Autumn 2010

London's More Important River

Jeremy Batch

Jeremy returns following his talk last year on the historical importance of Limehouse Basin, where he is a lock keeper. He will extend this theme with what we know will be a polished, humorous and enlightening evening delving into the background and history of London's more important river. 
It's not the Thames!

Beneath the Stars at the North Pole

Eric Brossier

Eric Brossier, distinguished high latitude sailor, visits from La Rochelle to describe five winters spent in Spitsbergen aboard “Vagabond” to study Arctic Ocean sea ice and its future. His 2008 book “Circumpolaris” won the Prix de l’Académie Marine award.

The Dance of the Little Green Dots

Alan Watson

Alan Watson will demonstrate how to identify potential collision situations on the radar using both traditional methods and MARPA (Mini Automatic Radar Plotting Aid). The talk will be illustrated with computer simulations as well as screen shots from the radar on his own boat in the Solent and Channel.

Le Four to La Rochelle

Liz and Mick Wigfield

A Personal Pilot of the Ports of North Biscay and the passages between them compiled from the logs of Kemari, Liz and Mick Wigfield’s Westerly Fulmar.

Two Summers in the Baltic

James and Carol Littlewood

James and Carol spent the summers of 2008 and 2009 in their Moody Eclipse 38 "Paddington Bear". Their trip covered the East Coast of Sweden, the Gota and Trollhaten canals, Poland and the Baltic States. Their illustrated talk will cover all aspects of their trips, including some things that weren't meant to happen!

The Moody Story

David Moody

In 2005 the family business of AH Moody and Son was sold after 175 years of trading from the same site at Swanwick on the River Hamble. David Moody has documented the Yachts that were built by the Company, initially for his own family, and has produced a successful book of the whole Moody story.

Saturday Special - Boat Electrics
A Day with Art Butler

Art is the owner and "hands-on" specialist of a yacht electrics and electronics company based on the East Coast. He will bring us right up to date on current issues and give some guidance on choosing equipment as well as doing our own installation, fault finding, wiring maintenance and repairs.

History of Royal Flying

Graham Laurie

As an RAF pilot, Graham flew members of the Royal Family and VIPs, completing over 2200 Royal Flights. The talk, given in aid of the RAF Benevolent Fund, with many personal reminiscences will cover the early days of Royal Flying, the Kings and Queens Flights, right up to the present day.

Polynesian Catamaran Design and the Lapita Voyage. 
James Wharram

In the mid 1950's James Wharram built the first offshore catamaran in Britain, based on ancient Polynesian boat design, and sailed it out into the Atlantic. Fifty years later, James set off with his partner, Hanneke, a cameraman, a couple of scientists and some Polynesian crew members to sail 4,000 miles along the ancient Polynesian migration route to Tikopia and Anuta, in two craft inspired by the unique, original hull shape of their canoes. Come and hear the magical story of the Lapita Voyage.

Round the Big Island

John Rugg and John Gorrie

Members John Gorrie and John Rugg give will tell us about their UK circumnavigation this summer, a taste of which was available on their blog. Their contrasting individual perspectives will be fascinating - assuming of course that they are still speaking to each other!

Cast off for Christmas

Our traditional members' evening of yarns, light entertainment and mince pies ahead of the Christmas break.

Spring 2010

Quyvers Travels

John Andrews and Freda Haylet

Adventures on a voyage from Grenada via the Panama Canal, Pacific Islands to New Zealand. Long distance cruising, ports of call and interesting characters met on the way.

Voyages to New Zealand

Melville Errington

The golden era of British Maritime life aboard the liners to New Zealand, including the challenges, both serious and amusing, of keeping engines running for five months.

Olympic Sailing, Qingdao 2008 to Portland 2012

Dick Batt

Dick Batt (Batt Sails, Bosham), Chief Measurer for Olympic Sailing who serves on many National and International bodies, tells us what goes on behind the scenes.

Classic Yachts through the Camera Lens

Kathy Mansfield

Professional photographer Kathy shows us stunning images of Meter Class yachts, from their Centenary Celebration. The Meter Class lead to the Americas Cup boats.

RYA First Aid Course at Hedgerley Village Hall

Peter and Carol Pocock with hands on practice on dummies.

Oceanography of the Southern Ocean

Dr Isabelle Ansorge

From voyages on research ships in 90 knot winds and 30 metre waves, Dr Ansorge describes the Southern Ocean and its profound effect on world climate.

The Merchant Navy in the Battle for the North Atlantic 

Richard Woodman

Richard Woodman – Trinity House Elder, Novelist, Master Mariner, Naval Historian – describes the Merchant Navy’s role in this vital struggle from 1939 to 1943.

The Around the World Yacht Race

David Cusworth, Clipper Ventures

Learn how anyone, even if they have never stepped on a boat before, can join the adventure and circumnavigate the world under sail in an eleven month long marathon.

Italian Connection, from Malta to Nice

Bernie Smallman and John Dawson

John and Bernie tell of their trip in Burnadebt to get a new mast. They sailed from Malta to France, visiting Sicily, Vulcano, Stromboli, Naples, finishing in Monaco and Nice

Experiences as a Yachtmaster Instructor

Duncan Wells

GXSA member Duncan Wells recounts his experiences when sailing home from Brittany with an inexperienced crew. He will also give an amusing view of his recovery from his dramatic flares accident.

An Atlantic Short-Circuit

Tony Firth

Tony covers sailing tactics and equipment, wildlife and cooking on his circuit via the Canaries, Cape Verde Islands and the Azores.

 

Programme Autumn 2009

"Rough Pilotage and Rough Water" - Ken Endean

Ken Endean well known author of pilot books and regular YM contributor will talk to us about some of his experiences in "London Apprentice" his shallow draft 27' yacht.

Helicopter Round Britain, Coastal Views - Colin Lewis

Colin Lewis, Commodore Royal Southampton Yacht Club shows a fascinating film of a round Britain helicopter flight made in Spring 2008 exploring many areas of familiar coastline

View from the Bridge - Captain Colin Johnston

Captain Colin Johnston Master Mariner and former P & O Master illustrates the view from the bridge of a container ship and describes latest detection equipment radar and AIS, of vital importance to cross Channel yachtsmen.

