Chesapeake Bay and Recovering Crashed Aircraft

Brian Deacon

Sailing in Chesapeake Bay was on Brian’s bucket list, and he managed to cross this off in 2017.  Separately, his career in aviation led him into aircraft recovery; not what he planned but an interesting subject.  Don’t worry if you are not a keen flyer, nor is he!  More details

The Saxon Ship Project

Joe Startin

The 625 AD ship burial at Sutton Hoo in Suffolk is important in North European maritime history. A digital reconstruction has been made and a reconstruction of the ship is now being built next to the River Deben to explore some of the purposes of the ship.  More details

Round Britain in Vela

Jill Rogers

Jill is a serving Army Officer who decided to take a break from “green camouflage” for 6 months and sail her Sadler 25 – Vela around Britain in 2019, doing most of it single-handed. Prior to the trip, she had only sailed alone occasionally…. More details

Phoenicians were in America before Columbus

Philip Beale

Adventurer and Sailor, Philip Beale FRGS, will describe his journey sailing a Phoenician galley, the Phoenicia, on a 6000 mile voyage from Carthage to the Americas in 2019-20. One of the most interesting and important historic replica ship voyages of recent times.  More details

The Isle of Wight, England in Miniature

Graham Horn

Graham (a blue badge guide) visits the island frequently and has an extensive knowledge of its attractions, history and geography. Some of us know the island well and the talk will bring back memories, but most people listening also say “Well, I didn’t know that.”  More details

Rowing the Thames

Tony Ayton and Isabel van der Ven

Join Tony, Isabel and their double sculled, hand-crafted boat Papillon as they rowed 125 miles down the Thames from Lechdale to Teddington Lock in 2018. They will tell us about their boat (which they plan to bring with them!..) and what they enjoyed. More details

Resurrecting Dr John Snipe

Jane Bowden-Dan

When Nelson re-boarded Victory in 1805, he wrote to the Admiralty to commend the services of Dr John Snipe (Physician to the Fleet) to negotiate a supply of lemon juice for the Navy. We shall hear of his importance to the Mediterranean Fleet’s success.  More details

Mayflower Autonomous Ship

Brett Phaneuf

With no human captain or onboard crew, the Mayflower Autonomous Ship (MAS) uses Artificial Intelligence and energy from the sun to travel further and reveal more about the ocean. We will hear about this and other innovative projects run by the ProMare company.  More details

Cruising in Indonesia

Norma and Phil Heaton

In 2009 Norma and Phil embarked on a seven-year circumnavigation in Minnie B, including lengthy visits to Indonesia and Malaysia starting in 2014. Their talk will cover weather, anchorages, culture, people, provisioning, landscapes and hazards….  More details

Cast Off for Christmas

For GXSA members, the usual mix of short presentations about sailing incidents, photo competition, quiz and festive entertainment.  To make it more inclusive, this will now be a Zoom only event; we shall not meet in the Hall. Get your photos ready – categories are Humorous, Scenic, Sailing, Wildflower seeds. Maximum one photo per category, per person. To enter photos, you must log in to the GXSA web site and then you will see the link in the Events menu. More details

All Shipshape and Blackwall-fashion

Jeremy Batch

On the Blackwall side of the Thames, opposite the dome, lie the largest private dock in Europe and the locations of countless innovations in shipping and commerce. Jeremy will transport us through the amazing history of this part of London with his usual engaging style.  More details

Building and Arctic Sailing a Traditional Boat

Will Stirling

Stirling and Son Ltd are based in Devon and specialise in restoration and building wooden boats of all descriptions. Will Stirling will tell us about constructing his own impressive 43ft Gentleman’s Cutter and an exciting expedition in it to Jan Mayen and East Greenland.  More details

Shipwrecks of the Thames

Robert Smith

Rob will tell us about 12 ships out of the thousands that have sunk in the Thames, from a Roman cargo ship to a 17th century ship whose sinking shocked Samuel Pepys; a voyage through history that includes the ship full of explosives that is still there and a mysterious sinking in the Cold War.  More details

Do we really need all those Instruments?

Stuart Gaunt

In 1984 Marvin Creamer became the first and only person known to have sailed around the world without instruments.  30,000 miles. 18 months.  No Chart Plotter. No Decca. No RDF. No Sextant.  No Astrolabe. No Clock. No Watch.  What made him do it?  How did he do it?  More details

Nordic Odyssey

Clive Woodman

In 2004 Clive completed a ski traverse in the arctic winter of the whole length of Norway, from Telemark to Finnmark and then sailed south from Nord Cap along the whole Norwegian coast in his 19ft Cornish Shrimper (yes, 19ft…). Clive will join us from Germany to present this remarkable story.  More details

Passage Planning, Pilotage and Yacht Delivery in the Med

Graham Thomas

In October 2016, Graham helped to crew and navigate a move of two sailing school yachts from Trapani in Sicily to San Miguel in Tenerife. The journey of approximately 2000nm takes between 4-5 weeks and included interesting offshore sailing, weather, gear failure and being in close confines for long periods. The second part of the talk has a special focus on passage planning and preparation.  More details

The talk on Edward Allcard has been postponed

Boat Building in Bucks

Rob Johnstone

Unlike many of us, GXSA member Rob Johnstone has something to show from Lockdowns 1 and 2. He will tell us about the 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.  More details

Circumnavigation of New Zealand

David and Andrea McKay

David and Andrea McKay live in Tasmania and have made several crossings to New Zealand and elsewhere in the Pacific Ocean. In this video presentation, they take us on their 2013-2014 journey around New Zealand in their steel Van De Stadt Tasman 48, Diomedea.  More details

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

Jenny Crickmore-Thompson and John Franklin

Jenny and John are GXSA members, currently in South Africa. Jenny will entertain us with some of their sailing experiences (from her point of view…).  John will explain their efforts to help ocean cruising yachts avoid the 2020 Indian Ocean cyclone season during the Covid19 restrictions.  More details

Annual General Meeting

Review of the year, AGM and future plans for the rest of 2021.

All Shipshape and Blackwall-fashion

Jeremy Batch

On the Blackwall side of the Thames, opposite the dome, lie the largest private dock in Europe and the locations of countless innovations in shipping and commerce. Jeremy will transport us through the amazing history of this part of London with his usual engaging style.  More details

Building and Arctic Sailing a Traditional Boat

Will Stirling

Stirling and Son Ltd are based in Devon and specialise in restoration and building wooden boats of all descriptions. Will Stirling will tell us about constructing his own impressive 43ft Gentleman’s Cutter and an exciting expedition in it to Jan Mayen and East Greenland.  More details

Shipwrecks of the Thames

Robert Smith

Rob will tell us about 12 ships out of the thousands that have sunk in the Thames, from a Roman cargo ship to a 17th century ship whose sinking shocked Samuel Pepys; a voyage through history that includes the ship full of explosives that is still there and a mysterious sinking in the Cold War.  More details

Do we really need all those Instruments?

Stuart Gaunt

In 1984 Marvin Creamer became the first and only person known to have sailed around the world without instruments.  30,000 miles. 18 months.  No Chart Plotter. No Decca. No RDF. No Sextant.  No Astrolabe. No Clock. No Watch.  What made him do it?  How did he do it?  More details

Nordic Odyssey

Clive Woodman

In 2004 Clive completed a ski traverse in the arctic winter of the whole length of Norway, from Telemark to Finnmark and then sailed south from Nord Cap along the whole Norwegian coast in his 19ft Cornish Shrimper (yes, 19ft…). Clive will join us from Germany to present this remarkable story.  More details

Passage Planning, Pilotage and Yacht Delivery in the Med

Graham Thomas

In October 2016, Graham helped to crew and navigate a move of two sailing school yachts from Trapani in Sicily to San Miguel in Tenerife. The journey of approximately 2000nm takes between 4-5 weeks and included interesting offshore sailing, weather, gear failure and being in close confines for long periods. The second part of the talk has a special focus on passage planning and preparation.  More details

The talk on Edward Allcard has been postponed

Boat Building in Bucks

Rob Johnstone

Unlike many of us, GXSA member Rob Johnstone has something to show from Lockdowns 1 and 2. He will tell us about the 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.  More details

Circumnavigation of New Zealand

David and Andrea McKay

David and Andrea McKay live in Tasmania and have made several crossings to New Zealand and elsewhere in the Pacific Ocean. In this video presentation, they take us on their 2013-2014 journey around New Zealand in their steel Van De Stadt Tasman 48, Diomedea.  More details

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

Jenny Crickmore-Thompson and John Franklin

Jenny and John are GXSA members, currently in South Africa. Jenny will entertain us with some of their sailing experiences (from her point of view…).  John will explain their efforts to help ocean cruising yachts avoid the 2020 Indian Ocean cyclone season during the Covid19 restrictions.  More details

Annual General Meeting

Review of the year, AGM and future plans for the rest of 2021.

