SPRING 2017

csc magazine Foggy Frostbite Speedseal for sale

RNLI drama on long race AGM honours www.channelsailingclub.org wavelength: editors note wavelength: commodore’s column

Welcome to the spring 2017 edition of wavelength Wavelength. We cover two of the first events of the The Channel Sailing Club magazine new sailing season, the Frostbite rally to Yarmouth and the Long Race to Littlehampton. The first was EDITOR hit by fog and the second had an RNLI emergency Simon Worthington when a crew member was injured during an ART DIRECTOR Smooth accidental gybe. Let’s hope the rest of the year fares Marion Tempest

better! Many thanks to contributors on both these PLEASE SEND ANY LETTERS events and to everyone else who sends in articles, AND PICTURES TO move wavelengtheditor@ including Swedish sailing with Nigel Barraclough channelsailingclub.org s you know, the big news this crew on the start line and perfect conditions for and Barry Robertson for his tales from the Black Sea. Spring has been the move of our a fast trip to Littlehampton and the hospitality Simon CLUB NIGHT Wednesday evening home to the of the Arun YC. The mass departure at 06:00 Channel Sailing Club meets delightful Ashtead Cricket Club, shows what can happen when everyone reads every Wednesday at Ashtead A who have given us a very warm welcome. This the tide tables and draws the same conclusions! Cricket Club, Woodfield CHANNEL SAILING CLUB Lane,Ashtead, Surrey KT21 2BJ. new clubhouse offers us the facilities to hold If you’ve been in Portsmouth Harbour COMMITTEE MEMBERS 2017 Doors open at 8pm. Prospective all sorts of social events and I hope that you recently, you will have noticed the dredging members welcome. will join in as often as possible. I look forward work in preparation for the arrival of the to the summer for drinks on the veranda and a Royal Navy’s new aircraft carrier HMS Queen THE CLUB SENDS OUT EMAILS on a regular basis to remind barbecue on the grass. I am very grateful to all Elizabeth. Work to adjust the navigation buoys members of upcoming events. those who have made the move as easy as it has and port entry lights to reflect the changes Don’t forget that if your personal been, and for the unprecedented level of local is now complete, and a new chart has been information changes you can go publicity that we have been able to achieve. published. Most of the channel marker buoys as into your personal account on well as the key directional lights have changed, the website and update it online. Commodore Vice- Company Treasurer Check out the club’s website for The end of winter is also a busy time so I encourage you to refer to QHM’s notices Alick Fraser commodore Secretary Phil Martin news and information Clive Hall Peter Denning of year for boat maintenance; is there and act accordingly. www.channelsailingclub.org ever a time when a boat doesn’t need We heard in January that Richard and Susan maintenance?! This year we ground Kidd completed their circumnavigation in just PHOTOGRAPHS TAKEN AT CLUB EVENTS some of the many years’ worth of under a leisurely fifteen years. Richard was may be used in Wavelength or accumulated antifouling off the keel the Commodore when I joined the club twenty on the club’s website. If you do and dealt with some spots of corrosion years ago and they both welcomed me as a not want to appear in published which at least hasn’t made the boat go novice onto their wonderful boat Sea Bunny. photographs please inform any slower. This year too one of the This summer at least three boats from the club the club committee and the Rear-commodore Rear-commodore Training Membership person taking the photograph if boat’s lifejackets failed an inflation will be sailing off to Northern, Eastern and Cruising Racing principal secretary possible. test and was duly binned. Southern Europe. Closer to home, our own Jeremy John Oleg Lebedev David Surman Frank Gibson plans have been laid for trips to France and the THANKS The club’s sailing season has started in fine West Country, as well as many destinations to the RYA for permission to use material from their handbooks style, firstly with a rather misty trip down tide around the Solent and nearby, and I am to Yarmouth, where we were welcomed by especially looking forward to visiting several THE VIEWS AND OPINIONS the Royal Solent YC and invited to use their places for the first time. of contributors are not necessar- lounge to watch some rugby and then to join an Wherever your sailing takes you this year, ily those of Channel Sailing Club. evening’s entertainment with a live band and a have fun, be safe and enjoy the adventure. Accordingly Channel Sailing IT and web Special events Bosun Wavelength Club disclaim any responsibility splendid curry buffet. Our first club race was a Teresa Debbie Wiffen Norman Simon for such views and opinions. hugely popular event, with eleven boats and 45 Alick Hemingway Bowden Worthington COVER PICTURE: DAVID SURMAN DAVID PICTURE: COVER wavelength: feature

