BUY KLONOPIN OVER THE COUNTER

· AuroraGlobal provides unmatched high throughput services set to address the growing needs of markets including government, maritime and enterprise

· This new offer, available today, provides the best value next generation satcom-enabled solutions using Airbus Defense and Space’s global multi-band network

Following the recent creation of Airbus Defense and Space, the company launched the AuroraGlobal high throughput services for government, maritime and enterprise markets at Satellite 2014 in Washington DC as a response to increased bandwidth demand. This new portfolio of high throughput services – featuring Ku-, X-, and Ka-bands – provides increased throughput, without the need to change antenna systems.

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Evert Dudok, Head of Communications, Intelligence & Security at Airbus Defense and Space, announced at Satellite 2014: “AuroraGlobal is now available and is setting new standards for high throughput services to provide the best value on the market. With this offer, Airbus Defense and Space is bringing its customers one step closer to next generation satcom whether it be military or commercial satellites such as Inmarsat’s Global Xpress and Intelsat’s Epic NG.”

It can provide enhanced X-band capabilities and performance for civil and military government purposes, dramatically increasing throughput up to four times more than current services using existing terminals, and enabling greater throughput via new smaller terminals, in line with growing operational needs. For instance, recent trials with hardened Skynet satellites at Airbus Defense and Space have proven that a 60-cm X-band terminal can support more than 70Mbps of throughput. Separate tests using the SCOT5 1.5-m naval terminals confirmed that levels of assured service throughput can be achieved at four times the current levels provided to Skynet customers.

In the maritime market, the customers will benefit from the next generation Ku-band VSAT service without the need to replace existing antenna. The new maritime VSAT offering is an all-in-one solution featuring twice the previous data volume allowances and twice the previous data speeds. It comes with unlimited L-band back-up service, as well as the new XChange platform, without having to invest in a new VSAT antenna.

Shipping companies can now select this offer and maintain the option to upgrade to future Ku- and Ka-band high throughput services.

In the Enterprise vertical markets, customers will further benefit from the latest technology fully compatible with high throughput satellites following the recent signature of a contract with Newtec. Customers will have access to new network hubs on Airbus Defense and Space’s teleports, optimizing frequency bands and providing throughput up to 150Mbps.

As part of the new offer, Airbus Defense and Space will also deliver Global Xpress high-speed broadband services through its worldwide distribution channels in the near future. The strategic agreement signed last December with Inmarsat covers key vertical markets – including the maritime, as well as the government and defense sectors – initially in Europe, and will allow us to provide highly competitive Ka-band services. In due course, Airbus Defense and Space’s Global Xpress offering will encompass all service types – packaged services, bandwidth capacity, as well as commercial and military Ka-band.

With the creation of Airbus Defense and Space, the combined satcom activities within the Communications, Intelligence & Security business line bring together the number one military satcom operator in the world and the leading commercial satcom provider for maritime and enterprise customers. AuroraGlobal complements other Airbus Defense and Space services provided at UHF-, L- and C-bands.

Chance to get involved in plans for the Yare Valley.

Wednesday 19 March, Reedham Village Hall, 5pm to 8.30pm

People living in, working in and visiting the Yare Valley are invited to get involved in future plans and projects in the area.

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The Broads Authority is holding an interactive area parish forum at Reedham Village Hall on Wednesday March 19th to share information about its work and hear local peoples’ ideas and views.

The public are invited to drop in between 5pm and 8.30pm to meet Broads Authority Members and staff, including the local rangers. There will be information and displays on everything from landscape and cultural history, tourism and recreation, wildlife and habitats, to planning matters, local access, navigation, volunteering opportunities and climate change adaptation. There will be a brief presentation at 7pm with a chance to ask questions.

Ideas will be particularly welcome on improving land and waterside access and on local information for an exciting new Broads landscape interpretation project.

The informal forum follows a successful launch event at Ludham, covering the Upper Bure & Ant, last autumn. Four forums are planned for each year covering the Authority’s ranger areas. Following the Yare event, forums will be held in the Lower Bure & Thurne in the summer, the Waveney in September and the Upper Bure & Ant in November.

