Shows
The Mariner#86 | My Perfect Boat | William Nutting | Founder of the Cruising Club of AmericaThe features that make 'The Perfect Boat' are an area of sailing that walks the narrow line between philosophical & scientific truth.
Historically it is also beset by sailors claiming dead cert, bald-faced objective truth for their strongly held and decidedly subjective opinions.
In this new section on The Mariner, I will be interviewing sailors from across the sailing industry and asking them one very simple question 'What's your Perfect Boat'?
To start the series off I am reading from William Washburn Nutting's book 'The Track of the Typhoon' and sharing with you some o...
2023-01-2034 minThe Mariner#83 | Questions & Tangents 9 | The ’MOJE’ MOB system, Dutchman mainsail reefing & 36ft boats in the Southern OceanQuestions & tangents returns for the last time in 2022 and I have lots to get through, questions I cover this episode range from Man Overboard recovery systems I don't know about to Mainsail reefing systems I don't know about to the safety of smaller boats in heavy conditions which is definitely something I don't know about.
Plenty of targets and confusion as always- and maybe even some answers to your questions - if YOU have a sailing question or conundrum you would like considering by myself and the Mariner community please write to me at csmthemariner@gmail.com an...
2022-12-281h 18The Mariner#81 | The Mariner | The Halifax ExplosionAt 0904 on the 6th December 1917 a massive explosion ripped through Halifax, Nova Scotia instantly killing 1600 people, injuring 9000 and destroying the city wholesale. The blast displaced 20,000 souls who then had to deal with a deep winter blizzard over the next few days. It was to say the least a catastrophe and still ranks as the largest non-nuclear explosion created by man. How did it happen? Through a simple disregard for the International Collision Regulations and an unbroken series of 'red flag' events that caused to ships to have a slow speed collision. That one of the vessels was carrying af al...
2022-12-061h 15
The Mariner’s Library#101 |15,000Nm in a Ketch | Capt. Raymond Rallier du Baty | Part 15Although only a young man of 25 when he set out on this fabulous expedition in 1907, salt water clearly flowed in his veins and it is a real pleasure to be learning, 115 years later of the unique adventure he and his small crew embarked upon in a world that had yet to journey to the South Pole.
I would like the listener to keep in mind when enjoying this book that at that time in the early part of the twentieth century, the Kerguelen Islands far to the South of Australia, to which Capt du Baty was heading...
2022-12-0414 minThe Mariner’s Library#100 | 15,000Nm in a Ketch | Capt. Raymond Rallier du Baty | Part 14Although only a young man of 25 when he set out on this fabulous expedition in 1907, salt water clearly flowed in his veins and it is a real pleasure to be learning, 115 years later of the unique adventure he and his small crew embarked upon in a world that had yet to journey to the South Pole.
I would like the listener to keep in mind when enjoying this book that at that time in the early part of the twentieth century, the Kerguelen Islands far to the South of Australia, to which Capt du Baty was heading...
2022-12-0325 minThe Mariner’s Library#99 | 15,000Nm in a Ketch | Capt. Raymond Rallier du Baty | Part 13Although only a young man of 25 when he set out on this fabulous expedition in 1907, salt water clearly flowed in his veins and it is a real pleasure to be learning, 115 years later of the unique adventure he and his small crew embarked upon in a world that had yet to journey to the South Pole.
I would like the listener to keep in mind when enjoying this book that at that time in the early part of the twentieth century, the Kerguelen Islands far to the South of Australia, to which Capt du Baty was heading...
2022-12-0229 minThe Mariner’s Library#98 | 15,000Nm in a Ketch | Capt. Raymond Rallier du Baty | Part 12Although only a young man of 25 when he set out on this fabulous expedition in 1907, salt water clearly flowed in his veins and it is a real pleasure to be learning, 115 years later of the unique adventure he and his small crew embarked upon in a world that had yet to journey to the South Pole.
I would like the listener to keep in mind when enjoying this book that at that time in the early part of the twentieth century, the Kerguelen Islands far to the South of Australia, to which Capt du Baty was heading...
2022-12-0125 minThe Mariner’s Library#97 | 15,000Nm in a Ketch | Capt. Raymond Rallier du Baty | Part 11Although only a young man of 25 when he set out on this fabulous expedition in 1907, salt water clearly flowed in his veins and it is a real pleasure to be learning, 115 years later of the unique adventure he and his small crew embarked upon in a world that had yet to journey to the South Pole.