A Memorable Passage - Member’s Evening.

Bring along your cockpit snacks to share. A bottle of wine will be given to the table with the most enticing fare
- judges promise not to eat them all! Hear a number of your fellow club members describe 'A Memorable Passage' that they have made. These may be exciting, enchanting or just a 'cracking sail'. Come along and be entertained by your fellow members.

Weather - Norman Lynagh

Norman Lynagh is keen sailor who is a Chartered Meteorologist and Fellow of the Royal Meteorological Society. He provides weather forecasts to a range of industries and expert information to legal and insurance companies. He will explain how to interpret weather forecasts and how to develop your own forecasting method.

Four cruises of the “Grampus” - Chris Woodwark

Club members Chris Woodwark and his crew, Russell Wendover, Richard Ogden, Jim Cannon and Terry Smart will give us a presentation on their cruises between the Isle of Man, Northern Ireland, the Outer Hebrides, St Kilda, the West coast, Orkneys and the East coast undertaken since 2000.

Saturday Special - Radio Controlled Yachts

As a change from the more usual instructional events, we shall be racing radio controlled yachts on Taplow Lake. These are the same yachts supplied by Mike Weston that were such a success at the Boat Show. Hot soup included.

World Circumnavigation in a Westerly 41 - Bernard Clarke

Bernard's illustrated presentation will cover the pro and cons of doing a circumnavigation within two years and under the auspices of a World Rally. He will describe some of the wonderful countries and cultures that he, and in part his wife, experienced and the challenges he faced when Ocean sailing aboard ' Golden Eye of Chichester'.

King Alfred and Limehouse - Jeremy Batch

Limehouse Basin is the home of the Cruising Association. Jeremy will cover the history of this area, important to Great Britain's navigation from the time of King Alfred all the way to the 2012 Olympics. Highlights include our border with Scandinavia, London's lifeline in the Great Plague, tidal power, Britain's first aeroplane, gunpowder, the bouncing glass, gin and the dog biscuit.

Solent Archaeology - Brandon Mason

Brandon Mason is Project Officer of The Hants and Wight Trust for Maritime Archaeology. He will tell us about the unseen yet important sites that we are sailing past, or indeed over, during our Solent passages.

Cast off for Christmas

Our traditional members' evening of yarns, light entertainment and mince pies ahead of the Christmas break.

 

Programme Spring 2009

The Minimum Boat - Sam Llewellyn

Sam Llewellyn has written many sailing thrillers. His PBO column The Minimum Boat advocates a back-to-basics style of sailing well adapted to the times. He is currently working on the Dazed Kipper Manual, a work of instruction that he describes as 'the blind leading the blind.' !

Dances with Whales and Weather - John Apps

Club member John Apps describes large items he met when he took part in the Jester Azores Challenge in 2008 including Sperm Whales, Ultra Large Crude Carriers and Mountains. He will also describe the progress of a 'typical' ocean storm from first sign of its approach until it's all over.

Sailing in the Caribbean - Richard Snell and Martin Alexander

Following five charter yacht holidays in the island groups of the British Virgin Islands, St Vincent/Mustique/Grenadines, St Maarten/ St Barts/Anguilla and the Abacos, club members Richard Snell and Martin Alexander will highlight aspects, good and not so good, of chartering, and navigation and key anchorages in these areas.

Classic Yachts through the Camera Lens - Kathy Mansfield.

Professional marine photographer Kathy returns with stunning images from the 2007 Celebration of the Centenary of the Metre Class which spawned such impressive yachts as the Americas Cup Boats.

A Fleeting View of the Black Sea - Doreen and Archie Annan.

Hon Club members Doreen and Archie recount with photos their experiences and curious incidents during preparation of their yachtmens' pilot 'Cruise the Black Sea'.

Meandering through the Midi - Don and Jacky Wark

Don & Jacky, Sailing Today contributors, took the lazy way from Honfleur to the Med in their 29ft Snapdragon then on to Biscay along the Midi & Garonne canals. They will share this relaxing but fascinating experience.

Saturday Special - Boat Electrics
A Day with Art Butler

Art is the owner and "hands-on" specialist of a yacht electrics and electronics company based on the East Coast. He will bring us right up to date on current issues and give some guidance on choosing equipment as well as doing our own installation, fault finding, wiring maintenance and repairs.

Overlord - Bob Hazell

Past Commodore of the Offshore Cruising Club Bob Hazell outlines the history of Windfall Yachts and illustrates some of "Overlord's" past cruises and future sailing plans.

A Passion for the Sea - Jimmy Cornell

In the last 35 years, Jimmy has sailed 200,000 miles, including 3 circumnavigations and 2 voyages to Antarctica. He will talk about planning an offshore voyage: to the Med, across the Atlantic or right round the world, with a detour to Antarctica.

Holly’s circumnavigation of Britain in 1994 - Peter Poole

Member Peter Poole set off in June with the intention of seeing as much as possible. Holly, his Nicholson 32, went round Britain including most of Orkney in 11 weeks with mainly good weather, lots of wonderful experiences and meeting many interesting people.

AGM - followed by Cruising to Hell and Back - Rod Paton

Rod Paton describes where things went badly wrong on cruises in the Baltic and across the Atlantic - and tries to draw sensible conclusions.

Annual Dinner at Beaconsfield Golf Club

 

 

Autumn 2008

A life on the Ocean Wave – John Goode

Cruising past, present and future - a light-hearted talk putting across a few serious messages. John is the ex-editor of Sailing Today, Principal of the Southern Sailing School, and has responsibility for the Special Features for National Boat Shows Limited.

Women who built warships - Helen Doe

During the Napoleonic wars two of the yards supplying urgently-needed ships to the Royal Navy were run by widows and one of these yards on the Thames was one of the largest businesses in the country. Hear how Mrs Barnard and Mrs Ross managed their complex businesses and dealt with the important officers of the Navy Board.

My Favourite Anchorage

Six club members will describe one of their favourite overnight stopping places, which might even be an anchorage! Please bring your 'cockpit nibbles' to enhance the illusion of a relaxing evening spent swinging at anchor.