For more information visit www.broads-authority.gov.uk or telephone 01603 756070.

Welsh Oak Frame will work with you to fulfil your needs whatever your budget

If you’ve dreamed about building your own beautiful oak-framed home you will have no doubt heard of Welsh Oak Frame. As one of the leading experts in the industry for the last 20 years, they are a popular choice for self-builders who want to combine a mix of handcrafted techniques with the latest forms of engineering and technology. But, just because the bespoke service they offer is so unique, it doesn’t mean you need to rule their expertise out of your budget.

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Emyr Davies, Design Manager at Welsh Oak Frame says: “Every build that Welsh Oak Frame undertakes is tailored to our clients’ needs. Within the design process we can explore how to retain key elements of the design while still saving money elsewhere. Some clients may only need a ‘supply and erect’ service, while others may require Welsh Oak Frame to offer a full project management facility.”

Here Emyr shares his tips for keeping an eye on your building budget:

Keep your ideas simple:
“The place to start is by keeping the shape of your design simple, this immediately makes a property cheaper to build. Also, when planning your ground works, carefully-designed foundations can save a fortune if you’re building with oak, which is quite lightweight.”

Plan your rooms internally:
“Not every structure requires large amounts of wood and you can look at techniques that use hidden softwood to reduce costs substantially. In a kitchen or utility room where there are lots of units on the wall, a ‘post and beam’ technique is also a good way to incorporate modern and contemporary styling. And at Welsh Oak Frame, we also offer a 3D ‘walk’ through all of our home designs, so you can look into each room and get a virtual feel before you finally commit to the end design.”
Don’t rush to buy everything at once:
“With a self-build don’t forget you can add to your home at a later date if finances are tight.”
Think about finishing touches:
“Cutting back on material costs can also be achieved just by looking at different options. Cladding in stone can be very expensive so explore the possibility of using timber cladding, which still looks great and can save you lots of money.”

For further information on oak frame building, contact 01686 688000, email info@welshoakframe.com or visit www.welshoakframe.com
Welsh Oak Frame recently won the prestigious Best Use of Oak Frame award in the Build It awards.
Welsh Oak Frame specialises in designing and building oak frames for self-build homes and has over 20 years’ experience.
Each design is bespoke and exclusively designed and handcrafted in the UK.
Welsh Oak Frame uses ‘QP1’ grade oak from carefully managed European woodlands, has been endorsed by TRADA and is a partner of the Wildlife Trust.
Welsh Oak Frame is based in Caersws in Wales and commissions projects across the UK.
Its sister company Arboreta, designs and builds oak frame extensions, garden rooms, orangeries, annexes and outbuildings. For press enquiries for Arboreta please use the contact details below.

The first teams have started to arrive in Qingdao, China, following one of the most challenging legs of the 2013-14 edition of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race: GREAT Britain, Mission Performance and Derry~Londonderry~Doire arrived at the Olympic Sailing Center this morning (10 March) local time.

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“We had a really good race, but it was a very tough race. We have all our fingers crossed that we have done really well with our elapsed time,” said GREAT Britain skipper Simon Talbot. “As a team we are really pleased especially when you consider how tricky this race has been.”

However, variable wind conditions now being experienced by the remainder of the fleet that is still racing have forced the course to be shortened. The forecast is for the wind to veer more behind the fleet, but also to die. Although this will allow a more direct course to be sailed to Qingdao, it will adversely affect speeds. Estimated times of arrival are already being affected. Shortening the course will prevent these slipping further and allow the teams to arrive in Qingdao to better prepare for Leg 6 (Race 10).

The teams have reported times at several waypoints which were included in the course instructions for Race 9.1 from Hong Kong to Qingdao to allow for the eventuality of shortening the course. The waypoint located adjacent to Shanghai in the East China Sea will now be used. This does not change the relative positions of the first three boats that finished today.

