All At Sea MAY 26

Britain’s most read water ont newspaper

EYES ON THE PRIZE

Andrea Tesei has joined GB1, the British Challenger for the 38th America’s Cup, ahead of this month’s first Preliminary Regatta in Cagliari, Sardinia. Read more about Andrea and the latest America’s Cup news on page 8

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A ROYAL OPENING

Dart RNLI volunteers welcomed Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal to o cially open their new lifeboat station at a special ceremony.

The Princess Royal, accompanied by Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, as a Vice President of the RNLI, unveiled a plaque outside the building to o cially open the new lifeboat station. During the visit, Her Royal Highness also met the charity’s volunteer lifeboat crew, fundraisers, the visitor centre team, operational and station support teams and lifeguards based in south Devon.

The new lifeboat station is at Ferry View House where the original lifeboat station was built in the 1800s. The building has undergone extensive renovation and now includes a purpose

built boat hall to house the station’s D class lifeboat and a dedicated changing area for the crew. On the first floor there is an open space for crew training, an o ce and welfare facilities.

Commodore Jake Moores OBE, Chair of the Lifeboat Management Group at Dart Lifeboat Station, said: “It was a great privilege to welcome HRH The Princess Royal to Dart RNLI to o cially open our new lifeboat station and return the RNLI in Dartmouth to its original home, which it occupied until the end of the 19th century.

“Our temporary lifeboat station on Coronation Park, which has housed our D class lifeboat since 2007, will now be run by the Dartmouth Youth Group for the benefit of the community.”

JOIN THE REAL OCEAN ROW

Australian adventurer and well-known organiser of three retro around the world yacht races, Don McIntyre has been thinking of rowing an ocean for 30 years.

Modern ocean rowing races have become a popular sport with up to 50 boats a year crossing the Atlantic in 30 - 50 days solo. Over the years Don has witnessed how much easier it has become and wonders if any rower could cope with doing it like it was done in 1966.

In 1966 Sergeant Chay Blyth (with zero rowing experience) and Captain John Ridgway set out to row across the North Atlantic Ocean. They departed from Orleans near Cape Cod, Massachusetts, on 4 June aboard the 20ft open dory English Rose III, a fishing dory costing less than £200. They sat so low in the water that they had to raise the gunwale by 9 inches, following local fishermen’s advice. 92 days and 3,000 miles later they arrived in Ireland. Two others who set out at the same time were never seen again.

TRANSFORMING LIVES AT SEA

Morvargh Sailing Project, Cornwall’s dedicated Sail Training organisation, has been awarded the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and Association of Sail Training Organisations Sail Training Vessel of the Year for its vessel Helen Mary R.

Presented at the 2026 UK Sail Training Conference, the award recognises excellence in both seamanship and the delivery of meaningful, life-changing experiences for young people. Jointly awarded by the MCA and ASTO, it is considered one of the highest honours in the Sail Training sector.

The award celebrates vessels that not only meet the highest standards of safety and professionalism but also demonstrate a clear and lasting impact on the young people they support. Based in Fowey, Morvargh Sailing Project delivers o shore Sail Training voyages aboard the 57ft ketch Helen Mary R. The organisation works with young people aged 11 - 25, many of whom face barriers to opportunity, providing experiences at sea that build confidence, resilience and a sense of belonging.

A defining feature of Morvargh’s work is its volunteerled model. Experienced sailors, many of whom began as trainees themselves, return to support the next generation. The organisation also places a strong emphasis on inclusion. Through partnerships with schools, youth organisations and community groups, Morvargh works to ensure that financial circumstances do not prevent young people from taking part.

Kerry McMillan, Chief Executive of ASTO, said: “Morvargh Sailing Project exemplifies the very best of

Sail Training in the UK. Helen Mary R demonstrates not only high standards of seamanship and safety, but a deep and sustained commitment to the personal development of young people. This award recognises a programme that delivers meaningful impact through challenge, responsibility and care.”

Morvargh Sailing Project continues to run voyages throughout the year and is actively working to expand access through its ‘Preserve the Legacy, Protect the Future’ fundraising campaign, supporting the long-term sustainability of Helen Mary R. You can read this month’s Shootin’ The Breeze with ASTO’s Kerry McMillan on page 22.

‘Modern’ ocean rowing races use solar powered watermakers to save up to 220kg weight per person. GPS chartplotters and electric autopilots keep the boats racing on course at 2 - 4kts while the rower, for example, sleeps. Shoreside weather routers direct rowers to the best currents and away from the worst weather. Satphone and Starlink video calls to trainers, family and partners reduce the psychological stress/mind game of rowing.

So, at 73 in 2028 Don McIntyre will try to do it in the footsteps of his friend Sir Chay Blyth and is challenging anyone else to join this Real Ocean Row adventure, like 1966. A Real Ocean Row of 3,200 miles across the Atlantic, from Rubicon Marina Lanzarote to the National Sailing Academy in Antigua.

Don explained: “I really enjoy adventures with an historic connection that relates to those who did it first. Will I cope as well as them? Or at least understand better what they went through? Talking with so many rowers over the years I knew if I did it, it would be in the footsteps of Blyth and Ridgeway. I read their book in the early ‘70s and it was truly scary.

“My boat, safety gear and training will be a bit better, and Tradewinds of the Atlantic will be kinder than their hurricanes, but I do not underestimate how challenging this ROR may be. Everything will be slower, heavier and more work than for current modern ocean rowers. Right now, I am overweight, unfit and have never even sat in a row boat. My challenge is real and I am up for it. Not sure if anyone else will?!”

ROR entries open and the Notice of Row is issued on 1 June 2026, limited to 16 boats, solo or pairs only. Find out more at www.RealOceanRow.com

PLB REGISTRATION

New measures to strengthen search and rescue response to incidents involving people with Personal Locator Beacons came into force from 15 April.

An update by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency will require registration of all current and new PLBs –online and at no cost – that are carried onboard a UK flagged vessel, hovercraft or mechanically propelled watercraft, such as jet skis. The change brings PLBs under regulations that have applied for 26 years to Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons.

When a registered PLB or EPIRB is activated, HM Coastguard can use the details supplied, such as emergency contacts, to gain crucial information to support rescue e orts and send the best resources to help. False alarms can be traced more e ciently too, keeping rescue teams on readiness for real emergencies and avoiding unnecessary missions into potentially dangerous conditions.

The registration requirement does not apply to PLBs on unpowered craft such as paddleboards and kayaks –although the MCA encourages all PLBs to be registered.

UK Distress & Security Beacon Registry Manager, Linda Goulding said: “The benefit of registering your PLB is simple: it gives you – and everyone you are with – a head start to being rescued from an emergency. The registration process is free, takes just 15 minutes and could make the di erence between life or death. Help us to help you.”

To register a PLB or EPIRB with the UK Beacon Registry: www.gov.uk/register-406-beacons

As many of us get ready to take part in or go to boating events up and down the country we continue our nationwide (and a few international!) events guide, picking up from where we left o last month with almost 200 regattas, shows, jumbles, festivals, races and more taking place from July until the end of the year. This is just a snapshot of what is happening around the country, and so be sure to find out what your harbour, marina, sailing club and local area is organising this year too.

One of the stand out events this month is the British Motor Yacht Show taking place over 14 – 17 May at Swanwick Marina. With many of the sector’s leading brands exhibiting this is set to be another popular edition of this show which has now been running for well over a decade! Read all about the show in our preview over on page 27.

Before that, though, is another established event, the South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show running from 8 -10 May. Taking place at Southampton’s Ocean Village Marina this show brings

together power and sail brands, along with innovative ecofriendly products. If you missed last month’s preview of this event you can read this, and many other past issues of All at Sea, at www.allatsea.co.uk/all-at-seathe-paper.

Also coming up this month, over the same weekend as the South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show, is the Bermuda Sail Grand Prix. The British team will be looking for strong weekend following a disappointing few days in Rio, which you can read about in this month’s news on page 10.

Another British team hoping for success this month is GB1 who will be joining five other teams (see page 8 for news of a newly announced team) for the first 38th America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta, which takes place in Cagliari, Sardinia from 21 - 24 May. All eyes will be on the teams’ performances as we see the first indicators of who’s looking like strong challengers for the Cup.

A final mention of May events is the RNLI’s Mayday Mile; complete a mile a day in May and help RNLI volunteers save lives this summer.

Elsewhere in the paper this month we have more new season advice for you, this time from the experts at AkzoNobel and Ancasta Yacht Services. AkzoNobel has great advice for anyone antifouling their boat this spring, while Ancasta Yacht Services has a fantastic guide to GRP and composite repairs.

Regular readers will know we are big fans of marine history here at All at Sea, and so we were delighted when the Nautical Archaeology Society got in touch to tell us about their courses, and no you do not have to get wet to enjoy them! Turn to page 21 to read about the Society and its courses, and enter our competition to win a Discover Maritime Archaeology Course. As NAS told us: “Now’s your chance to dive into this fascinating world - no wetsuit required.”

Whatever you are up to this month, enjoy your time on or by the water, and don’t forget to send us your photos!

By Jane Hyde

Another

For many being onboard has become one of the few places where

Thursday

Thursday 16th to Sunday 19th May

JOIN THE MAYDAY MILE

Last year was the sixth busiest year on record for the RNLI with more than 9,000 launches equating to 25 lifeboats launching to the rescue every day of the year with lifeboat crews saving 272 lives.

The RNLI data shows the high demand on lifeboat crews across the charity’s 238 lifeboat stations in the

UK, Ireland and the Channel Islands. Types of rescues include 713 launches to sailing vessels, 951 to motorboats, 946 to people in the water and 319 to walkers and runners.

The RNLI does not only help people, with lifeboats launched 179 times to animals compared with 163 times in 2024.

Lifeboats launch to animals to prevent pet owners putting themselves at risk by going in after them. While the majority of the animals rescued were pet dogs, other animals that RNLI lifeboat crews went to the aid of last year included three sheep, one whale and a horse.

Those rescued by the RNLI include mother of four Mandy Galloway who was paddleboarding o the coast of Kingsbarns in Scotland and got into di culty before being rescued more than a mile out to sea by Anstruther RNLI. Mandy had been paddleboarding with her partner before being caught up in 30mph o shore winds and drifting more than two miles away from her original location. Mandy’s partner had managed to get back to the beach to call for help and fortunately, after being treated in hospital for hypothermia and exhaustion, Mandy made a full recovery.

Kate Eardley, head of global drowning prevention at the RNLI, said: “The sheer number of lifeboat launches last year highlights just how quickly a day at the coast can change — and why our safety advice and volunteer crews are so vital. We are incredibly proud that our crews are ready to launch at a moment’s notice but these figures also underline the ongoing need for public support. Taking part in the Mayday Mile helps ensure our lifeboat crews can continue to reach people when it matters most.”

Whether you choose to walk, jog, hop or skip, a mile every day in May will help raise vital funds for RNLI lifesavers, so that they can continue to keep people safe at sea.

To sign up for the Mayday Mile, or to make a donation, visit RNLI.org/supportMayday

FIRST GRANTS AWARDED

The first recipients of grants from the International Nautical Archaeology Foundation have been announced, following the launch of its inaugural grant programme on 1 January.

From a diverse pool of applications, eight have been granted an award to support a broad range of nautical archaeological projects worldwide. These initiatives share a common objective: to advance public understanding of nautical archaeology and to promote research for the public benefit across all aspects of the discipline.

Mark Beattie-Edwards, CEO of the Nautical Archaeology Society, which administers the INAF, said: “We were extremely encouraged by both the volume and the calibre of applications received for this first round of INAF grants. The breadth of projects, spanning underwater, intertidal and terrestrial investigations, demonstrates the vibrancy and global reach of nautical archaeology today."

INAF’s core mission is to support projects with strong potential to contribute meaningfully to the understanding of nautical archaeological subjects, while ensuring that findings are disseminated to the public through publications and a variety of media.

Grant recipients (Gary Bankhead, Leah Tavasi, Dr Azzedine Karra and Dr Athena Trakadas, Professor Irena Radić Rossi and Dr Lisa Briggs, Cristina Laurenti, Sasha Joura, Christopher Dostal and Carolyn Kennedy, Dr. Max Fiederling) will be required to report on their funded work by 31 March 2027, and by 31 March 2028 for projects spanning two years.

Applications for the 2027 INAF grant programme will open on 1 January 2027.

Turn to page 21 to find out how you can learn more about nautical archaeology and enter our competition to win a Discover Maritime Archaeology course!

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CUP CHALLENGE

Andrea Tesei is the latest sailor signing for GB1, joining the British Challenger for the 38th America’s Cup.

The 34-year-old is the fourth signing for GB1, joining Helm Dylan Fletcher and Trimmers Bleddyn Mon and Ben Cornish.  The Italian brings experience of high-speed, elite racing, not only from his previous two America’s Cup campaigns with Luna Rossa, but also from the 49er Olympic class, SailGP and alpine skiing.

Andrea said he was “honoured” to join GB1 for the 38th America’s Cup, which will be held in his home country in 2027: “I am really honoured to be in this group. The America’s Cup is incredible sports-wise and very hard to win, but it is also the chance to learn about

technology and how to improve sailing and knowledge of the hydrodynamics and aerodynamics, that is what really gets my passion going.”

Ahead of the Preliminary Regatta in Sardinia, 21 - 24 May, Andrea joined the British team for its training camp in Cagliari, for its first two-boat testing session with the AC40s.

GB1 CEO, Ian Walker said: “Andrea Tesei is an excellent addition to the GB1 squad and we are excited for what is to come. Not only is Andrea an exceptional sailor, he also has great technical experience, having been involved in the boat, mainsail and foil design in previous America’s Cups. It has been brilliant to have both AC40s on the water for our first two-boat testing.”

FIRST SAILORS FOR THE YOUTH SQUAD

After an open trials weekend the Athena Pathway Program has begun the selection of the first sailors for its Youth Squad, with 13 sailors making up this first cohort.

APP’s Team Principal, Hannah Mills said: “We had 158 applicants, which was amazing to see. So much depth and breadth across the UK’s sailing talent. We chose 21 to come to the trials in Weymouth and now we have got a core squad of 13 who we are looking to develop for the Youth America’s Cup in 2027 and beyond. But the door is still open, if you did not make it this time, then keep training, keep pushing, there will be more opportunities in the future.”

APP have three core goals for the Youth Squad. In the short term, two Youth Squad sailors will be selected

LEGAL STEPS

Sir Jim Ratcli e’s Ineos group is taking legal action to secure the return of the AC75 boat, Britannia, used in the last America’s Cup by the British team.

A statement said: “Ineos is surprised that the boat we built for the last America’s Cup has been taken by Athena Racing. The boat belongs to Ineos and it is inappropriate to assume

AMERICAN TEAM CONFIRMED

American Racing Challenger Team USA, representing Challenging Yacht Club Sail Newport, has been confirmed as an O cial Challenger for the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup.

The vision of entrepreneurs Karel Komárek and Chris Welch, the team will be led by American yachtsman Ken Read, two-time Rolex Yachtsman of the Year.

Chris Welch, Co-Founder & Vice Chairman American Racing Challenger Team USA, said: “This opportunity extends far beyond competition, it is about seizing a rare chance to help shape the opening chapter of a new era in America’s Cup history.

"With extraordinary momentum building behind the Cup, Karel and I are proud to play a role in returning the world’s most successful nation to this iconic stage, alongside some of America’s most powerful and recognisable brands.”

The United States holds a unique and dominant place in America’s Cup history, having first won the trophy in 1851 and successfully defending it for 132 years, the longest winning streak in sporting history.

Despite these deep ties, prior to the confirmation of American Racing Challenger Team USA, the 2027 edition was set to mark the first time the

to race with Hannah Mills and a female colleague in the America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta in Cagliari this month.

The medium-term goal will be to extend and develop the Youth Squad to produce a crew for the Youth America’s Cup next summer, in Naples, Italy. Looking at the longer-term vision, it is about the next generation of talent being nurtured — both male and female — for the Youth America’s Cup and the Women’s AC in 2029 and beyond.

Youth Squad member Sam Webb said: “I think my first memory is watching the big cats on San Francisco harbour (AC34 –won by Ben Ainslie) and as I have watched over the years I have become more interested in the technical aspects and the racing. I think it is a really exciting time for the Cup, especially as a young person.”

it can be used for the next competition without seeking our permission.”

Sir Ben Ainslie’s GB1 team is the Challenger of Record for the 38th America’s Cup; GB1 responded to Ineos saying they: “appreciate the sponsorship and support of Ineos over the last two campaigns,” adding “It should come as no surprise to Ineos that assets which are owned by, and have always been in the possession of Athena Racing are being used for AC38.”

competition would take place without a U.S. team.

The Americans will begin their challenge on the front foot, having acquired key America’s Cup sailing assets from American Magic, including the AC75 yacht ‘Patriot’ and the team’s two AC40 platforms.

Marzio Perrelli, Chief Executive O cer of the America’s Cup Partnership, welcomed the new Challenger, saying: “Having a strong representative team from the USA is something that we welcome, and in American Racing Challenger Team USA they have an impressive management team that has already acquired the assets of American Magic.

"This makes Sail Newport’s challenge a real contender and we look forward to working with the team going forward.”

Leading the team Ken Read, CEO American Racing Challenger Team USA, added: “Having the opportunity to represent the United States once again in the America’s Cup is a tremendous honour. We are under no illusion about the challenges ahead and we are fully focused on building a team that can win the Cup. We are looking forward to building a programme that American sailors can be proud of and establishing a legacy that endures well into the future.”

American Racing Challenger Team USA and Sail Newport also welcomed US Sailing to the initiative. Together, the partners will work to strengthen pathways into the sport, with a shared commitment to supporting youth development and expanding opportunities for female sailors, ensuring a more inclusive and accessible future for American sailing.

The competition for the world’s oldest trophy in international sport will unfold in the spring and summer of 2027 on the spectacular Bay of Naples in Italy, marking the first time the America’s Cup will be held in the country.

