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 retains a fully functioning classroom at OVM.(Can be rented from us for £49/day + vat)

- We are now fully operational in our Office / Classroom and Store / Workshop 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.

- Armadek has a new Yanmar 75HP engine. Lesson learnt 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 and run back into the 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 survived the 2007 Fastnet Race in good order.

- Yachting Monthly will shortly feature Firstaway Yachts in a feature on mooring up alongside each other - 'rafting up'. Previous features have been - July 2004 - Zara (MOB drill) and Andiamo's Radar (Radar Class 2)

- The full weekend Radar Course offered, has been run very successfully. The value of the practical experiece aspects have been much appreciated. Saturday theory and Sunday practical experience in Armadek.

- The excellent Raymarine CP80 chartplotters have been appreciated by all.
Charts cover English Channel and up to the Baltic.

- Araluen has braved several winter weekends, benefiting from the heater fitted. The First 31.7 really is a fun boat to sail, even in the winter!

- Selina has now completed a refurbishment to her main cabin, forecabin & aftcabins. Work continues on her to keep her in good condition. New sails and anchor / chain were added last year and LED saloon lighting this year.

- Kim Lodge, Heather Birr & Eddie Hill continue to work on the Firstaway Web Site