HATCH SECURITY
When Ingrid and Phil Bailey’s Seawind 1000
Eclipse and seven other boats were broken
into through the hatches, Phil came up with
this quick fix to prevent a recurrence.
A bar is taped to the hatch handles with
wide Velcro to stop lowlife opening hatches
from above. I like this idea because it can
be released from inside easily. Any security
device that compromises a quick exit could
be dangerous if you need to get out in a hurry.TWISTING BY THE SEA
When choosing rope for an anchor line
snubber, try to obtain braided line.
As shown in the photo, three-strand
laid construction leads to twisting
under load. This may not be an issue if
the snubber is attached with a rolling
hitch, but some chain hooks tend to
foul the twisted line causing a tangle
that can create chafe or unfair strain.
I am told that an excellent source
for braided snubber lines is your
local climbing gym. Compulsorily
retired climbing ropes are wonderfully
stretchy, perfectly sound and may be
available at negligible cost.DIDUNO
WIN THE PERFECT CUPPA
This month’s prize will go to Ingrid Bailey.
Thanks to the Australian Madura Tea
company for supplying one of these boxes.
http://www.maduratea.com.auTEA BOX WINNER
CONTRIBUTIONS WELCOME
Ideas Locker is your forum to share tips that make cruising easier, safer, or more fun.
Email [email protected] or write to Cruising Helmsman at GPO Box 606,
Sydney 2001. Photos should be clear close-ups of the item described – if electronic; jpgs
of at least 250KB. For more cruising ideas check out Petrea’s Cruise Under Sail Facebook page.PICK OF THE MONTH
35
http://www.mysailing.com.auABOVE: Simple and quick burglar-
proofing of standard deck hatch.ZZZERDWFUDIWFRPDXVKRS
)RUERDWEXLOGLQJDQGERDWUHSDLUVXSSOLHV
RIGHT: Chain wrap around Mantus
hook caused by snubber line
twisting under load.Candidate for the world’s worst sailing ship captain may be James
Brookes. As master of the English East India Company’s Trial, he created
Australia’s first known shipwreck after sailing too far east in the Indian
Ocean and crashing into the Montebellos.
He escaped the wreck in a small boat with
nine others and sailed to Java, leaving
the rest of his crew to perish. Having
made landfall, he reported the
ship’s demise several hundred
miles west of its true position
to hide his mistake. He was
given command of another
ship, but on arrival back in
England, he wrecked it too,
apparently deliberately.