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How the best laid passage
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SAFARI
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ALL DECKED OUT?
What’s new in
synthetic decking

First 36SE on test

TAKING THE PLUNGE
Essential tips for planning
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WIZARD OF OZ? COTE D’AZUR

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 60

REGULARS
10 News
16 Paul Heiney
18 Andy Rice
28 Tom Cunliffe
98 Jess Lloyd-Mostyn
UNDER SAIL
20 Planning an offshore cruise
Bluewater veteran Jenevora Swann
provides vital pointers
32 Ocean Race Europe 20
A look back on an action-packed dash
across Europe in IMOCA60s

36 The best laid plans...

Clive Loughlin narrates how his trip to Brittany
got blown off course
42 Interview: Stride Forward
Georgie Corlett -Pitt chats with Stride Forward‘s
Holly King and Stuart Childerley
54 Rockin’ Around the Clock
Sue Pelling reports on the WLYC 24 Hour Race revival
58 Rig for victory?
A reassessment of modern Bermudan rigs
60 French Riviera
Sam Jefferson sails off in search of Elton
John, Bono and Brigitte Bardot
68 Gull’s Eye 46 36
Marina guide to Lymington Yacht Haven
86 Scaramouche Sailing Trust
A look back on a highly successful season
90 Charter
Adventure sailing charter holiday ideas

BOATS
14 Boat News
The latest launches
32
46 Boat Test: Beneteau First 36SE
Plane sailing on Beneteau’s new speedster
76 Boat Test: Seawind 1170
An innovative Aussie cruising catamaran
94 Three of the Best
Three of the finest brokerage boats

GEAR
74 Launched
The latest kit tested
82 Buyer’s Guide
What’s new in synthetic decking Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting DECEMBER 2025 3
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 Welcome

EDITORIAL
EDITOR
Sam Jefferson
020 3943 9261
[Link]@[Link]
Skipper’s View
ART & PRODUCTION EDITOR
Gareth Lloyd Jones
WRITER AND SUB EDITOR
Sue Pelling AS THE NIGHTS DRAW IN, WINTER PROJECTS REAR THEIR UGLY HEAD
PUBLISHER
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AS WINTER REARS its rather moody head, it's time for most of us to pack
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07731 344261 on the water. At this point, panic sets in and I start trying to do any number
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MARKETING
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Seema Bilimoria
believe it. Whenever I do step onboard and start pondering actually doing
MARKETING EXECUTIVE
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something practical to improve my boat, I am always put in mind of a set of
ACTING DIRECTOR OF COMMERCIAL Twister owners who were based in Emsworth back in the early 2000s. I
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HEAD OF SALES OPERATIONS balefully looking at all the work I should be doing and feeling daunted.
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Allpoints Media Ltd were serene. This was because their boats seemed to have been maintained to such a high level that there was
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were simply immaculate; gleaming varnish, snow white teak decks and perfect paintwork. I was always
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Marie Davies fascinated by the owners, who would be there most weekends working on some project to improve their already
Published by:
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All Rights Reserved. ISSN 1367-5869 (print) I always swore to myself that one day when I was older and wiser, I too would be in the position to fashion a teak
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to ensure the accuracy of information in Sailing
Today, but no responsibility can be accepted to actually leave Emsworth Yacht Harbour. they were extremely constrained by their draft for one thing. So while I
for the consequences of actions based on the
advice portrayed herein. The Chelsea Magazine battle with multiple projects over the winter months, I'll console myself
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JESS LLOYD MOSTYN is TOM CUNLIFFE is an author, ANDY RICE is a journalist and
a writer and bluewater journalist and TV presenter, veteran dinghy racer who has
cruiser who is currently and one of Britain's won championships at both
moored in Singapore best-known cruising sailors ends of a skiff

Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting DECEMBER 2025 5

 Gunning for glory
The Rolex Middle Sea Race is the final conclusion to the
Mediterranean racing season and it is a tough race that starts and
finishes in Valetta, Malta. Here competitors take the gun at the
start of the 2024 edition.

Photo: Rolex/Kurt Arrigo

Crossing Continents
The Bosphorus Cup is held In late September with the city of
Istanbul providing a spectacular backdrop. This year, British-flagged
Rossko Racer scooped IRC 1 following a hard fought battle

Alen Photography/Nikos Alevromitis

News

Ebb and flow

EVENTS | NEWS | TALES FROM THE SAILING COMMUNITY

Dalin reveals he beat cancer

PHOTO: JEAN-LOUIS CARLI

enroute to Vendée victory

Followers of the 2024/25 edition of the Vendée Globe could often hear that taking part in the Vendée is already a victory. In
not fail to be impressed with the performance of Frenchman my case, that was exactly it! Because a year earlier, I didn’t even
Charlie Dalin, whose disciplined campaign aboard his IMOCA 60 know if I would survive.”
Macif Sante Prevoyance saw him outdistance his rivals in the
notoriously tough solo, non-stop around the world race.
What few knew at the time was the Dalin was also enduring
the fight of his life against cancer even as he put his rivals to the
sword on the racecourse. Dalin has now revealed his battle in his
new biography, La Force du Destin.
Dalin states that he first noticed symptoms in late 2023 during
a training sail, and received his diagnosis after emergency scans.
His participation was in doubt until the last minute, when a scan
in November 2024 confirmed that his tumour had not grown and
he joined the fleet on the start line.
Speaking to the French magazine Voiles et Voiliers, he
explained his feelings ahead of the race: “On November 10, 2024,
the day of the Vendée Globe start, I was incredibly relaxed. We

10 DECEMBER 2025 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

 Three Cheers for the Three Piers
PHOTOS: NICK CHAMPION

It’s not every day that cat and dinghy sailors can undertake a 27nm course turning at Colne Point. As the estuary gives way to
race with a difference whilst raising money for charity. However, open sea, competitors experienced a variety of sea states, tidal
for over 35 years, the East Coast Piers Race has offered just currents and weather conditions across the course.
that. Since 1987, this now iconic race has enabled catamarans In addition to the unique sailing qualities of the event, the East
and fast dinghies to test their endurance skills while supporting Coast Piers Race is proud to be able to raise significant funds for
local causes. The 2025 edition took place on 14 September, with local causes. The total charitable funds raised over the past 30
over 50 boats competing. years exceeds £100k. The winners were: Dinghies: Steve Harvey
Starting at Marconi Sailing Club on the River Blackwater (Oxford SC), Colne Point Race: Jason Clarke (Marconi SC), East
Estuary in Essex, competitors completed either the 50nm Coast Piers Race: Simon Northropp and Caleb Cooper (Minnis
course along the coast to Walton Pier and back, or the shorter Bay SC/Worthing SC).

Get ready
for METS
The major international marine trade show
known as METS opens its doors in November
for another celebration of all the finest
gadgets and gear in the marine industry.
The Amsterdam based show is something
of an institution and hosts such events as
the prestigious DAME Awards which put a
spotlight on new and innovative products
launched in the last calendar year. Meanwhile
the Yacht Racing Forum, which runs alongside
the event is where the future of our sport is METSTRADE 2025: KEY FACTS
often shaped and hammered out. Dates: 18-20 November
Metstrade 2025 dives into cutting-edge
technologies, connects with industry Opening Hours:
leaders, and inspires in the 13 halls at RAI Tuesday 18 November 10:00 till 18:00
Amsterdam. This year is more dynamic than Wednesday 19 November - 10:00 till 18:00
ever with focus on the key themes emerging Thursday 20 November - 10:00 till 17:00
technologies, sustainability, and accessibility &
inclusion. The perfect opportunity to connect, Location: RAI Convention Centre, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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the global leisure marine sector. More information: [Link]

Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting DECEMBER 2025 11

News

Q&A
LESLEY ROBINSON - CEO, BRITISH MARINE

Last year was generally accepted to Skills shortages are intensifying,

have been a tough year for the particularly in technical trades, and
marine industry – do you think we recent fiscal changes are increasing
are now turning the corner? costs for employers. While there is
“Last year was challenging across the every reason to be optimistic about
board. New boat sales and brokerage the future, 2025 will continue to
were subdued, stock levels remained require careful navigation.”
high, and the superyacht sector has
been under pressure from extended The Southampton Boat Show
payment terms and tighter liquidity. continues to flourish but there is a
Inland waterways operators faced low general perception it is being which British Marine lobbied for. We are
water levels and infrastructure outmuscled by Cannes Boat Show. Is also seeing members expand into
challenges, while rising costs and this correct? adjacent markets including commercial
fiscal policy changes have added “Cannes and Southampton are and defence. So, whilst the challenges
further pressure across the sector. different shows, serving different are ongoing, there are also new
That said, there are signs of audiences. Cannes is positioned opportunities emerging, and we remain
resilience. We have seen seasonal around larger sailing and power boats focused on ensuring members can
uplift driven by this year’s favourable and the Mediterranean market, while make the most of them.”
summer weather, strong activity in Southampton remains one of the
the repair and refit sector as more most comprehensive showcases in How do you envision the future of
owners invest in upgrades, and also Europe, covering every part of the the British Marine industry and
increasing demand for sustainable industry from paddleboards through British Marine itself?
technologies. While I do not believe to superyachts. “The marine industry is entering a
we are on the cusp of a sharp Crucially, Southampton is a period of transition. Demand
turnaround yet, I do think the industry sales-focused show with a highly patterns are shifting, buyers are
is adapting well, and we are laying the engaged UK audience, offering more value-conscious, and
foundations for longer-term growth.” exhibitors direct access to both new businesses are under pressure from
and experienced boaters. The show both costs and regulation. Yet we are
What are the reasons to be cheerful consistently attracts a strong footfall also seeing strong growth areas – in
and fearful in 2025? (over 100,000 visitors in 2024) and sustainability, refit and repair, and
“On the positive side, we are seeing generates significant commercial experiences linked to wellbeing and
real momentum around sustainability activity. Exhibitor feedback nature. These will be key drivers for
– whether through electric demonstrates that Southampton the future. For British Marine, our
propulsion retrofits, solar delivers measurable results, which is role is clear: to represent the
installations, or broader investment in why it continues to go from strength industry at all levels, both in the UK
cleaner technologies. The refit and to strength.” and internationally, to provide
maintenance market remains strong, members with access to insight and
particularly among higher-end Is Brexit still having an effect on the expertise, and opportunities to train
owners, and interest in slower, Marine sector nine years on? a world class work force on clear
nature-based experiences such as “Brexit continues to affect the career pathways, and to deliver
inland boating continues to grow. sector, particularly through VAT and world-class events that drive
Participation at our major events also customs complexities, the commercial opportunities. Our
shows that consumers remain movement of boats and people, and National Agenda ensures we remain
engaged with boating and the trend additional costs that businesses are transparent and accountable, while
towards shorter staycations is also still absorbing. These issues remain a our membership structure means
helping our inland sector in particular. drag on growth and efficiency. we represent the full breadth of the
The concerns are clear. Current At the same time, some businesses sector. I am confident that, by
buyer interest in new boat sales and have successfully diversified into new working together, the industry can
brokerage isn’t strong, some export markets beyond the EU, not only weather current challenges
businesses are carrying unsold stock, supported by initiatives such as the but build a more sustainable and
and supply chains are under pressure. now closed Internationalisation Fund successful future.”

12 DECEMBER 2025 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

Next month in
Sailing Today
Next month we turn our focus on all
things green, with a look at the
future of sailing and what we can do
to have a positive impact on the
marine environment . We take a
look at the viability of electric
motors, and test sail the new hybrid
electric Leopard 46 catamaran. We
also have a solo sail from the Scillies
to the Orkneys in search of
PHOTO: MURRAY LONGMORE

temperate rainforests. In addition,

we reveal who won our prestigious
British Yachting Awards.

Position: Hole lot of trouble

Checking out the carefully made new side entrance
We know, we know, it
has been weeks since
this accident happened in
The Ocean Race Europe
but nevertheless, this
picture brings home
the sheer scale of the
damage inflicted on
Holcim-PRB following
a close encounter with
Allagrande Mapei Racing.
Nobody ever wants to
be looking into their
boat through a novelty
portlight and it brings
PHOTO: THE OCEAN RACE EUROPE

home how fortunate it

was that the boat did
not sink. For a full race
round-up, go to p32.

DIFFICULTY RATING: 1/5

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Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting DECEMBER 2025 13

 New boats
Sam Jefferson looks at the latest designs and launches

Beneteau Oceanis 52
French manufacturer Beneteau
continues its revamp of its
Oceanis range with the new 52
which follows hot on the heels
of the Oceanis 47. This is the
flagship of this range which is
now in its eighth generation. The
52 supercedes the very popular
Oceanis 51.1 and is designed by
Roberto Biscontini. No question,
this is a big, roomy family
Dufour 54 cruiser equipped with a
self-tacking jib for ease of
handling and twin rudders for
Dufour Yachts has been revamping its range over the last couple of
good control and grip. The
years and the new generation of Umberto Felci-designed yachts feature
interior design provides for a
quite remarkable levels of volume thanks to big beam and fuller forward
layout with three, four or five
sections. The 54 will be the new flagship of the range and, like its smaller
double cabins. There is also a
sisters such as the new 48, volume will be a priority.
maximum of three bathrooms.
[Link]
[Link]

Fountaine Pajot 48
French multihull manufacturer Fountaine Pajot continues the
revamp of its range with an all new 48 footer which replaces the old
Tanna 47. The 48 is designed by the tried and trusted team of
Berret/Racoupeau and the new boat is a tad larger than her
predecessor. Squarely aimed at a cruising couple, the boat is easy
to handle and tailored for cruising in comfort. The new boat will be
launched next spring and features a range of layouts, the classic
featuring an owner’s suite in the port hull and two doubles to
starboard. The 650,000 Euro price tag is highly competitive.
[Link]

14 DECEMBER 2025 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

Leopard 52
Leopard catamarans are
built in South Africa to a
Morelli and Melvin design.
The boatbuilder is perhaps
best known for supplying
vast numbers of
catamarans to the charter
market, with Sunsail and the
Moorings big clients. That
does not mean that its
boats are not eminently
suitable for the private
market; these are, after all, Windelo 58
hugely comfortable boats
that are easy to handle and French multihull manufacturer Windelo has been at the forefront of a
tried and tested in the green revolution since the company burst onto the scene in 2016. The
toughest of environments. new 58 will be its largest vessel to date, although it is being rapidly
The new 52 is one of its followed by a 62 footer – more on that in a later issue. As with all the
biggest boats and offers designs, Barreau Neumann is in charge of the naval architecture but
masses of space with the the company has also opted to work with design house Stellantis for
option of up to six cabins. styling. As with all previous Windelos, the boat will be constructed
The boat is available with a using biodegradable basalt laminates and will feature electric motors
hybrid diesel/electric motor with a diesel generator to boost range. Performance has not been
and is competitively priced neglected and the boat weighs in at a modest 18,000kg. The price is
at 1.1m Euros ready to sail. 2.1m Euros base.
[Link] [Link]

Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting DECEMBER 2025 15

 Paul Heiney
Never in his wildest dreams did Paul imagine himself on a fare-paying cruise
contemplating the onboard activities!
was at a dinner with like-minded woefully inadequate when it
cruising people. Conversations, comes to these important matters.
as usual, started off on a fairly Certainly I make sure everyone
high plane of adventure on the has lifejacket and wears it, but
high seas, but quickly descended by the time I tell my crew where
into wailing over marina prices, the flares are I am fast running
cost of diesel, harbour master out of steam. ‘The flares are in a
grumbles, and anything else which yellow canister in the aft locker,’ I
breathes a whiff of sadness into will intone in great seriousness,
the souls of anyone who owns a before being interrupted by a
boat. So, hoping for more uplifting cry from below, ‘No! We moved
conversation I turned to the them to the ropes locker, to
woman on my right and said, “I go make room for….’
cruising, what do you do?” Such a ‘But I moved them back’ I declare
banal question I hoped she might as I fling open the locker before
change places. What she came back closing it quickly when it appears
with nearly had me off my seat. I haven’t moved them back at all.
“I ADORE cruising,” she I was once moored next to
declared. “Oh, it’s such a a decent sized charter boat
GORGEOUS experience.” where the skipper elevated
I’ve heard it described many the safety briefing to new
ways but never quite as heights. His customers arrived
enthusiastically as that, often in the afternoon, one by one.
quite the reverse. But here ‘... Should I opt for Water Introductions took place,
was a woman so taken with somewhat uncomfortably, and
our sport that she looked as Gymnastics with Samuel or then he launched into his epic
though she was about to break speech on safety. I went below,
into an operatic appreciation. cocktail mixing on the Tropical Deck?’ had something to eat, did a
The prospects for the bit of route planning, read the
rest of the evening rose dramatically. newspaper, and came up to find him still at it an hour
It was about 15 minutes later that I managed to and a half later, his fare-paying customers sitting
piece together a rather perplexing jigsaw, for she with a glazed looks in their eyes wondering why they
had indeed made some noteworthy voyages with ever signed up to this punishment. I later learned
talk of Pacific anchorages, ocean crossings as well that the skipper had retired from safety officer duties
as a bit a bit of high latitudes stuff, even though she on North Sea oil rigs and this was his new career
wasn’t at all worried about the price of diesel. and thoroughness was his religion. I also learned later
You will have guessed by now that her vessel that his unique selling point was that his cruises were
of choice was over a thousand tons with a dozen targeted at ‘Singles’ – solo travellers, some of them
restaurants and not a hand-pumped lavatory seeking romance. If there was anything better designed
in sight. Once I made it clear there was nobody to dampen a romantic atmosphere, it was his fifteen
on my vessel to turn down my bed, or leave a minute lecture on ‘avoiding burns’. I didn’t see the
chocolate mint on the pillow, we had a laugh. look of newly-found love flickering across any faces
And where do I find myself right now? On a as they trudged ashore, in complete safety of course.
cruise ship. Me! After all these years of somewhat Looking for further inspiration as to what might
despising them. However, I have chosen a four- improve my own crew’s experience and get me some
masted barquentine where crew do the hard of those highly valued stars on Trustpilot, I glanced
work and I enjoy three hot meals a day and none down the list of offered activities on the ship I was
of them out of a Fray Bentos tin, so I haven’t HAVE on. Should I opt for Water Gymnastics with Samuel
YOUR SAY
ILLUSTRATION CLAIRE WOOD

completely swallowed my principles. It is still or cocktail mixing on the Tropical Deck? Guess.
sailing, as well as quite a learning experience. What blessings can And then I found Walk a Mile with a Smile. You
you count these days?
Take the first thing that happened after we’d stepped stagger round the ship as many times as it takes
[Link]/
aboard – the safety briefing. There were three of them; sailingtoday to clock up a mile. I’ve done a calculation. On my
one now, another in a couple of hours time, and a boat, at 40ft long, one circuit takes 80ft which is
@sailingtodaymag
further one the following morning in case we’d forgotten 0.015 of a mile. That means 70 circuits grinning
[Link]
the first two. I realised to my shame that I have become as you go! No stopping for romance. though.

16 DECEMBER 2025 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

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 Andy Rice
A change in the Olympic sailing race format is in the pipeline and, as
Andy finds out, the idea is not going down too well with competitors

I
t’s not often that Olympic sailors competition. It’s about racing
choose to leave their lane. They’re a conservatively, not taking
highly focused breed, always asking too many risks, aiming for
themselves, ‘What can I do to make a collection of good scores
the boat go faster?’ Whether it’s across the week accumulating
honing their boat speed, testing new the fewest points.
equipment, working out in the gym, Increasingly Olympic
avoiding chocolate or alcohol, they are events are being required
single-minded in how they approach to excite the baying crowds
the day-to-day of their lives. Anything with final-day jeopardy,
else is surplus to requirements. which does not suit sailing
Whenever I ask an Olympic sailor at all well. So how far can
about the format that they’re competing the sailors be pushed in that
in, mostly they haven’t given it much direction before they rebel?
thought. If they can’t change it, they
don’t waste mental energy thinking
“Suddenly World Sailing is Judging by the huge amount
of international support for
about the alternative. ‘Control the in a rush to rubber stamp Beckett and Gimson, these
controllables’ is one of the British
Sailing Team’s favourite mantras.
some new formats” latest proposed formats are
more than a step too far. Will
However, our ILCA 7 and Nacra 17 representatives the rebellion get anywhere though? That’s not at all certain.
from Paris 2024 – respectively Micky Beckett and When I had a chat with Beckett in Sardinia recently, he
John Gimson – did step out of their lanes recently. argued that sailors should determine the format that they’re
After not showing much interest in looking at race prepared to race to. In amateur sailing, I would agree, but
formats for the past number of years, suddenly in Olympic competition it just can’t be as simple as that.
World Sailing is in a rush to rubber stamp some new Like it or not, money makes the five Olympic circles go
formats that will be much more ‘sudden death’. round in the modern era and, unlike track athletics at the
I’m not sure why this has moved from the ‘not very other end of the popularity spectrum, sailing does not pull
urgent’ pile to suddenly extremely urgent. Most likely it’s in big global audiences. We are there at the mercy of the
pressure either from the International Olympic Committee IOC and if it’s gladiatorial sudden-death at the expense
(IOC) or Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS, the body of merit or fairness, that’s what they’re going to get.
which puts together the TV package for the Games). Gimson, when forced to confront the nasty prospect of
Apparently there are two criteria a format that effectively throws four cards in the air to see
that a new format must fulfil: where they land, decided to work with the Nacra 17 class
1. Winner of the last race of the regatta must association to devise a four-boat format for the finals of
be overall winner of the competition. the 49er, 49erFX and Nacra 17 World Championships. I
2. The whole finals format must fit was there doing the livestream commentary alongside the
into a 52-minute package. reigning Olympic Champion in the 49erFX and new mum,
So one of the proposals being tabled would be to have Odile Lambriex van Aanholt from The Netherlands.
a four-boat final where all previous scores are scratched Under the ‘Gimson Format’ (even if John himself doesn’t
to zero and it’s a 10-minute battle where the order across much like his invention), first across the finish line wins the gold
the finish line determines who wins the medals: gold, medal. The order of the other finishers is immaterial, because
silver, bronze and nothing. So, rather like the iQFOiL it’s previous series rankings before the final that determine who
windsurfer format of Paris 2024 where it was a straight takes silver and bronze. It’s not an entirely elegant solution, and
fight between three athletes. Except even worse. Emma nor was it particularly popular with the sailors. Not even for
Wilson went into the women’s final in gold medal position, one of the beneficiaries – none other than John Gimson and his
but at least when the British sailor slipped back to last wife/crew Anna Burnet who clinched the Nacra 17 world title
place in the winner-takes-all race she still came away with after high-wind, big-wave match race with their friends and
the consolation of a bronze medal. How much worse training partners, Italy’s Gianluigi Ugolini and Maria Giubilei.
if she had ended up with nothing at all? That’s where The Italians had been the best performers with the lowest
the new ’TV-friendly’ formats appear to be headed. ANDY RICE points score across the week, yet couldn’t quite match the intensity
Beckett and Gimson are not the kind of characters As a sailing journalist of the British assault in the 11-minute finale. Is that fair? Probably
and TV commentator
to want to throw themselves into politics, but you can Andy has unparalleled not, although the Gimson Format is quite a bit more conservative
see why they have decided to speak out this time. This knowledge of the than some of the nuttier schemes being put forward. One way or
performance racing
is not what they signed up for. Olympic sailing, like the scene, from grassroots another, the current generation of Olympic sailors are probably
vast majority of our sport, is measured across a week of to elite level going to have to accept that the tide is turning against them.

18 DECEMBER 2025 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

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Preparing for an offshore trip

20 DECEMBER 2025 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

 With years of experience in offshore
sailing, Jenevora Swann, and husband
Fergus Dunipace, offer their insights
into preparing for a safe and confident
bluewater voyage

nyone planning a
bluewater sailing
adventure for the first time
will appreciate that turning
the dream into a reality
can be daunting. It takes
time, expertise, and a healthy budget to
get the boat ocean safe and the crew ready.
Whether venturing off independently
or joining an organised ocean-crossing
rally, skippers should always plan
for self-reliance and must have the
boat prepared for any eventuality,
long before leaving the dock.
Going offshore means precision
planning; systematically going through
lists and prioritising. It’s a huge
task, so we find it helpful to break
it down into manageable chunks,
such as spares, safety equipment and
protocols, crew and provisioning.

