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 Sat, 18 Jul 2026 07:28:21 GMT Sat, 18 Jul 2026 07:28:21 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 https://forums.oceancruisingclub.org/messages.aspx?TopicID=2323 Topic "Wanted: Recommendation for Extended EU Visa" a message from Charles.Lenhoff May I ask how you filled in the "Proof of Accommodation" section?

Also, how did you avoid the mistake of providing proof of MEDICARE insurance that needs to cover the full stay, but needs to be renewed prior to the Vias 1 year date?


edited by Charles.Lenhoff on 18/04/2026]]> Sat, 18 Apr 2026 09:22:03 GMT https://forums.oceancruisingclub.org/messages.aspx?TopicID=2364 Topic "Pressure fresh water system/winterization" a message from Dick We get to Pensacola every few years, so do not be surprised to get a phone call. I would be fun to have a meal together.
My best, Dick]]> Sun, 12 Apr 2026 10:42:01 GMT https://forums.oceancruisingclub.org/messages.aspx?TopicID=2364 Topic "Pressure fresh water system/winterization" a message from Dick j2matthews wrote:
Good morning Dick......thanks for the update on your travels and whereabouts. There is a lot to be said for being able to roam around and go where your hearts desire for however long you choose. Our land base for many years has been Pensacola FL .....something new may be not too far off. A bit more exploring without the drag of a home and maintenance and so on.
Yes, sadly we heard of Chris Wentz passing away. So glad we got to work with him on the sails for Grayce that we continue to enjoy. His insights, experience and knowledge were impressive.
Thanks again for your thoughts on our water project. We enjoy keeping our older boat in good working order and looking smart. After a few projects at commissioning this year we will be off on another season of northeast cruising and gathering with our friends who are out doing the same.
Cheers....Jim and Joanne
]]> Sun, 12 Apr 2026 10:41:34 GMT https://forums.oceancruisingclub.org/messages.aspx?TopicID=2364 Topic "Pressure fresh water system/winterization" a message from j2matthews Yes, sadly we heard of Chris Wentz passing away. So glad we got to work with him on the sails for Grayce that we continue to enjoy. His insights, experience and knowledge were impressive.
Thanks again for your thoughts on our water project. We enjoy keeping our older boat in good working order and looking smart. After a few projects at commissioning this year we will be off on another season of northeast cruising and gathering with our friends who are out doing the same.
Cheers....Jim and Joanne]]> Fri, 10 Apr 2026 13:22:46 GMT https://forums.oceancruisingclub.org/messages.aspx?TopicID=2365 Topic "sail cloth choice" a message from Dick The following are my thoughts on sail cloth choice. These thoughts are written primarily for the cruising skipper who cares about performance, but is not a fanatic or racer, and who takes advantage of his/her sail shape controls as well as wanting his/her boat moving right along by likely having a feathering or folding prop and who keeps the boat’s bottom clean.
My personal context:
I am not a racer. I have a great sailing boat and I like to sail well and not be compromised. I have a feathering prop, I keep the bottom clean and over the years have, by casual observation, been able to sail (and chosen to sail) when others have put on their motor. Part of that is having good sails and, in casual observation, I have bought new sails a couple of years sooner than most. I am also willing to sail in light air as long as I am sailing and I am willing to spend a bit extra to ensure that my primary propulsion system is in good working order.
For much of the last 20+ years I have cruised 4-8 months a year probably averaging 5,000 miles per year. Our mainsail is always covered by an opaque cover (not regular Sunbrella).
Why good sails matter:
Good sail shape means fast sails, less heeling/more comfort and good pointing (perhaps 3-5 degrees or more): wind/gusts get translated into drive and not heeling and is easier on the autopilot. It likely is a rare occurrence, but sailing out of trouble (lee shore) might be called for.
With regards to Dacron sails
With Dacron sails, in my experience, I start to notice deteriorating sail shape as early as ~~3 years give or take: not really a big deal, but I am starting to feel a little itchy. At ~~4-6 years I am wanting new sails and trying to decide the tipping point between budget, sail performance, and personal tolerance for compromise: all while living with sailcloth that clearly has many years left to it. It is my take that most cruisers continue with sails longer than I could tolerate and pay the price with compromised performance, increased heeling, and decreasing reliability. That said, most still get to their destination and they clearly have more money in their cruising kitty.
And, I have had sails re-cut and tucks taken (no botox) and sometimes that has been worth doing, and sometimes not. All re-cuts were moderately costly (skilled labor is expensive and the job is mostly labor).
So, it follows that I did not want Dacron as its shape becomes too quickly compromised: This can be a hard decision as the sail cloth and stitching are in no way “worn out” and it can be tempting toput off new sails and just tolerate compromised performance.
