How secure is your boat?

The Irish publication AFLOAT.ie warns sailing clubs to give their security a rethink as news emerges of thieves apparently targeting boats in storage for their aluminum….

The Flying Fifteen Blog highlights a recent incident at Welton Sailing Club on the Humber Estuary in which “a significant number of aluminum masts were stolen from dinghies”.

A member of Humber Yawl Club wrote of the break-in: “Shroud wires have been cut to release the masts, and while the club has experienced break-ins in the past, this is the first occasion when aluminum materials have been stolen. It would appear the club was targeted specifically for this material.”

That metal thieves, who commonly steal copper from railway cabling or lead from roofs, have turned their attention to aluminum fittings on boats should be of great concern to boat clubs throughout the UK and Ireland.

How hard would it be to steal spars or other aluminum gear at your local sailing venue? Perhaps a call to your local police department may determine the degree of threat your area is facing.