Spare a thought
For the cruising sailor, the process
begins, just like the start to the
new sailing season, with a very
thorough inspection of the boat
and doing essential maintenance.
It’s also good to plan ahead for any
additional kit, navigational tools,
satellite communications, weather
routing and skills you might need.
Preparing for an offshore trip

ABOVE LEFT
Check all parts and equipment, Engine & generator checks – or broken strands. Slight
Check the rigging
from the seacocks and engine thoroughly service the engines – a bird’s eye view bulging can indicate problems
up to the sails and rigging, and use a simple DIY test kit from the top of with the inner wires, while rust
Two Drifter’s mast
and everything in between. to check for diesel bug. A dirty spots and streaks coming from
Review service dates, especially diesel filter funnel, that separates ABOVE RIGHT inside the swages could mean
of fire extinguishers, flares, out particles and water, is useful Fergus up the there is a corrosion issue.
mast – a head for
lifejackets and life raft, and to have as the problem gets heights is vital! Visually inspect all swages,
replace or upgrade if needed. worse in warmer climates with turn buckles, shackles, clevis and
BELOW
Thoroughly review your spares; poor quality fuel. Treatment split pins for pitting, cracking
Servicing the
in all honesty, you can never should be added at every fill. watermaker on and correct fitting. If the boat is
have too many! Keep a list of Inspect the filters, belts and Two Drifters new to you, the forestay should
where everything is stored, and impellers and carry multiple be inspected fully, which may
use zip lock bags or a vacuum spares of all. Add to your spares require taking the furler foils off.
sealer for any that could corrode. inventory, gasket sealant and Better still, get it looked at
Ensure you have full service kits epoxy metal weld, which can by a rigger – and a report done
for all critical equipment such as get you out of a tight spot with to be sent to your insurance
watermaker, engine and autopilot. engine issues offshore and company. Add lengths of HMPE
Study the manuals and boat enough oil for a full change, rope (Dynema, Spectra etc) to
owner forums and really get to especially if you have sail drives. your spares, which can be used
know your boat’s equipment, until If an impeller shreds while at to make temporary replacement
you are confident about changing sea, finding all the fins can be stays, and wire bulldog clamps of
essential parts. For engine difficult. To help, fit a simple the correct size, for your rigging.
problems, consider going on an inline water strainer between
RYA Diesel Engine Course, or an the impeller and the heat Rudder / steering failure –
MCA Approved Engine Course exchanger to catch the bits. ensure your emergency tiller
(AEC 1 & 2), which will help to fits and can be easily handled,
troubleshoot everyday issues. Inspect standing rigging – check as they are often heavy to
Here are a few common all rigging and make sure your steer and need lines run from
issues that can be planned insurance company is happy with winches via blocks to control.
for and mitigated. This list its age for an offshore passage.
is not exhaustive, but may A good self-test is to run a Running rigging – make
help to give a focus: gloved hand up and down sure the running rigging can
the length of the rigging; any move smoothly, without any
Autopilot redundancy – many snagging will show up damaged sharp edges or undue friction
skippers name their autopilots, – reefing lines at the boom
which reinforces what an integral end and spinnaker halyards
part of the crew they become. at the mast head are common
Having the spares to fix your chafe problems, particularly on
autopilot is essential, but doing so modern production yachts.
in heavy seas, while hand-helming, Lightweight downwind sails
is a challenge. The prudent ocean will dance around and can
sailor has a standalone backup quickly chafe through halyards if
system ready to engage. This rigged incorrectly. An additional
could be a second autopilot or flipflop block may need fitting to
a windvane steering system. the mast for chafe-free flying.

22 DECEMBER 2025 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

 While at sea, examine all lines night when squalls are around and ABOVE LEFT details on how to move around
and sails daily for chafe and treating every sail with kid gloves. Fergus doing battle on deck safely, clipping on, and
with the roller furler
walk around the boat to check Carry wide rolls of sail repair onboard rules about the wearing
the rigging. Move halyards a tape, compatible with all sails on ABOVE RIGHT of lifejackets. Other suggested
few centimetres and look at the board and, for more complex, Classic offshore discussion items include:
conditions –
chafe point with binoculars. At lightweight sails, have the big swell and
least one replacement halyard manufacturer’s repair kit. plentiful breeze Emergency – it’s important
should be part of your spares kit. the crew not only know where
BELOW LEFT
12v battery depletion – have Flying an Oxley all the emergency items are
Sails – heading downwind for long several ways of charging batteries Bora downwind sail located, but also how to use
across the Atlantic
periods requires a very different offshore. Ideally, each system them without the skipper.
sail wardrobe. Twin genoas should meet your basic power BELOW RIGHT This includes operation of the
flown wing-on-wing are easily needs, if the others fail. The Liferaft and Jon VHF. Correctly understanding
Buoy Recovery
reefed, but could cause roll on a more complex the boat, the Module in an easy when to make a mayday or
monohull. Spinnakers are great more power you will require. access location pan pan call, and use of the
but require attention. The modern Suggestions are – to increase the DSC button, can save lives in
spinnaker variant or aero sails, output of your engine alternator an emergency situation.
like Wingaker, Oxley or Parasailor, and keep the old one as spare; add Knowing how to operate the
are very simple to fly, but quite as many solar panels as possible, satellite communications, such
easy to damage. This often or use a hydro generator. If you as Starlink, and where to find
occurs when dousing in strong have a diesel generator, carry the passwords or PINs to unlock
winds or by chafing through the spare impellers, and consider a the devices, is also imperative.
halyard and dropping in the sea. small portable battery charger, Yacht safety diagrams are a
Redundancy is the key, do in case the main charger fails. great way to easily display the
you have an alternative if your whereabouts of all key equipment,
downwind sail gets damaged? Safety protocols – as part and the location of through-hulls,
Getting caught by a squall with of the safety briefing, openly fire extinguishers, medical kit, life
the spinnaker or Code 0 up will talk to the crew about safety raft etc. To avoid these becoming
happen eventually – so reduce protocols. As you touch on too cluttered, why not have one
the chances by not flying them at how everything works, include for stowage and one for safety.
PHOTOS: OCEAN SAFETY
Preparing for an offshore trip

PHOTOS: OCEAN SAFETY

Colour code the safety diagram Life raft – the life raft should ABOVE LEFT Medical – it’s recommended that
Servicing liferafts
with red for fire fighting and be ISO 9650 Type 1 Group A or at least one person has advanced
flares, blue for through-hulls equivalent. Check it has a current ABOVE RIGHT first aid training before an offshore
and pumps, and green for first inspection certificate and an over- Putting together an voyage. All crew should advise
emergency grab bag
aid, Man Overboard (MOB) 24-hour service pack. It should the skipper of any medical issues
and abandon ship equipment. be situated where it can be easily BELOW and have sufficient prescriptions
Display this prominently for deployed within 30 seconds, with (left) Distress to cover the journey and any
Flares; (centre)
easy regular reference. the emergency grab bag close by. Servicing lifejackets unforeseen eventualities.
(right) sMRT Medical kits can either be DIY,
ALERT device
Life jackets – ensure all Man Overboard (MOB) drills – or purchased off-the-shelf. If
lifejackets are self-inflating practice MOB drills, with particular homemade, ensure there’s an ample
and at least 170N with crotch attention to recovery. It’s one thing supply of broad spectrum antibiotics
strap, three-point safety getting back to the person in the and heavy duty pain killers.
tethers, spray hood, a light, water, but getting them safely up the Medical Support Offshore
reflective tape and either a side of the yacht in a large sea takes (MSOS) do a ‘CAT A’ Kit and
Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) pre-planning. Whether you utilise also offer telemedical support
or Automatic Identification a halyard and the end of the boom, and superb training courses.
System (AIS) beacon. a Handy Billy block and tackle,
Advisable upgrades include or a commercial recovery device, Happy crew
additional lighting, such as you need to be sure it will work Managing people in a small space
glow sticks or LED flares and and you have easy clips, carabiners for several weeks can be tricky for
a floating retrieval line. and shackles for fast deployment. the skipper. Whether it’s family,

Recovery at sea
PHOTOS: BELOW LEFT AND CENTRE: OCEAN SAFETY - BELOW RIGHT WESCOM GROUP

Here’s a few suggestions of recovery traditional danbuoy & horseshoe. The latest Wescom Group, is water activated and
equipment worth investing in, which you’ll model, JBRM6, also has a two year service simple to use. While a little bulky to fit inside a
find at a large chandlers or specialist, such as interval, making it more manageable on an lifejacket, it can mount on the buckle strap.
Ocean Safety ([Link]). extended voyage. l rescue ME MOB2, by Ocean Signal, is
Remember to mark everything, including M-Class compliant, compact, lightweight
lifejackets, with the boat’s name and MMSI. Locator Beacons and will fit inside the lifejacket. It’s
PLB and AIS units for life jackets greatly designed to automatically activate when a
Man Overboard (MOB) Kit increase the chances of finding someone lifejacket inflates, sending the first alert
l Getting a person who’s in the sea, back who has fallen overboard. within 15 seconds.
onto the boat safely is really difficult. New European safety rules, addressing the EPIRBs
POB-NET is a maritime rescue system, congestion of AIS frequencies, are being The latest generation Emergency Position-
designed for quickly and safely raising people phased in so, if buying one of these units, Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs), have
from the water. It should also work with an make sure it’s M-class, which incorporates Return Link Service (RLS), allowing users to
unconscious casualty. Digital Selective Calling (DSC) and receive confirmation that their signal and
l The Jon Bouy Recovery Module is a single programme them to your MFD Plotter. location have been detected by search and
unit that deploys over the side, in place of a l sMRT alert AIS and DSC MOB device, by rescue authorities.
good friends or strangers, you’re meteor shower peak dates. ABOVE LEFT it provide a night on dry land
expected to juggle people’s For entertainment between Some time before sailing, but a fully-
changes are worth
expectations, sometimes their watches, keep a good supply celebrating! Fergus
equipped kitchen, with gas
limitations, and also cope with of books, magazines, films and Jenevora or electric on tap, can make
advance across
occasional confrontations, while and games available. Or, if you the International
all the difference. If it has a
still keeping morale high. Don’t have a sextant, it’s the ideal Date Line in Fiji freezer, you can even get food
let any issues fester, no matter time to study the art of celestial fully frozen before placing
ABOVE RIGHT
how trivial they may seem. navigation, just remember to take AND BELOW into your boat’s 12v unit.
Calmly get things out in the open with you the nautical almanac Provisioning takes Visit a local fruit and vegetable
careful planning
and discuss a way forward. and sight reduction tables. market the day before setting
Making the watch system sail and stock up on ready-to-
fair and logical is important. Food for thought eat and slow-to-ripen items.
Chat through how everyone’s Provisioning for weeks at sea, ABOUT THE
Rinse these before taking them
circadian rhythm varies; and planning menus, takes AUTHORS onto the boat to eliminate any
determine the night owl or early enormous thought. Staples to Jenevora Swann and bugs. Also, where possible,
Fergus Dunipace
riser and play to those strengths. keep in plentiful supply include were liveaboards on remove cardboard from store
Every ocean crossing involves rice, pasta, pulses, milk, eggs, their boat for eight cupboard provisions, as these
years and sailed from
going through various time flour, tinned fruit, vegetables Europe to Australia. can conceal cockroach eggs.
zones so, before setting off, and beans, and jars of sauces. They have recently While on passage, food quickly
event managed some
decide if the boat’s clock stays Batch cook a selection of of the world’s most becomes a focus point for all
on one time zone for the trip or passage meals in advance, such popular offshore crew, so ensure there’s plenty
sailing rallies, and
whether you change it as you as lasagne or casseroles. Vac- now guide, mentor of it and up the ante when it
go. Some are worth celebrating, pack them into your fridge or and train those who comes to nightshift treats, with
aspire to bluewater
especially if you cross the store in a freezer, if you have cruising. www. both savoury and sweet options
International Date Line! one. When it’s a rough sea [Link]/ as well as fruit, hot drinks,
TwoDriftersTravel/
On that note, consider the day, you’ll be jolly glad when [Link] water and sodas available.
celebrations you could have you don’t have to spend time [Link] When we’re offshore, we
offshore, such as milestone in the galley and can simply have our own ‘bake off ’, going,
mileage points, the halfway pull a ready-made meal out. so there’s always a variety of
mark, birthdays or even sporting If you can’t cope with cooking freshly made bread, cakes or
victories and mark them with in advance on your boat, then muffins on the go – and the
food or treats in some way. consider hiring an apartment smells emanating from the galley
When we first crossed the for a few days. Not only will are beyond mouth-watering!
Atlantic, every few days as we And then there’s the fun and
sailed into a new time zone, we thrill of offshore fishing. This
had ‘hour back’ parties at 1700 doesn’t require lots of complex
and the six of us celebrated and expensive kit, just a simple
‘the hour that never was’ with handline set up, and some fake
music, games and mocktails! squids, should deliver a fairly
Sailing offshore at night can steady flow of fresh fish.
be simply magical. With zero Finally, remember life at sea
light pollution, you’ll see the will be changeable, occasionally
sky in a completely different challenging and it’ll keep you
guise. Download a planet on your toes, but enjoy the
identifier app and have fun adventure. By the time the
mastering the night sky. The dock lines come off, you will
website, [Link], is have done everything you can
a great source of astronomical to prepare for a safe, confident
information and includes and fun passage. Safe sailing!

Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting DECEMBER 2025 25

 TIME OUT
SAM JEFFERSON REVIEWS THE LATEST BUNKSIDE
READS, CLASSIC BOOKS AND MORE

Hurricane Force Tom Cunliffe escaped sinking mid Atlantic,

finds himself and his yacht
washed up on an isolated
Tom Cunliffe is well known to readers of Sailing Today. This Caribbean island and drawn
is partly thanks to the fact that he has become one of the into a dark web of intrigue
closest things the yacht cruising world has to a celebrity based around greed,
and also because he writes an excellent monthly column in corruption and lies. I won’t
the magazine. Readers of the column will know that Tom is give anything more away
the master of spinning a salty yarn with a dose of drama other than to say this is a real
and a bit of humour. He has, in fact, always been the page turner with a lively, salt infused narrative that draws
raconteur par excellence. The news that he is making his from Tom’s many years of adventure at sea to give the
first foray into fiction is therefore a welcome one as it narrative the tang of authenticity. It will have you gripped
simply gives him a broader canvas to work with. right up to the thrilling denouement.
In Hurricane Force he spins a yarn based around £9.99
down-on-his-luck sailor Ian Hordle who, having narrowly [Link]

Zoonie Sails Home Barbara White

Zoonie sails home narrates the story of Barbara and Robert White who, having successfully cruised from the
UK to New Zealand, found themselves in a series of tight situations. First up, the boat is partially destroyed
by the tail end of a hurricane while moored up in Auckland, then the couple face illness, as Robert requires
heart valve surgery, followed by plague as Covid 19 makes their voyage increasingly difficult as they strive to
get back to Blighty. The book is written by Barbara and it is, quite obviously, a true story drawing on her first
hand experience. Now, I’ve read this sort of book a number of times before. It’s essentially a journal of a
voyage and they can vary from being tediously self indulgent to really rather fascinating. Fortunately for the
author, she has a lot of interesting subject matter to tap into as the couple were beset by problems along the
way. White also has a pleasant engaging style of writing and while I wouldn’t say that the book is totally
gripping all the way through, it is a useful guide to anyone planning to undertake a similar adventure.
RRP: £12.99 (paperback); £6.49 (e-book)
[Link]

Classic Choice Along the Clipper Way Sir Francis Chichester

Sir Francis Chichester is obviously a legend in the sailing world thanks to his many exploits – most
notably sailing around the world solo in Gipsy Moth V with just a single stop in Australia. This was the
voyage that really put Chichester on the map when it came to sailing but he was already something of a
celebrity in the world of aviation, having completed the first solo crossing of the Tasman Sea from New
Zealand to Australia – among other feats. The back story to his yachting career is also extremely
interesting, as he was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer in 1958. Whether he was actually misdiagnosed
is not clear, but he went into remission after taking up a vegetarian diet and, perhaps deciding that life was
short, took up yacht racing – the culmination of which was his solo trip around the world.
Along the Clipper Way was originally published in 1966 in the wake of his epic voyage and is essentially a
compilation of nautical tales that relate to the old clipper route from the UK ro Australia via the Cape of
Good Hope and then home again via Cape Horn. Chichester just uses excerpts from other people’s memoirs
sprinkled with his own anecdotes and recollection in order to bring the experience of sailing a ship or yacht across these
desolate stretches of ocean alive. It’s a simple, easy formula that relies on decent quality excerpts and Chichester has
plenty of those, with sources stretching from Joseph Conrad and Alan Villiers – both tall ship men - through to the
likes Alain Bombard and Conor O’Brien. It makes for a good read and the whole thing is well stitched together. What is
particularly pleasing is the fact that he makes the link between the old commercial tall ships and the modern yacht
and how the experience of sailing the Southern Ocean in particular is a shared one for both modern sailors and those
of a different epoch.

26 DECEMBER 2025 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

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Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting DECEMBER 2025 27

 Tom Cunliffe
Keeping abreast of fashion is not really a priority for Tom but it doesn’t mean
he’s not noticed the demise of club ties
hen I outfits of the Queen, the First Lady This concerns me, not because
opened this and the Princess of Wales. To my I worry about what to wear to
morning’s surprise, and well against the odds, a pie supper at the sailing club,
paper, I as I read on I found myself taking but because, like most Brits,
skipped an interest in Melania’s hat and I don’t want to stand out in a
the usual Kate’s tiara. I pinched myself. Was crowd. There’s nothing worse
political leads which are I losing all rational perspective, than showing up to give an after-
becoming depressingly reading this stuff? Perhaps I was, dinner speech in full battle-dress
predictable and moved instead but it made a welcome change of tux and black tie, to be greeted
to President Trump’s cosy from studying matters over by the Commodore in jeans
family visit to the King and which I have no control until and a pressed club polo shirt.
Queen at Windsor. As I perused the next general election. Also, PODCAST The same goes for weekend
the columns, my wife, who it started me thinking about Catch up with Tom’s sailing seminars. A few years
was sipping her morning tea, how fashions have changed in columns now and back, a speaker couldn’t go
in the future at
demanded to know about the yacht clubs in our generation. [Link] wrong if he pitched up in grey

28 DECEMBER 2025 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

 in the days when I was working as
a professional sailor in Cowes. For
reasons I cannot now remember,
I fell in with a colleague who was
a British Olympic Coach and his
Japanese equivalent in a nightclub
that once existed at the top of a hill.
I can’t be more specific because
I only went there once and the
evening proceeded in a distinctly
seamanlike manner. By the time
the management threw us all out,
the flags of dawn were beginning
to show over the distant Portsdown
Hills, but we three were not yet
finished. Someone produced a
small bottle of rum and we made
ourselves comfortable in the gutter
to await the sunrise. By the time
the sky was flushing pink over
“I remember teaching sailing wearing some Lee-on-Solent, the bonhomie
ancient kit held together with poppers” had reached such levels that the
gentleman from Japan decided
we should all swap ties. His oppo
flannels, a blazer and some sort Club, whose tie is one of the nicest ABOVE had lost his UK team neckwear
of club tie, but it’s so long since around, my preferred neck gear Sometimes you in the general scrum earlier in
just have to kit up
I took my blazer out of the dry is that of the Dauntsey’s School the evening, so the exchange was
cleaner’s plastic bag that I was Sailing Club. This was awarded BELOW down to me. For some reason, I
shocked to discover when I gave for being skipper of their classic Aboard Jolie Brise in was wearing one of the RYA’s new
1981. Oilskins have
it a whirl recently that it was cutter Jolie Brise on a famous come a long way Yachtmaster ties. I’d never been
two inches short of fastening trip to Spain involving 40 cases keen on this. It was polyester,
around my waist. I reflected that of wine and running off 39 miles which can’t ever be any good for
if I spent more time ocean sailing on a trailing log in four hours. producing a respectable knot, but
and less bending the landlord’s Another club tie of which I am because it came entirely free of
ear in my local pub, I might be inordinately proud is, I believe, charge I wore it when required.
a better man, but you can’t stop that of the Imperial Japanese Yacht By contrast, the Japanese version
the march of time and a certain Squadron. This was acquired in was simply beautiful. Broadly
slippage of the chest is common the small hours of what a po- striped and in impeccable taste,
enough on grown-ups. I don’t faced commentator might have it bore its motif with perfect
think it will ever fit again, so it’s described as a night of shame back symmetry. Needless to say, it was
off to the Salvation Army shop. woven from the purest silk.
Gilet and open neck shirt with I still have that tie, and unless
a pair of clean sailing trousers I’m attending a function of my
over well-worn deck shoes is own club, I alternate it with
now the standard order. I can’t the Jolie Brise version of which
say I’m sorry, but I do shed a I am inordinately proud.
tear over the disappearance of So much for our sartorial
the club tie. A neatly knotted tie turnout in the hallowed portals
smartens a man up no end and I of the club, but what about in our
have collected a notable selection natural element at sea? If we’re
over the years. They now hang in out there sailing in whatever
their locker, largely unused. By rubbish the clerk of the weather
no means all of these have come throws at us, there’s no doubt that
along after paying my subs to the modern oilskins literally beat
hon treasurer. Many have been the pants off the poor things that
presented as a badge of honour went before. I remember teaching
for something I may have done sailing wearing some ancient kit
for the organisations concerned. held together with poppers. The
Although I’m a fully paid-up material always used to rip around
member of the Royal Cruising these and the trousers were so

DECEMBER 2025 29
Tom Cunliffe

meanly cut that if you had to America. We didn’t bother ABOVE out of heavy broadcloth which
The trustworthy,
bend down when a wave came much with fancy oilskins. We and favourite bit of turns anything but the most
over, you’d soon be wringing out wore shorts and sailed in bare kit – the pea coat tropical rain, while the quilted
your sweater. Towels around the feet. If the going was hard and lining guarantees that you’ll
neck were the only way to keep we had to scramble down the be warm. When my wife and I
your shirt dry and once these bowsprit into what we jokingly crossed the North Atlantic from
were soaked, which didn’t take called ‘the green room’ to douse Nova Scotia to Ireland a few years
long on a hard beat in a Contessa the jib topsail, we’d get soaked later, we both wore it the whole
32, you were doomed. Today, I through no matter what we wore, way back. At the change of watch
have a suit made by Henri Lloyd so we took it on the chin. As for we simply handed it over because
which is so light and flexible I dealing with the rain, we just it was so much better than the
hardly know I’m wearing it, yet kept a cheap lightweight jacket oilskins we had at that time.
it does its job as well as anything to throw on when needed. When The good news is pea coats
I’ve known. The only thing is, it started to get cold towards can still be acquired in the UK at
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30 DECEMBER 2025 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

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Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting DECEMBER 2025 31

 THE OCEAN RACE
GOES COASTAL
It may have ‘ocean’ in the title, but The Ocean Race Europe was not what
you’d expect. Georgie Corlett-Pitt looks back the high-stakes coastal chase
that saw seven foiling IMOCA60s race from Germany to Montenegro…
rom the very outset, to Boka Bay, on the Adriatic – ABOVE Fortunately, no-one was hurt,
The fleet in Boka
The Ocean Race bound for their first stopover in Bay, Montenegro but extensive damage proved
Europe brought Portsmouth, when a collision BELOW race-halting for both Rosalin
surprise. It began with occurred moments into the race. Damage to Holcim Kuiper’s Holcim-PRB and Ambrogio
a heart-stopper – the Beccaria’s Allagrande Mapei Racing.
kind no-one wanted, or The incident gave a taste of the high-
predicted... The seven IMOCA60s stakes nature of this fast-paced race
with their mixed gender crews format; shore-crews speedily began
of four (plus on-board reporter) the super-human task of repairing
had just crossed the line for the the boats, hoping they could rejoin
start of the 4,500nm, seven- the fleet in time for the next race
week, port-hopping marathon start in seven days’ time – but at
– from Kiel, on the Baltic Sea, this point, nothing was certain.