The Extraordinary Voyage of Mary Bryant

John Apps

The events that led Mary Bryant to sail from Sydney to West Timor in an open boat in 1790 provide an insight to the harsh conditions in the Australian settlements then. The Royal Navy’s response and how Mary subsequently became a celebrity in England is a little-known but remarkable story. John will explain both the legend and the facts.  More details

Travels with Tilman

Bob Comlay

Bill Tilman’s achievements rank amongst the greatest in twentieth century mountaineering and high latitude sailing. Bob Comlay crewed on two of Tilman’s high latitude voyages, earning a level of trust that gives him unique insight into the character of this self-effacing legend of twentieth century exploration.   More details

Boats, Planes (and Trains)

Alastair Fischbacher

What do dinghy sailing, going to sea as a cadet and ships officer, a flying instructor, coal mining and big bulk carriers have in common? Alastair links them through his experiences, career and other events. He is now co-Chair of the Sustainable Shipping Company.   More details

High Latitude Adventures

Steve Brown

Steve Brown will tell us about his sailing and climbing expeditions to South Georgia and Antarctica undertaken during his 33,000nm circumnavigation of the Americas that began with a successful transit of the North West Passage in 2014. More details

Walking the Coasts of England and Wales

Chris O’Grady

Chris walked the coasts of England and Wales over a period from 2002 through to 2017 – including a lot of time looking at the sea! We will learn about his experiences and the sights, sites and insights he encountered. More details

Teaching Oceanography in South Africa

Isabelle Ansorge

Prof Ansorge (head of the Department of Oceanography at the University of Cape Town) makes a return visit to entertain us again with her recent exploits, focussing on the SEAmester programme to teach and inspire interest in oceanography, marine life and climate change near South Africa.  More details

The Dutch Raid on the Medway

Chris Tarratt

The Medway raid in 1667 saw a Dutch fleet sail into the Thames and attack the British fleet at anchor in the Medway, causing a panic in London and winning a victory that helped bring the second Anglo-Dutch war to an end. But the peace only lasted for a few years…   More details

The Excavation of the Mary Rose

Dawn Perrier

Dawn worked as a diver on the excavation and salvage of the wreck of the Mary Rose. She will give us a fascinating insight into how the historic objects were recovered and tell us about the recently improved Mary Rose exhibition and the work of the Mary Rose Trust.  More details

Sørlandet Tall Ship

Knut Arne Gjertsen

Sørlandet is the world’s oldest and most authentic fully-rigged ship still in active service and is operated by a non-profit foundation in Norway. Knut will tell us about the history of Sørlandet, her cruises, the management of Sailing Ventures, and the opportunities to join Sørlandet for voyages. More details

Cast off for Christmas

For GXSA members and their guests, the usual mix of short presentations about sailing incidents, photo competition, quiz and festive entertainment. More details

Paddington: Motorboating in Europe

James and Carol Littlewood

Having sailed the coastline from the Norwegian Arctic Circle to La Rochelle, James and Carol decided to visit the “inside”. In 2014 they started to explore the gutters of France, the ditches of Belgium, the canals of the Netherlands and the big waterways of Germany.  James will talk about differences between “outside and inside”, will compare locks with crocodiles and will give a us a glimpse of French champagne country and the German Mecklenburg Lakes.  More details

Seabatical – a Caribbean adventure at 30 something

Nick and Roxanne Creak

In 2018 Nick and Roxy bought a 1989 40ft Westerly in Trinidad in the hope of being able to sail to Puerto Rico and back for the Caribbean honeymoon of a lifetime.  Armed with limited experience and a can do attitude they have recently returned with a smile on their faces and many stories to tell.   More details

In the Footsteps of Shackleton

Martin Thomas

In 1915 Shackleton’s ship, the Endurance, was crushed in the ice of the Weddell Sea and sank. After drifting on the ice for 15 months, he and his men reached the uninhabited Elephant Island. He then set out on one of the most hazardous small boat journeys of all time and eventually reached South Georgia. Martin will describe his own adventure, sailing the Southern Ocean to South Georgia and then following Shackleton’s route across the mountains, the Shackleton Traverse.   More details

From Pushing Paper to Planing Planks

Nigel Morris

Sailing Small Boats to the Arctic

Alasdair Flint  

Alasdair Flint is the long-time owner of a 26ft wooden yacht called Sumara. He will talk about his penchant for sailing north to the Arctic. The talk will focus on his 2011 expedition to Jan Mayen to climb the world’s most northerly volcano but will also briefly cover his earlier sail to Spitsbergen and his recent trip to East Greenland with Will Stirling.  Alasdair will attempt to explain how careful planning, good kit and the right attitude can help mitigate some of the risks.  More details

Warrant Officer 1 Mick Gentry, Royal Navy

Mick Gentry

Mick has served for 43 years in the Royal Navy, which included 3 years Service in Her Majesty’s Royal Yacht Britannia from 1995 through to decommissioning in Dec 1997. Hear how the Royal Yacht was organised, what duty as a Royal Yachtsman entailed, and what life was like onboard. Mick will tell you of events that you will not have heard before and explain the uniqueness of Britannia in every detail.  More details

(Alastair Fischbacher talk has been postponed)

Linnea 360: a UK Circumnavigation

Alison Milne and Chris Smith

No two sailing trips around the UK are the same; in the summer of 2017 Chris and Alison, newly retired, set off in their Malo 37 Linnea on what was, for them, a voyage of discovery. As well as recounting their story, they will share some tips on what worked for them in both the planning and execution of the trip and will hopefully inspire some in the audience to take the plunge with this UK sailors’ rite of passage.  More details

Sailing Last Summer and Other Tales

Talks from GXSA Members

With so many talks from visiting speakers about their accomplishments, we might overlook the achievements and adventures of our own members. We shall hear about some of their impressive sailing exploits in the Baltic, Netherlands, France, Spain, Portugal, BVIs, Bermuda and Azores and other entertaining stories. Visitors welcome, as usual. More details

The Golden Globe Race

Barry Pickthall

Barry Pickthall is a yachting journalist and photographer who has been covering international sailing events for over forty years. A former boat builder and naval architect, he was yachting correspondent of The Times for many years and is currently the Golden Globe Race Media Coordinator. He will tell us about the Golden Globe Race past, present and future.  More details

AGM, followed by 

Review of the Year and a look forward to the coming sailing season and events.

Antarctic Antics

David Bray

David is a retired Master Mariner and an expert in dynamic positioning of vessels. He will tell us about his experiences working as Navigating Officer in the research vessel RRS “John Biscoe” in Antarctica during the 1970s. At that time, the technology was more akin to that of Shackleton and Scott than to the 21st century. He will tell us about Antarctica from the standpoint of operating a ship, including some of the more humorous episodes.  More details

Sailing in Robinetta

Julian and Alison Cable

Robinetta is a 22’6” gaff rigged wooden yacht launched in 1937 and designed for sailing the Irish Sea and Inner Hebrides.  Julian and Alison bought her in 2007 and will share their experiences cruising in this small but well-found boat, focussing on their 2016 circumnavigation of Ireland, illustrating their talk with photographs of the stunning coastline of this beautiful country.  More details

Grandads Across the Atlantic

Peter Ketley

Grandads Neil Young and Peter Ketley completed their row from Canaries to Antigua in February 2019. It took 63 days and 22 minutes, giving them the world record for the oldest pair to row across any ocean, with a combined age of 123 years (at the start…). Both had previously served in the Parachute Regiment and they raised substantial donations for veterans charities.  More details

John Rea and the Northwest Passage

Nigel Barraclough

The North West passage in the Arctic North of Canada – a fabled alternative route to the East, which has long been the subject of controversy. There were several unfounded claims of success and more importantly the true “discoverer” was vilified and never given the proper credit by the Establishment.  Nigel will talk about the history and one of the (conveniently) forgotten heroes of Arctic exploration.  More details

Maiden and other Adventures

Nikki Henderson 

Nikki Henderson became the youngest ever skipper on the Clipper Race, bringing her boat in second overall in the 2017 – 18 race. She then went on to skipper the renovated Maiden from the UK  to Sri Lanka as part of the Tracy Edwards mission to empower and educate girls as a human right and was presented this year with the Yachting Journalists’ Association Yachtsman of the Year award for 2018. She will talk about these and even more amazing experiences.   More details

Stress-free Navigation 

Duncan Wells

Following on from his successful Stress-free Sailing book and Life Saver MOB retrieval aid, local sailing instructor and author Duncan Wells extends his simple but clever approach to give us Stress-free Navigation. Plenty of amusing stories and entertainment but also valuable lessons for us all to learn.  More details

A Beginner’s Guide to the Baltic

Colin Wilson

The Baltic – arguably one of the best cruising areas in the world – and it’s almost on our doorstep. Why visit, what might you find, how can you get there, how do we get back home again, what about language, isn’t it expensive? GXSA members Colin and Tricia discovered the answers to these and many other questions during two seasons dipping their toes in Baltic waters.  More details

Rout on the Riviera – Exercise Tiger – The Slapton Sands Disaster

Paul Barnett

We are in the heart of sleepy Lyme Bay on the night of April 28th, 1944 in readiness for Operation Overlord. Considered safe in home waters a loaded convoy sets sail. But by daybreak, two ships lay on the sea bed; one limping badly damaged and 749 souls missing – a scene of total devastation. Step forward 40 years to a tranquil scene and one man’s determination…..to recover a sunken tank!  More details

Historic Yachts and National Historic Ships UK

Stuart Anderson

What does it take for a historic vessel to make it on to the National Register of Historic Vessels? Stuart will tell the stories of some of the sailing vessels, including Gypsy Moth IV and Maidie. He will also explain the Shipshape Heritage Partnership Traditional Seafarer training for specialist skills required in operating and maintaining historic sailing vessels, with a short film illustrating how these skills are passed on.  More details

Cast Off for Christmas

Members and their guests will enjoy  short presentations about sailing incidents, photo competition, quiz and festive entertainment, all accompanied by snacks and mulled wine. Bring your best pictures of the year for the photo competition, which will be in Boats and Sailing, Scenic and Humorous categories; please make prints no larger than A5. Photos will not be accepted by email this year.