Pilotage in the Port of London and elsewhere 
Captain Don Cockrill FNI

Captain Cockrill gives an insight into the often little-known world of pilotage, explaining the contribution that port and offshore pilotage makes to all of our everyday lives in one of the major and certainly most prestigious ports of Europe if not the world – London.

A year at sea - Malta to the Caribbean 
John Dawson and Bernie Smallman.

Club members John and Bernie tell how they took their charter-scheme boat, adapted it for living aboard and sailed through the Mediterranean Sea and across the Atlantic Ocean to explore the Caribbean.

To Russia with Love - Jonathan Walmsley

Jonathan describes his cruise from the East Coast of the UK in his Shipman 28 with his all girl crew to St Petersburg in Russia. Highlights include being shot at by the Polish border authorities and running into a Baltic port without an engine in a full gale.

Arctic Circle & Iceland - almost - and back, single-handed 
Roger Taylor

Roger cruised non-stop from Burnham-on-Crouch to Plymouth last year passing the Shetlands and almost reaching the Arctic Circle en-route. He describes his 'amazing' summer on Mingming - a junk-rigged Corribee 21 - with the help of video footage.

Weather, IT and Gipsy Moth IV

Andrew Eccleston of the University of Plymouth and weather adviser to Gypsy Moth IV will give an academic's view of yachting.

Going West slowly: Falmouth to the Canaries - Simon Fraser

Simon returns to describe Falmouth to the Canaries in two leisurely summer cruises. Ten weeks meandering into Spanish Rias and down the Portuguese coast to Lagos for the winter of 2006, then on to Madeira and the Canaries in 2007

Cast off for Christmas

Our traditional members' evening of yarns, light entertainment and mince pies ahead of the Christmas break.

 

Spring 2008

The Rise and Fall of Westerly Boatbuilding

Association member Hazel Powell, editor of 'The Westerly Story', discusses the company's growth and financial failure. What made it so successful? And why did it collapse? These and other questions will be discussed along with the designers and, of course, the boats.

Medical Emergencies at Sea

Martin Thomas M.S., F.R.C.S. Commodore of the Ocean Cruising Club and Atlantic Yachtsman extraordinaire, outlines handling medical emergencies at sea - a timely reminder that all may not go to plan!

Further adventures of ‘Cresswell Jenny’ in Turkey and Greece

Members Karin Wilkinson & Andrew Walker return to tell of their trip from Marmaris to Kos, zig zagging between Turkey and the Greek islands taking in Finike, Rhodes, Knidos, Kusadasi and Samos.

JourneyMaker 5. Tilman Trophy Winner - 3 Peaks Race

Chris Jones and Louise Makin share their adventures in the 2007 race, one of the toughest on record with gale force winds in the Irish Sea, sailing 400 miles along the west coast of Great Britain with ascents of the highest peaks in Wales, England and Scotland

Building and cruising a modern gaffer

Stephen Akester will describe the build and some of the unique features of his modern gaffer, Alice, and share the experience of cruising in her.

Atlantic Crossing

Club member John Apps returns by popular request to tell of his adventures completing his Atlantic crossing to gain third place in the Jester Challenge race he entered in 2006

Cruising in the “Golden Years” after racing

Cliff Norbury, past racing champion, Olympic Team manager, RORC racer, sailing administrator, MD of Proctor and now well traveled cruiser recalls pottering on the Hamble in 1942 through to cruising in his almost self-built Starlight 39 ‘Zest’.

I'm not waving it, I'm drying it - Sailing in the Gulf

Race management is not all doom and gloom, it has its lighter moments as well. RYA Race Officers Peter and Carol-Anne Pocock have many a tale to tell about their experiences both in the UK and abroad. Come along to find out exactly who was drying what.

AGM - followed by Memories of the Falklands War

Captain N J Tobin DSC MA Royal Navy will give an illustrated talk on his period in command of HMS Antelope during the Falklands war and his personal recollections of the sinking of his ship as a result of enemy air attack.

Annual Dinner at Dachet Water Sailing Club

 

 

Autumn 2007

Uffa Fox Association

Tony Dixon tells of Uffa's adventures when he was Scout Master of the Cowes Sea scouts in 1921, including taking the scouts to France, up the Seine nearly to Paris and back in an open whaler without the parents knowing where they had gone.

SS Terra Nova - Whaler, Sealer and Polar Exploration Ship

Mike Tarver talks of the exploits over sixty years of this remarkable vessel including those with the Captain Scott Expeditions, covered in his new book.

From North Atlantic Drama to South Atlantic High

Explorer and Adventurer Jonathan Blain recounts surviving a shipwreck in the North Atlantic, then designing and building a yacht, which he raced to the island of St Helena.

Laying-up Supper

Fish "&" Chip Supper with an interesting evening of members’ tales recounting challenges, memorable times and the odd confession whilst sailing or motor cruising.

Life as an Engineer Officer on the Orient Line 50 Years ago

Club member David Harrop will describe the Passenger Steamships he served on for four years and give an illustrated tour of the world as it was 50 years ago.

High Barbaree to the Baltic and back

Tim and Liz Dodwell sailed their Cornish Crabber Pilot Cutter to the Baltic in 2005, laying up near Stockholm, then in 2006 cruised the Baltic before returning to Buckler’s Hard. They will talk about their adventures and misadventures too!

A New Future for the Sailing Barge Cambria

Cambria Trust, founded by Tony Ellis, is restoring the famous 101 year-old sailing barge Cambria. Tony has been involved in a variety of barging organisations over the years and will tell us his fascinating story.

Singlehanded round the world ‘vertically’

Adrian Flanagan will tell how he this year became the first single-hander to circumnavigate
north/south including crossing the Arctic Ocean along Russia’s northern sea route.

Shenanigan in the Hebrides

Club member Rob Johnstone recalls a summer cruising Skye and the east coast of some of the Outer Isles as navigator/bo'sun/leading hand in a 35ft Moody.

Cast off for Christmas

Our traditional members' evening of yarns, light entertainment and mince pies ahead of the Christmas break.

 

Spring 2007

The Baltic via the Waddenzee and Wattfahrwassers

Club members Reg & Chris Hadwen tell of sailing their Southerly 110 through the drying channels of the Frisian and Friesian Islands on their way to the Baltic.

