Blue Sheets News

They All Laughed When I Said I was Going to Sail Away to Adventure - A Year Later They All Wanted to Come

Sat, 03 May 2008 11:58:00 GMT

SAILAWAY TO ADVENTURE

Have you ever dreamt about sailing away to adventure in your own sailboat? and exploring the oceans of this beautiful planet of ours? The excitement, the freedom, the sheer joy of sailing and visiting the myriad exotic places along the way? Hawaii, The Caribbean, San Blas Islands, South America, The Galapagos, Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia, Tonga and on to New Zealand and Australia. These are but a few and the list is endless.

Can you feel the excitement, following the months of planning, of finally setting off on your first passage? The exultation of leaving port for the first time, on the first leg of your adventure of a lifetime? Believe me it is a wonderful feeling setting off, knowing that you have months ahead of you to sail the oceans with absolutely no restrictions, free to sail where your fancy takes you. And, as you leave behind you all those limitations of land living – work, the day to day affairs, traffic congestion, city living, pollution and more – a weight will lift away from you and it will be replaced, slowly at first, by a growing and wonderful sense of freedom. As you take in the first drafts of fresh sea air deep into your lungs, filling them to the bottom, you will come to realise there is no substitute in this world for it.

If this is your dream, or you are already planning your adventure, or you are already doing it, then you will gain benefit from my ‘101Dollar Saving Tips for Sailors’. Most of us are on a budget and would like to save where we can. My ‘101 Dollar Saving Tips for Sailors’ could save you hundreds or perhaps even thousands of dollars during the duration of your voyage. Most of the ‘Tips’ are things you would never think of before setting sail and are gathered together from my own experiences during my four year sailing odyssey sailing ‘The Dream’ and visiting the destinations mentioned above.

I have two reasons for encouraging you to begin planning your odyssey, and the first is that so many folks spend their life dreaming about it, but for a whole host of reasons never get around to beginning. This is very sad – to miss out on one of the most fantastic experiences one could hope for just because they cannot over that first hurdle. My job is to help you get over that hurdle.

Secondly, and this is tied into Global Warming and Climate Change. There may come a time in the future when a trip like this may much more restricted. We do not have much control over this in the short term, but we do know that right now we can set off knowing that the weather is still our friend, and we are able to visit all of these wonderful destinations.

So now is the time to begin, and start your planning – remember the great Nike tag line ‘Do It Now’, don’t put it off – you will never egret beginning and then you will wonder why you never started sooner.

Powerboat P1 Launches First Ever Middle East Event

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 13:09:00 GMT

Powerboat P1 today confirmed Bahrain as the venue for the first ever Powerboat P1 Grand Prix to be staged in the Middle East. This will see the 2008 World Championship embrace three continents, with Bahrain hosting the climax to the 14-race season from 23rd to 25th October.

Event partners, Marina West, Durrat Marina and InterContinental Regency Hotel, will join forces with Powerboat P1 to stage three days of world class racing at Durrat Marina, part of the new Durrat Al Bahrain development project in the south of the Kingdom.

The Bahrain Powerboat P1 Grand Prix is being run with the full support of Shaikh Mohammed bin Essa Al Khalifa and the Bahrain Economic Development Board, Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa and the General Organisation for Youth and Sports and Shaikh Mohammed bin Duaij Al Khalifa and the Bahrain Maritime Sports Association.

Speaking at the launch of the Grand Prix at the InterContinental Regency Hotel, Managing Director of Powerboat P1, Jim O’Toole said, “As the international appeal of Powerboat P1 continues to build, the evolution of the calendar is inevitable and we are happy to be able to announce such an eclectic mix of top class venues in three continents. More and more cities and resort destinations are prepared to invest in P1 to secure the long term rights to our dynamic sports and entertainment platform. They share our enthusiasm for the Championship and recognise the potential of its global reach and the impact of our event on the local economy.”

“We are breaking new ground within Europe with the inclusion of races in France and Spain whilst our visit to the Middle East signifies another new adventure for P1. This is an exciting development as we continue to establish P1’s credentials beyond Europe, strongly supported by our teams, the manufacturers and the marine industry.”

“I am delighted to announce Bahrain as our venue for the Middle East race, and Durrat Marina as the host for the seventh and final event of the 2008 Powerboat P1 season. We are working hard to expand the Powerboat P1 Series into new territories and see the Middle East as a crucial development area for us. We are pleased that our event has found a home here in Bahrain and we look forward to working closely with Shaikh Mohammed and the Bahrain Maritime Sports Association in making this event a fitting end to our season”.

