respiratory organs of ﬁsh (5)

12 Transducer for converting electric signals into sounds (8)

14 Musical symbol (5)

15 Faze (7)

18 Small stamp or seal on a ring (6)

19 Conduct (5)

21 Egyptian river (4)

23 Large luxurious car (abbr) (4)

Each letter of the alphabet has been given a di erent number. Substitute numbers for letters to make words to complete the puzzle. The check-box and letters either side of the grid may help you keep track.

Using the letters in the wheel, you have ten minutes to ﬁnd as many words as possible of three or more letters, none of which may be plurals, foreign words or proper nouns.

Each word must contain the central letter and no letters can be used more than once per word unless they appear in di erent sections of the wheel.

There is at least one nine-letter word to be found.

Photos of the Month

Send in your photos and you could be in All at Sea, on our social pages or in our weekly newsletter. Send entries, with a caption, to editor@allatsea.co.uk. Each month’s winning photo will be included in the Photo of the Year reader vote.

MONTH’S WINNING PHOTO

and conditions. Monthly

 We are loving all the colours on the water in this pic from Photos of the Month regular Rod Chadwick.

 This great ariel view of Ansteys Cove was taken by Taylor Bowditch.

 The Llandudno lifeboat with Coastguard 936, thanks to Steve Potten.

 Staying with Idris Martin, this one is called ‘Near and Far’.

 The ﬁrst of two photos taken by Idris Martin; this picture beautifully captures life by the water.

 A busy day on the water taken at Keyhaven in Hampshire by David Hooper.

 This is MV AMBITION sailing from Portsmouth. Thanks to Mike Critchley for sending this photo in.

Thank you to Chris Beazer for sending in this lovely photo.

Kisimul Castle, Outer Hebrides, seen from the deck of Isle of Lewis. Thanks to Martin Smith for this photo.

Here is Ted on the Beaulieu River.

Here is Flora tasting the sea air. She has been a boat dog since she was 3-months-old.

Next up we have Piper, a Cocker Spaniel who loves her happy place.

Lola is catching the last rays onboard Dipper!

Blue is a Shar Pei who clearly loves being on the water!

Bertie, a Sproodle, goes to work with his owner at Langstone Harbour!

This is the very handsome Baxter chilling with the boat’s RNLI mascot.

Loving the side-eye from Pongo, who enjoys travelling along the South Coast.

Lottie, a Cavapoo, loves watching boats berthing and people walking around the marinas she visits along the South Coast.

CRUISING MATTERS

The latest news and views from the Cruising Association.

The CA was founded in 1908 speciﬁcally to meet the needs of cruising sailors and provides services, information, help and advice to thousands of members worldwide. For more information visit www.theca.org.uk.

Upcycling:

Dump them in the bin, leave them in your sail locker in case they come in handy or ask your sailmaker to get rid of them?

Tania Nieveen looks at better options, as part of an initiative by the CA’s Regulatory & Technical Services Group (RATS) on greener thinking.

In this age of environmental consciousness, it has become harder for many of us to just throw things away. Having separated rubbish into its appropriate bins, sold or given away clothes and household items and turned autumn leaf-fall into useful garden mulch, our minds turn to other things that have less obvious, new leases of life.

WHAT DO YOU DO WITH YOUR OLD SAILS?

A few years ago, with some degree of success, I made some cushions for our boat from o -cut sail cloth and end of rolls from friends in the industry. I went on to make a few more for friends and family until my supply of cloth dried up, then... I came into possession of a written-o Nacra mainsail, branded with RYA British Sailing team and Union ﬂags. This became a project of creativity and sentiment.

The production line was endless! In fact, what couldn’t I make out of sailcloth? I made a cover for our foldaway cockpit table, cockpit locker pockets for our instrument covers and even a cover for our emergency tiller. As Christmas approached, production turned to presents: more cushions, wallets, passport holders, wine coolers and beach and kit bags. The only thing stopping the creative ﬂow was time and resources. Before I knew it, I was given an RS200 jib...

As I gathered information for this article, I realised that I am by no means the only one who does this. A few of my friends have surprised me, proudly showing me their kit bags created on sailmaking courses and others have had a go at their own projects after hearing about mine.

SAIL UPCYCLERS

Becky Walford, who works for King’s Harbourmaster at Portsmouth, started making things out of old sails and bags a few years ago and became so proliﬁc that she now sells them, donating all proceeds to the Gosport and Fareham

Inshore Rescue Service (GAFIRS).

Lawrie Draper made himself a great kit bag during his sailmaking course at the Boat Building Academy and Furniture School (Lyme Regis).

Sailing Red Seas bloggers made contact with the Cruising Association to share that they are making line and rope bags and fuel can covers from their retired sails as they sail around the world.

This upcycling of sails is, after all, not a new art. My ﬁrst cushions were inspired by Quba & Co, who started 30 years ago, originally making unique jackets out of reclaimed canvas sailcloth. They went on to make a successful business which now includes sailcloth inspired bags, clothing and homewares. Personally, I have always coveted a Quba beanbag to remind me of sailing days to snuggle into at home on a winter evening.

There is certainly an appetite for these products. Perhaps they appeal to sailing and cruising people who like to have things to wear and have at home (and onboard) to remind them of their passion.

I think the seaside theme penetrates further, as people who holiday by the sea like to take home reminders of their time away.

Following Quba, many companies make things out of sailcloth or sailclothinspired fabric. The Etsy site is full of small businesses that make and sell othe-shelf and bespoke items.

Sandy Point Watersports at Hayling Island Sailing Club collect old sails and actively engage their shop sta in making a range of bags which they sell and can make to order. This is such a fabulous way to keep people in the shop busy in quiet periods, while reusing sailcloth and making some income for the shop – a big win-win!

One happy sailing family customer, Caroline Hall, said: “My tote bag is

lightweight and useful for summer - it holds all the suncream and water bottles - and has no problem with leakage, as they are waterproof and washable.”

Other companies have been set up to collect and re-distribute old sails, including Resail by Clean Sailors, providing a platform and locations for sailors to donate and drop-o old, used sails, working with a range of partners across the world to help them to do just this.

