The caption to the photo reads:
Yesterday, in the Spanish town of Savilla, this Solar Cat, the Sun 21 was launched. This catamaran is the first to attempt an Atlantic crossing entirely powered by solar energy. (Photo AP via NRC.NL )
I had been wondering about the boat that our previous Vice Commodore Cruising has been building in Spain...
As you might have read here or in the Yachtsman recently, Eoin Asker and the RPAYC On-Water Risk Management committee have been reviewing safety requirements for cruising events. They have just released a draft of the resulting "Green Book". Comments are welcome, either here or by contacting Eoin.
Here is the latest draft of the new Green Book. (PDF 3Mb)
It usually starts with a quiet little drink and culminates in a simple barbeque in one of the world's best locations. Andrea and David McKay on Diomedea were there and here is their report:
Hi All,
Diomedea has now returned from her sojourn to Lord Howe. We departed North head at 1140hrs on Wednesday 8th and were off the island at 2400hr Friday night. 
Our route was up the coast to Point Stephens in a mild southerly. We then had a wet and wild beam reach overnight in confused seas (had many of us inspecting the gunwales) with 20-30 knots. The wind eased and then eventually died forcing us to motor for about 19hours in a lumpy left over swell. Northerly winds eventually came to our rescue and we scorched the final miles very quickly. 430nm in 60 hours outbound. We were finally admitted to the lagoon via the North passage at about 1100hrs on Saturday, once the tide was sufficiently risen. A total of 10 yachts made it to the island. A further yacht made it only to come to grief on the bricks.
The RPAYC Cruising Safety Working Group has been working on the production of a document that defines the standards and requirements for cruising events conducted under the auspices of the Club. The Working Group is a sub-committee of the Cruising Committee and was formed earlier this year under the chairmanship of the Club Commodore, Angus Gordon, to investigate why there was a reduction in the number of cruising boats complying with YA Special Regulations and then to identify and implement appropriate risk mitigation measures in the context of On-Water Risk Management.
Investigation into the reduced safety audit compliance numbers indicated a high level of dissatisfaction with the YA Special Regulations, otherwise known as the "Blue Book", and this, in the main, was attributable to a failure of the Blue Book to recognise the essential differences between racing and cruising risk profiles.
As usual, we have members scattered all over the world, but none in more exotic a location than Blackwattle.
Blackwattle is in one of the most laid-back marinas in the world. So laid back, in fact, that the fuel ran out six days ago and no-one knows when there will be any more, two boats couldn't pay their bill to depart this morning because the Harbour Master didn't turn up for work, four boats were waiting for water but the only guy with a key to the only hose was nowhere to be seen, and at 11.00am a notice was put outside the door of the only internet cafe in town saying that it will be closed for a month from tomorrow. It's called La Graciosa, in the Canary Islands, and don't come here if you don't have a LOT of patience. Enjoy Nancy's writing on the Sail-World site.
Meanwhile, David McKay is off to the Classic Barbeque at Lord Howe Island on Diomedea and Koln is coming home from Mooloolaba after its successful winter cruise to the Whitsundays.
Crystal Blues departed Sarawak as told by Neil in the email (sent 31/10) below:
