Recent content by GruffT

As ably demonstrated in this thread, my top tip is to know your rights and obligations (aka "The Rules") and don't be afraid to use them. Someone doing something unexpected trying to keep out of the way can be quite a challenge to deal with! Oh and don't forget it is possible to slow down too....

Anyone seen the BAR AC45 about yet?

Getting back to the OP. I did mine last year and found the exam really useful. While I passed it really pointed out to me where my own weaknesses are. I've used it on a number of occasions for chartering and it does make the whole process much easier. In terms of what to expect, I heard it...

They're part of UK & Holland. Edited for grammatical accuracy.

Morning all. I'm off to Sitges in a couple of weeks with Mrs GruffT and the family-in-law and while she's not a lover of the boats, she's agreed to us taking a day charter. Does anyone with local knowledge have recommendations for a destination for an easy daysail - ideally with an anchorage /...

Used to be St Jude's church spire, until someone thought the flats would be a good idea...

RRS14. Hitting people isn't cool under either scheme.

Did mine a few weeks back with 2 other YM candidates who I know and sail a lot with. Did a prep week which I found really useful - mainly in terms of understanding how it would all go and what was expected. We all 3 got a comment back that we took each others knowledge and ability for granted...

True true. - was being lazy typing! Under the boom works too though. You could argue it doesn't matter - it's not (or shouldn't be!) loaded. The secret to going up or down is to only have 2 corners held in at any one point. As long as the 3rd is free to flog the kite won't fill. It might...

With tide behind you may well have been effectively 'reversing' so would want port wheel to push the stern to port wouldn't you? Personally usually go with mid cleet loop and stop short if in a tricky spot.

Letterbox drop (under the boom and down the companionway) with autohelm is pretty straight forward (or with the helm easing the haliyard), as is a hoist (1 to open the bag and bump at the mast, other tailing and helming if necessary). Just be prepared to have it flap around a bit as it's going...

Nice idea but not much cop if you fire up the donk to charge on a long passage....

Seemples - find a white light and follow it (but don't hit it.... )

Hehehe. Nothing like a RRS post to bring out pedants corner (and I am as guilty as the next man here!). My suggestion when going racing is 1) to get and read this : http://www.sailing.org/tools/documents/RRS20092012with2010changes-[8222].pdf 2) perhaps aided by reading this ...

What he said. No engine when you are racing (rrs42.1) and you are racing from your preparatory signal (definition of racing), which is denoted by raising of p,i or z flag. This is at 4 mins in a 5,4,1,go sequence. All unless modified by NOR or SIs.