You are going to be there aren't you? Because we are. Your Main Sail team in the flesh. Because it's going to be THE event to get the year rolling. Because there'll be over a thousand stands with the most amazing stuff. And because we're going to be giving away a Raymarine handheld VHF radio. If you want to know how, waltz up to The MainSail stand and we'll give you the third degree.
Actually, we'll probably want you to talk your socks off. There are so many fascinating people who are members of The MainSail, we're just dying to meet you all. 'Cos yes, it's fun climbing on the Forum and having a go - and it's great reading all of your e-mails. But there just isn't anything better than a meeting face-to-face.
What's that? Oh, you want to know about the radio. Hang onto your hats, this one is a goodie. It's a Raymarine RAY1OIE, and a very nifty device too. For one thing it's submersible, which means if you're so taken with it you can't let go, you can even use it in the bath.
OK, enough levity (we're in Boat Jumble mode already). This really is a serious piece of kit. Just pick it up and you'll know. It feels what it is, rugged and reliable. Top of its class, in fact. Which is not surprising. Staying power comes from six AA-size NiMH batteries - those are the latest generation nickel metal hydride jobs - rechargeable of course, with a hefty 1,300 mA capacity, so you can probably out-talk your teenager if you have one. If she does out-talk you, a quick charger comes with, so you're quickly back in business. Oh and if you get stuck, ordinary Lucky Dip batteries will work too, though not for as long.
The thing is practical too, but then Raymarine know a thing or two about being on boats. Clever stuff, like being able to use it left- or right-handed, with backlit keys because you're going to need at night quite a lot of the time, and with a large, easy-to-read LCD display that you can see large and clear in broad daylight, or in pitch-dark clouded-over midnight darkness. When you're done, you just bung back, Clint Eastwood style, on the mobile-type belt, or hang onto it with the wrist strap.
What else? Oh yes, the quick-access 16-plus priority key. And there's a built in tri-watch. Plus rotary volume and squelch control. And they've tacked on a two-year warranty. The submersible bit is serious too - to IPX7 waterproof standard. So you can take it down to one metre for at least 30 minutes - if you can hold your breath that long. Pretty impressive, huh? Just the thing for long baths. The whole dang shooting match, right there in your hand.
Sound good?
Just remember, you've got to come talk to us if you want to win it. Which means getting down to Beaulieu on Sunday 23 April without fail. We're telling you this now because it means you can ring the calendar right away and plan for a really stonking day out.
It's a top level bash too. None of your round-the-corner car boots. This is the real thing - in the grounds of the world famous Beaulieu estate. Yes, there's the bits and pieces - the accessories, clothing, rope, gadgets and tons of bumf from the big time manufacturers. There's a whole BoatMart section too, so you can hum and hah to your heart's content over a traditional old dear that needs tarting up, or do a deal on a nearly-new from the one careful owner.
Reckon the family will buy it? Sure they will, because they're not nailed into being with you and boats all the time, they can hive off and have fun pretty much wherever they like. This is the Beaulieu estate after all, so there's the National Motor Museum, or the Palace House or Beaulieu Abbey itself they can go and visit. And why not? It's right there to enjoy in the all-inclusive price of £7.75 for adults and £5.75 for children. Book early and you pay even less. Call 01590 612888 or get on line at: www.beaulieu.co.uk.
So are you coming? Sure you are. It's your big chance to meet "Boatman" Fred, and the delectable Roxy. Nice-Nev and Super Sanjit will be there too. Not to mention having a go for the Raymarine RAY1OIE. See you there.
