Wednesday 3rd March

Jenny Crickmore-Thompson and John Franklin

The Right Knots for Red Knickers - and - The South Africa Route

John and Jenny are members of GXSA but live in South Africa for part of the year. Some years ago, having never sailed before, Jenny replied to a skipper’s advert for crew and now she is married to him. Jenny has been Rear Commodore for the Ocean Cruising Club and received the 2019 OCC award. She will tell us about some of their recent sailing experiences (from her point of view…). 

As part of their OCC roles (John has been Commodore), they  kept contact with ocean sailors, particularly those crossing the Indian Ocean. John will describe traditional and recent routeing options for circumnavigating boats crossing the Indian Ocean and heading for the Caribbean, USA and Europe, and the impact of Covid-19 restrictions on cruising yachtsmen in 2020. Remarkably, a small group of ocean sailors were able to influence the South African government to allow access to foreign yachts on humanitarian grounds - John will tell us how.

Wednesday 24th February

David and Andrea McKay

Circumnavigation of New Zealand 

Diomedea in the tradewinds - Pacific Circuit Rally © David McKay

David and Andrea McKay, s/v Diomedea, take us on a journey around New Zealand in their steel Van De Stadt Tasman 48. Their voyage took place in 2013-2014. This will be a film presentation.

Wednesday 17th February

Rob Johnstone

Boat Building in Bucks

Unlike many of us, GXSA member Rob Johnstone has something to show from Lockdowns 1 and 2. He will tell us about trials and tribulations of creating the design, establishing a workshop space, building and (almost) finishing a 15ft lug sail dinghy. Her maiden voyage is imminent.