Reduce the risks Given the antics of condemed yachtsman Eric Abbott who 'navigates' by road maps, isn't it time to formalise some form of mandatory training before people put to sea. This guy shows total contempt for the emergency services.using the RNLI and Coastguard as a waterborne AA service.

£50,000 was the figure quoted for his multiple mistakes this year. It makes a mockery of those who donate, fund raise and support the lifeboats - to say nothing of the voluntary lifeboat crews themselves. On the question of training, what is so daunting about this? If you can't take the training then should you be at sea? I think not - the courses are designed to be enjoyable as well as informative. So much money is invested in craft these days, a few hundred pounds is nothing to invest in some personal boat handling and basic navigation skills.

We all know the old one about our sailing heritage, but how much boat would this guy have left to sail if the Coastguard or RNLI started claiming oid fashioned salvage.

Anyone, no matter what level of qualification, can make a mistake. But lets face it, the degree of probability is considerably reduced with a few RYA training certificates tucked under your lifebelt.

Peter Smith. RYA member and RNLI supporter via email The RNLI's press release dared 10 August 2000: RNLI condemns irresponsible yachtsman The Royal National Lifeboat Institution has condemned yachtsman Eric Abbott who was rescued once again today, making a tally of 10 lifeboat call-outs.

To date, his rescues have cost the RNLI some £50,000 which all has to be found through donations.

The RNLI's Chief of Operations, Michael Vlasto, said: 'This catalogue of incidents involving the marine emergency services, including the RNLI, clearly shows an irresponsible attitude by Mr Abbott.

'He should be made aware that the RNLI is supported entirely by voluntary contributions and the volunteer crew go out in their own time. Putting volunteers' lives at risk in this way is unforgiveable.

'We are concerned that we could be putting other lives at risk by having to deal with people tike Mr Abbott who, if he had taken some basic sea safety training, need not have got himself into these situations.' Mr Abbott today telephoned the RNLI and spoke to the Chief of Operations who repeated his comments to the yachtsman.

7 think he took my point', said Michael Vlasto.Built to last The Sea Safety article that featured in the Spring 2000 issue of The Lifeboat was of particular interest to me as I possess a fisherman's aneroid barometer as illustrated - and it is still in perfect working order.

My specimen, which has the additional detail 'N° 343 Negretti and Zambra, London', was given to me by a retired ship chandler in a Moray coast town some 25 years ago. At that time I wrote to the RNLI requesting details of its history and was told it was one of a number sent to the Torbay lifeboat station secretary for distribution to local fishermen. Enclosed was a copy of the original instructions to lifeboat secretaries regarding price (11/6) and distribution.

The fact that it is 118 years old and still as accurate as ever is testimony in itself.

William Mavor Moray Eagle-eyed reader I regularly receive The Lifeboat magazine which is an immediate cover to cover read for me.

I was amused to see two small 'typos' in the Summer 2000 issue: Under 'Splash and Dash' in News you suggest that 'sophisticated tasks will teat your brain power' - what size teat do you recommend? Also, under 'Mini money maker' in The Fundraisers, you say that 'The Moke has been completely re-spayed...' How much did your vet charge you for this operation? Robert Jobson via email Well spotted Robert - we are glad to have given you a smile with our 'deliberate' mistakes. Sadly, there are no prizes for spotting any this issue...

tetters from readers are always welcome, Addresx them tit: The Kdilor, The lifeboat. K U, West Quay Road. I'milc. Dorset BHI5 1HZ or email us at: ilii'Iiji'hitaKt: rnli.firg.uk Ml whrnissitWi flttmid be clearly marked 'for publication '.