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I actually prefer hanked-on headsails, am I completely bonkers?
28th March 2024 Reading time: 10 minutes No one seems to have hanked-on sails anymore. A casual glance around any marina will show a forest of furling gear. The majority must be right, mustn’t they? I’m not so sure. Credit where credit is due I do accept that when coastal sailing, the ability to roll…
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The Humble Tin Can
9th March 2024 Here is a little piece based on an article I wrote for the Arctic Club Spring Newsletter I was reading Fergus Fleming’s excellent book “Barrow’s Boys” and my ears pricked up when I learnt than the very first tin cans were made just a short stroll from where I live in Rotherhithe.…
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Steyning Stinger – Half Marathon – 2024
3rd March 2024 I hung my head in shame when I realised how slowly I had finished this half marathon. My slowest ever by a long chalk. It didn’t feel particularly slow, although I was pretty whacked out by the end. I had no injuries, I had a good nights sleep in the van, I…
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Deal Half Marathon 2024
As far as training goes, am fairly erratic on a day to day, or even a week to week basis, but on a yearly basis I am as regular as clockwork. “Consistency is Key!” is drummed into us by Ryan French who runs the excellent Military Outdoor Fitness group on Blackheath. Whether turning up for…
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South Dock Marina Boat Yard – Problem Solved?
8th February 2024 Reading time: 10 minutes (without clicking all the links!) I seem to have been documenting the boatyard saga for quite a few years now, so I thought I had better post an update. If you are unfamiliar with the history of the yard, then here are a few of my previous posts:…
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Ten of my favourite, but slightly obscure, painting products
Here are some of the products that I use every year to help maintain my varnished Vertue yacht. By the way, I have no commercial interest in any of these products, I just thought it may be a helpful list for other fellow boat owners.. Number One – Owatrol Oil This wonder product is sold…
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The Arctic Club
December 2023 I am very pleased to announce that I have been appointed President Elect of the Arctic Club. It is a huge honour to be able to represent the Club. I will be following in the talented footsteps of Olly Sanders who has just retired as President, and Kevin Mansell who is the current…
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Galley Box
16th November 2023 – Rotherhithe Reading Time: 6 Minutes Inspired by one of Roger Barnes’ wonderful cruising dinghy blogs, I decided that I too could do with a galley box, but for our camper van rather than our little dinghy. I could see a couple of advantages of having a dedicated galley box: Currently, the…
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Marlow Half Marathon 2023
With the boat wrapped up for the winter it is the running season! It’s now the Thursday before the Marlow Half and I have just ran to Tower Bridge to check that my ankle is going to be OK for Sunday’s race. It has been a tricky lead up this year as I have been…
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It’s the end of 2023 Sailing Season
20th October 2023 – Ipswich and Titchmarsh It has been a great sailing season. I really enjoyed bringing Sumara through the Caledonian Canal, around to Edinburgh and then down the East Coast. Then I joined Will Stirling to sail through the North West Passage which was a brilliant experience. To finish off the season, just…