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.

Talking about squalking !

The publisher of the web site Sailingonline, Dawn Smith, is both an accomplished sailor and raconteur, with whom it's always a pleasure to spend time, especially at sea.
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Over the last few months she has been building content for the website and kindly asked me if there was anything I would like to contribute. It so happened I had recently upgraded my VHF radio installation, so the outcome was my article on modern VHF radio.
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Go on, follow the link !
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Dawn has now schooled me more fully on the meaning of 'max 1500 words', so future contributions will come in a single installment. I hope it's of use ot you, or a least food for thought.