According to Superyacht News www.synfo.com the Netherland Antilles has made changes immigration legislation that will affect yachting crews and industry professionals visiting the Caribbean nation. Currently the St Maarten Marine Trades Association is attempting to have the government postpone the legislation until after the MYBA Charter Show (3rd to 7th December). Meetings are due between the Association, the Island Government and the Netherlands Antilles Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The outcome on an amendment is hopeful.

Some crew members previously able to use the Seaman’s Book are now required to get a visa. Visas are available from most of Dutch Consulates around the world.

What a race it was! The 2007 Rolex Middle Sea Race strated from Marsamxett Harbour, Valleta, Malta, on Saturday 20th October on a course of 607 miles. 60 Yachts were registered and 57 started after the sobering weather briefing given the day before. 4 more chose to retire after the start leaving 53 in contention.

British yachtswoman Dee Caffari received an MBE, presented by Prince Charles, at Buckingham Palace on the 25th October, 2007. Caffari, accompanied by her mother Barbara and sister Jane, took a break from preparations for her forthcoming transatlantic race to attend the ceremony.

Caffari was named in the Queen’s Birthday Honour’s list earlier this year in recognition of her services to sailing after her record-breaking round the world voyage last year. In May 2006, after 178 days at sea, Caffari became the first woman to sail solo, non-stop, around the world, against the prevailing winds and currents, and in doing so joined an elite group of just five sailors to ever achieve this feat.

As part of its Centenary year celebrations, the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) is launching the ISAF Sailing Hall of Fame.

Six inductees from across the world of sailing will enter the ISAF Sailing Hall of Fame in this inaugural year. They will be announced and awarded on Monday 5 November at a spectacular gala dinner at the Estoril Casino, Estoril, Portugal. The event is sponsored by Portugal Tourism, Estoril Tourism and Cascais Municipality.

’Durban 2010 and Beyond’ of South Africa has won the first ocean crossing of the Clipper 07-08 Race ending in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. At the end of this, Race 2, Durban 2010 gained the maximum ten points.The result has moved them to the top of the overall leader board from their fifth place position at the end of Race 1.

‘Glasgow: Scotland with style’ finished second a few hours later. Their overall total points of 13 makes them joint leaders with Durban: 2010 and Beyond.