Sailing legend Sir Robin avoids Route de Rhun race drama which has seen 11 sailors withdraw in first two days

SIR Robin Knox Johnston has reported he is “fine, absolutely fine” after a dramatic first few days of racing in the Route de Rhum saw 11 competitors withdraw. Thomas Coville was forced to retire last night after a collision with cargo ship. Others have withdrawn from the race, which started off St Malo in France last Sunday, due to dismasting, broken rudders, shredded mainsails, lost keels, technical problems and personal injuries. But Hampshire legend Sir Robin, at 75 easily the eldest competitor in the race which finishes in Guadaloupe, has so far avoided all those issues – with a stomach upset his main worry. “I have seen gusts to 35 knots and am about 37 miles from Ushant,” Sir Robin reported. “The first night I did see a 40 knot gust at one stage but I was ready for it. “I got the third reef in and the storm jib up. “We were alright. I am fine, absolutely fine, just looking forwards to getting past Ushant and get away. “I always think you start racing at Finisterre but the main objective just now is just to get around Ushant. “I am eating properly now after my stomach upset, so I am all good.” Knox-Johnston’s Grey Power was this morning up to 12th in the class.

Brave Nottingham couple get ready to set sail through the Arctic

MARRIED couple Dave and Marie Ungless are preparing to brave freezing conditions as they take on an Arctic sailing challenge. The fearless duo have travelled the world on their trusty sailing boat but their latest adventure will see them crossing dangerous icy waters. Dave, 59, and Marie, 46, from Sherwood, will be moving to Alaska in two weeks’ time before setting sail around June next year. They will be heading north from Alaska through the Arctic Ocean and the Aleutian Islands, before voyaging to Greenland and Iceland. They will then begin the long journey home to the UK. Mr Ungless is a freelance travel writer and contributes to publications in the UK, New Zealand and Australia. He said that because of the harsh winter conditions the couple must acclimatise in Alaska before beginning their adventure. He said: “Normally, the journey can be done in one season, which is about two months. We’re not the first to have tried it and a number of other boats have attempted but failed. “The route wasn’t even possible a few years ago but because of global warming the passage is now open.” The pair married in 2011 after meeting at Dave’s former marketing business in the Lace Market, named Perspektiv Limited, which he sold in 2012. Both keen sailors, they have been travelling around the globe together since 2005 to remote locations including Sudan, Yemen and Indonesia as well as sailing this year to Tahiti, Hawaii and British Columbia, on the west coast of Canada, and now Alaska. They travel in their trusty sailing boat called Sänna, which has been adapted to include solar panels, a wind generator and a watermaker. Mr Ungless said: “We’ve been all over the world, it would be difficult to pick a favourite. British Columbia was really good. “I’ve been sailing most of my life. I lived in Scandinavia, Finland and Sweden for a while and I’ve sailed around the north west coast of Scotland. “I also do a lot of climbing and Alpine trekking. I’ve always lived an outdoors life.” First mate and wife Marie also loves the outdoors and has travelled nearly 30,000 miles over a number of the world’s oceans. Mrs Ungless said she always looks forward to every journey that the couple take. She said: “Everything we go on is interesting and an adventure. I have to admit, though, I do prefer the warmer climates! “I’ve always done a bit of sailing and spent a lot of time on the water, but Dave has taken it to a new level. “I think we’ve always fancied going to Alaska and it’s always just been one big journey, so it was like the next step and we love a challenge.”

Yacht and sailing survey underway

The RNLI Yacht Sailing Safety survey is currently underway and will run until November 9th. It is hoped the research will help improve sailing safety in the UK by providing the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) with a better understanding of yacht sailors in the UK - their participation, motivations and their experience of safety issues. This will provide valuable information so that safety messages and work undertaken by the RNLI, RYA (Royal Yachting Association) and MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency) are targeted and relevant. Pip Hare, RNLI Coastal Safety Manager explains the reasoning behind the research project: “The RNLI exists to save lives at sea – a large part of that role is trying to prevent incidents from happening in the first place by providing important safety information. “RNLI incident data shows our lifeboat crews have rescued almost 9,850 yacht sailors in the last five years. “We’re always pleased to see people enjoying their leisure time at the coast and we want to help ensure they can take part in their chosen activity safely. “The aim of this research is to help us understand why people get involved and how they behave when they are on the water so we can provide the most relevant and useful safety information to them. “We’re working with the RYA and MCA to join expertise in coastal safety with experience of the sport. Once we have the results of the research, we will work together to develop the most suitable safety programmes and advice.

