Ron Dustow

Sadly, I have to tell everyone that Ronnie Dustow passed away on Sunday 20th July 2025, quietly at home. He had been diagnosed with terminal cancer in December having fought off a different cancer a few years ago.

Ron was one of the founders of the original Flickr group for Achilles owners, a keen boat fettler and expert wood turner he restored several over the years and had unrivalled knowledge of the type. He had the nicely restored Goskar to the end as well as his Hustler 28 Carrie Anne.

He leaves behind Sue, wife of many years, and if I recall correctly three sons, a daughter and grandchildren.

Tributes can be found on the Facebook group here

A24 gear for sale 24 June 2025

 “Achilles 24 parts for sale due to boat break up; Mast and Rigging must go in next 3 weeks, reasonable offers accepted. Also other parts on request. Location; Hamble. e mail; allangbooth@btpenworld.com — phone 07771 987570”

A9m list of sail numbers

I just tried to access the A9m list of boats and Ian's site is no longer about. I'll do some hunting but if I can't track him / it down I do have a back up in a different format although it is a little out of date.

His web site and email are no longer available.

I have recovered a version of his data that I was putting together when I rebuilt the web site and before Ian said he wanted to continue with the register so it is rather out of date and needs tiding up that I will do as time permits. I also have a few updates that I will dig out but all owners please check out your boat and let me know:

https://achillesyacht.blogspot.com/p/a9m-sail-numbers.html

A24 build dates required

Cross posted from Facebook:

If people (other than Huw) have good build dates for their A24's I'll have a go at doing an updated version of the sail number vs date graph. Replies will need to be with me by early March as I will hopefully be off sailing from the middle of the month. (this cross posted to the web site & Flikr).

Any A840 availability for measuring the rudder and Skeg?

 Cross posted from the A840 page

AnonymousWednesday, January 10, 2024 at 7:41:00 PM UTC

I have lost my rudder and part of my skeg in a storm. Does anyone know where u could get the drawings. Also if anyone has an achilies 840 that is out of the water and within 100 miles of edinburgh, it would be great if i could take measurements. Many thanks Stuart

Possible delays in moderation

If things go to plan I will be sailing from Saturday April 15th 2 - 4 months, if moderation action is required it may take a few days to get done depending on where I am.

John

sv-sancerre 

Good news re admiralty charts

 The timetable for the withdrawal of our paper chart portfolio is to be extended.

In July last year, the UK Hydrographic Office announced its intention to withdraw ADMIRALTY Standard Nautical Charts (SNCs) and Thematic Charts from production by late 2026. 

Having listened to user feedback, it has become clear that more time is required to address the needs of those specific users who do not yet have viable alternatives to paper chart products. We will continue to provide a paper chart service until at least 2030. 

https://www.admiralty.co.uk/news/paper-chart-withdrawal