Bernard Stamm, sailing ‘Cheminees Poujoulat’, in the Velux single handed round the world race event Velux 5 Oceans, late last night rounded the Cape Horn at a speed of 16 knots. “Cape Horn was rough but I could see the rock very well. The waves became very big when I arrived in shallow water”, said Stamm. The seabed rose to 68 metres and the wind reached speeds of up to 50 knots. He is pleased to be out of the Pacific.

’Freedom’ is a 101 year old motor yacht designed by John Trumpy and built by Mathis Yacht Building Company of Camden, NY. She has a length of 104 ft. and a beam of 20 ft. with lovely lines. ‘Freedom’ was “found” on dry land in Jacksonville, Florida by the current restorers, McMillen Yachts. The lineage of ‘Freedom’ is impeccable. The famed team of John Trumpy and the Mathis shipyard were responsible for the US Presidential Yacht ‘Sequoia’. “Sequoia’ was commissioned by President Herbert Hoover and sold by President Gerald Ford after serving 9 presidents. ‘Freedom’ was christened on the 150th anniversary of US independance.

The Marine Industries Association of St. Lucia has been able to secure funding from the European Union for a Strategic Plan for the Yachting Sector. One of recommendations was the need to incorporate the so-called ‘boat boys’ in the scheme with training and regulation. The Marine Association joined forces with the St. Lucia Ministry of Tourism to arrange training at the Arthur Lewis Community College. Funding for the course came from the St. Lucia Heritage Tourism Project. After a 6 week course covering Tourism and Customer Service; Safety at Sea, First Aid & CPR and Small Business Management the first 60 graduates received certificates at Villa de Pitons, Soufriere Bay.

The Marine Industries Association of St. Lucia has been able to secure funding from the European Union for a Strategic Plan for the Yachting Sector. One of recommendations was the need to incorporate the so-called ‘boat boys’ in the scheme with training and regulation. The Marine Association joined forces with the St. Lucia Ministry of Tourism to arrange training at the Arthur Lewis Community College. Funding for the course came from the St. Lucia Heritage Tourism Project. After a 6 week course covering Tourism and Customer Service; Safety at Sea, First Aid & CPR and Small Business Management the first 60 graduates received certificates at Villa de Pitons, Soufriere Bay.

Due to popular demand for a repeat performance of the Rendezvous Beach Party BBQ held last month a new date has been set. Perpare all you yachties in English Harbour, Antigua and anyone on route! The party will be on Saturday 17th February. RIBs and other floatation devices are meeting at the Cat. Club at 11.00 a.m. It’s a bring-your-own set up. Stock the cooler with drinks and some food for the BBQ.