Programme Autumn 2017
Talks begin at 8.15pm, bar and coffee open from 7.30pm
Dianne Mannering Send Us Some Women When the Governor of Australia wrote home to Lord Sydney (yes, that’s why it’s called Sydney) asking for some women, he was sent Newgate Gaol’s worst offenders. This is the story of their amazing sea voyage and how these unprepossessing women reinvented themselves to help found Australia. More details |
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Jules and Vanessa Dussek Cruising the Inland Waterways of France In 2006 Jules and Vanessa took their Southerly 115 through the French inland waterways to the Mediterranean, a retirement dream, and returned a couple of years ago. They will tell us about 2000 miles of rivers, locks, villages, cities, eating and drinking. We can learn what is involved in making such a trip successful. More details |
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John Blake Charts John served in the Royal Navy and reserve for 16 years, leaving as Lieutenant Commander. He developed an interest in maritime history and has published several beautifully produced books on sea charts and other related topics. In recognition of his authorship, he was elected to the Royal Institute of Navigation. He will tell us about the development and roles of charts in navigation and war. More details |
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Bernie Smallman – Why we go Sailing Paul Farrell – Two Summers in Spain Two presentations from GXSA members on their 2016/17 summer cruises. Lots of good bits but also what went wrong !… More details This is a programme change |
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Sue and Bob Garrett Baltic and Back in a Season Bob and Sue will tell us about their 6 month tour of the Baltic, starting from and returning to the Solent. They visited 9 countries and got as far as St Petersburg. How they prepared, the route and practicalities – everything you need to know for your sailing trip to the Baltic.. More details |
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Tony Roome Massey Shaw The Massey Shaw was built in 1935 to fight fires in London Docks and along the Thames, playing an important role in WW2 in the City of London and at Dunkirk. The vessel was recently refurbished and we shall learn about her history, current role and educational work planned for her future. More details |
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Colin Palmer Speed Sailing Colin collaborated with Malcolm Barnsley on the design and construction of high speed sailing boats, one of which was a forerunner to the record beating Vestas Sailrocket. How can it be that a kiteboarder can keep pace with an America’s Cup cat? What was it about Sailrocket, the current world record holder, that enabled it to reach 70 knots and could even higher speeds be possible – maybe 100 knots? More details |
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Herbie Battye Oil & Gas projects in Ice Covered Waters After serving 20 years at sea, Capt ‘Herbie’ Battye worked ashore for an oil major in marine terminal and marine projects. The latter included shipping oil and gas from cold and ice covered regions. Tonight he discusses the projects and developments that are making this a reality and the complications of navigating in ice covered waters. More details |
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Dick Leedham Reminiscences of a Mariner Dick Leedham joined the Merchant Navy at the age of 16 as a deck officer apprentice and was at sea for 17 years. He now runs his own company, specialising in on board navigation training. He sails his Westerly Solway – which he has had since 1981 – on the south coast. Dick will tell us about some of the more amusing things which happened to him during his time at sea. More details |
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Cast Off for Christmas Members and their guests will enjoy the usual short presentations about sailing incidents, photo competition, quiz and festive entertainment, all accompanied by snacks and mulled wine. This will be a special Cast Off, supported by a kind donation from the will of Peter Batterley, former member of GXSA. Please get your photos ready for the photo competition. Boats and Sailing, Scenic and Humorous categories; prints no larger than A5 or email the photo to info@gxsa.org.uk |