Sail to Shelter’s mission, meanwhile, is to transform elite and superyacht sails into shelter for humanitarian aid.

SAILMAKERS

So, what about the sailcloth industry? What are they doing?

Sanders Sails in Lymington hope to inspire and become part of a bigger movement to repurpose ‘once loved’ sails into fabulous new creations such as bags, windbreaks, cushions, awnings and more.

Their aim is to keep these sails, which are no longer needed, out of landﬁll. Having a dedicated Upcycling Sail DropO area at their sail loft in Lymington makes it easy for people to drop o their sails and for businesses, charities and individuals to collect and repurpose them into amazing new items. Working with ReSail by Clean Sailors, Sanders strive to push the drive to recycle as much as possible.

Tools and practicalities

n It is possible to use a standard sewing machine. Choose a thick needle. Denim needles are good.

n Do wear eye protection. Broken needles are not uncommon.

n Choose polyester thread: it is less likely to rot, degrade in UV or break.

n Beware of glued-on letters or numbers; they are good for holding things in place while you stitch but make the needles sticky. It helps to wipe the needle regularly with acetone while sewing (nail varnish remover works) to keep the needle from jamming.

Design tips

n Use a zig-zag stitch. It looks like stitching on sails.

n Do not be afraid to have seams on show. They are part of the design.

n Enjoy the natural structures of the sail and incorporate them into your design. For example, batten pockets, tell tales, logos, webbings, eyelets

etc; they look cool and increase the authenticity of the product.

n Do not get too hung up about perfection. These items are meant to look hand-made and used, adding charm to the product.

Suppliers

n Sandy Point Watersports (Hayling Island): www.sandypointwatersports.com

n Boat Building Academy and Furniture School (Lyme Regis): www.boatbuildingacademy.com

n Sanders Sails o ers upcycling sail drop-o and a number of upcycling projects: sanders-sails.co.uk/ sustainability

n Resail by Clean Sailors lists worldwide sail recycling drop-o points: resailbycleansailors.com

n Sail 2 Shelter (USA): sailtoshelter.org

n Jetty Dog (USA): jettydog.com/ pages/donate-sails

n Sea Bags (USA): seabags.com

Alistair Shires at Contender Sailcloth UK is working towards better use of waste fabric. Currently some is collected for local projects at schools and all spinnaker fabric o -cuts go to local groups for making bunting and other craft projects. Find out more: www.theca.org.uk/ upcycling-sails

The Southampton International Boat Show is just a few months away, 18 – 27 September, and we hope to see you

there. Whether you are new to cruising, exploring new destinations or planning longer voyages, the CA will support every stage of your cruising journey. Find the CA at Stand H244 in New Wave Hall South, where our team will be ready to welcome you. We will be sharing details of our stand programme and show events very soon at: www.theca.org.uk/ southamptonboatshow

MEMBERSHIP OFFER: ENJOY A YEAR OF EXCEPTIONAL CRUISING

You cannot put a price on the CA’s wealth of cruising expertise, but we can make joining even more rewarding. All at Sea readers receive 15 per cent o membership* simply use the code AAS-CA-15 when you join at: www.theca.org.uk/join CA membership opens the door to expert knowledge, trusted

technical advice and digital cruising support through CAptain’s Mate, plus a welcoming community of sailors around the world. From essential trip planning tools and cruising resources to exclusive savings and our London clubhouse, the CA helps you make the most of your time on the water.

Explore all the beneﬁts at:

www.theca.org.uk/ join#explore-beneﬁts

*First year of membership, when paying by Direct Debit - for one or two members at the same address.

▲ A RYA British Sailing team sail being given a new lease of life

▲ Sandy Point Watersports collects old sails to make into a range of bags

CANAL BOAT ESCAPE

With fuel prices soaring and ongoing uncertainty around international ﬂights, UK holidaymakers are being encouraged to rediscover one of Britain’s most charming travel experiences: the classic canal boat holiday.

As Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in the Willows reminds us, “there is nothing –absolutely nothing – half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats”. And this summer, staying closer to home could be the most relaxing, and reliable, choice of all.

TOWN TO COUNTRYSIDE

More than 1,000 selfdrive canal boats are available to hire across the 2,000 miles of navigable inland waterways cared for by national charity Canal & River Trust. Winding through spectacular countryside, characterful towns and villages, and right into the heart of major cities, the network o ers an extraordinary variety of routes for families, couples and groups of friends.

Matthew Symonds, head of boating & customer service at Canal & River Trust, said: “Our canals have been navigated for hundreds of years, and today they o er something increasingly rare: a genuine escape. People tell us that time on the water is a tonic for mind and body. It is a chance to slow down, reconnect with nature and experience a living piece of our heritage – including from the garden of a picturesque waterside pub!

“More than eight out of ten people would recommend a canal boat holiday and say they represent great value for money. While it is always a fantastic choice for a holiday, the current uncertainty around ﬂights and fuel costs means there has never been a better time to discover the joys of the nation’s canals by boat.”

THE CHOICE IS YOURS

Choose between day boat hire, perfect for boating beginners wanting a relaxed day out with family and friends; short breaks exploring local routes and iconic canal landscapes; and longer holidays o ering immersive journeys through gorgeous countryside and into the heart of the UK’s leading cities.

Why a UK canal boat holiday makes more sense than ever…

No previous experience is needed to hire a canal boat. Operators provide full tuition before setting o and boats are equipped with everything needed for a comfortable trip, including fully-equipped kitchens, comfortable beds, bathrooms, central heating and outdoor seating. Popular narrowboat holiday destinations include:

n The beautiful Vale of Pewsey and Georgian Bath on the Kennet & Avon Canal

n The Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) on the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal in South Wales

n Worcester on the River Severn

n Birmingham on the Worcester & Birmingham Canal

n Oxford ‘City of Dreaming Spires’ on the Oxford Canal

n Shakespeare’s Stratford on the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal

n The historic canal village of Braunston on the Grand Union Canal in the heart of the canal network

n The Yorkshire Dales and UNESCO World Heritage Saltaire on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal

n The UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct on the Llangollen Canal in North Wales

n The ancient city of Chester on the Shropshire Union Canal

For information on planning your trip, including the best routes for beginners: canalrivertrust.org.uk/boating/goboating/boat-holidays-and-trips

THE CHANGING FACE OF MARINAS

Parkstone Bay Marina, in Dorset, is far more than just a place for us to moor our boats.

