Articles in Magazines
Sailing Articles
Practical Main Articles
Installing a wireless kill cord
As I often sail solo I am worried that if I were to fall overboard the boat would just continue onwards without me. This device, that I wear, will cut the engines off if I do get separated from the boat. January 2021
OLAS wireless kill cord.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [253.7 KB]
As I often sail solo I am worried that if I were to fall overboard the boat would just continue onwards without me. This device, that I wear, will cut the engines off if I do get separated from the boat. January 2021
OLAS wireless kill cord.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [253.7 KB]
How to make and fit a high water alarm
In this article I describe how I made a high water alarm in case the bilge pumps are overwhelmed. PBO Jan 2021
Bilge Alarm.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [191.7 KB]
In this article I describe how I made a high water alarm in case the bilge pumps are overwhelmed. PBO Jan 2021
Bilge Alarm.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [191.7 KB]
Installing a chain counter
I find a chain counter very useful and here I describe how I fitted one. PBO August 2020
Installing a chain counter.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [353.5 KB]
I find a chain counter very useful and here I describe how I fitted one. PBO August 2020
Installing a chain counter.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [353.5 KB]
Checking the DSC works in your radio on your boat
Pressing the red distress button is the first thing you do when you are in grave and imminent danger. This article tells you how to test the system.
Testing the DSC on your boat.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [367.0 KB]
Pressing the red distress button is the first thing you do when you are in grave and imminent danger. This article tells you how to test the system.
Testing the DSC on your boat.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [367.0 KB]
Replacing Hydraulic Steering pipes Shiraz
PRAC Hydraulic hoses holed and r.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [518.2 KB]
PRAC Hydraulic hoses holed and r.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [518.2 KB]
800 miles by iPhone
A very early description of the use of portable devices (phones, tablets) to navigate your boat
800 Miles by iPhone.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [2.6 MB]
A very early description of the use of portable devices (phones, tablets) to navigate your boat
800 Miles by iPhone.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [2.6 MB]
Fitting solar panels to a Merry Fischer 855
A how to do it article. Fitted these solar panels so my grandchildren could come and stay on the boat for three days in Ryde Harbour with no plug in.
PBO fitting solar panels.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [496.6 KB]
A how to do it article. Fitted these solar panels so my grandchildren could come and stay on the boat for three days in Ryde Harbour with no plug in.
PBO fitting solar panels.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [496.6 KB]
How to berth in windy conditions in the Mediterranean
Windy berthing.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [318.0 KB]
Windy berthing.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [318.0 KB]
Mediterranean Mooring
A how to do Stern to Mooring - hopefully well! PBO May 2020
PBO med mooring GRP Comments.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [1.5 MB]
A how to do Stern to Mooring - hopefully well! PBO May 2020
PBO med mooring GRP Comments.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [1.5 MB]
AIS and Installation Guide
How to choose an AIS unit and how I installed it in Shiraz. PBO June 2020
PBO AIS guide and installation.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [295.7 KB]
How to choose an AIS unit and how I installed it in Shiraz. PBO June 2020
PBO AIS guide and installation.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [295.7 KB]
What's the charge - PBO 52 -53
In this article I describe how to fit a battery charge indicator.
PBO272.Battery_monitor.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [147.4 KB]
In this article I describe how to fit a battery charge indicator.