Jester Challenge - Transatlantic Race

Club member John Apps will share his coastal and ocean sailing experiences including weather prediction methods and his challenges in Glayva, a UFO27, during the 2006 single-handed race from which 80% of the boats retired due to bad weather.

Roscoff to La Rochelle

Club members Phil & Jill Snowden sailed to La Rochelle in 2004 intending to return in 2005. They are still there and will show us some of the delights of Western France.

Jane Slade: Inspiration for Daphne du Maurier's first novel

Helen Doe, maritime historian, author and lecturer, tells the truth behind the fiction about three generations of seafarers and shipbuilders who were dominated by one remarkable woman and her ship.

The Cruising Association Victory Rally around Britain

Douglas Addison talks about his part solo sail round Britain in his 31 ft. ketch in the Cruising Association 2005 Victory Rally, in the 200th anniversary year of Trafalgar.

Sailing with Gipsy Moth IV on the East Coast of Australia

Jeremy Graham will tell of his experiences as a watch leader for a few weeks on Gipsy Moth IV in summer 2006 with a crew of disadvantaged children.

A Cruise to the Magical Fjords of Norway

Club member Peter Poole sails from Birdham via Lowestoft, returning via Orkney, West Scotland and Ireland - all in six weeks and only two gales.

Mutiny, Murder & Mayhem: the 1797 Spithead Mutiny

Dr Ann Coats, expert on eighteenth century naval history tells of the Mutiny borne out of a grievance that naval seamen had not had a pay rise for 144 years.

In the Wake of Ernest Shackleton

After the loss of the Endeavour, Shackleton set off from Elephant Island to seek help in a converted whaler, James Caird. Trevor Potts built a replica of the James Caird and sailed it from Elephant Island to South Georgia. He tells the story of the preparations and the voyage.

AGM - Followed by a talk by Club member Ken Moss

An East coast cruise from the Deben to Orkney and back - sometimes single-handed.

Annual Dinner - Datchet Water Sailing Club

Roger Taylor, South Pacific tall ships shipwreck survivor, is our after dinner speaker.

 

Autumn 2006

Channel Islands and North Brittany

Peter Cumberlidge, writer and journalist returns to share his extensive knowledge on the delights and challenges of sailing in and around the Channel Islands and Brittany.

Portsmouth Harbour and the Solent

Commander K Carter - QHM Portsmouth, will talk about his roles of managing the harbour and in particular the challenge and the success of the Fleet Review in 2005, as well as his work as vice chairman of the Solent Forum.

2004/5 Global Challenge - Imagine it Done

Sian Hankinson, daughter of one of our members shares her adventures as the deputy skipper/crew boss during her circumnavigation with Dee Caffari against the prevailing winds and currents.

Laying up Supper

Fish and Chip supper with an interesting evenings of members tales recounting challenges, memorable times and the odd confession whilst sailing or motor cruising.

The Adventures of the ARC

GXSA member Chris Monahan will talk about his experiences in preparing for and participating in the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers

The Extraordinary Voyages of Captain James Cook

Paul Covell, club member and round the world sailor gives a fascinating illustrated talk on the greatest cartographer, navigator and seaman of the 18th century and his voyages of exploration.

Triumph and Tragedy - tales from Artic Greenland

The Reverend Bob Shepton returns to tell us about his summer expedition to the north of Greenland, getting furthest north of any yacht in Greenland, over wintering there and the subsequent tragedy - the loss of his boat and his last roll of film.

CSS Alabama 1862 -1864

A screw sloop of war built for the confederacy - we learn about her amazing history and how she finally sank whilst under fire from USS Kearsarge in Cherbourg. Our speaker is Devian Watson from the Liverpool maritime Museum.

30 Years Before the Mast

An illustrated talk by GXSA member, Wolfgang Ansorge about his experience and voyaging on a wide variety of tall ships and traditional sailing vessels 1975-2005

Cast off for Christmas

Our traditional members' evening of yarns, light entertainment and mince pies and the judging of our season's photographs ahead of the Christmas break.

 

PROGRAMME - Spring 2006

Wed 11th Jan

Vagabond's Circum-Polar Navigation

An illustrated talk by Eric Brossier, winner of the Ocean Cruising Club and the Royal Cruising Club awards for achieving the first transit of the North East Passage in one season under sail on his 45 ft steel yacht Vagabond.
Wed 18th Jan

Roundabout the Mediterranean

Britta Bahr on a 2 year sabbatical from City life in a Dehler 34 to Greece — going round the outside, over-wintering inTunisia and back through the French Canals.
Wed 25th Jan

Birds of the Solent and Isle of Wight

Ann Farrar of the RSPB shares her extensive knowledge of the type and variety of birds to be seen from boats and from the land with magnificent illustrative slides.
Wed 1" Feb

My Love Affair with Nancy

Arthur Ransome's boat has been lovingly restored and her current skipper, Bryan Bonser, talks about sailing this very dry, very well built gentleman's sailing boat.
Wed 8th Feb

Travelling the European Inland Waterways

Ken & Sue Shaw, club members, provide a fascinating account of their adventures during recent travels with their own boat on the inland waterways of France and Germany.
Wed 15th Feb

Marine Electrics

James Hortop, sailor, motorboater and PBO technical expert, will discuss and answer questions on designing and getting the best out of electrical systems
Sat 18th

Feb Radar Course

A Saturday Special RYA course for members on basic Use of Radar.
Wed 22nd Feb

Great Maritime Festivals of Brest and Douarnenez

Kathy Mansfield, the world-renowned maritime photographer and sailor, will present an illustrated talk about the festivals, boats, crafts, art and music of the sea.
Wed 15t March

West Coast of Ireland

Peter Poole, our well-known long distance sailor, returns to Ireland in "Holly" and reveals the fun and excitement of sailing in this fantastic region.
Wed 8th March

Turkey for Christmas

Club members Karen and Andrew Walker return to provide us with the latest update on their five year sabbatical in and around the countries of the eastern Mediterranean.
Wed 15th March

AGM andThe Falkirk Wheel

The AGM will be followed by a talk by member Bill Munnoch on the restoration and re-commissioning of the world's first and only rotating boat lift.
Sat 25th March

Annual Dinner — Little Ship Club

We celebrate the Association's Ruby Anniversary in magnificent surroundings with Nigel King of Ocean Racing Fame as our after dinner Speaker.

