Yacht Sea Essay of Hamble

Changes since 2010

- Grab handles added forward of each helm and below in the saloon, forecabin and forward heads
- The dinghy and pump have been replaced with new items located in the aft transom stowage. An outboard motor bracket is available in the shed
- Grab bag has been moved to aid stowage - see below
- Bunk cushion covers have now been fitted to avoid the original Dufour covers from getting dirty
- A clip has been fitted to the starboard upper spreader to hold the storm jib inner forestay when parked in order to avoid chafing of the mast
- Springs fitted to mast base blocks to aid articulation and avoid block failure
- Reef 3 ramshorn at the gooseneck modified to avoid sail damage
- Wooden 'spanner' for sea water filter added
- Automatic fire extinguisher fitted to the engine bay starboard side
- Chartplotter reprogrammed to include a specific 'Sea Essay' page

Chartplotter

The introduction screen cautions against the use of this unit for navigation in place of paper charts, however, it can be useful to fix position, enter waypoints and measure bearings. It also provides access to tidal information by clicking on 'tidal diamonds' and the radar. The Navionics 46XG CF card provides chart data for the UK South Coast and French coast down to Spain. There is an archive and transfer function which allows waypoint data to be 'saved' to the CF card - we are concerned that this function has the potential to corrupt the CF card and request that this function should not be used. The Navionics card is updated annually by exchange with Navionics at CSD cost. Hence the Navionics CF card is a valuable item which should not be removed from the chartplotter except by agreement with the Yacht Husband. When leaving Sea Essay please ensure that all waypoints and routes have been deleted.

Navtex

Last season we had reports of being unable to exit 'sleep' mode. This has been investigated by the YH team who have a method of unlocking sleep mode and by Hudsons who have not been able to find a fault. It is strongly recommended that 'sleep' mode is not used and a dark screen achieved by means of the right hand button and up/down arrow keys or, if not underway, by the use of a book or clipboard in front of the screen.

Log and Compass Discrepancies

We have recalibrated these on the water but Skippers should note that in both cases only a 2 second button push is needed to enter the calibration mode - an inexperienced crewman can easily do this inadvertently even by sitting too close by the autopilot control panel. A guard is provided to help avoid this. A further compass swing has been carried out by Robinsons and a new deviation card provided in the O & T Manual - please note that the starboard compass is unreliable due to magnetic interference from the helm mechanism.

Safety Line Gate Stanchions

These are now in place as originally ordered. Marco advise that crew should not use the stanchion 'gateposts' to pull themselves on board as this can cause water leakage through the deck.

Tool Box Location

This item proved too heavy for the fwd cabin drawer and now lives under the port saloon seat.

Stiff Reef Lines

In order to avoid pulling the leech of the sail it is recommended that all reef lines are fully slackened off and pulled through when lowering the main. Please check that the reefing lines are slack when hoisting the mainsail

Grab Bag

This has been relocated in a new yellow bag in the aft locker centre aft starboard cabin.

Hood Straps

These have now been fitted to keep the folded sprayhood in place in strong winds.

Water Usage

For best boat trim it is recommended that the aft water tank be used first so that the forward tank remains full and thus tends to balance the weight of the liferaft and dinghy.

240 volt Electrical Equipment

The boat has a 240 volt system for use when connected to a shore power supply. There are 2 kinds of socket which can accept a standard 13amp 3 pin plug. HOWEVER, only the socket under the chart table can be used for items consuming up to 13 amps, all others have adaptors limited to 3 amps. It is not CSD policy to provide domestic mains power items such as kettles, toasters etc as the safety of these items on board is unproven. Hence the sockets should only be used for low power items such as phone chargers etc.

Automatic fire extinguisher

The engine compartment has been fitted with a Fireblitz FBA-G2 2kg AUTOMATIC extinguisher which is located high on fwd stbd side. The yellow 'glass' phial and pressure gauge should be checked as 'ok' before departure

Hamble River Navigation

Your attention is drawn to the provisions of the Hamble River Bye-laws and navigation advice (a document up to now possibly not much read by CSD Skippers) and which can be found at www.hants.gov.uk/hambleharbour. These state:-

- Para 8 - Vessels in difficulty should advise Hamble Harbour Master (Ch 68)
- Para 10 - Master shall ensure at least one person having reasonable experience and ability in the art of navigation is constantly in charge of navigation
- Para 24 - No drink or drugs.
- All vessels should monitor Ch 68 when in the harbour
- On entry alter course between laterals 5 and 7
- The prudent yachtsman will have his motor instantly available

As a result of the grounding incident towards the end of last year CSD are recommending the following procedures be adopted by Skippers, based in part on these by-laws:-

- The main sail should be dropped or raised outside of the entrance to the River channel (i.e. at or near the Hamble Point cardinal)
- The engine should be running at all times when in the River
- Channel 68 should be monitored when entering or leaving the River
- At least one person having reasonable experience and ability in the art of navigation should be constantly in charge of navigation
- If in difficulty then advise Hamble Harbour Master (Ch 68) in the first instance

Log Book Entries

Skippers are reminded that they are required to ensure that log book entries are made during the charter and must be in sufficient detail that should an incident have occurred it can be presented as evidence. The recording of distances and engine hours is also required.

The Ship's Log also acts as the Radio Log. Therefore, any distress, urgency or safety call made or relayed; any calls made by Sea Essay for assistance; any other significant radio calls, e.g. calls made to other vessels regarding collision avoidance, must be recorded in the log.

Defects, Breakages and Damage

Please ensure that the Change over Note is complete in all respects. We are concerned by the use of glass crockery and cooking utensils on board. The potential for serious injury caused when they break cannot be over emphasised.

Martin Bellamy
CSD Yacht Secretary
February 2011