Shaikh Mohammed bin Duaij Al Khalifa said, “we have been looking to attract a top class powerboat race to the Kingdom for some time and are delighted that Powerboat P1, the very top level of powerboat racing, has chosen to make Bahrain it’s home in the Middle East. We hope to build on the success of the Formula 1 to really establish Bahrain as the home of all types of motorsport in the Middle East, both on land and on water. I’m sure the event will offer some spectacular racing and a thrilling occasion that all Bahraini residents will be able to enjoy”.

The host for the Grand Prix is Durrat Marina, and their representative Othman Janahi said, “Durrat Marina, which is an integral part of the new Durrat Al Bahrain development is proud to be a partner of the Bahrain Powerboat P1 Grand Prix and delighted to be able to host the event in 2008. As we were developing the plans for Durrat Marina we realised that we needed to create an event that would really put the Marina on the map as the premier resort venue in the Middle East, we strongly believe that over the next few years this event will certainly help us achieve that. We look forward to working with Powerboat P1 to ensure that the Bahrain Powerboat P1 Grand Prix is a great success”

Event Partner Marina West’s Chief Executive Mahmood Janahi said, “Marina West is delighted to support the Bahrain Powerboat P1 Grand Prix and we look forward to a thrilling and action packed weekend of powerboat racing. Marina West is an exciting and luxury waterfront development and we felt it was important to support an event that promotes Bahrain as a watersport venue; it fits neatly with our marketing strategy and is undoubtedly the leading Powerboat Racing Series in the world. We are sure that our involvement with this event will bring benefit to the Marina West development and certainly help to establish Bahrain on the world watersport map.”

The 2008 Powerboat P1 World Championship has been boosted by a record entry of 24 teams, providing the marine industry with a global marketing platform and spectators with a world class spectacle and experience. The opening event of the season will be the Italian Grand Prix of the Sea from 9th to 11th May at the Adriatic resort of San Benedetto del Tronto.

New Name for Mardon Marine

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 22:20:00 GMT

Leading marine insurance provider, Mardon Marine, today announces that it has changed its name to Towergate Mardon. Mardon became part of Towergate in September 2004 and following rapid expansion from its central location in Shrewsbury has taken the initiative to integrate the two names.

As part of Europe’s largest independently owned insurance intermediary, Mardon has access to a wide range of insurance products. With this in mind it has been decided to rename as Towergate Mardon to reinforce its status as a leading player in the insurance market.

“We’re delighted with the change. We feel it is time that our name reflects the fact that we are part of the Towergate group and that our customers can benefit it’s £1.8 billion buying power, yet retaining the personal touch of Mardon and our knowledgeable, friendly staff”, said Nigel Mills, MD Towergate Mardon.

Exhibitors All Set For The Fourth Annual Plymouth Sail and Power Show

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 21:43:00 GMT

The fourth annual Plymouth Sail and Power Show held at Queen Anne’s Battery marina will take place on Saturday 26th – Sunday 27th April. This year’s event will showcase a fantastic range of new and used boats, RIBs (Rigid Inflatable Boats) and luxury vehicles as well as equipment, clothing and accessories. The weekend Show will also host numerous exhilarating on and off water displays and demonstrations, non-stop entertainment and much more.

Following last year’s successful Show; a selection of leading marine brands have already confirmed that they will be exhibiting at this year’s event including; Arcona Yachts UK, Beneteau, Honda Marine, Jeanneau and Liberty Yachts.

Arcona Yachts UK returns to the Show with an Arcona 400. The range of yachts, being the 370, 400, 460 and the NEW 430, are imported from Sweden by Hamble based Arcona Yachts UK. These performance cruisers are competitively priced and are now becoming very popular with UK yachtsman, who require quality, performance and a high specification.

Honda Marine dealership, SMS Plymouth will be displaying a range of products both afloat and ashore during this year’s Show. Visitors to the stand will be able to see a selection of Honda outboard engines, Honwave Inflatable Boats, motorcycles and cars, including the CRV 4×4 and Civic Type R. The on-water display will include Orkney boats equipped with Honda outboard engines. SMS Plymouth will also be running a competition for the chance to win two hospitality tickets to one of the forthcoming Honda Formula 4-Stroke Race Events.

Liberty Yachts of Queen Anne’s Battery will be at the Show representing CR Yachts of Sweden and Hanse Yachts of Germany. Yachts on display will include the CR470, flagship of the CR range, along with new 32, 35 and 37ft yachts from Hanse of Germany. Liberty will also have a wide range of brokerage boats including RIBs, small power boats and sailing boats ranging from a 30ft Tyler to an Oyster 55. In addition to boat sales Liberty offers a full yacht charter management service and the team will be available at the Show to talk to visitors about the various ways to own a yacht and have it earn a living!