Wallasey Yacht Club awarded £73,000 of funding from Sport England

Wallasey Yacht Club is among 148 local sports projects to secure a share of £10 million of National Lottery funding from Sport England’s Inspired Facilities fund. Since 2011, Inspired Facilities has been helping breathe new life into tired community sports facilities and converting existing buildings into venues suitable for grassroots sport. Wallasey Yacht Club will receive £73,012 of National Lottery funding to enlarge and upgrade its facilities at Hope Street, New Brighton. This will enable it to offer the chance to a greater range of people to experience the sport of sailing on the lake and river at New Brighton. The improvements include increasing boat storage on recently acquired land adjacent to the club, upgrading existing workshops and changing facilities and the addition of a disabled changing room. This is the first of two planned phases for the club to improve facilities, with an emphasis on accessibility. Sport England Property Director, Charles Johnston, said: “The Inspired Facilities Fund has had a huge impact on grassroots sport across the country. Since 2011, we’ve invested £94 million into more than 1,800 projects to improve and refurbish sports clubs and transform non-sporting venues into vibrant community sports clubs. “It’s great to see Wallasey Yacht Club join the long list of successful clubs to benefit from this fund.” Club President, Peter Shillinglaw, said: “We are delighted to have secured this investment, which means we can upgrade the quality of our premises to match our planned programme of attracting new members, young and old by offering the training and experience required to appreciate the sport.” Local MP, Angela Eagle, said: “The club has a proud history stretching back to 1903, and has contributed much to the local community during my time as an MP. This grant will now enable the club to continue to flourish, by allowing extra storage for their expanding membership fleet, especially boats for the junior section and to improve facilities for disabled members.” Many more communities are set to benefit from the hugely popular fund with the latest round of the Inspired Facilities now open. Community and voluntary organisations, councils and schools can bid for a share of £20 million to help upgrade facilities that can be unattractive, expensive to run and difficult to maintain, and to convert existing non-sporting buildings into venues that are suitable for grassroots sport. To find out more and bid, visit www.sportengland.org/inspiredfacilities .

Islington Boat Club have the wind in their sails

Islington Boat Club, the only water based activity centre in the borough, launched a fleet of 11 new sailing boats last Thursday. The boats, costing a total of £15,000 were gifted to the club by development company Mount Anvil, the group behind ‘The Eagle’, a luxury apartment block currently under construction on City Road overlooking the basin used by the club. Amanda Corcoran, Islington Boat Club’s Development Officer said: “Without Kevin, from Mount Anvil, who gave us the money to purchase the sailing boats this wouldn’t have been able to happen.” The boats will add a new activity to the long list already offered by the club which includes kayaking, canoeing, power boating and bell boating. Islington Boat Club, with the Mount Anvil development looming overhead Islington Boat Club, with Mount Anvil’s ‘The Eagle’ tower looming overhead Young people from The area can also take part in art and self-defence classes off the water. Teresa Debono, the Mayor of Islington, cut the ribbon to officially open the event and launch the fleet. After officially launching she said: “I’m very pleased that I’ve had the opportunity tonight to celebrate the fantastic work that is being done here and I know you are all very, very enthusiastic. “I hope you can continue for many, many, Many years to come.” Kevin Payne, a Project Director at Mount Anvil, said: “When I’m standing up on the 36th floor of Lexicon, looking out over the City Road Basin, it’s amazing to see so many young people out sailing.”

