A simple forwarder for AIS and NMEA 0183 data over TCP/IP

I've recently moved the NMEA 0183 HS serial port from my Windows PC input to the central Linux micro computer, and written a small script that retransmits the serial data out over TCP/IP.

This has a number of advantages in my particular install:

• It allows me to log the AIS data stream.
• It allows me to view the AIS on both Expedition and Nobeltec software at the same time.
• It allows me to simultaneously access the AIS stream from my iPad. I've tested it with Digital Yacht's iAIS app, but it should work with other apps running on the iPad.

So instead of being able to use the AIS data only on a single Windows application I can now use it on all navigation hardware access that I have on the boat. Quite an achievement for moving one plug and writing a little bit of PHP code.

The code really is very simple - it reads an entire line from the serial, detects any new clients and then forwards it to all TCP clients that have connected to it. Then loop. As a bonus it will cache the last received 200 AIS messages and send those immediately to any client that connects. This in the hope that this contains a number of VDM type 5 and 24 messages so that the client can show static AIS data immediately.

You can download the nmea_to_tcp script here. I'm releasing this under the GPL v3.

To use this code you must have a computer that has a PHP5 CGI interpreter. On Microsoft Windows you may want to remove the first line of the nmea_to_tcp script, as this instructs a Linux system to use the PHP interpreter. You may need to install the DIO direct I/O package.

Connect you AIS receiver to a serial port, and then start the script with the name of that serial port as it's first argument, for instance nmea_to_tcp /dev/ttyUSB0 on Linux; it is probably something like nmea_to_tcp //./com1 on Microsoft Windows.

That's all. You should now be able to connect to the system at TCP port 2000.

Nobeltec and TCP streams

By the way, to get Nobeltec to use the TCP stream -- you can't rely on the built-in Glass bridge functionality. You have to convert the TCP stream back to serial data, for instance using the open source com0com and com2tcp software.

Are you unable to find the website for Expedition navigation software?

I recently attempted to download an update to the awkwardly named but excellent Expedition navigation software written by Nick White. Apparently Nick was getting a little bored with running a website, as the former site at the original site www.iexpedition.org is no longer in existence. At the time I was redirected to the new distributor, Tasman Bay Navigation Systems.

Today I was looking up that new address for a different post I was making, and noticed that iexpedition.org is now no longer in function and has been clobbered by one of those domain squatters.

For that purpose I am writing this post in the hope that you may find the new site for Expedition software more easily at: Tasman Bay Navigation Software.

iPad App for Superyacht Captains

We love the iPod and the iPad, in fact we love all the innovations from Apple and when a great new app for yachtsman, weekend pleasure boater or the professional superyacht master mariner comes along we try and bring it to your attention.

Here is one called The Captains Toolbox that no one should be without both on and off the water.  It costs just $4.99 can be downloaded by clicking here and £2.99 in the UK.

This app replaces several books, manuals, study guides and other resources in one easy to use application.

OFFLINE USE all the data is stored on your apple device. Once installed, you do not need a cellular, WiFi or Internet connection to access our resources.

Here is what the app contains:

The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS)

Published by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and digitised into this application for easy access at sea or for study on land. It’s easier to use then the clumsy paper version and always at your fingertips.

Maritime Navigation Lights & Shapes

An interactive and comprehensive collection of navigation lights and shapes both the USCG twilight images and zero light graphic renderings from each prospective. This tool is designed for instant access at the helm or when studying for your COLREGS exams.

GPS Position

Quickly determine your longitude and latitude if you are running this app on your iPhone.

Navigation Chart Symbols

Every symbol the USCG uses is listed here in an easy to use wheel selector. Simply spin the symbol wheel with your thumb and the definition of the corresponding chart symbol will be displayed in the window below.

Maritime Flags

Ever wonder what that flag means over on that other boat? Just spin the flag wheel, stop on the flag in question and the definition will be displayed instantly. We have also included the description common uses for these flags in modern day etiquette.

SOLAS Symbols

SOLAS symbols, stickers and signs are listed here along with their meaning for use on-board or to prep for your IMO exams.