Of course, providing safe, secure and well-maintained berthing remains at the heart of what Parkstone Bay does, but today’s boating community expects more from a marina, and rightly so. People want somewhere they can relax, socialise, spend time with family and friends, and enjoy being part of a wider waterfront community. That is exactly what they are working to create at Parkstone Bay.

Its location at the heart of Poole Harbour gives the marina a fantastic starting point. Parkstone Bay is incredibly fortunate to enjoy one of the most beautiful natural harbours in the world, and they believe a marina should make the most of that setting. Whether it is a berth holder enjoying an early morning co ee before heading out on the water, a family gathering for lunch overlooking the bay or visitors simply stopping by to enjoy the atmosphere, it is about making Parkstone Bay Marina a destination.

BEYOND BOATING

Over recent years, they have placed a signiﬁcant focus on developing the marina experience beyond boating.

The hospitality o ering has become an important part of what makes the marina special, creating a welcoming environment not only for berth holders but also for the wider local community. This marina is increasingly becoming somewhere people choose to visit, whether they arrive by boat, bike, car or on foot.

At the same time, there has been continued investment in the businesses and services operating from the marina to create a genuine one-stop destination for boat owners. The aim is to provide everything customers need without having to leave the site. From marine services, maintenance support, chandlery and fuel to training and yacht brokerage, Parkstone Bay is constantly looking at ways to strengthen the facilities available to berth holders and visitors.

The on-site fuel berth serves both marina customers and the wider boating public, making Parkstone Bay an important stop for vessels operating throughout Poole Harbour. They also operate their own yacht brokerage and RYA training centre, helping people at every stage of their boating journey, whether they are buying their ﬁrst boat, developing new skills or progressing towards more advanced qualiﬁcations.

Alongside this, they are actively developing their commercial boatyard operations, expanding the range of marine services available on site and creating greater capacity for maintenance, repair and specialist marine support. By investing in these facilities and attracting complementary marine businesses, the marina is working to ensure Parkstone Bay remains a thriving marine hub as well as a leisure destination.

Community is hugely important here, and one of the things they enjoy most is seeing people come together and make use of the waterfront. Throughout the year Parkstone Bay looks for opportunities to host events, celebrations and activities that bring life to the marina and help create lasting connections between customers, visitors and locals alike. There is something special about a marina that feels active and welcoming throughout the year, rather than just during the height of the boating season.

CLEAN MARINA

This marina also recognises that today’s customers care deeply about the environment and expect marinas to play their part in protecting the waters we all enjoy. Sustainability has become an increasingly important focus for Parkstone Bay, and the team is proud of the progress made through a range of

environmental initiatives across the site.

These e orts have been recognised through the achievement of the Clean Marina accreditation awarded by The Yacht Harbour Association, reﬂecting its commitment to environmental responsibility, pollution prevention and best practice throughout its operations. While accreditation is something they are rightly proud of, the real value comes from ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy Poole Harbour and the surrounding coastline for years to come.

Alongside the environmental work, they continue to invest in improving the overall customer experience. From enhanced facilities and improved technology to better communication and customer service, the goal is simple: to make life easier and more enjoyable for the people who choose Parkstone Bay as their marina.

CHANGING ROLE

What excites Parkstone Bay Marina most is the changing role marinas now play in people’s lives. For many customers, their boat remains the reason they ﬁrst come here, but it is often the wider experience that keeps them connected. The chance to meet like-minded people, enjoy great food and drink, take part in events, access a wide range of marine services and spend time by the water all contribute to what modern marina life has become.

Looking ahead, Parkstone Bay Marina will continue to build on those strengths. The team wants Parkstone Bay to be known not only as an excellent marina, but as a vibrant waterfront destination and marine centre that celebrates everything people love about being on and around the water. Boating will always remain at the centre of what they do, but by combining great facilities, a welcoming atmosphere, strong environmental values, comprehensive marine services and a thriving community spirit, Parkstone Bay o ers something that goes far beyond simply providing a berth. That is what makes Parkstone Bay Marina special, and that is the future they are continuing to build. ■

