RYA launches new stability and buoyancy book
by Nigel Cherrie 13 Dec 1999 10:40 GMT
The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) is launching the new 'Stability and
Buoyancy' book. The book is authoritative and includes much of the
international contemporary work on the subject.
This publication was instigated by the Marine Accident Investigation
Branch's report on the capsize of the yacht Ocean Madam on the 8 October
1997 in the Bay of Biscay resulting in the tragic loss of a crew member. The
report specifically requested the RYA to:
'Alert yachtsmen to the fundamentals of yacht stability so that owners and
skippers are better informed to make judgements regarding the suitability of
their craft for given weather and sea conditions.'
The new book deals with what the yachtsman needs to know. It covers all
types of recreational craft including rowing boats, sailing dinghies,
dayboats, powerboats and PWC's, with the main emphasis on the stability and
buoyancy of sailing yachts and will detail some principal hazards. Providing
skippers with a basic knowledge of the principles of stability and buoyancy,
the book will now be incorporated into the RYA Yachtmaster syllabus,
ensuring a better understanding of the subject. Of the new book, Bill
Anderson, RYA Training Manager, said:
'The book and its introduction into the Yachtmaster syllabus should ensure
that in the future trained yachtsmen and women are fully aware of the
dangers associated with stability problems.'
'Stability and Buoyancy'-G23/2000, compiled by Ken Kershaw, RYA Technical
Manager, and Andrew Blyth, is now available from the RYA priced £3.75. To
receive a copy, please call 023 8062 7498.