The American Racing Challenger Team USA will not be racing at this month's Preliminary Regatta in Sardinia. Five of the America’s Cup teams are racing with three of those fielding two boats – Emirates Team New Zealand, GB1 and Luna Rossa. Uniquely for this America’s Cup, teams are allowed to field two boats in the Preliminary Regattas contested in AC40 yachts. One of the two boats must be crewed by Youth & Women sailors on an equal 50/50 basis. La Roche-Posay Racing Team and Tudor Team Alinghi will only field one AC40 yacht in the Sardinia regatta, making a fleet of eight.

MERCHANDISE LAUNCHED

Musto has launched an exclusive new range of Emirates GBR SailGP Team merchandise, celebrating the speed, innovation and national pride behind one of the most exciting teams in the SailGP league.

As O cial Technical Clothing Partner to the Emirates GBR SailGP Team, the collection was initially available exclusively at Musto’s flagship retail stores in Portsmouth and Cowes before

launching online too (search Emirates GBR Collection at www.musto.com).

The collection includes a selection of waterproof and softshell jackets, polos and t-shirts, waterproof bags and caps, all featuring Emirates GBR SailGP Team branding.

Emirates GBR Driver and Musto ambassador, Dylan Fletcher MBE said: “It is super exciting to be launching our new merch range with Musto, enabling

our fans to wear the Emirates GBR kit as they cheer us on from the grandstands or as they watch from home. It will be amazing to see our supporters wearing the merch when we race in Portsmouth this summer at the Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix on 25 - 26 July. It is set to be even bigger than last year and we cannot wait to put on a show and race in front of a home crowd in Emirates GBR colours.”

THIS TIME IN 2014…

SNAPS PLYMOUTH BOAT FEST 2026

The action-packed finale we were discussing in 2014 was the Brooks Macdonald Warsash Spring Series. Also in the news pages we were looking at the di erent ways to get involved in National Watersports Month and Premier Marinas o cially opened its £3.5 million redevelopment of the Chichester Marina boatyard. Elsewhere in the paper we put the spotlight on Lowestoft Haven Marina and had top tips from the RYA for trouble free towing, launch and recovery. You can find many past issues of All at Sea at www.allatsea. co.uk/all-at-sea-the-paper

WORLD SAILING DAY

Created as a single, coordinated global moment, World Sailing Day - 28 May - establishes a fixed date each year when the world comes together to celebrate, promote and experience sailing in all its forms. From yacht clubs and regattas to marina activations, open days, waterfront events and industry-led initiatives, participation is already spanning multiple countries and sectors, reflecting the breadth and diversity of sailing worldwide.

CLASSICS REGATTA

Happening at the same time as the Falmouth International Shanty Festival will be the Falmouth Classics Regatta, 12 – 14 June. The event is the largest in the UK for ‘classic’ vessels (designed or built before 1976). Typically they are of wooden construction with a traditional layout of sails although modern vessels that replicate an older design also participate. As well as racing, there will be a Classic Parade of Sail and onshore events. www.falmouthclassics.org.uk

WORLD OCEAN DAY

The annual aquatic festival returns to the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich on 6 June for a day of free activities designed to help families connect with the ocean through science, creativity and live performances. There will be information stalls run by organisations such as Surfers Against Sewage, Creekside Discovery Centre and Trinity Laban. Talks and demonstrations will explore ocean science, climate, biodiversity and human interaction with the sea.

GET INVOLVED!

We continue our extensive boating events guide over on page 24, but coming up this month on 24 May is the annual Watchet Wheelbarrow Race on The Esplanade, part of Watchet Carnival. Then, next month on 7 June is the Aberystwyth Marina Boat Angling Competition. westernmarinas.co.uk/category/ news-and-events

SPORTING DIRECTOR

Ben Willows has joined the Royal Ocean Racing Club as its first Sporting Director, underscoring the club’s commitment to “excellence across all aspects of its programme”. Ben brings a strong background in leading sailing organisations and youth development, having previously held senior positions as CEO of both the UKSA and RS Sailing.

This year's Plymouth Boat Fest takes place on 20 June at Plymouth Yacht Haven under the banner Plymouth Boat Fest, powered by Marine AI, with an expanded show, including increased ticket capacity and a larger on-water demonstration programme.

Organised by Yacht Havens Group, the 2026 event builds on a hugely successful debut in 2025, which welcomed more than 50 exhibiting companies and 30 vessels spanning marine technology, leisure, services and ocean conservation.

Next month’s show will feature an expanded Marine Technology Zone highlighting Plymouth’s growing reputation as a centre for marine autonomy. Supported by Turnchapel Wharf, home to a cluster of maritime

autonomy companies, the zone will feature demonstrations of remotely operated and autonomous vessels alongside on-water displays showcasing the sector’s capabilities.

Director of Engineering for Marine AI, OIiver Thompson said: “Plymouth has recently been declared the National Centre for Marine Autonomy, driven by the incredible innovation happening across the region. Marine AI is delighted to support the event that brings together industry, the local community and the next generation of engineers and mariners.

“Plymouth Boat Fest is a fantastic platform to showcase the region’s leadership in maritime innovation and inspire future generations to engage with the rapidly evolving marine technology.”

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

A number of events are taking place at Buckler’s Hard over the summer and into the autumn.

Running until 10 May, the Buckler’s Hard Shipyard Trust has a free exhibition at the Shipwrights Gallery of two leading artists who spent a year painting around the Beaulieu Estate. Paula Mitchell and Nick Botting were commissioned to capture the essence of the area, its beauty and historic settings, often painting amidst ponies and people, through rain and shine.

Nick said: “There is something exciting for a painter when their subject is so constantly changing – the tide coming and going, the boats moving with it, the sun endlessly playing games with the colours of the trees and river and houses and rooftops. I like trying to identify what it is that makes a particular mood in a day and picking out those qualities as precisely as I can.”

Following this art exhibition, the Buckler’s Hard Shipyard Trust will have an exhibition running from 22 May to the end of October curated by local historian Marc Heighway and Mary Montagu-Scott called ‘Beaulieu River at War’. It will be exploring the impact of the Second World War on the Beaulieu River and Estate.

Before the war, the Beaulieu River was a quiet, working waterway. But once it was requisitioned for naval use, it became part of a much bigger story, one that played out on hidden river banks, a temporary airfield and local properties.

There will also be a free Buckler’s Hard Wartime Weekend on 13 – 14 June when there will be talks, exhibitions, the Portsmouth Model Boat display team, vehicles and stands. You can also step aboard HMS Medusa, a WW2 Harbour Defence Motor Launch, moored on the river for the weekend.

Following a disappointing event in Rio, Emirates GBR dropped to second overall for the season ahead of this month’s Bermuda Sail Grand Prix (9 – 10 May).

GBR struggled with their starts from Race 1, opting for a late approach to the line but getting caught in disturbed air from Spain, which dropped them to last. GBR’s opening race was ultimately cut short due to a technical failure, a broken board spring which prevented them from keeping their foil board down, and the team was forced to retire.

After successfully completing repairs on the water, GBR returned for Race 2, while the hometown team Brazil remained sidelined, having missed Race 1 due to technical issues. The British team finished in 6th.

The Brazil SailGP Team returned to the racecourse in Race 3, where GBR again faced a di cult start, rounding the first mark in 11th position, where they ultimately finished despite initially gaining places during the race. Early gains in the final race on day 1 saw the British team climb from 11th to 7th after getting onto the foils quickly, but they then dropped back to finish 12th.

The second and final day also proved to be challenging for the Emirates Great

Britain SailGP Team across all three fleet races. In Race 1, a penalty in the start box halted early momentum for not giving the Brazil SailGP Team room. GBR worked hard to stay in contention, but they finished 12th. Race 2 brought some promise but that quickly turned to frustration for GBR as they showed strong pace, charging late on the foils through the fleet to take control of the start. However, Chief Umpire Craig Mitchell issued a penalty for not giving room to Red Bull Italy, dropping them from 1st to last in an instant. Despite the setback, GBR recovered several positions to finish 10th.

The final fleet race began with drama as France SailGP Team were black flagged and disqualified for failing to give room at the start. For GBR, it capped a di cult weekend, with a 10th place finish that saw them end the event 12th overall.

In the event final, Australia, Sweden and Spain went head-to-head, with Australia delivering another clinical performance to seal the win. The result saw the Bonds Flying Roos leapfrog Emirates GBR SailGP Team in the 2026 Championship standings.

MARBLEHEAD TROPHY IS COMING TO THE UK

The Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes is calling for Dragon class challengers for the Marblehead Trophy 2026. The Royal Racing Yacht Bluebottle (GBR 192) won the 2025 event in St. Tropez, marking the first-ever British victory and bringing the trophy to the UK for the first time. The regatta will follow the Edinburgh Cup (18 – 21 August), and a bumper month of sailing, as well as marking the 75th year of the trophy being vested in the International Dragon Class. The Marblehead Trophy is the Dragon Class’s

premier inter-club competition, and Bluebottle’s defence of the 2026 edition is being organised by the Royal Yacht Squadron and supported by The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust.

Commissioned in 1948 and built by renowned British shipbuilders Camper & Nicholsons, Bluebottle was originally presented as a wedding gift to Princess Elizabeth (as she then was) and Prince Philip. She is the only British Dragon to have won an Olympic medal, achieving bronze at the 1956 Melbourne Games. Now meticulously restored and maintained by The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust, Bluebottle remains an active competitor on the international regatta circuit.

Bertie Bicket, commodore of The Royal Yacht Squadron, said: “We are very proud to welcome challengers of the Marblehead Trophy to Cowes and to host this prestigious event in this very important year for Cowes as it is the 200th anniversary of Cowes Week.”

HUGE PRIZE GIVEAWAY

Visitors to this month’s South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show have even more reason to secure their free tickets, with a prize draw o ering nearly £9,000 worth of cutting-edge marine technology up for grabs.

edge electric boats and the very latest in sustainable marine technology.

Taking place at MDL Marinas’ flagship Ocean Village Marina in Southampton from 8 – 10 May, the show promises not only an unmissable showcase of boats and marine innovation, but also the chance for registered attendees to walk away with premium prizes courtesy of headline sponsor Raymarine.

Lauren Bright, Marina Manager at Ocean Village, said: “The South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show continues to grow year on year, and 2026 is shaping up to be our biggest and most exciting event yet. The addition of Raymarine’s incredible prize draw gives visitors another great reason to book early, explore the show and immerse themselves in everything the marine industry has to o er.”

Set against the stunning backdrop of Ocean Village Marina, this year’s show will feature its largest-ever line-up of vessels – from luxurious superyachts to cutting-

The ever-popular Innovation Hub returns, hosting a series of expert-led talks and panel discussions focused on sustainability, ocean preservation and the future of boating. Highlights include sessions on preparing vessels for long-distance cruising and embracing greener technologies.

Visitors can also enjoy the live demonstrations from leading marine brands, hands-on tech experiences and a vibrant shoreside atmosphere.

A selection of delicious local food from Earth to Oven and craft beers from Renegade Brewery – including MDL’s own Nauti Buoy – will ensure there is plenty to enjoy both on and o the water.

“We have worked hard to make this year’s show bigger and better than ever, with a great mix of boats, new technology and things to see and do across the marina,” said Lauren Bright. “It is a brilliant chance to get up close to the latest models, pick up expert advice and just enjoy a really good day out by the water.”

All registered visitors will be automatically entered into the prize draw (T&Cs apply). Tickets to the South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show are free and can be booked in advance: www.mdlboatshow.co.uk/tickets

First prize: Premium Raymarine package worth £5,485, including: n AXIOM+ 12 Multi-Function 12" Display n LightHouse Charts (Preloaded West Europe) n AIS700 Class B Transceiver with integrated splitter n YachtSense Link Marine Cloud Router

Second prize: 2 x Alpha 7 Performance Display, valued at £1,195 each + cables (total value £2,390)

Third prize: Ray 91 VHF Black Box with AIS Rx, worth £1,095

DISABLED SAILORS ASSOCIATION

The Disabled Sailors Association, a charity that has opened up sailing to people with disabilities for more than 30 years, has launched a £1.2 million fundraising appeal to complete the build of a groundbreaking new catamaran.

Based at Port Solent, Hampshire, the DSA was founded in 1993 by Mike Wood MBE who, following a life-changing accident that left him paralysed, set out to make sailing accessible to all. Now aged 80, his vision has enabled more than 50,000 people to experience the hands-on exhilaration of sailing.

The charity supports people of all ages and abilities, from wheelchair users and amputees to those with complex disabilities and long-term health conditions, including their families and carers, ensuring that those who might otherwise never step aboard a boat can take to the water. Operating from its current vessel, The Spirit of Scott Bader, the DSA delivers

around 1,000 sailing opportunities each year. However, demand has risen sharply and now far exceeds supply.

To meet this growing need, the DSA is building a new, fully accessible Dazcat 1500 at The Multihull Centre in Torpoint, Cornwall. The £2.5 million project will double the number of places the charity can o er, while being carefully designed to maximise independence onboard, featuring deck wheelchair lifts, internal lifts to both hulls and spacious accessible facilities throughout.

While the DSA has long been supported by grant-making trusts, alongside valued partners including Scott Bader and, more recently, Airtech, this ambitious project now depends on a number of new corporate partnerships and sponsorships to maintain momentum ahead of a planned spring 2027 launch. Find out more: disabledsailing.org

FLAGSHIPS OF THE YEAR

National Historic Ships UK has appointed four very di erent historic vessels from around the country to act as its Flagships of the Year for 2026 and ‘fly the flag’ for UK maritime heritage.

NHS-UK’s annual Flagship Awards have been running since 2009 and provide an opportunity to demonstrate and celebrate the value of historic vessels to the wider public. This can be through a variety of online activities, special events, open days, workshops and tours.

NHS-UK will work closely with each of the Flagships to promote their vessel and o er support and advice. Flagships receive a special broad pennant to fly at the masthead and an engraved brass plaque for their vessel.

Flagships also promote the role of NHS-UK by publicising its annual Photography Competition, Excellence in Maritime Conservation and Marsh Volunteer Awards.

Hydrogen (1906 Spritsail Barge

– Maldon, Essex): Awarded as the vessel celebrates 120 years afloat with an exciting season comprising a mix of day cruises, workshops and events. Located on the popular Maldon Quay which received 250,000 visitors in 2025, Hydrogen was also named No.2 Icon of Essex last season and is

expected to attract similar levels of interest this year.

Redshank (1936 Narrowboat, Bristol): Awarded on the occasion of the vessel’s 90th anniversary, Redshank will be o ering daily 45-minute cruises throughout the season, along with private charters, and will take part in the Bristol Harbour Festival.

Sea Scamp (1936 Racing Yacht, Southampton): Awarded in recognition of the vessel’s 90th anniversary when she will be attending multiple events including the Cowes Spring Classics, the Classic Channel Regatta, O shore Cruising Club Regatta and the Little Ship Club Fast Cruises. Sailing between the West Country, Channel Islands and North Brittany, with a new promotional film under way, there will be plenty of opportunities to see this vessel afloat. The Golden Hinde (1973 Galleon, London): Awarded as the ship celebrates 30 years since her arrival at St Mary Overie Dock, welcoming the public through a wide range of workshops, events and community engagement. With more than 30,000 visitors annually and up to 95,000 passers-by daily, the ship o ers many opportunities to raise the profile of maritime heritage in the heart of London.

GROWING DEALER NETWORK

SNAPS SOLENT OYSTERS

Gunwharf Quays has announced that 2,200 European Flat oysters have been introduced to the Solent as part of an environmental initiative in partnership with the Final Straw Foundation to revitalise the local marine ecosystem.

The oysters serve as a nature-based solution to water quality issues, naturally filtering water as they feed. As a result, the colony will filter 440,000 litres of water each day, totalling 160 million litres of water annually.

By removing harmful excess nutrients and fine sediment, the oysters also significantly improve water clarity which, in turn, creates better conditions for marine plants and wildlife to grow and thrive.

The initiative is also expected to support biodiversity in the Solent; the oyster baskets provide a sheltered

sanctuary for smaller marine species, while over time the oysters will reproduce, helping to restore oyster populations across the Solent. These oyster reefs can also contribute to protecting coastlines from erosion and supporting a wider range of marine life.

The project will be monitored through regular water quality checks and oyster growth assessments to understand its long-term impact. It will also be used to support education work with local schools and communities, highlighting the role of nature-based solutions in improving water environments.

This initiative is based on the Solent Oyster Restoration Project by the Blue Marine Foundation, with the project team also benefiting from the facilities provided by the University of Portsmouth to bring this vision to life.

2026 SUSTAINABILITY CHALLENGE WINNERS

Students championing sustainability in sailing were celebrated at the British University Sailing Association Team Racing Nationals when the 2026 winners of the RYA Green Blue University Sailing Sustainability Challenge were announced.

Sponsored by the Royal Thames Yacht Club, the challenge shines a spotlight on university sailing clubs across the UK that are taking meaningful action to protect the environment. From beach cleans and equipment reuse to waste reduction and community outreach, the initiative highlights best practices that can be adopted by sailors and clubs nationwide.

Now approaching its tenth year, the challenge introduced updated judging criteria for 2026, focusing on eight key sustainability areas. These included water quality, biodiversity protection, youth outreach, advocacy and the environmental impact of events.

University of Bristol Sailing Club (pictured) were crowned overall

winners, recognised for a wide range of innovative initiatives. These included extending the lifespan of boats through maintenance, donating sails to a local school, hosting a creative ‘sober social’ - where members repurposed old sails - and delivering a sustainabilityfocused BUSA event. As part of their prize, UBSC will receive a visit from a member of the British Sailing Team.

Second place was awarded to Exeter University Sailing Club, while Cambridge Cruising Club and She eld University Sailing Club were awarded joint third place.

Alice Lucy, RYA Environmental Programme O cer, said: “It has been a pleasure and incredibly inspiring to witness the enthusiasm, creativity and commitment shown by every university team. The actions taken may seem small individually, but together they represent meaningful progress towards protecting the waters we all depend on.”

GLOBAL RESAIL PLATFORM EXPANDS

Clean Sailors, the organisation behind the ReSail platform, has announced a new partnership with Circular Flow, a leader in neoprene reuse solutions. This collaboration expands ReSail’s global o ering, enabling sailors to responsibly dispose of not only end-of-life sails, but also old wetsuits and neoprene gear.

