Mr John-Kenneth D. Habbershaw

AmRINA AffilIIMS, DipMarSur(YSC), BMET, MEI

I have been interested in sailing for 25 years and grew up at a British seaside resort. I am passionate about leisure activities on the water, including sailing, motorboats, dinghies, rowing, and kayaks/canoes. I am particularly interested in Micro-cruisers, Ocean Rowing Boats, and Shanty Boats.

I was fortunate to spend several years in Australia, where I had the opportunity to sail on a Maxi Yacht on the East coast and motor on the River Murray in Victoria.

I have supported and surveyed numerous Ocean Rowing Boats for the Atlantic Campaigns / Talisker Whiskey Challenge Atlantic Ocean race. This has mostly consisted of survey work, but I have also carried out re-wires, equipment upgrades, provided technical advice, and aided with inspections and scrutineering. I have made good contacts and relationships with builders and equipment specialists in the Ocean Rowing Market. I am proud that several of the boats/teams/builders I have supported have finished in top positions, some setting new race/world records in the process.

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Qualifications:

DipMarSur(YSC) – Diploma in Marine Surveying (Yacht and Small Craft) from the IIMS (International Institute of Marine Surveying). With the following six specialities: GRP/FRP Vessels, Wood Vessels, Steel Vessels, Rigging, Yacht and Small Craft Engineering, and Valuations.
BMET – British Marine Electrical Technician – working to BMEEA Code of Practice (the UK industry recommended standard).
MEI – Marine Electronics Installer – working to NMEA (National Marine Electronics Association USA) recommended standards.

Other Relevant Certifications:

Boat Operators Marine Licence – Australia
RYA – Competent Crew
RYA – Day Skipper (Practical)
RYA – PowerBoat Level 2 Coastal (RIB and Displacement)
RYA – Marine Radio (SRC)
RYA – First Aid At Sea
City and Guilds (C&G) – AutoCad 2D Level III
SafetyMen – Ladders and Stepladders
SafetyMen – Manual Handling
SafetyMen – Portable Appliance Testing (also known as PAT Testing)

Memberships:

AffilIIMS – Affiliate Member of the International Institute of Marine Surveying
AmRINA – Associate Member of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects
BMEEA – Member of the British Marine Electrical and Electronics Association
RYA Gold Member – Royal Yachting Association (RYA)

Continual Professional Development (CPD):

I regularly attend commercial and trade marine exhibitions and boat shows for my interest and to stay in touch with manufacturers, learn about new technologies, and see the many exciting new designs of vessels and equipment produced by the marine industry.

My highlight trip of 2019 so far was a visit to the Princess production line in Southampton to see their new hulls in the construction stages in their purpose-built production facilities.

I am further studying Yacht and Small Craft Design with Westlawn USA by Distance learning to expand my knowledge of naval architecture.

Projects:

I have a Leisure 17 Bilge Keel, which I am refitting the rigging, windows and electronics. I am planning on crossing the Atlantic in aid of four charities. This project is being reported on my other website: www.SofaToSailboat.co.uk

On my boat, I am currently in the process of completing a bare hull complete refit of a c.1970’s Thames Marine Snap Dragon 27ft Mk II. The interior has been stripped, and I have a designing an electric engine installation.

I am planning on drawing up a design for a cheap plywood canoe/kayak for some fun on the Twizzle and Walton Backwaters with friends.