Monthly Archives: December 2008

Make Full Use of your Marine VHF Radio – set it up for DSC

In the 1980s, the International Maritime Organisation (a United Nations body) began developing the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) to bring shipping out of the Portishead Radio world and into the world of satellite-based communications. Much of this … Continue reading

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Vendée Globe – two more in trouble

Dominic Wavre’s keel is flapping around, after the part the rams push on shattered yesterday. He filled the ballast tanks and set the bare minimum of sail before heading for Kerguelen, where he is now entering the Bay of Morbihan, … Continue reading

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Round The World Races – no place for a shakedown cruise

Let’s look at three round-the-world challenges that are taking place right now: The Volvo Ocean Race – crewed boats, multiple legs, fixed schedule. The Vendée Globe – singlehanded, fixed schedule. No pit stops allowed, but competitors can restart during the … Continue reading

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Vendée Globe – Loïc Peyron dismasting video

Loïc Peyron sent back a video of the state of Gitana Eighty before he tidied up. It looks as if the  mast just broke at the foot and fell down in one piece. As is normal in this race, those … Continue reading

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Vendée Globe – ah, merde!!

Loïc Peyron was below working at the nav table, in third position, when his mast shattered. He is unhurt and he cleared away all the pieces before it could damage the hull. Now he is working on a jury rig … Continue reading

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