NEWS CHANNEL It is intended that this section will be expanded with many useful items, to include hints, tips and topics of general interest.

NEWSLETTER To start with we will regularly keep you abreast of 'whats new with Firstaway' in the form of News Flashes and our periodic news letters.

FORMAT This will be in PDF format (an interchangable document format) which is compatible with almost everyone's PC via the use of Acrobat Reader. You can download this free of charge from the web!

NEWS FLASHES

- Firstaway are collaborating with Ambition Sailing to run combined courses and therefore a more efficient and frequent programme schedule.

- Our Office / Classroom and Store / Workshop remain on the 'Boardwalk' alongside the rear entrance to the 'Harbour Lights' cinema car park. Just look for our signs on the Office at the western end of the boardwalk.

- Lessons learnt from Armadek - for all to note. If an engine won't start easily - switch off the sea water inlet supply before turning the engine over to bleed it etc. Turn on again when the engine runs. If you dont the exhaust can fill with water which will run back into the engine and kill it!! In the case of Armadek it cost £10,000 for a new engine!

- The MCA supported by the RYA, are taking action to prevent unsafe and potentially illegal chartering of non-coded boats under the pretext on 'racing'. For legal ways to charter/race see 'press cutting' alongside.

- Quinta is being lined up again by Stan Davies for the 2009 Fastnet Race.

- Stan Davies is to become our Chief Instuctor 'Power' upon the retirement of Tony Birr from the Firstaway Chief Instructor position in April 09.

- PBO recently used our boats for 'feature' demonstrations. Previous Yachting Monthly features have included - July 2004 - Zara (MOB drill) and Andiamo's Radar (Radar Class 2)

- The weekend Radar Course being offered (RYA Theory on the Saturday and a Practical application sail on the Sunday) have proved to be very popular. The value of the practical experiece aspects have been much appreciated.

- The excellent Raymarine CP80 chartplotters are now a feature of many of our boats. This has enabled the fitting of an AIS (Automatic Identification System) overlay on the Chartplotter screen, providing the speed, course and CPA (closect position of approach), immediately available to the navigator. A dramatic aid to safety in the shipping lanes.
Charts cover English Channel and up to the Baltic.

- Araluen has braved several winter weekends, racing in the RSYC Frostbite series. The First 31.7 really is suited to 'round the bouys' racing. A fun boat to sail, even in the winter!

- Selina has completed her refurbishment with the fitting of a furling headsail. Despite her age her sailing performance and general ease of handling remain appreciated by her keen band of followers. Work will continue to keep her in excellent condition - the "Firstaway Forte".

- Solus has also completing an upgrade / refurbishment. A C80 Chartplotter, fluxgate electronic compass, AIS and Radar have been fitted. A new Instrument pod at the helming position has also been fitted. Varnishing and tidying up below has been completed. SOLUS has a good sailing performance and remains a favourite for many of our clients.

- Kim Lodge, Bob Green & Eddie Hill continue to work on the Firstaway Web Site