Into the Mystic What a weekend! Bonnie Brown recounts the thrills and spills of the long race

HILE birds pre- Townside Marina to raft up pared their ari- under blue skies. as and adjusted Change of Course’s arrival Wtheir ruffs, 45 marked triumph over adver- slumbering sailors wearily sity as they managed to finish reached for their snooze despite an emergency call to buttons. Silent ruminations the RNLI to take off an injured about why one would get up crew member. Joe Scantori so early on a Saturday echoed was unfortunately hit by the far across distant lands. mainsheet during a gybe and A long race to Littlehamp- broke his arm. ton starting at Motherbank was the agenda of the day. the start line. Some at 330 and White Knight. Weather You can’t keep a good St Helier’s Hospital in south the pool table. Their hospi- Shortly after 10.30am was degrees - others preferring conditions prompted lively man down! London and is recovering well, tality was much appreciated the race start time, allowing the exhilaration of a near miss discussions around spinna- He was taken to Worthing if not rather painfully. – especially to ferryman Mark, the multiple snooze button to start proceedings more kers, asymmetrics and what hospital for treatment, but Arun Yacht club welcomed who took members back and crowd a little flexibility in formally. was for lunch. Thirty two bravely made an appearance CSC members into their club- forwards to their boats with a arrival time. At 10.40am most Papillon was first over the miles later and the 10-strong at the evening function. house for a three course meal cheery disposition. PICTURES: BONNIE BROWN AND DAVID SURMAN DAVID AND BROWN BONNIE PICTURES: of the boats were heading for line, followed closely by Eagle fleet arrived at Littlehampton Joe has since had an op at with an optional battering at After final celebrations and› wavelength: feature wavelength: feature SPEEDSEAL CELEBRATES 21 YEARS Club member Alex in hunt for buyer

hen Alex can be fitted using the existing Parker became holes with no modifications frustrated required. The cover is made W at having to of 1/4 inch naval brass with change failed cooling pump a high-spec nitrile 0-ring in impellers at sea, he had an a machined channel. The eureka moment. back-pressure of the com- impeller disintegrating. A long standing Channel pressed O-ring locks the large The Speedseal has revolu- Sailing Club member, he came hand screws without the need tionised changing an impeller up with a revolutionary water for gaskets, and slots in the at sea - a product which has pump cover which enabled cover allow simple location or had enthusiastic feedback. quick and easy impeller removal, even in the dark. Speedseal Life is now fitted changes, and now his Speed- Eight years ago Alex, who on military and rescue craft seal invention is celebrating lives in Bookham, Surrey, around the world. 21 years in manufacture and came up with a new model The basic Speedseal model tens of thousands of satisfied called Speedseal Life, which costs about £49 while the sailors worldwide. uses a high-slip bearing to Speedseal Life is about £70. With access often restricted allow an impellor to run dry Both come with full-instruc- in a marine engine compart- without burning out and to tions, hand-tightening nuts, ment, replacing an impeller extend impeller life by about lubricant and an impeller in an emergency in a pitching three times. removal tool. boat can be a harrowing expe- Alex said: “The average They can be fitted to many rience. Alex said: “Twice while failure time of a dry-running of the cooling pump models on boat trips with my family impeller is about two and a which have four or six screw congratulations to organiser in an attempt to wake the dis- Race results: I had to change the impeller half minutes, so frequently fixings. Andy Struthers and race win- gruntled occupants. By 6am, 1 Caressa under pressure and I thought: damage is done before a high After more than two dec- ners Caressa, the fleet slipped the CSC fleet were homeward 2 Eagle ‘This is crazy, there’s got to be temperature alarm goes off. ades, Alex is looking to sell his into their bunks knowing they bound and their sailing nour- 3 Gilken a better way’.” “This safety threat can be design to an organisation with wouldn’t be there for long. ishment full to the brim. 4 Papillon With the help of an engi- compounded by bits of broken the resources and distribution As we watched the sun rise 5 Felix neering friend, his unique impellor entering the cooling networks for expansion. He Rise and shine to shine upon our sails once 6 Matambu Speedseal design was patent- system and doing further said: “I’ve had a terrific time At 5.30am, the gentle morn- more, the silent joy of feeling 7 White Knight ed, tested and on the market in damage.” coming up with the Speedseal ing roar of White Knight’s our souls and spirits sail into 8 Myst about four months. In tests, Speedseal Life design and selling it round the engine filtered through the mystic, reached far across 9 Change of Course When an old impeller cover has achieved 10 minutes of world, but now is the time for Matambu’s darkened shutters distant lands. 10 Shibumi is removed, a Speedseal cover dry-running without the someone else to take over.” wavelength: agm

HONOURS HAT-TRICK AT AGM Rear commodore roles re-instated Full list of 2016 trophy winners:

t was a triple bill of honours at the Channel well as new destinations. He appealed for RACING AWARDS Sailing Club’s AGM in January. organisers to come forward early. Two-handed and Round the Island - Commodore Alick Fraser presented Oleg Lebedev said there had been 12 Matambu I honorary life membership to sailing stal- races during 2016 with 17 boats taking part in Wooden Spoon - White Knight wart Keith Gibbs for his contribution to the club competitive events. Twelve boats had Regatta, Navigator’s and Le Harlequin and members over many years. taken part in four or more races, with the (most improved handicap) - Myst And in a surprise move, Alick re-instated rear highlight regaining the Wooden Spoon after Pursuit - Caressa commodore roles at the club by making Jeremy six years. He said another 12 races were Racing championship - Eagle John rear commodore (cruising) and Oleg Leb- planned for 2017. edev rear commodore (racing) in recognition of Training organiser David Surman said all CLUB AWARDS their hard work organising CSC events. those who took the Day Skipper course in Oc- Mizzen (most events attended) - There was a lively discussion on tober/November had passed with Orcella the proposal from the committee In the trophy the club breaking even on costs. Jacqui Sillance (best organised event) - to increase annual membership presentation, Myst David said he hoped to recruit Bill Chalker by £5 after Alick showed that club clinched a hat trick from outside the club and plan Seamogs (most miles sailed) - finances were on a downward of awards getting further ahead for future courses, Keith Gibbs slide. The increase in subs was the Regatta, including first aid, radar and diesel Sally Jennings (significant contribution) voted through in a unanimous engine. - Ken Fifield vote among those present. Navigator’s and Le Membership officer Frank Commodore’s Trophy (contribution to Alick said 2016 had been an Harlequin prizes. Gibson said he still hoped to running the club) - Debbie Wiffen exciting year of sailing with mem- strengthen links with local Sea Cambrian Ball - Bill Rawle bers visiting ports from Brest to Brighton. High- Scouts and Kingston University in a bid to boost Icicle awards lights included regaining the Wooden Spoon club membership and that despite a “maturing Midships - Matambu trophy, running a navigation course with our membership”, CSC numbers were relatively Topsides - Zhivili own RYA instructor, Ken Fifield, and securing static. Tom Cunliffe as a speaker. Alick Fraser presented a cheque for £356.72 However, the year had been tinged with to the RNLI, the commodore’s charity. This was sadness by notice to leave the Old Freemen’s in addition to the £157.72 collected at their talk Association. Alick said he was looking forward and the £183.45 worth of sales from Christmas to the move in March to the fine facilities at cards, etc. Ashtead Cricket Club. In the trophy presentation, Myst clinched a In his cruise report, Jeremy John said 2017 hat trick of awards getting the Regatta, Naviga- would see more rally/race combinations as tor’s and Le Harlequin prizes. wavelength: calendar CHANNEL SAILING CLUB, SAILING AND SOCIAL EVENTS CALENDAR 2017 This calendar is designed as guide only. Events may be subject to alteration. For full details of events and latest information see channelsailingclub.org

JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER 1 1 Talk 1 1 Long race 1 1 1 Round island 1 1 1 race 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 Cruise brief 2 2 2 2 Icicle cruise 3 3 3 3 3 Briefing 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 One pot 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 Briefing 5 West country 5 5 5 5 6 Boat show wk 6 6 6 6 Two-handed 6 6 6 cruise 6 6 6 6 7 7 7 7 7 race 7 Briefing 7 7 7 7 7 7 8 8 Greek night 8 Briefing 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 10 10 10 10 10 Quiz night 10 Regatta 10 Bastille cruise 10 10 10 10 10 11 Talk 11 11 Frostbite 11 11 11 11  11 11 11 Race briefing 11  11 12 12 12 rally 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 Rally brief 13 13 13 Mulled wine 14 14 14 14 Easter 14 14 BBQ 14 14 14 14 Pursuit race 14 14 15 15 15 Welcome night 15 cruise 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 Passage races 16 16 16 17 17 17 17 17 Briefing 17 17 17 17 and rally 17 17 17 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 Experience 19 19 19 19 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 weekend 20 Briefing 20 20 20 21 21 21 21 21 21 Briefing 21 21 21 21 21 21 22 22 Catch the tide 22 22 22 Midweek 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 23 23 23 23 23 cruise 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 24 24 24 24 24 24 Wooden 24 24 24 24 24 24 25 CSC AGM 25 25 25 25 25 Spoon 25 25 25 25 Briefing 25 25 26 26 26 BST times 26 Briefing 26 26 26 Briefing 26 26 26 26 26 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 Briefing 27 27 27 28 28 28 28 28 28 Briefing 28 28 28 28 Experience 28 28 29 29 Briefing 29 Experience 29 29 29 Yarmouth 29 29 29 weekend 29 Briefing 29 30 30 30 weekend 30 30 30 race 30 30 Navigators 30 30 30 31 31 31 31 Cowes week 31 31 31 wavelength: rally

The Channel Sailing Club first rally of the season is nearly over before it starts!

FOG HITS FROSTBITE RALLY Jeremy John reports

OUR boats and 16 club members up a full English breakfast. However, the fog Matambu’s sails were set off bar and dining rooms. On joined the Frostbite rally to Yarmouth scuppered Storm Dragon’s planned start when Gilkicker where a favourable Storm Dragon’s crew offer were two curries and to kick off the 2017 sailing season in the Gosport Boat Yard ferry shuttle to their easterly wind now enabled a were shocked to a free glass of Beaujolais, early March. swinging mooring was cancelled due to poor goosewing westward through followed by an evening of F see one of the But the event was nearly called off due to visibility. the Solent. Sadly the wind died entertainment from the band a combination of a strong wind forecast For those boats that did cast off, Portsmouth off Cowes, when the fog Normandy ferries Accelerators playing great tunes and thick fog in Portsmouth harbour and Harbour Master issued warnings that those cleared and the sun came out. looming over them from rock n roll to the Eagles, the Solent. navigating in the poor conditions should use So we motored for the rest of Dire Straits, Paul Weller etc. all At the event briefing on the Wednesday radar if possible. the cruise. for a good value £17.50. before, there was a lengthy discussion about The remaining boats arrived in Yarmouth It was lively evening with lots of laughs whether the event should go ahead at all with Ferry shock safely without incident. Ken Wright on and good company. As usual our hosts were SSW winds of up to 35 knots predicted. I fitted AIS to Matambu over the winter and GIlken was first to arrive, Eagle was second extremely hospitable and rearranged the table However, by Saturday the forecast was lost was pleased to have it, as we could hear and finally Matambu, whose crew enjoyed a settings as we were now 10 sitting down to in the mist of time as the wind was blowing foghorns coming from a variety of directions. hearty spaghetti bolognese before entering eat. They gave us an open invitation to return. NNE at only 8-11 knots. The AIS meant we were able to identify vessels the harbour. On Sunday the Solent was a mill pond with Saturday morning greeted boat crews with and get guidance on their distance, speed and We enjoyed a warm welcome at the Royal not a puff of wind, so it was a motor home in a heavy blanket of fog, with visibility at times direction. Solent Yacht Club where the a slight drizzle. down to just two boat lengths. A VHF check Storm Dragon finally got of its mooring later Six Nations rugby was being We were happy that the on channel 65 with National Coastwatch in the day, but on venturing out of the harbour shown. It was a great place to rally had gone so well and at Portsmouth harbour entrance predicted the crew were shocked to look up to see one sit and drink a pint or two. are determined to encourage the fog would lift at about mid-day and the of the Normandy ferries looming over them. Then it was back to boats, others to join us next year. consensus was to head out with tides in our Skipper Steve Cole, with an inexperienced for a shower before returning It was nice to see that favour till 2pm. crew, took the sensible option of turning round to join the members of the showers at Yarmouth are now All boats readied to depart independently for and berthed overnight in Haslar marina and RSYC in their celebration of the free, with the old token system about 11am and the crew on Matambu rustled found a pub in Gosport to watch the rugby. refurbishment of the upstairs finally being scrapped. wavelength: did you know? wavelength: feature SON OF A GUN Leon Barbour unravels some nautical derivations 2 000 islands and