ReSail by Clean Sailors is a firstof-its-kind digital platform that maps drop-o locations worldwide where retired sails can be repurposed. With no formal recycling infrastructure available for complex sail textiles, the platform provides a solution – connecting sailors with businesses and organisations that can give these materials a second life.

Through this new partnership, users of ReSail will also gain access to a growing global network of wetsuit and neoprene collection points powered by Circular Flow, a team working on solutions for an

overlooked environmental challenge: the disposal of neoprene, a durable but di cult-to-recycle material widely used in watersports.

Circular Flow estimates that around 18,000 tonnes of neoprene enters landfill globally. A highly-engineered textile which can leach both chemicals and microplastics into our environment when discarded, the team are working with both wetsuit manufacturers and major watersport industry players to address the issue.

Holly Manvell, founder of Clean Sailors, said: “Sailors care deeply about the oceans they depend on, but too often lack practical options when it comes to disposing of materials like sails and wetsuits. By teaming up with our friends at Circular Flow, we are removing those barriers, making it easier to find information thereby empowering watersporters to make more sustainable choices.”

SUNSEEKER OWNERSHIP UP-DATE

Sunseeker International has confirmed that its current investors, Cheyne Capital and Cross Ocean Partners, will now maintain the company’s existing holding structure, following March’s announcement that private investment firm KCP was to acquire the British shipyard.

According to Sunseeker, KCP, in partnership with Lionheart Capital, was unable to complete the previously announced and agreed debt purchase

and subsequent share acquisition within the required timeframe.

Andrés Rubio, who had been announced as the firm’s new permanent CEO in March, will no longer take up the role. With more than 25 years of experience within the company former COO Steve Timms has been appointed interim CEO. He will lead the business while a search for a permanent successor is conducted.

Sunseeker said: “Earlier this year, Sunseeker

announced a new strategic direction for the business, focused on implementing a new growth plan and repositioning the brand as a leading superyacht builder. To support this plan, Cheyne Capital and Cross Ocean Partners plan to provide further investment into the business over the coming months across our products, operations and people to support ongoing operations and to accelerate future growth.”

OYSTER BOAT TERROR SAILINGS

Oyster Boat Terror enters the 2026 sailing season celebrating a hugely successful 20 years of operation since being rescued by Chichester Harbour Conservancy and successfully restored with a Heritage Lottery Grant.

During this time over 5,000 people have enjoyed the thrill of sailing an 1895 traditional ga -rigged oyster smack, part of the famous fleet of oyster boats that operated from Emsworth at the end of the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Since restoration, Terror has plied the waters of Chichester Harbour from May to October, taking up to six passengers on

NEW PODCAST

The Art of Adventure podcast celebrates the people who push into the unknown, past and present, and asks: what is the true art of adventure… and where might it take you? Episodes include The Endurance: How to Captain a Ship Like Shackleton, Kathleen Savillethe first woman to row the Atlantic and the Pacific and Don McIntyre founder of the Golden Globe Race. The podcast is available on all normal podcast platforms.

WINNING READERS

Congratulations to March’s competition winners. James Royce, Essex, won the sea turtle necklace and Rebecca Johns, Hartlepool, and Roslyn Selway, Harrogate, won a copy of A Year on the River. Pictured are Susan and Andrew Rogers enjoying their two night stay in a luxury waterlodge courtesy of Yarmouth Harbour Commissioners, which they won last autumn. This month’s competitions can be found on pages 16, 21 and 34.

trips from Emsworth Yacht Harbour, taking in all the wonderful scenery and wildlife that can be found in the National Landscape. After the success in 2025 of operating Terror from Itchenor for two weeks to coincide with the Festival of Chichester, Terror will once again be o ering two trips a day from Itchenor Jetty between 23 June and 6 July. These sailings will enable passengers to see a wholly di erent area of Chichester Harbour, including Bosham, Dell Quay, the Chidham and Thorney Channels, East Head and Hayling Island. Whichever departure point is chosen, passengers will learn all about the famous Emsworth oyster trade and its demise in the early 1900s as well as hearing about the abundant wildlife of Chichester Harbour. Passengers are also encouraged to take the helm and experience the thrill of handling the last remaining example of a traditional ga -rigged working boat, now beautifully restored.

Operated by a team of volunteers from the charity Friends of Chichester Harbour, all of the booking fee goes towards preserving Terror for future generations.

ROYALTY FREE

Suzuki will allow royalty-free use of 34 patents related to its outboard motor micro-plastic collecting device as part of its commitment to promoting marine environmental conservation. This is the first time Suzuki has o ered its patents royalty-free. Suzuki developed the world’s first micro-plastic collecting device that can be installed on outboard motors and began production of outboard motors equipped with this device as standard equipment on select models in July 2022. By installing this device on outboard motors, micro-plastics near the water surface can be collected just by running the boat, without a ecting engine performance.

BINFORGREENSEAS

Weymouth has taken a proactive step in tackling marine plastic pollution with the installation of its first BinForGreenSeas unit on the town’s busy seafront. Designed to intercept plastic waste before it reaches the marine environment, it is the 24th BinForGreenSeas unit to be deployed across the UK. The BinForGreenSeas campaign continues to expand across key coastal and riverside locations, using prominent, purpose-designed recycling points to both capture plastic waste and raise awareness of the wider environmental challenge.

NEW PRESIDENT

Maritime archaeologist and BBC Oceans presenter Prof Lucy Blue has been appointed President of the Nautical Archaeology Society, following 14 years as Vice President. She succeeds archaeologist and Time Team stalwart Phil Harding. Prof Blue will provide strategic leadership and act as a national and international ambassador for the Society. Working with the Board of Trustees, she will help shape the charity’s long-term vision and oversee the continued growth of its educational programmes and hands-on archaeological initiatives. Read more about NAS on page 21.

OUTBOARD SAVINGS

Until 31 May, boaters across the UK can take advantage of a limited o er on Yamaha’s 2.5 - 9.9hp outboard engines with savings of up to 10 per cent (T&Cs apply). This exclusive o er is available through participating authorised Yamaha dealers, ensuring expert advice, professional support and genuine Yamaha parts. Contact your local participating Yamaha dealer to learn more about eligible models, availability and exact savings.

FREESPIRIT

Supplying and overseeing the installation of twin Mercury V10 400hp outboards, Barrus Ltd is supporting FreeSpirit of the Sea, a purpose-built charity vessel designed to deliver lifesaving outreach, community engagement and training opportunities across the South Coast and beyond. FreeSpirit of the Sea has been developed by Angling Spirit as a long-term community asset, designed to support people of all ages and backgrounds.

NEW SHOWROOM

In partnership with its UK brand representative, Sanlorenzo has strengthened its presence in one of the world’s great luxury capitals with the opening of a new showroom on Park Lane in Mayfair. The space o ers a private consultation setting where owners, charter clients and prospective buyers can discover the Sanlorenzo and Bluegame ranges, review design concepts and more.

WAVEMAKERS IN PORTSMOUTH

The RYA is expanding its WaveMakers programme to Portsmouth in partnership with the Andrew Simpson Foundation, marking the next step in its work to identify and develop highpotential young sailors from underrepresented communities.

Identified as a need through the RYA’s Pathway Review, WaveMakers was established to help tackle barriers that can prevent talented young people from accessing the sport and progressing through the British Sailing Pathway. The programme sits within the RYA’s talent inclusion work and is intended to create a more inclusive entry point into British Sailing Talent Academies and, over time, the British Sailing Youth Team.

Following a successful pilot in Birmingham, supported by SportsAid Backing the Best grant scheme, the RYA has now secured ongoing Sport England

funding to expand the programme into a new Portsmouth site.

Andrew Simpson Centres Portsmouth will complement the existing Birmingham programme, with Birmingham continuing to focus on dinghy sailing and transitions of the existing cohort from junior into youth classes. Portsmouth will o er a foiling and boards-focused environment, ultimately supporting talented athletes into the iQFOiL class.

Nick Scott, RYA Director of Sport, said: “WaveMakers is about recognising talent, broadening opportunity and making sure more young people from whatever background can see that sailing has a place for them. We want our British teams to be more representative of British society, and we want more people to benefit from everything a life in sailing can o er. Portsmouth is an exciting next step in that journey.”

YOUTH NATIONAL CHAMPIONS CROWNED

In April Britain’s best young racing sailors battled it out at the RYA Youth National Championships on the South Coast with a full range of conditions putting their skills to the test. With everything from full-on wind and waves to light airs, the fight for podium spots saw more than 280 sailors competing in six classes at Hayling Island Sailing Club. For the first time in the event’s history, the championship racing was split into two four-day blocks, enabling every fleet and all 187 entries to complete a full schedule of racing. First up were the 29er ski , foiling Nacra 15 catamaran and iQFOiL classes, with the action then turning to the 420, ILCA 6 and ILCA 7 fleets.

With racing both inside Chichester Harbour and out in Hayling Bay, RYA Youth Racing Manager Oli Woodcock said both the location and the conditions had challenged the competitors but in a good way: “A venue like this provides more sea states and complexities with the tide, which helps develop an all-round sailor. We have got really strong sailors in all the classes and some impressive, exciting talent coming through.”

Following the crowning of this year’s 10 champions, attention now moves on to the summer internationals, which will be indicator events alongside the RYA Youth Nationals for those seeking selection to represent GBR at the Youth Sailing Worlds in December

You can read about the winners at www.allatsea.co.uk

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.

We are pleased to offer newly available waterfront Offices • Meeting rooms • Workshop units at our award-winning marina on the Beaulieu River set in the heart of the New Forest countryside with panoramic views across the river. Speak to one of our friendly team (44+) 01590 616200 harbour.office@beaulieu.co.uk

UP-DATED CRUISING GUIDES

CRUISING GUIDES

FB Imray has announced the next titles in its 2026 cruising guide programme, spanning the English Channel, the Solent and the Adriatic. Published during April and May, these new editions bring together trusted pilotage, updated cruising intelligence and fresh perspectives, supporting sailors preparing for the season ahead.

Solent Harbours (1st edition) -

A brand new title by Tim Stickley, this practical, compact guide to one of the UK’s busiest sailing areas covers key harbours and anchorages from Southampton and Portsmouth to Cowes and Chichester Harbour. The Shell Channel Pilot (9th edition) - A landmark update to one of sailing’s most respected pilot books, now authored by journalist and Yachtmaster Rachael Sprot, marking a new chapter in its long history. Fully rewritten, it combines detailed navigation guidance with a contemporary, accessible voice while retaining the authority trusted by generations of sailors.

Adriatic Pilot (9th edition)A comprehensive single-volume guide to the Adriatic Sea, updated across Croatia, Italy, Montenegro and Albania, with revised marina, mooring and anchorage information throughout.

FB Imray has announced the first in a series of five new and updated cruising guides for 2026, with the release of the third edition of Clyde Cruising Club’s Sailing Directions and Anchorages for Orkney and Shetland including north and north-east Scotland.

The new edition has been fully updated throughout and continues the longstanding collaboration between Imray and the Clyde Cruising Club, whose sailing directions have guided generations of sailors through Scotland’s most challenging and beautiful waters.

Written and edited by experienced local sailors, the guide provides clear and authoritative pilotage for cruising yachts navigating the Orkney Islands, Shetland Islands, Fair Isle and the key Scottish mainland harbours from Inverness to Cape Wrath.

From the powerful tidal streams of narrow sounds to remote island anchorages and historic harbour towns, the book delivers practical navigation advice combined with insight into the landscapes, wildlife and maritime heritage that make this cruising ground so distinctive. Produced in Imray’s familiar full-colour format, readers can expect clear cartography, aerial imagery and detailed harbour plans, helping sailors plan passages and approach anchorages with confidence.

The region has long been regarded as one of the UK’s most rewarding sailing destinations. Cruisers exploring these northern waters encounter Neolithic stone circles, Viking heritage, historic naval anchorages including Scapa Flow and some of Europe’s richest seabird and marine wildlife habitats.

D’YOU HEAR THERE!

By Richard Harris

A unique approach to describing life at sea in the Royal Navy.

‘D’you hear there, the following personnel muster at the Regulating O ce: Writer Cleary, Radio Operator White and Leading Seaman Palmer. Those personnel muster at the Regulating O ce.’

The personnel involved will not be thrilled to hear this pipe. The summons to the Regulating O ce is likely to be an early stage of an investigation into a misdemeanour with which the three personnel have been associated, and whose guilt is assumed by most, if not all, members of the ship’s company.

Life onboard the ships and submarines of the Royal Navy is governed by these ‘pipes’, or main broadcast announcements. They tell sailors to wake up or go to bed; that they are going to war; that they are no longer going to Barbados but to the Falkland Islands instead. They are a vital part of daily life onboard.

The pipes in this book are translated by Richard Harris to both make the incomprehensible understandable and also provide a light-hearted insight into life at sea in the Royal Navy.

Cleaner Oceans and Waterways

For a chance to win this book enter at www.allatsea.co.uk or by email to editor@allatsea.co.uk with the subject header D'you Hear There Book Competition.

Q: What is the name of the author of D’you Hear There! Daily Pipes of the Royal Navy?

Closing date: 2/6/26. See competition T&Cs on page 4

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BOAT SEA FISHING ZONE

WHY GO FROM BEACH TO BOAT?

Boat fishing in the UK o ers an experience that goes far beyond what shore angling can provide. By heading o shore, anglers can access deeper waters, reefs and wrecks where species such as cod, pollock and mackerel are far more abundant.

This increased variety makes every trip unpredictable and exciting, with the chance of landing something truly memorable.

But it is not just about the catch. Boat fishing immerses you in the marine environment, o ering

Peeler

As late spring turns into early summer, May is widely regarded as one of the most exciting months for UK shore anglers. With water temperatures rising and fish feeding more confidently, one bait stands out above the rest — peeler crab. During this time, shore crabs begin to shed their shells, creating soft, vulnerable peelers that become an irresistible food source for predatory fish, particularly bass.

Why Peeler Crab Works in May

Peeler crab is a natural, high-protein food that fish actively seek out. In May, large numbers of crabs are moulting, and tidal movement washes them into feeding areas. Its e ectiveness comes down to:

n Strong natural scent

n Soft texture, making it easy to eat

n High visibility when broken in the water When bass are hunting in shallow water, peeler crab is often the go-to bait.

fresh sea air, open horizons and a sense of freedom that is hard to replicate elsewhere. It is also an opportunity to build new skills, from understanding tides and weather patterns to mastering techniques like drifting and bottom fishing. These elements add depth and challenge, making each outing both rewarding and educational.

Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced angler looking for a new challenge, boat fishing provides something unique.

Target Species

Peeler crab is best known for bass

fishing, but it will also take:

n Bass

n Smoothhound

n Wrasse

n Flounder

n Codling (in some areas)

May is prime time for shore-caught bass, particularly during calm evenings and flooding tides.

Recommended Rigs

Keep presentations simple to let the bait do the work:

n Running ledger rig – ideal for bass in estuaries and beaches

n Pulley rig – useful for surf conditions and distance casting

n Hook sizes 1/0 to 3/0 are typical when targeting bass with crab baits

Where to Fish

Peeler crab excels in areas where crabs are naturally found:

n Estuaries and tidal rivers

It combines adventure, relaxation and skill in equal measure, creating moments that stay with you long after you return to shore. For many, that first trip o shore is all it takes to get truly hooked.

n

n Rocky margins and gullies

Fishing over mixed ground often produces the best results.

A Simple Tip

Bind the crab securely to the hook using bait elastic and, if possible, leave some of the body exposed to release more scent into the water.

Final Thoughts

For UK anglers in May, peeler crab is hard to beat. With bass feeding aggressively and conditions improving, it o ers one of the best chances of landing quality fish from the shore. As the season gathers momentum, peeler crab remains a musthave bait for any serious sea angler.

SPRING AWAKENS IN THE SOLENT –AND SO DO THE SMOOTHHOUNDS

There is a moment every year along the South Coast that signals the true start of the fishing season. It is not marked on a calendar, but by the first proper run of smoothhounds in the Solent. That first screaming reel after a quiet winter is what many anglers wait for - and this year, they did not disappoint.

The Solent Socials season got underway with the RAILBLAZA Cup, a friendly but competitive event targeting smoothhounds, rays, spurdogs and dogfish. But if we are honest, all eyes were on one species. The arrival of smoothhounds changes everything, and with them comes one of the most e ective baits in our armouryhardback crabs.

The Bait That Makes The Di erence When it comes to big smoothhounds in the Solent, hardback crabs are hard to beat. They stay on the hook well and, more importantly, are a natural food source that bigger fish actively hunt.

powerful runs and strong fights all the way to the net.

The standout fish measured 113cm and went around 16lb - a proper Solent smoothhound and a clear sign that the bigger specimens are already moving into the area.

A Format That Rewards Consistency

CATCH OF THE MONTH

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

Preparation started the evening before, gathering bait rather than relying on frozen supplies. Using drop nets o the pier, baited with good old-fashioned bacon, we built up a stock of hardbacks. It is a simple but highly e ective method, with the oily scent drawing crabs in quickly.

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 Karl Nicholls with mirror and common carp caught at Lloyds Meadow. The runner-up is Ross Gibbard with a cod caught at Chesil Beach.

See more of your catches at www.allatsea.co.uk. Send us your catch photo and you could win a prize from RAILBLAZA too!

It is all part of the ritual. Each lift of the net builds anticipation, and when you start seeing decent hardbacks coming up, you know you are in business. If the crabs are there, the smoothhounds are rarely far behind.

A Promising Start

We launched Squidward 3 from Calshot at first light, linking up with the rest of the fleet as boats came out from Hamble and Haslar. After a quick regroup, everyone headed o to find their own ground.

Conditions were ideal. A small flooding tide combined with a light southwesterly breeze gave us a steady drift, and Boulder Bank felt like the right place to start - a proven early-season mark.

The Smoothhounds Arrive

It did not take long to get a few dogfish on the board but then came the moment we had all been waiting for. The rod slammed over, the reel screamed and there was no mistaking it - the smoothhounds had arrived.

