Has anyone ever found an effective gull deterrent for yachts?

[Tomahawk]

I would simply kill the blighters.
But killing most species of bird is now illegal because the RSPB have campaigned for legislation to protect birds. Protecting birds and caring for all things ornithological is the raison d'etre of the RSPB. It is their interest and passion. All they care about is protecting birds. But they don't accept responsibility for the consequences of their passion. ... birdshit over everryone's property.

I think the RSPB should pay for the costs of washing and cleaning the mess created by their hobby..

 

[ancient mariner]

See letter from Robert Holden in May edition of YM (page 12), as to an effective way of keeping decks clean from our feathered friends.
I know the boat he refers to and it is always in immaculate condition all year round.

 

[macd]

I would simply kill the blighters.

For someone who hails from a place "Where life is good", you don't half sound miserable.

 

[KAL]

See letter from Robert Holden in May edition of YM (page 12), as to an effective way of keeping decks clean from our feathered friends.
I know the boat he refers to and it is always in immaculate condition all year round.

Unfortunately (or perhaps luckily), the gulls don't tend to sit on my spreaders or on the top of the mast. Instead, they fly in under the guard wires and roost on the side decks.

I've thought about netting the guard wires, but I think they'll just hover in and land from above.