32 DECEMBER 2025 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

 ABOVE
an opportunity to overcome as visitors felt the excitement of
PHOTOS: TORE/JEAN-LOUIS CARLI/ VINCENT CURUTCHET/ GAUTHIER LEBEC

The race route

the light airs by hugging seeing sailors and boats up close.
the coastline past the Dover BELOW LEFT But even as the shoreside
Team Canada Ocean
shipping lanes. It paid dividends, Racing – Be Water
festivities unfolded, Holcim-PRB
leapfrogging them into second. Positive, skippered and Allagrande Mapei were racing
by Scott Shawyer,
the clock – repairs complete,
Learning on the job
at the start of Leg
two in Portsmouth both now shortcutting through
Out in the Channel, thick the Kiel Canal to arrive in
BELOW RIGHT
fog plagued Scott Shawyer’s Team Paprec Arkea,
Portsmouth in the nick of time.
Canada Ocean Racing – Be skippered by
Water Positive, the visibility Yoann Richomme,
crosses the line off
Threading the Needles
less than a boat length at times Portsmouth in 3rd The start of leg two saw the
– a nerve-wracking end to place during leg 1 regrouped fleet sprinting off
leg one, as they endeavoured the Royal Yacht Squadron line
to finish ahead of three-time westwards to a points-scoring
Meanwhile, Paul Meilhat’s Vendée Globe veteran, Alan gate off the Needles, before
Biotherm had claimed a confident Roura and his newly formed stretching their legs for the
early lead, the Frenchman hopeful Swiss-Saudi Team AMAALA. 1,400nm to Cartagena, Spain.
that, after podium near-misses Having only recently teamed This, the longest leg of the race,
in the last Ocean Race and the up with Shawyer – himself was broken by a ‘flyby’ of Porto/
Vendée Globe, this would be his racing a foiling IMOCA for the Matosinhos – a mandatory
race to shine. Onboard, a tight first time this race – Brit Pip three-hour pause to greet fans
team of top calibre IMOCA Hare described the race as a and media shoreside – that
sailors – Brits Sam Goodchild learning experience both for the saw Biotherm again scoop
and Jack Bouttell, together with team and for herself in the switch max points as the leader.
Amélie Grassi – who gelled from solo to crewed racing, But as the fleet then tackled
quickly and overcame the having campaigned intensely the remainder of the Atlantic,
complexities of the first leg in an for the last two Vendée Globes. fans who thought the pecking
PHOTOS: VINCENT CURUTCHET, LLOYD IMAGES, JEAN-LOUIS CARLI/THE OCEAN RACE EUROPE 2025

impressive statement of intent. Onshore, with crowds order set were in for a surprise, as
Biotherm navigator Sam thronging the quayside Gibraltar proved a turning point
Goodchild was pleased, putting at Gunwharf Quays – the in more than once sense. By now,
their leg one win down to Spinnaker Tower an impressive Richomme had usurped Meilhat,
Meilhat’s leadership, saying: backdrop – the sailors enjoyed a Paprec Arkéa coming into its own
“Every leg will bring different great British welcome. The free- in the stronger winds and open
conditions and challenges, to-enter race village buzzed with ocean to which his boat – and his
but we got this one right.” live entertainment and activities, experience – was best matched.
Behind the leader, a battle
unfolded on the final approach to
Portsmouth. Onboard Malizia,
Germany’s Boris Herrmann
together with right-hand man,
Brit Will Harris, pulled a bold
overtake of Vendée Globe runner-
up Yoann Richomme’s hotly tipped
Paprec Arkéa, as Harris spotted
The Ocean Race Europe

Holcim-PRB, meanwhile, was an ever-intensifying heatwave. ABOVE LEFT straight through the centre of a
very much back in the race, Manoeuvres and sail changes On leg 4 from sustained squall that, on video,
Nice to Genova.
with skipper Rosalin Kuiper became relentless, giving no Coastal racing made the Southern Ocean look
pushing hard, the Dutch sailor chance to rest. Biotherm once meant the boats tame, thankfully emerging the
were often within
determined to show what again led, matching Holcim-PRB sight of each other other side surprisingly upbeat
she can do in this, her first move for move as they battled given their experience.
major campaign as skipper. through the Balearics and dodged ABOVE RIGHT Now, with just two of five legs
Team Holcim-
For Meilhat then, it was all vicious squalls on the final stretch. PRB back up left, Biotherm was already looking
about staying close and being Arriving second into Nice, and running and set for the overall win. But in
storming across
ready to pounce. An eventual Kuiper described: “We pushed the Med on Leg 5 these fickle Med conditions,
mistake by Richomme in the so hard to get to Biotherm, anything could yet happen.
unpredictable conditions we were so close. We had eye BELOW Light winds prevailed for the
The Portsmouth
gave him that chance, and contact all the time, we could stopover was a start of leg four – a 550nm loop
saw Prapec Arkéa tumble into smell them, but in the end they highlight for race around the mountainous island
fans, and the two
third. Meanwhile Holcim- beat us – so very well done to damaged boats of Corsica and a sprint leg to the
PRB carried their impressive them, a very good competitor.” arrived there just finish in Genova. Once again,
in time for leg 2
second into Cartagena. Less than an hour behind, the sleek, lightweight blue hull of
“It’s amazing to be here in was Allagrande Mapei, Beccaria Biotherm held a slim lead through
second place,” Kuiper said, delighted with third place and the scoring gate off Monaco, and
at the time. “A week ago we now laying out aspirations on into the steep-sided Strait
couldn’t imagine being on the for a win on the next leg into of Bonifacio through which
starting line and now we have Genoa; onboard, co-skipper funnelled more testing, stronger
fought back as a team and we’re Thomas Ruyant (who skippered winds. After that, Biotherm,
super proud to be here today.” this boat (ex-Vulnerable) Holcim-PRB, Arkéa Paprec and
Her team then received a previously and now handing Allagrande Mapei continued as
further boost as the Spanish her over) was equally eager to a bunch, heading north until
stopover gave chance for the “keep building momentum”. another split around Elba. Despite
international jury to consider the technical issues leaving them
protest arising from the crash in Med madness without data or instruments
Kiel; Holcim-PRB was awarded While Paprec was fourth into for more than an hour, now it
redress and average points for leg Nice after gear problems, was Allagrande Mapei’s turn to
one; there were no compensatory facing perhaps the toughest pull out the slightest speed gain.
points given to Allagrande Mapei. challenge was Alan Roura on Perhaps it was Beccaria’s Med-
The intensity stepped up even Team AMAALA; sailing with sailing instincts paying off! They
further as the fleet left Cartagena Kiwi Conrad Colman and edged into the lead off Livorno
on leg 3, with unpredictable two young Swiss sailors, he and by night, freshening winds
pressure systems dominating had had little option but to go brought the Italian-flagged boat
the 680nm three-day dash to home in first place. It was high
Nice. Very little ‘ocean’ racing fives all round, and Beccaria
here! Perhaps most relishing the later expressed his happiness,
prospect, Beccaria – an ambitious acknowledging his team’s (four-
Italian well-acquainted with the time Ocean Race veteran, Brit
Med’s fickle nature – spoke of the Abby Ehler now among them)
importance of sailing by instinct. continual drive for improvements.
As the lottery of local effects “I always want to win every
came into play – from flat leg,” Beccaria said after coming
calms to flat-out squalls – crews ashore. “But this one was special
were tested to the max amid because the finish was in Italy.”

34 DECEMBER 2025 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

 Meanwhile, on Paprec Arkéa, on the eastern side of the Adriatic, ABOVE LEFT to give; saying he is “eager to
Richomme was satisfied with Allagrande Mapei opted further From Nice to Genoa. capitalise on this experience and
Shifty conditions
second. “It was a really great west, leaving Holcim-PRB and in the Med meant have a crack at the Holy Grail:
fight with the three others,” Malizia to make their way up the multiple exhausting The Ocean Race,” adding, “We
sail changes
he said. “We had an amazing middle as they closed on Boka Bay. have a boat, a team and expertise,
race; I think everyone was in Unpredictable local effects ABOVE RIGHT plus we know what to expect.”
the lead at some point.” made for winds that were light Biotherm sweeps While Holcim took second on
across the line in
For Meilhat, this was the first and shifty by day, and stronger Nice at the end of the final leg, a well-played third
leg he and his Biotherm crew had but equally erratic by night. leg 3 enroute to went to Malizia; Will Harris
overall victory
not won, nonetheless remaining in With countless sail changes and described it as an “amazing
strong contention overall, counting navigators near-permanently on BELOW achievement” for the team,
41 points to Paprec Arkéa’s 29 watch, sleep was once again at a Biotherm crew particularly given the light winds
Gauthier Lebec,
and Holcim-PRB’s 27.3 points. premium on a leg that was both Benjamin Ferre, less suited to their boat – and said:
physically and mentally taxing. Amelie Grassi and “It was an incredibly tough leg
Final countdown A total of 7d, 8h, 33m after leaving
skipper Paul Meilhat,
celebrate winning Leg with so many different elements to
And so for the final leg. Genoa, Biotherm crossed the line 5 and thereby being it,” adding it was “very emotional”
crowned overall
Ricochetting between waypoints and were declared winners of leg five winners of The Ocean with many highs and lows.
scattered across the Med, – and the race overall (even before Race Europe 2025 A week later, and with
the course from Genoa to the final points-scoring inshore points from the coastal race off
Montenegro’s scenic Boka Bay race had taken place!) Covering Montenegro’s mountain-backed
stretched more than 1,600nm; a their rivals on Holcoim-PRB for coastline now factored into the
challenging final leg that Brit Alan the final few miles to guarantee the final standings, overall Paprec
Roberts on Holcim-PRB predicted leg win, it was a gratifying victory Arkéa was second, Holcim-PRB
would be “full of surprises”. for Meilhat. Acknowledging the third, with Malizia fourth, just
Ghosting over the startline in hard work of his crew and shore pipping Allagrande Mapei in
Genoa, teams’ best hopes for the team, he attributed success to the fifth, with Canada Ocean Racing
first 24 hours lay in sniffing out team’s ethos of emphasising “trust showing consistency throughout
whatever meagre puffs they could. and autonomy” added that he had to finish sixth, ahead of AMAALA.
First to the scoring gate was dug deep into experience gained For Canadian Shawyer and his
Paprec Arkéa, but with Allagrande skippering Biotherm during the last crew the race had indeed proven
Mapei less than a minute behind. Ocean Race. His decision to target to be a useful learning experience.
Together with Biotherm and this race for 2025 had clearly paid Pip Hare admitted that the
Malizia, they were the first to off, having enabled the team to final leg had been the toughest,
hit a new band of 30kts, tackling “make strong choices” as a result. saying afterwards: “We have been
squally thunderstorms that forced Despite being due to part ways with starting each day saying, ‘what can
crash gybes and broaches before sponsor Biotherm later this year, we learn, how can we be better
shutting down to nothing. Meilhat surely still has plenty more today than we were yesterday?’
It was hats off to Holcim-PRB and that’s been our approach.”
next, who showed superlative skill No doubt it’s a sentiment
to catch up some 150 miles to shared by all the teams, with leaps
re-join the front bunch. Leaving made not just on the technical
Sicily behind, the cat and mouse side, but also in teamwork
game continued with the fleet and communications – giving
compressing and stretching as they those who took part a crucial
bounced between waypoints. Into advantage now that crewed
the final 100 miles, and Biotherm IMOCA racing has been fully
had nudged their way into the cemented with this expansion
lead. While Paprec Arkéa gambled of The Ocean Race cycle.

Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting DECEMBER 2025 35

Not sailing to Brittany

Clive Loughlin finds

that his plans for a
little Brittany soon get
blown away

his article was away the genoa and motorsail. ABOVE

La Coupée joins
Flogged to death
meant to be about This went OK until the roller Sark to Little Sark We needed to seek shelter to
an adventurous trip furling jammed with a few sort out the problem, and in the
from Southampton metres of genoa still unfurled. BELOW meantime I decided to centre the
Clive, Jess, Corinne
to North Brittany The wind was gusting Force 7 and Keith before scrap of genoa in the foretriangle
(ST July 2025) with and we regularly had green water heading back by pulling in both sheets in an
to the UK
my friend Keith, his daughter washing over the cabin top and attempt to quieten the sail down.
Jess, and sister Corinne, in side decks. I went forward and By this time we were nearing the
his syndicated Sigma 362 Fast was soon regretting my earlier entrance to the River Beaulieu,
Escape. In reality the voyage decision not to wear full wet but as we were now at low water
soon became a sequence of weather gear. I struggled for a there would not have been
disasters and triumphs. These while, trying to free the roller sufficient clearance over the bar.
two imposters created an furler, but it was locked solid and With hindsight we should
adventure in themselves that in I decided that the foredeck was no perhaps have headed for Cowes,
their own way added challenges place to loiter in the conditions. but we pressed on for Newtown
and satisfaction to the trip. River, hugging the coast to stay
out of the worst of the stream,
The adventure begins and picked up a mooring buoy.
We left Ocean Village on the last It was clear that the flogging sail
of the ebb and had an excellent had suffered some considerable
sail down Southampton Water damage despite our efforts
under blue skies. Past Calshot we to calm it, so we removed it
were then head-to-wind for our from the forestay and stowed
passage to Yarmouth, which was it as best we could on deck.
to be our harbour for the night. I now think I should perhaps
Rather than spend hours have released the sheets and
tacking into a now adverse cleated them off at the bow
flood tide, we decided to roll to hold the sail in check.

36 DECEMBER 2025 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

The damage from flogging 10nm away. I phoned them up, BELOW material was very fragile and
Paul Lees helps
was far beyond anything I explained our predicament, Keith fit our tore as easily as rice paper.
have experienced before. and founder Paul Lees kindly new headsail The sail was estimated to be
We pressed on for Yarmouth agreed to meet us in Poole 20 years old and had already
and I was pleased to see that the harbour and discuss options. had three generations of UV
Pink pontoon had a berth for The crew needed little sacrificial panels stitched to it
us, as well as all-important easy persuasion to divert, and by over the years. Apparently for
access to the town in general, 1300 we were tying up in sails of this age UV damage is
and the Bugle in particular. Poole Quay Boat Haven. the real killer. It was clearly far
As soon as I saw the rips Paul duly arrived and we too old to be worth repairing.
in the genoa I knew that our unrolled the genoa on the Fortunately, and most unusually,
planned sailing trip to North pontoon and the damage Paul had a suitable replacement
Brittany was also in shreds. to the sail was obviously sail in stock that was a bit
significant. Paul inspected the shorter in the luff and foot than
Onwards to Weymouth sail and showed us that the the original genoa. With Paul’s
We decided to press on towards guidance we fitted it to the furler
Weymouth, and left Yarmouth and its radial cut gave it an
on the last of the flood tide. aerodynamic shape far cleaner
Once clear of the Needles the than that of the original genoa.
ebb tide started to take effect Paul suspected that the cause
and we had a lumpy passage of our furling problem was that
towards St Alban’s Head. the genoa had been furled the
While Keith, Jess and Corinne wrong way when it had been
braved the elements, I was down refitted earlier in the year, and
below Googling ‘Sailmakers’. I that this had lead to the jamming
could hardly believe my luck of the furling gear and also to
when I realised that Crusader the leech not being protected
Sails was based in Poole, just by UV sacrificial panels.

Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting DECEMBER 2025 37

 Southampton

Not sailing to Brittany Weymouth Poole

Yarmouth

Seafood and inside passage and saved

a new plan ourselves a 10 mile diversion
It was with a much lightened around the firing range.
heart that we all went for an The sun was shining, the
excellent seafood dinner at sea was flat and all was well
Braye
the Poole Arms just a short with the world as we hugged
walk along the quay from the 10m contour. We passed
the yacht haven. Dating from Kimmeridge and Worbarrow
1635 it is distinctly clad from Bays, and could not resist the
top to toe in green tiles that Guernsey Herm temptation to enter Lulworth
make it very hard to miss. Sark Cove for a leisurely 360° before
We realised that getting to heading out and making
North Brittany in the time straight for Weymouth.
available was now clearly no
longer an option; so we decided
ABOVE
Weymouth
St Alban’s Race
The route of
to get to Guernsey and then the voyage We were now back on track, albeit
enjoy the Channel Islands until The original ‘Planning a a day later, for our crossing of the
BELOW
it was time to head home. little Brittany’ (ST July 2025) Durdle Door – a
Channel and slipped lines at 0630,
included negotiating St jewel on Dorset’s relieved that the engine started.
New sail, new day Alban’s Head and a sightseeing Jurassic Coast
It was a bit misty at first and
With a new sail, sunshine, and tour of the Jurassic coast. lumpy between Portland Bill and
gentle winds we were all looking If the prospect of turbulance the Shambles, but then the sun
forward to a relaxing sail along in St Alban’s Race is not enough, burned through as we cleared
the Jurassic coast to Weymouth. the Lulworth Firing Range the headland, and by 0800 we
The Gods were having none of provides added interest. had settled on a heading of 170°
it however, and when we came The [Link] website provides direct to Alderney. We kept the
to depart and Keith turned the details of the dates and times of engine on for a few more hours to
ignition, all we got was a rather firing, but I have learned over (hopefully) charge the batteries,
depressing ‘click – groan’. the years that these are only the and then, with the engine off
We had motor sailed all the times when firing may be going were able to enjoy a cracking
previous day and been on shore ahead. I have never actually seen sail in a southwesterly Force 5-6
power ever since we arrived. shells throwing up spumes, but and admire the aerodynamic
The batteries should have been I have on a few occasions seen beauty of our new headsail.
fully charged, but they were Safety Boats bouncing around We kept a plot going every
depressingly flat. We had left in the middle of the Race. hour, and when two hours out
the fridge on overnight and Ideally we wanted to be able from Alderney tweaked our
blamed this for the lack of to take the inside passage just heading to 150° to make sure
power. After switching absolutely south of St Alban’s Head and we ended up-stream in the now
everything off, we settled down our plan was to get nearby to strong, west-going tide. Finally
to do housekeeping and general take a look at the conditions, entering Braye Harbour at
maintenance for a few hours and also see if any Safety Boats 1550 we picked up a mooring
while the batteries recharged. were around. In the event the buoy close to the breakwater.
At 1400 we crossed all waters looked calm, no Safety The 55nm crossing had taken
fingers and toes and tried Boats were in sight and calls just over nine hours and was one of
the engine. Success! to Ch08 went unanswered, the most enjoyable I have ever had.
so we proceeded into the
We didn’t need to Wild swimming
go to Weymouth and Waitrose
We could have set off and headed In the morning we went ashore
straight for the Channel Islands, but in the water taxi, and while Keith,
I much prefer to do my Channel Corinne and Jess headed off for the
crossings in daylight, and this was beach for some wild swimming,
made extra important by concerns I headed for the laundry to try to
regarding Fast Escape’s batteries. get my clothes dry following my
Starting the crossing adventures on the foredeck in the
early morning and from Solent, and liberal contributions
Weymouth would also make from a leaky forehatch.
for a better wind-angle (170° Braye high street is short, but
as opposed to 190°) for the perfectly formed, with a hotel
likely southwest wind. and pub and the very discrete

38 DECEMBER 2025
and understated ‘Jean’s Stores’ Alderney Race ABOVE LEFT
Luna docks safely
steps that are just hidden from
which enjoys the huge benefit Braye to St Peter Port on Guernsey after completing the view from the anchorage. There is
of being an official Waitrose is 23nm, and the passage plan RORC ‘Morgan Cup’ a dodgy looking ladder temptingly
stockist. My shopping list was gave us favourable tides all the on offer which has a very helpful
ABOVE RIGHT
soon fulfilled – and expanded way. Conditions for the Race Jess enjoys sign at its top saying ‘Do not use’.
to include unexpected treats. were perfect and we were soon challenging Sark is delightful – managing to
conditions in the
Overladen with produce, I making 13kts over the ground. Alderney Race combine a lazy holiday atmosphere
walked the short distance back We continued towards St with a real world working island.
to the Braye Beach Hotel in time Peter Port down the Little BELOW Keith and Jess and I had visited the
Happy hour came
to see three glowing and salty- Russel, and took a berth early on Alderney year before, but this was Corinne’s
clean crew walking up from the on the visitor pontoons first visit, and we had great
beach, ready for cappuccinos. outside Victoria Harbour. pleasure in showing her some
By 1000 we were all back highlights like La Coupée that
on board and keen to get Sark links Sark to Little Sark, before we
going, via the Alderney Race, The following morning Keith did strolled to the main village and
for our next destination of St Jake’s trick of manually turning then circled back to the anchorage.
Peter Port on Guernsey. over the engine and was relieved Havre Gosselin is open to the
Tried the engine and… when it started first time. west and not really recommended
‘click – groan’. The wind was light, so we for an overnight stop, but we
sailed and motor sailed the decided to stay anyway as the
Diesel dilemmas 10nm to Havre Gosselin on conditions were initially so
As we were on a mooring buoy the west coast of Sark, and calm. However, as the evening
the option of connecting shore picked up a visitor buoy. progressed the swell increased, and
power was not available to us, so This has to be one of the most we wondered about seeking shelter
we phoned the Harbourmaster spectacular anchorages in the area, in Grève de la Ville on the east
for help and were told that with steep cliffs all around and the coast of Sark – but by this time it
he would contact Mainbrace. Gouliot Passage between Brecqhou was getting dark and a few drinks
Jake arrived within the hour and Sark enticingly close. meant this was not a good idea.
complete with jump-start kit. Our plan for the day was to We decided to tough it out
The engine still showed no explore Sark and this involved a in the anchorage, and were
interest at all in getting started. dinghy trip ashore to the landing soon rocked to sleep.
Jake was puzzled, and thoughts
of air or water in the fuel Herm
supply were mooted. Then Jake Our destination for the following
manually turned over the engine day was Herm, and we anchored
for a few revolutions and at the opposite the Rosière Steps, but
next attempt the engine burst as it was close to high water we
into life. We tried again with the decided to take the dinghy to
boat’s batteries and the engine the main harbour (which dries),
again started straight away. partly because the steps were
We were anxious to get going busy with ferry pasengers, and
to catch the first of the ebb partly because we hadn’t done it
tide in the Alderney Race, and before, and it looked like fun.
decided to leave the engine The main harbour is rather
on rather than risk not being charming with a mixture of
able to start it again as we leisure and commercial boats.
approached St Peter Port. We tied up without incident and

Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting DECEMBER 2025 39

Not sailing to Brittany

Ship spotting We are not sure of the age

of the unit, but from the UV
I am always a bit surprised by just how degradation of the plastic
few ships I see on a Channel crossing, covers I would expect it to be
but I know this is a bit of an illusion 20 years or more. It had done
caused by the horizon bubble I am good service and been out in
sailing in. all weathers. Perhaps it had
From a height of 2.5m above sea decided for itself that it was
level (adult + boat) a big ship can time to be buried at sea.
normally be seen from about 15-20
miles away in good visibility (1 hour
away) and if you can see its waterline
Pizza delivery
As soon as we were within
it is 3nm away (10 minutes or less).
mobile phone range of England
we contacted Salty’s in Yarmouth
explaining that we would like
then set off to circumnavigate have made a minor alteration of ABOVE LEFT to order pizzas, but would
Had she seen us?
the south of Herm on the well course to avoid us. We were not be arriving after 2200. No
marked coastal path. We stopped keen to play ‘chicken’ and so made BELOW problem – they would part-bake
for lunch in Belvoir Bay before a 90° turn to starboard in good The ‘Bridge’ them in advance and leave the
west cardinal
walking acrosss the island and time. As far as we could tell the ovens on to finish them off.
back to the main harbour. container ship made no alteration OPPOSITE We had had a super sail
By the time we arrived the in course at all and it did make Low cloud over across, but it was still good
Brecqhou
tide was well out and we had me wonder if their ‘lookout’ to arrive at the ‘Bridge’ west
a bit of a struggle to carry the only included the monitoring cardinal, on schedule and
dinghy to deep enough water to of an AIS screen on which we with the flood tide just getting
use the outboard. Fortunately would not have appeared. established to speed our passage
we signed up two children for an up the Needles Channel.
impromptu youth opportunity Sparkles Bow, stern and spring lines
programme, and they had fun We had a really super sail in were secured in record time, and
towing the dinghy with Keith perfect blue sky conditions and three tired but contented sailors
on board to deeper water at the with enough wind to give us well scurried to Salty’s for our perfect
end of the harbour wall, where over 6kts. It really was rather pizzas and well earned pints.
the rest of us clambered in. magical with sunlight sparkling The following day we left
We could have stayed overnight off the water like cameras flashing Yarmouth on the flood for a
at anchor, but Corinne had a at a Taylor Swift concert. lazy return to Ocean Village.
flight back to Manchester to
catch the following day, and Wheel Pilot demise Post mortem
so we returned to the visitor I generally enjoy helming UV damage killed the original
pontoon in St Peter Port. and try to convince myself genoa, the flogging was simply
I am quite good at it, but the final nail in the coffin. The
Guernsey to Yarmouth on a long crossing the ABOUT THE new sail has made sailing Fast
AUTHOR
Our holiday was coming to option of switching on the Clive teaches at First
Escape easier and faster.
an end and we bid farewell autopilot is very welcome. Class Sailing in the New batteries for House and
Solent area and is
to Corinne early morning We were about three hours a regular Sailing Engine have now been fitted and
and motored out in very out from the Needles when Today contributor. the problems starting the engine
light winds to ride the tidal the Wheel Pilot breathed its have gone away. Jake’s trick of
stream to the Alderney Race last and fell apart in a most manually turning over the engine
and out into the Channel. spectacular fashion. Ball gets things oiled and ‘in the
bearings and plastic fittings mood’ and therefore needing less
Close encounter cascaded onto the cockpit sole. battery power to get started than
Fast Escape has an old AIS would otherwise be the case.
Receiver but not an AIS The Wheel Pilot had
Transponder – so we can see done its duty and Keith’s
but not be seen by other vessels. syndicate were able to source
One ship in particular looked a replacement at reasonable
to be on a collision course and I cost and fit it themselves .
was interested to see what would I don’t know if my efforts with
happen. We were not in a TSS, sealant around the portlights
and we were sailing, and so in and hatches have worked – I
theory the container ship should hope to find out next year…

40 DECEMBER 2025
Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting DECEMBER 2025 41
 Cowes Week brought drama mixed with determination for the team
onboard Stride Forward – an all-disabled crew racing on an un-adapted
boat. Georgie Corlett-Pitt hears more about this inspirational campaign
from helm Stuart Childerley and Stride Forward’s founder Holly King…
hen a to show what’s possible – to ABOVE LEFT dinghies to superyachts. Stuart
serious themselves and to others – by Holly King with himself had suffered injury when,
mentee Stuart
collision competing as a fully-disabled Campbell
four years ago, a serious cycling
put their crew but on an un-adapted accident had left him without the
SunFast boat. Their Cowes Week entry ABOVE RIGHT use of his right arm. With a good
The Stride Forward
3200 out had been made possible thanks team in action
level of support in place, Stuart
of action on day one of Cowes to the charity’s founder, Holly has been able to continue his
Week, the Stride Forward team King, herself an experienced career as an International Race
were determined to find a way sailor and specialist rehab Officer; however, in terms of his
to continue sailing. They’d physiotherapist, who understands own sailing, the pause has been
come too far to let this put a having witnessed first-hand the altogether longer. This regatta
halt to their competition. transformative power of team therefore marked an important
Onboard was a unique group sport in aiding rehabilitation. first – a return to the sport he loves.
of people with life-changing Taking the helm for Cowes Having met Holly as part of his own
injuries, brought together Week was Stuart Childerley, a rehab journey and subsequently
through the Stride Forward double Olympian and multiple been introduced to the Stride
mentoring programme. world championship-winning Forward campaign, Stuart felt this
Together, their ambition was sailor, with experience from was just the right opportunity.