 

PROGRAMME - AUTUMN 2005

Wed 5th Oct

Windfarms, the ICC and Electronic Navigation

Simon Jinks, exYachting Monthly Sailing Expert and now RYA Chief Cruising Instructor, gives an update on RYA projects from ICC to Windfarms and talks about Electronic Navigation and Passage Making.
Wed 12th Oct

East Coast Sailing - Southwold to Southend

Charles Stock shares his views of the Essex and Suffolk waters which he has

sailed for over 40 years in Shoal Waters - his gaff cutter, with no engine or electronics.
Wed 19th Oct

ATour of Ireland and the Creation of a Digital Log

Graham Rabbits, winner of several trophies for his Logs, explains how to create them make them interesting and shares the Log of his cruise around Ireland.
Tues 25th Oct

Trip to Greenwich Maritime Museum
Wed 26th Oct

Cast Off for Trafalgar Supper

An evening to commemorateThe Immortal Memory of Nelson, the Battle of Trafalgar, including supper, followed by an interesting evening and a competition.
Wed 2nd Nov

A Nice Cup of Tea .

John Fisher takes a light-hearted look at the history of the tea trade, the clippers that carried it and in particular the Cutty Sark. His great grandfather was a tea merchant in China and John is a guide on the Cutty Sark at Greenwich.
Wed 9th Nov

The Exploits of Stokey Woodall and the Atlantic Islands

Stokey will talk about some of his thousands of miles of Ocean Sailing, delivering and teaching and give an insight into cruising the Azores and the Atlantic Islands.
Wed 16th Nov

The Joy of Choosing and Buying a Boat

Club members will talk about what and how they decided what to buy -a new build or previously owned via a broker or through an advertisement nrimnort

from abroad.
Nov. 19th

Saturday Special. - Survival at Sea

Graham Gardner
Wed 23rd Nov

Beating Wrinkles - Not just a Salty Sea Dog Tale.

Stephanie Sutton explains her love of sailing and the sea - from the time when she started sailing during camping holidays in the New Forest and her progress from deck hand to Master Mariner and her return to the New Forest.
Wed 30th Nov

The RiverThames Society

Colin Reynolds will talk about the work of the Society in managing the challenges that face many aspects of one of the world's greatest rivers covering in particular the loss of waterside boatyards, access to and navigation of the river.
Dec 7th

Cast Off for Christmas

Mulled Wine - good company - short stories - judging of our summer photographs.
Jan 11th

Start of Spring Programme

 

PROGRAMME - SPRING 2005

Weds Jan 5th

A JOURNEY NORTHWARDS VIA THE IRISH SEA

Club Member George Lipscomb returns to tell us of his 2003 Summer Voyage northwards aboard his Kingfisher to the Northern Isles of Orkney and Shetland.
Weds Janl2th

SEA BRITAIN 2005

Steven Riley, Director of Maritime Heritage, comes to tell us of the way in which the sea touches our lives and how they are leading The Celebration of special events in the Trafalgar Festivals around the country.
Weds Jan 19th

"BACK TO BASICS" and VALSHEDA vs. RANGER

David Pitman returns to give us advice on the finer points of sailing, before relating an illustrated story of the clash -a very nasty clash - during one of the best yacht races ever seen.
Weds Jan 26th

RING AROUND THE ISLE OF MULL

Kathy Mansfield shows us more wonderful pictures of her visit to the burial place of Scottish kings and to waters that have inspired shipwreck tales and overtures.
Weds Feb 2nd

CARIBBEAN CAPERS

John Rugg, David Horn and John Hayward, Club Members, give illustrated talks of their various experiences whilst charter sailing in the Caribbean.
Weds Feb 9th

FROM LONGITUDE BY POCKET WATCH TO PC BASED PLOTTER

Tom Cunliffe takes a light-hearted look at the changes many of us have seen in our sailing lifetimes.
Weds 16th

CRUISING KATTEGAT TO SKAGERRAK

Winners of the Cruising Association's Dugon Cup, Anne and Dennis Kell return to describe their 4 week cruise from Denmark to Sweden, through the Western archipelago to Norway and back, sailing in a Wayfarer.
Sat Feb 19th

SATURDAY SPECIAL ON RADAR

Alison Noice returns to tutor us in the practical use of radar with a RYA Certificate on completion.
Weds Feb 23rd

FROM COOK TO COMPUTORS

Tony Wooldridge charts the history of the UK Hydrographic Office from its foundation in 1795 to the present day. This presentation includes illustrations from the UKHO's extensive archives showing surveying and modern production methods and covers some of the most recent "Admiralty" branded products
Weds Mar 2nd

CRUISING TO THE LOFOTEN ISLANDS

John Duff gives an illustrated talk about the challenge of organising a club cruise to NW Scotland, Shetlands and Lofoten Islands and back. This involved a total of 36 crew and 4500 miles sailing in 17 weeks, benefiting from the best summer in Arctic Norway for 50 years.
Weds Mar 9th

AGM followed by CRUISING STYLES 65 YEARS AGO

Mike Goffe, a club member will tell us what cruising really used to be like in his early days of skippering sailing boats .
SATURDAY Mar 12th

DINNER AT BOVENY BOATHOUSE, DORNEY LAKE

Our Speaker will be Alan Priddy, Director of Offshore Expeditions, talking about "Our Lively Lady, the story so far".
Weds Oct 5th Start of your Autumn Programme.

 

 

PROGRAMME-AUTUMN 2004

Weds 6th Oct

A Journey to Spain and Portugal

Club member Peter Poole tells us of his last summer's journey southwards aboard his Nicholson 32, along the Spanish and Portuguese coasts.
Weds 13th Oct

A Land of Snow and Ice

David and Jill Lane, long standing Club members, return to tell of a voyage to Antarctica, S Georgia and the Falklands, following apart of Shackleton's small boat journey along the way.
Weds 20th Oct

Sweden's Secret Shore

Graham and Fay Cattell tell how they spent one summer exploring Northwards from the Stockholm archipelago to the Finnish border. This breathtakingly beautiful Gulf of Bothnia is an area steeped in the history of fishing, forestry and fighting. Nowadays it's the 'paper' coast.
Weds 27th Oct

Disaster and Opportunity

Dr Leslie Morrish relates tales of the history of his 97-year-old Ketch 'Irene' which unfortunately suffered from a fire recently whilst in the Caribbean, and tells of his plans for rebuilding her.
Weds 3rd Nov

Seabed types, their formation, and stability.

