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GOING SOLO
This summer I had the pleasure of meeting several yact owners from the Baltic, some of whom were flying the number one pennant. I asked why, thinking it was a club or a boat association, but was told is used to indicate the crew is shorthanded and would like help mooring.
As I frequently cruise single-handed I thought this was a great idea and promptly bought an ex-Royal Navy one for £15 from eBay. Unfortunately, I didn’t pay much attention to the size. While this one might look good on a destroyer, it’s a bit big for my little boat (see attached photo) – out with the scissors and sewing machine!
I never knew that but glad to hear I’m not the only one to buy things online that look different in the flesh!
SHOUT OUT TO MARINAS
My wife and I have just returned to our base on the Norfolk Broads from a four-month trip to the West Country in our Princess 420. This was our first long adventure following my semi-retirement, and during that time we stayed in 22 marinas or harbours.
Not having experienced this type of journey before, we were a little anxious, but wherever we stayed and without exception, we were met by staff who were friendly, polite and helpful, making us feel welcome and secure – in spite of the weather gods’ best efforts!
So can I say a big thank you and hats off to the British marina industry – your customer service is spot on.
A big thank you also to the RNLI for their lifejacket lockers. Our best revelation is that as well as taking our lifejackets, they are exactly the right size to take the battery from our ePropulsion outboard – thereby alleviating another anxiety that somebody might half-inch it! What saddens me, however, is that they are so underused, indicating that the boating community ignores the RNLI treaties to look after our personal safety.
That’s great to hear. Marinas often get a hard time for the prices they charge but it’s good to hear that they back it up with first-class service and facilities. Great tip re using RNLI lifejacket lockers for storing your electric outboard’s battery – genius idea!
NEXT ISSUE ON SALE 4 JANUARY
24 extra pages of top drawer motor yachts including full sea trials of the Wallywhy 150 and Sunseeker 100 Yacht
Full details of all the new model launches happening at Europe’s biggest boat show. Find out what’s hot before everybody else