42 DECEMBER 2025 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

 Stride Forward at Cowes Week

Nonetheless, he admits that bruises and much bewilderment. ABOVE RIGHT offer of a SunFast 3300 – but
ALL PHOTOS: PAUL WYETH & MARTIN ALLEN PHOTOGRAPHY

ahead of the event, taking part “The crew were quite shocked. Stuart Childerley the boat was still en route back
aboard Stride
felt like a “daunting” prospect. I think the incident made Forward from the Fastnet Race and would
“I felt that I carried a lot of everyone realise we were doing literally only reach the Solent that
BELOW
responsibility,” reflects Stuart. this for real,” says Stuart. evening. A sleepless night ensued,
A replacement
“First and foremost, we wanted to A protest hearing followed boat was required but by the next morning, with
finish every race and not injure at which the other boat following a collision just minutes to go to the gun, the
in the opening race
anyone, but we also wanted to accepted full responsibility that Stride Forward team succeeded
enjoy ourselves as we went along. resulted in disqualification, in making it to the start line on
A lot of the crew had little prior and average points were their replacement boat. Just in
sailing experience. However, I awarded to Stride Forward; time! An incredible turnaround,
realised quite quickly that the but such was the impact that and, as Stuart points out, one
group were very willing to learn a structural survey showed that simply would not have been
and determined, which meant their chartered SunFast 3200 possible if they had had to also
that, as a team, we were all keen to wasn’t safe to continue sailing. factor in additional adaptations
make the most of the opportunity.” “The prospect of not being on the replacement yacht.
able to race that boat because of
A shocking start the damage was a very sad one New boat, new start
Yet despite months of diligent for everyone. For us, as a group, In spite of a freshening breeze and
preparation and organisation it was clear we had to find a a difficult swell, the team were
undertaken by Holly – which way to continue,” says Stuart. fully focussed on completing the
included several days on-the- Frenzied calls from Holly to race. Stuart recalls: “It was not an
water training for the whole the charter company to find easy day, and we had a new boat
crew – no-one had quite a replacement resulted in the to learn all over again. We were
expected to face such a serious
scenario in the opening race.
As the team approached the
windward mark on starboard, a
boat from a slower division tried
to bear away to avoid the pack of
boats racing in IRC3, but instead
luffed and broached directly in
front of Stride Forward. Stuart
tried everything to steer to avoid
contact, but with an impact
inevitable, their stern quarter bore
the brunt of the collision. More
than one of the Stride Forward
crew was thrown across the boat,
resulting in multiple bumps,

Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting DECEMBER 2025 43

 Stride Forward at Cowes Week

there, real time learning, in 20- for tactics. These people as

ALL PHOTOS: PAUL WYETH & MARTIN ALLEN PHOTOGRAPHY

25kts of wind, with a reef and a individuals all have a lot to offer,
number four up crossing the start so – as with any group – it’s about
line. By the end of the race, the working with those strengths and
reef was out and we were gybing ensuring inclusivity, to ensure as
around with the big asymmetric a team we could do our best.”
up. It’s fantastic to think that, at And, after overcoming the
the end of a 2½ - 3 hour race, we hurdle of the opening day, the
had come that far as a team. For team now really was out to
me, it was definitely one of our do their best as the rest of the ABOVE LEFT physically demanding role, as
The Stride Forward
most rewarding days, because week unfolded – albeit there team aboard their
well as being a ‘backstop’ in case
we just got on with it, as a group, were times when Stuart found freshly chartered needed at any point to ensure
Sun Fast 3300
and we all learned so much.” himself having to consciously safety. She also brought plenty
The level of teamwork that suppress his own competitive ABOVE RIGHT of positive encouragement
resulted Stuart says was “really nature; instead needing to think In action at onboard. Having taken people
Cowes Week
powerful”. He also welcomed further ahead to anticipate with physical limitations sailing
the ethos and support among manoeuvres, and avoid rushing BELOW on numerous occasions in the
the crew on a personal level; the which could lead to mistakes. Holly King with past, Holly fully recognises the
shared experience of overcoming “Instinctively, I wanted to Ben Pearson need to be open-minded and
their physical impairments get the boat around the course encourage questions from the
developed as the week went on as fast as possible – going for outset, and she emphasises that
and was uniquely valuable. the best manoeuvres, the most racing with a disabled crew isn’t
“It was so motivating to know speed. But the reality meant nearly as unfeasible as many first
you’re with others who are getting there were times I had to reassess assume. “People are very good at
on with it and making the most what was and wasn’t feasible. telling you what adaptations they
of their situation,” he says. “I’m a That meant I was quite inward need, so just ask the question.
relative newcomer to the situation looking on the boat, making sure At the end of the day, everyone
[his cycle accident was in 2021] we provided sufficient time for is different. Yes, you may need
and I’m still adapting physically people to carry out manoeuvres to adapt a little, but they have
and mentally – but it was so with everything in place.” a huge amount to offer.
important and rewarding for me “As able-bodied sailors, we
to go out sailing again. I’m still as Extra challenges take a lot for granted. There is
competitive as ever, so having an Holly – as the only fully able- no reason why disabled people
opportunity to channel that again bodied member of the crew can’t sail alongside your average
gave me a real sense of purpose. – took on the bow as the most ‘weekend warrior’ club-level
“Yes, people fell over, racer, and experience the joy
everybody made mistakes, and camaraderie of that. For a
but we were learning and lot of people dealing with life-
improving all the time.” changing injuries, that sense
From Holly’s perspective, she of purpose, involvement and
notes that: “It was important that achievement is so important; it
we made sure each crew member can really make a difference.”
was in the right job to play to She encourages the wider
their strengths; for example, one sailing community to actively
of the team was unable to move consider those with disability as
across the coachroof, so he stayed potential crew members. “Having
in the companionway and instead just one person with physical
took on greater responsibility impairment on board really

44 DECEMBER 2025
 support programme – and it ABOVE LEFT At the end of an incredibly
AND RIGHT
really is that that impacts lives. At intense yet highly rewarding week,
The crew on the rail
Cowes Week the team showed a the Stride Forward team finished
very real example of that through BELOW LEFT a very commendable sixth
sailing. We’re not looking to prove The crew relaxing overall in IRC2 – a superlative
ashore post regatta
these people are superhuman; feat given this was a bigger
it’s about creating opportunities BELOW RIGHT and much more competitive
for people to get back to doing Holly accepts the fleet than IRC3 in which they’d
plaudits following
things that are as close to ‘normal’ a very satisfactory originally intended to compete
doesn’t have a particular impact, as possible,” she explains. regatta in, with top spots dominated by
but that opportunity to be part of Both Holly and Stuart say the pro teams. They also finished
a team can have such a positive Stride Forward team received ahead of a rival SunFast 3300 in
impact. The Stride Forward team a welcoming reception among the overall division standings.
really have shown what’s possible.” their competitors at Cowes “It was so much more than
Holly’s hope now is that – Week. Having initially entered we’d hoped for,” says Holly,
with support from the wider in IRC3, the boat switch meant proudly. “I think everyone was
sailing community – the they ultimately raced most of the amazed, and our results really
charity’s Cowes Week campaign regatta in IRC2, and support for do speak for themselves about
will inspire a new pathway of the team grew among both fleets what it is possible to achieve. We
opportunity, an alternative to as the week went on. As the crew’s set out to broaden horizons and
para-elite level racing or grassroots confidence grew, engagement inspire meaningful change; our
Sailability programmes. also noticeably increased team’s outstanding achievement
The benefits of facilitating with plenty of encouraging has captured attention and
participation in ‘mainstream’ conversations had on all sides. created conversations among
activities are ones she is well The highlight of the week the sailing community, and
acquainted with, not only from her onshore was undoubtedly a that will open up more regular
work as a rehab physiotherapist, reception held at the RORC opportunities for individuals
but also in setting up the charity. clubhouse to officially mark the to compete – something that
“We set Stride Forward up with launch of Stride Forward, an really can change lives.”
the motto of ‘giving the gift of the inspiring evening of celebrations
ordinary’ – helping individuals and insight into the charity’s To support, donate, or simply find
regain a sense of purpose and mentoring programme and out more about the Stride Forward
fulfilment through our mentoring fundraising ambitions. charity, visit [Link]
Boat test – Beneteau 36SE

Beneteau’s First 36 was

a planing masterpiece.
The 36SE is a
turbocharged version.
Sam Jefferson dons his
Bermuda shorts and
prepares to go surfing

46 DECEMBER 2025 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting DECEMBER 2025 47
Boat test – Beneteau 36SE

urfing, it’s a funny into the mix that Rahan, the

old sport – if it First 36SE involved was being
really is a sport or raced double-handed against
perhaps just more of fully crewed rivals, and you
a lifestyle. Perhaps realise that this was a truly epic
the most legendary performance – particularly given
surfer of all time was Gerry that the Transpac has become
Lopez; who rode Hawaii’s Pipeline known as being something
with a fluidity and insouciance of a petri dish for pioneering
that became legendary. Pipeline yacht designs that are purpose
remains one of the most feared built for the predominantly
waves in the world, on a good day downwind conditions
it’s so hollow you can get buried enjoyed on the racecourse. ABOVE LEFT
deep in the barrel – any surfer’s Ever since French boatbuilding The foam non-skid but turned out to be merely a
ultimate thrill. Yet look down giant took over the Slovenian in the cockpit happy prelude. To stick with the
provided excellent
through the limpid water and Shipyard of Seascape in 2019 and grip and also surfing analogy, the 36 was the
you see dark black twisted coral tasked them with revitalising the cushioning Lemon Next To The Pie as they
heads sticking up. Death lies just legendary First brand, this is the say in Big Wednesday. In surfing
one fall away. Yet, despite riding boat they have been itching to parlance, if the First 36 was a
this death-defying wave better unleash on the public. This is, shortboard, the 36SE is a Gun.
than anyone else, Lopez was calm, after all, the First 36SE – as in
understated, casual almost. Seascape Edition – and, as such, Big changes
Lopez was born in Honolulu it seems to distil almost perfectly Now, it would have been very
and it was in this same city this everything that the Slovenian easy for the Slovenian design
summer that another surfing team believes in. Those in the team to boost performance in
legend rolled into town; the know will be aware that The the SE by simply stripping out
Beneteau First 36SE at the head of Beneteau First 36 was launched the interior and perhaps giving
the fleet racing in the legendary in 2022 and immediately won the boat a bigger rig. But that’s
TransPac Race from San plaudits for its mix of thrilling not the way with these Balkan
Francisco to Honolulu. Now, I’m performance and clever design boffins. Starting with the basic
not comparing a boat to Gerry combined with a good level template of the original Sam
Lopez but there was something of cruising practicality and Manuard-designed First 36, the
marvellously understated about affordability. It was something of SE has been substantially tweaked.
the way this yacht sort of sidled a masterpiece from the Slovenians Thus, the team worked closely
almost apologetically onto the with Manuard and Cossutti to
racing scene with the minimum optimise the SE for ORC racing
of fanfare and then announced with the emphasis on reducing
itself in the most extraordinary wetted surface area. The result
manner by scooping second was a remoulded bow section
over the line into Honolulu. that is longer but with a bigger
Only one yacht beat her over emersed section that effectively
the line and that was Lucky (ex shortens the waterline length.
Rambler 88). And the clue is in The cast iron T-shaped keel is
Lucky’s old name – this is an 88’ notably shorter on the SE version
boat sneaking in ahead of an (1.95m as opposed to 2.25m)
11m production yacht. Throw and this is offset by switching

48 DECEMBER 2025 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

 ABOVE LEFT Some things are, of course
Designer Sam
Manuard is noted as retained from the original First SE
one of the pioneers which was, and still is, a hugely
of the scow bow
yet he eschewed impressive yacht that was already
this on the 36SE impressively light. The basic hull
and although the
forward sections shape is identical barring that
are moderately reconfigured forefoot. Being a
full, this is not an
extreme yacht Manuard design, it features many
of the basic concepts of some of his
ABOVE RIGHT earlier yachts. For those who don’t
The sprit is
well set up for remember, Manuard came from a
accommodating background of Mini Transats and
your downwind sails
these days is very much in demand
BELOW in the Class 40 and Imoca 60 scene
The simple, unfussy where he consistently turns out
set up means that
the First 36SE winners. Key to that has been his
out the aluminium mast for a wooden surfaces replaced with can easily be aptitude at creating boats that excel
doublehanded
lighter carbonfibre spar on the SE. foam-cored composite materials with the wind abaft the beam. The
The sail area remains the same which are light, tough and give the key with both the 36 and now the
and, like on the standard First boat a very spartan, purposeful SE is early planing on a boat that is
36, the mainsail is not square look inside. Things certainly look affordable. This has been achieved
topped which means there is no a touch bare in places, with the by keeping the weight down by
call for check stays. The cockpit forepeak denuded of its cushions using a vacuum infused Vinylester
has also been reconfigured and and replaced with a dedicated hull and deck and a Corecell foam
the twin wheel set-up has been sail storage area. The saloon core. As noted, the design is not
replaced with a single tiller which table can easily be removed and showy in any way and it doesn’t
features a clever push button stored ashore if you’re racing in look extreme. Manuard wisely
system that hydraulically adjusts earnest, while cupboards have eschewed the scow bow that
the angle of attack on the twin been removed and replaced with he favours in some of his pure
rudders, allowing the helmsman clever storage bags that can be blooded racers and although the
to tweak the boat even furtner lifted out by the crew, loaded up bow lines are relatively full, they
according to the conditions. and then slotted back securely are not extreme. The hull is well
Obviously, weight saving is the into place for the voyage. It’s a rockered and there is clever use of
key here and the SE is some 400kg touch that is very reminiscent reverse sheer to boost the height
lighter than her sister; so that’s of the old Seascape designs. of the coachroof where it matters.
4,400kg compared to 4,800 for the The beam is reasonably modest at
standard 36. A lot of that weight 3.8m and this is carried all the way
saving has taken place in the to the stern and the aft sections
cabin which previously was rather are flat to encourage early planing.
beautifully trimmed with a good The sail plan has the mast almost
deal of natural wood which made equidistant from bow and stern to
the boat seem positively homely, give you a generous foretriangle.
making it feel very much like a
cruiser/racer. The SE is more racer/ Simple cockpit layout
cruiser because, while the interior The cockpit is notably different
layout remains largely unchanged, from the original First 36 as the
the ambience is altogether more aft benches have been removed
muscular now. The interior to leave the stern completely
panelling has been removed and open, while the tiller steering also

Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting DECEMBER 2025 49

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 Boat test – Beneteau First 36SE

simplifies things further. The tiller 36. That boat was notable for the ABOVE LEFT the chart table to starboard. As
The Lorenzo
is set well forward so that the helm warmth and relative opulence Argento designed already noted, the forward cabin
has good access to the winches. of its interior – the SE retains interior retains has been left empty to serve as
the same layout
Given that the rudder stocks are precisely the same layout – three as the First 36 but a huge sail locker but you can
well aft, this is achieved by running cabins, saloon, galley and heads is more stripped still comfortably accommodate
out in SE form
the tiller itself under the traveller – but it definitely feels more stark a crew of six if needs be. The
whereafter it curves upwards. without all that wood to soften ABOVE RIGHT heads is forward to starboard
Naturally, there is an extension things up. That said, it’s simple, Removable bags and is a bit tight and fiddly. This,
instead of cupboards
for hiking outboard and it means unfussy, practical, spacious and keep weight down however, seems far less of a big
that you have ready access to the will probably age very well. There and are practical for deal on the SE as this is more
a racing crew to load
primary winches forward of the are excellent handholds, and the up with kit pre race of a pure racer, so such niceties
helm, and secondary winches centre of the saloon is dominated seem somehow less important.
aft. The open aft deck also offers by a central island in front of the BELOW
plenty of space for a dedicated removeable saloon table. This is Running free off
the wind is the SE’s
Under sail
mainsheet trimmer aft of the good for bracing against, if you’re strongest point I tested the 36SE in Slovenia and
when this boat
helmsman. There are simple foot either at the galley sink to port or can really fly
conditions were very favourable
chocks for both helm, mainsheet with between 12-16kts of breeze
trimmer, and there is also a chock and a moderate chop. In these
running down the middle of the conditions, the boat proved to be
cockpit sole forward of the helm a polished performer. It’s clear that
which gives you a decent bracing the SE is optimised for running off
position if you’re sitting on the the wind with the kite up but she
short cockpit benches. The grip was no slouch upwind either – we
on the cockpit sole is exceptional hit 6.4kts about 40 degrees off the
thanks to a rather pleasing soft, wind in about 12-14kts of breeze.
grippy foam covering which also It’s worth noting that this is a boat
cushions any knocks you receive that likes to be cracked off just a
if the racing gets hectic. There is touch – if you pin in everything
a reasonable amount of storage hard and pinch too hard, it won’t
aft of the traveller in the lazarette pay off. That said, there was
which also provides access to the minimal slamming in what was
rudder quadrants. There is also a quite an unfriendly short chop.
small quarter locker and a good Off the wind, the boat started
selection of rope bags which keep to fly. On a close reach, we were
things neat. The running rigging doing 7.5kts and by the time we
set-up is completed by a pair of had the wind abaft the beam
winches on the coachroof with and the kite up, we were hitting
everything running back through double figures and the boat was
two banks of jammers. The jib planing beautifully. The other key
sheets are led through thimbles factor was how simple the boat
and you can adjust the angle of the was to handle. This is a decent
jib sheet lead from the cockpit. sized boat but it was possible
to singlehand quite easily and,
Down below upwind, the rudder felt very
We have already touched on balanced so you were able to
how Beneteau has endeavoured step away from the helm and the
to save weight in the saloon boat kept on tracking , which is
compared to the original First ideal for short handed sailing.

Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting DECEMBER 2025 51

Boat test – Beneteau First 36SE

ALTERNATIVE
BOATS

POGO 36
Admittedly this is a boat conceived as a fast
cruiser but it is one that will reward you
with early planing with a hull that is utterly
SAM’S VERDICT optimised for getting your boat surfing
in light winds. This isn’t a boat optimised
for ORC in the manner of the SE but it is
The First 36 was a great boat – designed to be precise. That said, she has already ridiculously quick and fun.
for sailors by sailors. The SE is just that proven herself on the racecourse and that [Link]
bit faster but it retains true practicality £50k could be the difference between
and the reduced draft is a bit of a boon first and second so it really depends
for that matter. As they say in Point what your priorities are – whichever you
Break though – to catch the ultimate choose, they are both superb boats.
ride, you have to be prepared to pay the
ultimate price. And inevitably the SE is PRICE: ★
more expensive than her slightly less racy LOOKS: ★
sister – around £50k more expensive PERFORMANCE: ★★★★★

THE SPEC
LOA: 11.98m (39’ 4”) J/112E
The J/112E is less extreme than the First SE and
Hull length: 11m (36’1”)
is perhaps a better rival to the original First 36,
LWL: 10.14m (33’2”)
as the 112E features accommodation that is less
Beam (max): 3.8m (12’6”) spartan. The trade off is a good deal more weight
Draught: 1.95m (6’4”) – although this is, of course a relatively light boat.
Displacement: 4,400kg The key factor is that this boat is arguably slightly
Ballast: 1,530kg
stronger upwind than her French rival.
[Link]
Sail area (100% foretriangle): 73.9sq m (795sq ft)
Engine: 30hp Yanmar saildrive
Water: 200lt (44gal)
Fuel: 70lt (15gal)
Base price ex VAT: €351,490
Price ready to sail: €387,340
Design: Manuard YD and Lorenzo Argento
Contact: [Link]

JPK 1050
This is an IRC optimised flier that has
picked up wins wherever it has raced. The
concept behind this Jacques Valer speedster
was to sacrifice rating points in exchange
for pure speed. The hull is ligter than the
SE and also more extreme, featuring a scow
bow and strongly defined chine aft.
[Link]
52
 20 - 21
NOVEMBER
2025

NETWORKING, LEARNING, DOING BUSINESS

WITH THE YACHT RACING COMMUNITY

Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting DECEMBER 2025 53

 The WLYC
ALL PHOTOS: [Link]

24 Hour Race
returns to its
former glory
as one of the
most popular,
challenging team
events on the
dinghy scene,
racing writes
Sue Pelling

54 DECEMBER 2025 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

 The 2025 event was notable FACING PAGE As well as its overall win (the

ALL PHOTOS: [Link]

Close racing
in many ways not least because throughout the Southport Centenary Trophy),
of the mixed and challenging 24-hours the NFA also picked up some
weather conditions which other key prizes including the
ABOVE
really tested skill, endurance Preparing for BBC Radio Merseyside Cup for
and determination among the the start the fastest first two laps, the Dog
80 entries/850 participants, Watch Trophy (Fastest Lap next
BELOW
but it was also the fact it was Pit stop crew after 2000hrs), and the Heineken
the venerable Firefly class – change-over in the Cup (Fastest Lap next after 1000hrs
docking zone
reinstated as a class this year by Female Helm & Crew).
– that not only took the overall Although it’s fair to say the Firefly
win (with team National Firefly class dominated the event this year,
Association – NFA), but also it was the GP14 class that really
runner up spot (Southampton pushed them all the way, finishing
University SC) beating the the event with five top nine results
24-Hour Race core GP14 and including 2024 winners Budworth
Enterprise classes. This was not SC (3rd), 2024 runners up South
only a huge boost to the class Staffs SC (5th), Hollingworth Lake
in general, but for this event SC (6th), Toddbrook SC (8th), and
it has once again served to host club West Lancs YC (9th).
inspire a whole new generation In 10th place was the leading
f ever proof was needed to of young sailors particularly Enterprise team – Ogston SC –
illustrate how success can be in university sailing, to who scooped the R.I. Atkinson
obtained by pure team effort, then take part in the future. Cup, as well as The Midnight Cup
look no further than the WLYC
24 Hour Race that’s held annually
in mid September and run by
hundreds of club volunteers and
supporters. This iconic International-
sponsored Southport-based event,
which is sailed on the floodlit Marine
Lake in town, and open to GP14s,
Enterprises, and Fireflies has been
running since 1967. Despite its
forced cancellation in 2000 (fuel
crisis), and then again in 2020-23
(Covid) however, its recent revamp
and the support it has gained from
those passionate about its success,
means the popularity of this event
is now as strong as it’s ever been.
West Lancs 24-Hour Race

for the Midnight Race. Budworth said it’s the Firefly class that is
ALL PHOTOS: [Link]

SC finishing in third place overall now inspiring the youngsters

won the The Warren Cup as well to take part. “We responded to
as the Bolton Cup as the leading the renewed enthusiasm within
GP14, and a couple of prizes for the class and their prominence
exceptional speed including the in student sailing, and formally
The Granville Wallis Trophy for reinstated the Fireflies this year.”
the first boat to sail 100 miles, The 2025 winning NFA team
and the The Budworth Cup for comprising Jenny Smallwood
the fastest lap on handicap. (NFA team captain, and Firefly
Although Fireflies were part representative on the 24hr race ABOVE LEFT overall, all sailing the Ovington’s
of the very first race in 1967 and steering committee), Angus Challenging (the new class builder) demo
conditions kept the
have often participated, there Cook, Guy Davison, Steve rescue team busy boats. Smallwood commenting
was a time when the increasingly Tylecote, Philip Aldhous, Lucie on the win said: “Our team
ABOVE RIGHT
smaller fleet dropped away. Hopkins, Julian Mecklenburgh, was so happy to take home
GP14 enjoying
In an effort to attract more Joshua Speakman-Lowe, and a more sedate the overall trophy, as well as
university students the Lark class Tash, Poppy and Isla Armstrong, downwind leg three of the ‘races within the
joined the GPs and Enterprises were delighted with not only BELOW RIGHT
race’. The team fought hard to
in 1999 but Richard Westlake their win, but the fact the Firefly Plenty of help at overcome a minor gear failure
(West Lancs YC Commodore) took second and seventh place the end of the race early in the race which cost

How to enter and what to expect

With a capped entry of 75 boats, early entry entered every club member at some
for the 2026 event (12-13 September) is stage in a ‘participation’ boat to build club
advisable. Richard Westlake (West Lancs YC spirit. Mostly the competitive teams have
Commodore says entry opens in January for about eight members.”
one team per club, with further slots per club
available later. “The final deadline is mid- The race format
August, but my advice is to enter as soon as The WLYC 24 Hour Race offers continuous
the window opens. Early entry also secures racing in GP14s, Enterprises, and Fireflies, with
the best preparation time and entry fees. changeovers only permitted in a designated
“Each team consists of one boat with its crew docking zone. Teams may swap sailors and
roster. Initially clubs are limited to one team repair gear as often as they like, but the boat
when entries open; additional teams may be must keep racing. It’s a test of stamina,
entered later, subject to availability. This keeps strategy, and seamanship, as well tactical team
the event accessible while still allowing large management, with, for example, lighter crews
clubs to field more than one crew. Budworth being swapped in for lighter winds.
fielded four teams this year with 80 sailors
and supporters attending – the team- Scoring
building benefits of the event are as central to To ensure fair competition between classes,
their club ethos as they are to West Lancs. scoring is by the handicap yardstick. There
“In the past teams have sailed with only two are also many sub-prizes for fastest laps at
crew for the full 24 hours, for charity certain times such as midnight, dawn, and
fund-raising purposes. Other Clubs have fastest lap on handicap.