The RAILBLAZA Cup format added another layer to the day. Rather than relying on a single standout fish, teams recorded their three biggest fish of each species, with the overall result based on total combined length. It encouraged a balanced approach - targeting multiple species while making the most of the smoothhound run. All fish were logged via a shared WhatsApp group with photo evidence before being safely released.

Results

Total Length Standings:

n 1st – Squidward 3: 476cm

n 2nd – Down On The Boat: 459cm

n 3rd – Bad Boys: 297cm

Longest Fish:

n Smoothhound – 113cm

n Ray – 60cm

n Dogfish – 65cm

The Season Ahead

After the fishing, everyone regrouped at Haslar Marina’s Lightship for a couple of beers and the results - rounding o a brilliant day on the water. If this session is anything to go by, it is shaping up to be a cracking year. The smoothhounds are in, they are feeding hard and the hardback crabs are doing exactly what they should. Spring has arrived in the Solent - and the smoothhounds are well and truly back.

Fishing hardback crab baits, the takes were confident and aggressive. These fish were feeding properly, producing

By: Darren Mckell (Squidward 3 Fishing Adventures)

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

Going Underground

Exploring the secret world of Portsmouth’s D-Day tunnels.

Visitors heading into the entrance to Portsmouth Harbour (it is SO much nicer arriving in from the waters of the Solent) cannot fail to be impressed by the new waterfront at Southsea, which does not just o er enhanced protection from the sea, but creates another wonderful location to visit in a city that is already full of great places to see and things to do.

From the Mary Rose to the Spinnaker Tower, the Dockyards, the Victory and HMS Warrior, Portsmouth is blessed with a rich choice of attractions.

Another big part of the local story is the role ‘Pompey’ played in the D-Day landings, yet few visitors (even amongst the tens of thousands that head back and forth along the M27 every day) know that there is a secret side to the city than can also be visited. Just to the north of the city and the east-west motorway, lies the towering bulk of Portsdown Hill, topped with the wellmaintained Victorian forts (another great day out) plus the landmark test superstructure of a Type 45 destroyer.

SECRET TUNNELS

However, what the eye cannot see is that cut deep into the chalk of the hillside is a complex set of tunnels that were kept super-secret until after hostilities ended in 1945. Although much of the planning for D-Day was done over at General Eisenhower’s HQ at Southwick House, a few miles further inland, it was identified early on that a secret, secure communications and operation centre would be needed nearby to manage Operation Neptune, the Naval element of D-Day.

Considering the size of the project, the 172nd Tunnelling Company of the Royal Engineers managed to carve their way into the chalk without attracting any interest from Germany’s Military Intelligence, with post war research into seized enemy reconnaissance aerial pictures showing ‘nothing to see

WORKING UNDERGROUND

Come the big day on 6 June 1944 the centre, now known as the Underground War Headquarters (UGHQ) was fully operational, with banks of Wrens, some still in their teens, taking and relaying the reports that were being radioed in as the first troops made their landfall on the beaches of Normandy.

In the heart of the tunnel complex was the main control centre, which featured a huge plotting table on which more Wrens would move the pieces representing the huge number of units involved. This was then monitored by Senior O cers situated on a mezzanine floor so that they could look down and take in the latest situation on the beaches at a glance.

Of course, we know today that the Allied forces prevailed, forcing their way inland o the beaches to create a strong bridgehead, which then gave way to the decisive slog that would be the Battle for Normandy. As the action moved on, the role of the underground HQ changed, but it would still stay operational.

POST WAR

here’ on Portsdown Hill other than the Victorian Forts of yesteryear.

As construction continued, every e ort was made to maintain the secrecy of the site, with on-site power generators being used rather than the more public connection to the main electricity network.

Rather than risk the more obvious delivery of diesel by tanker, the fuel for the generators was all delivered in 50-gallon drums, whilst the exhaust fumes were piped to the surface and then di used.

It was expected that during peak periods of operation between 600 and 700 personnel would be working in the growing operation centre, but their shifts underground would have to start and finish with a hefty physical workout, as lifts were not installed. Instead, there was a 168-step staircase, which must have been hard work when descending, but punishing at the end of a hard day.

With typical Navy humour, some happy soul painted a series of small pictures that you would only see when going up the stairs. On the bottom step the stick figure is waving and erect; at various points he is shown tiring before being bent over and exhausted by the top.

Fast forward a decade and the West was fighting a new sort of campaign, the ‘Cold War’ against Russia, with the tunnel complex forming a key part of the UK’s command structure.

Unlike the Germans, Soviet Military Intelligence knew all about the tunnel system and its exact location to the point that they graded it as a priority target should the Cold War develop into a full military exchange using nuclear warheads.

The centre was raised to the highest alert status during the Cuban missile crisis, but by now the communications equipment was outdated and would be too expensive to upgrade in-situ, so a new comms centre was purpose built above ground and slowly the tunnels were declared obsolete. What could be reused elsewhere was recovered, whilst cabling and easily removed ironwork was collected as scrap.

The tunnels, though, remain and although the Navy sealed o most of the entrances, access was still maintained with the tunnels taking on a new life in a whole range of new activities.

ALTERNATIVE USES

It is known that the author Ian Fleming was based in the area during the war in his role as a Naval Liaison O cer and he is believed to have based his creation of ‘Q Branch’ on his time below ground, plus some filming for a Bond film was done in the tunnels.

More recently the emergency services have used the site to conduct exercises, with the Police utilising the maze of tunnels to practice some of their more exciting drills.

The complex has one other claim to fame that the original designers could never have imagined, as Portsdown Hill hosts the UK’s only fully subterranean marathon race.

As in some places the tunnels are only just 6ft high and the lighting in places is hardly ‘bright’, it is a prerequisite that runners wear cycle helmets and head torches as they set o on their 91 laps of the course (though this only uses about a third of the mile-and-a-half of tunnel as some spurs are now dead ends). This event, described by participants as ‘brilliantly bonkers’, is very popular and usually oversubscribed.

Even if running 26 miles in the dark is not how you would like to spend your day, a visit to the labyrinth of tunnels is well worth doing; it is not scary nor claustrophobic (but take a hand torch, you will see so much more) as it is a wonderful testament to our ingenuity and endeavour at a time of national need!

P.S This year’s Tunnel Marathon takes place on 21 November, but it is already full! Alternatively, you could just take a tour of the tunnels…

DIVE INTO HISTORY

Dive into history this summer with the Nautical Archaeology Society - without getting wet!

Ever wondered what lies beneath the surface of our seas, lakes and rivers?

Maritime archaeology o ers a captivating glimpse into our aquatic past - and it is about so much more than buccaneers, shipwrecks and buried treasure.

And the best part? You do not need to be a scuba diver or a seasoned historian to get involved.

Maritime archaeology explores how humans have interacted with water over the centuries, from ancient harbours and sunken villages to forgotten fishing communities and historic vessels.

It is about uncovering the reality of our past through seafaring trade, waterborne travel and our connection with the rest of the world. And as an island nation, shipping and maritime activity have historically been at the heart of our economy and existence - with stories of survival and loss at sea forming threads in the fabric of our social history and shaping coastal cultures both here and abroad.

Now’s your chance to dive into this fascinating world - no wetsuit required.

From interactive online courses to unforgettable experience days, the Nautical Archaeology Society has something for everyone.

DISCOVER MARITIME ARCHAEOLOGY

Ignite your curiosity with this fascinating interactive online introduction to maritime archaeology, designed to teach you the fundamentals of this unique field.

Each module expertly covers a di erent aspect of maritime archaeology - from analysing and dating artefacts, to understanding the many di erent types of sites, to documenting and reporting a find.

Whether you are a history bu , a beachcomber or simply curious about the secrets hidden beneath the waves, this is the perfect way to begin your journey.

And why not combine this with the ‘Discover Coastal and Foreshore Archaeology’ course to give you a truly solid foundation? It is ideal for anyone interested in coastal heritage who wants to have productive walks on the beachand might even want to get involved with a project or two.

No prior experience is necessaryjust a sense of curiosity and a love for discovery. You never know where it will take you.

Start this online course today.

£55 for the single course

£90 for the combined course - which also includes membership to NAS for one year

CANNON RESEARCH AND RECORDING

Cannon may no longer be the weapon of choice for the navies of the world, but they are far from out of use. Standing sentry over many o cial buildings or on harbour walls, cannon can also be found upcycled as bollards in major cities and seaside towns around the world.

This e-learning course will equip you with everything you need to identify cannons you encounter in the real world – the di erent types, the materials they are made from, how they developed and how they were used.

Start this online course today.

£55

CANNON RECORDING DAY

Once you have completed the online course and become a true cannon detective, you can then put your theory into practice with an in-person Cannon Recording Day.

Under expert guidance, you will walk around an historic maritime town finding, examining and identifying numerous cannon while developing your recording skills. An absolute must for anyone who wants to understand the swashbuckling

world of a Patrick O’Brian novel – or spot just how many mistakes there are in Pirates of the Caribbean.

Next Cannon Recording Day: 9 May, Portland, Dorset

£90 for NAS members

£130 for non-NAS members

BLACKPOWDER EXPERIENCE

Taking your interest in cannon and historic weaponry to the next level, the two-day Blackpowder Experience builds on the knowledge gained on the cannon e-learning and practical recording course.

You will immerse yourself in the history of these weapons and have the opportunity to use small firearms and cannon to understand the complexity of their operation. Not for the faint hearted, this event is also an engaging stand-alone experience for historic weapons enthusiasts.

Next Blackpowder Experience: 13 - 14 June, Helston, Cornwall (currently sold out).

£290 for NAS members

£360 for non-NAS members

ABOUT THE NAUTICAL ARCHAEOLOGY SOCIETY

A registered charity, the Nautical Archaeology Society has been researching, recording and protecting our threatened coastal and underwater heritage for the benefit of everyone since 1972.

NAS believes that everyone can benefit from the unique and fascinating resource that is the world’s maritime heritage.

The belief is that when people are given the opportunity to learn about their heritage and help to research and record it, they come to understand it. When they understand it, they begin to value it - and when they value heritage, they become the best advocates for further research and protection.

Membership to NAS starts at just £22 and, when you join, you are entitled to a whole host of exciting benefits, including discounts on courses, online access to the Nautical Archaeology Quarterly magazine and Discoveries e-newsletters with what’s new, upcoming events and the latest job opportunities.

What are you waiting for? It is time to dive in. Because discovery is just the beginning. n

Shootin’ the Breeze...

All at Sea chats to Kerry McMillan, CEO of the Association of Sail Training Organisations (ASTO).

AAS: Can you tell us about the chance encounter that led to your career in the marine industry?

KM: I had just completed an 18-week Yachtmaster course and was helping a friend on her yacht. Someone came to look at her gas installation. They were both volunteers with a sail training charity. Chatting to them, I o ered to do some painting as part of their refit for a couple of days. I stayed for the rest of the winter and went on to volunteer and then freelance with that sail training charity. I never did deliver on the plan to sail in the summer and do HR consulting in the winter! I have now worked for 10 di erent sail training charities over 20 years in the sector.

AAS: You have also worked with the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust – what was your role?

KM: I was the Operations Manager responsible for establishing and running the new base in Largs, Scotland. We started with an empty o ce with just two desks, and when I moved on after five seasons, we had taken more than 500 young people sailing to help them build connections with other young people in the same boat, and rebuild their confidence after treatment.

AAS: You have led ASTO since 2023. Can you tell us more about ASTO’s work?

KM: ASTO is the membership organisation for sail training charities in the UK. We exist to enable our 30 member organisations to transform lives through adventure at sea. We want to create an environment where every sail training charity in the UK feels stronger as part of a community, has access

to resources and is supported to empower their beneficiaries. We are also working to raise greater awareness about the value of residential adventures at sea for young people and individuals with additional needs.

AAS: Sail training is not learning to sail; can you explain the di erence?

KM: Learning something about sailing is part of the sail training experience, but it is as much about people developing skills for life and enabling them to deliver on their potential. Being part of the community onboard – sailing together, looking after the boat and each other, challenging yourself and having fun are all key parts of the sail training package.

AAS: How important is it for young people to have access to sail training?

KM: I have long held the belief that when young people build skills like resilience, teamwork and confidence early on, they are more likely to lead successful and rewarding lives and be good citizens. Sail training trips give them the opportunity to develop those skills in very real situations, in an adventurous environment that accelerates the possibility of change.

AAS: Your role is very diverse from being involved in discussions about new MCA regulations to running events and races. What do you particularly enjoy as CEO?

KM: Although we are a small sta team at ASTO, sail training is a connected and pro-active community. I very much enjoy being able to physically bring that community together at our Conference and at our Small Ships Race. Connection brings the opportunity to share knowledge and experiences and to seed opportunities for collaboration between charities.

Over the last two years I coordinated the response on behalf of the sail training sector to the new MCA Sport or Pleasure Vessel Code. This involved deepening my own knowledge and working with our member organisations to understand the potential impact, identify key issues and make informed representations. I am very proud of how our community engaged with the consultation process and the impact that had.

A highlight of my year are the ASTO Trinity House Career Development Bursary scheme interviews. It is energising to meet the applicants who will form the future backbone of our sector. The levels of responsibility that these young sta and volunteers take on is phenomenal and they are great role models for the young people onboard.

AAS: What ASTO events are still to come this year, and how can people get involved?

KM: Sail training will be happening across the UK from now until the autumn. The ASTO Cowes Small Ships Race is the first Saturday in October. It is a friendly race with a fleet of around 20 vessels of all sizes crewed by over 200 young people. If you are on the Solent that weekend, I am sure you will spot us. If you want to get involved in sail training, then many of our member organisations have volunteers on the water and ashore who bring a huge amount of energy and skills to the young people who benefit from the trips. Find out more about ASTO: asto.org.uk

University Community Sailing Club

In the spotlight this month is Essex’s University

Community Sailing Club.

Founded in 2013, University Community Sailing Club is a community gig rowing and sailing club based in Brightlingsea, Essex.

The club welcomes rowers of all ages and abilities, from complete beginners to seasoned racers, and is proud to be part of the East Coast’s strong gig rowing community.

UCSC is renowned for its passion for racing and social rowing, and is a friendly, all-inclusive group of people who want to have fun, whilst the sailing section enjoys taking in part in local races during the summer months.

The past year has been a traumatic time for the club; a major fire destroyed the lovely clubhouse, but work by Bakers

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

of Danbury, restorers of listed buildings, has commenced and they hope to re-open the club in late spring or early summer.

However, the rowing side of the club has still very much been in operation, and UCSC is lucky to have a boatyard from which it can continue to operate.

THE FLEET

The club is home to two Harker’s Yard rowing gigs, Violette and Molliette, with Cornish gigs Golden Gear and Nirvana completing the club’s fleet of four boats.

Crews have been competing in local Harker’s Yard gigs in the Harker’s Yard Winter Series. This series is made up of 12 clubs from around the area along

the Rivers Blackwater and Crouch, with a total of 23 gigs competing at any one time in the respective classes of Open, Ladies and Mixed. The mass starts are an amazing sight to see, and Brightlingsea is one of the clubs lucky enough to be able to hold mass starts, and launch at any state of the tide (weather permitting).

UCSC regularly enters two ladies teams, two men’s teams and two mixed teams. There are a total of 10 rounds in the season, so there is an opportunity to experience rowing in di erent waters and conditions - however the weather has not been kind this year and there has been a record four rounds cancelled.

These races culminate in a lavish awards ceremony where all the clubs get together and celebrate their achievements.

The ladies team rowing in Violette is in first position on the leaderboard and, so far, is undefeated (at the time of writing). This will be their fourth year running to win the Winter Series and the club is very proud of its ladies.

UCSC is a member of The Cornish Pilot Gig Association and competes in races using its two Cornish gigs, Golden Gear and Nirvana. During the summer months the club competes with other Cornish gigs, travelling to Cornwall and Devon to join in with their regattas.

The club is also represented at the World Pilot Gig Championships held in the Isles of Scilly; this is something to be

immensely proud of, and which requires a great deal of logistical organisation from training, team selection, towing gigs and booking the ferry and accommodation. But it is 100 per cent worth it.

Win or lose, there are smiles all round and it is a truly fabulous experience.

SOCIAL CLUB

UCSC has a great social side too - you will regularly see crews out rowing up and down the River Colne, sharing this great sport with young and old. No experience is necessary and training and support are provided throughout.

With the fairer weather during the summer months there are organised rows to local beaches, pubs and nearby places of interest. Rowers particularly like to ‘spot the seals’ which are seen quite regularly.

