Useful
Links
The links below are the ones that we use personally and have found useful. We are happy to insert any links we feel appropriate so if you know of any you think might be of interest, drop us a line at avantsupplies@tiscali.co.uk.
BBC Coastal Weather Forecast - one of my first points of call for weekend sailing.
Synoptic Charts - see the bigger picture of weather to come. Great for cruising folk venturing further afield.
Wiley Nautical Almanac - this is a must have freebie (keep a shortcut on your desk top). Covering South West England, Central, South East England, East England, Belgium, Northern France, Brittany and the Channel Islands. It needs to be downloaded but it has a wealth of information. Here are just a few of the features on offer. Port information and facilities, aerial photos and approach navigation, local weekly weather forecast, daily forecast broken down into 3 hour segments. Also included are Wind Speeds, Gusts, Direction, Wave Heights, Pressure and Humidity, also tidal information and streams at local level.
East Coast Rivers - this site is a must for all East Coast sailors and visitors to the area. It gives details of entrances and approaches to Southwold, The Ore, River Deben, the Walton Backwaters and Brightlingsea. As this is my 'neck of the woods' I know how tricky it can be to navigate to these places. Check the site for the latest information.
Knots - I would like to thank Tollesbury Sailing Club for the link to this interesting and informative feature on their site.
Coastal walks - I know this is supposed to be a page of sailing links, but how many times have you hopped from harbour to harbour, chasing the tide without exploring the places you have visited. This site takes you by the hand and guides you on your walk. The site is printer friendly and goes into great detail on the history of the places you visit; length and time of the walks is also included as are maps. Although this is not a comprehensive guide it does cover most of the coast line. So get you sailing wellies off and your walking boots on.
Kemps sailing trim - PDF file. Well worth printing off and keeping a copy on your boat. Its amazing the difference in speed you can achieve with a well trimmed boat.
Paints - Flag Paints Limited. These guys have the lot. What they don't know about paint isn't worth knowing. I can personally recommend them. Their service is next to none. Anti foul, anti slip, anti climb, I could go on for ever. Give them a try.
Windpilot Self Steering Gear - this is the windvane we have on our Sadler 34. I can highly recommend it. Peter is a very approachable guy and is happy to spend time discussing your requirements. Download his book on self steering for free.
East Coast Rigging - Rory comes well qualified with over 10 years experience in rigging. He is based at Manningtree in Essex but also offers a fully mobile service. He has varied experience from traditional to classic to modern with no craft being too old or too new. Why not give him a try.
Wilks (Rubber Plastics) Mfgs Co Ltd - Since 1973 Wilks have supplied many of the world's leading boat builders with their profiles and their customer base spans the world. They manufacture and stock a wide range of fendering profiles and pontoon applications as well as accessories for other marine uses including Dek-King, a superb alternative to teak decking. Wilks hold a vast stock of profiles in flexible PVC, rigid PVC, PVR, stainless steel, aluminium and rubber, but as manufacturers they can also meet individual trade requirements. Quality products, brilliant customer service, a pleasure to do business with.
(C)
2009 Avant Supplies Ltd, Brightlingsea, Essex
| Last updated 02/04/11