56 DECEMBER 2025 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

 ABOVE Those who were off-watch chose

ALL PHOTOS: [Link]

Firefly Team
Southampton to camp in tents, vans or cars,
enjoying a while Angus and Lucie credit
quiet run
their win of the BBC Radio
BELOW Merseyside Cup for the fastest
The overall first two laps to their comfy hotel
winning National
Firefly Association beds on Friday night, having
team with their driven up from Devon and
haul of silverware.
us the lead for a few hours, and that we would do our best NFA team captain down from Glasgow on Friday.”
but once we were ahead again to encourage other sailing clubs Jenny Smallwood Finally, as a member of the
(third from
there was no stopping us.” and university teams to enter left) holding winning team, and Firefly
Commenting on the class with their fireflies. In the end the Southport representative, Smallwood said
Centenary Trophy
reinstatement to the event, we had 11 fireflies out racing presented by for anyone who is thinking of
Smallwood added: “I was very which is a fantastic number for Councillor June taking part in the race in the
Burns (fifth from
happy when I found out that our first year back, and we hope left), Mayor future she couldn’t recommend
Fireflies would be back for 2025. to build on that next year. “ of Sefton the event enough: “It is the
I knew that we would have to get Talking about team tactics, ultimate team challenge, and
at least one NFA team entered, how the NFA worked out its the Fireflies have proven that
rota, and what they did for they can be very competitive
accommodation, Smallwood in both the windy and light
said: “We had six core members conditions. For anyone wanting
in the team who sailed the entire to practice their Firefly
race within the rota, and five sailing, or get help on setting
other sailors who also stepped up a new boat, before next
in for a couple of hours. We pre- year’s race please consider
arranged our rota with two-hour joining us at an open event
stints per pair, and we stuck or our Nationals in our 80th
quite close to our original plans. anniversary year in 2026!”
Rigs

GENOA WHAT I MEAN?

The Royal Cruising Club’s Nick Charman offers up a gentle challenge
to sailors as he asks them to ponder the efficiency of their rig offwind
f you were asked to describe lovely J-class boats on Beken photos! ABOVE LEFT lightness, glassfibre, electronic
the design needs for a modern It was indeed a Kingly sport, with Greyhound, a navigation systems, engines,
classic lugger
sailing cruising yacht to someone large crews, on big yachts. Was solar panels and so on – but for
new to sailing, you might tell it likely that a well-heeled chap BELOW the majority of cruising yachts,
him/her that they were: wanting to join in and sail his own Britannia, the no fundamental development
royal yacht
boat would want a rig like those of the rig has happened, other
l a seaworthy/seakindly hull that the lower-class fishermen used? than tinkering with bits of it,
l with easy, and safe to handle, Denny Dessouter (first Practical hoping to make it easier to
efficient sails, for all courses of sail Boat Owner editor from 1967) reef, without going on deck.
l good for carrying a thought that the wealthy classes The racing rig is fine to handle
relatively heavy load – of food, wanted to sail boats that looked the when you have large tough,
water, spares and fuel same as this social elite’s; but that this agile crews, and are always
l for a small (singlehanded ‘elitism’ of a social class desiring to heading into the wind; but
even) crew emulate the fashionable, has had a smaller (and often weaker/older/
l in all weathers you might long-lasting effect on the design of singlehanded) crews have had
encounter yachts; and this has made the market to seek easier ways to handle
Oh, wait... surely the pre-engine ‘hang-up’ with cruising boat rigs this rig. The days of changing
era fishing or work-boats in past emanating from the racing stable. As soggy, hanked-on sails on the
centuries had the about same sailing developed, cruising became foredeck, or tottering around
design criteria? Boats good for: popular too, but the rig form stuck on the coachroof in a heavy sea
with the old racing technology. Why to tie in a main reef, have now
l a heavy cargo change it, after all? Surely it must largely gone. Yes – the rigging
l a small crew be the best, if racing boats use it? industry has happily developed
l with easy-to-handle sails and rig Many developments have kit to overcome this wire rig’s
lseaworthiness helped the cruising sailor since cumbersome nature – the
l and a need for good speed to get the 1930s – hull materials for expensive and often unreliable
back to port for the market quickly? mechanisms of roller reefing,
and in-mast/in-boom furling –
History of cruising rigs and, guess what, they are very
In the early 20th century, when good for their sales revenues,
sailing became a sport for those who too! But please let’s recognise
could afford it, the most evident that the standard stayed
spectacle of sailing boats in the Bermudian sloop rig still comes
UK was that of racing, often in the from a racing provenance.
Solent, with a big crew, like the early Only a few have wanted
America’s Cup, or think of those to re-think this, or sought to

58 DECEMBER 2025
specify a sailing yacht eliminating inefficient, so the choices are ABOVE LEFT for cruising when you abandon wire

PHOTO: THE OCEAN RACE

Yachts preparing
this expensive, unreliable wire l drop the main? to embark on the rigging, and look to other designs –
rigging, with all the components l put up a cruising chute or Atlantic Rally the Aerorig, the Cat-ketch, the Junk
for Cruisers – a
which can fail, risking the entire Spinnaker? (hold on – is it safe? downwind voyage and the Cat Boat, among others.
rig. The wire rig needs careful too rough to go on deck?) where the genoa We now have good materials for
is widely used
monitoring for all of this, and many So let’s start again – what and the mainsail strong reliable self-supporting masts.
insurance companies (who see all should a design for the rig for frequently Aeroplane wings lost wire rigging,
eschewed
the stats) need the whole thing to be the modern cruising boat be? and became self-supporting spars
replaced every 10 years or so. Look ABOVE RIGHT back in the 1930s! I know some
at the plethora of sailing magazine Better solutions A modern racer yacht architects who quietly think
articles and advice on this topic. for cruising setting a large
overlapping genoa this is a better way for cruisers too,
Sailing rigs used by Western but admit that the client demand
The Genoa – a poor fisherfolk had to be cheap, reliable, BELOW for such a departure is rare. You are
cruising sail and easy to handle – in effect just A cat-rigged ketch
sailing off the not alarmed to fly in aircraft with no
How about an arrangement for what a cruising crew needs. In wind in a more wire rigging to support the wings?
efficient manner
all the plain sails, so they can the Far East, the junk rig became So why do you sail and trust boats
be held at the right angle, in an predominant. In Europe and North with an old-fashioned unreliable rig
efficient aerodynamic shape, to America, as rigging was expensive, design, with wire holding them up –
optimise the power in the wind working boats were often given a after all, aircraft wings and sail spars
easily, on all courses of sail? self-standing spar (tree trunk?), and have fundamentally the same task.
The un-boomed, forestay-hung, booms on sails to hold them at an
The challenge
ABOUT THE
genoa or jib only pulls as a truly effective angle for the wind – from AUTHOR:
efficient aero-dynamic wing ahead, on the beam, or downwind, Nick Charman has Many of Sailing Today’s readers
sailed since his teens,
shape with the clew tensioned to be relatively easily reefed and in a variety of yachts, will be very experienced cruising
aft, when close hauled. As handed. The need to make a living including Robertson’s sailors. My gentle challenge to these
Golly, and Gypsy
soon as you slacken the genoa drove evolution of boats able to get Moth lll, but mainly experienced cruising sailors is this:
sheet it becomes a rounded, to sea as simply as possible, handle in his own Cat- to consider if your undoubted deep
Ketch Fera. He is a
aerodynamically inefficient thing whatever the weather produced, then member of the Royal experience includes that of sailing
– even worse if partially rolled sail fast, back to the market with a Cruising Club, and on boats with masts that are NOT
the Royal Institute of
up. Have a look at the images of heavy cargo, and a tired, small crew. Navigation. He works held up with wires, but are of a
Bermudian sloop yachts in this My experience with a cat-ketch, as a volunteer with design better optimised for cruising,
the Royal Cruising
magazine (and others?), and you Annie Hill’s (the famous world- Club Pilotage not from a racing stable? Is familiar
will mostly see photographs of cruising author) with the junk Foundation. Go ‘form’ really more important to
to [Link] for
flatly curved, efficient, genoas... rig, and that of other cruising, more information. you, than practical ‘function’?
powering upwind – don’t they adventurous sailors, convinces us
look great! Floppy sails don’t that there are far better rigs available The Foundation is supported by the
make an exciting image. But Royal Cruising Club and is proud to
the cruising sailor needs a rig have Trinity House as its Patron. Close
to sail offwind too. Very few collaboration between its experienced
cruising sailors who I meet, relish sailing authors and the many other
spending much time slogging yachtsmen and women who contribute
upwind; offwind courses are far information makes it the authoritative
easier on the crew and boat. provider of well-established pilotage
Turning downwind from books and passage planning resources
close hauled, the genoa for cruising areas worldwide.
becomes increasingly Visit the website [Link]

Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting DECEMBER 2025 59

Côte d’Azur

60 DECEMBER 2025 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

BILLIONAIRE’S
ALLEYWAY
ON A BUDGET
Sam Jefferson dons his fake Ray Bans and takes a cruise
down the Côte d’Azur in an endeavour to get to the
true, trashy heart of billionaire’s alleyway

Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting DECEMBER 2025 61

Côte d’Azur


hink of the Cote 
d’Azur and you 
 
think of refined
opulence; F Scott     
Fitzgerald, Tender   
is the Night, Brigitte
Bardot, Cannes Film Festival;
    
glitz, glamour. The reality if 
you actually drive there is very

different; endless traffic jams,
insane drivers, hordes of people
and a good deal of Botox. I 
therefore wanted to explore the
coast fully by boat. That way
I could see the coast without is a somewhat capricious 60nm
ABOVE
The stop-offs Anchoring hell
actually having to mix too stretch of water exposed to both between Sete We opted to spend the day and
and Menton
much with the great unwashed. the Mistral and the Tramontana night at a small bay or calanque
Having already extensively winds. Yet, on the day of BELOW LEFT on Frioul called Pomegues and
explored the area west of St departure in mid August, things At anchor in it did not go well. As night fell,
the Calanque
Tropez (Porquerolles and the were looking distinctly settled, de Pomegues the wind began to build from the
Calanques) I wanted to go more with a gentle southwest breeze west. The east facing anchorage
in depth on the area west of wafting us on our way. I set off at BELOW RIGHT was protected, but ferocious
Overtaken by a
this; the stretch from St Tropez 4pm bound for Marseille, which kitesurfer in the gusts were soon pummelling
down to Menton on the Italian made a night sail inevitable. I Baie des Anges, Nice the 20 or so boats at anchor. In
border – billionaires alleyway, was fortunate to have my friend the last of the light, we saw a
essentially. I felt I had the boat Tom along for the first leg of the big 13m steel bluewater cruiser
for the job too; an Aphrodite trip as he is a good sailor and was drag right across the bay. They
101 dating from 1978. This is a unfazed by the prospect of night hastily relaid their anchor and
beautiful Danish cruiser/racer watch. With a favourable breeze, promptly dragged again. “That
– fast, elegant and supremely we opted to test the Code 0, boat,” I noted “Is like a giant
uncomfortable down below. The which was set up on a roller. This piece of shrapnel bouncing about
boat was also a disturbingly shiny was a real luxury for me and a this bay – it’s going to be a long
bright red which fairly screamed bit of a game changer. The boat is night.” I opted to sleep on deck as
out late mid life crisis. This was light at 2,800kg and has a big sail a consequence and dozed fitfully,
the ideal vessel for sailing into area which meant that, with the frequently hearing the rattle of
some sun drenched anchorage, Code 0 up, even in 10kts of wind, anchor chains as one boat or
rounding up into the breeze, we were doing 6kts plus. We another dragged. By 2am, the
dropping hook and plunging sailed swiftly through a beautiful wind was gusting 35kts and I was
into the azure blue waters for sunlit evening and into a starry rudely awoken by the sound of
a swim ashore to the nearest night, the boat slicing through the a 13m steel yacht hitting us hard
cocktail bar. It certainly wasn’t flat sea in a most pleasing manner. as she dragged back. It was no
the boat for standing up in, as We divided the night into surprise given that he seemed to
the headroom was a mere 1.7m. watches and, after a good dinner have spent the night dredging
First, I had to get the boat we both settled in to enjoy the the calanque. Thankfully hitting
from my home port in Sete to the solitude under the stars, arriving my boat seemed to be all the
Cote d’Azur. This involved a trip off the island of Frioul, facing inspiration he needed to flee and
across the Golfe du Lion which Marseille, the following morning. he passed by saying ‘I think I
 sail. The boat, pressed over on her
ear, immediately started backfilling
with water from the kitchen
sink outlet – a fairly poor design
error by the Danes – meantime a
yacht trundling downwind under
motor with a man asleep at the
wheel nearly ran us down and, as
my boat sliced at speed through
the waves, it was clear that the
anchor was loose and that this
could end very badly for us. I
endeavoured to do three things at
once while being admonished by
might have lightly hit your boat – I We were well ready to leave by ABOVE a Frenchman who had woken up
The Rade d’Agay
hope it isn’t damaged.’ I was not the following day when, inevitably, – Deirdre and and was enraged at our temerity in
happy but had bigger worries as there was very little wind and we Tim’s lair occupying an area of sea he clearly
the idiot had also clearly started drifted down the coast past Les felt belonged to him. Rushing
BELOW
my anchor and we were also now Îles d’Hyères. I was quite keen Making a rapid to the bow of the boat I worked
dragging. Tom hauled it up and we to stop off but refrained as the departure feverishly to secure the anchor.
from Agay
motored around to Frioul where I wind was forecast to pipe up in As I did, the boat took a wicked
was finally able to get some sleep. the night and these beautiful pine plunge which totally drenched
Fortunately the following morning clad islands serve as something me and more importantly my
revealed no damage to the boat so as a wind tunnel. One of the phone. I was sure it was wrecked
all was well. The key lesson learnt reasons the Cote d’Azur is so but somehow it survived.
was that if something doesn’t feel coveted is because it escapes the We then beat on through the
right, it probably isn’t right. It was worst of the Mistral, which can day, slashing through the waves
also clear that the boat was short be howling off Hyeres and the and overhauling a couple of boats
of a windlass. This weight saving merest whisper off St Tropez. We that were motor sailing with the
measure was doubtless valuable on therefore pressed on to Cap Taillat main pinned in – always pleasing.
the race course but it made the boat at the tip of Cap Camarat. This All the while, the coast unfurled
a backbreaker. Following this, we provided a reasonable amount of before us; dark green hills, great
sailed the boat into Toulon and I left shelter while ochre orange of the orange cliffs and deep blue sea.
the boat there in readiness for the great sandstone cape made for a It was beautiful and the sailing
next leg of the trip with a new crew. dramatic backdrop. Inevitably, the was exhilarating. By 4pm we had
wind picked up in the night and the Rade d’Agay in our sights;
New crew we had a fairly roly-poly time. I a great horseshoe of a bay with
Tom’s replacement, Gavin, was, I was up early then next morning jagged shards of red rock on both
felt, just the man for the second and keen to be off, as the forecast sides to mark the entrance. We
leg of the voyage along the Cote was for some very strong winds picked up one of a number of
d’Azur. His somewhat waspish in this area by evening and the mooring buoys as directed by the
sense of humour I felt would give best policy was to get further harbourmaster who also told us
him a low tolerance of the sort of east to escape the worst of it. we might want to look elsewhere
people you frequently encounter I set my sights on the Rade as the forecast was for a Force 8
on this stretch of coast. His d’Agay, a large natural harbour to the following day and the buoys
waspishness was not helped by a the east of St Tropez and we set were a bit exposed. Having already
day spent stormbound in Toulon off into the teeth of a 15kt breeze tied up, I was disinclined to move
Harbor where our marina was with a good lumpy chop. Lots of and the forecast seemed a good
engulfed by a nautical jousting things happened at almost the deal more moderate than that.
tournament. This ludicrous sport same time as soon as we had set We therefore sallied forth in the
involves driving two boats at each dinghy into ‘town’ which proved
other while men with sticks try to be a fairly desultory selection
to knock each other off a sort of of buildings strung along a lovely
tenuous perch at the back. It’s all beach. Perhaps this slightly
good fun but the problem was soulless feel could be explained by
that it was accompanied by an the fact that the bay was heavily
atrocious DJ and compere. Thus targeted in WWII with first the
I spent a day halfway up the mast Germans destroying the castle
clinging on in a howling gale to and then the Allies targeting
the soundtrack of such classics as the railway viaduct in 1943 and
Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It by Will Smith. destroying many houses in the

DECEMBER 2025 63
Côte d’Azur

process. Despite this, the beauty

of the spot was undeniable.
Meanwhile, the weather was
taking a turn for the worse and
it was clear that the mother of all
thunderstorms was brewing. We
needed shelter and managed to
find a nice pizzeria where Gavin
was befriended by an English
couple, Deirdre and Tim from
Basingstoke. Tim proceeded
to pose a lot of questions to
Gavin about heat pumps which
made Gavin somewhat glum.
Fortunately I was on the other
side of the table so could hear
nothing thanks to the deafening confusing and I suggested we ABOVE to the cliffs at the end. The
roar of thunder and torrential stop at the anchorage between Villefranche-Sur-
mooring buoys were a boon too,
Mer with Cap Ferrat
rain. I just sort of grinned inanely the Iles de Lerins for a swim in the background although the fee of 31 Euros
at Deirdre who was swilling and some lunch. No sooner per night was far from cheap.
wine down at an alarming pace had I dropped the anchor and BELOW
We were hitting the heart
Trying to retrieve
– likely to inure herself against jumped in, however, when the a halyard that had of the Cote d’Azur now and
the seemingly endless heat pump wind returned, all 25kts of it. I come adrift using
I read that Elton John had a
a GoPro camera
chat. Anyway, the pizza was good. thought it best to simply carry pole with a fork home here. I fervently hoped
on rather than hang around so taped to the end
to meet him and tell him that
Rapid departure we dried off, raised the anchor – Piano Man was unquestionably
I awoke the next day to a howling which nearly broke my back in his greatest song. I have held a
wind but nothing like the Force 25kts – and carried on at high grudge against Elton going all
8 forecast. Gavin rowed ashore to speed. We were now in the heart the way back to my German
get a pain au chocolat and then of the Cote d’Azur and I planned GCSE mock exam where a whole
spent many hours trying to row to stop off at Antibes where that section was about Elton John’s
back to the boat against the wind. anchorages of either Anse de la wife. This made half the class
I tried to pretend I hadn’t noticed Garoupe or Anse de Salis would desperately concerned that they
his travails as I didn’t think there offer good shelter – alas, this had completely muddled their
was much I could do. Setting off, was not to be, as, off Antibes, genders and I was certain that it
things took a turn for the even the wind swung through 180 had contributed to my atrocious
worse as we somehow managed degrees making for a lee shore. grade. Anyhow, there was no sign
to foul the mooring buoy on I was befuddled but we beat up of the toupee’d one and we dined
the rudder as we left. With no the Baie des Anges all the way to that night on pizza in the lovely
current and the wind blowing a Villefranche sur Mer where, once old town; a maze of narrow
good 20kts straight off the buoy, I again, we picked up a mooring streets climbing steeply up from
was flummoxed as to how we had buoy right outside Nellcôte, a the harbour. I was hoping that
achieved this feat but somehow villa once rented by the Rolling the great abundance of American
we got off again and put the sails Stones’ Keith Richards. It was in tourists might push Gavin to
up in the sheltered waters of the cellar of this rather opulent new heights of irritation but I
Agay. I rashly opted against a reef old house that the group recorded think the absence of Deirdre
and rapidly began to regret this their classic album Exile on Main and Tim was such a tonic that
as, outside the bay, the wind was Street in 1971. Keith clearly he remained relatively Zen.
blowing a good 25kts, albeit abaft knew his stuff as Villefranche
the beam. With the wind forecast is a lovely spot; a long, narrow The end of France
to drop, I opted to just run with it bay with a pretty town clinging The following day we had a
– very fast – and sure enough we coffee and a pain au chocolat in a
were soon broad reaching down waterside café and headed on our
decent sized waves at alarming way. I wanted to miss Monaco
speeds – this type of boat is not as it’s just awful but I had once
designed to plane but it was spent a night at Menton, right by
absurdly quick – we clocked the Italian border so I thought
12kts at one point and the it worth a visit. The town has
amount of grip and control of the a great anchorage in settled
rudder was impressive. Arriving weather but the marina was a
into the Bay of Cannes, the wind surprising 26 Euros per night so
suddenly cut to zero which was

64 DECEMBER 2025
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Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting DECEMBER 2025 65

Côte d’Azur

I thought it was worth getting a a main road. Returning to St Jean

good night’s sleep with no rocking de Cap Ferrat, we discovered that
or banging. The wind had finally it had five different pizzerias.
relented and we enjoyed a gentle
drift down the coast. Menton Cannes canned
itself is beautiful; with the old The following morning we took
town perched on steep slopes that a walk along the coastal path
tumble down to the water’s edge. that takes you around Cap Ferrat
I liked Menton a good deal but before making our departure.
felt somehow it lacked that true Next on the list of stop-offs was
absurdity that lay at the heart of Cannes as I had a week at the
the Cote d’Azur so I proposed Cannes Boat Show upcoming and
we head back to St Jean Cap what better way to arrive than
Ferrat to get closer to the pulsing by boat. The day was once more
ABOVE
jugular. Again, there was very the people were all a bit, well, The skipper scans
ludicrously breezy and we were
little wind for our return trip and weird. There were a lot of rather the horizon for soon once more speeding towards
signs of Elton John
we gently wafted past Monaco ludicrously garbed tourists off Villefranche
our destination at 7kts plus. We
on a sparkling day discussing rubber necking like ourselves and Sur Mer got to Cannes too early and the
where it had all gone wrong in then a smattering of really rich boat was going so well, I didn’t
BELOW
our lives, only latterly grasping people – largely sleazy looking A very brief dip off
really have the heart to stop so
the irony of our discussion. We old men with suspiciously young Iles de Lerins before we pushed on back to the Rade
25kts of wind forced d’Agay where I was hopeful Gavin
pulled into St Jean Cap Ferrat as partners. None of this improved us to hurry onwards
the shadows lengthened, weaving Gavin’s mood and, to mollify could catch up with Deirdre and
our way through a crowd of him, I promised him a pizza in Tim. We tempted fate by going
ugly superyachts at anchor. The Beaulieu sur Mer. I was keen to back to the same pizzeria and,
marina fee was a niggardly 26 see this town as it was once the to my delight, there they were!
Euros which seemed absurd. We home of James Gordon Bennett Tim still droning on about small
were greeted by a very friendly – famed proprietor of the New boats and heat pumps like some
harbourmaster and then stepped York Herald and noted hellraiser sort of audio version of the Daily
ashore into one of the most whom I had written a book Telegraph. To my eternal regret we
ludicrously manicured villages I about – James Gordon Bennett were seated in another part of the
had ever seen. It was like a heavily and the First Transatlantic Yacht restaurant and this was the last we
sanitised version of a French Race – available from all good saw of them. I miss them even now.
village – no dog poo, no lingering booksellers incidentally – and From here, we stopped off at Anse
smell of urine or drains. It was, I wanted to pay homage. Bono de Canebier just to the north of St
quite simply, immaculate. All the singer from U2 also has a Tropez. We anchored not far from
around ridiculous people drifted house in the nearby village of Brigitte Bardot’s villa. I hope she
about, sipping on negronis in Eze and I was confident that an wasn’t about as we were soothed
street bars, taking selfies in the encounter with this famously to sleep by the sound of a group
middle of the cobbled streets. I smug personage might well lead of braying Americans staying in a
was delighted because I knew to the arrest of my crewmate for villa nearby plus a highly indulgent
we were sitting on the throbbing assault. Anyway, we struggled bongo player. I get the feeling she
main artery of the Cote d’Azur to find the centre of Beaulieu would not have been a fan. I had
and for some reason it was costing – possibly because the Streets pondered going into St Tropez
us only 26 Euros to stay there. Have No Name – in the end, we town but I couldn’t face another
Pleasingly, Gavin also cracked; dined on pizza by the side of a pizza and didn’t think it would
descending into an incoherent main road. There was also no be good for Gavin in general.
rant about how trashy all the sign of Bono which saddened me From there, it was on to our final
people were. In the end I had to as I wanted to ask him if he had destination of Bandol where I
usher him out of the village along found what he was looking for dumped the boat and headed
a rather charming coastal path yet – musing that possibly it was back to Cannes for another bout
which led us to the neighbouring a pizzeria that wasn’t located on of trashy opulence at the Cannes
town of Beaulieu sur Mer before Boat Show, and Gavin headed
he created a scene. I didn’t think it to Bulgaria where he planned to
would be long before the residents spend the winter months teaching
of this immaculate village English and composing savagely
spotted an enraged, unwashed, dark poetry about the futility of
disorientated Englishman and life, the universe and everything.
called some private security I felt that Deirdre and Tim had
firm to dispose of him. given him all the inspiration
He was right, of course, he needed to get started.