UCSC is known as the happy club and shouts the loudest at regattas and competitions! If you ever see the club on the water, socially or competing, do cheer them on. Anyone who fancies trying this wonderful sport is very welcome at one of the club’s social rows. n

Out & About

JULY

2 – 5 July

Orvis Saltwater Fly Fishing Festival Hayling Island www.orvis.co.uk

3 – 5 July

Conwy River Festival North Wales www.conwyriverfestival.org

3 - 5 July

Sea Salts & Sail Mousehole, Cornwall www.seasalts.co.uk

3 – 5 July Ware Boat Festival Ware, Hertfordshire waterways.org.uk

3 - 6 July

IRC Double Handed National Championship Cowes-Dinard-St Malo Race rorc.org

4 July Gravesend Riverside Festival Gravesend, Kent www.gravesham.gov.uk

4 July

Wivenhoe Town Regatta Wivenhoe, Essex Facebook: Wivenhoe Town Regatta 2026

4 July Summer Berth Holder Party Haslar and Gosport Marina berth holders www.premiermarinas.com

4 July Guernsey Round Table Harbour Carnival St Peter Port Harbour, Guernsey www.harbourcarnival.gg

4 – 5 July

Olney Riverfest River Great Ouse, Buckinghamshire www.theolneygroup.org

4 – 5 July Dover Harbour Festival Dover, Kent www.portofdover.com

4 – 5 July

RCTA Denham Deep Lock Floating Market Buckinghamshire www.rcta.org.uk

5 July

World Chocolate Day

National Waterways Museum Ellesmere Port Cheshire canalrivertrust.org.uk

5 July

Titchfield Boat Jumble Hound Hill Farm Titchfield, Fareham, Hampshire boat-jumbles.co.uk

5 – 11 July

The Seychelles Challenge

The Seychelles seychelleschallenge.com

5 – 13 July

Tall Ships Races 2026 Cruise in Company Harlingen - Antwerp sailtraininginternational.org

7 – 16 July

The Classic Channel Regatta Dartmouth – St Peter Port –Lezardrieux – Paimpol www.classic-channel-regatta.eu

9 – 11 July

Conwy River Festival LA-LA Rally Conwy, North Wales www.conwyriverfestival.org

9 - 12 July

Plymouth Race Week

Royal Western Yacht Club Plymouth, Devon plymouthraceweek.co.uk

10 - 11 July

Electrika 2026  Brinklow Waterside & Marina Rugby, Warwickshire electrika.uk

10 – 11 July

Autism on the Water Charity Regatta Crinan, Scotland www.autismonthewater.org.uk

10 - 12 July

Lymington Seafood Festival Lymington Hampshire www.lymingtonseafoodfestival.co.uk

11 July

Round the Island Race Isle of Wight www.roundtheisland.org.uk

11 – 12 July

Torbay Dinghy Regatta Devon rtyc.org/event/torbay-dinghyregatta-2026

12 July

Co ee & Cars Thames & Kennet Marina Reading tingdeneboating.com

13 - 17 July Findhorn Week Findhorn, Moray Scotland rfyc.co.uk

13 – 24 July

Tall Ships Races 2026 Race 2: Antwerp - Stavanger sailtraininginternational.org

13 July – 8 August

Long Beach and San Pedro Olympic Classes Regatta California, USA www.longbeachocr.org

17 – 19 July

Bristol Harbour Festival Bristol www.bristolharbourfestival.co.uk

17 – 19 July

Thames Traditional Boat Festival Fawley Meadows Henley-on-Thames Oxfordshire tradboatfestival.com

17 – 19 July

Gnosall Cfest Canal Festival Gnosall Sta ordshire bcnsociety.com

17 – 20 July

Waterways Heritage Festival Goole, East Yorkshire ywhs.org.uk

18 July

Active Marina Event Broadlands Marina Lowestoft tingdeneboating.com/inland-marinasuk/east-anglia

18 July

Brightlingsea Regatta Brightlingsea, Essex brightlingsearegatta.com

18 July

East Coast Race West Mersea, Essex oga.org.uk/areas/east_coast/events/ east_coast_race.html

18 - 19 July

J Cup UK Hamble J-CUP.co.uk

18 – 19 July

Bedford River Festival Bedfordshire www.bedford.gov.uk

18 – 19 July

RCTA Cassiobury Park Floating Market Watford Hertfordshire www.rcta.org.uk

18 – 19 July

Cosgrove Canal Festival & Craft Fair

The Grand Union Canal Cosgrove Northamptonshire buckinghamcanal.org.uk

19 July

Clovelly Maritime Festival Clovelly Devon clovelly.co.uk

19 – 24 July

Ramsgate Week Kent www.ramsgateweek.com

20 – 24 July

NSSA National School Regatta Downs Sailing Club Deal

Kent

NSSA2026.org

20 – 25 July

British Classic Week Isle of Wight www.britishclassicweek.co.uk

22 – 24 July

IRC East Coast Championship Ramsgate Week www.ramsgateweek.com

24 – 25 July

Peel Sea Fest

Peel Sailing Club Isle of Man pscc.im

24 – 26 July

Taittinger Royal Solent Yacht Club Regatta Isle of Wight www.royalsolent.org/taittinger-rsycregatta/taittinger-rsyc-regatta-2026

24 July – 1 August

Tall Ships Races 2026

Race 3: Stavanger - Aalborg sailtraininginternational.org

25 July

Maidstone River Festival Maidstone Kent www.maidstoneriverfestival.com

25 July

St Mawes Town Regatta St Mawes Cornwall www.stmawessailing.co.uk

25 July

Linslade Canal Festival Tiddenfoot Waterside Park Bedfordshire www.leightonlinslade-tc.gov.uk

25 July

RORC Channel Race Cowes O shore Racing Series www.rorc.org/2026-race-programme

25 – 26 July

Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix Portsmouth  sailgp.com

25 – 26 July

RCTA Market Drayton

Summer Floating Market Market Drayton Shropshire www.rcta.org.uk

25 – 26 July

Watchet 25 Year Anniversary Celebration and Carnival Watchet Marina Somerset westernmarinas.co.uk

25 – 31 July

West Highland Yachting Week Scotland - various whyw.co.uk

25 July - 9 August

National Marine Week www.wildlifetrusts.org

26 July - 1 August

Wroxham Week Norfolk Broads Yacht Club Wroxham, Norfolk nbyc.co.uk

27 – 30 July

Fowey Classics Fowey, Cornwall www.foweyclassics.com

27 – 31 July

Salcombe Town Regatta Salcombe Devon www.salcombeyc.org.uk

27 July – 8 August

Menai Strait Regattas Beaumaris, Anglesey menaistraitregattas.org.uk

29 July – 2 August

Whitstable Week

Whitstable Yacht Club Kent www.wyc.org.uk

31 July – 2 August

Bembridge Harbour Family Fun Weekend Isle of Wight www.bembridgeharbour.co.uk

31 July – 2 August

MOGSAF – Species Hunt Drummore Luce Bay & Port Logan Scotland www.mogsaf.co.uk

31 July – 2 August

Looe Lugger Classics Looe, Cornwall www.facebook.com/looelugger

31 July – 2 August

Sea Shanty and Folk Music Festival Weston-super-Mare Somerset wsmshantyfest.com

AUGUST

1 – 2 August

Standedge Tunnel 25th Re-opening Anniversary Huddersfield huddersfieldcanal.com

1 – 2 August

RCTA Apsley Floating Market Hemel Hempstead Hertfordshire www.rcta.org.uk

1 – 2 August

RCTA Nantwich Floating Market Nantwich Canal Embankment Cheshire www.rcta.org.uk

1 – 2 August

Fenny Stratford Canal Festival Fenny Stratford Milton Keynes

1 – 7 August Cowes Week www.cowesweek.co.uk

1 – 8 August

Alderney Week Channel Islands www.alderneyweek.com

1 - 9 August

Bassenthwaite Regatta Week Bassenthwaite Sailing Club Bassenthwaite Lake Cumbria www.bassweek.org.uk

1 – 10 August Festival of the Sea Cleggan and Claddaghdu Co. Galway, Ireland www.galwaytourism.ie

2 August Clovelly Lifeboat Day Clovelly Devon clovelly.co.uk

7 – 9 August Women’s Sailing Champions League Kiel, Germany sailing-championsleague.com

7 – 16 August Falmouth Week Falmouth, Cornwall falmouthweek.co.uk

– 7 August Cowes Week

8 August Pembroke River Rally Pembrokeshire www.wwmhs.org.uk

8 August Baltic Sea Race Helsinki balticsearace.rorc.org

8 – 9 August

IRC Northern Ireland Championship Carrickfergus Sailing Club Northern Ireland www.carrickfergussc.org

8 – 10 August Whitby Regatta North Yorkshire www.whitbyregatta.co.uk

8 – 15 August

North West Norfolk Week www.norfolkweek.co.uk

9 August

Round Britain and Ireland Race Cowes start and finish www.roundbritainandireland.rorc.org

10 – 14 August

Chichester Harbour Race Week Hayling Island Sailing Club Hampshire chichesterharbourraceweek.sailevent.net

11 August RNLI Looe Boathouse ConcertWhitsand Harmony Cornwall rnli.org

12 – 13 August

British Firework Championships Plymouth www.britishfireworks.co.uk

15 August

West Mersea Town Regatta Mersea Island, Essex  www.mersearegatta.org.uk

15 – 16 August

RCTA Crystal Palace Berkhamsted Floating Market Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire www.rcta.org.uk

15 – 16 August

RCTA Barbridge Floating Market Cheshire www.rcta.org.uk

15 – 16 August

Littlehampton Waterfront Festival

Littlehampton

West Sussex

www.visitlittlehampton.co.uk/whats-on/ littlehampton-waterfront-festival-2026

15 – 16 August

Brownhills Canal Festival

Wyrley and Essington Canal

West Midlands lhcrt.org.uk/brownhills-canal-festival

16 August

Plymouth Fastnet 500 Race rwyc.org/race/plymouthfastnet-500-2026

18 - 20 August

Cardigan Bay Regatta

New Quay West Wales www.cardiganbayregatta.co.uk

21 – 24 August

Torbay Royal Regatta

Torbay

Devon rtyc.org/event/torbay-royalregatta-2026

21 – 24 August

IRC South West Championship

Royal Torbay Yacht Club

Torbay Devon www.rtyc.org

21 – 30 August

Largs Regatta Festival

Largs Yacht Haven

Ayrshire Scotland largsregattafestival.com

22 - 23 August

MOGSAF – Species Hunt Shore Event

Sands Of Luce Caravan Park Scotland www.mogsaf.co.uk

22 – 23 August

Germany Sail Grand Prix Sassnitz   sailgp.com

22 - 28 August

Folkboat Week

Royal Solent Yacht Club Yarmouth www.royalsolent.org/folkboat-week/ folkboat-week-2026

22 – 30 August

Dartmouth Royal Regatta Sailing Week Devon dartmouthsailingweek.com

22 – 30 August

Ocean Scilly Festival Isle of Scilly www.visitislesofscilly.com

23 – 28 August

Poole Week

Poole Dorset www.pooleweek.org

25 August

RNLI Looe Boathouse Concert -

Sea Shanty Group Miner Quay

RNLI Looe Lifeboat Station East Looe rnli.org

18 - 27 September

SOUTHAMPTON INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW 2026 Mayflower Park Southampton www.southamptonboatshow.com

This year’s event will be the 57th edition of the UK’s largest boating and watersports showcase.

Set to welcome more than 90,000 visitors to the South Coast, the Southampton International Boat Show returns to Mayflower Park, Southampton, from 18–27 September, o ering 10 fantastic days of boats, on water experiences and marine innovation.

The show will once again bring together leading brands, industry professionals and boating enthusiasts from across the UK and beyond.

Alongside hundreds of exhibitors and incredible boats and watercraft of all shapes and sizes, the show o ers a unique blend of family entertainment, hands-on experiences, retail opportunities and live music, making it an unmissable event in the marine calendar.

The show provides something for everyone, whether you are a serious boat buyer, new to watersports or simply looking to enjoy a day by the water.

26 – 29 August

Dartmouth Royal Regatta Devon www.dartmouthregatta.co.uk

27 – 30 August

IRC National Championship Dartmouth, Devon rorcrating.com

28 – 30 August

Anstruther Harbour Festival and Muster Fife, Scotland www.anstrutherharbourfestival.org

29 August

Scottish Two Handed Race Largs, Ayrshire largsregattafestival.com

29 – 30 August

Open Day

Waveney River Centre, Norfolk tingdeneboating.com

29 – 31 August

RCTA Middlewich August Bank Holiday Floating Market www.rcta.org.uk

29 – 31 August

RCTA Campbell Wharf Milton Keynes

August Bank Holiday Floating Market Milton Keynes, Bucks www.rcta.org.uk

29 August – 5 September

Burnham Week Burnham on Crouch, Essex www.burnhamweek.com

29 August – 6 September

Largs Viking Festival

Largs, Ayrshire, Scotland largsvikingfestival.co.uk

30 August

Waterside Raft Race

Calshot RNLI Lifeboat Station Hampshire www.watersideraftrace.org.uk

30 August

MOGSAF – Cod, Haddock & Pollack Event Port Logan Scotland www.mogsaf.co.uk

SEPTEMBER

1 September The Ocean Race Atlantic: New York to Lorient, France www.theoceanrace.com

4 September Cherbourg Race Royal Ocean Racing Club Cowes - Cherbourg www.rorc.org

4 – 6 September Jersey Regatta Channel Islands www.jerseyregatta.com

4 – 6 September

The Lizard Sea Shanty & Pirate Festival The Lizard Peninsula Cornwall Facebook: The Lizard Sea Shanty & Pirate Festival

4 – 6 September

IRC Welsh National Championship Pwllheli, North Wales www.ircwelshchamps.com

5 - 6 September

Hamble Classics Co-hosted by HRSC and the RAFYC Hamble  hambleclassics.co.uk

5 - 6 September

Melksham Food and River Festival Melksham Wiltshire melkshamfoodandriverfestival.co.uk

5 - 6 September

Sea Ilfracombe Maritime Festival Ilfracombe, Devon seailfracombe.co.uk

5 – 6 September Rally of Boats at Bratch Sta ordshire & Worcestershire Canal Society Rally Wombourne Wolverhampton swcanalsociety.co.uk

5 – 6 September

RCTA Gt Linford Milton Keynes Floating Market Milton Keynes Bucks www.rcta.org.uk

5 – 6 September

Spain Sail Grand Prix Valencia sailgp.com

6 September

Portsmouth Boat Jumble Fort Purbrook Cosham, Portsmouth boat-jumbles.co.uk

6 September

Bideford Water Festival Steampunk Edition Bideford Quay, Devon bidefordwaterfestival.co.uk

6 September

Golden Globe Race Start Les Sables d’Olonne France www.goldengloberace.com

7 – 12 September

iQFOiL World Championship Weymouth and Portsmouth National Sailing Academy www.rya.org.uk/iqfoil-worlds-2026

8 – 13 September

Cannes Yachting Festival Cannes www.cannesyachtingfestival.com

11 – 13 September

The Black Country Boating Festival Bumblehole Nature Reserve Netherton, Dudley bcbf.com

11 – 13 September

Brancaster Staithe Sea Shanty Festival Various venues North Norfolk brancasterstaithe-shantyfest.co.uk

12 September

Brixham Heritage Sailing Rally Torbay Devon www.brixhamheritageregatta.uk

12 September

The Great River Race London greatriverrace.org.uk

12 September

Round Hayling Island Challenge Hayling Island www.hisc.co.uk

12 September

Heritage Open Day (& Volunteer Recruitment) National Waterways Museum South Pier Road Ellesmere Port, Cheshire canalrivertrust.org.uk

12 September

Maldon Town Regatta  River Blackwater Essex  maldonregatta.org.uk

12 - 13 September

RCTA Wolverton Milton Keynes Floating Market Part of Wolverton Park Canal & Rail Festival Wolverton, Bucks www.rcta.org.uk

12 - 13 September

RCTA Anderton Floating Market Cheshire www.rcta.org.uk

12 - 13 September

MOGSAF – Bass Event

Sands Of Luce Caravan Park

Scotland www.mogsaf.co.uk

12 – 13 September

Classic Boat Festival

St Katharine Docks

London www.skdocks.co.uk

12 – 13 September

Bart’s Bash www.bartsbash.com

13 – 18 September

British Sea Angling Festival Cornwall www.britishseaanglingfestival.co.uk

17 – 20 September

Ibiza JoySail Balearic Islands ibizajoysail.com

18 – 27 September   Great British Beach Clean www.mcsuk.org

18 – 27 September

Southampton International Boat Show Mayflower Park Southampton www.southamptonboatshow.com

19 September

Oxford Canal Festival Oxfordshire www.oxfordcanalheritage.org/oxfordcanal-festival

19 September

Active Marina Event

Broadlands Marina Lowestoft tingdeneboating.com

19 - 20 September

J Cup Ireland

Royal Irish Yacht Club Dún Laoghaire, Dublin j-cup.co.uk

19 - 20 September

RCTA Tipton Floating Market Tipton West Midlands www.rcta.org.uk

19 - 20 September

RYA Junior Club Championships Grand Final Northampton Sailing Club www.rya.org.uk/events/rya-junior-clubchampionships-grand-final

19 – 20 September

Rolex Switzerland Sail Grand Prix sailgp.com

22 September

RNLI Looe Boathouse ConcertAcapella GroupStargazy RNLI Looe Lifeboat Station East Looe Cornwall rnli.org

22 – 27 September Grand Pavois

La Rochelle France grand-pavois.com

23 – 26 September

Monaco Yacht Show Monaco www.monacoyachtshow.com

26 September

WorldStar 2026

Plymouth Sound National Marine Park -

3 Great Capes to Port - Plymouth Sound rwyc.org/race/worldstar-2026

26 - 27 September

RCTA Napton Floating Market www.rcta.org.uk

26 September – 4 October

Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez France www.lesvoilesdesaint-tropez.fr/en

OCTOBER

1 – 4 October

UK Saltwater Fly Fishing Festival

St Mawes, Cornwall www.saltwaterflyfishinguk.com

1 – 6 October

Genoa Boat Show Genoa, Italy www.salonenautico.com

1 – 10 October

World Sailing Inclusion Championships Portimão, Portugal www.sailing.org/world-sailinginclusion-championships

2 – 4 October

Sailing Champions League Final Kiel, Germany sailing-championsleague.com

2 – 4 October

Clarke & Carter’s Used Boat Show Burnham Yacht Harbour, Essex www.clarkeandcarter.co.uk

3 October

Fraserburgh RNLI Ballgowns and Buoys Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire rnli.org

3 – 4 October

Banbury Canal Festival Banbury, Oxfordshire banbury.gov.uk

3 – 5 October

Dartmouth Fishing Festival Dartmouth, Devon dartmouthfishingfestival.com

3 – 9 October

Weymouth Speed Week Portland, Dorset weymouthspeedweek.com

4 October

Su olk Boat Jumble Su olk Showground Trinity Park, Ipswich www.rotaevents.co.uk

11 – 12 October

Eric Twiname Team Racing Championship Oxford Sailing Club www.rya.org.uk/events/eric-twinameteam-racing-championships

14 – 18 October

Barcelona Salon Nautico Barcelona, Spain www.salonnautico.com

16 – 18 October

Mevagissey Shanty Festival Mevagissey, Cornwall mevashantyfest.co.uk

17 October

Rolex Middle Sea Race www.rolexmiddlesearace.com

23 – 25 October

Clarke & Carter’s Used Boat Show Su olk Yacht Harbour, Levington www.clarkeandcarter.co.uk

30 October – 13 November

Youth Olympic Games

Dakar, Senegal www.olympics.com/en/olympic-games/ dakar-2026

NOVEMBER

17 – 19 November

Metstrade RAI Amsterdam www.metstrade.com

21 November

Sea Shanty Festival Cutty Sark www.rmg.co.uk

21 – 22 November

Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix sailgp.com

25 – 29 November

Paris Nautic Show Paris, France www.parisnauticshow.com

28 - 29 November

Mubadala Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix 2026 Season Grand Final sailgp.com

DECEMBER

5 – 6 December

Festive Boat Trips & Santa’s Grotto Experience National Waterways Museum Ellesmere Port, Cheshire canalrivertrust.org.uk

11 - 19 December

2026 Youth Sailing World Championships Vilamoura, Portugal worldsailingywc.org

12 December Christmas at Standedge Marsden, Huddersfield canalrivertrust.org.uk

12 – 13 December

Festive Boat Trips & Santa’s Grotto Experience National Waterways Museum Ellesmere Port, Cheshire canalrivertrust.org.uk

19 – 24 December

Festive Boat Trips & Santa’s Grotto Experience National Waterways Museum Ellesmere PortCheshire canalrivertrust.org.uk

Please check with organisers as events are subject to change. All at

BRITISH MOTOR YACHT SHOW

The British Motor Yacht Show is shaping up to be one of its most compelling editions yet, with a growing line-up of new exhibitors and returning industry leaders - reinforcing the event’s reputation as the UK’s most focused showcase for serious motor yacht buyers.