Marine VHF and SSB

Procedures, examples, phonetic alphabet, channels and frequencies for VHF users in the USA, Canada and internationally (MCA).

SSB users will enjoy fast access to frequencies for Marine SSB, Marine Distress R/T & DSC, HF Ship to Ship, Simplex HF, Yachtsmans Nets, HF Coastal Stations, MF & HF Global Coastguard Stations (MRCC) and Distress & Safety (SAR) communication.

Unit Converter

Every conversion you can possibly think of and a hundred more. Whether it’s a simple fuel conversion from Imperial (UK) Gallons to Litres or a complicated Flow-Mass calculation, this tool has more conversions than any superyacht master mariner or naval architect will ever need.

Glossary of Maritime and Yachting Terms

1383 terms used from ocean going ships to lake boats have been compiled in this fast and easy to use index.

Clouds

This image catalogue boasts real photos of common cloud formations along with their meteorological definitions, and what can be learned and predicted from reading these atmospheric phenomena.

Morse Code

Either search the Morse code tool by graphics or alpha numeric. Keep an eye on this tool in future updates for some fun features.

Wind Barbs

Offers quick reference to common wind charting systems. This tool boasts wind speed cross reference between Knots, MPH, direction, etc.

Sound Signals

Quickly reference and learn all the sound signals needed for manoeuvring and passing situations both on the high seas and inland waterways.

THE CAPTAIN'S TOOLBOX

Developers web page: http://www.captainsapp.com/

Download page: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/the-captains-toolbox/id407399812?mt=8

That South Easter . . .

thanks to Peter Jacops for the pic

Now the marina office is missing its roof. Never a dull moment here! Nicky's beused look says it all.

Dudley Dix's White Christmas in Virginia Beach!

Dudley is the one on the left!

Can't go out when its like this.

So Dudley does a braai!

Happy New Year Dudley, from your friends in Hout Bay!

Latest news from Rod and Mary, now in Sint Maarten

Click here for their Christmas letter!

Superyacht Design House Rene Van der Velden Expands

With a growing number of loyal clients, repeat orders, and new yachting enthusiasts seeking their services the workload for Dutch superyacht design house Rene van der Velden has steadily grown in recent years.

A substantial part of this growth is due to a higher demand for naval architecture services. As a result, the current offices, occupied since 1997, have become too small and inefficient to match the needs and ambitions of the team.

They have acquired a splendid new space in the charming town of Amersfoort to accommodate the expanding business and prepare for future growth.

Built as a warehouse in the mid-seventeenth century's Dutch Golden Age, this historic building has been used for many purposes.

Rene says, “We are very excited to be working in such an authentic, creatively inspiring place, with all the amenities of a town centre, and just an easy ten-minute walk from the central train station.”

New contact details:

Rene van der Velden Yacht Design

Breestraat 59-61
3811 BH

Amersfoort

The Netherlands

Tel +31(0)33 455 44 08

E mail: 
mail@renevandervelden.com


Web: www.renevandervelden.com

Boats of HBYC (2) - the L26

Bandito, L26 from HBYC, enjoying fresh wind in the Admiral's Regatta

Angelo Lavranos designed the L26 in the late 70s, which went on to become the leading competitive keelboat class in South Africa. Below is Angelo's own account of how it came about, so I'll leave that to him. Angelo was a South African (as far as I know - he certainly lived here for many years), before moving on to New Zealand where he now lives. L26s were all built in SA, originally by PSI Yachts in Durban, later by Ton Cup as well. Maybe others too. Despite its age now (30 years) - the "Ls" as they have become known are suprisingly fast - even beating some of our larger racers across the line on occasion! They are particularly fast upwind if they have enough crew and benefit from the relatively high crew-weight/displacement ratio, sitting out on the wide beam. They have a high form stability factor, being beamy and light, but generally low-tech boats, keeping costs down. Despite this, Ls manage very well in heavy weather. Mostly, they have no reefing points in the main - at least in the racing suite! They remain a well managed class, and the class choice for the Lipton Cup. They are now relatively affordable and have made performance sailing accessible to many of the youth and development programmes in SA. Lavranos also desgned many other successful boats (too many to mention!) - see his website at www.lavranosyachtdesign.co.nz
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Notes on the L26 by Angelo Lavranos



