SAFETY AT SEA

‘Small enough to fit in your pocket easily, with retractable antenna’    .

Have you been reluctant to invest in a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) because you think ‘it couldn’t happen to me’, or are they just too bulky and troublesome to worry about? The world’s smallest PLB has just been introduced to the market, so you might try thinking again…

It’s called the rescueME PLB 1.

By volume this PLB is 30% smaller than most other PLB’s on the market, so that it very easily fits into your life jacket. AND it does the job that’s needed. It has a retractable antenna, a 66 channel GPS receiver, a specially designed mounting clip and a flotation lanyard. The strobe light is more than up-to-scratch with very high brightness equal to one candela. Not only that it comes with a seven year warranty and a seven year battery life.

When activated – and this can be done with a single hand, vital in a MOB situation – it transmits your position and your ID to a Rescue Coordination Centre via satellite. For safety, a spring-loaded flap covers the activation button to prevent accidental use.

It is connected to the Cospas Sarsat satellite network, and as this is funded by Government, there are no charges for the service.

For more information, go to the manufacturer‘s_website


by OCean Signal/Sail-World Cruising

There is no way that there can be enough publication about a product like this, each time progress is made to improve safety at sea.

THANKSGIVING SHOOT

We(Jimmy Gubelmann and I) have shot together for years, every shotgun game that we could find or invent,even traveling for tournaments.  Yesterday it was at Addieville East, in Mapleville, RI  along with Jamie Hilton, and Alex Auersperg shooting sporting clays. We have had many adventures over the years. No one ever stopped smiling.

For those of you who object to guns, I hope you might at least acknowledge the possibility of fun,safe shooting, that requires skill.

EL CAMINO REAL

Every day, either I don’t quite know what to say; or there is so much happening (like the olympics) I have trouble choosing. The history of California, the United States, American Indians, Spain is combined in these fabulous examples of culture and history. I cannot help but be in awe of the Missions. Here is but two examples of the the 21 missions comprising the camino real.  San Miguel, virtually intact from the 18th century, and San Juan Bautista is restored so well that it is hard to distinguish old from new.

I am not certain how we as Americans react to the aspect of our history that is so tied to Spain and Mexico.

I feel the need to mention the Franciscan Nun, who is the guardian of San Miguel.

HYDROPTERE, THE FUTURE OF SAILING?

This may be the future of fast sailing. It seems that history is all but overlooking “Paul Ricard” Eric Taberly’s foiling trimaran built in the 1980’s. Materials were not readily available, i.e. carbon fibre, and while the boat performed quite well, setting records she was heavy by today’s standards, having been constructed of aluminum.
I am often repeating myself stating that we should acknowledge those who went first; blazing the path which was then much easier to follow.

OLIVER HAZARD PERRY

The Oliver Hazard Perry will be, I am told the second largest sail training ship in the united States, exceeded only by the Eagle which is run by the Coast Guard.

Today the process of loading 301,000 pounds of lead in 55 pound ingots was begun. It will all be internal ballast, hence laid in the bilge. The target launch of this ambitious project is July 2013. Anyone interested in this project should go to the web site. ( They are still in need of funds, although healthy)

GIVING THANKS

If ever there was an example of how connected we are in the world, not since Chernobyl have consequences beyond one’s control have had such an impact. The debris field resulting from the  tsunami in Japan heading across the Pacific Ocean towards our west coast. No one wants to talk a solution, if there is one,as it would likely be so costly it is difficult to discuss.

On a much lighter note, Memorial Day weekend is almost here and that means the Block Island Race for many. the weather should be very nice for those staying ashore and a puzzle for those of us racing.

 

NEWS OF THE DAY AND OTHER THINGS

THE ATLANTIC CUP COMES TO NEWPORT

 

 I have seen the fireworks at cowes week and they are indeed the best I have ever seen.

 

Following the news that Aberdeen Asset Management has extended its sponsorship of the world-famous regatta, Cowes Week, until 2015, the financial services company has also extended its support to include a significant proportion of the necessary funding to safeguard the traditional event fireworks display.

Commenting on the announcement, Martin Gilbert, CEO of Aberdeen Asset Management, said: “The fireworks display on the final Friday of Cowes Week is one of the regatta’s great traditions. Aberdeen Asset Management, in partnership with a range of financial groups and other organisations  is proud to be playing a key role.”

The other organisations to have come forward with financial support for the fireworks so far include: Cowes Week Limited, Cowes Town Waterfront Trust, City AM newspaper, Artemis Investment Management, JLT Specialty Limited, the Island Sailing Club, the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club, the Royal London Yacht Club, the Royal Yacht Squadron, the Royal Ocean Racing Club, GKN, Red Funnel Ferries, Blue Funnel Ferries, and Solent and Wightline Cruises. Other donations are anticipated following pledges of support.

Stuart Quarrie, CEO of Cowes Week Limited said “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Aberdeen Asset Management and the other organisations involved in creating a solution for the fireworks. We are pleased to confirm that Cowes Week Limited is pledging to match any donations received from members of the public over the coming months”. Donations can be made here.

The fireworks display will be held on the final Friday of this year’s Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week, Friday 17th August.

Q&A’s

Does this now mean that there is a long-term solution in place to support the funding of the fireworks display?

A new body has been established to secure funds for the iconic fireworks display in the long term – Cowes Fireworks Committee. Although the display is financially secure for 2012, it is not guaranteedin future years although, with the creation of the new committee, there is a long-term plan in place for securing funds.

Who is the “Cowes Fireworks Committee”?

The founding members of the newly-formed Cowes Fireworks Committee are Cowes Town Waterfront Trust (a charitable organisation whose prime objective is to rejuvenate Cowes Waterfront), regatta organisers Cowes Week Limited, and the Isle of Wight Council. The chosen fireworks company will also be co-opted onto the Committee.

Do people still need to donate?

Yes. Donations from individuals and organisations who enjoy or benefit from the display are strongly encouraged, particularly from those who have previously pledged their support. Donations can be made securely online with paypal here or in person at the Regatta Centre in Cowes.

What if more money is raised than is needed?

Any surplus funds will provide a head-start for the 2013 display – this will be an important aspect of sustaining the display in the long-term.

 

I continue to have a soft spot in my heart for the Finn.