With regard to laminates:
For years I had laminate sails and was quite pleased. They kept their shape well and lasted reasonably well. My only complaint was that it was hard, over the years, to keep them from folding in the same folds which contributed to laminate damage at the creases and repair necessary. This only occurred in their last years of life. Less important was the mold that accumulated at the seams: cosmetic for sure, but unsightly.
Recommendation:
Aimed at the performance-oriented cruising boat skipper who plans to keep his/her sails for a while.
HydraNet Radial sail cloth used for sails designed for the best use of the cloth’s properties: weight and strength, and then constructed radially.
For me, the important considerations were that the cloth promised long life with good sail shape. I also wanted a woven cloth that would dry as I was in the UK where life is frequently wet/damp. HN cloth has a high weight to strength ratio.
The above is achieved by using Dyneema in the weave.
HN’s only drawback is that it is extremely slippery making repair a challenge and usually demands stitching. In personal experiments, Dr. Sails, a 2 part epoxy, worked well. That said, my experience and the reports from other skippers is that field repairs, or any sort of repairs, are rare. I also carry some very aggressive double sided tape, but, fortunately, have yet to have call to put it to use.
Personal experience:
I had a suit of sails (main, staysail, jib topsail) made from HydraNet Radial (there are different types of HydraNet cloth) in the UK in 2012 which we now have used for ~~11 seasons (covid stole 1½ years and illness one other) which includes one higher latitude Atlantic crossing and maybe 18,000 miles give or take a couple thousand. In this time, there has been only one repair: operator error and not the sail’s fault. I consider the sail shape still as good as new and suspect there are years of life left
Cost
I see comments about longevity of sails and comments about expenditure. Longevity really needs to be defined and defining is not easy. Longevity for me is how long the sails do the job and doing the job is dependent on good sail shape. Expenditure is basically how long a sail keeps its shape: usually measured in years, but probably more accurately measured in sea miles under sail.
I am now using, and happy with, HydraNet Radial sails that have lasted twice as long as I would have been happy with Dacron sails and 30% longer than my laminate sails lasted. The end is not in sight, so I expect that the sails will last a few more seasons at least: perhaps longer. This seems in-line with friends and other skippers who have HN sails.
Finally:
More specifically, I am getting clear that sail cloth choice is one area where you can have your cake and eat it to. I already have a lot of years (9-11 seasons) and a lot of miles (~~18,000 perhaps) on my HydraNet Radial sails and their shape is still as new. I would guess I am maybe a bit over half way through their life. So, I believe that you can have excellent sails of HydraNet and save money over Dacron in the long run, because Dacron sails would not come close to retaining their shape.
A note about sail lofts:
Sail lofts sometimes have their own in-house cloth which they, of course, wish to build sails with and they also sometimes have relationships with sail cloth makers that induce them to push a certain cloth. It is my understanding that HN cloth can be sourced by any sailmaker making the choice clean of potential bias.
Sail lofts are often manned by sales people who come to the job from racing and are ignorant of the practices and concern of cruising sailors. In this way there is a bias toward speed which can (and has) led to recommendations that may not be best for a cruising sailor: say sail cloth choice. (This most often occurs when these sales people recommend light air sails that are far larger than most cruising couples want to grapple with: especially offshore.)
And, not all sailmakers have experience designing and working with HNR cloth, so do research into the loft.
Come back with questions, thoughts, comments.
My best, Dick Stevenson, s/v Alchemy]]> Fri, 10 Apr 2026 11:43:05 GMT https://forums.oceancruisingclub.org/messages.aspx?TopicID=2364 Topic "Pressure fresh water system/winterization" a message from Dick Glad my thoughts were helpful and pleased to hear about the asym. Sad news you may have already heard: Chris Wentz passed away a while back, but Z Sails is still in good hands and should still have the plans for Alchemy’s “offshore asym” to work from.
We expect to wind up a few seasons in the Great Lakes this year and head back to the CA and US East Coast next season.
We remain “homeless”—and committed to that state splitting our year, very roughly, between sailing, RVing (mostly taking us hiking the SW deserts and mountains) and visiting children and grandchildren.
My best, Dick Stevenson, s/v Alchemy]]> Wed, 08 Apr 2026 10:57:53 GMT https://forums.oceancruisingclub.org/messages.aspx?TopicID=2364 Topic "Pressure fresh water system/winterization" a message from Dick j2matthews wrote:
Good morning Dick,

