Tom Cunliffe
How’s your knowledge of the Colregs this winter? Up to speed? Or perhaps some surface rust is creeping in after a few months with the yacht laid up? If that sounds like you, invest in a copy of A Seaman’s Guide to the Rule of the Road (£12.50 from all good marine bookshops). Install it in the small room and systematically read it on your daily visit. By Easter you’ll be a master of the subject.
It’s many years since I first put out to sea and I’ve noticed big changes in ships’ lights. Time was when a merchantman popping up over the horizon showed first her white fore and aft steaming lights. These gave a fair indication of what her aspect might be. Then a red or green side light hove in view, more or less where you’d expect it, transforming the ensemble into a decent
