HROA News
Breaking News Summer Rally 2021
As the COVID restrictions are still very uncertain we have decided to cancel the plans for the Channel Isles but have booked a mini rally at Portland from 27th June - 1st July
by Judy Walker Sailing Secretary - 11/04/2021
HM Government post new customs regulations for yachts
Members planning to sail to the Channel Islands or any parts south will want to be aware of strict new customs procedures set up in the wake of Brexit.
by Tim Bishop - 10/04/2021
Smart new HROA burgee presentation
March 19th and it's a start: Restrictions eased enough for the Commodore to belatedly present a special HROA burgee for Judy Walker to fly at the signal halyard on Bella Rosa.
by Tim Bishop - 02/04/2021
New OFCOM regulations
Updated information on the proposed changes to your OFCOM radio licence
by Bill Walker - 27/03/2021
.JPG)
Studland Bay Marine Conservation Zone - threat to yachting
Many of you will have read our earlier item on the plans to restrict anchoring and mooring in Studland Bay.
by Judy Walker Sailing Secretary - 11/03/2021
Spring Rally
Given the current Government restrictions preventing indoor gatherings until 12th May, the Spring Rally to Yarmouth in April has been cancelled.
by Judy Walker Sailing Secretary - 01/03/2021
New Reeds VHF Handbook Published
A completely new Reeds VHF Handbook will be published on 18 March. It has been written by one of our members, and is a friendly and readable guide for skippers and crew alike.
by Nigel Kingsley - 01/03/2021
The Roadmap for Easing of Lockdown Restrictions
Difficult to plot a course ahead for our rallies in spring and summer
by Tim Bishop - 23/02/2021
Zoom Meeting on 26.2.21 at 18.30 hrs Ocean Safety
Alistair Hackett from Ocean Safety will give a talk 'Staying on board, but knowing what to do when it ALL GOES WRONG'
by Lilias Lamont - 22/01/2021
Summer Rally 2021 to Channel Isles
The Expressions of Interest Form is now on the website in the Members Area. Please note the change of dates due to COVID restrictions.
by Judy Walker Sailing Secretary - 20/01/2021
POST-BREXIT VAT AND CUSTOMS STATUS
Advice on how to obtain reliable evidence of your yacht's location on 31.12.20 for VAT purposes.
by Andy Du Port - 19/01/2021
From Pilot Boats To Carbon Fibre Rigs
Our speaker at this year's AGM traces the history of Hallberg-Rassy design
by Tim Bishop - 18/01/2021
RYA Cruising Conference 2021
Free to RYA members, this on-line conference will cover a variety of topics including a course to steer overseas post-Brexit.
by Tim Bishop - 16/01/2021
Hallberg-Rassy Innovation and Changes
Jeremy Mason of Transworld Yachts will be giving our AGM talk online on Jan 15th
by Tim Bishop - 11/01/2021
Free electronic navigation booklet available for download
The Royal Institute of Navigation Small Craft Group is today launching 'Electronic Navigation Systems - Guidance for safe use on leisure vessels'
by Tim Bishop - 23/12/2020
Research Vessel James Cook
This is a virtual tour of the research vessel RRS James Cook, owned by the National Oceanography Centre
by Lilias Lamont - 07/12/2020
Successful Zoom Meeting - 'Stress Free Sailing'
Our first Zoom Technical Seminar on 27 November attracted a great audience from the UK and Beyond. Duncan Wells gave an informative and wide ranging talk well supported by slides and video.
by Judy Walker - 05/12/2020
Studland Bay Marine Conservation Zone - threat to yachting
There is a significant chance that anchoring will be at best restricted and at worst prohibited completely in Studland Bay.
by Judy Walker Sailing Secretary - 20/11/2020
Christmas Trivia Quiz on 27th December at 6.00 pm
In a lull between Christmas and New Year? Join us for the HR Trivia Quiz on Zoom.
by Lilias Lamont - 10/11/2020
Making Sense of the Lockdown for Sailors
Covid-19 lockdown restrictions 'Frequently Asked Questions' partly answered in this guidance document issued today.
by Tim Bishop - 07/11/2020
Lockdown To Ban Overnight Stays But Unclear About Day Sails.
