The latest cruising news from the Northern Hemisphere and the world.
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01 Sep 2016 |
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  Quippy
 | | Quippy. Quippy. Quippy, the beach kangaroo... |
Covering it off smartly, and with full apologies to anyone who did not have exposure to ‘70s Aussie TV, this is not about Skippy's younger sister. No. In that delightful Australian manner of giving everything a nickname, usually truncated or with an ‘ie' or ‘o' added, this is about having the right tools for the job. Equipment, or quippy, as it is known.
Sometimes you get to check out new products first hand, pick them up, investigate and with the tactile experience comes the knowledge of whether it is fit for purpose or fit for trash. When you then get to talk with the people who make it or sell it, you can understand what its features are, the attributes of those and then importantly, what benefit you will gain from its use or deployment in your sailing.
 | | Facnor bowsprit in action Wichard Pacific |
Recently, I was fortunate enough to talk with Gaelle Marks from Wichard Pacific about the Facnor range of removable bowsprits. They are manufactured in France, and can be fitted to boats from 25' to 60'. Naturally, they are especially designed for asymmetric spinnakers, Gennakers, and the ever-increasingly popular Code Zeros.
I liked them not only because they were robust and removed the necessity for a bobstay, but ultimately because they allowed for that very important separation between A-Sail and anything off the forestay. No obviously a 2m carbon prodder sticking out from the prow is going to give that and also help lift the bow out, but in a cruising application it is just a little bit OTT (all right, a lot!).
So here then was something that was quick and easy to use, could get out of the way when not deployed and has an integral anti-theft device, so it will not suffer from ten finger discount at the next port. Cool. Yet it was the ability to send the tack and luff for'ard that got me inspired. Having flown a few kites off blocks on the anchor fairlead, I had more than once thought about how good it would be to have something like this.
 | | The Facnor bowsprit kit. Wichard Pacific |
You see with many people adding better sails to the one the boat comes standard with, the need for better quippy all around also goes up. A spin pole on a boat like this is not usually long enough, and the track does not go low enough on many to have it sit correctly.
So here with the Facnor removable bowsprit, you have a simple and neat design that allows for very efficient use and removal via the automatic locking device on the deck blocks. The central fixing collar is captive but removable from the fixing block, and it also rotates, which means that the foredeck can be totally free and get out of the way of the anchor locker.
There are four diameters available – 70, 80, 90 and 100mm - and all of them are extendable. The complete kit includes the bowsprit with special end fittings (bridle attachment at the front and fixing block device at the back already pre-installed), an adjustable central fixing collar, deck fitting blocks, two counter plates, an integrated line stopper for holding the tack line and a deck fitting cover, with the latter two being very practical items.
There are a few extra options, like a furler fitting ring, bridle kit, stem head fitting and parking deck fitting, so think about your application when purchasing one at www.wichard.com.au.
 | | Members of the Shag Islet CYC at anchor in the Gloucester Passage. Joscelyn O'Keefe |
Keeping on with the very Antipodean theme here, and it was very impressive to read bout the Shag Islet Cruising Yacht Club rendezvous. The SICYC was co-founded by Ken and Rhonda Thackeray as an ‘exclusively, non-exclusive' cruising yacht club to bring together like-minded yachties. It has 5063 members who reside in 14 countries, and come May 15, 2017, it will be just seven years old.
This year, over 200 yachts were in attendance and moored in the Gloucester Passage in Australia's Whitsunday Islands. 156 dinghies registered for Hands Across the Blue and AU$103,000 was raised over the weekend for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.
Major supporters are the Abell Point Marina, Hogs Breath Café, Quantum Sails, Oceanic Marine Risks and Llewellyn Motors. The latter donated the grand prize of the parrot head wrapped Holden HQ, which was won by Adrian Reis from the Mornington Peninsula.
 | | The HQ Holden and that most decorative of wraps. Ultimate surf mobile... Joscelyn O'Keefe |
Ken Thackeray, the co-founder of the SICYC said this after the recent annual rendezvous, “The event creates such wonderful community spirit. It brings together cruising yachties to enjoy each other's company, and be involved in a weekend of great events, but at the same time raising awareness and much needed funds for a worthy cause.”
“There is such a strong party spirit, and it is fabulous to look across throughout the weekend and see the smiling faces in the crowd. This year was the biggest event to date, in terms of attendance and money raised, which is just fabulous. A huge thank you goes to all the volunteers, members and distinguished guests for their contributions. Next year's rendezvous will be the last weekend in August, and we are looking forward to that already.”
So then, in this newsletter you will find terrific material on everything from the anniversary of Sir Francis Chichester's circumnavigation, the range of boats from X-Yachts, healthy reefs, English Channel crossings, the might Internet and your boat, eels, microbeads and impending storms for Florida. Floridians please pay attention about rain and boats in the great piece by D Scott Croft. There are tales, lessons, inspirations and history to regale yourself with, so please do enjoy... We're loving bringing you the best stories from all over the globe.
 | | Boaters need to prepare for Tropical Depression Nine's heavy rains, says BoatUS. © NOAA |
Now then, are you out there plying the seas and got something to say? We'd love to hear from you via editor@sail-world.com – In the meantime, do you love being on the ocean? Well remember to love them back too. They need our help. Now more than ever! Until next time...
John Curnow
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