5th May, 2007

Back in 1978 I was asked by David Cox to design what became the L26. Dave was one of Durban’s most prominent and influential “movers & shakers” in yachting. He later also initiated and masterminded the L34 Class also. Dave felt that “one Design” was the way to go, and that a large body of yachtsmen were fed up with “chequebook“ yachting and rapid obsolescence endemic with the IOR rule of that time. That sounds a familiar complaint even now. How right they were ! Dave and John Gordon Thompson formed L Boats as the licensee. The first boat afloat “Electron” (small but very very fast!) owned by Johnny went afloat in April 1980. Actually No 001 was for John Sully (a very prominent Transvaal Yachtsman) who was the first “real” buyer. Within 12 months there were 12 afloat, all from PSI Yachts in Durban, and 32 on order. By 1981 Ton Cup Yachts in Cape Town were also licensed to build. By April ’82, 60 were built with another 10 on order. Dave wrote an excellent set of Class Rules right at the outset, and marketed the boat very effectively and relentlessly. Ultimately (within very few years) 84 were built.

When the L26 was conceived the Lipton Cup was “dormant” since the demise of the 30 sqm class. In 1982 it was revived using IOR Quarter Ton Cup Class boats. Within a couple of years that too fizzled. The L26 was chosen only in 1984, when the class was already established and very well distributed amongst all the clubs round the country. Because of this the Lipton Cup was an instant success in the L26 and the event in turn helped maintain interest in the L26.
The design brief given to me was the key to the success of the boat.


1.Simplicity. This essential element of this is the runnerless, swept single spreader rig, robust enough for long life, handling mistakes etc. The IOR rigs of the time used runners, were delicate and obligingly fell down if misused. This was No-No number 1.


2.Rugged, designed to last, no breakages. At Dave’s insistence we stuck to a solid glass structure which is heavier than a sandwich. Dave was worried about ongoing supply of core material as well as the increased cost, consumer resitance etc. By the time the L34 came along he relented on this but in 1978 he probably made the right decision.


3.The boat should be able to handle SA coastal conditions (something most One Designs and sportboats of similar length, especially the lighter more recent ones are less able to do). Because of the L26’s waterplane characteristics and topside configuration she is able to take a person ahead of the mast while doing spinnaker gybes etc in strong winds without broaching or nosediving. The boat handles sweetly through the whole windrange, both upwind and down. When overpressed the helm just gets a little soggy, making her one of the more forgiving and docile boats to sail.


4.She had to be fast and fun to sail. In 2007 she might not bring the same excitement to Adrenalin junkies, but across the board for young and old she strikes a good balance.


5.Moderate cost, a “no frills boat”.


6.Tight Class rules.


7.Capable of “overnight” coastal races and weekending


She fulfilled the brief OK. Many have done coastal passages, and even the Da Gama race from Durban to East London (and back) several times. In the terminal “horror” Da Gama race of ’84 Dick Haliberton in Element was OK but Cape of Good Hope the Navy entry did a 360 roll, and somebody opened the hatch in the process. They flooded and got rescued. Notably Steve Meek even sailed one from Cape Town to East London, doing a 194 mile day in the process.
I designed some “spin off” boats for Dave Cox after the L26’s stopped. We did one with the L26 hull and a cruising deck (more headroom, volume), a shallower keel, cantilever mast called the C26. With the economic recession only two were built. After that another 2 or 3 were built with conventional stayed rig and called the S26. Also the original C-Flex plug with a wood deck using the L26 design (sail no 000) called Origin also did a lot of racing (outside the L26 class.)
The sailors and people involved in the L26 have been a vertiable “whose who” of top Yachties, ALL the sailmakers (most notably Rick Nankin in partnership with Chris King), and a lot of very successful people in other spheres. Lex Raas, who built all the Cape boats is now CEO of Moorings worldwide. His partner in Ton Cup was none other than John Robertson. His (late) partner Jerry Caine built a lot of the Durban boats after Basil Cook at PSI Yachts.

