The VHF Radio Course (SRC Radio Course) is changing very soon in order to come in line with European Regulations. In 2014 the Course will be longer (10 hours) and the training and exam will have to be separated. The full implications of this are not yet 100% known. It...
The forecast said good to moderate occasionally poor. Knowing that meant visibility we set off in a flat calm sea with the mist gently swirling around the river bank. The Essex marshes appearing and disappearing as the damp air condensed over the cool sea. We thought...
Maybird recently sailed down Lough Foyle to Derry or Londonderry as it is called on the Admiralty chart.The passage is some 18 miles from Magilligan Point at the seaward end. Lough Foyle covers a vast expanse but is very shallow and has an average depth of just 3...
Hello, a quick introduction from myself, I am Justine Lloyd, new to sailing having completed my Competent Crew Course at First Class Sailing last Month, and also a new recruit at First Class Sailing HQ. I thought I’d write you all a little blog and let you know how...
Musings from Darryl - our man off the Irish Coast on his yacht Maybird - T’is an interesting question to reflect on where the boat’s crew should have that first pint when they arrive ashore after a sea passage.Should the skipper give some structural guidance or should...
While uber fast state of the art catamarans were winning the Fastnet Race last week, an interesting catamaran was being lifted out of the water in Shamrock Quay for some routine maintenance and the odd modification. A rather prettily named Wharram Cat, TK 26 called...
Maybird was recently in Derry/Londonderry - City of Culture for 2013. She was there for crew changes and so I took the opportunity to do some maintenance. I tend to change oil and fuel filters every 200 hours and keep as many spare parts on board as is practical...
It turns out that at the moment if you live anywhere in Europe except in the UK and you want to get a VHF Radio Licence (SRC) you have to attend a two day course. In the UK, at the moment, you only have to attend a one day course. We have clearly had it easy and...