RYA SafeTRX discontinued.

It didn't last long! Best update your data before the App etc. disappears and they transfer the data. Back to CG66?

Nothing from the RYA that I have seen, although the announcement is is on their website. Outdated technology looks like BS to me especially given the short notice, more likely the cost of the software from SafeTRX and hosting and probably lack of use, at least of the notification part.

Facebook Post:

Maritime and Coastguard Agency

Favourites ·1 December at 12:17 ·

RYA SafeTrx - the vessel tracking, safety and communications platform - will be discontinued at the end of this month, from 31 December.

HM Coastguard’s search and rescue services remain fully operational, alongside all other safety measures, equipment and resources.

The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) and HM Coastguard are working together to ensure that the data originally provided to RYA SafeTrx will be transferred to a secure database within HM Coastguard, and can continue to be referenced in an emergency.

Users that do not want their data to be transferred to HM Coastguard are asked to delete their account prior to the app closing on 31 December 2025.

Thereafter, you can update or remove your details at any time by emailing safetrxdata@mcga.gov.uk

As always, we recommend you plan ahead and know what to do if there’s an emergency at sea:

• Carry a means of communication such as a VHF/DSC radio, a personal locator beacon, or a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch.

• Tell someone where you are going and when you plan to be back. If you are late returning, they can raise the alarm by calling 999 and asking for the Coastguard.

Hull Identification Numbers (HINs)

For the avoidance of duplication here and hopefully on Flikr and the Facebook group where the question comes up occasionally.

Hull Identification Numbers (HINs) are a structured number identifying the maker of a boat and some other information (see below). It was introduced after the Achilles boats were made and was not mandatory until 1998. Butler would never have had a makers number etc so the boats can not have a formal HIN.

At the factory hulls were not generally identified the original sail number being the hull number.

The Google AI description looks to be correct:

A boat's Hull Identification Number (HIN) is a unique 12 or 14-character code that serves as a serial number for the boat, similar to a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for a car. It's used to identify the boat and track it for various purposes, including registration, defect notifications, and sales.

Key aspects of a HIN:

Permanent Marking: The HIN is permanently etched or molded into the boat's hull, typically on the starboard side of the transom and also hidden elsewhere on the boat.

Structure: The HIN typically includes a manufacturer's code, a unique serial number, and sometimes details about the year and place of manufacture.

Historical Context: HINs were introduced in the US in 1972 and in the EU in 1998.

Relevance to Recreational Craft Directive (RCD): The RCD requires all boats built after 1998 to have a HIN, which helps in ensuring compliance with safety and environmental standards.

Manufacturer's Identity Code (MIC): For boats built in the UK, the MIC is a unique three-letter code identifying the manufacturer, registered with British Marine.

Uses: HINs are used for registration, tracking recalls, and facilitating boat sales.

My note: usually asked for by insurance companies, the SSR and others but like all vintage boats there is nothing to give.

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”