Brian D'Olier, a marine geologist, explains why seabed's vary in their sediment composition and form, why an area is shallow or deep, whether the materials are mobile or not, where they come from and how tidal currents affect their form.
Weds 10th Nov

Sailing without Legs

Ted Palmer visits to illustrate how the Jubilee Sailing Trust built and operates two specially designed tall ships. These provide adventure and challenges at sea for physically disabled and able-bodied men and women.
Saturday 13th Nov

Navigation made easy

Club member Ken Bottrell, provides a practical course for the day especially for our lady members, to give them an insight into and a chance to practice simple navigation.
Weds 17th Nov

A Day Out Down South

Nigel King talks about, aspects of living on board a racing yacht and the 'Thrills and Spills' of sailing in the Southern Ocean.
Weds 24th Nov

Let the wrecks of others be your Seamarks

Richard Woodman returns to speak of the work of Trinity House and in particular his experiences in maintaining lighthouses and other seamarks, with special reference to wrecks and wreck marking, matters which generally do not preoccupy yachtsmen.
Weds 1st Dec

Caribbean to Cape Cod

Alec Mcpherson revisits (minus Bagpipes and Kilt) to relate of a voyage all the way up the Eastern side of America via the Intercoastal waterways.
Weds 8th Dec

Cast Off for Christmas

Mulled wine, short stories, festivities and judging of our summer photographs.

 

PROGRAMME - SPRING 2004

Weds 7th Jan

A THIRD YEAR INTO THE VOYAGE OF A LIFETIME

Club members Karin Wilkinson and Andrew Walker return to tell of their adventures and voyaging aboard their Vancouver 32 along the Croatian Coast.
Weds 14th Jan

OPTIMIST GOES NORTH

Members Mike and Mary Allan tell us how Optimist, a Westerly Oceanquest, went North last Summer on her third adventurous voyage around Britain.
Weds 21st Jan

SEPTUAGENARIAN CROSSES ATLANTIC SINGLE HANDED

Eleanor Timms returns to talk of her experiences when she took her own small yacht across the Atlantic via the Cape Verde Islands to Trinidad and Venezuela.
Weds 28th Jan

PASSAGE MAKING USING WEATHER FORECASTS

Frank Singleton, well known meteorologist and author, tells us about weather forecasting and how it is used to its best advantage for passage planning.
Weds 4th Feb

TEN DAYS BEFORE THE MAST

Paul Covell, a well travelled Club member, relates how he spent ten days before the mast of a Russian Square Rigger during the Cutty Sark Tall Ships Race.
Weds 11th Feb

PALMERSTON FOLLIES

Cdr Bruce Nicholls, OBE RN (retd.), an expert Historian, relates the interesting story of the Solent Forts which stand guarding the Eastern entrance to the Solent and Portsmouth Harbour.
Weds 18th Feb

GOBLIN RETURNS TO FLUSHING

Bryan Bonser talks about the return of Arthur Ransom's boat 'NANCY BLACKETT' to Flushing. Nancy was Goblin in We didn't mean to go to sea'.
Sat 21st Feb

First Aid Practical Course

...in order to update certificates. Tutor-Peter Pocock.
Weds 25th Feb

THE ROAD TO MANDALAY

David Lane, a long standing Club member, returns to take us on a River Boat journey up the Irrawaddy River into the heartland of Burma.
Weds 3rd Mar

NAVIGATION MADE EASY

Ken Bottrell and club members show us how easy it is to navigate across the Channel under sail and in a power boat, enabling more members to venture forth this summer and join our cruise.
Weds 10th Mar

AGM followed by BUILDING A MARINERS LIBRARY

Rod Paton, a Club member, will give us ideas for building a Mariners Library.
Sat 13th Mar

DINNER AT THE ROYAL THAMES YACHT CLUB, KNIGHTSBRIDGE

Our Speaker will be David Pitman, Secretary of the 'J Class yachts'.
Weds 6th Oct The Autumn 2004 Programme starts with Club member Peter Poole recounting details of his voyage down to Spain and Portugal.

 

PROGRAMME - AUTUMN 2003

Weds 8th Oct

PRACTICAL BOAT OWNER

Jake Kavanagh (News Editor and Features_Writer) tells us "How they put together this well known Magazine" with some amusing anecdotal tales along the way.
Weds 15th Oct

NAVIGATING WITH MODERN TECHNOLOGY

Simon Fraser, whose Victoria 34 is equipped with lots of instruments integrated to help short-handed sailing, illustrates how they were used whilst sailing from the South Coast to St Kilda, Orkneys and the Shetland Isles.
Weds 22nd Oct •

RESCUED AT SEA

Nick Harper (GXSA Member's son) tells of an accident at sea whilst racing and the subsequent rescue by the RNLI.
Weds 29th Oct

THE UBIQUITOUS CREW

Pauline Duart recounts some of the pleasures and perils she has experienced whilst sailing 50,000 miles on more than 100 yachts. Both skippers and crew may hear some home truths and pick up some tips on Blue Water sailing .
Weds 5th Nov

BUILDING A HUNTER 31

GXSA member Ian Cox tells us of his "trials and tribulations" whilst building a 2nd yacht in his front garden.
Weds 12th Nov •

ROUND THE WORLD WITH A DIFFERENCE

The Rev Bob Shepton returns to recount details of, when as school Chaplain, he took parties of school leavers on an adventure of a lifetime aboard his Westerly Discus, round Cape Horn, to the pacific Islands, to Australia, the Indian Ocean, Cape of Good Hope, St Helena, Azores and home.
Saturday 15th Nov

SATURDAY SPECIAL

Alison Noice leads us through a GMDSS Practical Course starting at 09.00Hrs followed by a RYA Assessment Examination.
Weds 19th Nov

GETTING THE BEST FROM YOUR RADAR

Ron Davies tells us how to get the best information from using our Radar, illustrating it with a Cruise along the coast of England and a video.
Weds 26th Nov

A NEW LOOK AT THE BATTLE OF TRAFALGAR

Richard Woodman, Master Mariner, Naval Historian and Author (Nathaniel Drinkwaternovels and many others) presents his newly researched details of this Historic and Momentous Battle.
Weds 3rd Dec

CRUISING THE OUTER HEBRIDES

Alec Mcpherson describes a cruise with "Bagpipes and Kilt".
Weds 10th Dec

CAST OFF FOR CHRISTMAS

Fred Hughes will MC our festivities. Judging our Summer photographs.