About the South Easter

I've posted this article once before - a year or two back - but it does seem a bit topical just now! I wonder what the poor visiting ARC boats make of it!  It explains the mechanics and nature of the South Easter, courtesy of 1stweather.com - hope you find it interesting! Click here for the link.

Social Networking Offers Superyacht Crews an Alternative Recruitment Route

Following a year of serious turmoil in 2009, Superyacht crewing agents; The Crew Network suggest the market for professional crew placement stabilising throughout the course of 2010.

However, it is still at a much lower level than in the previous, pre-crisis years. The turnover of crew has greatly decreased and captains and crew now seem to be finding each other via social networks such as Facebook and LinkedIn.

These new media certainly facilitate greater communication between the employers and the employees but they cannot yet replace the personal side of conducting face to face interviews and checking references.

There still remains a good number of professional captains who prefer a trusted professional crew placement agency that conducts thorough interviews and reference checks from previous employers.

Trinity Yachts Release Details of Latest Superyacht

The latest launch from Trinity Yachts is the 57.6 metre tri-deck Carpe Diem built mostly of aluminium. Contrary to early renderings she is finished in all white paint. and With Naval Architecture in-house by Trinity, the interior styling has been completed by Carol Williamson.

Four roomy staterooms plus one alternative that doubles as the gym provide guest accommodation for 10 guests with room for two more in the large master suite located forward on the main deck.

The master stateroom has its own ensuite bathroom. On the starboard side of the space there is an office for the owner. Below decks, there is accommodation to sleep ten crew members in the forward part of the hull; ahead and out-of-sight of the guest accommodations. A separate stairs on the port side allows crew to pass around the guest’s rooms and onto the main deck.

The captain’s quarters is located directly aft of the bridge on the Carpe Diem and has its own private bathroom ensuite. One deck up and you reach the open-air sun deck. The aft part of the deck is dedicated to storing tenders and main PWC/toys. Forward of this area is a circular seating region serviced by a small bathroom (toilet and sink) on the port side. There is a bar to seat six on the port side as well and enough space on the other side to place lounge chairs.


On the forward most part of the deck is the Jacuzzi, situated along the yacht’s centreline. It is flanked by a large sun padded area.

If the sun deck did not seem to have enough space for every one, the upper and main decks are cut out to entertain and relax guests. Aft on the upper/bridge deck there is a large round table to seat twelve at a time in a slightly less formal manner.

Moving forward through the sliding doors is the sky lounge. It is outfitted with seating in a defined and squared setting. Formal bar to seat five is located on the port side corner.

One deck below on the main, a similar pattern has been made. There is also the formal dining area where the long rectangular table seats twelve (like the round al-fresco table on the above deck).

Carpe Diem, hull number T047, is fully MCA compliant and built to class with ABS Powered by twin CAT 3516B marine diesels delivering 3,384 horse power each she can achieve speeds of 17 knots.

There are deals to be done if you want a new Superyacht

Superyacht shipyards around the world have been announcing a flurry of new contracts and there appears to be demand in every size range of yachts.

According to Fraser Yachts there is also demand for very large yachts, 80 metres and above, but since buyers are shopping at every yard the signals from the market might only represent a very small number of real clients.

Although the demand is recovering, the capacity is still at least three times the demand. This means that in the years ahead, shipyards and suppliers will continue to face some difficult times.

Shipyards are willing to take on challenging and even risky projects to fill up their build sheds. Potential buyers can benefit from some great deals, but they need to proceed with caution and must ensure they seek professional advice before committing to a particular yard.

The financial aspect of any contract must be structured in such a way as to protect the client in the event of any future financial difficulties the yard may face.

If You Cannot Use Your Superyacht Refit it!

While some superyachts will be heading to places like the Caribbean and the Maldives this winter, and a few even to Asia, most yacht owners are still choosing to stay in the Mediterranean in order to minimise their operational costs.

Even more remarkable is that more and more yacht owners are bringing superyachts to major refit shipyards and planning to keep them out of the water for the whole winter period.

