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.