THE RNLI’s Chief Executive has paid tribute to sailors, highlighting their role in reinforcing maritime heritage.

Speaking at Harwich Yacht Club this month, Paul Boissier said: “At a time when the professional seafarer is becoming something of a rarity in this country, we would be in danger of losing that deep understanding and love of the sea that is so fundamental to the British character were it not for a hard core of irrepressible enthusiasts.”

Mr Boissier was guest of honour 
at the yacht club’s fundraising dinner, which raised around £1,000 for the RNLI.

In his after dinner speech, he said: “The Royal Harwich is almost the same age as the RNLI and it was a real delight to be invited to speak at this prestigious club as one mariner to others.’

“The RNLI is a remarkable organisation. We look after the coast of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, providing a full 365 days a year lifeboat cover, ranging from the large Severn all-weather lifeboats for the most ferocious parts of our coastline, to the highly capable Atlantic and D-class inshore lifeboats.”

SPECIAL feasts feature multi-course menus when the wines change to match each one, including the dessert.

‘Pudding’ wines are sweet and generally fortified with added brandy to raise the alcoholic level above 14 per cent abv.

The rule of thumb is the wine should be sweeter than the food it is served with. It is costly to make and pricey per bottle, so it’s mostly sold in 50 cl or 37.5 cl bottles, for sipping, not quaffing.

Typical grapes used are Muscat and Sémillon. The grapes are left late on the vine until they grow a mould called the ‘noble rot’, which generates flavour but is very risky as they have to be picked before the mould turns into ‘grey rot’, making the grape useless.

AS the glorious reds and golds of autumn change into the dank dark afternoons of November take another peak at our front page. If you are one of those who tends to think life is like a half empty glass you might gloomily dismiss the sparkling view from Malta’s Fort St Angelo at the start of the Middle Sea race late last month. “How the other half lives . . .” you might be forgiven for thinking enviously. If, on the other hand, you prefer to see life as half-full, with plenty more to come, you will be excited by the scene and rub your hands with the gleeful thought that in four or five months you will be back out on the water again. Or you could simply shrug, opt to wrap up in 21st century foulies and keep sailing through the winter . . .

DURING the Sustainability Live! Exhibition at the NEC earlier this year I found myself on one of the largest stands at the show.

I was approached by a man whom I had anticipated was an eager salesman. Angus was his name, Power Perfector was his game.

I was adorned with RYA and BMF logos – it was not my cash he was interested in. “What are you doing at a sustainability show?” he asked, inquisitively.

I explained that I worked for The Green Blue – the environment initiative of the British Marine Federation and Royal Yachting Association, working with boaters, clubs, training centres and a plethora of marine businesses to reduce their environmental impacts.