In addition, Ancasta Plymouth will be at this year’s event showcasing a range of Beneteau Sailing Yachts, Sealine Power Boats and Bavaria Motor Boats.

Chris Price, Marina Manager at Queen Anne’s Battery comments; “We are extremely pleased with the amount of quality brands we have exhibiting at this year’s event. We are sure that the 2008 Show will follow the success of last year where visitors experienced an impressive events programme and a great range of products on display and exhibitors reported great sales, quality visitors and a great trading atmosphere.”

Mustang Marine Appoint Wittey Marine as UK Dealer

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 17:27:00 GMT

Australian luxury boat builder Mustang Marine, is pleased to announce the appointment of Wittey Marine to its growing list of international dealers. Based in the UK, Wittey Marine was founded in 2001 and represents some of the world’s most recognised marine brands, including Mustang Marine’s range of Sports Cruiser and new Sports Flybridge models.

With their first sales office located at Hamble, Wittey Marine has plans to open a network of dealerships and service centres throughout the UK, further increasing Mustang Marine’s European presence.

TEST RIDE A SEA-DOO SPORT BOAT THIS SPRING

Sat, 22 Mar 2008 10:21:00 GMT

Sea-Doo(®) sport boat demonstration days will be hosted this spring, offering customers the chance to get out on the water and test a selection of craft from the 2008 line-up.

Sea-Doo Sport Boat Tour Dates and Locations:

29th and 30th March – Poole, Dorset – Dorset Yacht Centre

5th April – Chasewater, Birmingham – Chasewater Watersports Centre

Ideal for taking friends and family on board, craft from the Sea-Doo Challenger(*) series will be available for testing, including the 230 Challenger SE, which at 23 ft / 7 m and seating for up to 12 passengers is perfect for spending time relaxing and for the watersports fan onboard there is even a pull-up ski pylon. Also available for demos will be the 18 ft / 5.5 m 180 Challenger, boasting the interior space of a 20 ft / 6 m boat for up to eight passengers.

The luxurious Sea-Doo Utopia(®) 205 will also be on the water. The 20 ft / 6 m Utopia seats up to eight people and is equipped with a hideaway Bimini top, which can be tucked away under the large rear sun pad. The spacious sun pad area offers a perfect spot for lounging and leads down to a sizeable rear swim platform.

High performance boats from the Sea-Doo Speedster(™) series will be available for testing, delivering exceptional power and quick acceleration and a hull tuned for performance and no-compromise handling.

For more information and to book a demonstration, please contact Katy Hitchings at BRP Recreational Products UK Ltd on 01202 856380 or email katy.hitchings@brp.com

Big Success for Seasafe’s Build-a-Coat Feature

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 08:57:00 GMT

Believed to be a world first for any marine clothing company, SeaSafe’s unique ‘Build-a-Coat’ option on its recently launched new website took months of software development. It means customers can start with a basic coat and then, from numerous options available, tailor design it to their exact needs and requirements. What is really clever about this feature is that as a customer clicks on the item they want from the option list – say retro-reflective tape for the sleeves – it will appear instantly on the coat, in the correct position, before their eyes. In just a few weeks build-a-coat has already proved a big success with dozens of customers tailor making their own coat using this extraordinary new website facility.

SeaSafe have always promoted the fact that when customers choose one of their integrated coats with CLS (Concealed Lifejacket System) they could have it bespoke made to include the specific options they want. However prior to the introduction of build-a-coat on the website ordering a bespoke coat meant a more lengthy dialogue between the customer and the SeaSafe factory, either by email or phone. With the ‘Build-a-Coat’ feature the customer can now do everything online and see exactly how their coat would look before they actually order it, down to the last detail such as how their boat name, embroidered on the coat, would appear.

The new SeaSafe website is certainly worth a look even if your only reason to visit is to try the build-a-coat feature for yourself. Visitors to the website might also be surprised at just how extensive SeaSafe’s range of marine safety clothing and equipment is – and everything can be purchased direct in the secure online store at: www.seasafe.co.uk.

Zapcat ‘King of the Surf’ Competition Returns to Watergate Bay

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 10:00:00 GMT

The Extreme Academy at Watergate Bay will host two weekends of spectacular powerboat racing in the surf zone as the 2008 Zapcat National Championship returns on the 14th & 15th June and 19th & 20th September.