GREAT Britain crossed the Shanghai waypoint with an elapsed time of 5 days 6 hours 26 minutes, setting the bar high. Race 9.1 is being run on an elapsed time basis following staggered start times out of Hong Kong after an unscheduled pit-stop for rigging repairs.

March 2014 - The Dutch company Sima Charters successfully delivered a Multi Purpose 66ft Tender, christened SC Amethyst. The tender features design and naval architecture by Vripack and is engineered for countless activities in the offshore sector.

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The SC Amethyst is a heavy duty pilot/service boat, designed for multiple purposes such as crew transport and supplies to and from ships in anchor zones or offshore wind farms. She is employable as a general crew boat, wind farm service vessel (WFSV), guard vessel, pilot boat, patrol vessel, survey vessel, rescue tender, in other words; the possibilities are limitless.

The Sima yellow eye-catcher is provided with a full out Lloyd's Register classified workboat construction with professional systems which make this ship suitable for safe operations in tough circumstances. Especially because she is extremely comfortable going to sea, as a result of which she can still function when many other similar sized ships have to pull out.

This high comfort level is due to an innovative lines plan and the application of a Sea-Keeper stabilization system which guarantees a comfortable ship motion at lower speed and in stationary modus. Besides that the twin Volvo Penta IPS propulsion units make this full aluminum lady by far the most fuel efficient, compared to all the competing vessels that are allowed in the same working area, burning only 200 liters of fuel at 21 knots.

Peter Bouma, Naval Architect at Vripack explains; "The Amethyst has really exceeded our detailed CFD analyses and efficiency calculations. We are very proud of how she performs. Her ship motion levels are remarkably low and because of the high efficiency she is very fuel efficient and thus cost efficient to run. Based on the facts this bruiser is considered the crème de la crème of workboats today. It simply doesn't get any better than this".

The exterior of the SC Amethyst fits very well with her unique sailing characteristics. The superstructure has a widened hip that gives her a muscular, sturdy and aggressive appearance. The SC Amethyst has a very practical size and economical layout, she can be considered a newborn vintage tender that has been designed like a smooth custom made gentleman's suit, but with many integrated gadgets.

Safety is one of Sima Charters' major priorities and therefore all their vessels are equipped with highly innovative safety precautions, according to Ruud Lievaart, CEO of Sima Charters BV. "The SC Amethyst is equipped with an advanced shock absorbing bow fender designed to guarantee a constant and safe connection to all wind turbines or boat-landings on other structures. The railings are easily removable which allows ship to ship transfers via the side. The recessed fenders alongside the tender protect the other vessel and her ladder when mooring at sea, while the walk-around-lifeline prevents passengers from falling over board", Ruud explains.

He continues by pointing out the wrap around bulwark on the aft deck, which prevents water from running over the deck into the cargo and provides extra safety to passengers. Furthermore, the bulwark features a toilet and a covered aft facing steering position for complicated docking maneuvers. The aft deck can carry up to 8 tons of cargo while the integrated hooks can easily secure it. Also the foredeck can carry up to 2,5 tons of cargo, plus the watertight storage compartments are within reach for passengers luggage or for equipment needed on a wind farm. Additionally the vessel is cleverly equipped with a very sophisticated man over board (MOB) system including a third steering position for extra security reasons.

The SC Amethyst is equipped with a small galley and a comfortable transparent interior suitable for 12 passengers along with the navigator and the captain. The large windows with an almost 360° view provides the captain with an excellent overview and aiding prevention from getting seasick, while the noise level inside is extremely low; 62db at 20 knots and 64db at full speed.

The whole passenger's accommodation is open plan and can be repositioned effortlessly. The Navigation equipment is top of the bill with two radars, SAR finder, computer plotters, AIS, NAVTEX and much more.

On the spacious lower deck the SC Amethyst is arranged like a luxury hotel with four bunks, air-conditioning and two shower facilities both include a toilet. The central area offers a comfortable sitting area with TV facilities.

