Recent content by Dutch01527

I found the competence level needed for the ICC to be pretty basic. Probably the same as or lower than Day Skipper. However, the point was getting the qualification to enable chartering abroad .

I had a similar situation. I did the ICC assessment and theory examination with these guys on their boat in Cardiff. All done in one day and a good experience. https://www.cardiffyacht.co.uk/private-tuition-sail/ I found the RYA schools I talked to pretty inflexible. They wanted to sell their...

I used to have one like the one pictured above. The unit was good but the metal case was very flimsy. I now have one of the suit case type plastic ones which is much more robust. Good bit of kit.

I went with a second hand commercial grade ”Conker” rugged tablet. £80 from eBay. Reasons for choosing this vs buying a domestic tablet were waterproofing, screen brightness, battery life and robustnes. Very happy with choice. There is a reason that this type of commercial tablet cost c...

I agree that the main issue with larger boats is berthing, especially when short handed. My experience is that the running cost differences are not as massive as is sometimes suggested. Maybe 50% more for a 40 foot boat than a 30 foot boat. A new chart plotter or windlass costs about the same...

Muggi mug holder. Holds mugs securely for filling and moving. Very non slip. Great for passing up mugs to the cockpit when underway. https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B09RC9TFS3/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

I have one and it is great. A substantial bit of kit that I do not think is overpriced by yachting standards.

The person in charge of the vessel can decide how the communication is delivered dependent on the circumstances. I would be happy to change the format and defer answers to the more detailed questions if I thought that was necessary. For example DSC plus the following spoken slowly and clearly...

I fitted these to replace all internal lights except the red night lights. Amazon.co.uk Not the cheapest but I wanted the dimmable capability so I had a full range of options. They also have a switchable choice of cool white or soft white lighting. Very pleased with them.

Difficult decision for catamaran skipper. Given the non responsiveness of the casualty something was seriously wrong and a judgement could have been made that not attempting a rescue could be life-threatening to the casualty. Always difficult to judge how bad wind and wave conditions are from a...

I am very impressed with a phone app called “Anchor”. It has a remote function that allows it to be set on my iPod and linked to my phone. You can then go ashore and the phone acts as a repeater and alarm. Needs cellular coverage and connectivity on both devices to link the two.

I have a Puma Offshore Pro Goretex jacket. Made as their flagship range when they sponsored Volvo Ocean racing. Similar to HPX in design and quality. Best jacket I have ever owned and the cheapest because Puma had withdrawn from the market and shop was selling last of stock at £99 (rrp £750]...

What do other people do when sailing in company? On a longish cruise I have always assumed that direct costs such as fuel and mooring are shared amongst adults. Boat costs such as breakdowns and damage are the owners responsibility. I have always paided on other peoples boats and made the...

Thanks. Iwill investigate further. I thought that the 914 did not have a brake, am I wrong?

My new boat was fitted with a Rutland 914 wind generator which is only a few years old. When close to other boats with wind chargers, mine seems to turn at about half the speed of the rest. It moves freely when moved by hand. I know very little about these units. Any suggestions about what the...