Could this be the most glamorous UK apprenticeship? With Caribbean potential

Girls For Sail founder Annie O’Sullivan said today that the Cowes-based company is looking for a new member of the team to join the ten-strong crew who run Britain and Europe’s only ladies sailing company. And she’s promised she’ll utter Sir Alan’s immortal line from the hit BBC show ‘You’re Hired’ to the candidate who wows her with their willingness to learn the ropes – literally! Relocate to the Caribbean? Annie also revealed that the role could be based in the Caribbean on the island of St. Lucia, making this possibly the UK’s most glamorous apprenticeship. Girls For Sail celebrates fifteen years training women to sail and race in the UK, across the Atlantic and in the Caribbean. Thousands of women have learned to sail with the firm since its launch in 1999. Room for one more onboard Now according to Annie there is a space for a new apprentice to jump aboard and be taken through the highly regarded Royal Yachting Association training scheme all with the support of the Girls For Sail team. Award-winning RYA instructor and mentor Annie said: “It’s imperative to me to make sure that we continue to be able to encourage women into sailing. And that includes supporting women into sailing as a career as well as enjoying it as the wonderful sport that it is. “We are devoted to helping women discover the freedom and exhilaration of sailing for themselves in all its forms and that includes starting at the bottom and working their way up to gain full skipper’s accreditation. “Being a Girls for Sail apprentice is hard work but it is fantastic fun. There really is no better way to learn than by being on one of our boats and seeing how our incredible skippers cope with everyday challenges as well as ensuring that all the maintenance and safety gear is in place. “This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who is looking to work in a totally engaging industry with a growing company committed to staff development.” Hot Stuff Girls for Sail skipper Sarah Waters has delivered Girls for Sail’s yacht Hot Stuff to Gran Canaria in preparation for the ARC transAtlantic crossing to St. Lucia in November. Sarah began her training with the Isle of Wight firm as an apprentice at the firm’s base at Shepherd’s Wharf Marina. Sarah, 30, first encountered Girls For Sail as a customer, but loved sailing so much she joined as an apprentice. She has worked with GFS to become a fully qualified ocean-going sailor. Sarah said: “Joining Girls for Sail is the best thing I’ve ever done. I’m about to take a wonderful crew of ladies across the Atlantic. Then we’ll stay at Girls for Sail’s island home in St. Lucia. Really, what could be better? I find teaching women to sail so very rewarding and I hope we find the next apprentice who will enjoy this as much as I do.” Annie added: “Sarah is a prime example of what one of our apprentices can achieve. We want to be able to make sure that someone else achieves that same sense of personal satisfaction when they join us.” For more information about the role please contact Girls For Sail on 01983 282867.

Scotland for sail: Sector targets £1 million boost

A new campaign to encourage more people to enjoy a sailing holiday in Scotland could boost the economy by over £1 million*, Tourism Minister Fergus Ewing announced . Mr Ewing was at Inverness Marina this morning to announce the launch of Sail Scotland’s used campaign, Sailing to Success, which has been supported by a £22,500 grant from the VisitScotland Growth Fund. As part of its year-long £45,000 campaign, Sail Scotland – the national marketing organisation for sailing tourism – will also receive £11,000 from Scottish Development International, which will help the group access international markets and achieve its growth ambitions. It is estimated that Scotland’s sailing industry is worth £101m a year, supporting 2700 jobs all over Scotland. The overall aim of Sail Scotland’s used campaign is to generate an extra 8,382 visitor boat nights from its target markets, delivering £1,089,660 of additional expenditure into the Scottish economy. Founded 20 years ago, Sail Scotland is an industry-led marketing group, currently with nearly 50 member businesses throughout the country, ranging from single-person charter businesses to large marinas, harbours and leisure groups. Sail Scotland will use part of the funding to extend its reach in the international market. It will exhibit at a number of international boat shows in 2015: in Dusseldorf, Gothenburg, Oslo and Wales, giving members a presence on the global stage. The campaign will also include development of the Sail Scotland brand, and targeted promotional marketing activities. Tourism Minister Fergus Ewing said: “I am delighted to announce that Sail Scotland is the oldest recipient of an award from the VisitScotland Growth Fund. This £22,500 grant will help the group to promote sailing holidays in Scotland to a wider audience and, given the quality of destinations and facilities on offer in this country, I have no doubt they will succeed in their aim to attract thousands more enthusiasts to these shores over the coming year.” Daniel Steel, Chief Executive of Sail Scotland, said: “At Sail Scotland we have been working hard to promote the industry for 20 years, and it is great to see Scotland beginning to realise the true potential of sailing and boating tourism. “With a draft marine tourism strategy in development, this is a tangible example of how the industry will play a leading role in delivering growth. This funding will help fund one of the most ambitious marketing plans in our history, further raising awareness of Scotland as a world-class sailing destination both within the UK and overseas. “Along with recent investment in our digital work, and existing activities such as our annual brochure and presence at London Boat Show, we aim to drive visits by offering a range of options for beginners to experienced yachtsmen, with the ultimate aim of generating an extra 8,000 visitor boat nights for Scotland.” Mike Cantlay, Chairman of VisitScotland, said: “With thousands of miles of stunning coastline and hundreds of islands ready to be explored, Scotland really is the perfect destination for a sailing holiday. The VisitScotland Growth Fund encourages tourism businesses to work together and Sail Scotland is a perfect example of this. Incorporating the smallest charter companies to the biggest marinas, the group already does an excellent job of promoting sailing holidays in Scotland and we are thrilled to help its members expand their reach in the global market.” Graeme White, Head of Tourism at Scottish Development International, said: “Sail Scotland’s International Strategy is targeting growth of over £1 million a year in visitor spend with the businesses in and out of the water around our coastline, lochs and canals. We’re supporting this strategy with funding to help Sail Scotland’s team target these international audiences as well as connecting the organisation with our overseas offices to access networks and market research.” Between 2011 and 2013, VisitScotland Growth Fund awarded over £1 million in match-funding to national, regional and sectoral tourism groups, resulting in £2.3m being invested in marketing campaigns, involving more than 2,000 tourism businesses across Scotland. For more information on Sail Scotland go to www.sailscotland.co.uk