By leaving their yachts on hard stands, they save money on both crew and maintenance.

Refit yards are facilitating this because it gives them more flexibility to plan and undertake the general maintenance work onboard.

Mediterranean yards such as Lusben in Viareggio and Livorno have even started arranging activity programs for the skeleton crews through the winter period.

Options include courses in various languages, safety and customer service as well as trips to watch the Six Nations rugby matches.

New UK built Superyacht Features Sea-Fire Systems

Fire suppression technology, experts Sea-Fire provide FM-200 engineered and pre-engineered marine fire suppression systems and accessories. 

The system has recently been fitted to DB9 one of the largest aluminium sport yachts ever launched.  Built in the UK at the now dormant PJ plant at Hythe near Southampton, the new PJ 170 from Palmer Johnson Yachts is 52.2 metres overall and combines strong lines with sleek sophistication.

The yacht has been fitted with a Sea-Fire H Series engineered marine fire suppression system featuring FM-200 fire extinguishing capability covers the engine room, protecting the heavy-duty MTU 16V 4000 ADEC M93L marine diesel sand an advanced Sea-Fire pre-engineered FM-200 system has been fitted inside the Jet Ski locker.

Superyacht Charter Market Sets Fair for 2011

It is now clear that the superyacht charter market in 2010 did not bounce back in line with most people’s expectations. Hein Velema 
CEO of Fraser Yachts reports a substantial drop in demand from US clients, while the European market remained more or less on par with the previous 12 months.

At the same time the global charter fleet has grown, resulting in a large over-supply of charter yachts. For the winter season however, Fraser are already starting to see some changes.

The signs are that bookings are coming in earlier than normal and the American charterers are returning to the market. There were still some superyachts standing idle over Christmas and New Year bookings but, as has been seen repeatedly over the last two years, clients will quite regularly sign up for a charter with just 72 hours notice.

There are also signs that the 2011 summer season may be busier than in 2010, but it is still too early to say with any certainty.

Specifications of 47 Metre Superyacht From Heesen

Main Characteristics

• Length overall:                         46.7 metres
• Beam:                                        8.83 metres
• Draught:                                    2.92 metres
• Displacement (50% load):      389 tons
• Hull type:                                  Round bilge displacement hull
• Naval Architect:                       Heesen Yachts
• Exterior Designer:                   Heesen Yachts / Omega Architects
• Interior Designer:                    Omega Architects
• Hull material:                           Steel
• Superstructure material:        Aluminium
• Gross tonnage:                         Less then 500GT
• Speed maximum:                     15.5 knots
• Range at 12 knots:                   4,000 Nm
• Main engines:                           2 x MTU 20V4000M93L
• Power Output:                         4.170 kW at 2100
• Lloyds Classification:              100A1, SSC Yacht, Mono G6 LMC
• Compliancy:                              Large Commercial Yacht Code MCA

Cinema aboard the superyacht Air

Perhaps the most striking feature of the interior of the superyacht Air is the theatre room located on the upper deck.
This incorporates a Panasonic 103" (262 cm) HD Plasma Screen (one of the biggest currently available on the market) complemented by a full 7.1 Steinway Lyngdorf Audio System. This unique audio installation, designed specifically for Air, includes two flagship Model D speakers standing nearly 7 feet tall on either side of the plasma screen.
These speakers, together with the center and four surround speakers, are hand-finished in the same high-gloss black piano finish famously used on Steinway & Sons pianos and accented with 24k gold.
To complete the system, are five Dual Woofers, three located below the plasma screen and two custom-built woofers in the deckhead to the rear.
The system uses 6.400 Watts of power to provide flawless reproduction of music and movie sound tracks. A Custom iPad controls the whole system with both Crestron and Cisco

The Interior of the Superyacht Air is by Frank Laupman

The interior of the motor yacht Air has been designed by Frank Laupman from Omega Architects, who created a classic contemporary style that makes use of ultra-modern loose furniture to create a cosy environment. The décor incorporates details in leather, brushed stainless steel and burl to make the atmosphere even warmer.