Thank you for getting back to us so quickly and helping with ideas for a solution to construct a more user friendly system. You might remember a few years ago you helped us with some design/size parameters for our asymmetrical spinnaker. I believe you also introduced us to Chris Wentz at Z Sails for that and other subsequent projects.....all much appreciated.

We like your recommendations for some flexible water line, t-fitting and a ball valve between the tanks and the pressure side of the fresh water system. This will be easier to operate at winterizing time and also be easier for someone other than us to figure out. We are able to access the tops of the water tanks, dry them out completely and drain the supply lines.....no antifreeze in the tanks. A more flexible supply line with a valve will simplify winterizing without breaking the supply lines open.

We store Grayce at New England Boatworks in the winter season. Southern New England affords nice cruising in June and then we head for Maine usually until early/mid September. Summertime on the Maine coast is wonderful.

Where are you and Alchemy these days....you also mentioned an RV?

Cheers,
Jim and Joanne Matthews
S/V Grayce Niagara 42 #20
]]> Wed, 08 Apr 2026 10:57:34 GMT https://forums.oceancruisingclub.org/messages.aspx?TopicID=2364 Topic "Pressure fresh water system/winterization" a message from j2matthews
Thank you for getting back to us so quickly and helping with ideas for a solution to construct a more user friendly system. You might remember a few years ago you helped us with some design/size parameters for our asymmetrical spinnaker. I believe you also introduced us to Chris Wentz at Z Sails for that and other subsequent projects.....all much appreciated.

We like your recommendations for some flexible water line, t-fitting and a ball valve between the tanks and the pressure side of the fresh water system. This will be easier to operate at winterizing time and also be easier for someone other than us to figure out. We are able to access the tops of the water tanks, dry them out completely and drain the supply lines.....no antifreeze in the tanks. A more flexible supply line with a valve will simplify winterizing without breaking the supply lines open.

We store Grayce at New England Boatworks in the winter season. Southern New England affords nice cruising in June and then we head for Maine usually until early/mid September. Summertime on the Maine coast is wonderful.

Where are you and Alchemy these days....you also mentioned an RV?

