Blue Sheets Marine Directory - latest marine news and products for boaters

Sailing is one of very few sports in which having a physical disability does not have to be a disadvantage. Through its adaptive sailing programme, The Even Keel Project is providing able bodied and disabled enthusiasts with the opportunity to participate together in a sailing activity that would otherwise be normally outside their reach.

Of particular note at the start of the new sailing season is the developing interest from overseas organisations in establishing centres of excellence through The Even Keel Project in their regions, particularly in the USA, Netherlands and Ireland.

After a busy weekend exhibiting on the Sailability stand at the RYA Volvo Dinghy Show, The Even Keel Project is now gearing up for The British Leisure Show at Windsor Racecourse between 19-21 March (on Stand BW410)

BRP EXTENDS SEA-DOO 3 YEAR PROMOTIONAL PROGRAMME
07 March 2010 (55 reads)

Following the success of its exclusive 'Sea-Doo® 3-Year Promotional Programme' launched in December 2009, BRP has decided to extend it until the end of May 2010.

Customers will then have the opportunity to enjoy even more moments of fun on the most exciting personal watercraft (PWC).

This exclusive promotional programme offers to any customer purchasing a new, unused model year 2009 Sea-Doo PWC for recreational use from a participating authorised BRP dealer in the UK and Ireland until 31st May 2010...

GILL UPDATES THE PRO GLOVE
07 March 2010 (61 reads)

Widely trusted by professional yachtsmen as the best performer in the marketplace, the Gill Pro Glove with its distinctive “yellow” Proton Ultra™ durable material has been improved even further for 2010.

The main advancement has been the addition of Dura-Grip™ on the lower part of the palm construction, to provide incredible levels of grip without compromising on flexibility. Dura-Grip™ is also remarkably tough, and compliments the Proton-Ultra™ in the palm and fingers.

The wrap construction prevents the possibility of rope burn, and the advanced Proton-Ultra™ technology has been proven to be far more durable than other glove materials.

RYA WELCOMES NEW CEO
05 March 2010 (70 reads)

Following a month working alongside retiring CEO Rod Carr, new CEO Sarah Treseder now fully takes the helm and is looking forward to the challenges the role will bring.

“Coming to the RYA is a great opportunity for me to combine my passion for business and my passion for being on the water and to make a lasting contribution to the RYA and all it represents. It is exciting and it will be demanding, but I am looking forward to the challenge”, commented Sarah.

Sarah brings with her a wealth of experience and expertise from the business world, from newspapers, international business and most recently luxury events, as well as a passion and lifelong involvement in boating from, learning to sail with her family at a very early age, to enjoying weekends on canal boats and cruising on board friend’s powerboats.

CLIPPER 09/10 - RACE 7 FROM QINGDAO TO SAN FRANSISCO BEGINS
03 March 2010 (120 reads)

Following their hero’s welcome and an unforgettable stopover in the Shandong provincial city of Qingdao, China, the teams competing in the Clipper 09-10 Round the World Yacht Race were treated to a spectacular send off for Race 7 of the 35,000-mile global challenge to San Francisco.

As the brave sailors manned their boats and prepared to do battle with the largest ocean on the planet, thousands lined the breakwater of the Olympic Sailing Centre to send them on their way. A 15-knot breeze from the north gave a gentle introduction to the 5,680-mile race to California, USA, the longest leg in the history of the Clipper Race.

GILL ANNOUNCE EMIRATES TEAM NEW ZEALAND PARTNERSHIP AS OFFICIAL TECHNICAL CLOTHING SUPPLIER
28 February 2010 (153 reads)

Gill, the technical sailing clothing specialist has announced an exciting new partnership with Emirates Team New Zealand, one of the strongest sailing teams in the world. Gill has been appointed as the Official Technical Clothing Supplier to the team.

Gill will be supplying a range of its technical product for both the prestigious Louis Vuitton Trophy events during 2010, and the TP52 taking part in this season’s Audi Medcup - which the team so impressively won in 2009.

Emirates Team New Zealand Managing Director Grant Dalton said he is pleased to welcome Gill to the team. “The partnership brings together Emirates Team New Zealand and Gill, an acknowledged world leader in research, development, design and production of high-performance technical sailing clothing.”

DISCOVERY 50 CATAMARAN TO SET SAIL FOR WORLDS FIRST DEDICATED MULTIHULL SHOW
25 February 2010 (161 reads)

UK based Discovery Yachts will showcase its recently launched and much heralded Discovery 50 Cat at the Salon Atlantique du Multicoque (Atlantic Multihull Boat Show) set to take place in Lorient, France from 15th to 18th April 2010.

Designed by the renowned Bill Dixon, with an interior styled by superyacht specialist Ken Freivokh, the Discovery 50 Cat is the first multihull from this highly respected British yard which has gained an enviable reputation for its 55 and 67 foot ocean going monohulls.

LEANER AND GREENER 6-VOLT BATTERIES FROM MASTERVOLT
23 February 2010 (191 reads)

Mastervolt, the Dutch-based manufacturer of innovative new electrical products, has proudly launched a range of three new 6-volt AGM batteries.

Each high-capacity model is designed to form a building block for a fully customised battery bank, allowing for 12, 24 or 48-volt banks to be created in restricted space onboard.

The new batteries are entirely maintenance free, and can be mounted either vertically, or horizontally. They are also completely safe, as any gasses released during charging are reabsorbed inside.

The cases are sealed, and are ventilated by the surrounding air, so there is no need for complex vented battery boxes. Should the battery be significantly overcharged in a faulty system, then a special safety valve will vent away the pressure.

MOTORCAT MC30 IS ONE OF A KIND FOR RYA TRAINING
22 February 2010 (242 reads)

MotorCats Ltd MC30 family power cruiser is coded by the RYA to issue ALL RYA training certificates. It is the ideal boat for practical navigation and training, taking up to 4 passengers with skipper, and providing plenty of space in the cabin for chartwork.

What's more, it's twin engines provide speed with safety and highly responsive manoeuvering.

Motor catamarans are known for their stability, 'unsinkability' and fuel economy, and are a popular choice for chartering in the Solent. Many customers choose the MotorCat for training and then add on a holiday to reward themselves for their hard work.

CLIPPER ROUND THE WORLD RACE - SPIRIT OF AUSTRALIA TAKES LINE HONOURS IN QINGDAO
22 February 2010 (254 reads)

In a race that has thrown everything at the crews and seen positions on the leader board change daily, Spirit of Australia has claimed their first victory of Clipper 09-10. Having moved into the lead five days ago, the Australian team were able to hold their nerve at the front of the fleet and crossed the finish line at 1307 local time on Saturday 20th February.

“Spirit of Australia is number one into Qingdao!” exclaimed skipper Brendan Hall as they crossed the line. “After an incredibly tough race, we have come through and snatched a victory all of us can be proud of and remember.

1 2 3