Frank Laupman comments: “The aim of the design was to create a high-contrast modern interior, while avoiding a cold minimalistic theme. We used beige and warm accents throughout, blending these with a black-and-white overall mood and incorporating a few elements of intrigue, such as the frosted gemstone lights set into the leather column that strikes down through the central atrium.”

For strategic wood finishes, Laupman chose Japanese elm veneer, an exotic pale timber whose strong veins have been brushed and lacquered in satin gloss, and skilfully positioned these adjacent to a darker American walnut to create a sophisticated and at the same time natural atmosphere.

Air accommodates the owner and ten guests in five cabins, four of these on the lower deck, and an owner’s suite traditionally located on the forward part of the main deck.

Like the owner’s suite, one of the two VIP cabins that extend across the yacht’s full-beam offers a full bathroom, while all the other guests cabins have en suite shower rooms.

The remaining two guest cabins are located on either side of a central passageway, with the cabin on the port side being a double, while to starboard is a twin cabin fitted with additional pullman beds that descend from the deckhead. For added versatility, the two single beds in this latter cabin can be easily transformed into a double.

The yacht’s eight crew members are accommodated in four cabins, all provided with ensuite shower rooms, while the captain’s cabin is located on the upper deck with direct access to the bridge.

The main saloon is divided into three areas, a lobby, lounge, and a formal dining area where all twelve guests are able to be seated around a rectangular table finished in matt wengé.

Heesen Launch #6 in the 47M Superyacht Series

Photograph: Dick Holthuis

The motor yacht Air is the sixth in a line of 47-Metre displacement class superyachts has been launched by Heesen.

The design of the series is a result of close collaboration between the Heesen Yachts in house naval architects and Frank Laupman from Omega Architects, who conceived her stream-lined exterior design with its pelican beak bow.

This is a style that has now become a very recognisable trademark of the Dutch yard.

The 47-Metre displacement class has a fine entry at the bow, which incorporates an efficient bulb, its notable top speed of 15.5 Knots and an excellent range of 4,000 nautical miles at 12 knots.

The line of the yacht’s superstructure combined with the sloped wheelhouse windows give Air her particularly sleek appearance.

Earlier yachts in the series include:

• Yalla (2004),
• Let it Be (2006),
• Mon Plaisir (2007),
• Elandess (2008)
• Blind Date (2009).

Three further 47-metre yachts are currently in build: YN 15347 scheduled for delivery in 2011, YN 15747 and YN 16347 for delivery in 2012.

Superyacht Sales Market Cautiously Optimistic

While looking back over the last twelve months Hein Velema
CEO of Fraser Yachts has used a phrase that has been used time and time again throughout the course of 2010.

He is he says still “cautiously optimistic” words he used last year but now he says, “That prediction has certainly been borne out in the luxury yacht industry. The static market in 2009 was a difficult period for pretty much everyone connected to the large yacht market.

Buyers, sellers, builders, owners, Captains and service providers all suffered from the lack of activity in the market. 2010 saw a slow but marked improvement.

The last 12 months has seen a notable rise in brokerage sales compared to 2009. Velma says, “This has been a good year for the brokerage market following a dismal period through ’08 and ’09 where the second-hand market for yachts over 30m literally ground to a halt. Latterly, the brokerage market has mainly been active in Europe, Russia and the Middle East while the US market has stayed slow.”

Superyacht sales figures are generally still as low as they were one year ago and there is no expectation of any significant global price recovery before the American market recovers. Buyers in the USA seem to be waiting to see the consequences of the new balance in political power. The early indications are that in spring 2011 prices might well start to head up again.

Need quick getaway? Marolanga cabin charter Jan 8-15, 2011

Wow, we've been seeing the news about all of the snow and winter storms that's happening up north...


DO YOU NEED A QUICK GETAWAY?

Here's a photo I took this morning out of our forward hatch...

