OCC Forums - Recent Posts https://forums.oceancruisingclub.org/recent.aspx OCC Forums - Recent Posts en-us http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Jitbit AspNetForum Thu, 29 Oct 2026 19:54:51 GMT Thu, 29 Oct 2026 19:54:51 GMT https://forums.oceancruisingclub.org/messages.aspx?TopicID=2380 Topic "essential books" a message from Romy.McIntosh I personally think no boat is complete without a good ship's library!
Here are three to start you off:
Heavy weather sailing by Martin Thomas (former Commodore of the OCC) and Peter Bruce (also a member, I believe)
Passage to Juneau by Jonathan Raban
Sailing alone around the world by Joshua Slocum

There is also a page on the OCC website which lists books published by members, and the Flying Fish is full of book reviews :)
Thanks,
Romy
SV Valkyrie of Orwell]]> Thu, 29 Oct 2026 19:54:51 GMT https://forums.oceancruisingclub.org/messages.aspx?TopicID=2381 Topic "Lanzarote" a message from chippykevb
Kevin
Sailing yacht Ula]]> Tue, 20 Oct 2026 15:16:59 GMT https://forums.oceancruisingclub.org/messages.aspx?TopicID=2380 Topic "essential books" a message from Dick I have noticed, in my casual talking and consulting with young and newbie cruisers, how few of them read books. Many refer to u-tube articles as a source of their information. What little I know scares me as I get asked about stuff gleaned from the internet that is clearly inaccurate and sometimes dangerous. An example I do have first-hand was when Practical Sailor (an American well-thought-of print publication where I was 30+ years a subscriber and learned a great deal) went digital and had a “talking head” give lectures in lieu of articles. An early “article” was on the setting up of a preventer and his advice was sometimes just wrong and overall was dangerous. And completely delivered sounding like he had been-there-done-that and really knew what he was talking about. Scary.
I hung on for a few months and then terminated my subscription.
I envy those who grew up with “salt water coursing through their veins”: but I was not one of them. I am self-taught, but I did not feel alone. I devoured books on the subject and considered many authors my mentors. I learned a great deal from the books I read.
25 years ago, we sold the house and cars and moved aboard: pretty much a “burned bridge” approach. Once the house was sold, we gave an agent the keys and she took care of selling the insides. It was harsh (my tools went into storage, but little else), but there are only 2 items I occasionally miss: my cruising/sailing books (maybe close to 100 books or more) and my vinyl record collection (including 14 inches of Grateful Dead albums)
I am interested in developing a suggested reading list of books that are considered essential reading. I tend to think in categories such as: inspirational, practical, destination/voyages, humor, history, safety, survival, design, sails, scantlings, etc.
I would clearly also appreciate everyone’s suggestions. If this ends up with a list, I will of course post it on the Forum.
Thanks, Dick Stevenson, s/v Alchemy]]> Mon, 19 Oct 2026 15:37:00 GMT https://forums.oceancruisingclub.org/messages.aspx?TopicID=2379 Topic "Madeira (Anyone here?) Useful advice" a message from chippykevb We will stay here for around one week and wondered if the is anyone else in Madeira at the moment. Any advice on places to see on the island or just in general would be really helpful.


Kevin]]> Sun, 11 Oct 2026 07:29:31 GMT https://forums.oceancruisingclub.org/messages.aspx?TopicID=2376 Topic "Windvane vs. 2nd Below deck autopilot" a message from Dick We have a Monitor windvane on the stern and an Alpha 3000 below decks autopilot.
Our last Atlantic crossing was all electric autopilot (Alpha 3000, no longer being manufactured). Ours was 20 yo with a fair number of miles on it, but still going strong. Anticipating a higher lat Atlantic crossing, I bought a whole new Alpha 3000, swapped out the old parts and put them into spares on the boat.
I consider the Monitor as a lightning strike back-up, but, thinking about it, I might wrap the spare Alpha command module in a couple of layers of aluminum foil and put it in the oven (with our computers and phone) in a lightning storm.
I have not worried about the need for an instant change-over: if swapping is needed, I will just heave-to and do the job.
My best, Dick Stevenson, s/v Alchemy]]> Tue, 06 Oct 2026 00:07:15 GMT https://forums.oceancruisingclub.org/messages.aspx?TopicID=2376 Topic "Windvane vs. 2nd Below deck autopilot" a message from robwhelton@hotmail.com
The Navik was a much more clever design. Hugely powerful, responsive, and fast. You barely needed to worry about balancing the boat, and it handled changes in wind strength without any fuss.