Sailing Hydrofoil CATRI 24 trimaran - Latvia to England

Dysart Sailing Club hoping for an ‘oil’ boom

A Fife sailing club is in buoyant mood after unveiling plans to restore its former clubhouse. Members of Dysart Sailing Club have been all at sea after their former premises were destroyed by fire nearly three years ago. However, plans to renovate the historic “Oil Shed” have now been put forward in a move members hope will bring a new lease of life to the club. “We’re hoping to host an open day to show the public and local people what we are going to be doing,” said Commodore Billy Shields. “The plans are to put in beds so coastal path walkers and visiting sailors can stay over. “Dysart Harbour has been neglected for years, including the harbour walls and the Sailor’s Walk. “Hopefully, this can help to change that.” Members of the club were left distraught in January 2012 when they heard their clubhouse, a 19th Century listed building, had been destroyed by fire. Along with the virtual destruction of the building, thousands of pounds-worth of equipment also went up in smoke. Since then the group has been operating out of small sheds at the harbour as plans were formulated to renovate the clubhouse. “We were all devastated when the fire happened,” added Mr Shields. “The lino on the floor was custom-made and there were photographs of the club going way back. “It was stuff that could not be replaced. It was priceless to us.” Known as the Oil Shed, the building sat below a sheer cliff face in the heart of the village’s conservation area. It was originally constructed in 1835 as a base to process whale blubber at a time when the Kirkcaldy area hosted a thriving whaling fleet. A lottery funding application will be made to cover the cost of the project and it is hoped the new building will help start a wider redevelopment of the
harbour. Already popular with visitors, local councillor Kay Carrington believes restoring the building could attract even more people to the area. “This will hopefully be a first step in regenerating the harbour,” she said. “We want to do everything that we can to keep Dysart on the tourist trail. “We’ve already had provisional talks with Fife Coast and Countryside Trust and Fife Council and if we are successful with our funding bid, then the harbour could become an even greater asset to the community.”

Sailors battle for regatta honours

OXFORD sailors did battle on the high seas of Farmoor Reservoir in the Oxford Sailability regatta. The group, which supports disabled sailors, meets at the reservoir every Tuesday but this week there was a competitive edge as they battled for victory and bragging rights. Ian Cox and able-bodied volunteer Rose Todd came second in the two-berth 303 class. Ms Todd, from Steeple Aston, said: “We were really lucky with the weather and the conditions were perfect. “There was some really competitive sailing, they pushed their boats to the limit. A lot of the people coming here have motor neurone disease and sailing means a life that would otherwise be constrained is opened up to adventure.”