www.parkstonebay.com

Conwy

MARINA GUIDE

LONDON

ST KATHARINE DOCKS

Manager: Paul Atkins

50 St. Katharine’s Way, London, E1W 1LA

T: 0207 264 5312

E: marina.reception@skdocks.co.uk

W: ww.skdocks.co.uk

SOUTH WEST

PREMIER MARINAS FALMOUTH

Manager: Mark Evans

North Parade, Falmouth, Cornwall, TR11 2TD

T: 01326 316620

E: falmouth@premiermarinas.com

W: www.premiermarinas.com

PORT PENDENNIS MARINA

Manager: Mark Webster

Challenger Quay, Falmouth, Cornwall, TR11 3YL

T: 01326 211211

E: marina@portpendennis.com

W: www.portpendennis.com

MYLOR YACHT HARBOUR

Manager/contact: Culum Matheson

Mylor Churchtown, Falmouth, Cornwall, TR11 5UF

T: 01326 372 121

E: marina@mylor.com

W: www.mylor.com

FALMOUTH HAVEN

Contact: Daisy Gould

44 Arwenack Street, Falmouth, TR11 3JQ

T: 01326 310990

E: welcome@falmouthhaven.co.uk

W: www.falmouthhaven.co.uk

MAYFLOWER MARINA

Manager: Charles Bush

Plymouth, Devon, PL1 4LS

T: 01752 556633

E: info@mayﬂowermarina.co.uk

W: www.mayflowermarina.co.uk

PLYMOUTH YACHT HAVEN

Manager: Steve Cox

Shaw Way, Mount Batten, Devon, PL9 9XH

T: 01752 404231

E: plymouth@yachthavens.com

W: www.yachthavens.com

YACHT HAVEN QUAY, PLYMOUTH

Manager: Richard Brown

Breakwater Road, Plymouth, Devon, PL9 7FE

T: 01752 481190

E: boatyard@yachthavenquay.com

W: www.yachthavens.com

MDL QUEEN ANNE’S BATTERY

Manager: Alex Warner

Plymouth, Devon, PL4 0LP

T: 01752 671142

E: qab@mdlmarinas.co.uk

W: www.queenannesbattery.co.uk

SUTTON HARBOUR MARINA

Marina Manager: Mark Brimacombe

Sutton Harbour, Plymouth PL4 0DW

T: 01752 204702

E: marina@sutton-harbour.co.uk

W: www.suttonharbourmarina.com

KING POINT MARINA

Marina Manager: Mark Brimacombe

Brunel Way, Milbay, Plymouth, PL1 3EF

T: 01752 424297

E: marina@kingpointmarina.co.uk

W: www.kingpointmarina.co.uk

PREMIER MARINAS NOSS ON DART

Manager: Mike Smith Bridge Road, Kingswear, Dartmouth Devon, TQ6 0EA T: 01803 839087

E: noss@premiermarinas.com

W: www.premiermarinas.com

DOLPHIN BOATYARD

Galmpton Creek, Brixham, Devon T: 01803 842424

E: info@dolphinhaven.co.uk W: www.dolphin-haven.co.uk

MDL BRIXHAM MARINA

Manager: Martyn Sherratt

Berry Head Road, Devon, TQ5 9BW T: 01803 882929

E: brixham@mdlmarinas.co.uk

W: www.brixhammarina.co.uk

MDL TORQUAY MARINA

Manager: Martyn Sherratt Torquay, Devon, TQ2 5EQ T: 01803 200210

E: torquaymarina@mdlmarinas.co.uk

W: www.torquaymarina.co.uk

WATCHET MARINA

Manager: Matt Driscoll Harbour O ce, Watchet, TA23 0AQ T: 01984 322230 E: watchetmarina@westernmarinas.co.uk

W: www.westernmarinas.co.uk

PREMIER WEYMOUTH MARINA

Manager: Neil Bedwell Commercial Road, Weymouth Dorset, DT4 8NA T: 01305 767576

E: weymouth@premiermarinas.com W: www.premiermarinas.com

WEYMOUTH HARBOUR

Manager/contact - Ed Carter 13 Custom House Quay, Weymouth T: 01305 838423

E: weymouthharbour@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

W: www.weymouth-harbour.co.uk

PREMIER PORTLAND MARINA

Manager: Paul Swain

Osprey Quay, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1DX

T: 01305 866190

E: portland@premiermarinas.com

W: www.premiermarinas.com

LAKE YARD MARINA

Manager/contact - Jenny Burrows

Lake Drive, Hamworthy, Poole, Dorset, BH15 4DT

T: 01202 674531

E: o ce@lakeyard.com

W: www.lakeyard.com

PARKSTONE BAY MARINA

Manager: Henry Cobley

Turks Lane, Poole, Dorset, BH14 8EW

T: 01202 747 857

E: info@parkstonebay.com

W: www.parkstonebay.com

POOLE QUAY BOAT HAVEN

Manager: Kerrie Gray

Poole Town Quay, Poole,Dorset, BH15 1HJ

T/F: 01202 649488

E: info@poolequayboathaven.co.uk

W: www.poolequayboathaven.co.uk

PORT OF POOLE MARINA

Manager: Kerrie Gray

Poole Quay Boat Haven, Poole Town Quay, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1HJ

T/F: 01202 649 488

E: info@poolequayboathaven.co.uk

W: www.poolequayboathaven.co.uk

SALTERNS MARINA LTD

Manager: Robert Golden

40 Salterns Way, Lilliput, Poole, Dorset, BH14 8JR

T: 01202 709971

E: reception@salterns.co.uk

W: www.salterns.co.uk

MDL COBB’S QUAY MARINA

Manager: Kelly Trewern

Hamworthy, Poole, Dorset, BH15 4EL

T: 01202 674299

E: cobbsquay@mdlmarinas.co.uk

W: www.cobbsquaymarina.co.uk

LYMINGTON YACHT HAVEN

Manager: Rupert Wagsta

Kings Saltern Road, Lymington, Hampshire, SO41 3QD

T: 01590 677071

E: lymington@yachthavens.com

W: www.yachthavens.com

BUCKLER’S HARD YACHT HARBOUR

Harbour Master: Wendy Stowe

Harbour Master’s O ce, Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour, Hampshire, SO42 7XB

T: 01590 616200

E: harbour.o ce@beaulieu.co.uk

W: www.beaulieuriver.co.uk

HAVEN QUAY, LYMINGTON

Manager: Matt Toms

Haven Quay Dry Stack, Mill Lane, Lymington, Hampshire, SO41 9AZ

T: 01590 677072

E: havenquay@yachthavens.com

W: www.yachthavens.com

DEACONS MARINA BY BOATFOLK

Contact name: Julie Spensley-Corﬁeld

Bursledon Bridge, Southampton, SO31 8AZ

T: 023 80 402253

E: deacons@boatfolk.co.uk

W: www.boatfolk.co.uk

MDL HYTHE MARINA VILLAGE

Manager: Debbie Scott

The Lock Building, Shamrock Way Hythe, Southampton, Hampshire, SO45 6DY

T: 023 8020 7073

E: hythe@mdlmarinas.co.uk

W: www.hythemarinavillage.co.uk

REPLICA ‘SPICE’ SHIP

This month, IGY Destination, St Katharine Docks Marina is welcoming a replica ship, the Nao Victoria, which is a 26m vessel associated with one of the greatest adventures in the history of navigation.

The original 16th century Victoria was part of ﬂeet Spanish naos or ships, that set sail from the port of Seville. Known as the Spice Army, the ﬂeet opened a new westbound route that reached the Spice Islands, the Moluccas (in present-day Indonesia).

