The clearest explanation we've found
so far of the current situation regarding red diesel can be found on YouTube. It's an interview with Gus Lewis, Head of
Government Affairs at the RYA, by News Editor of Motor Boats Monthly, Sue Pelling and the Deputy Editor of
Practical Boat Owner, David Pugh on the issue of red diesel. Click this link to watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEC2j9WD4-E&feature=youtu.be
Following a recent news item, the Met Office MarineCall service ceased at the end of October 2011. Unfortunately, the firm that ran the Marinecall service, Boungiorno, seems to have failed to advise their customers despite being given 6 months warning by the Met Office.
Many members will have noticed that as well as discontinuing the SMS forecast service, there are now no Marinecall telephone or telefax services. It is still possible to speak to a Met Office forecaster, . There is also an independent forecast service, see the Weatherweb site.
Many members will have seen the video containing commentary by a master mariner of the manoevre which led to the Costa Concordia tragedy on the 14th of January. However for those who have not, and would like to see it, please click here.
Please note, the ship's actual position may not be shown on your screen for about 20 seconds, but does return at about 4 minutes into the video.
On the first
day of the London Boat Show the Cruising Association's Patron, Sir Robin
Knox-Johnston, welcomed Eric Roberts as the 4,000th member of the Association.
The Flag Officer lunch was held on the 7th of January 2012 and presentations were made to members of the CA who have made significant contributions to the CA, both in 2011 and for many years prior to this.
CA members Paul and Rachel Chandler held a capacity audience in silent awe at CA House on Wednesday 5 October when they spoke about their cruise in the Indian Ocean and its abrupt curtailment by Somali gangsters in the Seychelles.
Their experience of captivity and eventual release is a gripping tale, sometimes harrowing to hear and at times clearly difficult to relate. It was all the more incredible delivered with (mostly) good humour and frankly un-natural levelheadedness. Even 291 breakfasts of goat’s liver left them unphased.
This information has been updated. Please find attached a brief note (Piracy Flyer V3) just published by the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) in conjunction with the Maritime Security Centre - Horn of Africa (MSCHOA) and the UK Maritime Trade Organisation (UKMTO) a more detailed note (Piracy Warning V3) and an update (Piracy Update V4) also just published by ISAF, MSCHOA & UKMTO.
The documents strongly recommend that yachts avoid entirely the western Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea, Somali Basin and Gulf of Aden.
The CruiseAbility forum has now opened within the member’s section of the CA website. Its aim is to ensure that the objects of the Cruising Association are inclusive of members with disabilities or impairments, and assist these keen people to sail yachts.
On the first
day of the London Boat Show the Cruising Association's Patron, Sir Robin
Knox-Johnston, welcomed Eric Roberts as the 4,000th member of the Association.