December 27, 2010 @ 8:30 a.m. - St Croix, USVI

This is from where we are anchored in Christiansted, St Croix, USVI. Nice, huh? Pretty soon, we are going to jump overboard and have a little swim... but enough about us... let's talk about getting YOU down here :)

The catamaran MAROLANGA still has one double cabin and the forward single cabin available for their special Cabin Charter Week, January 8-15, 2011. This is a great opportunity for a couple or a single person to charter a catamaran.

Catamaran Marolonga - Sailing Vacations

Crewed Caribbean Yacht Charters

The available cabins are circled in red (the other two guest cabins have been booked). The starboard forward double cabin has an ensuite head/shower that will be shared with the single forward cabin if it is booked as well. Entrance to the forward cabin is either from the hatch in the deck or, there's the possibility of walking through the forward head and into the single cabin. This would be an excellent situation for a party of 3, but works well otherwise, too!

SPECIAL CABIN WEEK RATES: All inclusive

• Double cabin for 2 guests: $4,800/week (i.e. $2400/person, double occupancy)
• Double cabin for 1 guest: $3,500/week
• Single forward cabin for 1 guest: $3,000/week

Charter Catamaran Marolanga - Gus, Marcella, and Sasha

Marolanga is a 43-foot Catana catamaran, owned and operated by Gus & Marcella, along with ship's cat, Sasha, a beautiful Persian. Marolanga is fully air conditioned and accommodates up to 6 guests in three cabins, each with ensuite head/shower. Marolanga has a good selection of "water toys" such as kneeboard, wakeboard, tube, kayaks; plus they love having families aboard and have toys for children.

Read our previous posts about Marolanga.

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Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book MAROLANGA
View Marolanga's online brochure
For more yachts, visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com

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Boats of Hout Bay Yacht Club (1)

Thanks to Roy for the pic.

Roy McBride is always very obliging in providing material for my ongoing "quest" to fill the club website. I had long thought to do a short series of articles on the various boats in our marina. This pic is of my own boat - a Flamenca 25 aptly called Quest. Flamencas were designed by the late great Oswald Berckemeyer, a german national that lived in SA and in fact Hout Bay for many years. Most were built by the Nebes (Fritz and Gerfried), also of Hout Bay - so truly a local boat. Their big sister (though a fraction younger) is the more famous Muira at 32'. Flamencas are amongst the best learner boats available and very easy to single-hand. They are stable and safe in Cape Waters, and easily capable of righting themselves from a full knockdown. With their relatively small size, they aren't the fastest boats around, but certainly great fun to sail. Most of the fleet lives in False Bay as it happens, but examples are found all over the country, and even a few across the ditch . . . Flamencas can be found from about R40-70k in good condition.

Collision on the North Sea

A few days ago two cargo ships collided in the North Sea in the beginning or just before the TE Traffic Separation Scheme, the 395 m (1200 ft) long CMA CGM Laperouse and the 90 m (300 ft) Thebe, luckily with little damage. Conditions were not great, 3m swell with a 40 - 45 knot wind, but not completely atrocious either.

You can see where the accident happened on MarineTraffic's AIS log of the Laperouse's track.

Here is a scanned recording of the VHF transmissions of the the Dutch Coastguard and rescue services (from scannernet.nl).

Now both of these vessels are mandated to have AIS on board, but that doesn't say both had fully integrated AIS sets that would warn them about an upcoming collision. Even so, it's hard to understand why these accidents still happen even with all this tech aboard.

It shows that although AIS is a great help to all parties there is apparently still enough room for error such that a large(ish) cargo vessel is able to collide with one of the largest container vessels in the world.

Christmas news from Sandcastle, Virgin Islands Crewed Yacht Charters

Charter Yacht Sandcastle, a 72-foot Irwin ketch owned & operated by Rik & Ann, sent us a bit of news along with their holiday greetings...

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Ann & Rik of Charter Yacht Sandcastle, Sailing Vacations

Virgin Islands Yacht Charters

Life on board seems busier than ever, cockpits full of old friends and new, lots of boat projects, blue water and warm breezes.

Rik & Ann with nets ready --- Lionfish in its new home

We caught our first lionfish, they are invading the Caribbean although the Virgin Islands seem lucky and we have very few so far. Our lionfish is lucky, too... we were going to send it to lionfish heaven but it went to live in a government aquarium for display instead!