Over three years, the expedition saw the Victoria crossing three oceans, reaching Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina to ﬁnally discover the Strait of Magellan.

In 1522 the men arrived back in Seville, achieving the greatest feat in early navigation: the First Circumnavigation Around the World.

The replica was launched in 1992, and has since followed in its namesake’s footsteps,

MDL OCEAN VILLAGE MARINA

Manager: Lauren McCann

Marina O ce, 2 Channel Way, Southampton, Hampshire, SO14 3TG

T: 023 8022 9385

E: oceanvillage@mdlmarinas.co.u

W: www.oceanvillagemarina.co.uk

MDL SHAMROCK QUAY

Manager: Barry Radband

William Street, Northam, Southampton Hampshire, SO14 5QL

T: 023 8022 9461

E: shamrockquay@mdlmarinas.co.uk

W: www.shamrockquay.co.uk

MDL SAXON WHARF

Manager: Lauren McCann Lower York Street, Northam, Southampton, SO14 5QF

T: 023 8033 9490

E: saxonwharf@mdlmarinas.co.uk

W: www.saxonwharf.co.uk

MDL HAMBLE POINT MARINA

Manager: Dominic Brown

School Lane, Hamble, Southampton Hampshire, SO31 4NB

T: 023 8045 2464

E: hamblepoint@mdlmarinas.co.uk

W: www.hamblepointmarina.co.uk

MDL PORT HAMBLE MARINA

Manager: Bertie Marsh

Satchell Lane, Hamble, Southampton Hampshire, SO31 4QD

T: 023 8045 274,1

E: porthamble@mdlmarinas.co.uk

W:www.porthamblemarina.co.uk

TOWN QUAY MARINA

Associated British Ports, Town Quay, Southampton, SO14 2AQ

T: 023 8023 4397

E: info@townquay.com

W:www.townquay.com

circumnavigating the globe. It is part of a three-ship ﬂeet from the Nao Foundation, a body that specialises in re-creating such vessels to research, promote and develop greater awareness of their heritage and contribution to maritime history. Berthing in the picturesque historic St Katharine Docks centre basin for two weeks, the 86ft museum ship will be open to the public from 30 June - 12 July, before departing on 13 July. Tickets are available via the Nao Victoria Foundation website: www.fundacionnaovictoria.org

MDL MERCURY YACHT HARBOUR

Manager: Debbie Burns SatchellLane, Hamble, Southampton, Hampshire, SO31 4HQ T: 023 8045 5994

E: mercury@mdlmarinas.co.uk W: www.mercuryyachtharbour.co.uk

PREMIER MARINAS SWANWICK

Manager: Graham Bristowe Swanwick (on the Hamble) Southampton, Hants, SO31 1ZL T: 01489 884081 E: swanwick@premiermarinas.com W: www.premiermarinas.com

HAMBLE YACHT SERVICES

Port Hamble, Hamble,Southampton, Hampshire, SO31 4NN T: 02380 201501 E: info@hysgroup.co.uk W: www.hambleyachtservices.co.uk

PREMIER MARINAS UNIVERSAL

Manager: Martin Bowman Crableck Lane, Sarisbury Green, Southampton, Hampshire, SO31 7ZN T: 01489574272 E: universal@premiermarinas.com W: www.premiermarinas.com

PREMIER HASLAR MARINA

Manager: Ben Lippiett

Haslar Road, Gosport, Hampshire, PO12 1NU T: 023 9260 1201 F: 023 9260 2201

E: haslar@premiermarinas.com W: www.premiermarinas.com

PREMIER MARINAS GOSPORT

Manager: Jonathan Walcroft Mumby Road, Gosport, Hampshire, PO12 1AH T: 023 9252 4811 F: 023 9258 9541

E: gosport@premiermarinas.com W: www.premiermarinas.com

D-MARIN ADDS MARINA

D-Marin has acquired Olbia Marina in Sardinia, comprising the complementary marina assets Marina di Olbia Yacht Service and Molo Brin.

The move further advances D-Marin’s Mediterranean growth strategy and reinforces Italy as the company’s largest regional portfolio.

The marina serves as a gateway to some of the Mediterranean’s most renowned cruising destinations. Located within the Port of Olbia on the north-eastern coast of Sardinia, the two assets operate in close proximity and together form an important gateway for yachting activity in

northern Sardinia and the wider western Mediterranean.

The marina o ers 270 berths for vessels up to 150m, a maximum draught of 5.2m and a 200m fuel dock, the largest on the northern Sardinian coast.

Oliver Dörschuck, CEO of D-Marin, said: “Olbia and Molo Brin represent one of the Mediterranean’s most important gateways for yachting. Their scale, location and infrastructure make them a natural ﬁt for D-Marin, and we see signiﬁcant opportunity to bring our operational expertise, digital innovation and service philosophy to what are already two very well-regarded destinations.”

AROUND THE MARINAS

Marina Port Andratx, Mallorca, conducted its ﬁrst full-scale emergency drill since joining IPM Group. The exercise saw the marina team take part in a series of drills focusing on ﬁre response, marine spill containment and emergency procedures in technical areas.

Yanmar Sunset Marina, in Shiga Prefecture, Japan, has been awarded the Blue Flag environmental certiﬁcation for the second consecutive year, rea rming its commitment to sustainable marina operations and environmental stewardship on Lake Biwa.

D-Marin has completed a major upgrade of its Gouvia Marina in Corfu, transforming it into a modern, premium destination for yachting and leisure through an investment of €8.5 million.

European Boating Industry has launched its new roadmap, ‘Energy Transition for Recreational Boating in Europe: A roadmap for alternative fuel infrastructure’, setting out practical industry and policy recommendations to support the decarbonisation of recreational boating and the development of marina infrastructure across Europe.

Marina Port Valencia and the Valencian Sailing Federation have entered into a strategic partnership to support the growth of sailing and watersports in the city.

The agreement marks the beginning of an eight-year partnership that will further enhance Valencia’s standing as a sailing and watersports hub.

