Programme Spring 2022
Talks begin at 8.15pm. Procedure to receive the Zoom links will be sent to members and registered visitors at least one day before the talk.
Help on using Zoom for GXSA sessions can be found by clicking this link
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Antarctica, Old and NewBob SheptonAccomplished sailor, mountaineer and Arctic explorer, Reverend Bob Shepton will tell us about his sailing in the 1990s between the Falklands and Antarctica (partly under jury rig) and more recently on Novara from the Falklands to South Georgia in 2017. More details |
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Cruising through Life, BC to the Hanson CupJames LittlewoodJames returns to reflect, in his usual entertaining style, on his sailing career and tell us about his cruising on the coastal and inland waterways of Northwest Europe. He recently won the prestigious Cruising Association Hanson Trophy for his 2020 log of his travels. More details |
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HMS MedusaAlan WatsonMedusa is the last original, seaworthy example of 464 HDML vessels built for the WW2 Royal Navy. After a critical role at Omaha beach on D Day and other action, she became a survey ship, then civilian life since 1968. Alan has been her skipper for the last 9 years. More details |
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Wildlife and Ecology of the ThamesGraham ScholeyGraham has a specialist role with the Environment Agency (Thames area) and was made MBE for his work in 2004. He will explain how the wildlife (above and below the surface) and ecology of the Thames fit in with historic changes to the river and its management. More details |
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The Penlee LifeboatPaul BarnettIn 1981, the Solomon Browne was launched into hurricane conditions to aid the MV Union Star off the southern coast of Cornwall. A few people were rescued on to the lifeboat but then both vessels were wrecked, and a total of 16 people were lost. This is their story. More details |
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The Big TowJohn AppsJohn successfully completed the 2021 Jester Azores Challenge, sailing single handed to the Azores. All the boats that crossed the start line finished but not all under their own sail power. Do you really need a rudder? How far can you tow a boat under sail, and more…. More details |
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ScaramoucheJon HoltJon founded the Scaramouche Sailing Trust and leads outdoor education at a London City Academy. With small boats and their 45ft Admiral’s Cup boat, Scaramouche, he has led young sailors to compete successfully in major races, including the RTI and Fastnet. More details |
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Three Men in a Nauticat BoatRichard SuttonSantander to Portsmouth 2020. It all began with a remark over a beer: “If you need any help bringing your boat back from Spain, give me a call.” Several months later I was in Santander staring at a boat that wasn’t ready to sail in the harbour, let alone cross Biscay. More details |
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Lloyd’s RegisterMark DarleyAfter his early career as a marine surveyor, Mark is now Global Marine and Offshore Director at Lloyd’s Register’s Marine and Offshore business. He will tell us about how they help companies to improve design, safety and environmental impact of shipping. More details |
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Annual General MeetingAGM and Review of the year, followed by a look forward to the coming sailing season. |