Lets Race!

Spring traditionally marks the start of sailing competitions up and down the country. So we here at Force 4 Chandlery have compiled a list of must have products to get both you and your boat up to speed.

And we've added a racing product page, click here to see.

Also our head rigger is partaking in the Warsash Spring Series race, details of which can be found by clicking here.

Important sailing racing categories and links to racing products:

Maintenance - A well maintained boat will give you the edge on the racecourse and reduce downtime.

Clutch & Winch Servicing - Keeping your winches and clutches fully serviced will enhance their performance.

Blocks & Deck Hardware - Make boat handling easier and crew work more efficient by enhancing your boats hardware.

Standing & Running Rigging - Maintaining & tuning the rig is vitally important to the safe performance.

Safety Equipment - Be prepared for any emergency situation that may occur on board.

Books, DVD's & Navigation - Ensure your boat is fully optimised for the race course and you're up to speed with the latest techniques to give you that extra edge.

Sailing Racing Clothing - Look good on the racecourse with the latest in high performance technical clothing designed specifically for the racing sailor.

Custom & Pre-Made rigging - Upgrades to key rope can improve performance of the boat and make your life a little easier on board.

Plus remember we've got a full rigging work shop with 3 full time professional riggers who are able to set up rigs, create custom lines and offer assistance in setting up your boat to race. Check out our Rigging team by clicking here.

Happy Boating!

Captain Loz

Spring Offers on Antifouling paint

Happy New Year boaters! Heres hoping it's a successful one for everybody.

We're very excited about 2012 here at Force 4 as we've got some great products and offers lined up for the New Year.

Our new Main Catalogue is at the printers as I write this, which is great as it really does signal the start of the boating season for a lot of people.

Our shops have been busy filling their shelves with lots of new chandlery, the latest sailing clothing and the very popular shiny new marine electronics. All in anticipation to welcome back regular customers and greet new ones over the coming months. Of course we've seen a lot of people in the last few months but the marina's definitely start getting busier as of now.

And we're kicking off the new season with an amazing deal on Antifouling, we're offering up to 38% OFF the MRP and we've reduced our catalogue prices by up to 18% OFF! However these deals will not be around forever, so don't delay!

You can see our deals on Hempel antifoul, International antifoul, seajet antifoul and seago antifoul by clicking here.

Plus if you're new to antifouling your boat, you can view our guide to antifouling by clicking here.

Oh and don't forget to stock up on accessories! Click here to see antifouling brushes, paint suits and more.

Happy boating in 2012!

Captain Loz

On the water in winter; Windsurfing, RIBs & Great British pub grub!

Frost on the ground and boat attached to the car, a few of us from Force 4 Mail Order headed off down to Southampton for a day on the water. Being somewhat under prepared for the temperatures, we popped into the Force4 branch in Swanwick (we could have ordered via mail order and I’m sure it would have been just as fast) and clad ourselves in Helly Hansen undergarments to keep warm (shameless advertising, I know!) – only £39.95 too! Sale of the century! We aimed to spruce ourselves up in full winter gear and spend the day windsurfing, however, on our arrival in Southampton we discovered that it was quite possibly the calmest day of the year.

Instead, we adapted (as only employees of Force4 can!) and decided to jet over to the Isle of Wight for a trip up the Medina to the Folly inn. Music playing (at a sociable level) from the fantastic Fusion speaker system on board the rib and the Garmin Sat Nav guiding us through the waterways (we needed it!), we enjoyed a substantial & delicious lunch of Beef & Ruddles Pie before heading back towards Calshot Spit.

Fantastic views of the Solent. Great food. Great weather. Just goes to show, Boating isn’t just for the summer. All in all, a fantastic day out.

Admiral Radford

PBO Bargain of the Month

The Seago Portable Dehumidifier. SAVE £70.00, RRP £189.95, ONLY £119.95

Every month we advertise a bargain of the month in PBO Magazine. For the latest issue we've included the perfect item for the cold winter months. The Seago Portable Dehumidifier. SAVE £70.00, RRP £189.95, ONLY £119.95

What is a dehumidifier?

It's an appliance that can help reduce the level of humidity in the air. The dehumidifier will then produce excess water as a result, which you can then remove.

Why do I need a dehumidifier?

Humidity in the air can lead to damp conditions which can in turn cause mould & mildew to form. This isn't what you want to return to after leaving your boat for any amount of time in a marine environment, which is generally a humid environment.

Seago Portable Dehumidifier Product Details:

Ideal for both the boat and home, this compact, lightweight & CFC free dehumidifier will reduce damage caused by condensation & mould. The auto defrost mode cuts in once the built-in sensor detects that the ambient temperature is lower than 15deg Celcius. then the compressor shuts off 10 mins every 40 mins. the fan motor stays in operation all the time so that the frost on the condensor can be reduced. This cycle continues until the temperature is higher than 16deg Celcius. the casing has convenient carry handles and durable non-slip rubber feet.