The Yacht Harbour Association, the UK national body for marina operators have issued guidelines today following HM Government's national lockdown restrictions to begin Thursday November 5th.
by Tim Bishop - 03/11/2020
Delay in Double Brexit VAT Bill for Yachts Based in the Med
Members with boats in the Med, and all EU nations have been thrown a temporary lifeline after UK Government has delayed plans to charge a double tax bill on yachts returning to the UK after Brexit.
by Tim Bishop - 17/10/2020
Eastern Section Walk
Members enjoyed a socially distanced walk along the Orwell
by Tim Bishop - 05/10/2020
Sailing In This Season of Covid
Despite the restrictions and socially distancing, members have been informally getting together on the water over this most extraordinary summer.
by Tim Bishop - 21/09/2020
HROA Lockdown Escape
The webmaster has launched a WhatsApp group with a wonderful title to help members out on the water meet up in the absence of our traditional rallies.
by Tim Bishop - 08/07/2020
Lockdown gradually easing for sailors
The government will allow overnight stays on yachts from July 4th but travelling overseas remains problematic.
by Tim Bishop - 29/06/2020
Members gather off East Head, Chichester Harbour
Current UK Government restrictions may prevent members staying aboard overnight but that didn't prevent an HROA lunchtime 'rally'.
by Tim Bishop - 22/05/2020
RYA issue a news release offering an isophase glimmer of hope.
For those badly missing their HRs, the RYA report that they have been writing to key government ministers hoping they'll alter course to allow us access to our yachts.
by Tim Bishop - 01/05/2020
Zooming along with our first virtual pontoon party
Our first rally of the season in Yarmouth may have had to be cancelled, yet HROA members mustered for the traditional rally start but in a very non traditional way.
by Tim Bishop - 18/04/2020
Stay At Home and Stay In Touch
We may not be able to get to our boats in the current lock down but lets keep in touch.
by Tim Bishop - 01/04/2020
Eastern Section Walk at Waldringfield
A gentle six mile stroll with some fabulous views across to the River Deben
by Tim Bishop - 27/02/2020
Committee meet at the Chichester Yacht Club
Plans for the new website revamp were outlined by HROA Webmaster Nigel Kingsley
by Tim Bishop - 02/02/2020
Discounts - a reminder!
The list of companies offering members' discounts changes from time to time - for example Transword Yachts currently have a promotion on Canvas Products - it is worth checking the list occasionally.
by N Kingsley/Chris Roddis - 31/01/2020
Winter events HROA visit to the Royal Albert Hall
Backstage tour reveals the secrets of the famous concert hall
by Tim Bishop - 20/01/2020
Plans advancing for the new HROA website
Clive Woodman of Live Icom shows members of the HROA Committee possible designs for a refresh of our website.
by Tim Bishop - 13/01/2020
Meet and Greet with the HR yacht designer German Frers
Hallberg-Rassy Connectie invites HROA members on January 20th to meet Germán Frers and Magnus Rassy on the HR stand at the Dusseldorf boat show.
by Tim Bishop - 06/01/2020
Oxford Mini Plant Visit and Oxford Prison Tour
A comprehensive event combining modern technology with entertainment and history!
by Sue Ross/Nigel Kingsley - 21/12/2019
Blue Line Magazine available online to Members - Including the Quiz!
Members can now download this year's 'The Blue Line' from the Members' Area of our website
by Nigel Kingsley - 04/11/2019
Innovation in sail manufacture
Members enjoyed a presentation at the Elvstrom sail loft in Port Hamble Marina
by Tim Bishop - 20/10/2019
30th Anniversary Rally Weekend
An excellent weekend of events in and around Portsmouth Harbour culminating in a gala dinner at HMS Alliance to celebrate 30 years of the association with members past and present.
by Tim Bishop - 17/09/2019
East Coast HROA Rally to Woodbridge
Members enjoyed a pontoon party, dinner at The Anchor, and a private tour of the tide mill in the historic Suffolk harbour of Woodbridge.
by Tim Bishop - 01/09/2019
Our HROA 30th Anniversary Rally, 13th-15th Sept, GOSPORT - WAITLIST ONLY!