These two weekends of the championship will be held in the surf at the stunning venue of Watergate Bay, Newquay. This is the first time we’ve visited Watergate Bay in the height of the summer so with sun and surf almost guaranteed this years Zapcat Racing is likely to be some of the best ever.

“Watergate Bay has established itself as the spiritual home of Zapcat surf racing,” said Event Manager Ali Ward. “As a venue Watergate Bay is quite unique; spectators have every possible vantage point to take in the high-flying antics of Zapcat surf racing, while for the competitors the conditions are by far the most challenging of any of the venues we race at.

“The competitors really look forward to racing here, it’s the one the crews really want to win – so this year with two events split over Summer and Autumn the combination of sun and surf will be a winning formula.”

The 2008 Zapcat National Championship is starting to take shape and with another influx of Rookies this years racing is planned to be bigger and better than ever before. Watch this space for other venues in the 2008 Zapcat National Championship.

For more information on the Zapcat National Championship please contact Zapcat HQ on 02392 526000 or email info@zapcat-racing.com

Cranchi open Weekend at Swanwick Marina

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 09:00:00 GMT

Event start date: Saturday 22nd March 2008
Until: Sunday 23rd March 2008
View larger imageMarina: Swanwick

Join us at Swanwick Marina, Easter Weekend, 22-23 March 2008 – for a Champagne viewing of the Cranchi power boat range!

Premier Yacht Sales are now UK dealers for Cranchi power boats.

To celebrate the occasion and to introduce our customers to the new brand, we would like to invite you to a weekend long event in which you will be able to view the new boats:

Cranchi CSL 28
Cranchi Atlantique 40
Cranchi Mediterranee 43HT

To book a private viewing please call 01489 844075 or e-mail: Russell.Asser@premiermarinas.com.

Wanted - Yachts to Survey

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 21:59:00 GMT

The year kicked of with a busy month in January with six surveys. Unfortunately this month has been quiet.
Hopefully as the season gets underway the work will pickup again.So if you are changing craft or the insurance company demands a survey I have slots available at present.Just give me a call 07709502579 or email me

A Revolution in Diver Safety.

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 02:50:00 GMT

After five years of development, SOS Marine has introduced a patented diver system, combining a Buoyancy Aid, Recovery Harness and Work vest, into one neat unit.
The design features provide divers with additional capability, confidence, support and safety.

This “Rolls-Royce” of buoyancy devices is designed for confined space tasks, harsh environments, search and rescue operations and working commercial diving.

Bringing this all together is the revolutionary Radial Manifold System. A patented air distribution block that allows easy configuration from air to mixed gas diving and ready access to a back-up air supply.

Visit www.sosmarine.com.au for more information.

Yacht Vision 08

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 02:30:00 GMT

YACHT VISION is an international superyacht symposium for the region held every four years in Auckland and dedicated to the future of our industry. Leading figures from the global superyacht industry; builders, designers, sailors, environmentalists, adventurers, are invited to present their vision of the future at the symposium. Speakers are selected for their readiness to take risks and their ability to drive the industry forward.

OCEAN Media believe that the success of the superyacht industry depends on the fresh ideas and momentum generated by forums such as Yacht Vision. That is why we are proud to be a Gold Sponsor at this year’s symposium in Auckland from March 5 to 9.

We invite you to join us to hear how this year’s line-up of forward thinking speakers envision the future. The broad range of pertinent topics include subjects such as the rapid evolution of technology; global warming and the ‘greening’ of the superyacht; sailing arctic and antarctic waters; and piracy. See the list of speakers below.

But it’s not just about the speakers; a symposium, by definition, is an exchange of ideas and that’s exactly what happens at Yacht Vision. Delegates are encouraged to meet and discuss the future of the industry at the social and networking events scheduled between presentations.

Don’t miss the future of superyachting at Yacht Vision ‘08, timed to coincide with the Auckland International Boat Show. Only 200 people can attend this exclusive event, so the time to register is now.
Please visit www.yachtvision.co.nz &lthttp://www.yachtvision.co.nz>

The list of global speakers includes:

Luca Bassani
Owner, Wally
Topic: Design, Technology and Future of the superyacht.

Ron Holland
Ron Holland Design
Topic: The ‘Innovative Superyacht Ethereal

Martin Redmayne
Editor in Chief of The Yacht Report
Topic: Superyacht Industry Economic Outlook – A Blueprint for the Future

Michael Peters
Michael Peters Yacht Design
Topic: Where does ‘Green’ fit into the world of Superyachts?