Oceanography and Climate Change in the Arctic

Dr Simon Boxall

Simon is Principal Teaching Fellow in Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre at the University of Southampton. He heads up the science on the Cape Farewell programme focusing on the impact of climate change.  More details

`Allo, ‘Allo: the Story of Communications

Jeremy Batch

Jeremy will tell us how a combination of sums, soldering and stubbornness enabled Maxwell, Hertz, Marconi, Arthur C. Clarke, Julius Caesar and others to predict, prove, build and strengthen the communication systems we now take for granted, bringing us from flags and flares to VHF, SSB, G&T and GMDSS, and allowing you to see and speak with people on the other side of the world.   More details

Five days immersed in the Java Sea

Erik Vischer

Erik tells the story of his Dutch sea-faring family and their experiences during WW2 in the Dutch East Indies. His father, a 2nd Lieutenant in the Royal Dutch Marine Reserves, escaped from the Japanese in a small boat but was recaptured. The whole family was incarcerated in Japanese POW camps – Erik will recount how the sea shaped their experiences.  More details

Sailing to Svalbard

Frances and Gareth Watkins

In 2014, Gareth and Frances decided to sail from the UK to Svalbard, a remote archipelago 600 nautical miles from the North Pole. The first step was to buy a boat. By mid 2015 they had achieved their ambition and were sailing their Hallberg Rassy 352 amongst the icebergs. More details

Clipper Race – Australia to Seattle

Phil Haigh  

At the end of January 2018 Phil joined Clipper Round the World yacht ‘Visit Seattle’ in Airlie Beach to crew on two legs of the 17/18 race. Three months later he arrived in Seattle with wider shoulders, 30 days growth of beard and a strong desire never to see another Chinese sausage again.  Join him as he talks about sail repair with a hammer and a hacksaw, surfing downwind on helm at over 20kt and tying bowlines on the foredeck in 80kt of wind.  More details

Man Overboard – Could you deal with it?

Jonty Pearce

 Jonty, a retired GP and ex commodore of The Penguin Cruising Club, sails his Southerly 105 with his wife Carol from Milford Haven, and has a particular interest in MOB recovery. They contributed to a Cruising Association MOB seminar following a Yachting Monthly article ‘How an 8st woman recovers a 20st man’ and have given several lectures to sailing clubs on the subject as a result.  More details

Forgotten Craft

Diggory Rose

Diggory will talk about Boathouse 4 and the Forgotten Craft collection in the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. He will detail the work of the Portsmouth Naval Base Property Trust, the boats in the collection and the development plans for the next few years including the restoration of the Motor Gunboat 81 and the Armed Steam Cutter 26 as well as the construction of a replica of CMB4, a First World War torpedo boat.  More details

Admiral Lord Cochrane

John Apps

Remarkable story of a British Naval hero who was admired by Napoleon and was the basis for the fictional heroes in  “Hornblower” and  “Master and Commander”.   More details

Storms in the Caribbean

Bernie Smallman

Bernie will describe weather events in the Caribbean, particularly the British Virgin Islands. She will cover how she and John first visited the islands, the story of the Wreck of the Rhone and (more recently) Hurricane Irma. More details

Boat Surveys

Guy Nicholls

Marine surveyor Guy Nicholls will talk about his work on yachts, what to look for when buying a boat, how to pre-empt a full survey by looking at some key items before making an offer and how to hide blemishes when selling.  He will discuss the most frequent problems experienced, with a few examples of specific boat types and general problems that occur; mostly, how we can look after our own boats better!  More details

AGM, followed by 

Review of the Year and a look forward to the coming sailing season and events.

Marlin’s Mission

Dave Selby

Dave Selby is a passionate sailor who’s been fumbling around the east coast for years in Marlin, his 18-ft Sailfish, without dying once. In 2016 the PBO columnist set off on Marlin’s Mission to sail 340 miles up the Thames to London and on to Southampton to exhibit his boat at The Southampton Boat Show. The aim was to demonstrate that cost is no barrier to getting afloat.  More details

Ironhorse

Rosemary and Alfred Alecio

Alfred and Rosemarie Alecio, world cruisers, will first present a brief summary and comment on their 23 years of circumnavigation. This will be followed by an account of the untimely end to their adventure, when they were rescued in the Indian Ocean in 2015. More details

Islands in the Sun

John Apps

John will talk about some of the islands that he has enjoyed sailing to that will from time to time experience sunshine. Places like Bornholm, Rugen, Helgoland, Porto Santo and Rhode… He might even mention Thanet!    More details

Sharing the Solent – a Southampton Pilot’s perspective

Captain William Hargreaves

Everything you need to know about piloting large vessels in and out of Southampton, from planning to berthing and the requirements to become a Southampton pilot. Bill will tell us how it’s done and how he came to be a Senior pilot. This is your chance to meet the expert..     More details

The True Story of the African Queen

Kevin Patience

Almost everyone has seen the 1953 film ‘The African Queen’ starring Humphrey Bogart and Katherine Hepburn. The film is set in German East Africa (now Tanzania) in the First World War.  New research by Kevin has identified the real events that were adapted to make the story. These are some of the strangest naval true stories to come out of East Africa at that time.  More details

RNLI Christmas Cards will be on sale this evening – bring some money…

Vintage Boats

Jane Percival

Jane is the Commodore of the Thames Vintage Boat Club, whose members restore, maintain and use vintage boats. They also aim to keep a historical record of all traditional craft on the Thames. Her talk will include restoration of National Historic Ships, Operation Dynamo and the discovery of a missing Dunkirk Little Ship.  More details

Turn to Starboard

Shaun Pascoe

Turn to Starboard was founded by RAF Squadron Leader (Rtd) Shaun Pascoe.  The idea of using sail training to help Forces personnel overcome the challenges of transition to civilian life was inspired by Shaun’s own personal experience. This is a rewarding and uplifting story of how adversity can be turned into a very positive contribution to society.    More details

CHIRP

Ian Shields

An experienced shipmaster, Ian will provide an explanation of what ‘CHIRP’ is and its relevance to leisure users. His talk will include insights on misuse of equipment, interaction between high and low speed craft and examples of when CHIRP’s intervention has made a difference.  More details

The Defensive Towers of Britain

Stuart Gaunt

Throughout history, the tower has been the primary means of defence against attackers and invaders.  From lookout towers to battlements and sea forts. Stuart will show us how Britain has defended herself from offensive hoards in the past, present and future.  More details

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. Bring your best pictures of the year for the photo competition, which will be in Boats and Sailing, Scenic and Humorous categories; please make prints no larger than A5. Photos will not be accepted by email this year.

Shackleton – The greatest story ever told

Geoff Selley

Geoff Selley will recreate the original lantern slide lecture given by a member of Ernest Shackleton’s 1914 – 17 Antarctic Expedition. His presentation tells the extraordinary story of the survival of the ill-fated expedition using original words.  More details

Disaster Waiting – the Severn Bridge Disaster

Paul Barnett

The tragic tail of the 1960 destruction of the  Severn Bridge by two run away tankers. The talk will unravel several bridge myths and present recently unearthed documentary evidence relating to the bridge.     More details

Sailing the Baltic

John Rugg

John Rugg will tell how he and two other GXSA members brought his new boat home via the Kiel Canal, Friesian Islands and Netherlands inland waterways standing mast route. This was through the Ijsselmeer, down to the Westerscheld and back home via Dunkirk and the Channel in what became a F7.   More details

Sailing the Indian Ocean

Bob and Elaine Hazell

Bob and Elaine return from their successful circumnavigation to tell us about crossing the Indian ocean. The talk will focus on the sailing aspects, their chosen route, some of the many high points together with what went wrong and how they recovered – and the lessons learnt!   More details

First Aid at Sea

Tom Sowerby

Accessible Sailing for All

Peter May

Both from Bisham Abbey Sailing School, Tom and Peter will update us on nautical First Aid and tell us about current efforts to provide opportunities for people with a wide range of disabilities to enjoy sailing and other activities on the water.  More details

What your Navy is doing – and why it matters !