The Hydrovane has one advantage: it does not rely on the boat's own steering system. But in every other respect it was inferior. I found it necessary to get the sails balanced just right, and any major changes in wind strength would upset that balance.

I used the Hydrovane for the majority of my Atlantic crossing, and it did the job. If your main purpose in fitting a windvane is to be a backup steering system, it's a good choice.

I also have a Raymarine linear drive and I really can't fault it. Most boats these days have such robust electrical systems that the power consumption isn't that big a deal.

On my current boat, I have been unable to figure out how to mount the Hydrovane, so I will probably install a backup autopilot. I also carry a small (60Ah) lithium battery that gets used for various odd jobs, and this would be my backup power supply for it.

One question I do have is whether to actually install the backup autopilot, or just to carry the parts as spares. My thinking is that they might be less vulnerable to a lightning strike of they are in storage. The downside is that I wouldn't be able to instantly switch over to the backup system it's I needed it.]]> Fri, 02 Oct 2026 17:58:59 GMT https://forums.oceancruisingclub.org/messages.aspx?TopicID=2374 Topic "FUEL costs in Scotland VS Ireland" a message from Charles.Lenhoff £1.19 with a 5% vat. Here, anything under 2200 liters is only 5% VAT]]> Thu, 01 Oct 2026 08:02:10 GMT https://forums.oceancruisingclub.org/messages.aspx?TopicID=2378 Topic "Gibralter Straights from Gib to Morocco." a message from Dick No advice and just glad our time on that gauntlet is behind us. I assume you are collecting suggestions from other sources. If you find suggestions that feel solid, I am sure others would like to hear from you. And, do let us know how you fair.
Good luck, Dick Stevenson, s/v Alchemy]]> Mon, 07 Sep 2026 16:25:16 GMT https://forums.oceancruisingclub.org/messages.aspx?TopicID=2378 Topic "Gibralter Straights from Gib to Morocco." a message from chippykevb Hi everyone, we are new members to the OCC and have yet to get really in to how everything works. We have just arrived in La Linea, Gibralter ready to begin the next stages of our Atlantic crossing. Our main worry at this point is the Orca's, which I am sure everyone has heard about, but hopefully not experienced? If anyone has any advice, please share it with us asap as we will be leaving Thursday to cross to Morocco.


If you would like to follow our journey on S/Y Ula, you can click on the link below which will give you an update on our position.


https://sailingula.weebly.com/where-are-we-now.html]]> Mon, 07 Sep 2026 13:30:45 GMT https://forums.oceancruisingclub.org/messages.aspx?TopicID=2377 Topic "DDZ Marine in ALrgs fire sale on NoFlex" a message from Charles.Lenhoff Ahoy, My buddy Dino @ DDZ in Largs is having a fire sale on Noflex Digestor sewage treatment and order eliminator. Price reduced from 90 to 57.50 pounds. he asked me to spread the word.]]> Fri, 21 Aug 2026 13:38:34 GMT https://forums.oceancruisingclub.org/messages.aspx?TopicID=2365 Topic "sail cloth choice" a message from Dick Would you agree, as a sailmaker, with my observations that for a performance-oriented cruising skipper (but far from a racer) that HydraNet Radial sails will have up-front expense, but that initial expense may even out over the length of life one achieves with HN over Dacron sails?
Thanks for your thoughts, Dick Stevenson, s/v Alchemy]]> Mon, 10 Aug 2026 11:05:29 GMT https://forums.oceancruisingclub.org/messages.aspx?TopicID=2365 Topic "sail cloth choice" a message from Voila I have a set of Hydranet as well. On our HR 352 “Voila” . A bit on the pricey side and I am a sailmaker. We did not have a problem with the sail numbers.