Staying with the same marina, the Marina Port Valencia project is making steady headway, with each completed phase revealing more of the transformation that will reconnect the waterfront with the city. As the summer season gets underway, Marina City – the marina’s inner basin – is now ready to welcome its ﬁrst customers with a full range of premium services.

San Diego’s Harbor Island West Marina has marked the start of construction on a $70m redevelopment project that will upgrade marina infrastructure and increase public access along the bayfront.

For the ﬁfteenth year running, Marina Ibiza has been awarded the Blue Flag certiﬁcate from the Spanish branch of the Foundation for Environmental Education to recognise the quality of its facilities, the high standards of its services and its commitment to environmental protection.

Marina Port de Mallorca and Marina Port Andratx have once again secured the Blue Flag, marking 24 and 35 years respectively under the internationally recognised standard for quality and sustainability.

MAYFLOWER MARINA PLYMOUTH

Mayﬂower Marina Plymouth has announced the continued growth of Horizons Plymouth and its partnership with the Andrew Simpson Foundation, marked by an expanded new facility at the marina and the launch of the YouBoat Go chandlery concept.

Founded to help young people build life experience, gain conﬁdence and develop new skills through sailing and watersports, Horizons Plymouth has become an important part of the city’s community and maritime landscape. The expanded base will allow the organisation to broaden opportunities for young people and local communities to access sailing and watersports, while

AQUAVISTA ROYAL CLARENCE WATERSIDE & MARINA

Weevil Lane, Gosport, Hampshire, PO12 1AX

T: 023 9252 3523

E: royalclarence@aquavista.com

W: www.aquavista.com

PREMIER MARINAS PORT SOLENT

Manager: Ben Boardman

South Lockside, Port Solent, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO6 4TJ

T: 023 9221 0765

F: 023 9232 4241

E: portsolent@premiermarinas.com

W: www.premiermarinas.com

PREMIER MARINAS SOUTHSEA

Manager: Dave Frey

Fort Cumberland Road

Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO4 9RJ

T: 023 9282 2719

F: 023 9282 2220

E: southsea@premiermarinas.com

W: www.premiermarinas.com

GUNWHARF QUAYS MARINA

Manager: Carl Jarmaine

Gunwharf Quays, Marina O ce Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 3TZ

T: 02392 836732

E: gwqmarina@incentive-fm.com

W: www.gunwharf-quays.com/marina

ISLE OF WIGHT

COWES YACHT HAVEN

Manager: Katy Ednay

Vectis Yard, High Street, Cowes, PO31 7BD

T: 01983 299975

E: berthing@cowesyachthaven.com

W:www.cowesyachthaven.com

VHF: Channel 80

PREMIER EAST COWES MARINA

Manager: Mike Townshend

Britannia Way, East Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO32 6UB

T: 01983 293983

F: 01983 299276

E: eastcowes@premiermarinas.com

W: premiermarinas.com

strengthening pathways into education, wellbeing, volunteering and marine careers.

Operating from new o ces, training rooms and activity spaces at the marina, Horizons Plymouth will continue to deliver under its established local identity while beneﬁtting from the wider support, programmes and network of the Andrew Simpson Foundation.

As part of the development, Mayﬂower Marina and Horizons Plymouth have also partnered with marine retailer YouBoat to introduce YouBoat Go — a new compact chandlery designed speciﬁcally for marina environments.

YouBoat Go provides convenient access to essential boating

COWES HARBOUR SHEPARDS MARINA

Manager: Jock Ra erty

Medina Road, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7HT

T: 01983 297821

E: shepards.chc@cowes.co.uk

W: cowesharbourshepardsmarina.co.uk

ISLAND HARBOUR MARINA

Manager: Danie Erasmus Mill Lane, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 2LA

T: 01983 539994

E: info@island-harbour.co.uk

W:www.island-harbour.co.uk

BEMBRIDGE HARBOUR

Jack Miskin, Harbour Master The Duver, St Helens, PO33 1YB

T: 01983 872828

E: mail@bembridgeharbour.co.uk

W: www.bembridgeharbour.co.uk

YARMOUTH HARBOUR

Harbour O ce, The Quay, Yarmouth, Isle of Wight, PO41 0NT

T: 01983 760321

E: info@yarmouth-harbour.co.uk

W: www.yarmouth-harbour.co.uk

VHF: Ch 68 (harbour), Ch 15 (water taxi)

SOUTH EAST

MDL NORTHNEY MARINA

Manager: Tom Ward Northney Road, Hayling Island, PO11 0NH T: 023 9246 6321

E: northney@mdlmarinas.co.uk

W: www.northneymarina.co.uk

MDL SPARKES MARINA

Manager: James Rizzi

38 Wittering Road, Hayling Island Hampshire, PO11 9SR

T: 023 9246 3572

E: sparkes@mdlmarinas.co.uk

W: www.sparkesmarina.co.uk

PREMIER MARINAS CHICHESTER

Manager: Andrew Collumbell Birdham (Chichester Harbour) West Sussex, PO20 7EJ T: 01243 512731

E: chichester@premiermarinas.com

W: www.premiermarinas.com

products and consumables on-site, while also connecting customers to YouBoat’s wider online catalogue for rapid delivery of additional items. This concept blends onsite convenience with the wider o ering of online shopping.