Royal Navy

A team of Officers, sailors and royal Marines, all of whom have been on active service, will explain what they do, how they do it, where they do it and what the future holds. They will be willing to answer any questions you may have. This will be followed by a short presentation by

Saved from the RNLI

John Apps 

Entering the Western Approaches with salt water  in your engine fuel system, why would you call out the RNLI just because it is blowing a gale? All you have to do is find a quiet anchorage to fix the problem. Why put the Penlee lifeboat at risk again?    More details for both talks

The Mutiny on the Bounty and the Loss of the Vergulde Draeck

Chris Tarratt

Chris will describe how these famous events happened and the survival of some of the crews.  Although more than 100 years apart, both these events are about getting to safety in an open boat over a large tract of sea.   More details

Old Father Thames: Cruising the non-tidal Thames

David Horn

Based in Marlow, GXSA members Marion and David  have explored the noble river from Teddington to the limit of navigation in their 27’ motor cruiser ‘Naiad’. David will delve into history, literature, locks, bridges, boats and wildlife while ‘cruising’ along.   More details

Battle of the Atlantic – Convoys and Corvettes

David Bray

Captain David Bray, a Master mariner, tells the story of the desperate struggle to defeat the menace of the U-boats to Atlantic Convoys in World War 2 and preserve the essential supply of food and fuel. It is a tribute to the Merchant Seamen who gave their lives manning this lifeline. More details

AGM, followed by 

Review of the Year and a look forward to the coming sailing season and events.

Agenda and more details

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Peter Bruce

Heavy Weather Sailing

Peter Bruce is a well known author having published books such as Solent Hazards, Solent and Island Tidal Streams and a newly updated 7^th edition of Heavy Weather Sailing. We look forward to learning how to deal with it and hope never to need the knowledge.  More details

Chris Tarratt

A History of Time

Chris is a retired jeweller with an abiding interest in the History of Time. He is a keen offshore yachtsman and has taught Navigation. Chris will tell us about the measurement of time over the years and how this has affected those who travel on the oceans.  More details

Richard and Cathy Brown

A Stockholm Adventure

Journalists Richard and Cathy have sailed round Britain and cruised the French Atlantic coast and north west Spain in their yacht Brave. Tonight they will tell us about equipping their new boat and sailing her in the stunning Stockholm Archipelago.   More details

Kevin Patience

Scapa Flow – Salvaging the German Imperial Navy

Kevin looks at some naval battles between Britain and Germany, the salvaging of 32 scuttled German warships and Scapa Flow as it is today. He uses contemporary photographs from  Ernest Cox, who led the difficult task, and newsreel from the 1920s and 30s.  More details

Philip Holt

Donald Campbell – Across the Lake

Phil will review the life of Donald Campbell, the only man to hold both the world land and water speed records in the same year. A behind the scenes look at that fateful day in January 1967 on Coniston Water to find the cause of the crash and a look at the current recovery of both Bluebird and Donald himself.   More details

Richard Thomas

The Story of the Panama Canal

Richard will cover the four centuries of endeavour that started with Christopher Columbus in 1502 to build transport links across the 50-mile isthmus at Panama. The story culminates with the opening of the Panama Canal in 1914, and the 21st century improvements.  More details

Commodore Gerry Thwaites RN

The Royal Yacht – a bygone era

Commodore Thwaites served 34 years in the Royal Navy, much of it in Submarines.  In the early 90s he was appointed Senior Engineer of the Royal Yacht Britannia. This talk looks into the day to day life on board “The Yacht” serving the Royal Family.   More details

Rick Lawrence

2015/16 Round the World Clipper Race

Rick will talk about his once in a life-time experiences on Garmin, one of the twelve 15/16 Round the World Clipper yachts. He raced through hurricanes and freezing conditions. Over 12,000 miles from China to Seattle and on to New York via Panama.    More details

Dr Chris Willard

Birds of the Solent

Chris, a bird watcher from the age of 8 and keen sailor, has lived half a mile from the Western Solent shore for 40 years.   He will introduce us to the wonderful range of  birds which might be seen anywhere along the 48 miles of Solent Shores.  More details

AGM, followed by

Review of the Year and a look forward to the coming sailing season and events.

Elaine and Bob Hazell

From Kiwis to Orangutans

Elaine and Bob are on a Round the World Odyssey, and taking the time out to tell GXSA all about it. Their second leg took them from New Zealand to Borneo.  A fantastic tale of global adventure.     More details

Colin van Geffen

Nelson and HMS Victory – Their Lives and Times

HMS Victory is best remembered as Nelson’s flagship at Trafalgar in 1805. Speaker and artist Colin van Geffen returns to describe key successes and failures of two of our best known historical icons. We hear how their paths crossed, culminating at Trafalgar – and what followed.  More details

Helen Doe

Cornwall – a Maritime History

Cornwall has the longest coastline of any county in England and Wales and is the most maritime of counties. From pirates to privateers and from wars to world trade, Cornwall’s heritage is  much more than just Tin and Fish ! More details

The Confessional – If I Had Known Then, What I know Now…

Bernie Smallman & Stuart Gaunt

Sailing is an education that we frequently forget.  This evening the floor is open to members with interesting stories to tell that will prevent other people having similar Adventures.  How many stories do you have?  We start the ball rolling with “Bernie’s Summer” and “Stuart sails to Guernsey”.  More details

Bob and Elaine Hazell

Hongs and Pagodas

Elaine and Bob are back to describe the third leg of their journey around the world on Pipistrelle, before they fly away to start “Leg Four”.  Singapore, Penang, Thailand, Myanmar and lots more in this passage.    More details

Peter Poole – Oilskins that I have known

Mary Allan – A summer of joy,  …nearly

Two GXSA members speaking this week. Amazingly, Peter still owns all the waterproofs he ever purchased and will tell us their stories. Mary will tell us about a lovely summer trip up the west coast of England, via Ireland and Scotland, that didn’t go completely to plan…    More details

John Barry

The How and Why of Tides

Tides have a major effect on our time on the water and vary greatly around the world. Why do they happen and how do different tidal periods arise. How are tide tables predicted and why are the tidal streams always in the wrong direction for us..?   More details

Bob Shepton

Sailing and Climbing

Rev. Bob Shepton returns to give us an account of a further expedition, sailing and climbing in Greenland and Baffin Island with his team of star top climbers. The talk is presented with slides and an excellent film of the expedition.   More details

Malcolm Thorpe

Bembridge Harbour

Bembridge harbour – Visited by Many,  Known by Few.  Malcolm and his wife Fiona bought the harbour in 2011. He will tell us about the history and future of this important part of English heritage.  More details

Bernie and Stuart

Cast-Off for Christmas

All the usual fun and entertainment for GXSA members and their guests, with mulled wine. Photo competition in Boats and Sailing, Scenic and Humorous categories; please make prints no larger than A5.  Click here for GXSA Song lyrics

Jeremy Batch

Going Boldly – Across, Beneath and Beyond the Ocean

One of our favourite speakers, Jeremy returns to entertain us with a wide ranging and amusing account of marine historical developments that we all take for granted today.   More details

Giles Milton

Nathaniel’s Nutmeg and Fascinating Footnotes in History

Historian Giles wrote of the sea battles, brutality and skulduggery between the British and Dutch as they fought to control the eastern spice trade when nutmeg was worth more than gold, and tells of fascinating footnotes that make our past so intriguing.  More details

Graham Anthony

“Sorely Tried”- the story of HMS Beagle, Fitzroy and Darwin

The role of the Royal Navy was changing rapidly when ‘Beagle’ was launched in 1820. Graham explains how the Beagle voyages led to a nautical infrastructure that now allows us to roam the seas happily and safely.   More details

Stuart Carruthers and Gus Lewis

Future of UK Cruising – from the RYA

Stuart is RYA Cruising Manager and Gus is Head of Legal and Government Affairs. They will explain the wide variety of contributions the RYA makes on our behalf with government and regulatory issues. Find out what are the most frequent enquiries and how we get good value from the RYA…   More details

Nigel Sharp

Dunkirk Little Ships plus Wartime Leisure Sailing

Commodore of St Mawes Sailing Club, Nigel is a lifelong sailor. He spent 35 years in the boatbuilding industry before becoming a freelance marine writer and photographer. The recent 75th anniversary of the Dunkirk rescue, described in his book Dunkirk Little Ships, makes this an excellent time to learn all about it.  More details

Paul Farrell

Summer cruises on Amoret

GXSA member Paul finally got to visit the Azores!  He will tell us about his voyages on Tony Firth’s Amoret, focussing on last summer’s cruise taking in Spain, Portugal and the passage home from the Azores.  More details

Stephen Taylor

Edward Pellew

Edward Pellew, captain of the legendary Indefatigable, was the greatest British frigate captain in the age of sail. Left fatherless at age eight, he fought his way from the very bottom of the navy to fleet command. His biographer Stephen Taylor, an accomplished author, tells us the remarkable story.  More details

Linda Crewe-Gee

Girl’s Guide to the Southern Ocean

Linda joined a small crew on a traditional Dutch tall ship for a voyage from Auckland across the Southern Ocean via Cape Horn to the Falkland Islands. Wild weather, hard physical work and occasional mishaps make this an inspiring story.  More details

Colin van Geffen

Calshot – a Place in Time

Colin explains the history of Calshot Castle and the Spit, from Saxon times to the present day.  It has been used  by the Army, Navy, Air Force and Coastguard in peacetime and at war. Pirates, smugglers, ship-wrecks, submarines and much more.   More details

AGM, followed by

John Dawson – Brittany or Bust

GXSA members John Dawson and Bernie Smallman enjoyed a recent trip to Brittany on Burnadebt. John had been planning a cruise there since he was a teenager. Last year they finally spent some time there…..     More details