Alan & Felicity Critchlow “Voila”]]> Sun, 09 Aug 2026 18:23:09 GMT https://forums.oceancruisingclub.org/messages.aspx?TopicID=2365 Topic "sail cloth choice" a message from Dick That is a good/great run for a set of sails.
And agree about repair which can no longer be accomplished with adhesives. You remind me that I was wondering whether there was room at the seams for an extra run of stitching, something I did with my Dacron sails occasionally.
And, I have not thought about the staying clean attribute, but do agree. My sails do not in any way look their age.
My best, Dick]]> Mon, 20 Jul 2026 11:47:42 GMT https://forums.oceancruisingclub.org/messages.aspx?TopicID=2376 Topic "Windvane vs. 2nd Below deck autopilot" a message from Alan Leslie
My previous boat was a 40ft IOR sloop. We had a hydraulic Raytheon Autopilot and a Fleming wind vane on the stern.
We sailed all around the South Pacific for years using Mr Fleming 95% of the time....it was fantastic and fascinating at the same time - the ingenuity of wind vanes has always intrigued me.
We only used the Raytheon unit when motoring...sailing, always Mr Fleming.
It's a learning curve to get the best out of them. The boat needs to be well balanced under sail...she should be just about be sailing by herself without touching the tiller (or wheel) before you engage the windvane....then it doesn't need to work too hard.... the same should be said about using an autopilot under sail to minimise amp draw.
I would never consider a wheel pilot for sailing offshore...the autopilot and all it's workings, mechanical and electric should be below decks, protected for the sea and weather.
A backup pilot, or at least spares for the one you have are essential if you stick with that concept.
An advantage of the windvane is its complete independence of electricity, should you have battery issues, lightning strike or anything that could cause havoc, the boat can still self steer...and if you've ever hand steered for long periods in tough weather, you will appreciate that advantage.
Good luck
Cheers
Alan SV Elyse]]> Sat, 18 Jul 2026 07:28:21 GMT https://forums.oceancruisingclub.org/messages.aspx?TopicID=2365 Topic "sail cloth choice" a message from Alan Leslie
I would echo most of what you say here....

We have had Hydranet sails on Elyse for 13 years now, and apart from a few stitching issues, they have been perfect.
Hydranet keeps its shape so well because it doesn't stretch, so all the load is taken by the stitching, and it is therefore inevitable that eventually a Hydranet sail will need restitching in places. We have had to do this in some remote places but it's no big deal to restitch a few seams and then take the sail to a sailmaker for professional repair - when we find one.
Because Hydranet is so slippery, it stays clean. Our sails look like new !
The only downside of this is that I can't "stick" a sail number on...never mind, we can travel incognito !
Cheers
Alan - SV Elyse]]> Sat, 18 Jul 2026 07:14:15 GMT https://forums.oceancruisingclub.org/messages.aspx?TopicID=2376 Topic "Windvane vs. 2nd Below deck autopilot" a message from Dick I can tell you what we did: (and it is a similar, but not so potent, dilemma for cruising couples):
We have a wind vane (Monitor) which, over the years, has become back-up (say lightning strike) to our very much loved below decks auto-pilot which is accurate, simple, quiet, reliable and easy on the amps.
For a higher latitude Atlantic crossing, I just bought the same auto-pilot. I replaced my 20+ yo old one with the new and put the old, but still working, auto-pilot in storage as spares. (later that year, the autopilot manufacturer closed its doors).
I would consider what I call a “wheel” (above deck) pilot, but I would need convincing that they could handle boisterous conditions. My last experience with those was 20-30 years ago and the ones I knew had a hard time (or would burn out) in open water when the winds got above ~~20 knots or so.
If world-traveling in remote areas, the wind vane probably makes the most sense as it is so independent and some could “take the place” of a rudder/steering if steering was lost somehow. If going that route, get some significant sea miles under your belt with the vane as they do have a learning curve and can be fussy.
Let us know what you decide.
My best, Dick Stevenson, s/v Alchemy]]> Sun, 12 Jul 2026 11:22:18 GMT https://forums.oceancruisingclub.org/messages.aspx?TopicID=2376 Topic "Windvane vs. 2nd Below deck autopilot" a message from roniszoro Sun, 12 Jul 2026 00:59:25 GMT https://forums.oceancruisingclub.org/messages.aspx?TopicID=2375 Topic "Noonsite Accounces Ports of Entry Map" a message from George.Curtis https://www.noonsite.com/noonsite-map/