PBO272.Battery_monitor.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [147.4 KB]
Receiving weather forecasts offshore
Using a shortwave receivers to receive weather forecasts
I was busy preparing for my Ocean Yachtmaster and decided I needed to receive weather forecasts offshore, away from VHF. A Marine Shortwave Radio or Satellite system would have been very expensive for the one or two days I needed it. This article shows another cost effective way
Receiving Weather.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [733.4 KB]
Using a shortwave receivers to receive weather forecasts
I was busy preparing for my Ocean Yachtmaster and decided I needed to receive weather forecasts offshore, away from VHF. A Marine Shortwave Radio or Satellite system would have been very expensive for the one or two days I needed it. This article shows another cost effective way
Receiving Weather.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [733.4 KB]
See and be seen
How I installed radar and a radar transponder to my little boat
See and be seen.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [10.7 MB]
How I installed radar and a radar transponder to my little boat
See and be seen.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [10.7 MB]
Engine Health Check PBO 2021 58 - 59
An article for PBO about how to care for your engine. It treats the engine as if it was a patient
PBO264.engine_health.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [326.2 KB]
An article for PBO about how to care for your engine. It treats the engine as if it was a patient
PBO264.engine_health.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [326.2 KB]
Installing an exhaust temperature gauge
I want to avoid damage to my engines if the impeller fails or the water inlet is obstructed. I fitted an exhaust temperature monitor to do this.
Water Temp.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [357.5 KB]
I want to avoid damage to my engines if the impeller fails or the water inlet is obstructed. I fitted an exhaust temperature monitor to do this.
Water Temp.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [357.5 KB]
Solving some problems with the hot water supply
I was having problems with the the hot water alternating between scalding and freezing and this is how I solved it
Hot Water.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [489.1 KB]
I was having problems with the the hot water alternating between scalding and freezing and this is how I solved it
Hot Water.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [489.1 KB]
How to replace the tubing for the heads
Not a very savoury topic, but asked by PBO if I could help with this how could I refuse! Read on for more.
Replacing head tubing.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [468.6 KB]
Not a very savoury topic, but asked by PBO if I could help with this how could I refuse! Read on for more.
Replacing head tubing.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [468.6 KB]
Fitting remote kill cord
I am always afraid of falling off the boat when I am alone as the boat may just carry on by itself, leaving me in its wake! This Plan device will switch off the engines if it looses contact with my wrist tag.
PBO remote kill cord .pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [255.9 KB]
I am always afraid of falling off the boat when I am alone as the boat may just carry on by itself, leaving me in its wake! This Plan device will switch off the engines if it looses contact with my wrist tag.
PBO remote kill cord .pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [255.9 KB]
Storm Eunice hits home
Storm Eunice was violent storm, even in Emsworth at the top of Chichester Harbour it was ferocious. Several boats were damaged and this article reflects on the lessons learnt while they were made safe.
Storrm Eunice hits home.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [193.8 KB]
Storm Eunice was violent storm, even in Emsworth at the top of Chichester Harbour it was ferocious. Several boats were damaged and this article reflects on the lessons learnt while they were made safe.
Storrm Eunice hits home.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [193.8 KB]
The Joy of sextants
My first contacts with a sextant and how I used it and then learnt about celestial navigation.
PBO262.sextant.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [325.1 KB]
My first contacts with a sextant and how I used it and then learnt about celestial navigation.
PBO262.sextant.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [325.1 KB]
A Tale of Two Tows
Two "rescues" not far from home and the lessons learnt.
PBO286.LFE2_drascombe_tow.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [173.7 KB]
Two "rescues" not far from home and the lessons learnt.
PBO286.LFE2_drascombe_tow.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [173.7 KB]
Two men and a dog rescued
This rescue was in the Emsworth Channel and the area just visible from where I live
PBO297.feat_LFE_1_gilbert.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [274.0 KB]
This rescue was in the Emsworth Channel and the area just visible from where I live
PBO297.feat_LFE_1_gilbert.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [274.0 KB]
Sail to Power
Not all written by me, just a portion about my change from sail to power
Sail to Power.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [587.6 KB]
Not all written by me, just a portion about my change from sail to power
Sail to Power.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [587.6 KB]
How to fit a Raymarine Autopilot
A lot of my sailing is done solo and an autopilot becomes essential on long trips.
Autopilot.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [1.0 MB]
A lot of my sailing is done solo and an autopilot becomes essential on long trips.
