The new Merchant Shipping (Watercraft) Order will apply existing ship operator rules to personal watercraft and will enable watercraft users to be prosecuted for dangerous and negligent use. The order…
Sailing news
Flare death in Pacific reignites pyrotechnic debate
The tragic death of a Dutch sailor on New Year’s Day after setting off a flare has reignited criticism about the use of pyrotechnic flares on yachts. The RYA is…
Second VAT payments for EU-VAT paid boats returning to the UK
UK residents who bought EU VAT paid boats and based them in the EU will still have to pay VAT again if they want to return their boats to the…
Backing sought for a solo Arctic circumnavigation by yacht
RYA Yachtmaster Instructor Ella Hibbert is looking for sponsors for a singlehanded circumnavigation of the Arctic in her 38ft ketch
VAT warning for boats visiting Portugal
A boat owner, who is facing a VAT bill and fine from Customs in Portugal, is warning skippers to avoid sailing there from any non-EU country
Royal Cruising Club Pilotage Foundation seeks editor
The Royal Cruising Club Pilotage Foundation is looking for a new editor-in-chief for their portfolio of cruising guides
Orca interactions with boats ‘expected’ to stop
A scientist studying orca interactions with small sailing yachts off the Iberian Peninsula believes their behaviour will stop once the marine mammals mature
Updated guidance on fitting a radar reflector to boats under 15m
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency has updated its guidance and is urging all owners of boats under 15m/49.2ft to fit a radar reflector
Wearing a lifejacket ‘not a personal choice’, says US Sailing
US Sailing has said all crew should wear a lifejacket, harnesses and tethers in inclement weather or when conditions warrant it, and that it shouldn't be a 'personal choice'
Sailing to Ireland with your dog remains ‘essentially impossible’
The Cruising Association has said attempts to approach the Irish Government have proved 'fruitless' and currently it 'remains essentially impossible' to take a dog or a cat to the Republic…