Noonsite 'is delighted to announce that the Noonsite Ports of Entry Map is available once again for their members. This valuable planning tool provides a worldwide overview of ports that can handle international clearance, helping you identify suitable Ports of Entry in the countries you plan to visit next.

When logged in, you'll find a new orange button at the top of each country page that takes you directly to the map. You can also access it via the Resources menu.

Use the map to explore clearance options around the world. Simply zoom in and click on a pin or port of entry name to view general port information in a pop-up window. Selecting Visit Port will take you to the port page, where you'll find more detailed information on clearance procedures and docking facilities. To keep the map open while exploring port details, right-click Visit Port and open the port page in a new tab.

To help you get around there is a useful search box. You can search on port name, country name or 2 letter country identifier to find the ports of entry for any country.

The map can be viewed in either standard or full-screen mode. Full-screen view makes it easier to zoom and navigate using your mouse.

The Noonsite map is available exclusively to logged-in Noonsite members.
Users now need to create a free log-in to view Noonsite Formalities. Registered users and Members can use their existing log-in.]]> Fri, 10 Jul 2026 19:19:07 GMT https://forums.oceancruisingclub.org/messages.aspx?TopicID=2374 Topic "FUEL costs in Scotland VS Ireland" a message from Simon Currin The cost of road diesel is (or was) dropping quite fast and the average is £1.637 today which is £3788. But that’s a lot of trips with cans to filling station for you!
Simon]]> Wed, 08 Jul 2026 09:09:06 GMT https://forums.oceancruisingclub.org/messages.aspx?TopicID=2374 Topic "FUEL costs in Scotland VS Ireland" a message from Charles.Lenhoff I need to take on about 2300 liters of diesel. I ran today's rate through AI including the UK VAT discount of 40% for heating the boat and converted the pound/euro to USD.
Here's what AI determined:
In Scotland, with the 60% propulsion and 40% heating split, and the different VAT rates, your total came to about $7,660.
In Ireland, with the full VAT rate on the entire purchase, the total was about $5,848.
That's was a surprise and big difference.
Do you have additional thoughts?
~Lisa]]> Wed, 08 Jul 2026 07:53:31 GMT https://forums.oceancruisingclub.org/messages.aspx?TopicID=2373 Topic "FUEL costs in Scotland VS Ireland" a message from Charles.Lenhoff I need to take on about 2300 liters of diesel. I ran today's rate through AI including the UK VAT discount of 40% for heating the boat and converted the pound/euro to USD.
Here's what AI determined:
In Scotland, with the 60% propulsion and 40% heating split, and the different VAT rates, your total came to about $7,660.
In Ireland, with the full VAT rate on the entire purchase, the total was about $5,848.
That's was a surprise and big difference.
Do you have additional thoughts?
~Lisa]]> Wed, 08 Jul 2026 07:53:30 GMT https://forums.oceancruisingclub.org/messages.aspx?TopicID=2323 Topic "Wanted: Recommendation for Extended EU Visa" a message from Dawn Bell
We obtained insurance specifically for international, since Medicare does not cover you internationally. We used a company called Mondassure, who were very helpful in getting the lowest cost coverage that would meet the Visa requirements.]]> Wed, 10 Jun 2026 14:58:26 GMT https://forums.oceancruisingclub.org/messages.aspx?TopicID=2371 Topic "Starlink: A guide for cruising sailors" a message from Simon Currin https://www.sailroam.com/starlink/?ref=sv-roam-newsletter]]> Mon, 01 Jun 2026 17:10:26 GMT https://forums.oceancruisingclub.org/messages.aspx?TopicID=2370 Topic "Gateway to Cruising in Southern Africa!" a message from George.Curtis Tue, 26 May 2026 15:07:28 GMT https://forums.oceancruisingclub.org/messages.aspx?TopicID=2369 Topic "An homage to cleats and tying to a dock" a message from Dick This may be old news to some, but Steve D’Antonio has re-published (from his archive) an article of mine from years ago (https://stevedmarineconsulting.com/securing-your-boat-to-a-dock-with-a-homage-to-cleats/) which includes an homage to cleats and an argument against the use of a fixed/spliced loop on dock lines. It is also an intro to Steve and his e-magazine. I consider Steve one of the most knowledgeable and clear thinkers (and writers) about all things marine.
Spend some time looking through his articles.
My best, Dick Stevenson, s/v Alchemy]]> Fri, 22 May 2026 14:08:29 GMT https://forums.oceancruisingclub.org/messages.aspx?TopicID=2368 Topic "Starlink now needs Face ID to roam" a message from Simon Currin
Simon Currin | 12/05/2026