Michael Hill
Owner S/Y VvS1
Topic: An Owners Perspective

Jan-Eric Österlund
Adventurer, previous owner of S/Y Adèle
Topic: Sailing in Antarctic and Arctic and the demands on Superyacht, Crew and Equipment when sailing in these regions

Russell Bowler
President, Director & Shareholder of Farr Yacht Design
Topic: Fast Efficient Sailing

David Trubridge
Designer
Topic: Sustainable Design

Dr. Mark Orams
Yachtsman, Scientist, Environmentalist and Adventurer
Topic: Yacht Security in the 21st century : Reflections on Seamaster’s Amazon expedition

Dieter Jaenicke
MD/Owner/Entrepreneur of Viking Recruitment Limited
Topic: Crew Recruitment

Other events include:

Auckland International Boat Show, a true showcase for New Zealand’s world-renowned marine industry.

Classic and MRX Yacht Racing – an opportunity to experience the spectacular Hauraki Gulf with it’s many islands.

A Kiwi barbacue on the vibrant waterfront of downtown Auckland

A Day in the Country, and a chance to sample the local wines. Relax with colleagues and new friends.

Yard Tours of a few well respected companies in the NZ boat building industry.

Cocktail Functions, Dinners and People.

Check out the Yacht Vision ‘08 line up and book your registration before it is too late.

For further information please contact Jo @ NZ Marine
Phone: +64 (0)9 376 1300
Email: jo@nzmarine.com
or visit www.yachtvision.co.nz

NEW AQUATIC AV RANGE OF WATERPROOF CD AND DVD PLAYERS FROM MARINE AV

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 00:35:00 GMT

Unlike car audio units, the Aquatic AV sets are completely waterproof – front and back – rated to IP65. Both DVD and CD units feature stainless-steel sealed chassis with conformal coated printed circuit boards and double sealed water protection transport gaskets. In short, they’re built specifically for the marine environment and are the best in the industry.

Both sets are extremely versatile. They include AM/FM radio tuners and will accept MP3 or iPod player input. The DVD player also features a SD card slot that allows music, photo and video recorded from your computer, still or video camera to be played onboard the boat. To show video or photographs, the DVD player requires an optional LCD monitor or compatible chart plotter screen for display purposes.

Each set has a white low current/low heat LCD display and large white backlit controls and can support up to four independent wired remote controls. The central unit and the remotes also feature infrared sensors for wireless control.
Audio output is provided via four RCA (phono) leads and can provide dual zone operation, allowing music to be piped to two independent areas with the volume in each controlled separately.

An auxiliary 12V output allows additional equipment to be connected to the boat’s supply.

Specifications
Aquatic AV DVD and Aquatic AV CD Media Control Centres
Size: 210×225 x 65mm
Audio output:
DVD: 160W (4×40W)
CD: 200W (4×50W)
4 RCA outputs, sub woofer output
Frequency response: 10 – 20,000Hz
Input: 2 RCA audio inputs, iPod, MP3 with ID-3 tag, video
Nominal Current Consumption: DVD: 1.4A, CD: 1.3A (12V)
Auxiliary power output: 12V
DVD: video output for DVD audio/video
Available in silver or black

Recommended Retail Prices:
Aquatic AV CD Tuner: £249.95 including VAT

Aquatic AV DVD: £349.95 including VAT

For further information, please contact:
Marine AV Ltd, Unit 8, Mercian Park, Felspar Road, Tamworth B77 4DP, UK
Telephone: +44 (0)870 609 1446. Fax: +44 (0)1827 69106
Email: enquiries@marine-audio.com
www.marine-audio.com

Press Articles

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 19:14:00 GMT

Coast Interiors Ltd has featured in various newspapers and magazines including:

The Independent Newspaper
The Essential Kitchen Bedroom and Bathroom Magazine
Instinct Magazine
Village Magazine

BARCELONA WORLD RACE BREAKING NEWS - VEOLIA ENVIRONNEMENT DISMASTED

Mon, 17 Dec 2007 18:29:00 GMT

The Race Direction Team of the Barcelona World Race have been informed that Veolia Environnement skippered by French sailors Roland Jourdain and Jean-Luc Nelias dismasted at 1800 GMT today (Monday, 17.12.07), both of the skippers are unharmed and safe onboard.

Veolia Environnement was sailing in 22 knots of wind with full mainsail and gennaker, when they were hit by a 30 knot gust of wind and the boat nose-dived into a 2-3 metre wave and the rig was lost. The position at the time of dismasting was 48 49.49N, 82 42.41E.

The skippers have not requested any outside assistance. They are approximately 1660 miles south-west of the south-west tip of Australia and approximately 500 miles east of Kerguelen Islands. The Race Direction Team are in contact with the skippers and their shore team. More information to follow…