Giving someone a bit straight for the nearest land. secured would flap around in 30 000 rocks – but I of leeway The highest point became the wind ‘dancing aimlessly’. A ship being forced by the known as the ‘crow’s nest’. wind to be too close to a lee Toeing the line didn’t count them all. shore would be in danger of Three sheets to Sailors lining up for inspection Nigel Barraclough goes all Swedish on us foundering and so it would the wind would ensure their toes were be important that such a ship A euphemism for being assembled along a seam in ou might think that with an extended hook and be a house. was given enough leeway. drunk! Sheets controlling the ships decking. a place that can tie off the bow to the main The islands might be very tension on a sail could part boast this little lot walkway. small but are worth a bit An unexpected and if the lower three on a Son of a gun Y would be some- Fuel is reasonably well of exercise to explore. We windfall three masted ship were not Wives and passing ‘ladies of where to be avoided! How- available but on one occa- arrived at one called Uto and A sudden gust of wind from properly tied down, the sails the night’ would often be ever if one is referring to the sion we saw a queue – which heard the sound of someone a mountainous shoreline would flap about and the allowed on board to keep Stockholm Archipelago then included a floatplane. singing in the restaurant, would help keep a ship ship wander aimlessly ‘three sailors company, particularly I beg to differ, granted it has The main drawback (apart interesting as it was mostly in offshore if sailing close to sheets to the wind’. when denied shore leave. its quirks but it is wonderful from getting there) is food and Swedish but with the odd bit land. In other words, the A child born ‘discreetly’ place to sail. drink. Sweden is not cheap es- of English thrown in. It was ship would have benefitted Being got ‘over between cannon on the gun To begin with the Swedes pecially alcohol which (other here that one of our crew An- from a windfall. (Not to a barrel’ deck would be described as are a very welcoming people than bars etc) is only available gela made a request to hear be confused with windfall Being cornered, snookered, the ‘son of a gun’ if no one who speak impeccable from Government shops and “Alabama”, - “fine but I want apples, grounded due to a check-mated etc. with no owned up to being English. not general supermarkets. to see 20 press-ups!” The rest gust of wind!). way out derives from a form the father! Mooring is interesting. If of our crew suddenly became of punishment where hapless you are not lying at anchor Navigation rooted to the spot but me and A first rate guy sailors would be lashed over Cut & run in the usual way then the Well you are in CEVNI terri- another Swede went down Associated with excellence, a cannon barrel and flogged A ship’s Captain in site of a technique is to drop a stern tory and some of the marks and did 10 each – Angela had a first rate battleship had using a ‘cat-o’-nine tails’. larger enemy would cut the anchor then motor forward as may be posts or little marks her song! around one hundred or so lashings holding the furled close as you can to the island on the land the size of beer It can be windy with some cannon whereas a second All above board sail and also the line holding where you wish to stay, (you barrels. Charts often contain a long fetches depending upon rater had sixty four to eighty Warships hiding crew and the anchor, to allow the ship can get inches close) a crew- “recommended route” which where the wind blows or if nine and dates back to the soldiers below deck would to quickly escape or run. man jumps off the bow and folk tend to follow. Some of it is being funnelled through sixteenth century when British suggest them being less well ties your bowline to a nearby the channels are very tight gaps in the islands and we naval ships carried a number armed or manned pending a Letting the cat out of object – like a tree! especially when you see a were unlucky getting au- of cannon on board. fight. If crew were all ‘above the bag In marinas access to the steamship coming through tumn-ish weather in July. board’ then everyone was Removing a whip called the boat is usually via the bow or which incidentally might be Shore side facilities are Straight as the visible with nothing to hide. ‘cat o’nine tails’ (nine strips stern, if there are finger pon- using tree trunks for fenders. good but you will either need crow flies of leather bound together toons then they are usually Sailing at night is probably not holding tanks or a portapotty. A ship having ‘lost the plot’ Footloose and at the handle and kept by about 3 inches wide and only recommended as there is not Don’t expect hordes of at sea would release a crow fancy free the bosun’s mate) from for tying ropes to. Another the plethora of lit marks we people but do expect some from the ship’s highest point The lower edge of a sail, it’s bag when needed for method is to hook the stern are used to; if you do see lights wonderful scenery and if you and the bird would make called the foot, if not properly punishment (ie ‘bad news’). onto a buoy with a boathook on an island chances are it will get the chance then go! wavelength: feature