A new policy from Starlink requires anyone travelling outside their home country to upload their passport and a face scan to maintain service.

Roaming Starlink subscribers are beginning to receive requests to prove ID when crossing borders. The new in-app user verification process compares a face scan with an uploaded passport picture triggering privacy concerns. This new functionality may also presage enforcement of the 60 day roaming rule which has long been part of the Starlink terms and conditions but has, hitherto, not been implemented.

The video link below discusses the new procedures in more detail.


Links and Attachments
This link discusses the new rules and how to comply: https://youtu.be/TqLzxdXvwsQ?si=JCE4OLTZsO8FNbBq]]> Tue, 12 May 2026 14:07:39 GMT https://forums.oceancruisingclub.org/messages.aspx?TopicID=2367 Topic "Noonsite announces new new wallet to help checkin" a message from Dick Hi all,
It has been a few years since we have been to a new country, but over the last 20+ years, Alchemy has taken us to 55 countries and Noonsite has been one of the research sources that has enabled our entry to these nations to go smoothly.
Noonsite has also felt like a resource that fits with the cruising community I like to be part of: one where is everybody sharing information and helping each other.
So, a couple of thoughts:
I was, at first, a little disappointed that Noonsite appeared to be turning itself into a commercial entity (it sounds now, like it always had a commercial aspect and I was unaware).
I guess I am also not sure that I am comfortable with what looks like, to me, essentially an advertisement being copied and pasted (and yes, I know, it was an “announcement”) and put in the OCC Forum (or any advertisement being baldly posted on the Forum for that matter). Best would be a member using this new fee-demanding aspect of Noonsite and giving a field report of the accuracy of this “formalities wallet”, whether it was helpful and whether it was considered, by the member, to be worth the money. Next best might be a member saying why he/she thought this might be a worthwhile service to consider and why.
I would also be curious/concerned that this shift to a commercial emphasis/formality’s wallet might “water down” the freely available information to boost the appeal of their commercial interests: resulting in important formality information now being behind a pay-wall.
My best, Dick Stevenson, s/v AlchemyGeorge.Curtis wrote:
Announcement from Noonsite:
Planning your next port of call? Make it smoother from the start.

April has been a busy and exciting month for the Noonsite team as we’ve put the final touches on a brand-new product designed specifically for cruising life. Created to simplify formalities and streamline onboard organisation, our new formalities wallet helps you check in and out of countries with ease and confidence. Designed and tested by experienced liveaboard cruisers, it’s a practical solution born from real-world needs.