During our Thanksgiving charter we saw a moonbow, it's like a faint rainbow in the moonlight. They seem much more rare than seeing a green flash at sunset.

We hope your year is full of wonders,
Rik & Ann

The charter yacht Sandcastle is a 72-foot Irwin ketch with a owner-operator crew of two. Sandcastle is fully air conditioned and accommodates up to 6 guests. There are two full-width guest cabins with King-sized berths and ensuite head/shower, plus the library settee converts into a Queen or can be configured as single upper/lower bunks.  The settee in the forward cabin can also be converted into a twin berth, so the guest accommodation is quite flexible. Onboard diving available.

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Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book SANDCASTLE
View Sandcastle's online brochure
For more yachts, visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com

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Christmas Wishes from SV Merlin!

Now in Brisbane. See them here!

The lie that saved me...

I was crossing a very sensitive border, leaving the world's
nastiest dictatorship with a head full of intelligence and enough
hard proof to avert global disaster. It was all going so well and I
was almost over the line when a beefy officer with an enormous
Communist hat and an even larger moustache stepped out from behind
his kiosk and grabbed me by the shoulder.

"Is that a Gymboss in your pocket, or are you just happy to see me?"

A cold bead of sweat trickled slowly down my back. My head was
filled with an irritating loop of "Morning Train" by Sheena Easton
-- that was my mental conditioning kicking in, drilled into me so I
wouldn't panic in moments exactly like this.

I was busted and I had to think fast.

That border guard had eyes like a hawk. It was indeed a Gymboss in
my pocket, but I sure didn't want to admit it! He'd know I was
training TACFIT-style and the game would be up.

So what did I do?

I swallowed my pride and batted my eyelashes.

"Why yes officer, I AM happy to see you..."

It was a blow to my pride -- a Gymboss doesn't exactly make an
imposing silhouette -- but it bought me some time. They marched me
into a customs shed, and when they turned their backs to close the
door I picked up a heavy oak desk, pressed it over my head, and
hurled it at them.

The force of the desk took down all three guards. That thing was
solid! I would never have budged it if I hadn't spent those
precious three weeks between missions building functional muscle.

I bolted out the door and sprinted across the border before they
had a chance to get up and pursue me. And I threw in some evasive
dodges, rolls and dives just in case... I bet that freaked them
out, cause everyone thinks "muscular" has to equal "muscle bound."
Sorry Comrade, but that simply isn't true.

Now I'm safe at home, sitting by the fireplace sipping a protein
shake -- shaken, not stirred -- and polishing my dumbbells. I've got
some downtime, and that means it's time to hone my skills.

Yeah, these TACFIT courses have been a lifesaver for my career. I
used to "muscle up" using bodybuilding style training. But after a
while I got so darn bound up that I repeatedly threw out my back
trying to answer my shoe phone. You should have heard the guys at Q
Branch laugh their pocket protectors off!

No, I need muscle that's as functional as it is impressive. I need
strength, power, size and agility to meet the demands of my crazy
life. I might be scuba diving in the morning, scaling the walls of
a fortress at noon, and playing baccarat in the Monte Carlo casino
that night. I swear sometimes the trunk of my Aston Martin looks
like I live in it.

TACFIT is just what the special branch ordered. It's no wonder all
the guys in my department are using it. At least those of us with
00-numbers.

This message won't self destruct like those fancy messages I get
from HQ, but the special deal on Mass Assault will!
Move fast like the wind, my friends. Move fast..... like the wind.

_______

Aside from the over the top advertising methods, I like and recommend using the Gymboss timer. Very versatile, compact, etc. I have also been doing the TacFit Commando workouts for the last 4 months or so, and feel they are a great way to focus your training time/methods. I recommend using two gymboss timers, one for the warm-up and cool-down phases (set for 6 rounds of 30 seconds with 30 seconds rest), and one for the Tabata portion. Train hard, train smart.

Latest Jibsheet! and Merry Christmas to all members!

See the latest Jibsheet here.