Taking place from 14 – 17 May at Premier Marinas’ Swanwick Marina on the River Hamble, the appointment-led show continues to prioritise quality over scale - bringing together a carefully curated selection of brands, boats and expertise designed for those actively looking to buy.

BRITISH EXCELLENCE LEADS THE LINE-UP

British boat building is once again front and centre at the 2026 show, led by founding partners Fairline, Princess and Sunseeker, whose continued presence defines the

calibre and direction of the event. This year, Fairline will showcase the latest evolution of its acclaimed Targa range, including the Targa 47 GT and Targa 50 Edition - both new for 2026 - underlining the brand’s resurgence and ongoing commitment to performance, design and craftsmanship. They are joined by fellow founding partners Princess and Sunseeker, whose combined presence ensures the very best of British yachting remains central to the show. Princess will present a selection from its sought-after flybridge and V Class ranges, while Sunseeker will return with a significant showcase.

A DEEPER, MORE DIVERSE LINE-UP

Alongside these industry leaders, the 2026 edition brings together an expanded mix of brands, o ering buyers a broader and more considered range of options across the market.

Returning exhibitors continue to invest in the show with strong multi-brand displays. Ancasta will once again present one of the most comprehensive line-ups, spanning Beneteau, Bluegame, Prestige and Protector - reflecting both the strength of its portfolio and the importance of the show within the buyer journey. Highlights include the award-winning Absolute 52 Fly,

alongside the Fleming 55, Van den Hoven Voyager 56, Galeon 560 Fly, Pardo 38, Azimut Fly 68, Bavaria SR41 and Jeanneau Merry Fisher 795 - creating a well-balanced and highly focused showcase.

Returning exhibitor Vortec Marine will also mark its 20th anniversary, celebrating two decades as a trusted name within the British marine industry. As the UK’s exclusive dealer for Viggo and the driving force behind the distinctive Rib-X Solus tenders, their presence adds further depth to the show and provides a fitting moment of recognition within this year’s line-up.

Graham Bristowe, General Manager of Premier Marinas Swanwick, said: “What makes the British Motor Yacht Show stand out is its focus. It is not about scale for the sake of it, it is about bringing together the right brands, boats and audience.

The continued growth in both returning exhibitors and new names joining the show reflects the strength of that approach.”

NEW ADDITIONS AND STANDOUT DEBUTS

A number of new exhibitors join the line-up for 2026, further strengthening the show’s breadth and appeal. Brands including Marex, Targa, Sasga, Viggo, Haines and Interboat will all be represented, bringing fresh perspectives and a diverse mix of European craftsmanship and design to the marina.

Alongside these new additions, returning exhibitors continue to evolve their presence at the show. Cockwells returns with the Duchy Sport 25 - a new model for 2026 and a significant development for the range as the first trailable, outboard-powered Duchy, o ering a new level of flexibility within this much-admired British brand.

ASHORE – A CURATED SHOWCASE OF EXPERTISE AND OWNERSHIP

Beyond the pontoons, the British Motor Yacht Show brings together a carefully selected collection of marine specialists and premium brands, allowing visitors to explore every aspect of yacht ownership in one place.

Led by show sponsors CGI Finance and Pelican Insured, alongside founding partner and host Premier Marinas, the ashore experience connects visitors with expertise across finance, insurance, berthing and ongoing yacht management.

Premier Marinas, which now owns and operates more than 15 locations across the South Coast, underpins the show with its deep operational knowledge and reputation as one of the UK’s leading marina groups, with Premier Swanwick widely recognised as its flagship location for motor yachts.

Specialists including Nautafix Global, Maritime Yacht Services, Global Marine, Knight Marine and Atlantis Marine Power o er insight into maintenance, engineering and aftercare, while brands such as Aquadeck, Permateek and Elite Teak showcase the latest in decking innovation and onboard finishes.

Elsewhere, Williams Jet Tenders ensures yachts are equipped to the highest standard, while lifestyle and design-led brands, including Meridien Modena Ferrari and newcomer Silwy UK, add a broader dimension to the ownership experience. Together, the ashore line-up reinforces the show’s role not just as a place to view boats, but as a destination to understand the full journey into yacht ownership.

A MORE PERSONAL WAY TO BUY

The British Motor Yacht Show is designed to o er a more personal and considered buying environment - one that reflects how modern buyers research and make decisions.

With so much of the early journey now taking place online through reviews and virtual tours, the show provides a rare opportunity to step aboard, experience the boats first-hand and have in-depth conversations with the people behind them.

It is this combination - informed buyers and meaningful, unhurried interactionsthat continues to define the show’s appeal for both visitors and exhibitors alike. n

British Motor Yacht Show

n 14 – 17 May  n Thursday – Saturday: 10am – 5pm n Sunday: 10am – 4pm n Premier Marinas Swanwick

Take control of fouling for a smooth sailing season

Removing old antifouling, preparing the hull, and selecting and applying the best fouling control may seem a daunting spring job for many DIY-ers, but Jason Hill, Technical Service Representative, AkzoNobel, says support from a specialist yacht coatings partner can help streamline pre-season maintenance so you are ready for launch.

Whether you look forward to it as an essential part of pre-season preparation or consider it an unwelcome hassle, the process of antifouling your boat is arguably the most important painting job for boat owners.

It is a task which involves overalls and other protective gear, appropriate tools, as well as meticulous preparation and application, but the rewards of e ectively protecting your boat and preventing a fouled hull are immeasurable.

A smooth, clean hull, which minimises the attachment of fouling organisms, not only enhances the boat’s value and extends lifespan, but also increases fuel e ciency by reducing drag, therefore improving vessel performance and reducing harmful emissions. In addition, modern advances in antifouling protection contribute to the health of our marine environment by limiting the transfer of invasive species.

Prevention is much better than cure when it comes to the serious issues caused by barnacles, algae, mussels, weeds and slime adhering to the hull below the waterline, so the correct, wellapplied protection is vital.

The good news is that with a few hours of dedicated e ort on your boat’s antifouling after a winter ashore, you can feel safe in the knowledge that your e orts have resulted in a long-lasting sleek hull, which not only looks good aesthetically but achieves that satisfying extra knot of speed.

When the time comes to apply or reapply antifouling protection ready for a new season, the preparation, procedure and choice of products can be overwhelming. The antifouling process and products that suit each vessel will vary depending on several factors, including: the type of boat, the quality and material of the hull surface, the environment, the water quality and temperature, frequency of use and boating style, the periods between maintenance and the priorities of the owner in terms of performance.

In light of these variables, the team of experts at AkzoNobel Yacht Coatings are on hand to assist in choosing the best solutions for your boat, in addition to o ering the latest tips and techniques to ensure a stress-free application.

A GUIDE TO FOULING CONTROL: PREPARATION, PRIMING AND PROTECTION

As the weather warms up, spring is the perfect time to rejuvenate your boat after a winter ashore. To give your boat the highest level of protection, thorough preparation is key.

Before you tackle critical maintenance and the fouling control process, you will need appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, overalls with a hood and goggles or glasses, as well as a mask if you are removing old coatings. A tarpaulin is also recommended to place under the boat to collect scrapings and dust from sanding.

CLEAN AND INSPECT THE HULL

A thorough cleansing of the hull with a specialised cleaning product, such as International® Super Cleaner, will sweep o salt smears, as well as dirt and general grime. When flushing with fresh water, you can tell the surface is properly degreased when the water spreads across the surface without forming small droplets.

It is important to check the hull for signs of osmosis at this stage and treat any blisters that may weep a fluid resembling vinegar. Also, examine the keel and rudder for impact damage, cracks or where the coating may have become loose. Address and grind out the a ected areas thoroughly and ensure they are fully dried out after treatment.

It is worth noting that if you are doing work on small repairs, it is recommended to apply a layer of primer before application of filler.

EVALUATE THE EXISTING FOULING CONTROL SYSTEM

If there is any peeling and flaking paint, an excessive build up or uneven surface, it is time to scrape it away. This type of flaking is likely to be caused by using fouling control paints that are not compatible with each other, or when too much paint has been applied over several seasons. You can save any layers that are in good condition.

We suggest using 80-120 grit sandpaper to sand any existing primer and frequently change the paper. Any bare substrate needs to be sanded with

80-120 grit to improve adhesion, unless it is aluminium or steel, which requires 60-80 grit sandpaper to remove oxidation. Always sand along the grain to avoid scratches.

SELECTING THE APPROPRIATE PRIMER AND FOULING CONTROL PAINT

When changing brands of fouling control products, consult compatibility charts to confirm that the new paint will adhere correctly. AkzoNobel o er a vinyl-based primer, Primocon®, that can be applied over most pre-existing coatings. Priming is a vital part of the painting process as it is the base on which the rest of the system will be applied.

When selecting the right fouling control, it is essential to consider your boat type and boating habits, as well as the specific fouling challenges and the local conditions in your area - including whether the water is brackish, fresh or sea water, and also taking into account water flow speed, tidal exchange and shading from trees or buildings. A key question to consider is whether you need hard or eroding antifouling.

If you have a fast boat, or for those who like to race, hard antifouling, which can be burnished or wet sanded to a smooth finish and does not wear easily, is a good option. Eroding antifoulings, also known as soft or ablative antifoulings, slowly erode in seawater. They o er very good all-round performance in a wide range of fouling conditions and suit those who prefer a low maintenance option. A sub-group of products known as selfpolishing copolymer antifouling solutions are suitable for the harshest fouling areas and are ideal for larger vessels that require longer periods between maintenance, as well as increased all-round performance.

International® fouling control provides protection for all types of boats, in all

waters and conditions, to stop barnacles, worms, slime and algae from settling, which increases drag. The Micron® range is specifically formulated to release just the right amount of active ingredients to keep the surface clean throughout the season, without the need to scrub your boat between applications.

When selecting the right solution for your boat, consider if you need an advanced self-polishing copolymer suitable for the harshest fouling areas, or solutions which are e ective against medium fouling or lighter fouling areas, or perhaps you are looking for a hard racing finish. As a general guide, Micron 350 is an advanced self-polishing copolymer for the harshest fouling areas; Micron 300, Cruiser 250 and Cruiser 200 are e ective against medium fouling; Boatguard 100 is for lighter fouling areas; Ultra 300, Hard Antifouling and VC O shore EU for hard racing finish.

APPLY PRIMER AND FOULING CONTROL TO THE HULL AND AUXILIARY PROPULSION

On a still, windless day, mask o the areas that are not going to be painted, such as topsides on the waterline.

Once taped, mix your paint following the recommendations on the label or technical data sheet, and add solvents where necessary to aid application or improve adhesion if applying your first coat of paint onto bare wood.

Ensure that the interval time between the end of the application of the epoxy primer and the first coat of antifouling is no longer than stated on the datasheet or label.

Antifouling paints are formulated to be applied as they are, so there is no need to add thinners. However, there are some occasions where a small amount of solvent can be added to aid application.

Applying paint with a roller is a fast method of covering large areas, with

brushes best used for small areas. If you are applying product with a brush, a good technique is the criss-cross method with paint applied to the surface with diagonal brushing from left to right. Spread the paint further with horizontal strokes before finally laying o with light vertical strokes to ensure a uniform layer of paint. Apply su cient paint for the product to flow, but not so much to make it sag or run as it can be hard to remove them later.

In particularly hot or cold weather conditions, a small amount of suitable thinner can ease the application. Follow immersion times carefully to avoid detachment, blistering or cracking of the fouling control. It is good practice to apply an extra coat to leading and trailing edges such as the waterline, trim tabs, outdrives, keels and rudders, which experience more water flow and turbulence.

Don’t forget to antifoul your propeller. AkzoNobel o er a quick-drying onepart primer, International Propeller Primer, with excellent adhesion properties which works in combination with our recommended International antifouling, forming a unified coating system that resists dynamic and cavitation forces to protect propellers and underwater metals from fouling build up.

“To give your boat the highest level of protection, thorough preparation is key”

ENSURE SUPPORT FROM AN EXPERT PARTNER

Before you tackle the task of fouling control or other painting tasks, it is best to seek advice from trusted experts if you are in any doubt about how to proceed.

AkzoNobel Yacht Coatings advisers are available to help you select the most appropriate solutions for hull protection and fouling control. AkzoNobel Yacht Coatings can provide customers with access to the latest advice on product selection, application guidance and technical support on coating application for both above and below the waterline. Boat owners can also refer to International® Boat Paint Guides to select the right fouling control paint based on local conditions and boat type. n

Essential Hull Repairs

Ancasta Yacht Services’ essential guide to GRP and composite repairs.

Glass Reinforced Plastic and advanced composite materials have become the backbone of modern yacht and boat construction. Their strength, light weight and resistance to water and corrosion make them ideal for the marine environment. Yet even the toughest hull or deck is not immune to the e ects of time, weather and regular use. Impacts, abrasions and surface wear can all take their toll.

For many owners, smaller gelcoat and GRP repairs can be managed at home with patience, the right products and a steady hand. However, when damage is more extensive - or when structural integrity is involved - professional expertise becomes essential to achieving a reliable, seamless finish.

To help owners understand where DIY ends and specialist skills begin, we spoke with the team at Ancasta Yacht Services (AYS) to explore best practice across key repair areas.

Gelcoat and GRP repairs

Gelcoat is engineered to withstand harsh marine conditions, but over time scratches, chips and stress cracks can appear. A standard repair involves grinding out the damaged material, applying a colour-matched gelcoat, then sanding and polishing to restore a flawless finish.

While straightforward in principle, gelcoat repairs can quickly become complex, particularly on older boats or after impact damage. For large-scale repairs, or where the laminate itself has been compromised, a controlled workshop environment is essential to ensure correct curing, structural stability and an invisible fix - colour matching is an art form in its own right!

Professional GRP work also plays a key role in vessel modification. Adjusting bulkheads, altering deck mouldings or repositioning helm stations can significantly improve onboard ergonomics and living space. These

projects demand precision engineering to maintain both the strength and the design integrity of the vessel.

Carbon fibre repairs and performance modifications

Carbon fibre components o er exceptional sti ness and weight savings, but repairing them is not simply a matter of patching the surface. Restoring carbon fibre requires meticulous preparation, scarfing back the layers and rebuilding the laminate with carefully aligned fibres to preserve its engineered strength.

Beyond repairs, experienced composite technicians can create custom carbon fibre structures - from lightweight tables and stanchions to bespoke brackets for navigation and deck equipment. For owners looking to enhance performance or reduce weight, professional craftsmanship makes a measurable di erence.

Keel repairs for safety and performance

A yacht’s keel is fundamental to stability, handling and safety. Routine inspections are vital, particularly for signs of movement, corrosion around keel bolts or evidence of impact. Any concerns should be assessed by a professional without delay.

Groundings, bolt failures and water ingress require prompt attention to prevent further structural issues. A skilled yard team can evaluate the full extent of the damage, carry out the necessary repairs - including GRP keel matrix repairs - and return the boat to a safe, seaworthy condition.

Navigating insurance repairs with confidence

When the unexpected happens, insurance claims can be one of the more stressful aspects of boat ownership. Working with an established yard streamlines the process.

“Yet even the toughest hull or deck is not immune to the e ects of time, weather and regular use”

Professionals can liaise directly with insurers, provide detailed repair assessments, haul and store the vessel, complete the work and return the boat ready for launch. This end-to-end support helps minimise downtime and removes much of the administrative burden from the owner.

Focus

on through-hull fittings

While conducting gelcoat and GRP hull repairs, it is worth checking your through-hull fittings at the same time. Whether engine or heads intakes, air-conditioning feeds or transducers, these small components have significant safety implications. Exposure to saltwater and electrolysis means they should be inspected and serviced regularly, typically every few years.

Many owners include through-hull maintenance as part of their winter service schedule, ensuring their systems are sound before the new season begins – although the team at AYS is happy to help at any time of the year.

Professional facilities

Part of the Ancasta Group, Ancasta Yacht Services provides year-round refit, repair and maintenance for yacht owners from its Hamble-based, state-of-the-art workshops, which can accommodate vessels up to 26 metres.  Every project benefits from a dedicated manager and a team of specialist craftsmen working to exacting standards. Whether you are polishing out minor gelcoat imperfections or undertaking major structural modifications, the team is equipped to support you through every stage of the process

Part of the Ancasta Group, Ancasta Yacht Services is a professional yacht refit, repair and services company with a team of highly skilled craftsman, with excellent facilities based in Hamble, Southampton. ancasta.com/yacht-services

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.

Onboard with BOATSHED

A di

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

erent kind of headspace…

Over the past few years, there has been a noticeable shift in how people talk about stress and mental health. It is no longer tucked away or ignored, it is discussed openly, and rightly so. The world feels more complex, connected, and at times, more overwhelming.

The problem is not just pressure, it is noise. Constant information, reactions and comparisons. Even rest can feel performative. You scroll, consume and are never quite away from noise.