SC Amethyst has been designed by Vripack and Sima Charters, built by Sima Charters and Shipinstall. She can be purchased or chartered. New vessels can be built to a surplus of customer specifications.

Technical specifications:
LOA : 20 meters
BOA : 6.3 meters
Draft : 1.55 meters
GRT/NRT : 49,95
Engines : twin Volvo Penta D13
Max. speed : 28 knots
Cruising speed : 21 knots
Range at cruising speed : 700NM
Fuel consumption : 200ltr / hour at cruising speed
Tank capacities : Fuel 8000ltr
: Fresh water 800ltr
: black/gray water 600 ltr
Material : aluminum
Hull type : V-shape
Designer : Vripack/Sima
Engineering : Vripack/Sima/Shipinstall bv
Naval Architecture : Vripack
Builder : Sima Charters BV
Classification : Lloyd's: 100A1, SSC, Pilot, HSC, G3
Flag : UK
Working area : 150NM

About Sima Charters BV
Established in 1999, Sima Charters has been a company specialized in tender services at (North) Sea and chartering crew boats on various projects in Europe as well as building, buying and selling crew vessels. Sima Charters has a fleet of around six vessels and is constantly growing. All the vessels are capable of transporting twelve passengers and stores or luggage to other vessels, windmills, platforms etc.

Title Comet Churyumov–Gerasimenko on 28 February 2014
Released 10/03/2014 10:00 am
Copyright ESO/C. Snodgrass (Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research, Germany) & O. Hainaut (ESO)
Description

On 20 January, ESA’s Rosetta spacecraft emerged from a 31-month hibernation on the final leg of its 10-year journey to comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko. Just like the spacecraft, the mission’s target is also now emerging from hibernation.

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For the last few months, the comet has been behind the Sun from our vantage point on Earth. But in late February, the Very Large Telescope of the European Southern Observatory in Chile resumed observations – its last look was on 5 October 2013.

The image presented here was taken on the night of the 27 February (09:30 GMT on 28 February). The image on the left was created by stacking individual exposures to show the background stars. These were then shifted to compensate for the motion of the comet, which appears as a small dot right on top of one of the stars (at the centre of the circle). The image on the right shows the comet when the star trails have been subtracted.

The observatory is collaborating with ESA to monitor the four kilometre-wide comet from the ground to help refine Rosetta’s navigation and to make assessments of the comet’s activity prior to the spacecraft’s arrival in August.

The comet is about 50% brighter than when it was last observed. Although it is also now nearer to Earth, it has brightened faster than expected for an inactive comet of this size, suggesting that its icy nucleus has started to evaporate as it moves gradually closer to the Sun.

The comet travels around the Sun between the orbits of Jupiter and Earth; its closest approach to the Sun, in August 2015, is at a distance of 185 million kilometres.

Rosetta will be the first mission to make continuous measurements at close-quarters of how a comet’s activity changes as it journeys around the Sun.
Id 304925

Hoofddorp, the Netherlands, March 10, 2014 --[ASDWire]-- Fokker Services, part of Fokker Technologies, successfully hosted its two day operator’s conference for the operators of Fokker aircraft from around the world in collaboration with its vendors. This year’s theme was ‘FLYFokker, taking you further’. At the end of the conference filled with presentations, guest speakers, demonstrations, product fairs and a social program, the conclusion is that:

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Operators are very satisfied with products and services provided globally by Fokker Services aimed to keep Fokker aircraft in continued and competitive operation
Operators show interest in passenger appeal modifications, including modifications for seats and LED cabin lightning, but also cockpit modifications including iPad based EFB and GNSS
Customers appreciate all new developments to continue keeping Fokker aircraft a very competitive business proposition

Mr. Frans van de Pol, VP Fokker Programs said: “We look back at a great conference and are convinced that Fokker aircraft are a very attractive product in various regions across the globe, based on feedback from our customers”.

