Recent content by STOL71

I crossed the Channel on 1st May from Ramsgate to Boulogne. It appears there’s a new VHF channel in operation on VHF Ch11, called Channel VTS. Dover cost guard called all ships on Ch16, then asked them to move to Ch11 for reporting. Suspect this only applies to ships on the English side of the...

Osmosis is as much a problem from the outside as it is from the inside (bad ventilation, wet bilges). It will restart after the boat has dried out when the boat gets wet again, unless treated.

Thank you everyone..

Hello all, A new genoa had been on my mind for some time, cannot avoid it any longer after I tore it today. I would appreciate some advice on material and cut - I cruise in local and European waters, also do a fair bit of river racing with plenty of tacking, plus foul weather sailing. The boat...

London VTS is on Channel 14 up until Crayfordness, west from there it’s Channel 68 and in the estuary 69

I’d say no need to buy a sextant as you won’t see the stars if there’s a sandstorm. Better stay put…

Thermal expansion is about 6% from 20 to 40 degrees celsius. Most inflatables are never pumped up to the right pressure anyway, hence I am not too worried. More damage is done when tenders are not enough inflated with seams folding, creases in the fabric when stored etc.

Lobster Smack on Canvey Island, east of Hole Haven

The smaller the boat the bigger capacity the bilge pump(s).

pulling on the strops so that the boat ends up in the middle ensures that the bridle is slack. Otherwise in strong winds a taut bridle might saw your boat in half.

I used to single hand without an auto pilot, I now have one and don’t want to miss it.

I am foreign myself living in the UK, hence I was wondering.

unsure where the relevance is that they are foreign.

I would have thought that any boat will fall on its side if the ground is hard enough and not sufficient water to keep it afloat. The Achilles’s would be the rudder, especially if it is just a spade without the protection of a skeg or keel.

My main worry would be the rudder.