Recent content by John_Silver

Something like this might make an economical placeholder. Could be 'extended' to 8.6m with the addition of a sturdy bowsprit and/or bumpkin, perhaps? (Spotted in L'Aber Wrac'h on Wednesday)

Stargazer has an all roving set up. Using these SunWare TX panels. Basically 2 of their semi rigids mounted on a stout ‘canvas’ backing. So that they fold like a book. A pair stow well in the aft cabin. (Which is a much smaller affair than that on a JPK 39FC). I had cringles added to each corner...

Think Parkstone’s involvement was with the ‘old’ RM, before Grand Large took over. Certainly, the yard were happy to start discussions on a direct purchase, last year. UK must be in their sights though. They will be exhibiting the current flagship, RM 1380,at this year’s Southampton…. Cesar...

Yes, those chamfered topsides are quite a look, on the 1180. They’re huge too, close up.And the only RM with a chunk of the hull in GRP - not just the deck. Going to try to get a look at the new 1080. Should be built, by the time we get down to La Rochelle. It’s got an interesting cockpit...

On the “get ashore” question. Any of the PaF that I visit (Dieppe, Cherbourg, Roscoff) seem quite happy for me to stamp in on the morning after an afternoon/ evening arrival, with a bag full of fresh patisserie (making it plain that I’ve been ashore). So free to wander from arrival, with a pre...

Is he still in the RM? Got no Wifi today (in Roscoff) and good old Vodafone's 'fair use policy' caps my (paid for) data when I'm roaming (also paid for).

In Cherbourg over the (French) double Bank Holidays, last week: PaF were doing an 09.00 surgery then. Not evenings. But the officers on the ground were happy to stamp me out, to Guernsey, for the following day. (Which, out of interest, the desk officer, who replied to my pre-avis submission said...

The, ever helpful, St Peter Port dock team were having a bit of a technology meltdown, last week. Good (tablet based) system, but with dodgy Wi-Fi. They were tearing their hair out, when the 80 race boats were trying to pay. Didn't pick up a full table of charges. But you could probably pro-rate...

Certainly has been this past couple of days. Arrived with the (80 strong) Morlaix race fleet. The alongside pontoons were rafted so deep that you could pretty much walk across the harbour. Still got a finger berth, mind. Courtesy of those amazing harbour staff in their dories (and Stargazer’s...

The Bad News: Visitor prices up around 25% (£30 last year = £38 this year. On 9.5m). The Good News: 1. Passeport Escales now accepted. To the benefit of MDL Freedom Berth contract holders and those berthed in French marinas. 2. The early season ‘4 days for the price of three’ deal remains on offer.

Might be able to find it Might be able to find it in my YouTube history. If the WiFi’s up to it, in St Peter Port, on arrival.

Try Patrick Laine’s YouTube channel. Took an RM (way) north last summer. Did a Biscay delivery on one, a couple of years back, before buying his own. Ex super etendard fighter pilot. No nonsense Canadian solo sailor, based in Les Sables (I think). Good winter watching.

Presently in Cherbourg, enjoying the sunshine. To be aware of: Fuel dock out of action, for the foreseeable. From what my Franglais could elicit. E mail address for PaF has changed, since last year. Now dipn50-paf-cic@interieur.gouv.fr

Sam Davies carving her way through the fleet….. Now lying 4th.