I would like the listener to keep in mind when enjoying this book that at that time in the early part of the twentieth century, the Kerguelen Islands far to the South of Australia, to which Capt du Baty was heading...
2022-11-2925 minThe Mariner’s Library#96 | 15,000Nm in a Ketch | Capt. Raymond Rallier du Baty | Part 10Although only a young man of 25 when he set out on this fabulous expedition in 1907, salt water clearly flowed in his veins and it is a real pleasure to be learning, 115 years later of the unique adventure he and his small crew embarked upon in a world that had yet to journey to the South Pole.
I would like the listener to keep in mind when enjoying this book that at that time in the early part of the twentieth century, the Kerguelen Islands far to the South of Australia, to which Capt du Baty was heading...
2022-11-2524 minThe Mariner#79 |The Mariner | The ABC of Sailing | H is for Handling LinesIn this episode we investigate handling lines- a wide and varied subject that tests my abilities to stay on subject and not launch into exponential tangents! I try to make the case for not just doing things 'as they have always been done historically' particularly with regards to storing rope, and to be sympathetic to the needs of a new generation of rope types that require different husbandry both when working and when being stored. In trying to stay on point I look at the major line handling stations on the boat and talk through the skills required to be...
2022-11-242h 17The Mariner’s Library#95 | 15,000Nm in a Ketch | Capt. Raymond Rallier du Baty | Part 9Although only a young man of 25 when he set out on this fabulous expedition in 1907, salt water clearly flowed in Capt.du Baty's veins and it is a real pleasure to be learning, 115 years later of the unique adventure he and his small crew embarked upon in a world that had yet to journey to the South Pole.
I would like the listener to keep in mind when enjoying this book that at that time in the early part of the twentieth century, the Kerguelen Islands far to the South of Australia, to which Capt du Baty...
2022-11-2421 minThe Mariner’s Library#94 | 15,000Nm in a Ketch | Capt. Raymond Rallier du Baty | Part 8Although only a young man of 25 when he set out on this fabulous expedition in 1907, salt water clearly flowed in his veins and it is a real pleasure to be learning, 115 years later of the unique adventure he and his small crew embarked upon in a world that had yet to journey to the South Pole.
I would like the listener to keep in mind when enjoying this book that at that time in the early part of the twentieth century, the Kerguelen Islands far to the South of Australia, to which Capt du Baty was heading...
2022-11-2329 minThe Mariner’s Library#93 | 15,000Nm in a Ketch | Capt. Raymond Rallier du Baty | Part 7Although only a young man of 25 when he set out on this fabulous expedition in 1907, salt water clearly flowed in his veins and it is a real pleasure to be learning, 115 years later of the unique adventure he and his small crew embarked upon in a world that had yet to journey to the South Pole.
I would like the listener to keep in mind when enjoying this book that at that time in the early part of the twentieth century, the Kerguelen Islands far to the South of Australia, to which Capt du Baty was heading...
2022-11-2225 minThe Mariner’s Library#92 | 15,000Nm in a Ketch | Capt. Raymond Rallier du Baty | Part 6Although only a young man of 25 when he set out on this fabulous expedition in 1907, salt water clearly flowed in his veins and it is a real pleasure to be learning, 115 years later of the unique adventure he and his small crew embarked upon in a world that had yet to journey to the South Pole.
I would like the listener to keep in mind when enjoying this book that at that time in the early part of the twentieth century, the Kerguelen Islands far to the South of Australia, to which Capt du Baty was heading...
2022-11-2118 minThe Mariner’s Library#91 | 15,000Nm in a Ketch | Capt. Raymond Rallier du Baty | Part 5Although only a young man of 25 when he set out on this fabulous expedition in 1907, salt water clearly flowed in his veins and it is a real pleasure to be learning, 115 years later of the unique adventure he and his small crew embarked upon in a world that had yet to journey to the South Pole.
I would like the listener to keep in mind when enjoying this book that at that time in the early part of the twentieth century, the Kerguelen Islands far to the South of Australia, to which Capt du Baty was heading...
2022-11-1922 minThe Mariner’s Library#90 | 15,000Nm in a Ketch | Capt. Raymond Rallier du Baty | Part 4Although only a young man of 25 when he set out on this fabulous expedition in 1907, salt water clearly flowed in his veins and it is a real pleasure to be learning, 115 years later of the unique adventure he and his small crew embarked upon in a world that had yet to journey to the South Pole.
