November 2017 http://www.yachtingmonthly.com 13LETTERS
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twitter.com/yachtingmonthlyyears later, the UK Government – and only
that Government – has not been able (or
willing) to implement and enforce that
joint decision. In the past I have read a lot
of arguments against that directive in YM,
the main one being that white diesel
would not be available in some remote
areas. That is completely beside the
point here. It only means the UK
government has not wanted to invest in
alternative solutions.
I think blasting Belgian Customs for
enforcing a regulation that everyone else
in Europe has (grudgingly) accepted is a
little too easy.
Wilfried SpillemaeckersA key weapon in the
knots armoury
I’ve just read Christopher Baker’s letter
and his promotion of the rolling hitch
(Sum 17). This is the most-used knot in my
inventory. I regularly use it to get myself
out of trouble when we pick up our
fore-and-aft mooring, which invariably
has a beam wind or wind just off the bow.
Once the bow is attached I use a rolling
hitch on the pickup line to winch the stern
on. It’s also great to sort out that riding
turn on a winch.
It’s a tricky knot to master for many, but
well worth having in your arsenal. I cannot
rate it highly enough.
Tony CarterPHOTO: TOny carTer
Windward is
leeward... what?
I’m with you on the assumed definition of
a leeward berth. I’ve been sailing for 53
years, so have been wrong longer than
you. Apart from a week sailing in Greece
and six days of Yachtmaster practical in
1976, I have been skipper, navigator and
bottle washer. I wonder how many other
things I have wrong?
When I started sailing in 1964 I had the
foolhardy bravery of young men all over
the world and a dollop of good luck to
survive the trip. Pretty soon I may have to
hang up my boots but I’m sure I will
continue to buy YM every month.
Roy BranaganSmall Greek charter
companies
In your article on illegal Greek charters
(Aug 17) Mr Neilson's advice is that we
should only use companies that are listed
at Companies House and are registered
with ATOL, ABTA or AITO. It’s good advice
but he is in effect suggesting we avoid
any company that is registered in Greece.There are many charter companies
operating in Greece that provide a very
good service and have been established
for many years. I keep two yachts with
Vliho YC who, as one part of their
business, run a small charter fleet. They
have been established for many years and
have an excellent reputation for the
service they provide. Any prospective
charterer should do their homework
before chartering abroad. The internet
makes that easy now, but do not
disregard the small Greek companies
who are often more competitive on price
and provide a better service that the large
British-registered charter firms.
Ray LuptonGreat solo MOB tip, thanks Noel!
As is often the case, the excellent, thought-provoking article on Man overboard myths
busted (Sep 17) raised as many questions as it answered. In particular solo sailing, the
frightening thought ‘Would I actually be able to get back onto the boat?' Well perhaps,
but probably not! The shortened tether line with a ladder of webbing built in is an
excellent idea and will become a standard piece of equipment on my yacht. However the
scenario of spending your last hours/minutes being dragged alongside the yacht leads
me to mention two pieces of MOB equipment to carry about your person when solo
sailing. They are easily and readily available, and have come about as a benefit of our
rapidly-developing communication systems: a waterproof DSC handheld radio, and a
PLB (personal locator beacon).
I always carry both about my person. In a life threatening situation your only hope
could be getting out a Mayday.
Keith BelfieldNoel Dilly’s loop
ladder, built into his
tether, certainly
appeals to one solo
sailing YM readerThe rolling hitch earns still more praise,
this time from Tony CarterPHOTO: cHrIS BeeSOn/yM