More top kit:

I'm really quite impressed by the arrival of a new hands free vhf which arrived during the festive season.

As far as I can see it incorporates two ideas whose time has come:
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Firstly: handheld VHFs are devilled by not being charged sufficiently or completely flat just when they're required - which is often an emergency. The distinguishing feature of this kit is USB charging - which means it can be charged in the car, in the boat if you have USB charging (  :-) like we do) from a 12v / cigarette lighter, from a pocket phone charger or just about any where on land.
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Secondly: A soft aerial which substantially reduces the risk of "antenna ear / eye syndrome"  which is guaranteed to make any emergency worse.

It also does all the usual stuff and does not have DSC incorporated - which I see as an advantage.
I will carry out a radio check with the marina office next time I'm at the boat to see how that works.

Thanks to the First Mate and Mrs Clause - just to say, this post is not sponserd by Standard Horizon or anyone else.

22 December at last!

Like sailors everywhere, the heart is cheered by passing the winter solstice, when the sun declination reaches its southerly maxium and begins to decrease.

Hurrah - the days are getting longer!