We averaged about 100km a day and where we found a safe mooring , for example in Vienna and Budapest, we would stay for a few days Danube days Barry Robertson reports on his Black Sea voyage a day and where we found returned with fellow CSC belated update for to enable safe passage under were able to accommodate my a safe mooring, for example member Alex Azzalini. those who recall the numerous bridges, while draft or length so anchoring in Vienna and Budapest, we We sailed and motored my 2015 Wave- at the same time allowing in backwaters became the would stay for a few days across the Black Sea, taking A length article in headroom for access to the norm from an early stage. The to explore and stock up on three days, encountering which I advertised for crew foredeck for mooring and Danube is a purely commer- supplies. From about half-way dolphins and playing host to to join me on a trip down the anchoring. My intention was cial waterway and all locks, through the trip, between lost land birds. We reached Danube. to use the inboard 2-stroke pontoons and facilities are Budapest and the Black Sea, the Bosporus and passed I am pleased to state Dolphin 12hp engine for the designed for the huge steel there were no opportunities Istanbul, but found the that the trip went ahead as entire length of the Danube, barges that constantly ply the for showering facilities so the formalities difficult to comply planned and after four weeks but soon after departure a river. In practice this meant occasional pontoon hose came with. We decided to cross the and a day I reached Constanta water leak appeared and that there were very few stop- in as a welcome makeshift Sea of Marmara heading for on the Black Sea coast in Ro- proved impossible to trace, ping places available for us to alternative. We decided to use Greece but had to seek refuge mania. I had set out on June necessitating the use of a new purchase food and fuel or for the 64km long Cernavoda to in a small fishing port from a 26 from Donautal marina, 5hp Honda outboard. This recreation. Black Sea canal and shorten storm that lasted a few days. about five miles downstream turned out to be a blessing in The river water became the trip by about a week, but Alex had to go back to work from Kelheim in southern disguise for not only was it a progressively dirtier once missing out on the Danube so I decided to leave the boat Germany. most frugal motor in terms of the upper reaches were left Delta world heritage park. in West Istanbul marina and My boat, a Dehler 25 trail- consumption but, combined behind. It would take a brave We had erected the mast later return with my trailer er/sailer, had been moored with the flow of the river, we or foolhardy soul to take a dip in Ruse, Bulgaria, when all to collect it. In late October I there for a month while I were able to maintain around and there was a strong prob- subsequent bridges were high drove to Istanbul, loaded the prepared for the journey. 7 knots. ability that you would come enough to permit it. I left the boat and slogged the 2000 I had fabricated some ‘A’ It came as an unpleasant out in a less healthy state that boat in a comfortable marina miles back to the UK, arriving frames in order to raise the surprise to discover that of the when you entered. in Constanta for a couple of safely in mid-November. A

mast to a horizontal position few marinas available none We averaged about 100km ROBERTSON BARRY PICTURES: months and in late September neat ending to an epic trip. wavelength: feature wavelength: obituary