66 DECEMBER 2025
 Sillette

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Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting DECEMBER 2025 67

 GULL’S EYE
LYMINGTON
S

E
W

N
YACHT HAVEN
There are few marinas to match the quality and
convenience of Yacht Haven’s flagship site in the
heart of the Solent writes Sue Pelling
50°45’ 6.44”N 1°31’ 50.72”W

ON-SITE BUSINESSES
INC CHANDLERY
WINTER BOAT STORAGE/
SUMMER CAR PARKING
MARINA OFFICE
HAVEN BAR &
RESTAURANT WASHROOM
FACILITIES
BERTH HOLDER HOIST DOCK
CAR PARK P
Q1 C1
ELECTRIC VEHICLE Q
CHARGING FUEL BERTH

FOOTPATH TO G
KEYHAVEN
H

K
L

M
N

68 DECEMBER 2025 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

 FOOTPATH TO
LYMINGTON
LYMINGTON TOWN SC

A
SEAWATER BATHS
B

LYMINGTON RIVER

MARINA ENTRANCE
PHOTO: SPORTOGRAPHY/[Link]

630 BERTHS WITH GOOD

SHELTER AND EASY ACCESS
AT ALL STATES OF THE TIDE

Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting DECEMBER 2025 69

Gull’s Eye – Lymington Yacht Haven

s prime locations ABOVE fact that everything you need, As well as the renowned top-
Sheltered, with easy
go, Yacht Haven’s access to the Solent
such as boat repair/maintenance, notch facilities, this marina is
Lymington site chandlery, lifting, launching/ noted for its high-rated bistro/
up the sheltered BELOW LEFT recovery service, boat storage, restaurant which is open exactly
& RIGHT
Lymington River is The Haven
brokerage, and riggers, is on site, when you need it (0900-1100,
probably one of the Restaurant and and access to the marina, and seven days a week). Not only
bar with fabulous
best you’re likely to find, not just panoramic views
fuel is open 24/7 throughout does The Haven Bar & Restaurant
for its convenience to the Solent the year. The marina has also (with stunning views across the
and prime cruising waters beyond, recently undergone extensive Solent), serve a hearty breakfast
but also for its luxury washrooms/ work to the car park which and lunch, but in the evening
facilities, and exceptional customer has doubled the capacity. there is a gastro-style dinner
service. Nestled between the With such a lot going for it, it’s not menu, and an extensive wine list
Georgian town of Lymington, and 50°45’ 6.44”N surprising to learn that the waiting which gives it that special appeal.
a 300-acre nature reserve, which 1°31’ 50.72”W list for a large berth at this bustling Because Lymington Yacht Haven
is set against the backdrop of the marina is currently nearly two years! is just a short walk from the marina
Western Solent, the marina also According to Yacht Havens therefore, to Lymington town, you’ll also find
offers peace and tranquility. if you are considering a berth for plenty of other eating houses, cafes,
Among the other key the future, it’s worth adding your and pubs to choose from, as well as
attractions of mooring a boat at name to the list (with a refundable shops, which adds to its attraction
Lymington Yacht Haven is the deposit) to ensure you secure a berth. and popularity of this area.

70 DECEMBER 2025 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

 As with all nine Yacht Haven at any of Yacht Haven’s sister ABOVE For the competitive sailor,
PHOTO: SPORTOGRAPHY/[Link]

Purpose built with

Marinas, Lymington Yacht marinas. There is also the high end facilities Lymington is a mecca for
Haven has plenty of berth- opportunity to ‘Earn money racing with Royal Lymington
holder incentives including, with your Berth’ whereby Yacht Club offering year-
early payment discounts, you’ll get 50% of fees received round racing. The Summer
discounted fuel, free/half price from visitors using your berth Thursday Night Racing Series
storage ashore at certain times when you are away cruising is particularly popular and
of year, and up to 14 free nights between April and September. attracts 60+ yachts each week.

FACTFILE Wifi: free of charge Nimbus Boats UK: +44(0)1590 677955

Fuel: petrol, diesel & Calor/Campingaz Yacht Clubs
Postcode: SO41 3QD Boat lift: 60 ton boat hoist and mobile crane Royal Lymington YC: +44(0)1590 672677
w3w: ///[Link] Cleaning: Lift & Scrub service Lymington Town SC +44(0)1590 674514
VHF: Ch 80 Electric car charging points: Yes Restaurants
Call sign: Lymington Yacht Haven Onsite businesses The Haven Bar & Restaurant: +44(0)1590
Website: [Link]/lymington- Chandlery 679971
yacht-haven Nick Cox Yacht Chandler: +44(0)1590 673489 The Elderflower: +44(0)1590 676908
Email: lymington@[Link] Boatbuilder Stanwell House Hotel: +44(0)1590 677123
Tel: +44(0)1590 677071 Jeremy Rogers: +44(0)1590 646780 The Mayflower Hotel: +44(0)1590 672160
Berthing fees: (surcharges may apply to Rigger Rivaaz (Indian): +44(0)1590 679999
multihulls) Ocean Rigging: +44(0)1590 676292 The Hut (Colwell Bay) +44(0)1983 898637
Annual Marine Engineer Local pubs (walking distance)
From £3,570 (restricted access max Ropewalk Marine: +44(0)1590 677073 The Bosun’s Chair
6.7m/22ft) Sailmaker The Monkey House
To £15,820 (15m/50ft) Sanders Sails: +44(0)1590 673981 (off-site) Angel and Blue Pig
POA (over 15m/50ft) Boat covers & marine upholstery The King’s Head
Winter only (31 Oct-1 Mar) Haven Covers: +44(0)1590 672830 Chequers Inn
From £1,700 (up to 10.1m) flat rate Marine Electronics The Fisherman’s Rest
Visitors (inc electricity) SES - Ships Electronic Services: +44(0)1590 The Ship Inn
From £5.45pm/pd (up to 12.2m/40ft) 671144 The Cellar Wine Bar
To £6pm/pd (over 12.2m/40ft) Punton Electrics: +44(0)1590 679081 Provisioning
Winter (Nov-Feb inc) £4pm/pd Charter Essentials: Nick Cox Yacht Chandler:
Short stay (up to 4 hours) Lymington Yacht Charters: +44(0)1590 +44(0)1590 673489
From £17 (up to 12.2m/40ft) 688 007 Nearest supermarkets: Waitrose, Tesco Metro,
£27 (from 12.2m/40ft – 15m/50ft) Solent Rib Charter: +44(0)1590 607101 M&S Simply Food (walking distance),
POA (over 15m/50ft) Lymington Boat Club: +44(0)1590 607444 Nearest railway station
Marina services Brokers Lymington Town Station (15-minute walk)
Electricity: pay per usage Ancasta International Boat Sales: +44(0)1590 with connections to mainline
Water: free of charge 673 212 Brockenhurst

Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting DECEMBER 2025 71

Gull’s Eye – Lymington Yacht Haven

PASSAGE PLANNING
ABOVE
If you are visiting the marina, port – Flashing red (2 seconds). Easy access at all
marks to port, green piles
it is essential to check on berth Then pick up the leading light 319 states of the tide with triangular top marks to
availability particularly in the degrees, fixed red 12/17m 8M. starboard. Lymington Yacht
BELOW
height of the summer season. You can then follow the Lymington
Haven is the first marina you
It is also important to call channel which is clearly marked Yacht Haven is see on the West Bank and the
‘Lymington Yacht Haven’ on by red piles with square top always busy entrance is clearly marked.
VHF Ch80 before you arrive for
berthing instructions/assistance.
PHOTO: JASON LUDLOW

Lymington Yacht Haven is

accessible at all states of the
tide with the minimum depth
below Chart Datum 2.5m.
There are, however, several
areas used for deep water berths
at 3m below Chart Datum.
There are no significant dangers
in the immediate vicinity of
the Lymington River although
it pays to be aware of the shoal
waters that extend both sides.
Also, you’ll need to keep an eye
on the RoRo ferries that run
regularly to and from Lymington
and Yarmouth (Isle of Wight).
Once you find the mouth of the
river, on the south shore of the
Solent (7.5nm on from Beaulieu
River going west), identify the lit,
red Jack in the Basket beacon to

72 DECEMBER 2025 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

 CRUISING GROUNDS
Plenty of options for cruising from day sails, to the Channel Islands and beyond

Ideally located in the Western Area of Outstanding Natural ABOVE local cruising destinations such as
PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK

Solent, Lymington makes a perfect Beauty and at high tide, the St Peter Port, Yarmouth (3nm) just across the
Guernsey
base for cruising adventures harbour opens up to 29 square for cruising Solent, and anchorages at Hurst
not just for local Solent cruising miles of cruising waters, with further afield Castle/Keyhaven (3.5nm) opposite
but also to use as a good start charming villages like Emsworth, BELOW
the Needles. Colwell Bay (4.5nm)
point for a cruise further afield Bosham, Birdham, and Itchenor Chichester Harbour across the water on the Isle of
across the Channel to France for offering a mix of cosy pubs, cafés, is a designated Area Wight, has inviting sandy beaches
of Outstanding
example, and the Channel Islands. restaurants, and local attractions. Natural Beauty with has in recent times has become
To the east it’s just 9.5nm to To the west, Poole Harbour lots of beautiful noted for The Hut – an exclusive
places to explore
Cowes, and Chichester Harbour is approximately 24nm away, waterfront restaurant known for
– a cruising hot spot – is just but for day or weekend cruising its seasonal seafood dishes, vibrant
31nm away. This is a designated there are plenty of other more atmosphere and stunning sea views.

Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting DECEMBER 2025 73

 TRIED AND TESTED
Sperry Topside Seamate
The Sperry Topside Seamate is your classic sailing shoe of the type that Lowell George
wrote about in Little Feat’s classic album – aptly called Sailin’ Shoes writes Sam
Jefferson. There is a reason for this – Sperry invented the deck shoe to all intents and
purposes. Paul Sperry pioneering what we now know as the deck shoe back in the
1930s. The most notable feature being the siped rubber soles which provided grip and
kept you ‘topside’ of your yacht. The sailing shoe was a development of the original
deck shoe and is more of a crossover product between a trainer and a shoe. I was sent
a pair to test and immediately warmed to them thanks to both the retro styling and
also the packaging which was pleasingly retro and tapped into their heritage. Anyway,
that’s all very well, but what were they like to use? Well, I have to say that they are
extremely comfortable right from the off with a nice bouncy padded inner sole. The
soft canvas upper made them flexible and light and they were easy to slip on and off.
The styling is pleasingly preppy and caddish and I have to say that the grip was
excellent. This is not some ultra sporty technical sailing trainer but if you’re doing
some warm weather sailing, maybe the forthcoming Caribbean sailing season, then
these do the job nicely. The price is appealing too.

˜ £65
˜ [Link]

LAUNCHED New kit for you

and your boat

Helly Hansen Deck Tough Tights

TRIED AND
There are times in the warmer weather when all you need on deck for more protection
TESTED than shorts are a pair of lightweight trousers, writes Sue Pelling. There was a time when
the best you could find to fit the purpose was a pair of Canterbury thick twill trousers
from New Zealand. Thankfully there is now a huge choice of legwear on the market, not
only designed specifically for sailing and therefore more functional, but also more
versatile and stylish than their predecessors. The other good news is the fact these
modern-day technical trousers are generally not ‘one-size-fits all’ and instead, available
in both women and men designs, which makes a huge difference in terms of fit!
The Women’s Helly Hansen Deck Tough Tights we tested are constructed using 4-way
stretch Polyamide and Elastane which not only allows for ease of movement but they are
also exceptionally lightweight (just 240g), and offer plenty of protection exactly where
you need it in the seat and knee areas thanks to the Cordura® reinforcement. Helly has
also added a gusset on the underseam to ensure ultimate mobility and, because the
seams are flat locked (no seam ridge), there was no chaffing.
The elastic waistband is combined with a drawcord to ensure a perfect fit, and I loved
the fact they were quick drying, which meant when I got wet, I wasn’t sitting for the rest
of the day in soggy clothing.
While using these snazzy sailing pants throughout the summer, I was able to give
them a thorough work-out to test their performance under pressure while sailing and I
have to confess they did exactly what Helly promised. In terms of skin protection from
the sun they were the ideal alternative to shorts, and I even used them for a spot of
rowing. Although I didn’t get a chance to try them out on a paddleboard, I imagine they
would be ideal for that too, or any other watersports where you need more protection
than a pair of shorts.

Overall Verdict:
A great bit of kit for warm weather sailing offering plenty of protection, with
reinforcement in the high impact areas on the seat and knees. I also found they were
versatile enough to use as a base layer under chest high trousers when the weather
changed while out on the water. The fact that these multipurpose leggings are so
lightweight, and therefore take up little room, I now keep them permanently in my kit bag
just in case!

˜ £120.00
˜ [Link]

74 DECEMBER 2025 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

 Advertorial

BUILT BY SAILORS,
TRUSTED BY THE WORLD
CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF GILL
ifty years ago, in the corner innovation struck again in the form of ABOVE LEFT inspired Nick Gill to explore the
Gill’s latest
of a Nottinghamshire high-frequency welding that bonded waterproofs tap American market. The brand thrived
lace factory, a young fabrics without stitching holes. into 50 years overseas, eventually becoming the
of expertise
dinghy sailor set out to largest sailing clothing brand in the US.
solve a problem that had Innovation at the core ABOVE Along the way came memorable
long plagued his sport. That spirit of problem-solving would CENTRE highlights: kitting out teams for
Gill’s Two Piece
At the time, sailing clothing for define Gill for decades. From the one- Dinghy Suit the America’s Cup, partnering with
dinghy sailors was almost non- piece dinghy suit with braces that crews in round-the-world races,
existent – little more than waterproofs lifted weight off sailors’ shoulders, ABOVE RIGHT and even securing the prestigious
Founder Nick Gill
borrowed from motorway workers. to the pioneering “dinghy system” Queen’s Award for Export in 2013.
But armed with a marketing degree, that paired chest-high trousers with
a passion for the water, and access a lightweight smock for freedom The legacy of 50 years
to a sewing machine, Nick Gill and flexibility, Gill carved out a Half a century on, Gill Marine’s story
started to stitch together not just reputation for clever, practical design. remains one of quiet but relentless
garments, but the beginnings of The iconic OS series, starting with innovation. Unlike some of its louder
what would become Gill Marine: a the OS1 and OS2, cemented Gill’s rivals, Gill has built its reputation sailor
brand now synonymous with sailing place as a serious offshore brand. by sailor, product by product. It has
innovation and performance. Versatile, durable, and accessible to a never been about chasing trends but
broad range of sailors, these garments about meeting real needs on the water
Humble beginnings became trusted companions from – whether that’s gloves that grip better
The journey began in 1975, when Nick the English Channel to transatlantic in the spray, boots that hold firm on a
Gill turned his university dissertation crossings. Each line was born from wet deck, or offshore gear that keeps its
into reality. His idea was simple listening. Gill was known to treat promises in the harshest conditions.
but transformative: create clothing retailers and sailors as collaborators, From a small-town factory corner
designed for sailors, by sailors. With small enough to act quickly when the to a global stage, Gill Marine has
the help of a designer and local same idea surfaced more than once. weathered storms, embraced change,
machinists, Gill experimented with As Nick Gill puts it, “We couldn’t and consistently pushed the boundaries
fabrics, patterns, and most importantly outspend the larger brands on of what sailing gear can do. As the
how to make seams truly waterproof. advertising. So we had to be clever, brand celebrates its 50th anniversary,
What started with hand-cut designs innovate with design and unbeatable it is not just marking the passage of
and home-sewn garments soon service.” That approach paid off. By time – it is celebrating the thousands
gained traction among local sailors. the 1990s, Gill was no longer the of sailors who’ve trusted Gill to keep
The early breakthroughs came not new kid on the dock. Through its them safe, comfortable, and ready
from glossy advertising campaigns but technical excellence, Gill became seen for whatever the sea brings next.
from persistence and ingenuity. Gill as essential, and one of the big three Here’s to 50 years of innovation, and
experimented with new fabrics like brands that every chandlery stocked. to the next chapter in a story that began
transfer-coated PU, far softer and more While the UK remained the heart with one sailor’s determination to do
comfortable than stiff PVC alternatives of the business, Gill had its eye on better.
of the day. When the challenge of leaky wider horizons. A British Marine For more information and to shop the
seams threatened to capsize progress, Federation course in the early 1980s latest range, visit: [Link]
Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting DECEMBER 2025 75
Boat test – Seawind 1170

Seawind’s 1170 originates from a land down under. This seems

to have given them a fresh new approach when it comes to
designing a cruising multihull – as Sam Jefferson discovers

couple of years back I was writing a other side of the world. So what changed? Why am
guide entitled the A-Z of multihulls I suddenly aware of Seawind? Well, that’s because in
and I felt I had done a pretty decent 2025 Seawind set up a new factory in Turkey with
job of sorting through the various the aim of tapping into the European market.
different flavours of cruising multihulls So now it’s my business to know a bit more about
and making sure that everyone Seawind and this is why I found myself aboard
was included. Because, believe me, there are a lot the new 1170 – all ready to go for a sail. Before I
of them out there. Yet it is fair to say that one of do though, let’s establish fully what Seawind is all
the great drawbacks of being a journalist is that, about. Their motto is ‘For Real Sailors’ and, like
if you do everything right, nobody really notices. so many, they are aiming their cruising yachts at
Make an error, and you can find yourself in a bind. couples potentially dreaming of bluewater sailing.
Alas, following publication, I discovered that I had The world of cruising multihulls is a funny one
made such an error. A furious reader got in touch in many ways because there is such a step change
demanding why I had overlooked Seawind – a in terms of pricing between a boat that goes for
respected multihull manufacturer that had been daggerboards as opposed to one that uses stub keels
building multihulls for decades. I duly Googled which are far less complicated to manufacture.
Seawind and, to my dismay, I couldn’t help but agree The 1170, launched last year on the US and Aussie
with my angry correspondent. How had I managed market, but new this year in Europe, has stub keels
to overlook such a clearly established operator? but works on the premise that you should still be
There had to be more to it than simply my own able to enjoy decent performance. In Europe, a rough
fecklessness? Well, that was my hope anyway. equivalence might be made with Nautitech or Excess
In my defence, there is an explanation. The who wanted to provide a more visceral, rewarding
company was set up in 1982 by a chap called sailing experience compared to other rivals while not
Richard Ward – who remains at the helm of the resorting to daggerboards. Thus, on the 1170, every
company incidentally. Ward is an Australian and, effort is made to keep weight down. The vaccum
understandably, initial sales of their boats were for the infused hull features carbon reinforcement in key
domestic market. As the company grew, they started areas and a modular approach to the interior sections
to look for alternative markets and understandably which makes for an extremely stiff construction.
settled on the US as a good prospect. It does, after The boat features a generous sail plan, with the
all, have quite a large population with a substantial mainmast set well forward, making it the driving
disposable income. Seawind established a reputation sail, while the jib is set on a self-tacking track to keep
in the US for quality cruising catamarans which things simple. The boat looks stylish and modern
endures to this day. In 2010 the manufacturer and quite aggressive with its dreadnought bow.
acquired Corsair Marine, another manufacturer with If the first thing I have done is try to give
a factory in Vietnam and operations were shifted some context to the boat by comparing it to a
here. The European market remained very much European rivals is helpful, it’s also misleading –
not the priority; after all, there were rather a lot of because what makes the Seawind so interesting
manufacturers there building pretty decent cruising is how markedly different they are from their
catamarans that didn’t need to be shipped from the European rivals on a number of points.