Professor Carl Ross

How Deep the Ocean ? – Advances in Submarine Structures

The importance of underwater exploration and challenges in making structures and vessels capable of exploring the great depths will be explained. Opportunities for retrieving vast quantites of methane fuel, for military activity and for applying similar engineering techniques in exploration of other planets will be discussed. Prof Ross has promised that no maths will be presented in the lecture!..    More details

Duncan Wells

Single Handed Sailing Techniques

GXSA member Duncan explains bullet-proof techniques for departing and returning to the dock, anchoring with confidence and getting an incapacitated casualty in the water back on board when short-handed, plus many other tips.  More details

Colin van Geffen

Flying Boats of Southampton

Colin takes us back to the Golden Years of the commercial flying boat era, when Southampton and its Empire flying boats led the world. He takes us from the beginnings in 1913 to the swansong in the 50s and later.   More details

Chris Smith and Cocky Taanman

Unlikely Places: Albania and Ukraine

Chris would like to know why he met only six other cruising yachts during his two weeks in Albanian waters. Is it the mines (6,000 destroyed in 2013), the lack of yacht-friendly harbours or just the reputation?  In contrast the Ukraine, now forbidden, made wonderful sailing for them in 2012.     More details

Julia Jones

Ghost in the Cabin; Sailing Arthur Ransome’s Peter Duck

Julia is an accomplished author. When she was 3-years-old, her father bought the wooden sailing ketch Peter Duck, which she now owns. She will tell us about how her experiences have encouraged her to focus on children’s adventure stories.  More details

Steve Huxley and Damien Oliver

Coastguard: latest organisation and new Helicopters

Paul Barnett

Purton Ships Graveyard

Jimmy Cornell

Atlantic crossing planning and an Arctic voyage

Having just completed a 10,000 miles voyage on his new yacht Aventura that took him from London to Greenland, Arctic Canada, Newfoundland, US east coast and the Bahamas, Jimmy will tell us about voyage planning, the new Atlantic Odyssey rally and some of his experiences.  More details

Capt Ian McNaught

From Cruise Liners to Trinity House

With 40 years maritime experience, having been Master of the QE2 and Queen Victoria in his day job at Cunard before joining Seabourn, Ian then became Executive Director and now Deputy Master of Trinity House. He will tell us about these roles and he has some fascinating stories to tell.  More details

Cast Off for Christmas

Members evening of short talks and festive fun

Presentations by GXSA Members

Part 1  Steve Daish – What could possibly go wrong? The perils of yacht delivery

Part 2  Bernie Smallman – Antarctica in Comfort. South Georgia, the Falklands and Cape Horn   More details

David Brook

RNLI Poole Lifeboat building

David leads 400 staff who design, build and repair RNLI lifeboats. He will explain how their engineering capability keeps the Search and Rescue service going and tell us about the new all-weather Lifeboat Centre in Poole, in which future Lifeboats will be built and maintained.   More details

Rob Johnstone

Remember to turn left this time

We last heard about Vagabond when Rob left her at Balvicar after part 1 of his single handed circumnavigation of Britain. Now the rest of the tale includes a near capsize off Wells, confusion off Aberdeen, a raid through the Caledonian Canal and fog off the Old Man of Hoy.    More details

Colin Gent

Former GXSA member Colin will tell us about the engineering and armaments of Destroyers and their roles in escorting convoys and troop ships. This is backed up by stories of his own experience as an Electrical Engineer aboard HMS Caprice (a CA Class destroyer) in the Far East.   More details

James Littlewood

River cruising in Western Europe

After 60,000 adventurous sea miles, James Littlewood has replaced his yacht with a 13m steel motor boat. He expected the change from sailing to provide a relaxing time on the inland waterways of Europe. He now considers “worse things happen at sea” to be a myth!    More details

John Apps

The Glory of the Ride

He’s back, after 2 years and 26,000 Miles in his Rival 34. True to his motto “Passage Plans rarely survive the first Gale”, John Apps has sailed to Greenland, Brazil, Cape Town (twice..) the Southern Ocean, St Helena, Ascension Island and the Azores.    More details

Terry Corner

RNLI Top Tips for Boaters and some Rescues from Harwich

Simon Fraser

The Grand Tour

How Simon took his 43ft Hallberg Rassy from Chatham to Denmark through the inland waterways of Belgium and the Netherlands, all with the mast up. An enjoyable journey through picturesque towns, Nordeney and the Kiel and Eider Canals.    More details

Ken Endean

Four men in a boat

The story of some remarkable yachting in peace and war. Ken Endean has published books and written for the yachting press for many years and he is also interested in maritime history. This talk presents a fascinating true story with the action shifting from sailing to all-out war and back again. More details

Tom Cunliffe

Pilot Cutters Under Sail

Pilot cutters were amongst the most seaworthy and beautiful craft ever built. Distinguished yachtsman Tom Cunliffe explains what brought them such an enviable reputation.  More details

John Franklin

St Peter’s to Saint Pierre

Commodore of the OCC and GXSA member, John will tell us about recent cruising with his wife Jenny in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland in their yacht, Al Shaheen.  More details

Bill Cumming

Scottish Clippers

Maritime historian Bill Cumming describes the development of these fast trading merchant ships built in Scotland from the late 18th century.       More details

Jonathan Lewis

Around the UK in the motor boat Gralian.

Distinguished film maker Jonathan Lewis describes the restoration of motor cruiser Gralian and the experience of cruising in the Baltic and round the UK.     More details

Gil Sharp

Clipper Round the World Yacht Race  –  A Grandmother realises her racing dreams.

Gil Sharp describes the joy and deprivation of the Clipper race, including the Southern Ocean, the Sydney to Hobart race and the North Atlantic.    More details

Tim Barker

Bipolar Cruising – The Adventures of Mina² from the Arctic to the Antarctic

Mina² is one of the few amateur yachts to have sailed into both the Arctic Circle and down to Antarctica. Storms, ice and great scenery..   More details

Sara Atkinson

Sea Biscuits and Lido Cakes

Roger Taylor

Creating and Sailing an Arctic Mini-cruiser

Roger Taylor describes the re-construction of Mingming II, an Achilles 24, for high latitude sailing and describes her maiden voyage.    More details

Cast Off for Christmas

Festive evening of short talks by GXSA members

Mulled wine, mince pies and other treats – a little earlier than usual this year

Bob Shepton

The North West Passage – twice. Madness?

2013 Apollo/Yachting Journalists’ Association Yachtsman of the year, Bob Shepton returns to tell us about his latest exploits and his new book – Addicted to Adventure.  More details

Invaders, Explorers and Shipbuilders – Jeremy Batch

Entertaining account of early ship building on the Thames and Medway plus … Why was the Archbishop of Canterbury murdered at Greenwich Yacht Club? How did the Dutch sneak up the Medway to raid Chatham and how did Olaf the Viking make London Bridge fall down?

More Detail…

Shackleton:   Death or Glory  – CANCELLED
Sebastien Coulthard and Alexander Kumar

Expedition crew member Sebastien Coulthard and expedition doctor Alexander Kumar describe the preparation, planning and challenges in successfully recreating Shackleton‘s famous escape from Elephant Island in Antarctica to South Georgia in early 2013.

More Detail…

Keep Turning Left:   Job Done! – Dylan Winter

By making films from a small boat and visiting the harbours, estuaries and shallow spots other UK circumnavigators sweep past, Dylan Winter captures the real feeling of sailing. The highways and byways of the East coast as far north as the Firth of Forth provide an enjoyable evening of great films, wit and chat.

More Details…

A Tale of Two Cities – Martin & Shân Alexander

Ups and downs of the participation of Spirit of Avalon in the 2012 Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Pageant fleet in London and crossing the Channel in 2013 to explore the Seine to Paris and beyond. Presented together with accompanying GXSA members: Ben Benest, Roger Havelock and Philip Young.

More Details…

Port of London Authority and role of the Harbour Master 
Steve Rushbrook

Steve is Deputy Harbour Master Upper, responsible for Teddington to Crossness, including the second biggest port in the UK and the busiest inland waterway for freight. He will talk about the challenges of navigating the Thames – including some rather hair–raising stories

More Details…

Round Britain with the Old Gaffers – Sue Lewis

Not all the boats were old, or even gaff–rigged, but twenty boats sailed round Britain last summer to celebrate 50 years of the Old Gaffers Association, of which Sue is Secretary. Sue and her husband Howard sailed on their gaff cutter Bonify; good experiences, photos and tips.

More Details…

Butterflies, Bulls and Blarney – John & Freda Andrews

Returning for a third presentation of Qwyver’s remarkable 6 year sail round the world, John and Freda focus this time on Islands in the North Atlantic, which make a splendid finale to their voyage. We can think of going to some of these places too!

More Details…

Through University on a 23ft boat, sailing near and far 
Joe Pearce

Joe was a student at Aberystwyth, and tells how he came to spend his student life living on board a small boat. We shall also hear about his adventurous trip down to his home on the Isle of Wight and a trip to Greenland.

More Details…

Pierhead Painters – Claudia Myatt

The story of the 19th century harbour–side artists who earned a living by painting ships as they anchored and then selling the paintings to the ship’s captains. Accomplished artist Claudia Myatt explains from an artist’s and a sailor’s viewpoint.

More Details…

AGM, followed by Rallies and Events 2013 – Stuart Gaunt

A whistle stop tour through the GXSA social events from 2013 and a look forward to our plans for summer 2014. Enjoy re–living the fun and experiences, or see what you missed.