Autopilot.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [1.0 MB]
Are flares dangerous ineffectual or both
Discusses the modern day alternatives to flares
PBO271.Flares_and_safety .pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [302.2 KB]
Discusses the modern day alternatives to flares
PBO271.Flares_and_safety .pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [302.2 KB]
Safer Boating
My view on how to boat safer, based on a long trip in Let's Go
PBO295.feat_safer_boatingV3.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [1.4 MB]
My view on how to boat safer, based on a long trip in Let's Go
PBO295.feat_safer_boatingV3.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [1.4 MB]
Reducing seasickness
semi displacement boats do roll a lot which can make seasickness worse. To help overcome this I fitted Humphree Lightening Interceptors which made a huge difference.
Interceptors.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [4.8 MB]
semi displacement boats do roll a lot which can make seasickness worse. To help overcome this I fitted Humphree Lightening Interceptors which made a huge difference.
Interceptors.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [4.8 MB]
Receiving weather forecasts offshore
While preparing for a long trip offshore I worked out how to receive weather forecasts using a standard SSB radio
PBO273.Receiving_weather V2.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [733.4 KB]
While preparing for a long trip offshore I worked out how to receive weather forecasts using a standard SSB radio
PBO273.Receiving_weather V2.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [733.4 KB]
Drying out boats
An article about motorboats drying out
PBO300.feat_dry_motorboatV3.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [1.8 MB]
An article about motorboats drying out
PBO300.feat_dry_motorboatV3.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [1.8 MB]
Drying out in the Eastern Solent
My boats dry out on their moorings every tide, so it was easy to try out some of the nearby moorings and harbours that dry.
Mudlarking.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [2.8 MB]
My boats dry out on their moorings every tide, so it was easy to try out some of the nearby moorings and harbours that dry.
Mudlarking.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [2.8 MB]
Rough weather training
You never know when you might be caught out in rough seas. I decided to get trained on this. Afterwards I was able to increase the weather conditions I could use my boat in.
Rough Weather.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [1.1 MB]
You never know when you might be caught out in rough seas. I decided to get trained on this. Afterwards I was able to increase the weather conditions I could use my boat in.
Rough Weather.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [1.1 MB]
Practical Small Articles
I am single handed
The use of the Number One Pennant to tell other boaters that I am single handed
PBO296.letters_jan24.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [359.6 KB]
The use of the Number One Pennant to tell other boaters that I am single handed
PBO296.letters_jan24.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [359.6 KB]
Trusty dusty filofax
How I turned an old PBO almanac and an old filofax into a useful reference on board a small boat
Trusty Filofax.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [2.8 MB]
How I turned an old PBO almanac and an old filofax into a useful reference on board a small boat
Trusty Filofax.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [2.8 MB]
Supporting a boat cover
Poles supporting boat covers only need to move a little bit and they are forced to fall over, rendering them useless. This simple fix stops this starting.
Cover pole support.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [1.0 MB]
Poles supporting boat covers only need to move a little bit and they are forced to fall over, rendering them useless. This simple fix stops this starting.
Cover pole support.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [1.0 MB]
Measuring the height of tide with a ladder.
On my mooring there is a ladder. It is invaluable to use the rungs as a depth gauge.
Using rungs to measure depth of tide.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [1.1 MB]
On my mooring there is a ladder. It is invaluable to use the rungs as a depth gauge.
Using rungs to measure depth of tide.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [1.1 MB]
Cradling a mobile
Finding a holder for my phone with its cover on was impossible - so I made one. PBO September 2020
Cradling a mobile.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [1.4 MB]
Finding a holder for my phone with its cover on was impossible - so I made one. PBO September 2020
Cradling a mobile.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [1.4 MB]
Holding difficult nuts
The most difficult part of installing the radar on Merry Fisher was starting the nuts on the radar mount in the roof. In the end the solution was a pipe cleaner!
Nutty solution.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [1.6 MB]
The most difficult part of installing the radar on Merry Fisher was starting the nuts on the radar mount in the roof. In the end the solution was a pipe cleaner!