Southampton water. events around the English The NCI was set up as a Channel. After many happy charity in 1994 to restore a years sailing Black Duck out visual watch along UK shores of Birdham Pool in Chichester following the closure of small Harbour, Bill decided to “trade coastguard stations. up” to Blanik the Vancouver Pilot, another tough sailing Telescopes boat which was packed full Calling When two fishermen of navigation electronics and drowned off Cornwall, local machinery, such as a fresh channel 65! people decided to restore Sad death of water maker, which delighted the visual watch and the first its owner. Thankfully he knew NCI: the ‘eyes and ears along the coast’ station opened at Bass Point how to operate them all, while on the Lizard. William (Bill) Sandford his crew assisted with sailing. Each NCI station is Tony Sparling pays tribute ave you tried call- manned by a team of trained Great expertise ing VHF channel volunteers who keep a day- During all this time Bill was a 65 on a recent light watch up to 365 days a ill Sandford may National Service on HMS key member of the Royal Insti- Htrip? Some boats year. Stations are equipped have been modest Battleaxe, where he specialised tute of Navigation – a council on the recent foggy Frostbite with telescopes, radar, tele- in stature, but his in radar. It sparked a lifelong member for several years rally tried it and got useful phone and weather instru- B determination and interest in navigation and and junior vice president. He weather information. ments as well as charts. knowledge was impressive. electronics. After two years served on many RIN commit- Channel 65 is now The number of incidents Bill, who has died aged 89, with the Royal Navy, Bill tees, including the Small Craft dedicated to the National logged by NCI staff increased liked to talk and he knew a lot entered the hallowed portals Group, RIN’s representative to Coastwatch Institution (NCI) 2,500 members are to a record 500 last year, about quite a few subjects! of the Bank of England where HM Government, UK satellite volunteer organisation and involving vessels, yachts, He was always happy to help he worked until his retirement coordination and GMDSS to facilitates communications located in 51 stations divers, surfers, small craft fellow club members especially in 1980. name but a few. In 2006, for between lookouts and sea- round the coast of and coastal walkers. in the developing world of During his successful career outstanding services to naviga- farers on a variety of routine England & Wales The NCI is also on the electronic navigation. He he was seconded to the tion and RIN, Bill was awarded matters. lookout for volunteers who was a member of Channel International Monetary Fund the J E D Williams medal by The NCI will respond to Sailing Club earlier this year, are given full training to Sailing Club from 1983, a to assist with several overseas the Duke of Edinburgh. radio checks (rather than outlining its role as ‘eyes and bring them up to a high senior member of the Royal projects. One of his first Bill was a clever man bothering the busy coast- ears along the coast’. standard. Institute of Navigation and of secondments was to Africa, to who dealt at national and guard) from sailing and fish- It’s 2,500 members are Regardless of personal Chichester Yacht Club. oversee Swaziland’s change to international level in a science ing vessels as well as provide located in 51 stations round background, watch keeping He owned two yachts, a a central bank. Bill enjoyed his he loved. actual weather and sea state the coast of England & Wales is usually a new experience 27ft Vancouver and afterwards tour there from 1975 to 1980. Bill’s twinkling smile and conditions. and are vital in reporting ac- for NCI recruits. a 34ft Vancouver Pilot, both Afterwards he worked in great expertise will be missed They can also provide cidents and incidents to the More women are signing kept in pristine condition. Uganda for six months dealing by all in Channel Sailing Club information on a range of coastguard and search and up to be watch keepers and Everything usually worked and with its currency conversion. and beyond. facilities such as moorings, rescue organisations. they now make up 17 per the boats were as tough as During retirement, Bill Our condolences to Sandra charted anchorages, water The busiest watch keeping cent of volunteers, keeping their proud owner. continued his interest in sailing and all his family. taxis and local hazards. station is located in Calshot a lookout for thousands of and navigation with CSC on Tim Colquhoun, of the Tower, which may be of some hours a year. Successful career Black Duck, the Vancouver 27. William Sandford NCI, gave a fascinating talk comfort to sailors in the busy For more information visit Bill’s introduction to the high Together with his wife Sandra, Born September 8, 1927 to members of the Channel area round the entrance to the website www.nci.org.uk seas started in 1947 during they joined in with many club Died March 15, 2017 20% DISCOUNT ON YOUR VISITOR BERTHING FEES IN CHERBOURG

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