US edition of Quarterdeck

QUARTERDECK: Aft through the hawse-hole
by BigJules

FOLLOW BIGJULES

A regular feature on each of the Kydd titles – with story background, research highlights, writing challenges and more – plus a chance to win a copy of the book!

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Thank you for all your kind comments on the post about my fourth book, MUTINY.

The fifth book in the series is QUARTERDECK. Tom Kydd was promoted acting lieutenant at the bloody Battle of Camperdown in October 1797. Now, he must sit and examination to confirm his rank – or face an inglorious return before the mast.
With this book, with four other titles under my belt, did I feel the writing had become easier?

Because of the wonderful feedback I had received from readers all over the world my confidence had increased that people really did want to share my passion about the age of fighting sail. However, until a manuscript is actually accepted by your editor, there is always a certain apprehension. Have I told a good story? Will it draw people in? Has it got the right balance? The waiting time until that phone call or email comes from your editor is always a bit nail-biting...This was true for QUARTERDECK – and remains so to this day.
Was this book a watershed in the series?

Yes. Richard Gere famously overcame modern day hurdles to become an officer and a gentleman, but they were nothing compared to the almost impossible odds two hundred years ago! The Royal Navy, however, although steeped in custom and tradition, did provide a rare means for someone low born to achieve high status.

Of the six hundred thousand or so British seamen who fought in the Napoleonic wars, amazingly, 120 became officers, crossing a great social divide. Of these, perhaps twenty or so were promoted to captain of their own ship – and five made Admiral! History has left us little record of these achievers, but we do know of some who started their career this way – men such as Bligh, Cook and in the case of HMS Victory at Trafalgar both the signals officer Pascoe and Quiliam, the first lieutenant.

When I started writing the Thomas Kydd series I felt strongly that I wanted to portray life at sea at the time of Nelson starting from the viewpoint of the common sailor. I have always had the greatest admiration for what they achieved. The typical stereotype of the sailor of that time as a mere cipher couldn’t be further from the truth. In large part it was they who gave Britain conquest of all the seas. Nelson himself publicly recognised this.

Right from the start I knew my hero would eventually become an officer and in many ways QUARTERDECK posed some formidable writing challenges. I had to take Tom Kydd from the environment of the lower deck, where he was popular and, now a master’s mate, at the pinnacle of his calling, to an alien realm where the talk was of foxhunting and the Season, and where, at first, he was neither liked nor respected.

I found my own experience, having myself served both on the fo’c’sle and on the quarterdeck, invaluable. As I wrote I was able to draw on my own feelings during my time in the navy. Remembering my initial apprehensions as a new officer certainly gave me insights for QUARTERDECK.
Where was location research?

Falmouth

Both in the UK and overseas. We spent some time in the pretty little town of Falmouth in Cornwall. In Kydd’s day it was a favoured last provisioning stop before a long Atlantic crossing. It has a superb harbour: together with Carrick Roads, it forms the third capacious natural harbour in the world, and is the deepest in Western Europe.

It was also the home of the ships of the packet service. (The term ‘packet’ derives from the fact that state letters and dispatches were historically known as ‘the packet’.) There were several packet stations in British ports but Falmouth was the hub of the Packet Ship Service, which carried mail to all corners of the British Empire. Mail came down from London by postboy or stagecoach. It was then sealed in leather portmanteaux of varying sizes which were lead-weighted so that they could be thrown overboard at the prospect of imminent capture.

However the packet service was not always held in esteem. Ashore in Falmouth Kydd is told:

‘A nest of villains...They carry the King's mails, but should they spy a prize, they will not scruple to attack at risk to their cargo - and worse! Even under the strictest post office contract, they weigh down their vessel with private freight to their common advantage. And should this not be enough, it is commonly known that while the post office will recompense them for a loss at sea to an enemy, profit may just as readily be won from the insurances.’

