Lincolnshire waterways set to benefit from new marina

Boat owners in Lincolnshire could be set to benefit from the opening of a new marina, potentially bringing a raft of new jobs to the area.

A multi-million pound marina development has been proposed at Eastfield Rise Farm in Cherry Willingham, just a short drive from the city of Lincoln. In addition to the marina, the project would see a hotel, restaurant and holiday lodge built on the complex.

The move could also provide a significant fillip to tourism in the area, allowing greater access to to the county's major landmarks including the River Witham and the Viking Way route.

Andy Jee, project manager for the Lincolnshire Waterways Partnership comments: "Businesses and communities along our waterways will benefit from improved boating facilities."

Are you looking for boat and personal safety equipment? You can find hundreds of accessories on the Mailspeed Marine website.

Boat owners in Plymstock area of Plymouth are being urged to sign up to a new scheme to keep their craft safe from crime.

The Plymstock neighbourhood police team has launched Boat Watch, designed for the waters in and around Plymouth. Based on the same principles as Neighbourhood Watch, the aim is to bring together those involved in boating to tackle marine crime.

Police say they recognise boating is still an immensely popular leisure activity in the region with numerous clubs and associations, as well as individuals, regularly using local waters. It runs alongside a thriving boating industry, ranging from small inflatable boats to luxury yachts.

However, they say, watercraft are easy targets for thieves.

The Plymstock police say they aim to keep in regular contact with the marine communities, clubs, associations and professional bodies with regular bulletins and details of stolen boats and property.

Dragon boat team enters record books

A Dragon Boat team from Oxfordshire has raced into the record books after paddling 109 miles in 24 hours, comfortably beating the existing world record by 4.4km.

The adrenaline-fuelled challenge took place on Derwent Water in the Lake District, and was almost halted by high winds, causing the event to be postponed for four hours.

One competitor from the 20-man team, David Buckland, commented on the gruelling nature of the challenge:

“It was daunting.

“Although we knew we had to keep going for 24 hours we didn’t know how we’d perform so it was a real step into the unknown.

“We were worried about the high winds returning and scuppering our attempt at the finish line and having to contend with rowing through backwashes from passenger ferries.

“We were also worried about capsizing the boat especially in the dark as it would have scuppered the record.

“It was just relentless, we were all running on adrenaline.”

Let's just hope they packed their life jackets!

Why Buy Sailing Jackets?

Find out about why a sailing jacket is great not only out to sea, but for everyday use too. The following shows you what to look out for when shopping for sailing jackets...

Features
The seams should be double stitched for maximum strength and the entire sailing jacket, including the sleeves should be lined. The collar must have a zip that runs all the way round and pockets should zip up too. It is also common to find waterproof jackets with no pockets to prevent the risk of leakage.

Consider
Remember, it does not have to be cold for it to rain. This means it is important to find sailing jackets that are roomy and allow perspiration to escape so that you don’t get too hot on wet summer days. You should also buy a jacket according to the type of boat you are on as you may need higher protection on vessels with not much inside space.

Comfort
Aside from the protection it provides you, a sailing jacket must also feel comfortable. This is especially true if you are going to be active on the boat because you want to be able to move freely without having to worry about being restricted. There is no reason why you cannot enjoy yourself through horrid weather!

Killer stingray found off shore of Shetland

A deadly violet stingray has been caught off the coast of Shetland.

A Scottish fishing boat managed to reel in the rare creature, which has a poisonous barb that can prove fatal.

A stingray killed popular 'Crocodile Hunter' Steve Irwin as he filmed a documentary in 2006.

The skipper of the boat that netted the stingray, Michael Henderson, revealed the crew's shock at the finding:

"We've never seen anything like it."

"Initially we thought it was a common stingray, which would have been very rare around Shetland, but we checked our book and discovered it was the violet stingray, which is unheard of in these waters.

"It is a long, long way from home and we were wary of it.

"We handled it with great care. It has a very dangerous poisoned barb and we knew what happened to Steve Irwin.”

Outboard Brackets Guide

Outboard brackets are often an essential item for use with outboard engines. An outboard bracket is attached to a vessel so that the engine can then be mounted on it. There are many types of outboard motor bracket available, each with features that would suit all kinds of boat. Whether you need lightweight, heavy, or removable ones, there are plenty of outboard brackets on the market to choose from.

Plastimo Aluminium Adjustable Motor Bracket
This outboard bracket is made from aluminium for a light yet strong piece of equipment. It also has a polypropylene pad. Other specifications for this outboard motor bracket include:
• Pad height 265mm
• Width 210mm
• Thickness 45mm
• Max load 50kg

Mailspeed Marine Outboard Pushpit Bracket
This strong marine ply outboard motor bracket has a stainless steel tube that clamps onto a push pit easily and quickly. It is one of the most convenient outboard brackets to use.
• Plate size: 240mm x 200mm
• Tube 25mm

Lalizas Outboard Motor Bracket - Rail Mount
This bracket for outboard engines is perfect for those looking to permanently install their outboard bracket to the stern rail, rather than keeping it in storage when not being used. The bracket has been designed to fit standard 25mm diameter rails and is made from white UV resistant non-slip polypropylene.

A Guide to Using Flares

Emergency flares are essential to anybody that intends to go out sailing, whether it is around the world or simply on an inshore lake, if something goes wrong, distress flares can make the difference between life and death. Sailing flares for sale vary depending on their intended use but the principal of emergency flares remains the same, that is, to enable a boat in distress to attract the attention of rescuers.

Distress Flares Usage Guide

•Distress flares are divided into three types, inshore, coastal and offshore. Offshore flares are recommended for any boat that intends to go further than 10miles out to see, coastal and inshore distress flares are self-explanatory. The main differences between these sailing flares (other than the price) are what the flares are capable of.

•Offshore distress flares can be fired up to 1000ft into the air and can be seen from more than 25miles away. These emergency flares are either fired by a flare gun or a by a rocket (similar to a firework). These distress flares float down on a parachute which enables them to be seen for over a minute.

•The other types of sailing flares for sale are the handheld types such as those offered by Hansson Ikaros . These are recommended for all uses, especially when inshore.

•Emergency flares are only of any use when somebody else can see them choose the moment to fire distress flares carefully. When it comes to firing sailing flares from a flare gun, hold the flare gun in both hands and aim roughly 60 degrees above the horizon (more in high winds), with the wind on your back. Make sure that you are not going to hit any other boats or buildings on land that could be caught on fire.

•Handheld sailing flares are very useful for inshore or coastal situations where the shorter line of sight is not such as issue. Handheld emergency flares are also very useful in offshore situations when a rescue helicopter or ship is nearby.

•Handheld emergency flares are ignited by different means and it is always highly recommended to check how your individual flares are operated a common method is by pulling on a chord or a chain that is on the bottom of the distress flares. These sailing flares are designed to be waved in the hand when standing on the deck of the boat. When using these distress flares, wave them over the edge of the boat to ensure that sailing flares will not set the boat on fire in the event that they are dropped.

•All emergency flares have an expiry date (usually 3 years after manufacture) printed on the side of them. All distress flares should be replaced if the expiry date is reached.

•Hansson Ikaros offer packs of sailing flares designed for different uses. For Instance the Offshore Emergency Flares Pack contains 4 rocket flares, 4 handheld flares and 2 smoke flares.

•It is recommended that the minimum amount of distress flares to have on board at any one time is four but of course it doesn’t hurt to have even more than that in the event of a real emergency and you end up relying on your sailing flares. Sailing flares come in waterproof containers but should be kept in a watertight container as an extra precaution.