A Man on a Mission – Bob Bradfield – Antares Charts Talk

Date/Time
Date(s) - 12th November 2022
19:30 - 23:30

Location
NWCC Clubhouse

Categories

• Social

THIS EVENT IS NOW FULLY BOOKED

November’s social is a talk by Bob Bradfield, the creator of the well-known Antares Charts of the West Coast of Scotland.

Many of you will be aware of ‘Antares Charts’ but may be not about the man behind these charts. Bob turned a retirement hobby into a worthwhile and highly appreciated navigational support for sailors. For his services to navigation and maritime safety on the West Coast of Scotland, he was awarded the MBE in the New Year’s Honour in January 2019.

The NWCC is delighted to welcome Bob to give his talk to members and guests.

• Bar opens at 7.30pm
• Talk will start at 7.45pm
• Light finger supper around 8.30pm
• Second half of talk from 9.00pm
• £10 a head

Please mention any dietary requirements on your booking form
Numbers will be limited, so book your place promptly.

How it started………………

Bob Bradfield – A Man on a Mission – Charting Scotland as an Amateur

In 2008 Bob Bradfield sailed his boat, Antares, clockwise round the UK from Ipswich. He had set aside the whole season for the trip and allowed three weeks to get to know the West Coast of Scotland. He soon realised that that was a joke. You can hardly scratch the surface in three weeks.

The other joke was the quality of the charts. ‘It’s the UK, so everything will be as good as it gets’ was the reassuring thought with which he set off, having been used to somewhat ropey charts and pilotage in many other parts of the world.

He was in for a shock! For an initial foray, keeping to the beaten track and, in particular, the anchorages recommended in the excellent Clyde Cruising Club (CCC ) Sailing Directions it was okay. But try something just a little off-piste and you are on your own. After one salutary experience with a late night anchorage in Tarskavaig Bay he decided that he could produce something better and Antares Charts was born.

Since then he has to date, produced 592 charts, covering 579 anchorages.

Bookings