Warwick woman is still shipshape at the age of 95

At the grand old age of 95, Daphne Hinton says there’s nothing to beat the wind in the face and the taste of the sea. And that’s what sprightly Daphne has just done – even taking over the helm of the sailing ship Tenacious, all 586 tons of it. Her energy and stamina even impressed the crew – they were astounded when on return to ship one day she bounded up a steep gangplank which was brought up by the rising sea. The tall ship is 213 feet long, has three masts, 13,000 square feet of sails and is designed to accommodate anyone aged over 16 with a disability. Despite being partially blind Daphne quickly found her sea legs again during the five-day voyage from Southampton, including the Isle of Wight and Poole Harbour. Daphne said: “I find the rhythm of the sea suits me – it’s doing something physical. “I swim and bowl and doing sailing is an extra thing to do . “A lot of people when they get older are not so active or maybe a bit afraid of the sea, but I would encourage more to try it. “I think I was the oldest lady on the ship but some of the others were in their 70s and 80s. I would encourage more elderly people to take part.” But Daphne, a former accountant who retired aged 82, and who lives in Garden Court, Warwick, said people can’t just sit back on a tall ship. “You have to be prepared to help out and join in. You must not be too much of a passenger – it’s not like a cruise.” While Daphne was on the Tenacious she said there were 32 “holiday crew”, such as herself, where half could have sensory or physical disabilities, and 12 permanent crew. One of the highlights of the trip was taking over the helm of the Tenacious, with the help of a crew member and an electronic voice to guide her course. “That was incredible – I actually got on the helm, even though I’m partially blind. “I was on the helm for half an hour,” and jokingly added: “So no time to sail it onto the rocks or the Needles. “The feel of the wind and sea on the face is invigorating.” She’s now getting used to being a landlubber again but said she misses the ship routine included pulling on the ropes to operate the sails. This is the third time she’s taken to seas on a tall ship but now wonders if it’s time to put anchor down permanently. “The crew asked me if I’ll do it again –I will have to see. I think I’m getting a bit past it now. “But when they send me the details – I think I can do it again. “I think my daughter Sarah thinks I’m mad, but I think she had faith that I could do it.” Daphne, who used to live in Barwell Close, Leamington, and ran an arts and craft shop in Warwick, was also treasurer of the Warwicshire Symphony Orchestra. She celebrates her 96th birthday on Halloween. The STS Tenacious is run by the Jubilee Sailing Trust. Phone 02380 449108. www.jst.org.uk

Scotland,s BOAT Show Sails To Success

MORE than 13,000 visitors flocked to Scotland’s Boat Show 2014 at Kip Marina, Inverkip last weekend with boat sales topping £2million, a figure which should double as more purchases are completed. The event is the largest boat show in Scotland -- the third largest in the UK -- and had more than £15million worth of boats on display, from a £500 dinghy to an £800,000 Sunseeker luxury powerboat. Designated a an official Homecoming Scotland 2014 event, the show attracted visitors from far and wide after global promotion by EventScotland and VisitScotland. Boat sales began straight away with a brand new Hanse 325 being sold at 10.30am on opening day followed throughout the weekend by sales totalling more than £2 million – a number which is expected to double as prospective buyers complete their purchases. New boat sales reached pre-recession levels with three sold during the weekend and a record level of new enquiries. Miles Stratton of Inspiration Marine Group said: “We are delighted with the sales and interest in our new boats which is a direct result of Scotland’s Boat Show bringing the product to the right market and we are already looking to increase the number of new boats on display for 2015” Returning as a main sponsor, RYA Scotland hosted a full programme of activities both on and off the water including taster sessions for young sailors in special Clyde Muirshiel access dinghies and the chance to drive a powerful RIB with Seatrek Training. Claire Caffrey, RYA marketing manager, said: “As one of the main sponsors of Scotland’s Boat Show, RYA Scotland were delighted to have supported another successful and busy boat show. We managed to get well over 100 people on the water on the Saturday and Sunday alone. The show is a fantastic opportunity for us to talk to our members and the Scottish sailing community face to face and is also the perfect platform from which to promote what RYA Scotland does. Hopefully lots of visitors to the show have gone home inspired to start or do more sailing in 2015.” Also available via RYA Scotland was the unique opportunity of touring Round the World Clipper yachts ‘Old Pulteney’ and ‘Clyde Challenger’ which were being shown together for the first time in the UK. Adding to the atmosphere on water were displays of Flyboarding from Mike Dear of WetJets.co.uk who introduced the crowds to the latest extreme water sport that lifts people up to 30 feet into the air on a jet of water. On shore there was plenty to see and do with the latest marine equipment on display in the RYA Scotland Pavilion, luxury cars from Bentley, Maserati, McLaren and Morgan, the Clyde Life-Style Marquee which hosted dozens of artisan traders showing everything from candles to furniture, and a farmers' market with fresh and organic foods from local quality suppliers. There was also the opportunity for visitors to explore Scottish family links in the Ancestry Research Centre presented by IBM with the aid of experts from the Renfrewshire Family History Society. Completing the attractions ashore were a children’s play area, and high quality musical entertainment from the Isle of Cumbrae Pipe Band and Inverclyde Rock Choir, both of which attracted large crowds during their performances. New as a partner for the show was the Inverclyde Living Marquee in which several local organisations showcased the many opportunities available for quality waterside living and working while taking advantage of the stunning views and unrivalled value for money house prices that Inverclyde can offer. Again hugely popular this year, judging by the constant queues to take part, were the helicopter flights that took visitors high over Ardgowan Estate along the river and then gave a spectacular view of Kip Marina and the crowds. The aerobatic display of the RAF Tutor Display Aircraft and the incredible skills of pilot Andy Preece as he performed a series of loops and spins over the marina in the single seat aircraft used to train the RAF’s fighter pilots was perhaps the highlight of the weekend. Holt Leisure Group and Kip Marina’s managing director Gavin McDonagh said “We believe this year’s show was our biggest and best yet and, from the reaction of visitors and exhibitors alike, they seem to agree with us, particularly as 75 per cent of exhibitors have already enquired about returning next year. For 2015 we aim to continue the expansion of Scotland’s Boat Show and are delighted to bring thousands of visitors to see the best of Inverclyde." David Pugh, editor of Practical Boat Owner, largest circulation marine magazine and website in the UK, said: "This was my second year representing Practical Boat Owner at Scotland's Boat Show and, once again, it was worth every minute spent and every mile getting here. For us it's not about selling magazines and subscriptions, although we did plenty of that as well,¬ but more about meeting readers in a different part of the British Isles and in an absolutely stunning sailing location. Kip hosts a great show, and I hope it continues to grow and provide a great destination for boaters from all over the UK." Scotland’s Boat Show 2015 takes place on the 9, 10 and 11 October next year. Scotland's Boat Show is particularly grateful to sponsors partners RYA Scotland, Henri Lloyd, Inverclyde Living, IBM, Sunseeker, Sail Scotland and Homecoming Scotland whose support enable the event to remain free admission.