A boat, in its simplest form, interrupts that pattern. Not because it is luxurious, but because it is limited. When we crossed the Atlantic, one of the most striking things was not the distance or the challenge, it was the rhythm. Life reduced itself to a cycle: watches, meals, maintenance, sleep. Three hours on, three hours o . The outside world became distant, no real-time news and notifications no longer dictated attention.

Space through focus

At first, it feels like disconnection, then it morphs into relief. There is a clarity that comes from having fewer inputs. Decisions become more immediate and practical. What is the wind doing? Is the boat happy? Are you rested enough for the next watch? It is not a retreat into silence, rather a narrowing of focus that seems to create space.

Being the captain is not so di erent to my role as a CEO. In both cases, you cannot ignore problems. The conditions might change, things might not go to plan and there may be moments where you would rather not deal with what is in front of you.

When slightly removed from the usual flow of communication, you are forced to think more deliberately. You cannot rely on instant replies, so you make a call, commit to it, adjust if needed and take responsibility for the outcome. It is a slower process, but often a clearer one.

Whether running a boat or company, there is a shared discipline; carrying the weight of decisions, but gaining clarity from having made them.

Grounding

There are equally benefits from projects that may need undertaking; learning to maintain or improve a boat, for example, diverts you away from the everyday pressures. I concede it is somewhat contradictory; in a bid to move away from connectivity pressures, you are likely to be using digital tools such as AI, forums and YouTube to learn to wire, fix or build something.

However, there is something fundamentally grounding about working with your hands, particularly when the outcome is visible and tangible. It contrasts sharply with much of modern work, where e ort can feel abstract and results delayed or unclear.

On a boat, progress is obvious, something either does or does not work.

Frustrations

Let’s not romanticise this. There are plenty of frustrations. Jobs that take three times longer than expected, tools never quite where you left them, weather that refuses to cooperate and moments where the whole idea feels faintly ridiculous.

There is also a level of sacrifice. Comfort is di erent, space is limited and simple routines take more e ort. Living aboard, even temporarily, involves compromises that most people on land do not have to consider.

Anchored focus

But that is not the point – it is what a boat does to your attention - pulling you into the present in a practical way. Not through mindfulness exercises or deliberate techniques, but through necessity. You cannot drift too far mentally when there is something physical to be done. It might be as simple as checking lines, adjusting a sail or managing basic onboard systems, or more involved, like solving an electrical or plumbing problem. Either way, your focus is anchored.

Sense of scale

Similarly, a boat gives you a sense of scale. A boat is small. Even a large one is small compared to the world around it. When aboard, your immediate environment is contained, your responsibilities are clear and impact visible. In a time where many problems feel vast and abstract, this can be reassuring.

You may not be able to influence global events, but you can keep your boat running and improve, maintain and understand it.

Clear thinking

For me, boat ownership simplifies attention, replacing abstract thinking with physical activity, while allowing the environment to impose a natural rhythm. These elements can be found elsewhere, in other hobbies/ projects, enabling us to step o the ‘conveyer belt’ of life.

Not everyone needs or wants a boat and I am not suggesting all of life’s problems can be solved by stepping aboard something that floats. This is unrealistic and unhelpful. Yet, for many people, myself included, it has become one of the few places where thinking feels clearer. Not easier, just clearer. n

WIN AN OCEAN SIGNAL RESCUEME EDF2

DISTRESS FLARE worth £229.99

All at Sea has teamed up with Ocean Signal to give away an EDF2 Flare.

The Ocean Signal rescueME EDF2 electronic distress flare is the future of distress signalling, o ering sailors and boaters a safe, environmentally friendly and reusable alternative to traditional pyrotechnic flares.

Combining electronic and optical technologies, the buoyant handheld device surpasses RTCM (Radio Technical Commission for Maritime Standards) regulations.

With an impressive light intensity of over 50cd (candela), the EDF2 outshines basic illumination. Flashing the international morse code for ‘S-O-S’ in red-orange and cyan LEDs while its infrared (IR) component simultaneously mirrors the signal pattern, the device is optimised for visibility in low-light conditions and compatible with night vision optics.

Certified as a Night Visual Distress Signalling Device (eNDSD), it is an invaluable tool for night rescue teams. The EDF2 features a 180° luminous angle for extensive light distribution range and boasts a lengthened operational time that

surpasses RTCM standards by 50%. This exceeds the burn time o ered by traditional pyrotechnics, providing sailors with a more reliable, longerlasting distress signal in emergencies.

Bene ts of an EDF2 Electronic Boat Flare vs. Traditional Pyrotechnic Flares:

n No expiration date

n Family safe (no burning flame)

n Easy to operate (so even children and rsttime boaters can operate it in the event of an emergency)

n No issues with the existing stringent mandatory disposal requirements for pyrotechnic flares (legally considered as hazardous materials)

n Waterproof and buoyant

n One-time purchase (less cost over the life of the product)

n Two distinct methods of distress signalling in one product – multi-colour LED strobe and infrared LED strobe

n Ability to extend operating life of the product in an emergency situation by replacing batteries

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 Ocean Signal rescueME EDF2 Electronic Distress Flare Competition. You can also enter via the All at Sea newsletter (sign up at www.allatsea.co.uk/aasnewsletter).

Q: What does EDF stand for?

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CRUISING MATTERS

LOBSTER POT CAMPAIGN TO LAUNCH AT MAY BOAT SHOW

The Cruising Association will unveil the next phase of its Lobster Pot Campaign at the South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show on 8 May.

Safety at sea is a shared responsibility, yet poorly marked static fishing gear - particularly unmarked or inadequately marked lobster pots and creels - continues to pose a serious and avoidable hazard for those navigating coastal waters.

Often di cult to spot until it is too late, these hazards pose significant risks to navigation, can cause costly damage to vessels and, in some cases, put lives in danger.

The campaign will highlight the scale of the issue, raise awareness across the boating community and promote the

message: Marked Gear = Safe Gear. It also calls for existing Maritime and Coastguard Agency voluntary guidance on gear marking to be made mandatory and enforceable.

■ Free tickets for the South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show, 8 - 11 May, are available using the QR code below or at www.mdlmarinas.co.uk/events/boat-show-tickets

■ If you experience a fishing gear entanglement or encounter poorly marked static gear, report it via the RYA Fishing Gear Reporting Form at www.rya.org.uk/water-safety/fishinggear-incident-reporting-form

UPDATED CRUISING GUIDES TO EUROPE’S INLAND WATERWAYS

The Cruising Association has launched new, fully updated editions of its seven flagship inland waterways cruising guides - essential companions for anyone planning to explore the heart of Europe by boat.

The updated titles are:

n An Introduction to the European Inland Waterways

and integrate seamlessly with the CA’s award-winning CAptain’s Mate app, providing the latest location information. Members can also download free GPX files of most of the routes, simplifying cruise planning with a single click.

EMERGENCIES ON EUROPEAN INLAND WATERWAYS

Have you ever experienced that sinking feeling when the engine falters or the propeller grinds to an abrupt halt? Knowing how to respond quickly and e ectively can make all the di erence when cruising Europe’s inland waterways.

Cruisers looking to stay informed on the latest technical and regulatory challenges can now watch the 2026 ‘Evening with RATS’.

This annual seminar, held on 18 March, delivered by the CA’s Regulatory & Technical Service Group (RATS), brought together expert insight on issues impacting the cruising community. Topics in this year’s seminar covered:

n Cruising the Inland Waterways of France and Belgium

n Through France via the Inland Waterways

n Through the Netherlands via the Standing Mast Routes

To help boaters prepare, the CA’s European Inland Waterways Section has published a new free guidance note, Coping with Emergencies on the European Inland Waterways. This practical guidance note covers maintenance and other tasks to be carried out in order to reduce risks; safety and other equipment for embarking on the waterways. Download your copy at www.theca.org.uk/news/eiw-emergency-guidance

WATCH THE LATEST ‘EVENING WITH RATS’

n Lithium Batteries: Power or Peril?

Rick Ballard discussed the benefits and risks of lithium battery systems on cruising boats. He covered essential safety practices, common installation pitfalls and what insurers now expect so cruisers can stay both protected and compliant.

n Marine Communications: Should you install Starlink?

Robert Sansom presented an overview of modern communication options afloat, including the rise of Starlink. He looked at systems, discussed reliability and safety implications, helping you choose the right setup for your cruising style.

n Marked Gear = Safe Gear, the lobster pot campaign renewed

Ian Wilson showed us that entanglement with poorly marked or deployed static fishing gear remains

the same issue as when the CA made its video in 2018. Except for a small gain in Scotland nothing has changed.

n When Abroad: Making sure your kit is legal

Roger Bickersta discussed requirements when travelling abroad from the perspective of UK boats leaving UK territorial waters, and the requirements to maintain compliance with UK regulations, as well as the laws of the country you are visiting.

Watch at www.theca.org.uk/news/ ewr-2026-video

n 50 Great Cruising Routes in the Netherlands

n Cruising the River Moselle/Mosel

n The German Rhine

Produced by the CA’s European Inland Waterways Section, these full-colour print and digital guides are packed with the latest information, directly from members who have been cruising the canals and rivers throughout 2025. Editions are written by EIWS members and edited by Gordon Knight.

Whether you are dreaming of your first trip or are a seasoned ‘waterway explorer’, these guides o er unparalleled insight. For anyone purchasing a guide, there is an immediate welcome for nonmembers of a 15 per cent discount (valid until 31 December 2026).

For existing CA members, digital editions are free to download. These interactive editions are packed with hyperlinks to additional resources

“The CA’s guides are invaluable,” says EIWS Section Secretary Julian Dussek. “I would not cruise Europe’s inland waterways without them. They are packed with information and contain lovely colour illustrations and are kept up-to-date with reports submitted by CA members. The information is not restricted to basic details but includes personal comments such as how to approach pontoons in a particular marina or where the shower jetons may be obtained in another.”

All seven guides are available in fullcolour print or PDF digital format via the CA online shop: shop.theca.org.uk/19european-inland-waterways-guides

For more information on these and the CA’s 18 other inland waterways publications, visit www.theca.org. uk/p/info/cruising-areas/eiw

o membership - simply use 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/public/benefits

SAILING FOR ALL

My first experience of sailing came when I was in Year 6 through the Rod Shipley Sail for a Fiver scheme delivered by the Andrew Simpson Centre. I turned up not really knowing what to expect, just hoping I would not capsize on my first go. What started as a school activity quickly became something that changed my life.

That one session led me to join the youth section at Weymouth Sailing Club, where I discovered how challenging and rewarding dinghy sailing can be. The learning curve was steep at first — from rigging and boat handling to understanding wind shifts and racing rules — but the sense of progress kept me coming back. Sailing taught me resilience, patience and how to stay calm under pressure, skills that have helped me both on and o the water.

“I want more young people from underrepresented backgrounds to feel that sailing is a sport for them too”

From ‘Sail for a Fiver’ to the start line: why sailing should be for everyone. Rio McNab, a 13-year-old ILCA 4 sailor based in Weymouth, shares his sailing journey which began with one important session on the water.

I now sail ILCA 4 and am part of the RYA Talent Academy for 2025–2026. I have also been awarded a Performance Academy Sailing Scholarship (PASS) for 2026 and I am currently completing the Andrew Simpson Young Leader Award. My next goal is to race at the Europeans in 2027.

Like many young sailors, I balance school with training most weekends during the season, making the most of every session on the water.

A SPORT FOR ALL

Alongside performance goals, I care deeply about who gets to access this sport. As a mixed-race sailor, I have noticed that there are still very few Black and minority sailors competing and training in many parts of England. At open meetings and training events, representation is limited. That does not reflect a lack of interest or ability — it reflects barriers to access, awareness and opportunity.

Sailing has given me confidence, community and direction. I want more young people from underrepresented backgrounds to feel that sailing is a sport for them too. Programmes like Sail for a Fiver show how powerful early access can be, but we need more pathways, more visibility and more stories from diverse sailors. Seeing someone who looks like you on the start line matters — it helps young people believe they belong there.

SHARED JOURNEY

I try to share my sailing journey on social media to show the reality of youth sailing: early starts, cold sessions, progress and the small wins that come with consistent training. If my posts help even one young person feel more confident about giving sailing a go, that is a win.

Looking ahead, I am excited for the coming season and grateful for the coaches, volunteers and clubs that make youth sailing possible. My aim is to keep learning, keep racing and keep using my platform — however small it is right now — to help make sailing a more inclusive, welcoming sport for the next generation. n

Follow Rio: Instagram: rio.sails TikTok: Rio.Sails

OCEAN CONSERVATION TRUST

PART TWO - OCT’s guide to seagrass: All you need to know about this incredible aquatic plant, and what boaters can do to protect it.

Boaters know the Ocean. They live their lives on it, in it, by it and with it. And because they are in-tune with the planet’s largest body of water, they are often more motivated to protect it. Here at the Ocean Conservation Trust, we refer to ourselves as Ocean Optimists. That is because we see a bright future for the Ocean, its ecosystems and the humans who interact with it. And we have been working toward that future by inviting all Ocean users to join us in safeguarding the Ocean. We are starting with seagrass meadows.

WHAT IS SEAGRASS, AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

Seagrass is an aquatic plant that grows in the shallow waters of coastal areas. Not only is it the only flowering marine plant, its meadows make up one of the most valuable and biodiverse habitats on the planet, providing a plethora of benefits to the environment.

All images: Ocean Conservation Trust

Seagrass meadows allow biodiversity to flourish. A single hectare can support 80,000 fish and 100 million small invertebrates. The underwater meadows are also a home for rare and endangered species, like seahorses and stalked jellyfish. Seagrass also absorbs and stores vast amounts of carbon, up

to 35 times more e ciently than tropical rainforests. Despite only covering 0.2 per cent of the seabed, they store 10 per cent of the Ocean’s carbon. Additionally, seagrass removes nitrogen from the water, which mitigates the development of harmful algal blooms.

Beyond this, seagrass meadows help prevent the erosion of our coasts by anchoring sediments on the seabed –something that benefits all boaters. And if you are a fisherman, these meadows provide a nursery for commercially important fish; healthier meadows literally create healthier fish stocks.

The reason OCT is focused on this plant is that, since the 1930s, up to 90 per cent of seagrass beds have been lost through physical disturbance, pollution and disease. But we are working to reverse this trend – and you can help with this!

WHAT CAN BOATERS DO TO PROTECT SEAGRASS?

Over the next 10 years, we are aiming to protect 10 per cent of all UK seagrass meadows, allowing them to regenerate into healthy habitats. Here’s how you can get involved: Blue Meadows Marker Buoys: We identify seagrass meadows where human activity is a major reason for their poor condition or decline, and partner with local Harbour Authorities to mark these areas with our Blue Meadows buoys. By marking these areas, water users can avoid them and disturbance can be minimised, allowing seagrass to recover and regenerate.

The impact of our protection and regeneration programme is measured and evaluated, with each Blue Meadows site monitored over a minimum of three years. So, if you see one of our big yellow buoys, you know to steer clear.

Advanced Mooring Systems: Traditional anchoring systems can damage seagrass meadows, as the chain drags along the seabed, disturbing and destroying the plants and their roots. Likewise, traditional mooring systems often use heavy concrete sinker blocks, which can leave a large and damaging footprint. That is why we designed and created our own solution, the Advanced Mooring System (AMS). Engineered with environmental sustainability in mind, they minimise the disruption to seagrass meadows by using a series of mid-water floats to elevate the chain from the seabed.

The AMS is secured to the seabed using helical screw anchors, which reduces mooring impacts even further. This allows boaters to peacefully coexist with seagrass meadows; everyone’s a winner!

OTHER TIPS

If you are not able to make use of our marker buoys or AMS, there are small simple things that you can do to help mitigate your impact on seagrass:

Check your anchor regularly to minimise dragging

When raising your anchor, ensure your bow is close to the chain for smoother extraction

Mark your chain at intervals (1m and 5m) to help you drop the right amount of chain and make sure there is not excess dragging along the seabed

Choose reef-safe sunscreen to avoid harmful chemicals entering the Ocean

Use a bilge-filter to stop oil and fuel entering the Ocean

Dispose of rubbish, old bits of rope and broken fishing gear properly

Seagrass meadows are still at risk and continue to disappear at an estimated rate of 7 per cent a year. But we can reverse this trend if we all pull in the same direction.

more. ■

4 Continent (6)

7 Capital of Paraguay (8)

8 Hun king nicknamed the ‘Scourge of God’ (6)

9 In golf, played a hole in one stroke (4)

10 To stretch out (3)

11 B ubbles, seethes (5)

12 Greatest in size (7)

15 Point (an arrow, for example) towards a target (4,3)

17 Lukewarm (5)

20 Mr Garfunkel, singer-songwriter (3)

21 Ego, personality (4)

22 Repartee (6)

23 N oteworthy scarcity (8)

24 Kitchen appliance (abbr) (6)

1 Hitchcock film of 1960 (6)

2 Pure (13)

3 Vital organ of the body (5)

4 Deficiency of red blood cells (7)

5 Lapsing, falling back (13)

6 House plant with colourful leaves (6)

11 H owever (3)

13 Diminutive of Edward (3)

14 Freakish (7)

16 Foreign home help (2,4)

18 Most lazy (6)

19 Look at intently (5)

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. Nine-letter word(s):

THE CHANGING FACE OF MARINAS

The changing face of marinas: a more connected and sustainable cruising future.

Cruising the UK coastline is becoming a more connected experience for boaters, thanks to some significant changes across the marina network. What was once a series of individual destinations is evolving into something far more joined-up.

For boat owners it is good news, especially if you are planning a weekend hop or a longer coastal adventure.

Over the last 10 years the marina market has faced many changes, including a key moment for the sector in September 2025 when Premier Marinas acquired boatfolk. That created the largest marina group in the UK with a network of 21 locations. For berth holders and visiting boaters alike, it marked a step forward in o ering greater consistency across marinas, with easier access to facilities and more choice when planning time on the water.

One of the most noticeable changes can be seen along the South Coast. With Haslar, East Cowes, Weymouth and Portland now integrated into the network, and Deacons soon to

follow, the cruising gap between Noss on Dart and the Solent has e ectively been closed for its customers. For boaters, it means more practical stopover points, shorter and more manageable passages, and the reassurance of familiar standards along the way. Whether cruising west from the Solent or heading east from Devon, the journey now feels more continuous and better supported. This kind of connectivity reflects a broader shift in how marinas are being used. They are no longer just places to berth at the start or end of a trip, but are key waypoints within a wider cruising network. Having confidence in facilities, services and support along a route makes all the di erence.

