GXSA and the Ocean Cruising Club
Matt Rutherford
Matt Rutherford is an American solo sailor with an outstanding
achievement - He has circumnavigated both the North and South American Continents non stop, a distance of 27,000 nm,
in a very modest yacht.
For this, he received the most prestigious trophy - the Jester Medal awarded by the Ocean Cruising Club.
Matt came to GXSA on April 19th to tell us his story.
His talk was fantastic, and much enjoyed by all who were able to attend. We now await the publication of his book which doubtless will be a yachtsman's favourite.
GXSA will recall the excellent short talk given by member Timandra Slade on her work with the "Colne Valley
Sailors" which aims to give confidence to young disabled people through sailing using
facilities at Bury Lake in Rickmansworth.
In the past GXSA has provided volunteers to assist, and Timandra once again would like to appeal for help with a large variety of tasks. If your bones are too elderly to contemplate dinghy sailing have no fear - there are many jobs that don't require you to get afloat.
Volunteers are required most days of the week. Want to help ?
Give Timandra a call on 01494 783822. You are assured of meeting new people and having a lot of fun
Events Afloat 2013
The following rallies are being planned:
• April 27th Ocean Village - (John Gorrie)
• 19th-23rd August - Muster at St Peter Port (Stuart Gaunt)
- 18th - Alderney
- 20th - Guernsey St Peter Port
- 24th - Alderney
If you are interested in attending any of these or simply wish to register you interest,
even if you don't have a boat available, please contact the organiser.
Please note unlike previous years, GXSA will not be organising a rally at East Cowes to coincide
with the Osborne House concert. (The concert occurs in Cowes week and no berths are available)
Links from recent talks
Dylan Winter’s Website and blog
Rob Johnstone - Vagabond’s Round Britain Blog
Amelie Rose - Top Sail Adventures
Doina's Cornell's Book - "The Child of the Sea"
The Blue Planet Odyssey - Jimmy Cornell's lastest venture
"The Shetland Bus" - David Howarth
"We Die Alone"- David Howarth
The East Coast Pilot - The Companion Website for Dick Holness' pilot
Danube Cruising, hot tips - From Neil and Pat Lynn's talk on November 21st
Peter Rutter’s talk 15th February – Yacht safety equipment and racing regulations
Dr Hickman’s Oceanography Talk 1st February 2012
Dr Helen Johnson’s Talk on the Arctic 1st February 2013- expedition notes
Cruising Association Thames Valley Section
The CA has set up a Thames Valley section which will be of interest to both yachtsmen living in the area and those boaters that enjoy cruising on the river. Membership of the section is free to CA members. Monthly meetings are planned during the "non sailing season". Details
Link to RYA Shop for Books and other interesting items
Hone up your sailing skills
Westview Sailing which is an RYA training school with a close affinity to GXSA is offering evening, day and weekend courses ashore and afloat for those keen to enhance their sailing skills.
The next formal courses are one day VHF/SRC courses which will be held on Sundays during April.
The chief instructor is Duncan Wells who is well known and respected, he has given inspiring talks at GXSA and is a regular contributor to the sailing magazines "Sailing Today" and "Yachting Monthly". More details can be found on the site Westview Sailing, by telephoning Duncan at 01753 890555 or on his Facebook page There are also a number of excellent training videos published on uTube
Newsletter
The latest edition of "In Brief" has a number of short articles of interest to GXSA members including an article on avoiding prop strikes and Volvo discounts for RYA members.
Cruising news has a number of short articles of interest to GXSA members including a recall for recently purchased Crewfit 290N advanced lifejackets and an explanation of RYA membership perks.
The RYA now has a dedicated website for the Thames Valley
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