Nutty solution.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [1.6 MB]
Marina Check List
visiting sardinia I noticed my lack of Italian! So when checking in the boat I made a pro forma that gave them details aut me and the boat and allowed me to ask questions about where is the laundrette etc.
PBO Marina Check List.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [240.7 KB]
visiting sardinia I noticed my lack of Italian! So when checking in the boat I made a pro forma that gave them details aut me and the boat and allowed me to ask questions about where is the laundrette etc.
PBO Marina Check List.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [240.7 KB]
About our boats
New House New Boat
Buying a new house meant I had a better drying mooring, but my trusty Nimbus 365 doesn't dry, so it was a case of finding a boat that did. Enter my Mitchell 28 at first called Argus bit then changed to Let's Go.
new boat mitchell 28.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [7.5 MB]
Buying a new house meant I had a better drying mooring, but my trusty Nimbus 365 doesn't dry, so it was a case of finding a boat that did. Enter my Mitchell 28 at first called Argus bit then changed to Let's Go.
new boat mitchell 28.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [7.5 MB]
A trip to Brittany
France is a great destination in a boat. This article describes two very pleasant weeks in Brittany.
MBYBrittany.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [5.8 MB]
France is a great destination in a boat. This article describes two very pleasant weeks in Brittany.
MBYBrittany.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [5.8 MB]
Let's Go with the Grandchildren
Towards the end of the Newsletter is an article about sailing with my Grandchildren
Let's Go with the Grandchildren.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [5.5 MB]
Towards the end of the Newsletter is an article about sailing with my Grandchildren
Let's Go with the Grandchildren.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [5.5 MB]
Using the Nimbus in the UK
Having kept my Nimbus in the Med Covid and Brexit meant bringing it back. So here I describe an early trip around the UK
back on Board.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [3.0 MB]
Having kept my Nimbus in the Med Covid and Brexit meant bringing it back. So here I describe an early trip around the UK
back on Board.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [3.0 MB]
Back to Blighty
After Covid and Brexit it was time to bring my Nimbus back to the UK
Back to Blighty.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [4.2 MB]
After Covid and Brexit it was time to bring my Nimbus back to the UK
Back to Blighty.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [4.2 MB]
Sardinia for lunch
We enjoyed our summer in 2019 on the boat even more so because we made a diversion to Olbis in Sardinia to have lunch with some friends on an island
Sardinia for Lunch.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [2.1 MB]
We enjoyed our summer in 2019 on the boat even more so because we made a diversion to Olbis in Sardinia to have lunch with some friends on an island
Sardinia for Lunch.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [2.1 MB]
The MBY Fleet - initial article
It was a great privilege to be allowed to write about Let's Go as one of "Our boats" in MBY. This first article describes an autumn trip around the French Western Med
Our Boats.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [4.0 MB]
It was a great privilege to be allowed to write about Let's Go as one of "Our boats" in MBY. This first article describes an autumn trip around the French Western Med
Our Boats.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [4.0 MB]
The time my impeller went
I was anchored off cannes and the impeller went - I had a spare or so I thought!
Rescue off Cannes.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [1.1 MB]
I was anchored off cannes and the impeller went - I had a spare or so I thought!
Rescue off Cannes.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [1.1 MB]
The MBY Fleet Lock down Slow down
Because of Lockdown I couldn't get to France to use Let's Go. MBY let me write articles about my Merry Fisher instead.
Just before the first lockdown I did an Ocean Yachtmaster Course. I had to prepare to travel at 6 knots instead of my usual 17 to do this. I used the period immediately after lockdown to travel a long distance at this speed. I also used Lockdown to work out what anchor I needed. MBY Nov 2020
Lock down Slow Down.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [12.3 MB]
Because of Lockdown I couldn't get to France to use Let's Go. MBY let me write articles about my Merry Fisher instead.