NATIONWIDE NETWORK

Importantly, this evolution is not limited to the south. The regional marinas within boatfolk, which include Portishead, Penarth, Conwy, Rhu and Royal Quays, all remain a vital part of the wider picture for the group. While they continue to operate under the boatfolk name

for now, they are very much part of the same growing network, each o ering its own distinct character and strong sense of local community.

At Conwy Marina, for example, recent recognition with a 5 Gold Anchor award highlights the continued focus on quality and customer experience. With well-maintained pontoons, clear signage, welcoming reception areas and comfortable shared spaces all contributing to making the marina worthy of the TYHA’s highest accolade. It reflects a standard upheld across the wider network, with Penarth and Portishead both achieving and retaining TYHA’s 5 Gold Anchor accreditation, while Rhu Marina’s 4 Gold Anchors underline a similarly strong commitment to quality and service.

SUSTAINABILITY

Alongside improvements in facilities and connectivity, sustainability is an increasingly important part of marina life. Boaters are more conscious than ever of their impact on the environment, and marinas are responding by putting better practices in place.

Conwy’s recently awarded Clean Marina status reflects this, with a focus on responsible waste management, pollution prevention and environmentally aware operations, and Penarth has been recognised with a European Blue Flag for environmental excellence.

Further north, Royal Quays Marina is playing its part through involvement in a regional initiative focused on monitoring invasive species. Working alongside partners including Newcastle University, the marina is helping to gather data and to understand how marine ecosystems are changing. Projects like this may take place behind the scenes,

but they are vital in protecting the waters that so many boaters enjoy.

This growing focus on sustainability is another sign of how the role of marinas is changing. They are not just service providers, but custodians of the waters they operate within. For today’s boaters, knowing that the places they visit are actively working to preserve the coastline for future generations adds a layer of confidence.

What does all of this mean in practice?

Quite simply, a more connected network of marinas allows for greater flexibility when planning routes, more options when

conditions change and a smoother overall cruising experience. It also encourages exploration, giving boaters the confidence to try new destinations while still benefiting from the familiarity of a trusted network. The changing face of marinas is not about one single development, but a combination of improved connectivity, continued investment in facilities and a growing commitment to sustainability. Together, these changes are helping to shape a marina network that better reflects the needs of modern boaters. www.premiermarinas.com www.boatfolk.co.uk

“The changing face of marinas is not about one single development, but a combination of improved connectivity, continued investment in facilities and a growing commitment to sustainability. Together, these changes are helping to shape a marina network that better reflects the needs of modern boaters”

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HAMBLE POINT MARINA

Set at the mouth of the River Hamble, Hamble Point Marina occupies a truly special position within one of the UK’s most celebrated boating destinations.

OUT AND ABOUT

Ashore, Hamble Point Marina puts you within easy reach of the village of Hamble-le-Rice, long known for its maritime roots and easy-going coastal feel.

The area has deep connections to both aviation and boat building, and that heritage still shapes the character of the river and its surroundings today.

KEY BUSINESSES AT THE MARINA

Rib Shop – Solent specialists in RIB sales, servicing and refits, as well as outboard engines and tenders

Inspiration Marine Group – one of the UK’s leading yacht dealers, o ering sales, brokerage, servicing and refit support  FlexiSail – a boat-share membership company giving access to a fleet of yachts, along with training and tuition  On-site yacht brokers and dealers –a strong mix of new and used boat sales, making Hamble Point a key buying and selling hub on the South Coast  Marine service centre tenants –over 50 specialist businesses covering engineering, electronics, rigging and maintenance all in one place

Often regarded as the spiritual home of British yachting, the River Hamble has been home to yacht and boat building for centuries. Today, Hamble Point Marina sits at the heart of this iconic stretch of water, alongside its sister sites Port Hamble Marina and Mercury Yacht Harbour.

With the Solent accessible within minutes, Hamble Point has long been a launchpad for sailors, powerboaters and adventurers alike. Recent investment of over £1.2 million has further enhanced the marina, with a brandnew customer hub, upgraded facilities and ongoing improvements ensuring it continues to deliver a premium yet accessible experience.

Hamble Point Marina is not just somewhere to berth – it is where journeys start, shaped by heritage, community and a real way of life.

Hamble-le-Rice is close by, with a great mix of waterside pubs, cafés and restaurants. In the village, you will find well-loved favourites such as The Bugle for relaxed pub dining and The King & Queen for a livelier atmosphere.

For a classic riverside setting, The Jolly Sailor, a little further upriver, remains a firm favourite. Nearby cafés and delis also provide easy options for breakfast or a laid-back lunch before heading out on the water.

Beyond the restaurants, the area is ideal for exploring at a slower pace, with scenic riverside walks, quiet creeks and cycling routes stretching along the River Hamble.

ACCESS

By sea: Access to Hamble Point Marina is straightforward and wellcharted. Enter via Southampton Water, proceeding into the River Hamble. The channel is clearly buoyed, though visitors should remain mindful of tidal flows and commercial tra c, particularly in busy periods.

Approach is best made with standard caution, keeping to marked channels and observing harbour authority guidance. Berth holders and visitors are advised to contact the marina team on VHF channel 80 when approaching for berth allocation and assistance.

By land: Located just outside Southampton, the marina is easily accessible via the M27, with onward connections through Hamble village. Nearby rail links include Hamble station, with connections to Southampton and beyond, making access convenient for both local and visiting boaters.

CRUISING

One of Hamble Point Marina’s biggest draws is its immediate access to some of the UK’s most rewarding cruising waters. Sitting right at the mouth of the River Hamble, you are only minutes from the open Solent – making spontaneous day sails or last-minute trips an easy option.

FACILITIES & BERTHING

For day cruising, the Solent o ers huge variety within a relatively compact stretch of water. A short run takes you across to Cowes, worldrenowned for its sailing scene, while the north coast of the Isle of Wight is dotted with anchorages and harbours. Favourites include Yarmouth Harbour for its relaxed feel and Beaulieu River on the mainland for a quieter, more scenic escape.

With a full weekend to explore, the cruising ground opens up even further. Destinations such as Poole Harbour – one of Europe’s largest natural harbours – and Chichester Harbour o er sheltered waters, picturesque villages and plenty of places to drop anchor. Heading west, the dramatic coastline of the Jurassic Coast brings a completely di erent feel, with striking cli s and quieter anchorages.

For longer passages, the South Coast stretches in both directions, from the harbours of Devon and Cornwall to the brighter, busier coastline around Brighton and beyond. Conditions in the Solent are shaped by strong tides and prevailing southwesterlies, so passage planning is key. For those who know the area – or are keen to learn – it is all part of the appeal, rewarding you with varied sailing, characterful harbours and an ever-changing coastline to explore.

Eating out is a big part of the appeal here. At Hamble Point, the familyfriendly Ketch Rigger bar and restaurant welcomes guests throughout the year. At its sister marinas, Banana Wharf at Port Hamble o ers waterside views alongside a more contemporary menu, while the popular Ga Rigger is located at Mercury Yacht Harbour on the edge of the River Hamble.

PERSONAL RECOMMENDATION

“The marina itself is relatively small in comparison to many in the locality and as such provides for a very friendly atmosphere amongst berth holders and sta alike. The marina provides a great on the water experience, the berths are very well maintained, sheltered and in the main tidal free. This aids for easy manoeuvring and, of course, the friendly and super helpful sta are always available to give a helping hand at all times of the day and night.

“In recent years there has been significant improvement to the facilities and, as they say, you always judge a marina by its facilities, well these are second to none, immaculate, well-laid out and with good accessibility.

A short drive takes you into Southampton, where you will find a wider mix of restaurants, shopping and cultural spots, from theatres to galleries and waterfront developments.

With regular regattas and marina events bringing people together, there is a real sense of community at Hamble Point – making it feel as much like a way of life as a place to berth.

“As always, I reserve my final judgement for the sta . Nothing is too much trouble, and everyone goes the extra mile with a welcoming smile on their face. In short, they are all a credit to MDL and the marine industry as a whole. Whether visiting or looking for a permanent berth Hamble Point o ers a perfect all round package.”

Positioned at the entrance to the River Hamble, Hamble Point Marina enjoys a standout location. It o ers fast, direct access to the Solent and the Isle of Wight, putting some of the UK’s best cruising waters right on your doorstep.

With deep-water access and well-maintained pontoons, the marina caters for a wide range of vessels, from smaller leisure craft to larger yachts.

Alongside its berthing, there is a strong mix of on-site marine services. With boat lifting, storage ashore and more than 50 specialist tenants, it is easy to arrange everything from engineering and refits to electrical work and sailmaking without leaving the marina.

A key feature is the dedicated dry stack facility for RIBs and motorboats up to 10m. With unlimited, on-demand launching seven days a week, it o ers an easy way to enjoy boating. Turn up, head out and enjoy the water, without the usual upkeep or preparation.

Beyond the pontoons, the marina sits within one of the UK’s most established boating communities. The River Hamble always feels active with regattas, club racing and visiting yachts coming and going.

with the needs of modern boaters. The redeveloped marina o ce now acts as a central hub, alongside a provisions store and upgraded washroom facilities.

Improvements across the site, including enhanced security, resurfaced roadways, improved parking and ongoing pontoon upgrades, help keep standards consistently high.

Facilities and services include:

n 24/7 access and security

n Modern toilets and showers (including accessible and family facilities)

n WiFi connectivity

n Laundry facilities

n On-site provisions

n Dry stack storage with launch and recovery

n Car parking

n Boat lifting and handling services

Michael Wise QPM

Ongoing investment means the marina continues to evolve

Hamble Point Marina o ers a premium berthing experience in a highly sought-after location, combining excellent facilities with outstanding access to some of the South Coast’s most desirable cruising grounds.

Berth holders also benefit from the Otium rewards programme, adding further value for those looking to enjoy the marina or explore MDL’s network of 18 UK marinas.

Your guide to finding marinas nationwide 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

or call 0151 473 8000

ELITE YACHT COVERS

Elite Yacht Covers has signed a new five-year lease at Hamble Point Marina in Southampton.

The move marks a significant expansion for the yacht canvas company as it establishes a dedicated South Coast base within one of the UK’s most active and influential marine centres. Elite Yacht Covers will occupy a 618 sq ft unit at the marina, sharing the new o ce space with White Dot Sailing.

“The fact that there is currently no other specialist cover maker on-site, combined with the variety of marine services already available at the marina, made Hamble Point the ideal location for our expansion,” said Noah di Paola, South Coast Manager at Elite Yacht Covers.

“Through this new location, we will also be looking to support superyachts entering Ocean Village with our subsidiary, Elite Super Yacht Covers.”

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

Marina Manager, Dominic Brown added: “We are thrilled to have Elite Yacht Covers joining us at Hamble Point. Their reputation for craftsmanship and customer service aligns perfectly with MDL’s focus on delivering exceptional marine experiences. The team will be a valuable addition to the diverse cluster of specialists already operating at the marina.”

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

MARINA GROUP ACQUIRED

Premier Marinas has announced the acquisition of the Dart Marina Group, comprising Dart Marina, Dart Marina Hotel and the Dartmouth Higher Ferry.

The Dart Marina Group is a wellestablished and highly regarded business, known for its strong customer relationships, high-quality facilities and experienced team.

The business will continue to operate as usual, while for customers, the addition of Dart Marina further strengthens Premier’s South Coast network, creating unbeatable flexibility and choice when cruising across a broader portfolio of locations.

Pete Bradshaw, Chief Executive of Premier Marinas, said: “The Dart Marina Group is an already successful and highly respected collection of businesses, with a fantastic team and a strong identity of its own.

“Our intention is not to change what makes it special, but to support and build on it for the long term. We are particularly pleased to be welcoming the Dart Marina

AROUND

Group team into the wider Premier Marinas group, and we look forward to working together to continue delivering the high standards customers expect.”

The acquisition also brings together two Dartmouth sites once associated with the historic Philip & Son shipyard, reflecting a shared maritime heritage on the River Dart.

Premier Marinas has emphasised that its immediate priority will be continuity for customers, and stakeholders, while identifying opportunities over time to enhance the overall experience through investment and shared expertise.

The company also paid tribute to the long-standing stewardship of Dart Marina under its previous ownership.

Pete Bradshaw added: “We would like to recognise the significant contribution made by the previous owner, Richard Seton, and his team in building Dart Marina into the successful business it is today. Their work has created a strong foundation, and we are committed to respecting that as we look to the future.”

THE MARINAS

The V&A Waterfront in Cape Town has announced a $13.5m investment in a purpose-built superyacht marina. The project will expand capacity for servicing visiting vessels and support longer stays. Scheduled for completion in October, the Quay 7 Superyacht Marina will be located within Cape Town harbour.

MA Financial Group has contracted to acquire Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard, which is one of the largest diversified marina and shipyard operations in the Southern Hemisphere. The acquisition complements its existing portfolio of 16 d’Albora marinas.

Aspemir, the investment holding company of tennis’s Rafael Nadal, has acquired a minority stake in Spanish marina management platform Ocean Platform Marinas. OPM manages large yacht marinas in Ibiza, Málaga and Seville and has several development projects planned.

Suntex Marinas has launched its Destination Marina Partner Program, designed to connect Suntex customers with boating destinations beyond the Suntex network, in which each marina partner o ers exclusive benefits for Suntex boaters.

Specialist boat insurance

Jones Bay Superyacht Marina has been designated as a Biosecurity Entry Point under the Biosecurity (First Point of Entry – Port of Sydney) Determination 2019, becoming the third facility in Sydney Harbour to receive this status and confirming that the marina meets Australia’s strict biosecurity standards for international vessel arrivals.

An international consortium, Team Perry’s, is the successful bidder in the city of Yokosuka’s tender for the development and management of the new superyacht Uraga Marina, south of Tokyo.

Florida’s Legacy Harbour Marina is reopening its doors this month, marking the end of a year-long rebuild after Hurricane Ian devastated the downtown Fort Myers waterfront facility in 2022.

IGY Marinas and Marina Bahia Golfito have extended their partnership to solidify the Costa Rican destination as a top eco-luxury, superyacht hub.

Suntex Marina Investors has merged with Windward Marina Group in Florida, taking Suntex’s total marina properties past 100, including 34 locations across Florida.

DECK CADET TO MOORINGS MANAGER

Former deck cadet and local sailor Henry Rogers has joined the Beaulieu River team as Moorings Manager for Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour.

Henry, who achieved a Marine Technologies Level 2 Diploma at Brockenhurst College before progressing to South Shields Marine School, is taking up the new challenge of serving more than 500 berth and mooring holders at the Beaulieu River.

Providing a friendly face and maritime knowledge, Henry said: “I have a lifelong connection with the water, having grown up in a Lymington family that has always owned and operated boats, giving me a strong foundation in boating,

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

safety and marina life. I have a passion for being out on the water.”

During his career so far Henry, aged 23, has gained hands-on experience and expertise in vessel handling, navigation, safety procedures and crew coordination while working in a team operating vessels in busy commercial ports.

Henry added: “The Beaulieu River is by far the most beautiful river in the Solent and is particularly peaceful. It is more like a retreat than a marina and is a great place to work; everyone is so lovely and welcoming.”

He replaces former skipper and superyacht captain Rupert Parkhouse in the role, after his departure to head back out on the water.

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

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: Mike Hatch

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

WHY IS THE RUM GONE?

As the sun goes down

hy is the rum gone?” An iconic line from a much-loved movie. But the infamous pirate Jack Sparrow is certainly not the only sailor throughout history to have mournfully pondered this question.

Black Tot Day

For over a century, ratings and o cers in the British Royal Navy were issued with a 1/8-pint tot of rum daily at noon with a call of “Up Spirits” – until a very dark day in 1970 when Admiral Peter Hill-Norton abolished the rum ration.

The last was poured on 31 July 1970 – a day that became known as Black Tot Day. Morose sailors wore black armbands, tots and rum tubs were ‘buried at sea’ and even a mock funeral procession was held! Such was the momentous nature of the loss that the Portsmouth General Post O ce issued a special post mark reading ‘Last Issue of Rum to the Royal Navy 31 July 1970’.

This loss, however, has not diminished rum’s connection to the sea – and its pirate past. And with so many delicious tots to sample, it is di cult to know where to start. But here are a few firm favourites which are readily available when you are provisioning this summer.

Sugar and spice

Named after the piratical Welsh privateer, Sir Henry Morgan, Captain Morgan Original Spiced Gold looks and tastes the part but does not quite pack the punch of some due to its higher sugar content. Soft and sweet, it is great starter rum for the uninitiated o ering up plentiful vanilla and caramel flavours with a subtle hint of cinnamon.

One to strike fear in the hearts of seafarers of old is the utterly delectable Kraken Black Spiced Rum. As dark and foreboding at its namesake, but with a sweet underbelly of to ee and warming cooking spices.

Dark and stormy

Synonymous with regattas on both sides of the Atlantic, the crisp and aromatic Bajan Mount Gay Eclipse has always been the go-to rum for this more modern sailor – especially on those Dark and Stormy nights.

Pour a generous measure over ice, mix with a good quality ‘full fat’ ginger beer (Fentimans is currently in the fridge) and top with a wedge of fresh lime – it is the perfect Dark & Stormy and ideal after a long day on the water, racing or otherwise.

Also hailing from Barbados, and another good candidate for a cocktail, is Bambu – The Original. And a more pirate-era rum bottle I have not seen. It even has a cork! But that is where the similarities with the harsh and crude liquor of that Golden Age ends. This full-bodied rum is rich and smooth, and just superb for sipping on deck as the sun goes down.

In answer to Jack Sparrow’s lamenting question - the rum has not gone. It has just become more refined. More versatile. And more appealing.

So, all that remains for me to say this month is cheers, and Up Spirits to you! n

“In answer to Jack Sparrow’s lamenting questionthe rum has not gone. It has just become more refined. More versatile. And more appealing”

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