Circle Line: Around London in a small boat – Steffan Meyric Hughes

Portsmouth and Southampton: a maritime contrast
Graham Horn

A Life Under and Over the Waves – 
Stephen Golliker

Sailing around the UK – Against the Clock 
Gordon Harold

U-boats, Giant Waves and Climate Change –
Isabel Ansorge

All about Ropes – Justin Jones

Rum, Sodomy and the Lash – Martin Thomas

Caribbean Cruising without a budget – 
John Gorrie

Sailing and boat maintenance – Vyv Cox

Cast Off for Christmas

Child of the Sea – Doina Cornell

A Caribbean experience – Ray Bridges

From Sadler to Starlight – Nigel Thomas

On top of the World: studying the Arctic Ocean – Helen Johnson

Circumnavigation of Sweden – Roger Mustoe

From Oars to Jet Propulsion – Jeff Carter

From City Streets of the Open Seas – Nick Beck

All About Ropes – Julian Tucker

Vagabond wanders round Britain – Rob Johnstone

AGM followed by a film presentation: 
‘Keep Turning Left’ – Dylan Winter

Annual Dinner – Beaconsfield Golf Club

Ruffling the Parrot’s Feathers: 
10,000 miles across the Pacific – John Apps

New England Sailing – Roger Shaw

Cruising in the Adriatic – Stuart Bradley

Rowing the Atlantic in support of Human Rights – Debbie Beadle

Marine Accident Investigation – Nick Hance

Adventures in the Ice – Dick Turnbull

Sailing down the Danube in Sea Griffin – Neil Lynn

The Making of a Yachtsman’s Pilot – Dick Holness

The Shetland Bus – Stephen Howarth

Cast Off for Christmas

Navigation: From Galileo to Galileo – Jeremy Batch

Sydney to Hobart Race 2006 – Charles Sandison

Cruising to Norway and the Arctic Circle 
James & Carol Littlewood

Recent Marine Science Discoveries – Anna Hickman

The Last Blue Water Rally – John Hazell

Racing and RORC – Peter Rutter

Admiral Robert Fitzroy, first Head of the Met Office 
Gordon Tripp

Scilly Pleasures and Precautions – Ken Endean

Sailing Atlantic and Pacific – Bob Hazell

AGM : followed by 
The Creation of the Bell Rock Lighthouse 1807–11 
Roland Paxton

Unique Hurtigruten – Lucy Hone

Qwyver Travels On – John Andrews and Freda Haylett

White Nights in the Baltic – Douglas Addison

Cruising the Wild West – Robert Fellowes

National Historic Ships Society – Martyn Heighton

The Plimsoll Line – Nicolette Jones

The RYA: the best possible Life Sentence – James Stevens

GXSA MasterClass On Ocean Sailing

Sydney to Hobart Race 2006 – Charles Sandison

Traditional Boatbuilding on the Thames – Colin Henwood

Cast Off for Christmas

Unique Hurtigruten – Lucy Hone

Qwyver Travels On – John Andrews and Freda Haylett

White Nights in the Baltic – Douglas Addison

Cruising the Wild West – Robert Fellowes

National Historic Ships Society – Martyn Heighton

The Plimsoll Line – Nicolette Jones

The RYA: the best possible Life Sentence – James Stevens

GXSA MasterClass On Ocean Sailing

Sydney to Hobart Race 2006 – Charles Sandison

Traditional Boatbuilding on the Thames – Colin Henwood

Cast Off for Christmas

World Cruising Destinations – Jimmy Cornell

An Atlantic Crossing – Ray Bridges

Around the World – Rory McDougall

The RNLI : An insider’s View – Paul Boissier

How to Write a Sea Story – Sam Llewellyn

Europe’s Waterways: Down the Danube 
Philip and Phyl Cook

Cruising the Western Isles
David Horn and Rob Johnstone

Sailing the North Aegean Sea
Karin and Andrew Wilkinson

Jester Challenge 2010 – John Apps

45th Annual Dinner at Buckinghamshire Golf Club, Denham

London’s More Important River

Jeremy Batch

Beneath the Stars at the North Pole

Eric Brossier

The Dance of the Little Green Dots

Alan Watson

Le Four to La Rochelle

Liz and Mick Wigfield

Two Summers in the Baltic

James and Carol Littlewood

The Moody Story

David Moody

Saturday Special – Boat Electrics
A Day with Art Butler

History of Royal Flying

Graham Laurie

Polynesian Catamaran Design and the Lapita Voyage. 
James Wharram

Round the Big Island

John Rugg and John Gorrie

Cast off for Christmas

Quyvers Travels

John Andrews and Freda Haylet

Voyages to New Zealand

Melville Errington

Olympic Sailing, Qingdao 2008 to Portland 2012

Dick Batt

Classic Yachts through the Camera Lens

Kathy Mansfield

RYA First Aid Course at Hedgerley Village Hall

Oceanography of the Southern Ocean

Dr Isabelle Ansorge

The Merchant Navy in the Battle for the North Atlantic 

Richard Woodman

The Around the World Yacht Race

David Cusworth, Clipper Ventures

Italian Connection, from Malta to Nice

Bernie Smallman and John Dawson

Experiences as a Yachtmaster Instructor

Duncan Wells

An Atlantic Short-Circuit

Tony Firth

“Rough Pilotage and Rough Water” – Ken Endean

Helicopter Round Britain, Coastal Views – Colin Lewis

View from the Bridge – Captain Colin Johnston

A Memorable Passage – Member’s Evening.

Weather – Norman Lynagh

Four cruises of the “Grampus” – Chris Woodwark

Saturday Special – Radio Controlled Yachts

World Circumnavigation in a Westerly 41 – Bernard Clarke

King Alfred and Limehouse – Jeremy Batch

Solent Archaeology – Brandon Mason

Cast off for Christmas

The Minimum Boat – Sam Llewellyn

Dances with Whales and Weather – John Apps

Sailing in the Caribbean – Richard Snell and Martin Alexander

Classic Yachts through the Camera Lens – Kathy Mansfield.

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

Meandering through the Midi – Don and Jacky Wark

Saturday Special – Boat Electrics
A Day with Art Butler

Overlord – Bob Hazell

A Passion for the Sea – Jimmy Cornell

Holly’s circumnavigation of Britain in 1994 – Peter Poole

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

Annual Dinner at Beaconsfield Golf Club

A life on the Ocean Wave – John Goode

Women who built warships – Helen Doe

My Favourite Anchorage

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

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

To Russia with Love – Jonathan Walmsley

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

Weather, IT and Gipsy Moth IV

Going West slowly: Falmouth to the Canaries – Simon Fraser

Cast off for Christmas

The Rise and Fall of Westerly Boatbuilding

Medical Emergencies at Sea

Further adventures of ‘Cresswell Jenny’ in Turkey and Greece

JourneyMaker 5. Tilman Trophy Winner – 3 Peaks Race

Building and cruising a modern gaffer

Atlantic Crossing

Cruising in the “Golden Years” after racing

I’m not waving it, I’m drying it – Sailing in the Gulf

AGM – followed by Memories of the Falklands War

Annual Dinner at Dachet Water Sailing Club

Uffa Fox Association

SS Terra Nova – Whaler, Sealer and Polar Exploration Ship

From North Atlantic Drama to South Atlantic High

Laying-up Supper

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

High Barbaree to the Baltic and back

A New Future for the Sailing Barge Cambria

Singlehanded round the world ‘vertically’

Shenanigan in the Hebrides

Cast off for Christmas

The Baltic via the Waddenzee and Wattfahrwassers

Jester Challenge – Transatlantic Race

Roscoff to La Rochelle

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

The Cruising Association Victory Rally around Britain

Sailing with Gipsy Moth IV on the East Coast of Australia

A Cruise to the Magical Fjords of Norway

Mutiny, Murder & Mayhem: the 1797 Spithead Mutiny

In the Wake of Ernest Shackleton

AGM – Followed by a talk by Club member Ken Moss

Annual Dinner – Datchet Water Sailing Club

Channel Islands and North Brittany

Portsmouth Harbour and the Solent

2004/5 Global Challenge – Imagine it Done

Laying up Supper

The Adventures of the ARC

The Extraordinary Voyages of Captain James Cook

Triumph and Tragedy – tales from Artic Greenland

CSS Alabama 1862 -1864

30 Years Before the Mast

Cast off for Christmas

Vagabond’s Circum-Polar Navigation

Roundabout the Mediterranean

Birds of the Solent and Isle of Wight

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.

Travelling the European Inland Waterways

Marine Electrics

Feb Radar Course

Great Maritime Festivals of Brest and Douarnenez

West Coast of Ireland

Turkey for Christmas

AGM andThe Falkirk Wheel

Annual Dinner — Little Ship Club

Windfarms, the ICC and Electronic Navigation

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.

ATour of Ireland and the Creation of a Digital Log

Trip to Greenwich Maritime Museum

Cast Off for Trafalgar Supper

A Nice Cup of Tea .

The Exploits of Stokey Woodall and the Atlantic Islands

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.

Saturday Special. – Survival at Sea

Beating Wrinkles – Not just a Salty Sea Dog Tale.