Come and join in the celebrations of thirty years of your association! A fun filled weekend of events with the fleet gathering at Premier Marina in Gosport and our dinner at the RN Submarine Museum.
by Sue Ross - 06/07/2019
Success in the AZAB
Congratulations to HROA member Francis Douglas (Seahorse, HR34) for completing the Azores and Back Race.
by Anne Bailey - 29/06/2019
East Coast Rally - 31 Aug-01 Sept 2019 - Now available for booking
This year the HROA East Coast rally will be at the Woodbridge Tide Mill Marina on the picturesque River Deben on Saturday / Sunday 31 August / 1 September.
by John Lepper - 13/06/2019
HROA Summer Rally
Lovely start to the season heading down to the West Country through the 'Race' and across a benign Lyme Bay in company
by Tim Bishop - 04/06/2019
History of the 'Silent Service' and HMS Alliance
NEW - a link to a movie on the Members' Only section of our website (Events Calendar/30th Anniversary .../links) about HMS Alliance, now in the Submarine Museum, centre for our Rally celebrations
by Tim Bishop - 29/04/2019
HROA Spring Rally 2019
Challenging weather failed to deter many members who braved 40 plus knots across the harbour to head to RSolYC for the rally dinner
by Tim Bishop - 29/04/2019
Visa Free Travel Post Brexit
UK based sailors may retain visa free cruising to the EU for short stays
by Tim Bishop - 17/04/2019
Summer Rally 2019
Booking is now open for the HROA Summer Rally to West County ports, 16-29 May
by Anne Bailey - 09/04/2019
Circumnavigation on foot of Mersea Island on 21 January
Wonderful winter sunshine for John and Linda Kent's HROA Eastern Region Coast Walk.
by Tim Bishop - 21/01/2019
The Winner of the Christoph Rassy Endeavour Trophy for 2018
A very special sailing achievement in an HR342 recognised.
by Tim Bishop - 20/01/2019
The Golden Globe Race at the HROA AGM 2019
BBC reporter and author Chris Eakin will be our guest speaker at the Royal Thames on January 4th
by Tim Bishop - 13/12/2018
HROA Visit to the Postal Museum Railway, London
Travelling underground on a train designed to carry mail bags suited some HROA members more comfortably than others!
by Tim Bishop - 12/12/2018
HROA Committee meet at the Chichester Yacht Club
On the eve of the association's 30th anniversary, lots of plans to discuss at our bi-annual meeting.
by Tim Bishop - 05/11/2018
Winter Events visit to Bletchley Park and Waddesdon Manor
Members enjoy an excellent weekend visit to the home of World War II code breaking
by Tim Bishop - 26/10/2018
The future of leisure Sailing?
The British Marine Federation have conducted research on their market. They emphasise a trend from 'owning' towards 'sharing', and present ideas for reacting to this.
by Nigel Kingsley - 07/10/2018
The Commodore' Rally 2018
The fleet gather in autumnal sunshine in Lymington to enjoy the last HROA rally of the season.
by Tim Bishop - 01/10/2018
The Commodore's Rally 2018
Our big rally at the season's end will be Friday 28th to Sunday 30th September hosted at the Royal Lymington Yacht Club, with the fleet berthed at the luxurious Lymington Yacht Haven.
by Tim Bishop - 02/08/2018
Summer Rally fleet disperses after a very successful event - See Photo Gallery
After visits to St Peter Port, St Helier and St Cast attendees are heading off to most points on the compass.
by Nigel Kingsley - 04/06/2018
Summer Cruise 2018 - BOOKING NOW CLOSED
Booking is now open for the summer cruise to the Channel Islands and North Brittany, between 26 May and 4 June.
by John Lepper - 02/05/2018
Spring Rally Yarmouth
Challenging weather forecast failed to put off the HROA fleet from a fine turn out at Yarmouth.
by Tim Bishop - 30/04/2018
Q Flag in Guernsey
April monthly update for Reeds says that Q flags ‘must’ be flown when visiting Guernsey from outside the Bailiwick.
by Anne Bailey - 30/03/2018
Discount for members at the Port Chantereyne, Cherbourg in 2018.
HROA members can claim a 20% discount on berthing fees when showing a valid membership card
by Tim Bishop - 25/03/2018
30th Anniversary Rally 2019
Plans well advanced for the rally to be held 13th-15th Sept 2019 in Portsmouth Harbour.
by Tim Bishop - 20/03/2018
Lobster Pots and Small Craft Safety – time to change the rules!