With Bob Squarebriggs and the half model of Artemis

Local research done, Kathy and I then had the great pleasure and duty of visiting Canada. We found Halifax, the previous home of the North American Station, fascinating, with so much maritime history – and even stayed at the Lord Nelson hotel and dined at the Press Gang restaurant! A special delight was meeting Bob Squarebriggs and being presented with a half model of Artemis that he had made from scratch as a gift for me. I was quite taken aback at his generosity, and even more moved when I found out that Bob, as a result of an accident, could not work for any length of time on such a project before tiring.
Did the research for QUARTERDECK pose any particular challenges?

Well, there was one in particular. As a plot requirement I needed to determine which of the woods found in the area Kydd was in did not float. This was not as simple as it sounds. My ex-scientist father-in-law in Tasmania came back with mathematical formulae and details of specific gravity, and after a considerable time researching further I felt I had a fairly intimate acquaintance with every tree in America! But still I had not got the definitive answer; this was finally resolved by a very helpful member of the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Products Laboratory.

Captain Truxtun, USS Constellation

Regarding research for the dawn of the new American Navy, I was most fortunate to make the acquaintance of Tyrone Martin, an erudite scholar and a former captain of Old Ironsides. He provided valuable insights into the US naval service and the heavy frigates. I get a special buzz introducing real-life characters into the books and it was fun writing about Kydd sailing in the new commissioned Constellation under Captain Truxtun.
For a chance to win a copy of QUARTERDECK just add a comment below. The winner will be picked at random on March 15

Race photographer Paul Wyeth captures some close racing action in last year's RTI Race

The Island Sailing Club (ISC), organisers of the annual J.P. Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race, are delighted to confirm that Sir Ben Ainslie, who is already committed to compete on June 21st, has accepted an invitation to present the prizes at the ISC's Race Prizegiving event at 12 noon on Sunday 22nd June.

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So, for anyone still wondering whether to compete this year, the opportunity to attend the prizegiving, and shake the great man's hand, should not be overlooked! http://www.rtir.me/entries.

Last year's Round the Island Race will almost certainly be regarded as one of the best ever held since it was first run with 25 entries in 1931. On June 1st 2013, the weather was fabulous, the wind was just windy enough to produce exhilarating and competitive racing, there was a brilliant buzz throughout Cowes and in the Regatta Village in Cowes Yacht Haven.

The memorable moments were numerous and more people than ever followed the 'as live' Race progress on the website, through the live tracking and the Blog. The excitement was palpable right from the early morning gun, as the two Race records - fastest rounding in a multihull (the course record) and fastest rounding in a monohull, were being fought for as the rest of the UK was just waking up.

The current monohull race record set by Mike Slade on the 100ft ICAP Leopard on 1st June 2013 stands at 3.43.50. This is 9 minutes and 45 seconds inside ICAP Leopard's own race record set back in 2008.

The multihull race record set on 1st June 2013 by Sir Ben Ainslie on JP Morgan BAR, his AC45, stands at 2.52.15 beating by an impressive 16 minutes the previous multihull race record set by Francis Joyon in 2001 aboard Dexia Eure et Loire of 3.08.29.

Can anyone beat these superb record-setting achievements in 2014?

Adrenaline rush from the Leopard...

The adrenaline-fuelled Leopard (GBR1R), the Farr 100 and current holder of the Round the Island Race monohull record, will be back on the start line again this year with London-based property developer Mike Slade at the helm. Her name has reverted to Leopard and she's on the hunt for a new sponsor!

Leopard's professional yacht racing team comprises 20 talented and high profile crew members. A mix of America's Cup and Volvo Ocean Race sailors, along with her permanent crew, many have been sailing on the Leopard programs for a number of years in between other high profile racing commitments. Boat Captain Chris Sherlock has been with Leopard for 20 years and, as ever, he oversees the superb preparation of this magnificent yacht and her team before Mike Slade takes the helm on 21st June.

...and the holder of the Land Speed Record!

Whilst on the subject of records, Andy D. Green OBE BA RAF is a Wing Commander and fighter pilot and the World Land Speed Record holder! Andy was the first person to break the sound barrier on land.

Andy Green poses in front of ThrustSSC Photo: Jeremy Davey. © SSC Programme Ltd.