AQUAVISTA BIRDHAM POOL

WATERSIDE & MARINA

Chichester, West Sussex, PO20 7BG T: 01243 512310

E: birdhampool@aquavista.com W: www.aquavista.com

LITTLEHAMPTON MARINA

Berthing Manager: Darren Humphries Ferry Road, Littlehampton, West Sussex, BN17 5DS T: 01903 713553 F: 01903 732264

E: sales@littlehamptonmarina.co.uk W: www.littlehamptonmarina.co.uk

LITTLEHAMPTON YACHT CLUB

Rope House, Rope Walk Littlehampton, West Sussex BN17 5DH T: 01903 732 926 F: 01903 725 911

E: ﬁona@littlehamptonyachtclub.co.uk W: www.littlehamptonyachtclub.co.uk

PREMIER MARINAS BRIGHTON

Manager: Max Sinclair

West Jetty, Brighton, East Sussex, BN2 5UP

T: 01273 819919 F: 01273 675082

E: brighton@premiermarinas.com

W: www.premiermarinas.com

PREMIER MARINAS EASTBOURNE

Manager: Dan Heckford

Sovereign Harbour, North Lockside, Paciﬁc Drive, Eastbourne, BN23 5BJ T: 01323 470099 F: 01323 470077

E: sovereignharbour@premiermarinas.com

W: www.premiermarinas.com

SMALL BOATS WELCOME

NEWHAVEN MARINA

Manager/Contact: Russell Levett

Newhaven Marina, The Yacht Harbour, Fort Road, Newhaven, BN9 9BY

T: 01273 513 881

E: info@newhavenmarina.co.uk

W: www.newhavenmarina.co.uk

LADY BEE MARINA, SHOREHAM PORT

Manager: Julian Goldie

Lady Bee Marina and Chandlery, 138-140

Albion Street, Southwick, BN42 4EG T: 01273 591705

E: LBChandlery@shoreham-port.co.uk

W:www.shoreham-port.co.uk/chandlery

KENT

GILLINGHAM MARINA

Manager: Chris Aldous

173 Pier Road, Gillingham, Kent ME7 1UB

T: 01634 280022

E: berthing@gillingham-marina.co.uk

W: www.gillingham-marina.co.uk

MDL CHATHAM MARITIME MARINA

Manager: Emma Powell

The Lock Building, Leviathan Way, Chatham Maritime, Kent ME4 4LP

T: 01634 899200

E: chatham@mdlmarinas.co.uk

W: chathammaritimemarina.co.uk

MEDWAY YACHT CLUB

Contact: Sue Bannister

Lower Upnor, Rochester, ME2 4XB

T: 01634 718399

W:www.medwayyachtclub.com

SURREY

MDL PENTON HOOK MARINA

Manager: Benedict Moran Staines Road, Chertsey, Surrey KT16 8PY

T: 01932 568681

E: pentonhook@mdlmarinas.co.uk

SUFFOLK

MDL WOOLVERSTONE MARINA

Manager: Shane Cheshire

Woolverstone, Ipswich, Su olk IP9 1AS

T: 01473 780206

E: woolverstone@mdlmarinas.co.uk

W: www.woolverstonemarina.co.uk

LOWESTOFT BEACON MARINA

Manager: Lucy Edmonds School Road, Lowestoft, Su olk NR33 9NB

T: 01502 580300

E: lowestoftbeacon@abports.co.uk

W: www.beaconmarinas.co.uk

FOX’S MARINA & BOATYARD

Marina Manager: Lee Gilson

Fox’s Marina, Ipswich Su olk IP2 8SA

T: 01473 689111

E: foxs@foxsmarina.com

W: www.foxsmarina.com

ESSEX

FAMBRIDGE YACHT HAVEN

Manager: Danyal Adams Chelmsford, CM3 6LU

T: 01621 740370

E: fambridge@yachthavens.com

W: www.yachthavens.com

WALES

ABERYSTWYTH MARINA

Manager: Adam Knowles

Specialist boat insurance

NEYLAND YACHT HAVEN

Manager: James Cotton

Brunel Quay, Pembrokeshire SA73 1PY

T: 01646 601601

E: neyland@yachthavens.com

W: www.yachthavens.com

PORT DINORWIC MARINA

Dock Manager: Kevin Roberts

Y Felinheli, Gwynedd LL56 4JN

T: 01248 671500

E: sharon@portdinorwic.co.uk W: www.port-dinorwic.co.uk

BURRY PORT MARINA

Harbour Master: Robert Hockey

The Harbour O ce, Burry Port

Carmarthenshire

T: 01554 835 691

E: Info@themarinegroup.co.uk

W: www.themarinegroup.co.uk

N. IRELAND

BANGOR MARINA

Manager: Kevin Baird

Bangor, Co. Down

T: 02891 45329

E: bangor@boatfolk.co.uk

W: www.boatfolk.co.uk

CARRICKFERGUS MARINA

Harbour Master: Ryan Hack

Marina Manager: Karen Steelen

3 Quayside, Carrickfergus BT38 8BJ

T: 028 9336 6666

E: harbour.master@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

W: www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk

BRISTOL

SCOTLAND

RHU MARINA

Contact: Suzanne Bell

Rhu, Helensburgh G84 8LH

T: 01436 820238

E: rhu@boatfolk.co.uk

W: www.boatfolk.co.uk

LARGS YACHT HAVEN

Manager: Dave Hewitt Irvine Road, Largs Ayrshire KA30 8EZ

T: 01475 675333

E: largs@yachthavens.com

W: www.yachthavens.com

TROON YACHT HAVEN

Manager: Stephen Bennie The Harbour, Troon Ayrshire KA10 6DJ T: 01292 315553

E: troon@yachthavens.com

W: www.yachthavens.com

SPAIN

MDL SANT CARLES MARINA

Manager: Nicolas Gonzalez Ctra Poble Nou s/n, Apartat de Correus 192, 43540 Sant Carles de la Ràpita, Spain

T: (0034) 9777 45153

T (UK): 023 8045 0227 enquiries@santcarlesmarina.com W: www.santcarlesmarina.com

ITALY

MARINARA

Front Desk: Federica Civilla Via Marinara 11, Marina di Ravenna, 48122 Italy

T: (0039) 0544 531644

E: info@marinara.it W: www.marinara.it

Y Lanfa Aberystwyth, Trefechan SY23 1AS

T: 01970 611422

E: aberystwythmarina@westernmarinas.co.uk

W: www.westernmarinas.co.uk

CARDIFF MARINA

W: www.pentonhookmarina.co.uk

BERKSHIRE

MDL WINDSOR MARINA

Manager: John Harris Maidenhead Road, Windsor Berkshire SL4 5TZ

T: 01753 853911

E: windsor@mdlmarinas.co.uk

W: www.windsormarina.co.uk

MDL BRAY MARINA

Manager: John Harris Monkey Island Lane, Bray Berkshire SL6 2EB

T: 01628 623654

E: bray@mdlmarinas.co.uk

W: www.braymarina.co.uk

LANCASHIRE

AQUAVISTA GLASSON

WATERSIDE & MARINA

School Lane, Glasson Dock, Lancaster, Lancashire LA2 0AW

T: 01524 751491

E: glasson@aquavista.com

Manager: Andy Coles OBE

Watkiss Way

Cardi CF11 0SY T: 02920 396078

E: cardi marina@westernmarinas.co.uk

W: www.westernmarinas.co.uk

CONWY MARINA

Manager: Jon Roberts

Conwy Marina, Ellis Way LL32 8GU

T: 01492 593000

E: conwy@boatfolk.co.uk

W:www.boatfolk.co.uk

MILFORD MARINA

Manager or contact: Melanie Durney Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire SA73 3AF

