Last night while all the politics was going on we were treated to a very special talk by Paul Heiney. In addition we decided to have our very own election to decide who you would most like to skipper your boat. Paul joined in the spirit of the election by cleverly suggesting Nicola Stugeron would be good, especially for those who may suffer from sea sickness. (Just in case anyone is unaware, Stugeron is a very effective anti sea sickness pill). Paul then whisked us across the Biscay, called...

No, not that one, but our Arthur Beale Captains Election to decide which Captain you would like to sail your ship. As you may have realised the Government stupidly decided to hold a General Election on the first Thursday in May. Everyone knows that the first Thursday of the month is the day Arthur Beale has their talks. Any other day would have been fine but no they choose to clash with us.

It happens that this Thursday we are...

A gentleman came into the shop yesterday and was browsing the pad eyes and snap hooks. I asked if he wanted some help and he said "Well actually, it's not for a boat at all, you'll never guess what it's for!". I had a little hunch and said "For hanging a chair in Selfridges atrium?". He stepped back thinking he must have walked into the Astrology shop around the corner. The thing is we sell a lot of strange things to hang strange objects.

Only a few days before Sarah Campbell had...

​On the subject of well-illustrated unusual books – here’s another one that we at Beale’s are happy to include in our collection:. Worse Things Happen at Sea, strictly speaking, isn’t really a book at all – it’s a fold out, double sided, 130cm panoramic spread of beautiful illustrations of mythical maritime creatures, ships and the sea. It would look great on a mantelpiece, but it does come in a very nice cardboard cover with a sea-shanty printed on the inside! The level of detail in the...

The other day Arthur Beale's supplied a yacht heading to Spitsbergen with a 60 m length of 14 mm diameter Liros Polyester Octoplait Rope together with a Fortress anchor. It was to be used as a kedge anchor or to occasionally supplement the bower...

On Friday 6th March Charlotte and Dan came to visit Arthur Beale's. They had been attending a prize giving at the Royal Cruising Club and managed to pick up the big trophy. It couldn't have gone to a more deserving couple of sailors! This couple can do almost anything including climbing mountains, felling trees, illustrating Classic Boat magazine every month,...

En route to Arthur Beale's by river bus I noticed a barge proudly displaying a large plaque saying "Freedom of the River Thames, Company of Watermen and Lightermen ". So I was interested to see how the professionals moor up. Lots of belt and braces seems to be the order of the day.

The extra bit of long link chain is a useful tip. I was very impressed by the securely held fender and I think Arthur Beale's must review...