Previously available only to our members, we’re now opening this up to everyone.


To celebrate, we’re offering this high-quality wallet free to cruisers who sign up for our Premium annual membership - available now for those preparing for extended voyages and looking for extra support and security along the way. You’ll find full details of this special offer, along with all the benefits of Premium, below.


Behind the scenes, we’ve also been hard at work improving Noonsite - making the platform faster, more efficient, and even more valuable for cruisers worldwide. More updates are on the way throughout May, so stay tuned.


As you set your course for new horizons this season, make sure you’re equipped to focus on the journey - not the paperwork.


Upgrade today and sail smarter!


Sue, Lynda and Megan (the Noonsite Team)
Efficiency Matters when Navigating International Ports

While stocks last, Noonsite Premium Annual Membership now includes a free limited-edition Formalities Wallet (US$30 value), designed to streamline document management and clearance processes.


Alongside the gift, Premium members benefit from:
• Unrestricted access to Noonsite’s global cruising intelligence
• Offline resources
• Exclusive insights via Captain’s First Look
• Priority support


A practical upgrade for serious cruisers.
]]> Sun, 03 May 2026 19:24:03 GMT https://forums.oceancruisingclub.org/messages.aspx?TopicID=2367 Topic "Noonsite announces new new wallet to help checkin" a message from George.Curtis
Announcement from Noonsite:
Planning your next port of call? Make it smoother from the start.

April has been a busy and exciting month for the Noonsite team as we’ve put the final touches on a brand-new product designed specifically for cruising life. Created to simplify formalities and streamline onboard organisation, our new formalities wallet helps you check in and out of countries with ease and confidence. Designed and tested by experienced liveaboard cruisers, it’s a practical solution born from real-world needs.


Previously available only to our members, we’re now opening this up to everyone.


To celebrate, we’re offering this high-quality wallet free to cruisers who sign up for our Premium annual membership - available now for those preparing for extended voyages and looking for extra support and security along the way. You’ll find full details of this special offer, along with all the benefits of Premium, below.


Behind the scenes, we’ve also been hard at work improving Noonsite - making the platform faster, more efficient, and even more valuable for cruisers worldwide. More updates are on the way throughout May, so stay tuned.


As you set your course for new horizons this season, make sure you’re equipped to focus on the journey - not the paperwork.


Upgrade today and sail smarter!


Sue, Lynda and Megan (the Noonsite Team)
Efficiency Matters when Navigating International Ports

While stocks last, Noonsite Premium Annual Membership now includes a free limited-edition Formalities Wallet (US$30 value), designed to streamline document management and clearance processes.


Alongside the gift, Premium members benefit from:
• Unrestricted access to Noonsite’s global cruising intelligence
• Offline resources
• Exclusive insights via Captain’s First Look
• Priority support


A practical upgrade for serious cruisers.
]]> Fri, 01 May 2026 13:14:59 GMT https://forums.oceancruisingclub.org/messages.aspx?TopicID=2324 Topic "Chesapeake to UK Spring 2026" a message from Philip.Asherson
Thank you so much for all your thoughts and suggestions. Due to ill health I am now remaining in the UK for now. Infinite Dream is being sailed back to the UK by Asia Pajkowska, a fantastic sailor with a two solo circumnavigations Joanna Pajkowska - Wikipedia. I will keep the boat on a mooring in Bosham, Chichester Harbour - and looking forward to exploring in particular Southwest Ireland and perhaps summer trips to Scotland. Thanks for all your replies and suggestions.]]> Fri, 01 May 2026 09:21:33 GMT https://forums.oceancruisingclub.org/messages.aspx?TopicID=2366 Topic "Propane in Spain" a message from Gino.DelGuercio We’re a US boat travelling up the Med coast of Spain. Our propane tanks are empty. Does anyone know where we can get them filled.]]> Sun, 19 Apr 2026 07:07:33 GMT