Just before the first lockdown I did an Ocean Yachtmaster Course. I had to prepare to travel at 6 knots instead of my usual 17 to do this. I used the period immediately after lockdown to travel a long distance at this speed. I also used Lockdown to work out what anchor I needed. MBY Nov 2020
Lock down Slow Down.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [12.3 MB]
Medical
Surviving Cold shock
What happens to you when you fall into a cold sea
PBO cold shock.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [1.1 MB]
What happens to you when you fall into a cold sea
PBO cold shock.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [1.1 MB]
Having fallen overboard how do you manage the problem?
Recovered MOB.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [1.7 MB]
Recovered MOB.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [1.7 MB]
Loosing my mind
I suffered an event called Transient Global Amnesia while sailing my boat around Pointe du Raz. It was a bit frightening for Maire, but not for me!
LFE April.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [714.1 KB]
I suffered an event called Transient Global Amnesia while sailing my boat around Pointe du Raz. It was a bit frightening for Maire, but not for me!
LFE April.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [714.1 KB]
Loosing my mind 2
I suffered an event called Transient Global Amnesia while sailing my boat around Pointe du Raz. It was a bit frightening for Maire, but not for me!
INFD proof.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [70.5 KB]
I suffered an event called Transient Global Amnesia while sailing my boat around Pointe du Raz. It was a bit frightening for Maire, but not for me!
INFD proof.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [70.5 KB]
Letters
Don't carry flares
My view on the use of pyrotechnic flares - very few reasons to keep on board your boat. There are better electronic pieces of equipment
YAM265.letters_sum21.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [237.6 KB]
My view on the use of pyrotechnic flares - very few reasons to keep on board your boat. There are better electronic pieces of equipment
YAM265.letters_sum21.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [237.6 KB]
More on flares
I take the editor of MBY to task on flares.
Flare up.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [1.6 MB]
I take the editor of MBY to task on flares.
Flare up.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [1.6 MB]
Book reviews
Book Review
In this Tried and Tested section I review two books on Celestial Navigation
PBO273.Tried_and_tested.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [239.1 KB]
In this Tried and Tested section I review two books on Celestial Navigation
PBO273.Tried_and_tested.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [239.1 KB]
Channel Islands Book Review
Great book
Channel Islands Book Review.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [2.6 MB]
Great book
Channel Islands Book Review.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [2.6 MB]
Motorhome Articles
Christmas in a motorhome
In the summer I sail, in the winter I use my motorhome. Christmas in Cahoots France and the trip around it is something to remember
Christmas in a motorhome.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [3.7 MB]
In the summer I sail, in the winter I use my motorhome. Christmas in Cahoots France and the trip around it is something to remember
Christmas in a motorhome.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [3.7 MB]
Gas attacks on motorhomes
Many people became worried that while they were asleep in their motorhomes they would be made unconscious by ether sprays. Fake news
Gas Attacks.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [922.6 KB]
Many people became worried that while they were asleep in their motorhomes they would be made unconscious by ether sprays. Fake news
Gas Attacks.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [922.6 KB]
New Zealand by motorhome
We spent a month in a motorhome touring around both islands that make up New Zealand. Great trip.
Motorhome in New Zealand.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [7.1 MB]
We spent a month in a motorhome touring around both islands that make up New Zealand. Great trip.
Motorhome in New Zealand.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [7.1 MB]
Other articles
Taking vertical panoramic pictures for a calendar
Not as easy as it sounds, especially as it was done with film - not dogota;;y.
Vertical Challenge.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [3.6 MB]
Not as easy as it sounds, especially as it was done with film - not dogota;;y.
Vertical Challenge.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [3.6 MB]
Adrenalin is 100
Adrenalin's 100th birthday, written for the magazine Adrenalin
Adrenalin is 100.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [1.3 MB]
Adrenalin's 100th birthday, written for the magazine Adrenalin
Adrenalin is 100.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [1.3 MB]
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