 

PROGRAMME - SPRING 2003

Wed 8th Jan

A SECOND YEAR OF THE VOYAGE OF A LIFETIME

Members, Karin and Andrew Walker, return to continue their account of 2002's voyaging and adventures aboard their Vancouver 32, round the Balearics, Sicily, and among the Ionian Islands.
Wed 15th Jan

BEAUTIFUL AZORES

Member, George Lipscomb, sailed single handed to the Azores and back in 2002 and will share the exploration of this unexpectedly beautiful archipelago with his audience.
Wed 22nd Jan

CLASSIC AND OTHER INTERESTING BOATS

Kathy Mansfield, yachting photographer and journalist, will illustrate and describe many of the 'classic' and otherwise interesting boats she has seen in recent years.
Wed 29th Jan

UNDERSTANDING BOAT ELECTRICS

Pat Manley, PBO's technical expert, makes a welcome return to help demystify the essentials of marine electrical systems, from batteries, charging systems, lighting, engine starting and powering instrumentation.
Wed 5th Feb

BATTLE OF TRAFALGAR

Richard Woodman, Master Mariner, Naval historian and author (the Nathaniel Drinkwater novels and many others) will present his newly researched details of this historic and momentous sea battle.
Wed 12th Feb

FRENCH BISCAY

Member, Peter Poole, describes the many harbours and anchorages of Southern Brittany from the Gironde, then heading North during his 2002 single handed cruise in 'Holly, his Nicholson 32.
Wed 19th Feb

MARITIME FLAGS AND ETIQUETTE

Cdr Bruce Nicholls, OBE, RN (Retd), is an expert on the history and design of flags and will explain the importance of these symbols of identity, their method of communication afloat and their correct usage.
Wed 26th Feb

CRUISE CROATIA

Member, David Lane, who now keeps his yacht in the Mediterranean and adjoining warm seas will recount and illustrate his recent cruising in the Adriatic along the coast of Croatia.
Wed 5th Maroh

'SHINDIG' AT SEA

Andrew Simpson, journalist and expert on yacht design and construction, completes the story from previous talks about building his composite light-wieght cruising yacht Shindig, with details of her completion and performance.
Wed 12th Mark

AGM
Sat 15th March

Annual Dinner at Hazlemere Golf Club

 

PROGRAMME - AUTUMN 2002

Wed 2nd Oct

LOWESTOFT LIFEBOAT

Bert Coleman, Coxswain and Engineer of the busy Lowestoft lifeboat, will describe its crewing and working arrangements and recount details of some of the boat's dramatic rescues
Wed 9th Oct

RESTORING AND SAILING "GUIDE ME"

Judy Brickhill and her husband bought and restored "Guide Me" a 1911 Looe Lugger and she will share the adventures of cruising with a growing family to South Africa, Brazil and the Caribbean without an engine!
Wed 16th Oct

SEA BIRDS' SECRET LIVES

Ornithologist, Victor Scott, specialises in estuary and coastal birds and his illustrated talk with fascinating details of their lives will add greatly to the pleasure of all who observe birds in marine situations
Wed 23rd Oct

SAILING IN THE WORLD'S LARGEST SQUARE RIGGED SHIP

Michael Locke recently crossed the Atlantic aboard Royal Clipper, a five masted fully rigged sail powered cruise ship and he will provide an illustrated tour of the ship together with details of the voyage
Wed 30th Oct

FROM COMPETENT CREW TO YACHTMASTER (AND MUCH MORE)

James Stevens, RYA's Training Manager returns to GXSA to discuss how the RYA meets the changing training needs of those who take to the water by providing courses which are run all round the UK
Wed 6th Nov

GETTING THE BEST FROM YOUR SAILS

Ivan Bole from Arun Sails will update members on the latest technology in sail design, manufacture and materials and also advise on getting the best life and performance from your current sails (RNLI Christmas cards will be on sale this evening, prior to the lecture and during the interval)
Wed 13th Nov

SAILING, CLIMBING AND SKI MOUNTAINEERING IN GREENLAND

The Rev. Bob Shepton (Tilman Medal winner) makes a welcome return to illustrate and recount his latest exploits cruising and climbing in Greenland and discusses heavy weather sailing tactics in the North Atlantic
Wed 20th Nov

CRUISING THE PACIFIC SOCIETY ISLANDS

GXSA Member, Nigel Thomas, recently joined other members Hugh and Angela Farrant on parts of their voyage to New Zealand aboard Spring Gold II and will highlight the cruise from Tahiti to Bora Bora
Wed 27th Nov

PACIFIC HIGHLIGHTS

David and Marcia Pirie describe their passages to Alaska and Polynesia as highspots from nine years cruising the Pacific aboard their Endurance 36
Wed 4th Dec

CAST-OFF FOR CHRISTMAS

(Seasonal events including members' salty tales)

PROGRAMME - SPRING 2002

Wed 9th Jan

VOYAGE ROUND EAST ANGLIA

Robert Simper, renowned author will take his audience on a yachtman's cruise round the East Anglian coastline, highlighting interesting and attractive places many landsmen miss.
Wed 16th Jan

WEATHER FORECASTING FOR YACHTING IN THE NEW MILLENNIUM

Alan Sills, professional meteorologist and yachtsman, describes recent improvements in weatheriorecasting and how they will help yachtsmen find winds they want and avoid those they don't.
Wed 23rd Jan

ROUND SPAIN AND PORTUGAL TO THE MEDITERRANEAN

Association members Karin Wilkinson and Andrew Walker, back in the UK for a winter's break from the sun, share details from the first stage of their 'Sell-up and Sail Away' adventure.
Wed 30th Jan

