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Regulators

Changing from Wind to Solar Energy

When I moved my new Nicholson 32 sloop, Alibi of Bridham, from a marina to a mooring this summer I also had to rethink my power requirements, since the change meant severing my umbilical to the grid. Although I had a powerful (read: noisy) wind generator as an alternative power source, along with a small photovoltaic (PV) solar array to keep the engine’s cranking battery topped up when the wind dies, I’ve since decided to lose the noisy windmill and go wholly solar.

Installing a Pole Mounted Solar Panel

I had to find a way to charge the batteries in my absence, which meant wind or solar power. I toyed with the idea of installing a wind generator, but it seemed like too much expense and hassle; and, lacking a bimini, there was nowhere convenient to place a solar panel where it wouldn’t be either in the shadow of the rig or in the way of the crew…

Flexible Solar Panels

Maintenance-free and weatherproof, Ganz Eco-energy semi-flexible solar panels provide clean, quiet, reliable power offshore

These brightly colored Musto jackets are easy to spot in any conditions. Photo courtesy of Musto

Gear: Foulies 101

From materials to packing lists, everything you need to know before buying foul weather gear.

The compass before and after reconditioning, Right; using the balance tab to adjust the compass card

Compass Care

Here’s what goes into reconditioning your boat’s most fundamental navigation aid. 

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Grand Prix Bloodbath

Six days in, and this year’s Route du Rhum has already served up dramatic scenes including capsizes, a crash, and several retirements. 

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Tom’s Tips

Photos by Tom Cunliffe Semantics – Chain or Rope? In the golden age of our sailing navies, a “cable” was the huge rope used for

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