Cheers,
Jim and Joanne Matthews
S/V Grayce Niagara 42 #20]]> Mon, 06 Apr 2026 15:44:23 GMT https://forums.oceancruisingclub.org/messages.aspx?TopicID=2364 Topic "Pressure fresh water system/winterization" a message from Dick Pex is, in many ways, a good way to direct water around a boat, RV etc.: certainly as a backbone. But, it does not lend itself easy manipulation. For example: on my RV where the plumbing is pex, there is one area where the designers knew that the owner would need to access regularly to winterize. So rather than use pex, the builder T’d in a piece of hose with a ¼ turn on/off valve whose flexibility allowed it to get into anti-freeze bottles. Many pex installs have hose where a bit of flexibility is wished for.
On Alchemy, hose connections, both putting on and taking off, are easy using a heat gun.
So, with 2 connection hose changes I isolate my water heater while retaining pressure integrity and allow it to drain.
Both tanks have T’s which allow them to drain into the bilge.
I then take the hose off the domestic water distribution manifold going to the pump and plop it into the anti-freeze bottle and run water at the sinks and shower until pink shows.
A variation on this should work for you, but will likely entail using a piece or 2 of hose.
Come back with questions.
My best, Dick Stevenson, s/v Alchemy]]> Sat, 04 Apr 2026 17:35:12 GMT https://forums.oceancruisingclub.org/messages.aspx?TopicID=2364 Topic "Pressure fresh water system/winterization" a message from Dick j2matthews wrote:
Our boat Grayce,1989, Niagara 42 #20. Reaching out for ideas re: the pressure water system. The plumbing is pex pipe with various appropriate connectors & fittings. Specifically we are looking to streamline/simplify the section between the water tanks and accumulator tank. (Note we are able to access our two water tanks, manually clean, and leave empty/dry for the winter haul out season). We currently have a collection of twist fittings that allow the system to be opened to winterize the pressure side without involving the 2 water tanks, a plus. However, the twist fitting section is cumbersome. Our goal would be to have a system that would allow for draining and winterization without breaking the connection as has been done for years. We are thinking of using a T connector and a 1/4 valve arrangement. We would welcome any input and creative solutions. Regrettably, no pictures as the boat is in a different location.
Jim/Joanne Matthews
]]> Sat, 04 Apr 2026 17:34:59 GMT https://forums.oceancruisingclub.org/messages.aspx?TopicID=2364 Topic "Pressure fresh water system/winterization" a message from j2matthews Jim/Joanne Matthews]]> Fri, 03 Apr 2026 13:19:27 GMT https://forums.oceancruisingclub.org/messages.aspx?TopicID=2356 Topic "Charles Tyson (nomination for GC, 1st term)" a message from Charles.Tyson 1. With 1.2 percent of members (49)being junior members under 30 years of age, clearly shows a low level of participation.
I would love to poll these 49 to ask why they
joined and what benefits were
they seeking and are these being met, as well as how they learned about the OCC.
Marketing the benefits of OCC membership and all that can be gained in helping members enhance their cruising experience is key,as long as that junior audience sees the benefits as relevant.
i would also like to learn how the club established the 30 year age bracket , would a higher threshold say 40 with the junior rate encourage more participation? Most folks i meet as Antiguas
PO are well north of the number!
I think folks like Jasmine who's is speaking
at the annual awards diner can raise the profile of member benefits.
The real power is with our current 3600 members driving both awareness and recommendations to club membership at the local level while also looking for local sailing clubs to promote the benefit of the club, especially through social media.

Looking forward to learning more and taking you up on your offer
Regards Charles]]> Tue, 31 Mar 2026 18:37:29 GMT https://forums.oceancruisingclub.org/messages.aspx?TopicID=2359 Topic "Rhys Cooke (nominated for GC, 1st term)" a message from Rhys.Cooke So with the advent of starlink many more younger sailors are now able to set sail while maintaining employment. So we know this is a growing group within the cruising community.

I think there are two types of young cruisers, people like me who have been sailing their whole lives and always wanted to do this and people who are completely new to sailing who have often be made aware of this life style though social media influencers.

For the people that have been sailing for a long time, I think seeking partnerships with organisations like the tall ships youth trust (to name one off the top of my head) to provide awareness of our organisation to young people before they might buy their own boat and what we can provide like the youth sponsorship program.

And for the new to sailing people I think working on how we can make the club more present in the minds of younger sailors is going to be vital, ideas for this could be, teaming up with some YouTube/Instagram channels to promote the OCC. I think many people that are turning to cruising have been influenced to do so by these channels.
Thank you,
Rhys]]> Tue, 31 Mar 2026 14:31:59 GMT