The RiverThames Society

Cast Off for Christmas

Start of Spring Programme

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.

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.

“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.

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.

CARIBBEAN CAPERS

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

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.

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.

SATURDAY SPECIAL ON RADAR

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

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

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.

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 .

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”.

A Journey to Spain and Portugal

A Land of Snow and Ice

Sweden’s Secret Shore

Disaster and Opportunity

Seabed types, their formation, and stability.

Sailing without Legs

Navigation made easy

A Day Out Down South

Let the wrecks of others be your Seamarks

Caribbean to Cape Cod

Cast Off for Christmas

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.

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.

SEPTUAGENARIAN CROSSES ATLANTIC SINGLE HANDED

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.

TEN DAYS BEFORE THE MAST

PALMERSTON FOLLIES

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’.

First Aid Practical Course

…in order to update certificates. Tutor-Peter Pocock.

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.

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.

AGM followed by BUILDING A MARINERS LIBRARY

Rod Paton, a Club member, will give us ideas for building a Mariners Library.

DINNER AT THE ROYAL THAMES YACHT CLUB, KNIGHTSBRIDGE

Our Speaker will be David Pitman, Secretary of the ‘J Class yachts’.

PRACTICAL BOAT OWNER

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.

RESCUED AT SEA

Nick Harper (GXSA Member’s son) tells of an accident at sea whilst racing and the subsequent rescue by the RNLI.

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 .

BUILDING A HUNTER 31

GXSA member Ian Cox tells us of his “trials and tribulations” whilst building a 2nd yacht in his front garden.

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 SPECIAL

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

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.

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.

CRUISING THE OUTER HEBRIDES

Alec Mcpherson describes a cruise with “Bagpipes and Kilt”.

CAST OFF FOR CHRISTMAS

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

‘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.

AGM

Annual Dinner at Hazlemere Golf Club

LOWESTOFT LIFEBOAT

RESTORING AND SAILING “GUIDE ME”

SEA BIRDS’ SECRET LIVES

SAILING IN THE WORLD’S LARGEST SQUARE RIGGED SHIP

FROM COMPETENT CREW TO YACHTMASTER (AND MUCH MORE)

GETTING THE BEST FROM YOUR SAILS

SAILING, CLIMBING AND SKI MOUNTAINEERING IN GREENLAND

CRUISING THE PACIFIC SOCIETY ISLANDS

PACIFIC HIGHLIGHTS

CAST-OFF FOR CHRISTMAS

VOYAGE ROUND EAST ANGLIA

WEATHER FORECASTING FOR YACHTING IN THE NEW MILLENNIUM

ROUND SPAIN AND PORTUGAL TO THE MEDITERRANEAN

GET-YOU-HOME TECHNIQUES

THE ‘J’ CLASS YACHTS

EXTENDED CRUISING IN A LIVE-ABOARD WAYFARER

GOING DUTCH

SAILING THE SQUARE-RIGGER, STA ‘STAVROS S NIARCHOS’

BALTIC CRUISE TO RUSSIA AND BEYOND

AGM AND OPEN FORUM

ANNUAL DINNER – AT HAZLEMERE GOLF CLUB

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.

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.

YACHTMASTER TUTORIAL TALES

Michael Hindley of the RYA tells of the trials and tribulations of examining would-be Yachtmasters.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

CAST OFF FOR CHRISTMAS.

Members’ chance to amuse, inform or confess.

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.

VIBRATION & NOISE SUPPRESSION.

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

REAL RESCUES.

Tony Glaze, RNLI Coxswain, recounts real life drama in tales of actual rescues.

SATURDAY SPECIAL – FLARE DEMONSTRATION.

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

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.

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….

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.

SEEKING SCENERY, SECLUSION AND SINGLE MALTS!

Association member Peter Poole cruises western Scotland and the distilleries.

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.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AND OPEN FORUM.

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

ANNUAL DINNER.

At the Bell House Hotel, Gerrards Cross.

CRUISING CHILE.

John and Fay Garey tell of their year exploring coastal and inland Chile, from the sub-tropical south to the desert north. And why we should all remember Chiloe

MUD IN THE BLOOD.

Colin Jarman – journalist, author and sailor – recalls his upbringing and exploits on sailing our East Coast.

MEMBER’S NIGHT.

1. Ted Sutton recalls his first Channel crossing at the beginning of a very steep learning curve!
2. John Pell returns with more tales of keeping ‘UBIN’ in his favourite parts of

TESTING TIMES ON YACHTS.

David Harding, yachting journalist and photographer, tells of his work with the sailing monthlies.

FORGET COWES WEEK – THIS IS FERRET NIGHT!

Have a flutter on the Furry Flyers to raise funds for the RNLI and GXSA. Or sponsor a race or runner, or just come for the fun!

SATURDAY SPECIAL-SELDEN MASTS, SOUTHAMPTON.

A visit to Europe’s biggest spar manufacturer.

NARROWBOAT FROM LECHLADE TO LIMEHOUSE.

Airline pilot Richard Poad changes speed from Boeing to narrowboat and draws upon twenty years of Thames navigation to take us from (almost) source to sea.

HMS WARRIOR.

Val Fontana, historian and senior guide to the Warrior, tells his story of this ship which marked the end of the Royal Navy’s days of sail.

ROPE YARNS.

The inimitable Des Pawson talks of ropes and knots.

A GUIDE TO NEW GADGETRY.

For ALL the crew! Jolyon Martin of Raytheon joins us for an evening of discussion and hands-on practice with the latest electronic equipment for small boats. Try before you buy.

CAST OFF FOR CHRISTMAS.

Your chance to amuse, inform or confess!!

BLUE WATER PREPARATION.

FROM LIMPETS TO LEVIATHANS.

Vicki Billings, marine biologist, diver and member of the Marine Conservation Society, talks about the life under our keels.

NORDIC SAGA.

Barry Meacham, association member, gives an illustrated talk on his idyllic 1999 cruise from Inverness to Bergen, Oslo and Marstrand, and its planning.

CHINA CRUISE.

Dave Lane, association member, has been travelling again and returns to tell of his cruise through the Yangtse Gorges to Hankow.

THE STUPIDITY OF YOUTH.

Peter Poland of Hunter Boats tells of his early crossing of the Atlantic in a twenty-five foot yacht.

WORLD WAYFARING.

Margaret and Frank Dye show how to widen your dinghy sailing horizons and tell of their own distant exploits.

R.N.L.I. SEA CHECK.

Guy Addington of the R.N.L.I. introduces the new safety scheme for all craft. Want a free inspection? Here’s how

VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE.

After his ‘Ferry to the Falklands’ talk last year, Master Mariner Chris Clarke returns to share cross channel experiences and some of the problems facing modern ferry skippers.

THE MATTHEW

America’s Cup yacht designer David Alan-Williams recounts his experience as Master of the Matthew on the 500th anniversary re-creation of Cabot’s voyage to Canada.

SATURDAY SPECIAL – WORLD NAVAL BASE VISIT.

By popular request, a return visit to the ‘World Naval Base’ and ropeworks at Chatham Dockyards.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING.

MILLENNIUM ANNUAL DINNER.

A CRUISE AROUND BRITAIN.

Ken Shaw, association member, on his sail around Britain in 1998 “by Orkney and by Wrath and by Corryvreckan too.”

CURRENT CHARTING.

Jeremy Davies-Webb, of U.K. Hydrographic Office, explains the background to modern charting methods, digital charts and their use by the leisure sailor.

A WHOLE HEAP OF JUNK.

With the emphasis on self-built boats and Chinese Junks, Lynda Chidell discusses the merits of cruising as a way of life.

LIFE RAFT SPECIAL.

Graham Gardner, of Suffolk Sailing and Liferafts, returns for this practical hands-on life raft demonstration in the pool and tips on cold water survival. A MUST for serious cruisers.

CRUISING AROUND DENMARK.

Karin Wilkinson and Andrew Walker, association members, describe their 4 month cruise to and around Denmark – visiting the Friesian Islands, the Kiel Canal, the Baltic and Bornholm.

METEOROLOGY.

A visit to the Meteorological Office, Bracknell.

GREENLAND 1998 – IN THE STEPS OF TILMAN.

Atlantic storms, a knockdown, mountain summits, ice routes – the Rev. Bob Shepton, winner of the Tilman medal, recounts them all.

FROM CONCEPTION TO BERTH.

David Marsh, from Motor Boat and Yachting, takes us through the design and building processes involved in getting a contemporary production boat from drawing board to water.

THE MYSTERY OF NAPOLEON’S DEATH SOLVED!

Association member, Wolfgang Ansorge, talks about his voyages in the South

Atlantic and to the island of St. Helena, which lead to an amazing find.

BRISTOL DOCKS.

A visit to the S. S. Great Britain and The Matthew, ending at Harvey’s Wine Cellar for Sherry tasting.

THE WIND IS FREE.

Noel Dilly advises whether we need a sail or a mechanical device.

THE RIGHT BOAT FOR THE RIGHT JOB.

James Jermain, yachting authority, editor and journalist discusses the alternatives.

CAST OFF FOR CHRISTMAS.

Your chance to amuse, inform or confess.

THE UPS AND DOWNS OF OCEAN RACING.

John Chittenden describes the ups & downs of racing both ways around the world.

