A historic sailing club said it was being threatened with closure due to lease changes by Anglian Water. Northampton Sailing Club, based at Pitsford Reservoir, said the water company wanted to take back about a third of the shore it uses. Commodore Sarah Carswell said the change could lead to the “dissolution” of the club. Anglian Water said it was “working with the club to come to an agreement where we can both use the area”. The club was started in 1956 when the reservoir was approved for sailing use. Among its former members is Dylan Fletcher-Scott, gold medallist in the 49er sailing class at the delayed Tokyo 2020 Olympics. The area of shore affected has been developed over the last 20 years as a safe landing and recovery zone for windsurfers, the club said.

Source: Northampton Sailing Club fears for future due to lease change – BBC News

INDUSTRY NEWS RYA works harder to open up boating to everyone 28/06/2023 Save article The RYA has launched its ‘Together on Water’ strategy which encompasses a bold new vision to open up boating to new audiences. SHOW FULLSCREEN Source: RYA The RYA has launched its ‘Together on Water’ strategy zoom inzoom out With a refreshed new brand identity, the new strategy sets out how the association will work in partnership to get more people on the water and inspire them to discover and safely develop their sailing skills. “We firmly believe that everyone deserves the opportunity and encouragement, to enjoy being on the water and to do so in a safe environment,” said Sara Sutcliffe MBE, CEO, RYA. “It’s not a quick fix, but we are determined to break down barriers and open up our world to everyone with an interest in the blue spaces, sports and pastimes we’re so passionate about.” Renewed purpose ‘Together on Water’ was developed following extensive consultation across the sailing and boating sector. The new strategic vision comes off the back of learnings during the Covid pandemic, which saw millions of people from across the UK trying out new water-based activities. But, this has not yet led to a sustained increase in participation and, beyond those enjoying initial taster experiences, more regular boaters display relatively low demographic diversity. Dinghy racing has allso declined over time and club numbers remain static. The RYA said it is determined to address these trends and to evolve against the backdrop of an increasingly fast-paced, choice-rich, time-poor society. It also wants to showcase the positive impact watersports can have on health, well-being and in protecting a connection with nature.     Topics BoatingclubIndustry NewsmembershipRYASailingwater sports

Source: RYA works harder to open up boating to everyone | News | Boating Business

AFTERMARKET New block range from Allen 26/06/2023 Save article Allen has launched a new 40mm dynamic block range. SHOW FULLSCREEN Allen’s 40mm dynamic block range is available in 29 variations The blocks are available in 29 variations, manufactured from high-strength, lightweight glass-loaded nylon incorporating Allen’s dynamic bearing technology. Development has taken place over the last two years with a focus on the high-performance keelboat and dinghy market with new variations for different systems. The blocks have stainless-steel ball bearings which Allen says roll more quickly and last longer when subjected to high working loads compared to plastic alternatives. The blocks also have a stainless-steel rail for the balls to roll on for further friction reduction and improved reliability and performance over a longer period. “To further reduce friction, we have encapsulated the ball bearings in a cage, this stops each of the bearings from rubbing against each other,” said an Allen spokesperson. “The reduced friction in caged ball bearings leads to improved performance. “With less friction, the bearings can operate more efficiently, requiring less energy to rotate. This results in smoother operation, reduced wear, and improved overall performance of the block.” Other features include a lockable swivel shackle attachment which can be locked in 90-degree orientations. Alternatively, the shackle lock can be removed for the block to rotate freely. Single, double and triple sheave options are available with aluminium ball-bearing cam cleats mounted via an adjustable arm which can be adjusted to suit different sheeting angles. Topics BlockDinghyKeelboatMasts, spars, sails & riggingSailing boat

Source: New block range from Allen | News | Boating Business

AFTERMARKETLloyd’s Register certification for rigging company26/06/2023Save articleRondal has been awarded certification as a Lloyd’s Register Approved Service Supplier for the survey of masts and rigging on Bermuda (fore and aft-rigged) vessels.SHOW FULLSCREENRondal has achieved Lloyd’s Register certification for Bermuda rigged vesselsLloyd’s Register approves safety standards on superyachts as well as on commercial ships.Sailing vessels seeking to obtain or renew Lloyd’s Register Certification must be able to document that services such as measurements, test, periodic surveys or maintenance of safety systems or equipment have been provided by the organisation’s Approved Service Suppliers.To achieve the approval, auditors examined Rondal’s methods, documentation processes and training to make sure they meet its necessary quality standards.“We have worked with Lloyd’s for a long time on certification of many of the products we manufacture such as spars, winches and hatches,” said Harry Mijnsbergen, Rondal’s manager of service and aftersales.“They are well aware of our work and this audit was largely about fine tuning the specifics and procedures from our service. We have already been training all members of our survey and service team in this methodology.”Rondal primarily performs mast and rigging survey work on superyachts over 40m in length.TopicsMasts, spars, sails & rigging

Source: Lloyd’s Register certification for rigging company | News | Boating Business

AFTERMARKET First ever winches from Ronstan 02/06/2023 Save article Ronstan has introduced its first-ever range of winches. SHOW FULLSCREEN Ronstan’s first winch range includes the 20ST, 30QT, and 40QT The Orbit Winches have been manufactured from lightweight aluminium and designed to be performance based. The winches are easy to service, with no tools required for disassembly and maintenance. “Our long experience manufacturing Andersen Stainless Steel Winches defines our non-negotiable standards for reliability, mechanical efficiency, and unparalleled user experience,” said a company spokesperson. “For everything else, the new winches were developed from the deck up with a different set of priorities and an eye for innovation.” Design features such as the drum’s smooth surface finish and power ribs from Andersen winches are incorporated for line grip and control with minimal rope wear. The winches are available in sizes 20ST, 30QT, and 40QT with the two larger sizes incorporating Ronstan’s patented QuickTrim self-tailer which allows sailors to ease line tension to make minor sail trim adjustments without removing the winch handle or taking the line out of the self-tailer. A small anti-clockwise rotation of the self-tailing cover allows the self-tailer to turn beneath it like a sheave as the rope is eased, with grip and control maintained with the drum’s power ribs. The self-tailer is locked for normal use to resume once the top cover springs back into place. “Racing sailors can react and respond instantly to minor course corrections or changes in wind pressure and direction, providing an unmatched advantage when frequent sail trim adjustments are required,” added the spokesperson. “Cruising sailors will also appreciate the simple convenience when adjusting sail trim.” Topics Cruising sailorDeck Hardwareracing sailorself-tailing winchWinchwinch handle

Source: First ever winches from Ronstan | News | Boating Business