Call for Cornish sailors to help with RNLI sea safety research

Cornish sailors are being asked to take part in research by the RNLI examining attitudes towards risk and safety. The project, supported by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and the Royal Yachting Association, will look at what motivates sailors, how often they go to sea, their experience and training, awareness of potential hazards and use of safety procedures and equipment. The findings will be used to help develop tailored and relevant safety messages for yacht sailing community. An online questionnaire for anyone who participates in yacht sailing will run for five weeks, supplemented by focus groups held in selected locations. Pip Hare, RNLI coastal safety manager, explained the reasoning behind the research project. She said: "The RNLI exists to save lives at sea – a large part of that role is trying to prevent incidents from happening in the first place by providing important safety information. RNLI incident data shows our lifeboat crews have rescued almost 9,850 yacht sailors in the last five years. "We’re always pleased to see people enjoying their leisure time at the coast and we want to help ensure they can take part in their chosen activity safely. "The aim of this research is to help us understand why people get involved and how they behave when they are on the water so we can provide the most relevant and useful safety information to them. We’re working with the RYA and MCA to join expertise in coastal safety with experience of the sport. Once we have the results of the research, we will work together to develop the most suitable safety programmes and advice." Stuart Carruthers, cruising manager at the RYA, said: "Recreational boating activities are predominantly safe and fun, but accidents which could have been prevented do happen. The RYA’s advice – look after yourself; have a plan; keep in touch and know your limits – underpin the RYA ethos of self-reliance and responsibility for safety on board. The RYA supports this research because it will provide a clearer insight of people’s attitudes to their safety and help us to promote safe behaviour and practice in a more effective way." Kirsten Pointer, head of evidence analysis and research from the MCA, added: "The results of this survey will really help to provide an evidence base to support the improvement of yachting safety standards." Those wishing to participate in the survey can visit http://www.rnliyachting.substance.coop/, and all who participate in the survey are offered the option of free entry into a prize draw to win a McMurdo Fast Find personal locator beacon, with a winner to be chosen by 15 November 2014.