Welcome!
I am a little concerned by your statement "One reasons I haven’t posted was the apparent senescence (and the spam)"
Regarding "senescence": It is true that the forum has existed since October 2002, but it does require regular maintenance and updates, delivered by my staff and myself. Digging around the various pages, you will find a goldmine of information. Your best friend is the "Search" feature when logged in to a specific forum. Smartly used, it can deliver all messages on "pintails", "gudgeons", and possibly, how to create an effective "Wedgie"!
If, however, you meant senescence of the webmaster, you would then be correct!
Regarding spam: This is an ever present and worsening issue; analysis of the spam that actually arrives on the site indicates it originates in China, but is posted by bot systems in the U.S.A. Unfortunately, the typical method is to overwhelm the site with an attack. We Endeavour to get on top of an attack as soon as possible, but some have been so widespread that it has taken days to remove all the spam messages.
We have considered installing Captcha as a method of preventing bot postings, but have resisted it, because, if you are on a boat with a pitching cabin sole, the last thing you need is to have to decipher some almost illegible figures and letters, and post them into a form. However; the boat owners who make donations own this website, and if it is their wish, we will introduce Captcha.
Whatever, enjoy your BCC, probably the most seaworthy boat I have experienced.
John Cole
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www.coledata.com]