A letter has been received detailing the Maritime and Coastal Search and Rescue coordination changes in Sussex, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Dorset and Devon. In September, the new National Maritime Operations Centre (NMOC) in Fareham will take over responsibility for the operational areas previously managed by the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres (MRCC) in: • Solent (Sussex, Hampshire and Isle of Wight); and • Portland (Dorset and Devon).

The clock turns back 30 years when Peter hears a radio warning of live firing Time and date supplemental – position 10nm west of Portland Bill, heading 080°, SOG 7knots, visibility 1-4miles. Over the radio came an all stations call from HMS Monmouth warning of live firing out to 10nm, centred on a position only 6 miles south east of my location.

Nat and Darren Roach are just beaten into 4th place at the 2000 Nationals at Exe SC In a very close competition at the 2000 Nationals held at Exe SC last week (4-9 Aug) Nat Roach and her brother Darren were narrowly pushed into 4th place on the last day of the competition. After 3 days of racing, in a mix of light and breezy conditions, Nat and Darren were holding on to a firm 2nd place with a number of boats close on their heels.

Continuing the Ryser family tradition of hospitality 12 members gathered on Merse Island to enjoy the ambiance and hospitality of the Ryser family. 12 members gathered on Mersea Island in the grounds of Alpha House courtesy of Mrs Vivien Ryser. The Ryser’s first invited RNSA to join them soon after Terry’s retirement and the family move to West Mersea.

More rain and less wind! But an increasing breeze through the evening, albeit in fading light, made for a pleasant sail around the harbour, while spotting the buoys became trickier as at times near darkness seemed to fall. We managed to be last around the first mark, despite running the start – nice starts by the other two in a reduced fleet due to holidays and cruises.