The Government has responded to the on-line petition "We, the undersigned, urge the Minister of State (DEFRA) to improve the way static fishing gear is marked for the safety of all small craft at sea.
by Anne Bailey - 19/03/2018
MAIB Report on Safety Harnesses
The Marine Accident Investigation Branch is carrying out an investigation into the fatal man overboard accident on board the commercial sailing yacht CV30.
by Anne Bailey - 26/01/2018
'We Do Mean To Go To Sea'
One day conference raising funds for a sailing charity with Paul Heiney amongst keynote speakers with workshops, at Royal Hospital School, Ipswich on March 11th 2018.
by Tim Bishop - 24/01/2018
HR36 ELANIK incident
Regretfully, I am reporting that "ELANIK" our Hallberg Rassy 36 has been the victim of a most unfortunate incident.
by Alan & Elizabeth Hickman - 21/01/2018
HROA AGM 2018
A successful AGM was held at the Royal Thames Yacht Club in London on Friday 5 January
by Anne Bailey - 07/01/2018
Opening Windscreen - HR36
White Eagle's (HR36 Mark 2 number 490 from 2000) windscreen failed a few years ago and we’ve tried various repair techniques but none has been successful in the long term.
by David Homer - 20/12/2017
Spring Rally in South Italy
Some members based in Italy are arranging a rally for "Hallberg-Rassy Lovers" - 25 April to 1 May
by Antonio Cianniello - 04/12/2017
Red Diesel - Latest
Extract from RYA website. "Boats with red diesel in their tanks can continue to visit Belgium without fear of fines"
by Anne Bailey - 28/11/2017
Avon Estuary Walk
Five intrepid West County Walkers (and Maisie the dog) tackled the Avon Estuary Walk on 21 November
by Anne Bailey - 21/11/2017
West Country Winter Walk - Avon Estuary
There will be a walk around the Avon Estuary on 21 November, starting from Aveton Gifford, Devon. All members welcome to join us, whether local or passing through the area.
by Anne Bailey - 11/10/2017
Commodore's Rally and Dinner - Lymington 2017
Good attendance and favourable weather made for a successful rally. Photo Gallery now available.
by Nigel Kingsley - 27/09/2017
CA advises sailors to give Belgium a miss after red diesel fines
Red diesel issues in Belgium, including skippers being fined, have resulted in UK sailors avoiding going to Belgium.
by Anne Bailey - 14/07/2017
Seine Bay Cruise now at St Vaast
The fleet sailed to Ouistreham from Fécamp for a quick visit to Ouistreham and Caen before heading to St Vaast; new photo gallery added
by Nigel Kingsley - 07/06/2017
2017 Summer Cruise - Seine Bay - Going well
Some photographs of the Fecamp leg of the rally can now be seen on the Gallery page
by Anne Bailey - 02/06/2017
Spring Rally 2017
Largest ever HROA rally held in Yarmouth with a dinner hosted at the Royal Solent Yacht Club
by Tim Bishop - 26/04/2017
HROA Technical and Cruising Seminar
From how to tune the rigging, to crossing oceans, and the delights of cruising the unspoilt south coast of Ireland for a packed audience at the Royal Southampton Yacht Club
by Tim Bishop - 26/03/2017
Presentation of Scribes Prize for 2016
An informal presentation of the 2016 Scribes Prize to John White, for his article "A Triangular Adventure", took place at Salcombe Yacht Club. Congratulations, John.
by Anne Bailey - 10/03/2017
Polo Shirts with HROA Logo available from Andark
Clothing now available with Logo. A ladies' and men's Polo shirt are shown.
by David Lewis - 01/03/2017
Visit to Historic Exeter - 22 Feb 17
Thirteen members met in Exeter on 22 Feb for guided tours of some of the historic sights in the city of Exeter
by Anne Bailey - 24/02/2017
HROA Committee Meeting
A busy first committee meeting of 2017 with a packed agenda!
by Tim Bishop - 04/02/2017
Our Annual General Meeting
Excellent meeting followed by our prize giving, and a celebratory dinner at the Royal Thames Yacht Club in Knightsbridge.
by Tim Bishop - 10/01/2017
New Navigation Marks at Portsmouth
Preparations for the Navy's new aircraft carriers arriving in 2017
by Andy Du Port - 08/09/2016
HROA West Country Rally
A very successful West Country rally came to an end in Mylor Yacht Haven on Friday 2 June
by Anne Bailey - 05/06/2016
2015 Rally Survey
The results of the Rally Survey which members completed in 2015 can now be seen on the website. Many thanks to everyone who passed on their opinions
by Fintan Walton - 07/01/2016