On 25 September 1997, he was in Black Rock Desert in the USA and beat the previous record in ThrustSSC, reaching a speed of 714.144 miles per hour (1,149.303 km/h). On October 15, 1997, 50 years and 1 day after Chuck Yeager broke the sound barrier in aerial flight, Green reached 763.035 miles per hour (1,227.986 km/h), the first supersonic record reaching Mach 1.016.

Things should be a tad more sedate for Andy as he and his wife race his Catalina 30 Mk3 Pickle (6432) round the 50nm Isle of Wight course.

In a class of her own?

Racing under IRC, EAT, SLEEP, J, REPEAT (GBR8888X) is a J/88 owned by Paul Ward from London, a brand new class of boat and winner of Yachts & Yachting's Best New Boat under 40ft in 2014. She's 29ft, a mid-size family speedster with stability, style and sailing comfort. The boat has received numerous plaudits in her media tests and she's definitely one to watch!

Charity begins at home

The Race organisers are delighted to welcome back Belle Serene (GBR1069L). Owner Christopher Barker raised more than £5,000 for Breast Cancer Care in his first Round the Island Race in 2007, shortly after his wife Zoe had been diagnosed with breast cancer. [http://www.justgiving.com/belleserene]

Now, seven years later, the couple from Haslemere in Surrey, will be joined by their young daughters, Annabel 12, and Serena, 10, after whom their Beneteau Cyclades 39.3 is named. The family is used to sailing together. Christopher reports the girls are looking forward to this year's event. "They both enjoy dinghy sailing and racing on their own. But this is a big grown-up race and quite a spectacle, as we have explained to them."

Tailpiece

Clearly you are never too old to take part in the Round the Island Race. One competitor has listed his age as 773, speaking of which, next month we'll take a look at some of the classics already entered.

The Island Sailing Club is grateful for the continued support of the Race Title Sponsor, J.P. Morgan Asset Management, and the Race Partners for 2014: Dream Yacht Charter, Haven Knox-Johnston, Henri Lloyd, Nautica Watches, Old Pulteney Whisky, Raymarine, Red Funnel, Volvo Car UK.

Official Race website:

http://www.roundtheisland.org.uk

The University of St Andrews has become the first university in the UK, and the second in the world, to be accredited with 3-star Service Desk Certification from The Service Desk Institute (SDI).

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The 3-star rating was awarded following an eighteen month auditing programme by the SDI, Europe’s only support network for IT service desk professionals and leading authority on IT support issues, which noted a significant improvement in the scores each time.

During each audit, nine concept areas were measured covering all aspects of IT Services including leadership skills, policy and strategy, people management, partnerships and resources, people satisfaction, performance results and social responsibility.

The University of St Andrews IT Service Desk team logs between 4000 and 8000 incidents a month, offering support to the University’s 2000 staff and 8000 students, through a single point of contact.

On being awarded 3-star accreditation, Lorraine Brown, the University of St Andrews Service Desk Manager, said:

“IT is a fundamental part of every member of staff and every student’s day to day life at the University and we want everyone who uses our service to have a positive experience from the moment they arrive in St Andrews. We believe that our 3-star certification proves our commitment to offering a great service and we aim to use the programme to further aid the continuous development of our IT services.”

The Service Desk Institute’s audit evaluates service desk operations against an internationally accepted global standard for best practice, providing companies with a benchmark to form a baseline for service improvements.

Howard Kendall, SDI’s Master Auditor, who presented the 3-star award to the IT Services team, commented:

"After achieving 2* SDI certification in 2013, it is highly rewarding to see that the excellent strategy and leadership in place at SAITS is playing a major part progressing the service to a 3* customer-led level of maturity. Quality leadership combined with a new location for the service desk, the appointment of a business relationship manager, the implementation on a carefully planned customer experience feedback programme and the on-going enthusiasm and high morale of staff is clearly bearing fruit. I’m delighted to see St Andrews embracing continuous service improvement and shall continue to follow them on their journey"