76 DECEMBER 2025 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting DECEMBER 2025 77
Boat test – Seawind 1170

On deck elements. A nice touch is an ABOVE LEFT

A comfortable
open living idea that blurs the
Step aboard and you find yourself electric window between the helm cockpit with line between indoor and outdoor
in a nicely enclosed cockpit station and the saloon which plentiful storage spaces. However, the positioning
with a big latitudinal bench seat can be raised in bad weather or ABOVE RIGHT of the helm stations mean that
which incorporates storage and a lowered to keep a good flow of The twin helm the sliding door concept generally
set-up set forward
barbecue atop – very important air running through the boat and and outboard is favoured in cruising catamarans
on an Australian yacht. The solid also keep the helm even better very effective, while won’t work. To this end, Seawind
the three-leaf door
bimini that stretches right aft to connected with the saloon. Sitting which folds then has come up with a very clever
incorporate the dinghy davits at the helm, the instrumentation flips up and stows solution; the door is hinged in
on the underside of
and provides good protection is simple and all sail controls the bimini can be three leaves with the two outer
from both sun and rain. It’s a nice are set outboard on two sets of seen here leaves folding into the central
convivial space. As mentioned, jammers to port and starboard. BELOW one. With the three leaves of the
the feel of these boats is different Two pairs of winches either side The master cabin door folded together, the whole
from their European competitors allow you to control all aspects features a queen thing pivots upwards and clips
sized double that
and perhaps the most obvious of sailing. The traveller is set on is raised up but into place on the underside of the
factor is the helm position which the aft end of the solid bimini. runs fore and aft solid bimini. It’s a clever system
is outboard but forward. Seawind Out on the side decks the single that is perhaps slightly less easy to
don’t want to have the helms spreader rig is uncomplicated manipulate than the ‘garage door’
outboard well aft as they feel this and the side decks are wide style tilt/slide affairs seen on many
is too exposed when on a long with a decent handhold on the cruising cats but it does mean the
offshore passage – meanwhile a coachroof. At the bow is a mid helms are extremely well placed
fly bridge is not in keeping with length solid foredeck which and this whole area is totally
the decent performance of these has three deep lockers on the uncluttered with sliding doors.
yachts. The helms are therefore foredeck for fenders, lines, and Stepping inside, the interior is
tucked behind the coachroof and other garage gear. Ahead of very light and extremely pleasant.
you can actually sit outboard this is a shortish trampoline The layout differs hugely from
should you wish. Inboard there with a self-tacking jib on a rivals in the fact that the galley
are comfy helm seats where roller. Outboard of this was a
two can sit alongside and enjoy screamer on roller and code
decent all round visibility. As zero on a sprit. Sail handling
an added bonus, the backrest was extremely simple and the
pivots forward or aft so you can positioning of the controls was
face in either direction and – as sensible and well thought out.
the ultimate bonus – the helm There was also a good view of
seat to port features a huge the sails from the helm through
coolbox underneath it which a glass skylight in the bimini.
can be a fridge and would hold
a hundredweight of beer. The Inside
starboard seat is just storage. Doors between saloon and
Comfortably esconced at the cockpit are a masterpiece of
helm, you are well protected simplicity. This is a catamaran
but also feel in touch with the that adheres to the concept of an

78 DECEMBER 2025 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

is in the starboard hull, meaning this is a heads with a wet room- ABOVE a nice glass shower door. There
The trampoline is
the main nacelle is all saloon style shower. It’s a very pleasant relatively short with is access to the port engine via a
space. There is a huge U-shaped space with a decent amount of plenty of lockers door in the shower and, on this
aft of this, offering
sofa for lounging with one side storage. Aft of the galley is another lots of storage engine, access is exceptional. The
having a moveable stool that can double which is slightly bijou general feel in terms of quality
be attached to make it into a day and also there is access to the BELOW was extremely good and the
The design looks
bed. To port is a smallish but long engine behind the berth which is aggressive and workmanship was excellent.
chart table/office space. This is one a bit tricky and a bit noisy too. purposeful thanks
of the lightest and most pleasant On the port side is the master
to dreadnought
bows and relatively Under sail
saloons I have been in and it’s clear cabin which features a double fine waterlines We had a relatively gentle day
that the difference is that the galley berth forward which is set for the test sail with 10-14kts of
hasn’t been squeezed in which, athwartships and is raised up breeze blowing across the Bay of
on a 39’ catamaran, frees up a lot which probably wouldn’t make Cannes and a light chop. The wind
of space. The large dining table is for the most comfortable berth filled in as the test went on so it
also clever in that it can swivel in in a seaway but does make for seemed sensible to start sailing
to three different positions which a very well ventilated berth at off the wind and unrolling the
give it extra practicality and good anchor and moves you away from screamer. Soon we were trucking
amounts of leg room depending the engine noise. There is a lot along at 7kts in 14kt true breeze.
on what position you have it in. of storage and a good sized wet Not excessive but it felt good and
Down to starboard, as mentioned, locker at the bow. The aft section controlled and the cable-driven
is the galley and this is a pleasant of the hull is devoted to a huge steering ensured that the Seawind
space that is not totally cut off heads and shower compartment had a bit more feel at the helm
from the saloon as it is open so which is well proportioned with than most cruising cats. I liked the
that those in the seating area of outboard seating position for the
the saloon can look down on the helm which gave good views of
chef at work. By the same token, the tell tales. Inboard there was a
the chef can also hand food to good view of the sails and it was
the crew from here. The galley comfortable. Sail handling was
itself being longitudinal and easy too and it was clear that, with
relatively narrow is an excellent all lines led back to the cockpit,
place to work being easy to brace there was no reason to head to
yourself against either side. There the bow in normal circumstances.
is a twin sink plus a cooker on Heading up into the wind I was
the starboard side and to port, able to pinch up to 38 degrees
a large upright fridge plus a apparent wind angle, although
freezer set into the worktop. the boat felt more at ease around
The worktop itself is moulded 40 degrees. Upwind we were
glassfibre which sounds horrid doing about 5.5kts and the boat
but actually looks pretty good. felt well balanced and relatively
Forward of this is a very pleasant playful for a big catamaran.
double cabin with the bed raised Under power, the twin 29hp
up but fore and aft. Forward of Yanmars were not too noisy.

Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting DECEMBER 2025 79

Boat test – Seawind 1170

ALTERNATIVE
BOATS

NAUTITECH 40 OPEN
Another catamaran that tries to combine
decent performance with cruising comfort
while avoiding the expense of daggerboards.
The N40 Open is due to be replaced next
spring by the N41S which might also be of
interest as an alternative.
SAM’S VERDICT [Link]

The Seawind is a capable performer of its European rivals and this has
and a good compromise between given it a totally different feel and
performance and comfort. The helm a range of features not seen on
has good feel and performance is competitors.
sprightly but you always feel that this It is this ability to be different
cat is easy to tame. Meanwhile, the that is perhaps its greatest asset
interior is well thought out and there and the thing that will seduce a
are myriad thoughtful touches that certain type of buyer that knows
set the boat apart. The galley being in precisely what he or she wants.
the starboard hull will divide opinion
but I felt it worked well. Perhaps what PRICE: ★
makes the boat so fascinating is the LOOKS: ★ EXCESS 11
fact that it has evolved independently PERFORMANCE: ★ Excess Catamarans started as an offshoot of
multihull manufacturing giant Lagoon and
the aim was to provide a sportier alternative
THE SPEC to the somewhat more staid Lagoons, with an
emphasis on good handling while eschewing
Overall Length: 39’3” (11.9m) daggerboards.
Beam: 21’4” (6.5m) [Link]
Draft: 3’9” (1.2m)
Displacement: 20,200lbs (9,200kg)
Sail area: 783 sq ft (57sq m)
Engine: 2 x 29 hp Yanmar
Fresh Water: 500 litres
Fuel: 2 x 260 litres
Price: US $510,000
Builder: Seawind Catamarans ([Link])

LAGOON 38
French boatbuilder Lagoon remain the
kings of the cruising catamaran and the
380 is the smallest boat in their range and
all new in 2025. This is not as sporty as
the Seawind but offers excellent levels of
comfort married to decent performance.
[Link]

80 DECEMBER 2025 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

 We allow you to be the judge of the question,
”Is this the most realistic synthetic teak yet?”
We believe you will agree with us!

The EVO Decking mission was to create the most authentic looking decking solution available and
indistinguishable from teak.

EVO Decking have chosen the best pvc formula that provides longevity year after year. We boast the most
comprehensive and realistic colour range on the market. Craftsmanship matters. That's why EVO Decking
is designed and manufactured in the UK, meeting stringent quality standards. EVO Decking is one of the
world’s market leaders in the synthetic decking industry having many unique features which position it
ahead of the competition. Our product is low maintenance and high quality. As you would expect it has
excellent non-slip qualities, even when wet, and is UV stabilised. We are proud to have the UK’s most
experienced network of installers.

EVO Decking is an obvious choice for those seeking a high quality synthetic teak decking product. You can
be confident that EVO Decking is the right choice for you.

02381 811 118 [Link]

Alternative teak decking

DECKED OUT
Replacing a deck with a new teak alternative is a huge undertaking but
as Sam Fortescue finds out, there’s a lot of help at hand and plenty
of options to choose from
o need to toe “The steps are to remove ABOVE Many allow you to select from
A fine example
the line with all hardware and seal holes to of Esthec teak a range of ‘plank’ shading and
teak these days. ensure no water ingress, then alternative decking caulking colours, to further
When it comes take out any existing screws customise the project.
RIGHT
to replacing the holding the teak deck down Flexiteek’s
The timeline for the work varies
deck of your and carefully remove existing Tritone Teak according to the complexity and
boat, there are a multitude of teak,” says experienced fitter the season, with the majority
alternatives to real wood. You Tye Conway of Elite Teak. of orders coming through in a
can choose between cork, PVC, “Then we sand, fill and prepare rush in the spring. If you can,
foam and a host of others. the surface. Synthetic teak plan further ahead and book in
Costs vary depending on the will follow any undulations a suitable time. In some cases,
material, design complexity in the deck, so this part is contractors can get to work
and how much of the work crucial to the final finish.” almost immediately, but there
you’re willing to do yourself. Flexible design is a feature will often be a lag between
But they all have one thing in of teak alternatives. They can templating, fabrication and
common: you’ll have to get all be CNC milled or routed installation. There is no need to
the old stuff off first, and that out to create custom plank get it all done contiguously.
can demand a lot of grunt. widths, logos and shapes to It will also depend on how
Whether we’re talking about add character to the boat. involved you want to be.
cork, PVC or Esthec, surface Even text is possible here, as Some brands, like Isiteek and
preparation is key, and this the photo of the cork decking Marinedeck 2000 (cork) allow
can add significantly to the on the yacht Retriever shows, you to buy in the raw materials
time and cost of installation. emblazoned with its letter ‘R’. in strips and make up the deck

82 DECEMBER 2025 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

yourself. This is naturally much with blues and oranges.
harder work and more challenging Caulking options are white,
to get a really good finish. trendy grey and classic black.
More common is a halfway Being made of PVC, spills
house, where you supply a and even scratches are easy
template for the manufacturer to clean up or sand away, and
to fabricate into a readymade small repairs are also fairly
deck, then install it yourself. The simple to perform. It has great
most expensive is clearly to have non-slip properties, but PVC
professional help the whole way, usually retains more heat than
resulting in a beautiful, long-lived real wood, so it will get hot
deck. Both these options see the under a Mediterranean sun. For
all-important joints between marine use, it should be UV
strips made in the workshop, stabilised for lasting colour.
where they can be professionally
welded or glued together. Evo Decking from Elite Teak is
Tek Dek says that templating one of the latest formulations
is relatively simple and offers a on the market, aiming to offer
detailed video guide to doing a texture and colour that make
it ([Link]), plus the it indistinguishable from the
tracing paper that’s necessary. natural grain of real teak. It
Like Permateek and others, the comes in six different shades, Case study: Brian Comley
company will sell you readymade plus charcoal and titanium.
sheets of decking, which you cut [Link] fits synthetic teak
to size and stick down yourself. Hallberg-Rassy 42
While relatively cheap (quoted Flexiteek is now on its third- Evo Decking synthetic teak – c£20,000 + VAT.
prices start at £220/sqm), this generation product, chipping Fitted by Elite Teak
clearly doesn’t allow for margin away at some of the common “Me and my business partner are not experienced
boards or other custom features. drawbacks of synthetic teak. The sailors – we decided a couple of years ago to go off and
second generation introduced do all the courses. He’s always had a passion to get into
Synthetic teak (PVC) lightweight fillers that reduced sailing and I share the enjoyment too. I’m a very willing
By far the most common decking the density of the PVC to and happy participant.
choice for sailing boats these days and cut both weight and heat “We did a lot of research and bought the boat in July
is synthetic teak made of PVC. retention by around 30 per cent. 2024. She was an older Hallberg-Rassy and has been very
There are lots of brands available, Now the firm has gone one well looked after over the years, but we knew we couldn’t
including big ones step further put the deck off forever. Some parts would probably have
lasted a few more years. But plugs had come out and there
familiar from boat by using a
was a little bit of water coming through the deck.
shows, like Tek bio-sourced
“I did a bit of research online, then asked Transworld
Dek, Flexiteek feedstock
Yachts for a recommendation. We would have loved to
and Permateek. to make the
have teak and keep the decking original, but it sounds like
But there is product – you’d be better off importing heroin than teak these days!
also a thriving namely oil So, it was not really an option. We met with Tye Conway of
marketplace obtained from Elite Teak and he showed us the product.
for smaller conifers as a “He offered like for like – the same planking design as
businesses with by-product originally. For colour, we wanted something that looked
their own take of the wood weathered, not a plastic fantastic – as original as
on the product. pulping possible, really. He gave us a quote and work began
Synthetic teak industry. within a couple of weeks.
is flexible to lay and lasts well Flexiteek says that bio- “It was a bit challenging for him and for us, because he
– some decks are over 20 years attributed PVC produces up was trying to do the work outdoors during the winter. Most
old, although you’ll struggle to to 80 per cent less greenhouse of the way through last November and December it was
find a guarantee over 5 years. gases compared to fossil-fuel hideous weather. When you see the boat in the pouring
Being entirely synthetic means based PVC decking options. rain, deck off, you wonder what you’ve bought into.
the colouring of the material is [Link] “There were not really any surprises, but I was taken
consistent and you can choose aback by how hard it was to remove the old deck – not
between various ‘wood’ and Tek Dek is made of virgin PVC only the number of fixings but the old resin. That took a lot
‘caulking’ colours. Popular options manufactured in the UK, and it of time and a lot of hard work. Now it looks really good –
include natural shades of teak makes a virtue out of its lack of we’re really pleased and absolutely chose the right colour.
from ‘weathered’ to ‘scrubbed’, fillers. For competent DIYers, The deck is maintenance free and it’s very non-slip. When
you know what the product is, you expect it to be a bit
as well as various blacks and it can be supplied in easy-to-
slippery, but it’s not.
greys but some brands go wild handle welded sheets, to be cut

Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting DECEMBER 2025 83

Alternative teak decking

ABOVE LEFT
to size on board. Alternatively product with incredible technical Tye Conway at Elite Teak (which
Cork decking from
you can take your own templates characteristics. It is also very low Marinedeck 2000 also supplies cork decking), it’s
from the deck and send them off carbon compared to PVC and real more effective in hot climates.
ABOVE RIGHT
to be made up into full decking wood because it is sourced from “Synthetic is more durable than
Permateek comes
panels, complete with margins, the bark of oak trees in a way in a huge range of cork and it’s also less porous,”
kingplanks etc. The final option is that doesn’t harm them (some woody shades he says. “Cork is better suited to
to get a professional in to do the even say it is carbon negative). the Med and the Caribbean as
templating and fitting for you. When used for decking, it doesn’t retain as much heat.”
[Link] the crumbled cork is mixed That might not be the whole
with a resin or binder and story, however, as different
Permateek is among the best- formed into sheets that are manufacturers process raw cork
known decking brands out 6mm thick or more. It doesn’t in different ways. Marinedeck
there. Manufactured in the rot, resists staining and is easy 2000 is waterproof and long-lived
UK, it comes in 30 different to repair, just like PVC. But because it is subjected to 400
(mostly) woody shades with three in addition, it is lightweight tonnes of pressure before being
caulking options. Three different and a tremendous insulator, sliced into sheets. “While other
service levels run from a fully meaning it doesn’t retain heat marine cork decking options rely
pro job to cutting and fitting like its denser alternatives. on extruded cork sheets – a faster,
readymade panels yourself. Why, then, do we not see more cheaper process – this method
[Link] cork decks on British boats? Well, can lead to inconsistencies and
one reason might be that it simply reduced durability over time,”
Cork decking doesn’t resemble teak. With its says Chris Groves, production
Another well proven alternative to flecked appearance, a strip of cork manager of Eco Marine Deck in
teak decking is cork. Forget those is unmistakeable. Nor are there Plymouth. “Marinedeck 2000 is
bathroom floor tiles popular in different shades available to give different. It is produced using
the 1970s, or the placemats at the impression of weathered or precision moulds subjected to
your granny’s – this is a high-end vintage wood. And according to high-pressure compression. These

Case study: Philip Derby fits cork decking

Westerly Corsair (36ft) “I looked at all sorts of alternatives and
Marinedeck 2000 cork - £10,375 + VAT truthfully, there wasn’t much difference in
Fitted by Eco Marine Deck, Plymouth the bottom line for overall price.
“The boat had delamination on the deck and Aesthetically, I think it’s as good as teak. If
as a result, we either had to replicate the old you’re literally looking at it from two feet
glassfibre deck that Westerly had originally away, you can see it’s cork, but from the
put on there, or put another deck covering pontoon you can’t tell. Personally, I think it
over the top. We decided it made sense to has better grip than teak.
put something over the top – purely from “Overall, the larger refit project took three
the visual point of view. months, with the boat out of the water in a
“Cork decking is much better than teak, shed. Fitting the deck was relatively quick –
because when you walk on it, it doesn’t burn only a matter of two to three days. But an
your feet. It stays cleaner and is much easier awful lot of the fitments were already off the
to clean. It’s a relatively soft material, so you boat at that point. In that sense, the decking
have to be careful you don’t drop things that part of it maybe wasn’t typical. But I was
might damage it, but the product is thicker very pleased with the way Chris Groves
than a lot of the replica teak decks. dealt with everything.”

84 DECEMBER 2025 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

moulds combine extra small cork It is a little heavier than PVC ABOVE LEFT colourfast. It comes in 4mm-thick
& RIGHT
granules with a specially developed decking, at 7.8kg/sqm, and a strips which are then shaped
Esthec uses
synthetic binder. This hybrid little more expensive too. But natural fibres and and laid just like a traditional
solution of natural cork and the it is just as stain resistant, easy is designed and wooden deck. It feels slightly
manufactured in
binder delivers optimal strength to repair and ultimately cooler the Netherlands hotter underfoot than real teak
and longevity whilst providing an underfoot. Being synthetic, it but costs around 30 per cent less.
BELOW
eco-friendly decking solution to comes in a variety of colours with [Link]
Seadeck is an EVA
the marine industry and beyond.” aspirational names like ‘blanc de foam which is
blancs’ and ‘truffle’. It’s basically commonly used
on race boats
EVA foam
Cork decking brands: a natural palette to resemble real Rarely used for cruising boats,
Marinedeck 2000 wood, with the option of some EVA foam is more popular on
[Link] funky caulking colours, including race boats, dinghies and tenders.
[Link] red, orange and aquamarine. Its soft, spongy finish was ideal
[Link] Esthec has been fitted to for the TP52 Gladiator, where it
[Link] numerous sailing boats, including cushions against the boshes of
Oceancork, multicork- Contests and Saffiers. There high-end racing. EVA foam sheets
[Link] is currently a hiatus while can be machined into a wide range
the company seeks a new UK of different finishes, patterns and
Esthec distributor, during which period designs in multiple colours. Pricing
Esthec belongs in a category of orders can be placed directly is extremely keen by comparison
its own, as it combines elements with the Dutch head office. to teak substitutes – brands like
of PVC decking with a radically [Link] Wässerdek and Seadek manufacture
lower carbon footprint. Designed in the UK and cost between £150
and manufactured by Bolidt Eco Teak and £250 per square metre. Griptec
in the Netherlands, it contains Sweden’s Euro Design has is another brand, distributed by
natural fibres, bio-sourced resin developed a composite decking Moody Decking of Fareham.
and up to 25 per cent recycled product made from a blend of [Link]
material in thermoset sheets. teak dust from the furniture [Link]
These are then cut, routed out industry and HDPE from recycled
and filled with caulk and welded drinks bottles. Available in three
together to build up the desired natural tints – yellow, brown
deck shape. At end of life, Esthec and grey – the resulting ‘planks’
can be fully recycled or simply contain additives to ensure the
recoated for a second wind. mixture remains UV stable and

Alternative decking costs (approx)

Materials Fabricated Installed
Esthec £480/sqm £785/sqm
Cork £222/sqm £565/sqm £714/sqm
PVC c£300/sqm £420/sqm £540/sqm
Real teak £800/sqm
Scaramouche Sailing Trust

SCARAMOUCHE,
SCARAMOUCHE…
Can you win lots of races? Milly Karsten reports on a remarkable
year for the students of Greig City Academy, who have taken the
racing circuit by storm
he students of the support of the Scaramouche ABOVE George Sailing Club, progressed
Max at the ILCA
state school Greig Sailing Trust, a number of Open and National to Gold Fleet in the ILCA Open
City Academy in students from Greig City Championships National Championships, and
Haringey have been Academy have taken to sailing helmed a Flying 15 for the
taking the racing with spirit and determination first time during Cowes Week
circuits by storm and have achieved remarkable Regatta, Corneille has taken
this year, with some thrilling success on and off the water. the sailing world by storm.
leaderboard positions across I caught up with some of On asking Corneille about the
the dinghy and keelboat classes. the students to hear about moment his mind became set on
Located in one of London’s their journey into sailing and sailing, having done a little sailing
most deprived boroughs, where where their drive and ambition with the school on a reservoir, he
a significant portion of the is bound to take them. explained that his introduction
population is on low income to the bigger leagues was due to
in temporary housing, this Corneille: driving the older boys needing a lighter
inner city school continues, to the top of the person for the Etchells Worlds –
against the odds, to produce Etchells leaderboard “I did my first Worlds in year 9,
fast rising stars in the sailing Having helmed and won which was quite an experience…
world. Despite facing a range the open Etchells Southern there were so many boats, and so
of economic, geographical Championships, won the ILCA much going on, I knew that was
and social barriers, with the Sunday Spring series at King exactly what I wanted to go for.”

86 DECEMBER 2025 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

 Max: making the most
ALL PHOTOS: JAMES HARLE

“I love how different it is, how out there it was really fun. It was ABOVE
it’s something new. I was raised kind of windy, so also scary, but Corneille sailing his
ILCA at Pwellheli
of new motivation
in North London so I had no that’s the element that I like.” While younger than Corneille
idea what that sport was. Sailing Many of the students have BELOW and Felipe, and with only two
Felipe at the ILCA
has changed everything for me. found sailing to be a voyage Open and National
years of sailing experience, Max’s
“There’s a high level of for personal development and Championship commitment to sailing, spending
competitiveness which I love and mental wellbeing. While Filipe every weekend out on the water,
how small things can make such explained the commitment has paid off. Competing at the
a big difference – just a small pull and sacrifice it’s taken to get same level as the older students,
of a rope will make a fat difference to where he is, he also pointed Max’s love for the sport, and
to the sail shape. It’s about out how sailing has had a dedication to improvement, is
working to perfect every element hugely positive impact on his his driving force to progress
that you can control. I think I life off the water – “When I through the ILCA fleet and
just love how it’s so different. started in Secondary, I wasn’t reach his goal of getting into
“Sailing gave me a the best behaved, I was a bit the British Youth Squad.
new adventure.” naughty. But through sailing I “I think it opens up a lot of
have matured really quickly… opportunities for me. It gives
If I wasn’t doing sailing I don’t me a sense of freedom and
at the bow know what I would be doing.” helps me relax a lot when I do
At the other end of the
boat, we find Felipe on the
spinnaker. Together with two
other senior boys, the team
has won the Etchells Bedrock
series and come second in the
European Championships, and
become champions of Etchells
International Series. Felipe’s sailing
journey has been fast paced,
requiring him to be prepared
and agile, communicate clearly,
and stay calm under pressure.
“I started pretty late, I started
in year 10”, Felipe told me. “It was
a pretty long ride in the minibus,
there were a lot of us too. It was
four hours, and during those four
hours I was nervous, but once I got
Scaramouche Sailing Trust

it. It also gives me a sense of and advice. You don’t get this in ABOVE us in different ways. We are now
achievement, like I’m actually football or basketball. We can Max at the head 17, so we are learning how to
of the ILCA fleet
doing something. When you work race against the top guys and then drive so we can help with logistics
really hard and it shows results, they chat about the race and what BELOW in the future. Mr Holt has opened
you get a lot of gratification.” you can do better afterwards. On the crest of a up so many opportunities. Not
wave; Palaver, Greig
Like Filipe, Max also explained We are learning all the time.” City Academy’s only in sailing but in life.”
how sailing has improved his life Similarly, Max told me: “The Etchells 19

– “I think it’s changed me a lot. It school and the Trust give us If you would like to support
gives me a sense of purpose and 100% of what we need. We the Greig City Academy
direction as to where I’m going know sailing is expensive, the sailing programme, please
in my life. It’s also changed how I logistics are challenging and donate to Scaramouche Sailing
perform in school – I work harder they work hard to ensure we Trust (Charity Registration
in school because I can’t have one give everything we need to sail Number: 1183400) and join
without the other. Before sailing, safely and race competitively. All those supporting & funding
my attendance was at 48%, and I need to give back in return is sailing that creates life changing
this year I’ve only had one day off, to show up and try my absolute opportunities for young people,
so it’s improved substantially.” hardest 100% of the time.” helping them reach their full
He went on to say: “It gives And it’s not just in sailing, as potential. To find out more visit:
me motivation, now I work Felipe pointed out: “They support [Link]
hard in school, not only for
sailing, but because I want
something for myself.”