Features:

• Dehumidification: 12 ltr/day, 0.5kg/hour
• Air circulation: 111 cbm/hour
• Voltage: 240V
• Power consumption: 220W
• Quiet Operation: 49dB
• Compressor type: Rotary
• Reservoir capacity: 2.6ltr
• "Anti-bacteria" formula to prevent the propagation of mould and bacteria
• Pre-filter removes dust and pollutant particles
• Optional external drain facility (hose supplied)
• Built-in temperature sensor
• Working range: 5 to 35deg C
• Size: 41 x 32 x 58cm

Happy Boating!

Captain Loz

Winterise your Outboard Engine in 9 Easy Steps

A Guide to winterise your outboard engine in 9 easy steps!

See the full colour glossy version of this guide to winterise your outboard engine here.

1. Add Startron Petrol Additive (640032) to the fuel to stabilise the fuel and eliminate carbon build-up in the fuel delivery system and on exhaust components.
2. Run the engine up to operating temperature with cooling water supplied from Flush Muffs (630015).
3. Spray in Starbrite Fogging Oil (830483) through the carburettors until the engine stops. This will leave a protective coating on the internal surfaces of the engine.
4. Change the engine oil (4-stokes only) using Quicksilver 4-Stroke Oil (830415).
5. Remove the spark plugs and spray in Starbrite Fogging Oil (830483) before replacing the plugs finger tight.
6. Spray the whole power head lightly with a water repellent oil such as WD40 (420194).
7. Clean off & re-grease the control linkages & grease points using Quicksilver 2-4-C Multi-Purpose Lubricant (830410).
8. Change the gearbox oil with Quicksilver Gear Lube (830373).
9. Store your engine vertically on a Rooteq Outboard Trolley (630159) in a dry, well ventilated place ready for trouble free boating next spring!

Happy Boating!

Captain Loz

Clipper Round The World - We're supporting team Visit Finland!

Why are we supporting team Visit Finland you may ask? Well the teams skipper Olly Osborne is the brother of Julian Osborne who works in our Chichester Chandlery. And as anybody who uses our Chichester branch will testify Julian's such a nice and knowledgable chap, well we really couldn't support anybody else!

About The Race

For those of you who don't know what the Clipper Round The World Race is, it is essentially 40,000 miles of ocean racing, where the fleet of sailors are in identical 68-foot stripped down racing yachts. Those yachts are provided by the organisers and are then sponsored by either a city, a region or a country. The skippers are all talented sailors who are fully trained, and they lead the crews safely around the world. And anybody can join! Find out about signing up by clicking here.

You can read more about the race by clicking here.

About team Visit Finland

Total crew: 54 (34 Men & 20 Women)

Average Age: 46 (Oldest 67 & Youngest 19)

Nationalities Represented: 8

The Skipper; South Coast sailor, Olly Osborne, is amongst the ten-strong group of intrepid skippers selected for Clipper 11-12. Olly, 30, from Chichester, is among the line-up of international sailors who have been appointed to the prestigious and challenging position following a rigorous selection process.

Read more about Olly, and the rest of the crew by clicking here.

As I write this Visit Finland are currently in second place, so the best of luck to Olly and all the other participants.

Happy Boating,

Captain Loz

Used Boat Shows local to the Southampton Boat Show

Looking for a second hand Yacht & Motor Boat? Well if you've exhausted the many stands full of brand new yachts & motor boats at the Southampton Boat Show, perhaps you could try one of the Great Used Boat Shows being held in the local to Southampton Marinas. Our picks of the Shows to try are (Plus Deacons & Swanwick are within 200 meters of each other, and Swanwick offer a park & ride to the Southampton Boat Show):

The Deacons Used Boat Show - Open 10.00a.m - 6.00p.m 16th - 25th September

Described as: "A premier showcase for used Sail and Motor Boats."

For Buyers there are over 50 boats for sale, a raised viewing gallery, easy access by road and rail, plus advice on buying your first boat or upgrading.

View their website by clicking here.

Plus visit our chandlery which is next door, Deacons chandlery Force 4.

The Swanwick Used Boat Show - 09.00 - 17.00 16th - 25th September

Described as: "Whether you're thinking of buying a new or used yacht or motor boat, Premier's Swanwick Used Boat Show is one of the most established and most successful used boat shows on the south coast and this years event is set to be even bigger and better!

Our Fantastic selection of on-site boat sales companies include; Ancasta, Clipper Marine, Dickies International, Princess Motor Yacht Sales, Sunseeker and Walton Marine. these companies will be available throughout the length of the show to help you find your perfect boat!"

For more information you can visit their website by clicking here.

Plus visit our Chandlery which is next door, Swanwick Force 4 Chandlery & Sailing Clothing.

Hamble Point Used Boat Show - 16th - 25th September

Described as: "The yard contains hundreds of new and used boats for sale, most of which are displayed ashore on purpose built walkways that give you easy access to each one."

For more information you can visit their website by clicking here.

Plus visit our chandlery which is next door, Hamble Point Marina Force 4 Chandlery.

Happy Boating!

Captain Loz