Single-hander sign
On a recent trip, I met several sailors from the Baltic. They told me that a single-handed sailor would fly the Number One Pennant to signify they are alone (or have non-sailors on board) and would welcome help mooring up. It might also be useful when putting out warps and fenders when single-handed. As someone who sails solo a fair bit, it struck me as a good idea. ebay was my next stop where I bought a new, ex-Royal Navy pennant for £15. Unfortunately, I didn’t pay due attention to the size, and while it may look right flying from a destroyer it’s a bit big for my little boat–so it's out with the scissors and sewing machine.
Fond memories
‘How to choose the right project boat’, by Rupert Holmes (PBO, June 2023) had a picture at the top credited to Ali Wood that caught my eye, as I was 99% sure it was of Melissa –a Westerly Konsort sailed by my grandfather 30-plus years ago. We had some very special weeks sailing on her when I was much younger.
I made enquiries and tracked down the new owner, who sent me some photos and she’s now looking much smarter! The boat’s still in Chichester.
Ali Wood responds: The photo was taken in September 2021 when this boat was moored opposite our Project Boat Maximus in Chichester Marina. We were all very taken with her. Although covered in grime, the winches were kept under canvas pockets, and there were touches that made me think it had once been loved and looked after. She had a lot of character. My daughter especially loved the bee logo!
Gone to Pot
I totally endorse the sentiments expressed by Graham Gibbs in Ask the Experts (PBO, September 2023). Having just completed a round-Britain cruise; pot markers are a nightmare. The quality of the marking increases noticeably the further north you go but they still pose a significant hazard and a coastal night passage is a gamble with disaster. The biggest problem is the apparent (and to me inexplicable) need to use two buoys with what is frequently a long floating line strung between them.
A single large buoy with a properly weighted line will most likely be pushed aside by a passing boat but two buoys linked with a floating line is the perfect way to snare a boat.
Lightning protection
I read with interest the Laying-up checklist (PBO, November 2023) looking for items that I may have missed from my own list. After suffering a lightning strike off the coast of Brittany in September, which damaged the AIS transponder and wind instrument, disconnecting the mast-top VHF aerial during winter layup will now be on my list. Even with the electronics switched off there is still the risk the expensive AIS and VHF could be damaged requiring a call to the insurance company
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