Support &
opportunity
When chatting to these students
it was clear that a critical part
of what the Scaramouche
Sailing Trust and Greig City
Academy have created is
a network of support for
entering the sailing world.
Felipe made this point,
telling me, “The support you
get from everyone in the sailing
community is unbelievable. It’s
like no other sport. The people
at the highest level come down
to see us, share their experience
and knowledge, give us tips

88 DECEMBER 2025 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

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Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting DECEMBER 2025 89

Charter – adventure sailing

90 DECEMBER 2025 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

The growing demand for adventure sailing holidays has never been more
popular. If you think you are up for a challenge, now could be a good
time to venture out of your comfort zone and sign up for the ultimate
sailing experience writes Sue Pelling
limate change is features a revolutionary electric FACING PAGE holidays aboard a classic
altering the way drive system, and generates 100% Close to the ‘workhorse’. Steve Jones (skipper)
action with
we live and think of her power from natural sources. Responsible Travel commented: “Our boat is a
and that includes Among its huge range of exciting 100-year-old sailing trawler. Its
the way we spend forthcoming voyages throughout BELOW original purpose made it strong,
Enjoy a true
our leisure time. the world, Wavysail will be hosting classic sailing stable and dependable, qualities
A few years back, most of us guests aboard Expedition Zero expereince with that are equally valuable in her
Provident Sailing
thought nothing of jumping for its Oban to Stornoway10-day role today providing a movable
on a jumbo jet and heading to adventure in June next year. base from where we can explore
sun-soaked destinations for that Because Scotland’s wild coastline the remote and lovely islands
dream charter holiday. Now, the is an obvious choice to experience and lochs of the west highlands.
‘tide has changed’ with factors an adventure sailing holiday “The rig is completely
like sustainable travel playing ‘closer to home’, there are plenty traditional and guests are
an important role in how people of options. Provident Sailing, for welcome to get involved with
choose and plan their holidays. example, which is based in Oban, learning the ropes, taking the
‘Keeping it local’ for example says it offers slow paced adventure helm and getting to explore.
with places like Hunter’s Yard
PHOTO: GORDON BRUCE /PROVIDENT SAILING

on the Norfolk Broads offering

wild, adventure sailing aboard
locally-built classic yachts
becoming a popular choice.
With the rise of sustainable,
adventure-focused experiences
on the increase, companies like
Wavysail Ocean Adventures – set
up by Dave (Wavy) Immelman
and Andrew Cowen in 2018 – are
among those passionate about
protecting our planet for the
future. This company reports
that through its sister company
Expedition Zero, it is in the
process of completing ‘the world’s
lowest environmental impact
adventure sailing yacht’. Originally
built as a Challenge 72, Expedition
Zero has now completed a full
refit, which the company says
Charter – adventure sailing

Below deck are four comfortable that has been delivering

cabins and a spacious saloon skipper-led Adventure Sailing
and the galley where fantastic trips for 30 years. The 47-day
meals are cooked and shared.” British Isles itinerary is hugely
Stravaigin Sailing’s adventure popular because it provides
sailing holidays aboard a 44ft the opportunity to jump on-
8-berth sailing yacht based in board Tonic ( Bavaria 46) on its
Oban, offers a huge choice of circumnavigation of the British
routes that include the Hebrides, Isles for as little (from seven days)
St Kilda, The Shiants, Isle of or as long as you wish. The Irish
Skye and Small Isles, Mull, Jig leg, which takes you from
Islay and Jura and, according Penzance to Dublin, combines ABOVE LEFT also offer exciting voyages in areas
Stravaigin Sailing
to skipper/qualified mountain the delights of the Cornish, Welsh guests enjoy a
like this, if you are looking to
guide John Ormiston, plenty and Irish scenery in an epic swim in the wild venture further afield, it’s worth
of other ‘hidden gems’. seven-day trip that visits the Isles checking out their websites for
ABOVE RIGHT
Commenting on the wonders of Scilly, St Agnes, Milford Haven, The Island Trust
the huge range of global voyages
of the west coast, Ormiston Skomer Island and Dublin Bay. offers sailing available. Rubicon 3 is another
said: “Our specialised holidays Other legs include the Northern adventures for company that offers global
young people
offer voyages that combine the Lights, Oban to Inverness, where aged 13-19 adventures aboard its specialist
joys of sea and land on a trip you sail out through the Sound of 60ft expedition yacht designed to
PHOTO: OFFSHORE YACHT CHARTER

BELOW LEFT
that leaves you eager to return Mull, visit the Orkney Isles, Skye explore some of the world’s most
Cracking along
for more. That is what sailing and spend a night at anchor in enjoying the remote and dramatic locations.
with Stravaigin is all about.” the wilderness of the west coast of stunning scenery Bruce Jacobs – Rubicon 3
with Responsible
If you have a bit more time Scotland with seals for company. Travel sailing Founder – says all the voyages are
on your hands, why not take a While companies such as holidays designed to explore some of the
look at Elite Sailing – a company Classic Sailing, and Venture Sail world’s most remote and dramatic
locations. “Summer expeditions
run in Arctic Norway, Iceland
and Svalbard, where we navigate
ice-strewn fjords and share the
water with whales, walrus and
polar bears. In winter, we explore
the lesser-visited islands of the
Caribbean, such as Guadeloupe
and Dominica. New for the next
12 months are expeditions from
New York to Newfoundland
and up the wild west coast of
Greenland. The focus is on
delivering serious adventure
within a highly supportive,
educational environment, where
everyone, whatever their skill
level, is welcome and learns.

92 DECEMBER 2025 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

 and rowing ashore. Hamilton

PHOTO: ELITE SAILING

continued: “It’s not just about
gaining invaluable sailing skills
but it is also about experiencing
teamwork, independence, and
an appreciation for the sea in
an exhilarating environment.”
There is always an emphasis on sail with a competent local crew ABOVE RIGHT Commenting on the level of
PHOTO: ISLAND TRUST

sailing somewhere and then and have plenty of time to chill Getting involved experience required, Hamilton
with hoisting the
having time to explore ashore.” on deck. Some trips are even sails on an Elite concluded: “There is no previous
Responsible Travel tells us more laid back. In Croatia, a new Sailing holiday sailing experience necessary,
that its sailing holidays are run itinerary combines sailing the as the professional sailing staff
by experts that they screen to islands off Split with meditation will show you exactly what to
ensure they are trying to support and yoga sessions taught by an do. From learning to handle
local communities and protect experienced onboard instructor.” a boat to discovering hidden
nature. Sarah Faith commented: Finally, mention must be made coves, the experience is an
“Expect boats to be crewed by of The Island Trust, which offers unforgettable mix of adventure,
local staff who know the waters sailing adventures along some of independence, and fun!”
you’re sailing – and hidden the southwest’s most stunning
beaches along the way – like coastline for young people aged
the backs of their hands, and 13-19. Andy Hamilton, The
to enjoy locally-sourced food Island Trust’s Business Support Useful contacts
on board. Your holiday might Manager, says its adventure [Link]
also contribute to ongoing sailing voyages are all about real [Link]
conservation or research projects. hands-on experience. “We set sail [Link]
On our sailing holiday off Italy’s from Plymouth on either Johanna [Link]
Ligurian Coast, conservation is Lucretia or Moosk, our charming [Link]
the main aim of the trip; you’ll wooden boats, exploring [Link]
be recording data on the whales breathtaking destinations like [Link]
and dolphins you spot each day. Salcombe, Dartmouth, Fowey, [Link]
“How much hands-on sailing and Falmouth. It’s the perfect [Link]
[Link]
you do, can be up to you. Some of opportunity to build sailing
[Link]
our newest trips, like a six-week skills, forge new friendships,
[Link]
adventure from Cape Town to and to push your limits.”
[Link]
St Helena and back, build miles At The Island Trust, the whole
[Link]
and experience, and you’ll be crew is responsible for all aspects [Link]
expected to pull your weight. On of life on board, from helming [Link]
others, like our new eight-day and navigation to cooking, [Link]
adventure between Lanzarote, keeping the boat clean and tidy, [Link]
Tenerife and Gran Canaria, you’ll hoisting and lowering the sails,

Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting DECEMBER 2025 93

 paid
Tax
0 0
0 , 0
44
1,
Three of the best €

BROKERAGE | BOATS FOR SALE

£3
85
,00
0T
ax
pa
id

RUSTLER 44 | SEA HAYES

Designed by Stephen Jones to produce a swift, comfortable
passage, and built by Rustler Yachts for stunning, durable living, this
Rustler 44 is an ultimate bluewater cruising yacht. She has recently GUNBOAT 48 | DANCING BEAR
returned to the UK following a season in the Caribbean, and is a
fine example offered in ready to sail condition with many features Dancing Bear is an extremely rare to the market Morrelli &
including a generator, inverter, heating, bow thruster, electric Melvin-designed carbonfibre Gunboat 48 with upgraded rig and
halyard winch, and electric primary winches. Sea Hayes also has interior. She has had just one private owner since new and is now
a comprehensive electronics package, davits, white sails (2020), offered for sale with a great performance-cruising inventory. She
cruising chute, recent batteries, recent standing rigging, dinghy has been finished to a high standard including a new interior by
and outboard, and much more. She is in very good condition and is Riskas Snickeri (Nautor Swan & Baltic Yachts) which the broker
currently located outside the Rustler factory in Falmouth. reports costing circa €600,000 in 2013. She also has many
inventory highlights including 3-cabin, 3-heads interior layout
Year: 2011 with a sumptuous owner’s cabin aft, and VIP cabins forward. Her
LOA: 13.50m (44'5") windows and all glass were renewed in 2019 and, in 2010 she had
a new rig and taller wing-mast fitted by Marström, as well as
Beam: 4.28m (13'9")
new ECSix standing rigging in 2022. Her sail wardrobe comprises,
Draft: 2.10m (6'11") Harken low-friction battencars for fully-battened mainsail, North
Displacement: 13,700kg 3Di mainsail and jibs (2011), One Sails mainsail and J2 (2023), new
Hull Construction: Glassfibre unused code zero from North Sails, plus a furling code zero and
spinnakers. Navigation wise, Dancing Bear is fully equipped
Keel: Bulb
for serious cruising including a B&G navigation system with
Engine: Nanni N4.85 plotter, HD radar, AIS and night-vision top-mast camera, as
Designer: Stephen Jones well as twin autopilot systems.
Accommodation: 6 berths in 3 cabins
Year: 2006
Location: Falmouth, Cornwall
LOA: 14.7m (48')
Contact: [Link]
Beam: 7.39m (24')
Draft: 0.6m (1')
Displacement: 8,025kg
Hull Construction: Carbonfibre & kevlar epoxy sandwich
Keel: Daggerboard
Engine: 2x Lombardini LDW1404M 40hp
Designer: Morrelli & Melvin
Accommodation: 7 berths in 3 cabins
Location: Vasa, Finland
Contact: [Link]

94 DECEMBER 2025 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

 £5
Tax45,0
pa 00
id

MOODY DS 41 | VENTURA
Ventura is the first of the sought-after Moody DS 41s
to come up for sale in the UK and is a very good, highly
specified example with only 155 hours on the clock. She
was launched and commissioned for the 2022 season
and the brokers report that she is 'nicely presented for
sale'. This particular Moody – also known as the Moody
41 DS and Moody Deck saloon 41 – is the shallow draft
keel version, and has plenty of features including twin
forestay upgrade, electric winches, full Raymarine
navigation suite, heating system, electric loo and more.
She has a Selden rig with an electric in-mast furling
system, furlex inner forestay (manual), furlex outer
forestay (electric), manual backstay adjuster, and a
rodkicker/vang. Her sail wardrobe comprises Elvstrom
bluewater dacron in-mast furling mainsail, self-tacking
jib, and 140% genoa.

Year: 2021
LOA: 12.52m (41.08')
Beam: 4.20m (13.78')
Draft (max): 1.85m (6.07')
Displacement: 11,200kg
Hull Construction: Glassfibre
Keel: Shoal L-shaped
Engine: Yanmar 57HP
Designer: Bill Dixon
Accommodation: 5 berths in 3 cabins
Location: Plymouth, Devon
Contact: [Link]

Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting DECEMBER 2025 95

 Classified To advertise call +44 (0) 7731 344 261 or email [Link]@[Link]

DINGHY COVERS BOATS FOR SALE

[Link] rain
.[Link]
Dinghy covers Tel:
0
k
23 8
034
8854

Call Philip Bull on 023 8034 8854 COLVIC WATSON

MOTOR YACHT. Recently
29

reconditioned. 5 berths.
BOATS FOR SALE BMC 48 hp Marine Diesel
Engine. New carpets,
BOAT FOR SALE cushions, headlinings.
New comms radio/GPS.
New Genoa. New Newmax
BAVARIA 34 batteries New Clipper
Duet speed/depth log.
(2 cabin version)
Constructed 1979 with only
2 owners from new. Twin
keels. £17500 Tel 01494
673802 / 07925 287279
BRUCE ROBERTS CLASSIC (POOLE)
45. Fully specced for
crusing in well maintained
condition. Your chance
to buy in a great location
before 2026 when it will
be sailed back to UK.
£59000 Tel 07968 873099 /
(VALENCIA, SPAIN)

FREE MAST FOR MERLIN

2001/2 Model British Registered, 10.8m (35.43ft), ROCKET - HAS A BEND!
3.48m (11.42ft) £45,000 ono Superspars M1 aluminium LASER 28 - EXCELLENT
Lightly used fast cruising yacht approx 500 engine hours, mast going free to anyone EXAMPLE OF THIS
Volvo Penta D130 30HP, 2 owners, equipped for offshore who can collect. There is a GREAT DESIGN. It is in
sailing. 2 cabins/6 berths, spacious/dinning 6, separate chart bend above the hounds, great condition for its
table, new upholstery. Well maintained/regularly serviced which I felt was possible to age with sails from top
excellent condition, hot/cold water/fridge, mains shore straighten, but now I realise manufacturers. Fin keeled
I’ll never have the time. Rod racing boat that can
supply 230v, inverter 600w Pure Sine, 3 blade folding prop,
rigging in good condition. equally be used for cruising
rope cutter, windless, auto-helm, radar reflector, LFS safety No running rigging (just good internal height inside.
package, anti fouled/serviced, 150lt water tank, 90lt fuel, draft string). Tel 07854 803365 / New engine 2021. Photos
1.85m, new Storm Jib, cruising chute, battery charger, plough (GUILDFORD) and spec available on
anchor/50m chain re-galvanised, Raymarine Tridata, Simrad request. Price is negotiable
C/plotter, VHF radio/DIS, weatherman, AIS fitted, 4 man To advertise please call for near offer. £15000 Tel
life-raft, 2.3 tender, 6hp outboard, spray hood/Bimini, George on 07772 292767 / (HAMBLE LE
290 watts solar panels, cockpit table, extras. Berth in Turkey +44 (0) 7731 344 261 RICE)
asbruno11@[Link]

ROSSITER PINTAIL. This

extremely attractive 27-
LASER 2000 22289. Good
condition & ready to sail
Don’t
foot sailing yacht, built
in 1974, is in excellent
overall condition. It has a
with launch trolley & combi
road trailer. New top cover,
spin sock & toestraps.
miss
fibreglass hull with wooden
topsides, four berths, twin
keels, Nanni diesel engine,
£2750 Tel 07709 365089 /
(WEYMOUTH)
our
all usual instruments.
Paintwork and varnish are
in excellent condition.
SOLO GBR 4313. Solo racing
dinghy with launching trolley sister
title
An ideal boat for inshore and road trailer. Two sets
and blue water cruising. of sails and Seldon D mast
£12500 Tel 07760 169322 / setup. Lovely to sail, only
selling as I do not have time
[Link]
(MORTAGNE SUR GIRONDE,
NEAR BORDEAUX) to sail. £1500 Tel 07488 777 575
/ (NORWICH)

[Link] | [Link]
96 DECEMBER 2025 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting
To advertise call +44 (0) 7731 344 261 or email [Link]@[Link] Classified
BOATS FOR SALE OTHER EQUIPMENT LEATHER STEERING WHEELS

LEATHER WHEEL
COVERING KITS
• For all wheel sizes and
sprayhood grab rails
• Leather Spinnaker pole covers
PRE-SET YACHT LEGS -
• Handy Pull Tags to open
KELT 707 - LIFT (SWING) YACHT LEG & CRADLE
Shackles
KEEL SLOOP. Lovely boat. COMPANY. Model PL40.
Working length up to 2.6m, • Suppliers of Marine Leathers
24 FT CRUISER QUARTER 5 berths in two cabins.
Maximum vessel weight 9 to Sailmakers & Riggers
TONNER. Fully Restored Inboard diesel engine with
folding prop. Main, genoa, tonnes. Only used for one
(thousands spent) and Clyde Marine Leather
self-tacking jib, spinnaker. season on hard standing
going fast. 4 berth, fin- (never been in the water). [Link]
keel, open-plan cruiser Yard trailer. Much more. A
‘ready to sail’ family boat. In very good condition. T. 0141 881 4981
racer. Good family boat, The only thing required
self draining cockpit. £7500 Tel 01263 741172 /
(MORSTON) are the hull fittings and
Re-masted, re-rigged, these are available from
re-keeled, new rudder. SAILS
MARAUDER (MIRROR 14). the manufacturer. £700 Tel
Laminate sails VGC. 3.5hp 07973 748578 / (NEWARK
14 foot racing dinghy with
outboard. Full survey Must ON TRENT)
spinnaker & trapeze. With
be seen. £4500 Tel 07765
launching trolley and boom-
900259 / (CARDIFF)
up cover. £50 Tel 07913 604 To advertise in the
574 / (STAINES) classified section of T: (01929) 554308
LASER RADIAL 208163. 2 sails, Sailing Today The Sail Loft,
Harken XD rigging, GRP foils with Yachts & Yachting 16 Sandford
and carbon tiller/ extension. Lane Ind Est,
magazine please call Wareham, Dorset,
Trolley, top/ under cover & foil
bag. £2200 Tel 07738 984826 / George on BH20 4DY

(TYNEMOUTH) +44 (0) 7731 344 261 [Link]

OTHER EQUIPMENT INSURANCE YACHT DELIVERIES

34’ GAFF YAWL

‘HATALINQUA’. Cedar Strip
Plank hull sheathed in GRP.
Teak decks over plywood
base. Built 1993 by Clyde
Classics. 34’x 10’x 5’8”. Six
berths. 20hp Beta engine VOLVO D2 55 ENGINE WITH
with only 60 hours on it. SAILBOAT DRIVE. Replaced Telephone: 01525 717185
8’ Avon dinghy. Priced for for planned repower to Email: info@traff[Link]
quick sale. £10000 Tel 07826 larger unit. Serviced every
798186 / (ISLE OF SKYE) year since new from 2011
X Yacht (XC42). Excellent
Calls maybe recorded. Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
condition. Delivery can be
RIGID BOAT WINDSCREEN arranged in the UK. £4650
- FOR DEHLER 41DS OR Tel 01323 440760 / 07715
SAILING HOLIDAY
OTHER. Brand new acrylic 922957 (EASTBOURNE)
boat windscreen. This is a
high quality item made from
SAILING HOLIDAY IN TURKEY
Enjoy a weeks sailing holiday in Turkey,
thick acrylic, originally for a 1 X SONIHULL DUO -
all inclusive half board (excluding flights)
Dehler 41DS boat, but suitable ULSTRASONIC BOAT
for other boats also. . £590 Tel ANTIFOULING SYSTEM. This includes sailing trips visiting beautiful parts of the
07714 259616 / (OBAN) The premier electronic Turkish coastline situated in a luxurious 5 marina on
antifouling system for all the West coast of Turkey.
BRITISH MOTH 868. Deep
cockpit Skinner 16 yrs old boats. Eliminates most Couples are welcome. Sailing Yacht can accommodate
owned by me from new. marine growth and up to 6 people two double cabins fully equipped kitchen,
Centre main, dog leg regular liftouts. 1 unit with lounge, toilet and shower. This sailing holiday experience
board,adjustable lowers, 2 transducers for sale, for comes with a skipper on board.
various sails including R & J boats up to [Link] system Flights via Eastjet/Pegasus nearest airports Bodrum/Izmir.
small sail, spare conventional is boxed and unused. 2 units
Availability April-September 2026
board, and rudder, boom up with 4 transducers for sale
for £3000. For boats up to Cost £500 per person per week
cover, launching trolly, but
No road trolly. £800 Tel 07956 21m. £1000 Tel 07776 185099 For further info and pictures contact Aldo
891490 / (TEWIN) / 02086740436 (LONDON) asbruno11@[Link]

[Link] | [Link]
Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting DECEMBER 2025 97
 Jess Lloyd-Mostyn
Life on the high seas has given Jess and her family the opportunity to really indulge
in lots of reading thanks to the many marina book swap hubs around the world!

wished we’d brought more of our as we would be transiting the

own books from home when we canal ourselves six months later.
moved onto our boat. I It was fascinating to learn that
remember putting out our new, one of the greatest hurdles to
shiny copies of World Cruising overcome in the entire
Routes and World Cruising construction was simply the
Destinations onto the saloon overwhelming prevalence of
shelves alongside the start of what malaria and how little was
we considered to be a sailing properly understood about its
canon: Slocum, Moitessier, cause and transmission.
Knox-Johnston and MacArthur. We were lucky in similarly
We had bought a book by Hal stumbling across The Happy
Roth called How to Sail Around Isles of Oceania by Paul
the World, which seemed like as Theroux while prepping for

ILLUSTRATION HOLLY ASTLE

good a place to start as any. This casting off on our own Pacific
sat on our bigger bookshelf with Crossing towards French
Nigel Calder’s invaluable manual, Polynesia. In it, he journeys
a book on heavy weather sailing through many South Pacific
and a bunch of Imray cruising countries that we were about to
pilots for Europe. encounter for ourselves, Tonga,
However, with all those safely “These volumes came aboard Fiji and Vanuatu, and his highly
stowed away, there were still great for bedtime reading and were descriptive anecdotes helped to
swathes of empty shelving, crying colour our imaginings as well
out to be filled with some swiftly devoured ” as better prepare us for some of
interesting literature. Or perhaps the realities that lay ahead.
some attractive exotic curios from our travels to come. Likewise, when a friend in New Zealand offered us their
Thankfully, very early on in our sailing journey, I copy of Giles Milton’s Nathaniel’s Nutmeg that they had
was introduced to marinas having book exchanges, finished reading, it was a well-timed suggestion. This is a
libraries or simply give-aways. The bounty of these book which focuses on the history of the spice trade,
could be added to yet further by many cafés on shore specifically in the Banda islands of Indonesia and the
also having similar setups. So, we began to pick and ruling colonial powers. That same year our sailing would
choose whatever we wanted, at any opportunity, and take us from New Zealand across to Papua New Guinea
as much as we could carry. Part of the beauty of and onto Indonesia, where we would end up cruising for
having stepped out of our home culture and the years, exploring these very islands in depth both along
constant bombardment of news and media meant their coasts and inland.
that any hype or advertising surrounding new books When the pandemic struck and we found ourselves
managed to completely pass us by. As for older books, somewhat stranded in Singapore for an indefinite
we would often look for familiar prominent names or adjournment, we rejoiced in the yacht club we were
literary awards listed on the cover. Pulitzer Prize or moored at cultivating a library room. This held, to our
Booker Prize Winner novels began to decorate our astonishment and joy, the first nine books of Arthur
cabin walls and, whichever one of us was not on Ransome’s Swallows and Amazons series. Just the
watch, could dip into this fine collection at leisure. adventure-loving sailing childhood tales that our three
We hiked up to a remote coffee spot in Costa Rica, crew would adore. One by one these volumes came
talking about books on travel, only to find a copy of aboard for bedtime reading and were swiftly devoured
Kerouac’s On the Road waiting to be picked up by us and swapped out for the next one in line.
there. And it wasn’t just novels that we snaffled for And certain periods and passages of our sailing journey
our library. Any Lonely Planet guide relevant to our have allowed us to indulge in lots and lots of reading; both
next country stop or sailing season would be happily for ourselves and for our story-hungry kids. I remember
welcomed aboard. Also, any related historical works when we were crossing the Caribbean Sea and the forecast
and non-fiction joined us for the ride. JESS LLOYD-
proved to be so wildly wrong that a three-day voyage took
In Caribbean Mexico we managed to score a copy MOSTYN us nine days of tacking. However, we had never read more
Jess and James left the
of David McCullough’s The Path Between the Seas, a UK in 2011 in their
in our lives, and were almost disappointed when we made
huge weighty tome which provides an in-depth and Crossbow 42 and have landfall. James was midway through Treasure Island
sailed halfway round
detailed account of the planning and construction of the world, growing
whilst I was on Hemingway’s Old man and the Sea, both
the Panama canal. This served as a brilliant education their crew en route. wildly appropriate under the circumstances.

98 DECEMBER 2025 Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting

A beautifully written and illustrated manifesto A fascinating journey across
for the simple joys of sailing a small boat, the world and through the centuries
filled with useful advice and techniques. in search of the sea monster.

FOR ALL SAILORS

 THE
RACE
OF YOUR
LIFE

BECOME AN
OCEAN RACER
No experience required, full training provided

SCAN HERE
JOIN THE RACE To download the
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