FERRY TO THE FALKLANDS.

Master Mariner, Capt Chris Clark, recounts events in 1982 when his •cross channel ferry was requisitioned to help recapture the Falklands.

THE WHITBREAD ON BRUNEL SYNERGIE

Stuart Quarrie on racing in the Whitbread on a low budget – only $4.5m.

HISTORY BENEATH THE SEA.

The maritime archaeology of the Solent area by Brian Sparks and Gary Momber of the Hants and Wight Trust for Maritime Archaeology.

FIRST AID AT SEA.

Dr. Robert Hadley advises on the First Aid Kit and how to use it plus dealing with head injuries.

R.Y.A. FIRST AID PART II.

The remainder of the course for the R.Y.A. First Aid certificate which includes dealing with emergencies.

A TRIBUTE TO BRITANNIA.

John Godfrey describes Britannia’s last voyage to Portsmouth and her decommissioning.

AROUND THE WORLD THE WRONG WAY.

Glyn Hughes, Association member, relates his experiences on the B.T. Challenge.

OWL TO IRELAND.

Peter Bruce on cruising to Southern Ireland and a visit to anchorages known and less well known.

COOKERY FOR SAILORS.

A practical course on preparing one-pot meals.

THE RIGHT BOAT FOR THE RIGHT JOB.

James Jermain, of Yachting Monthly, discusses the alternatives.

OUTBOARDS

A practical course on servicing small outboards.

ALONE ACROSS THE ATLANTIC – AGAIN!

Following her recent success in the Route du Rhum, Ellen MacArthur returns to recount her latest adventures.

A.G.M.

ANNUAL DINNER AND PRIZE GIVING.

A STOPPING TRIP ACROSS THE SOUTH PACIFIC.

THAMES TRADITIONAL BOATS.

REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE OF G.R.P.

ALONE ACROSS THE ATLANTIC – AT 21.

DESIDERATA CRUISES HOME

COASTGUARD SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATION ON THE SOUTH COAST.

RACING ROUND THE WORLD.

THE TWO R’s OF SAILING – REEFING AND RIGGING.

SOLENT COASTGUARD STATION.

FRENCH AFFAIRS

ADVANCED CRUISING AND BOAT HANDLING TECHNIQUES.

CAST OFF FOR CHRISTMAS

EPISODES FROM THE DAYS OF SAIL

An illustrated lecture by Adrian Seligman the square rig sailor and author.

‘DESIDERATA’ CRUISES FROM LYMINGTON TO MAJORCA

Frank 0′ Connell narrates this cruise in a Westerly Consort 29′.

YACHT BROKERAGE

So you want to sell your boat? Patrick Boyd, broker, describes the do’s and don’ts of such a sale.

FLORIDA TO CAPE COD

David and Sepha Wood describe a cruise up the east coast of America in “Tehari II” – a salar 40′.

MARINE ELECTRICAL COURSE

Covering maintenance and safety, batteries, multi meters, legislation, starting and lighting systems, voltage drop, marine components and basic fault finding.

BOAT LAW

By special request solicitor David Johnston returns to discuss some of the legal problems facing boat owners including insurance, sales, purchase and salvage.

AN UP-DATE OF MARINE ELECTRONICS

Keith Miller reviews electronics from communications and navigation to general instrumentation.

SAILS

Mike Batt talks of design, construction and use of sails for cruising yachtsmen.

SAFETY AT SEA

Peter Bradley, Sea Safety Liason Officer of the R.N.L.I. will advise on do’s and don’ts and suggest remedies for our safety.

PRACTICAL ROPE & BRAID WORK

Alan Banton of English Braids will give a short talk and then give a “hand on” practical demonstration of 3 strand and braid splicing.

COMING HOME?

David Lane, Association Member, describes a cruise from Greece, around the Italian coast to Sardinia and the Balearics with some thoughts on Mediterranean cruising.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

To be held at Gerrards Cross Memorial Centre at 8.15 p.m.

ANNUAL DINNER

To be held at the Beaconsfield Golf Club.

•  13th June at Bembridge.
• 12th September at Port Solent

Mary Rose

Ted Sutton, a member of the “Mary Rose” Information Group and Association member relates the finding, raising and preservation of the famous “Mary Rose”.

Sailing East by South to Holland

Gordon Wood, Association member, describes a cruise in “Kwenda”.

Cruising in Brittany

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO REGATTA WEEK

Greenland

Willy Kerr – describes a cruise up the east coast of Greenland and High Latitude sailing.

Round Britain Cruise

Circumnavigating the World

Diesel Engine Course by J. Chapman of Volvo.

MEANDERING AROUND THE GREEK ISLANDS WITH SAILING HOLIDAYS LTD

Barrie Neilson introduces – Flotilla and Independent sailing in the most beautiful of areas. Wander from island to island, village to village. taverna to taverna.

V.H.F. Course and exam at Fulmer Hall given by N. Thomas.

Coping with adverse conditions

James Stevens, R.Y.A. National Coach.

…including tactics, pilotage and sailing in extreme weather.

CAST OFF FOR CHRISTMAS

SAIL NORTH FROM PLYMOUTH

Explore the Tamar past and present with members Jill and David Lane. Designated an area of outstanding natural beauty in 1996 but one of the busiest commercial rivers in England serving the largest copper port in Europe.

‘J’ CLASS YACHTS

Racing in the 1930’s. Unique film shot in the Solent and on the East coast between 1931 and 1939 and presented by Rosemary Joy.

ASSOCIATION MEMBER PETER NEWMAN

Relates his experiences up to 1949 including coastal erosion, Hamble River, shipbuilding, trawl fishing, the first marina and sailing adventures with an 1890 Thames One Design to France and yacht delivery to Greece.

SEA TALES FROM THE GREEK ISLANDS IN TIME OF WAR.

Adrian Seligman talks about his adventures in small boats at that time.

THE 1992/3 BRITISH STEEL & 1996/7 B.T. GLOBAL CHALLENGE.

Michael Kay describes the setting up, planning and running of these global races.

CRUISE TO SCOTLAND.

Peter Bruce that well known author takes us from Lymington to Scotland and back via St. Kilda.

OLYMPIC SILVER, SAVANNAH 1996

Ian Walker, who with John Merricks, won a silver medal at the 1996 Olympics, describe their experience both before and during the event..

HOME FROM RUSSIA VIA THE FORMER EASTERN BALTIC STATES

David and Sepha Wood describe this fascinating cruise.

BASIC FIRST AID FOR YACHTSMEN

Mrs. Jean Andrews M.B.E. S.R.N. will talk about resuscitation and incident management as well as treating casualties at sea.

SATURDAY SPECIAL: FLARES DEMONSTRATION

At Rickmansworth Sailing Club. Bring your old out-of-date flares.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

At Gerrards Cross Memorial Centre at 8.15 p.m. Including a Boat Jumble Sale.

ANNUAL DINNER

At the Beaconsfield Golf Club.

TESTING, TESTING, TESTING

RADAR

Mr Tim Bartlett F.R.I.N., Technical Editor of Motorboat and Yachting, talks about radar for small boats.

GETTING TO GRIPS WITH GRP-SATURDAY SPECIAL

I WOULD LIKE TO GO TO SEA WITH MY UNCLE MAURICE

THE LEGENDARY FAIREY MARINE-50 YEARS ON

ROUND THE WORLD WITH A DIFFERENCE

LIFERAFT SATURDAY EVENING SPECIAL

CRUISING THE SPANISH RIAS

SINGLE-HANDED ROUND BRITAIN AT 18

RUSTING THROUGH AND DROPPING OFF

ORIENTAL SPICE

CAST OFF FOR CHRISTMAS

The annual pre-Christmas bash with seasonal mulled wine and mince pies

NEW ZEALAND SOUNDS WONDERFUL AND NO! NOT TURKEY AGAIN

TALES OF THAMES BARGES

THE CRAFT AND CREEKS OF THE EAST COAST

WITH HMS ENDURANCE TO THE ANTARCTIC BEFORE THE FALKLANDS WAR

HEAVY WEATHER SAILING

Hampshire Marine Police

PC Ian Hill

CIRCUMNAVIGATING SOUTHERN ENGLAND!

ELECTROLYSIS AND CORROSION

CARIBBEAN VOYAGE

WEATHER FOR SAILING

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

This year the AGM will be followed by a film.

30th ANNIVERSARY DINNER

Staying in Full Control in Unfamiliar Waters

Channel Alternatives

Conflict in Inshore Waters – Real or Imaginary?

Life in Nelson’s Navy

The Frisian Islands

Production Boat Building in the UK

Saturday Special – Visit to SS Great Britain

Round the World in Blackjack

Batteries on Board

The Delta Area of Holland

Cast Off for Christmas

Mulled wine and mince pies with light entertainment. Fri 15th March 1996 30th Anniversary Dinner

This year’s annual dinner will be at the Royal Thames Yacht Club and the Guest of Honour will be Robin Aisher.

Great Ships of the North Atlantic

Sea and Estuary Birds

Six Atlantic Days in a Tinker Dinghy

Safe and Warm

The importance of safety is critical. Keith Musto explains that being warm and active plays a major part in safety as well as in our enjoyment of sailing.

Sailing with the Round Britain Rally