Tel: 01646 696312

E: enquiries@milfordmarina.com

W: www.milfordmarina.com

PENARTH MARINA

PORTISHEAD MARINA

Manager: Simon Davis

Portishead, Bristol BS20 7DF

T: 01275 841941

E: portishead@boatfolk.co.uk W: www.boatfolk.co.uk

NEWCASTLE

ROYAL QUAYS MARINA

Manager: Keeran Stephenson North Shields, Tyneside NE29 6DU T: 01912 728282

E: royalquays@boatfolk.co.uk

W: www.boatfolk.co.uk

YORKSHIRE

AQUAVISTA HULL WATERSIDE & MARINA

Warehouse 13, Kingston Street, Hull

Yorkshire HU1 2DQ

T: 01482 609960

HOLLAND

JACHTHAVEN BIESBOSCH

Manager: Maarten Voskuil Nieuwe Jachthaven 54924 BA, Drimmelen, NL

T: +31 (0)162 682249

E: info@jachthavenbiesbosch.nl W: www.jachthavenbiesbosch.nl

E: hull@aquavista.com W: www.aquavista.com

LIVERPOOL

LIVERPOOL MARINA

Manager: Stuart Jones Penarth

Vale of Glamorgan F64 1TQ

T: 02920 705021

E: penarth@boatfolk.co.uk

W: www.aquavista.com

W: www.boatfolk.co.uk

Manager: Daniel O’Dea

Liverpool Marina, Coburg Wharf, L34BP

T: 0151 707 6777

E: reception@liverpoolmarina.com

E: manager@liverpoolmarina.com

W: www.liverpoolmarina.com

Into the Drink

SUMMER WHITES FOR SUNNY DAYS

It is not just the warmth of summer I love, but the light. The longer days seem to slow everything down, o ering more time to unwind, reﬂect and savour the moment. And for me, relaxing in the sunshine is always enhanced by a cool glass of white - whether at anchor or in the garden.

With many bright, aromatic white wines to choose from, I have taken inspiration from my time spent living and working in Spain and France - two countries that have perfected ‘l’art de vivre’. Long lunches, unhurried afternoons with family and friends and delicious food elevated by wines designed to complement the cuisine.

Albariño (al-bar-rin-yo)

From the rugged coastal region of Rías Baixas in Galicia, Albariño is a vibrant, dry white with zesty citrus notes and a hint of the sea on the ﬁnish. Unsurprisingly, it is divine with seafood - think grilled ﬁsh or prawns. Typically unoaked and refreshingly crisp, it is light enough to enjoy at lunch time and long into the evening as the sun goes down.

The Wine Society’s Exhibition Albariño is currently top of my list - slightly pricey, but well worth it.

Verdejo (ver-de-ho)

It was a Verdejo that made me fall in love with Spanish white wine. Native to Rueda, northwest of Madrid, a good Verdejo is a joy on a summer’s day and is a perfect alternative to more familiar wines. While some versions are oak-aged and fullerbodied, I prefer the younger, unoaked ones, with their herbaceous aromas and lively citrus ﬂavours.

It is an excellent partner for seafood, summer vegetables or goat’s cheese. If you usually opt for Sauvignon Blanc but are looking to branch out, Verdejo is a great choice. Try the Beronia Rueda Verdejo or the Marques de Caceres Verdejo – both easy to ﬁnd and easy to enjoy.

Picpoul (pick-pool)

Picpoul de Pinet, from the Mediterranean coast of southern France, instantly evokes memories of sun-soaked days on the beach and relaxed seaside dining. Light and crisp with citrus notes and a mouth-watering green apple tang, it is a reliably refreshing option that rarely disappoints. Widely available and well-priced, it should be a staple in the fridge at home or onboard - ideal for impromptu gatherings or a spontaneous aperitif on a warm afternoon.

Viognier (vee-yon-yay)

Originally from France’s Rhône Valley, Viognier has found global popularity, though I think the classic French style remains hard to beat. Fuller bodied than others, it is intensely aromatic with notes of peach, pear and apricot.

An indulgent summer white, it pairs beautifully with salmon, scallops or more exotic dishes featuring fragrant spices like coriander, cumin and ginger.

Not sure which to choose? Then don’t! Long, sunlit afternoons are the perfect excuse to gather friends for an informal tasting. Open a few bottles, relax and let the conversation - and the wine - ﬂow well into the evening.

“I have taken inspiration from my time spent living and working in Spain and France - two countries that have perfected ‘l’art de vivre’”

Image: Anna Keibalo / Unsplash

POOLE QUAY

BOAT HAVEN

POOLE QUAY BOAT HAVEN

POOLE QUAY

BOAT HAVEN

SWINGING MOORINGS

Relax with a glass of wine, on a sunny afternoon, on your own swinging mooring in Poole Harbour overlooking Brownsea Island. Away from the madding crowd, these offer you ultimate privacy, peace & tranquillity.

PORT OF POOLE

PORT OF POOLE MARINA

PORT OF POOLE

VISITOR MARINA

125 visitor berths all year for vessels up to 75m in length and up to 4.8m draft

On the Port estate we can accommodate vessels up to 210m in length with a maximum draft of 9m.