GET-YOU-HOME TECHNIQUES

Pat Manley, YM instructor and member of PBO's panel of experts, will advise on various yachting 'Get-you-Home' techniques without the aid of the AA, covering aspects of engine, rig and steering failure.
Wed 6th Feb

THE 'J' CLASS YACHTS

David Pitman tells the story of the rebirth of the 'J' class fleet, their racing in the Caribbean and their recent regattas in the. Solent.
Wed 13th Feb

EXTENDED CRUISING IN A LIVE-ABOARD WAYFARER

Anne and Denis Kell, who previously enthralled GXSA with an account of sail-camping in Ireland, return with details of recent cruises from Essex to Beaulieu via Calais and to the Isles of the Inner Hebrides.
Wed 20th Feb

GOING DUTCH

Members Reg and Chris Hadwen illustrate and describe their recent cruise in their Westerly Regatta to the lower Ijsselmeer in Holland, following the standing mast route through the canals..
Wed 27th Feb

SAILING THE SQUARE-RIGGER, STA 'STAVROS S NIARCHOS'

Local yachtsman Ian Crookall joined the Sail Training Association's new brigantine in the Azores last May and shares the experience of working a Square-Rigger 1765 miles back to Southampton.
Wed 6th March

BALTIC CRUISE TO RUSSIA AND BEYOND

Ray Glaister has sailed his Colvic 32 to beyond the Baltic into the heart of. Russia, where few other yachtsmen have ventured, so he comes to GXSA with a rare tale to share.
Wed 13th March

AGM AND OPEN FORUM
Sat 16th March.

ANNUAL DINNER - AT HAZLEMERE GOLF CLUB

                                                          

PROGRAMME - AUTUMN 2001

Wed 3rd October

SOUTHERN OCEAN: BEEN THERE - DONE IT - NEVER AGAIN!

Paul Covell, Association member, tells of his adventure of a lifetime aboard 'Quadstone' in The BT Global Challenge 2000/2001, the world's toughest yacht race.
Wed 10th October

COWES WEEK - SUCCESSES AND FAILURES

A welcome return of Stuart Quarrie to talk about his latest role organising Cowes Week and to share with members the tribulations of twelve months' hard work behind this prestigious international event.

Wed 17th October

CRUISING THE BLACK SEA

Jasper and Sally Scovil cruised from the north Turkish coast in 1998 in their Voyager 30 `Dorinda'. Come and hear of Istanbul, Yalta, Odessa, the Danube Estuary, Crimea and other exotic destinations.
Wed 24th October

YACHTMASTER TUTORIAL TALES

Michael Hindley of the RYA tells of the trials and tribulations of examining would-be Yachtmasters.
Wed 31st October

BALTIC CRUISE

A return of Brian Hammett, Vice President of the East Coast Old Gaffers Association, to describe his recent cruise through the Baltic and illustrate why this should be a more popular cruising area.
Wed 7th November

HANDS-ON RADAR

Reg Suter of Regis Electronics advises members how to make best use of their radar or to choose the most suitable set If they are thinking of renewing one or fitting one for the first time.
Wed 14th November

CARIBBEAN CRUISING - MEMBERS' TALES

In the first part of the evening, Alun and Mavis Roberts describe their cruise from Antigua south and in the second, Ken and Hazel Powell recount details from their Spring cruise from Grenada north.
Wed 21st November

MARINE LIFE. OF SOUTHEAST ENGLAND

Lisa Browning, Marine Conservation Officer, Hampshire Wild Life Trust tells members about the wild life that they might see from their boats if they knew where and what to look for.
Wed 28th November

A DECADE OF PROGRESS

Chris Coburn, renowned enthusiast and activist for canal regeneration, shows video coverage of various voyages undertaken in 'Progress', his sea-going narrowboat, including the 60th Anniversary Channel Crossing to Dunkerque.
Wed 5th December

CAST OFF FOR CHRISTMAS.

Members' chance to amuse, inform or confess.

 

SPRING PROGRAMME 2001

Wednesday 17th January

CRUISING CUBA AND THE WEST CARIBBEAN.

Mike Manzoni's cruise with Association member Peter Lawrence to Cuba, Guatemala and Belize provides fascinating contrasts to the better known Eastern Caribbean chain of islands.
Wednesday 24th January

VIBRATION & NOISE SUPPRESSION.

John Grazebrook explains the problems and tells all we need to know to make life on board far more comfortable.
Wednesday 31st January

REAL RESCUES.

Tony Glaze, RNLI Coxswain, recounts real life drama in tales of actual rescues.
Saturday 3rd February

SATURDAY SPECIAL - FLARE DEMONSTRATION.

Laurie Tate, RYA instructor, shows how to handle marine pyrotechnics. Hands-on experience invaluable for ALL the crew.
Wednesday 7th February

LIFE OF ARTHUR RANSOME.

We all read Swallows and Amazons, but what of the author? Brian Hammett, Vice President of the East Coast Old Gaffers Association and life-long fan, unveils the background of this fascinating man.
Wednesday 14th February

CELTIC VOYAGE.

Association member George Lipscombe's Summer 2000 cruise took in Southern Ireland, Wales, Cornwall and Brittany before returning to Plymouth. A Celtic voyage indeed....
Wednesday 21st February

RIGGING FOR SINGLE AND SHORT-HANDED SAILING.

John Passmore, rig expert from Selden Masts (Europe's largest spar manufacturer) shares his considerable knowledge on this important topic.
Wednesday 28th February

SEEKING SCENERY, SECLUSION AND SINGLE MALTS!

Association member Peter Poole cruises western Scotland and the distilleries.
Wednesday 7th March

SYDNEY 2000 OLYMPIC YACHTING.

RYA's team manager John Derbyshire describes the selection and training of our Olympic contestants, together with his memories of events leading to Britain's most successful ever medal tally.
Wednesday 14th March

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AND OPEN FORUM.

Followed by your last chance to hear the confessions and blunders of those committee members retiring that evening!
Saturday 17th March

ANNUAL DINNER.

At the Bell House Hotel, Gerrards Cross.