I would like the listener to keep in mind when enjoying this book that at that time in the early part of the twentieth century, the Kerguelen Islands far to the South of Australia, to which Capt du Baty was heading...
2022-11-1826 minThe Mariner#78 | Questions & Tangents 8 | Aviation VHF Frequencies | Dehler Sails | The Lesson of the RocksQuestions & Tangents is your opportunity to get to the bottom of those nautical problems that keep you awake in the middle of the night such as, 'Is electronic log keeping really a Thing'? & 'Which boat would Chris have if money and maintenance were not an issue?'
You guys lay awake at night thinking about some weird things... but its my pleasure to share my answers- if you can stand the tangents!
Just before you go....
If you recognize that creating this content requires hours of effort and you would like t...
2022-11-171h 42The Mariner’s Library#89 | 15,000Nm in a Ketch | Capt. Raymond Rallier du Baty | Part 3Although only a young man of 25 when he set out on this fabulous expedition in 1907, salt water clearly flowed in his veins and it is a real pleasure to be learning, 115 years later of the unique adventure he and his small crew embarked upon in a world that had yet to journey to the South Pole.
I would like the listener to keep in mind when enjoying this book that at that time in the early part of the twentieth century, the Kerguelen Islands far to the South of Australia, to which Capt du Baty was heading...
2022-11-1724 minThe Mariner’s Library#88 | 15,000Nm in a Ketch | Capt. Raymond Rallier du Baty | Part 2Although only a young man of 25 when he set out on this fabulous expedition in 1907, salt water clearly flowed in his veins and it is a real pleasure to be learning, 115 years later of the unique adventure he and his small crew embarked upon in a world that had yet to journey to the South Pole.
I would like the listener to keep in mind when enjoying this book that at that time in the early part of the twentieth century, the Kerguelen Islands far to the South of Australia, to which Capt du Baty was heading...
2022-11-1534 minThe Mariner’s Library#87 | 15,000Nm in a Ketch | Capt. Raymond Rallier du Baty | Part 1Although only a young man of 25 when he set out on this fabulous expedition in 1907, salt water clearly flowed in his veins and it is a real pleasure to be learning, 115 years later of the unique adventure he and his small crew embarked upon in a world that had yet to journey to the South Pole.
I would like the listener to keep in mind when enjoying this book that at that time in the early part of the twentieth century, the Kerguelen Islands far to the South of Australia, to which Capt du Baty was heading...
2022-11-1428 minThe Mariner’s Library#86 | Strange, But True | Capt.Thomas Crapo | Part 11A dusty, somewhat diminutive tome at the end of a high bookshelf here in the Mariner Library, 'Strange, But True' by Capt. Thomas Crapo is just the sort of book this podcast is all about, it's rare to see a copy, it's all about the sea and it is a veritable treasure-trove of authentic, historically accurate, seamanship information that is still absolutely relevant to modern sailors.
A note of caution if you are sensitive to the deplorable act of whaling, as the opening chapters do deal with Capt. Crapo's earlier days working on a whaling ship on a...
2022-11-1220 minThe Mariner’s Library#85 | Strange, But True | Capt.Thomas Crapo | Part 10A dusty, somewhat diminutive tome at the end of a high bookshelf here in the Mariner Library, 'Strange, But True' by Capt. Thomas Crapo is just the sort of book this podcast is all about, it's rare to see a copy, it's all about the sea and it is a veritable treasure-trove of authentic, historically accurate, seamanship information that is still absolutely relevant to modern sailors.
A note of caution if you are sensitive to the deplorable act of whaling, as the opening chapters do deal with Capt. Crapo's earlier days working on a whaling ship on a...
2022-11-1124 minThe Mariner’s Library#84 | Strange, But True | Capt.Thomas Crapo | Part 9A dusty, somewhat diminutive tome at the end of a high bookshelf here in the Mariner Library, 'Strange, But True' by Capt. Thomas Crapo is just the sort of book this podcast is all about, it's rare to see a copy, it's all about the sea and it is a veritable treasure-trove of authentic, historically accurate, seamanship information that is still absolutely relevant to modern sailors.
A note of caution if you are sensitive to the deplorable act of whaling, as the opening chapters do deal with Capt. Crapo's earlier days working on a whaling ship on a...
2022-11-1022 minThe Mariner’s Library#83 | Strange, But True | Capt.Thomas Crapo | Part 8A dusty, somewhat diminutive tome at the end of a high bookshelf here in the Mariner Library, 'Strange, But True' by Capt. Thomas Crapo is just the sort of book this podcast is all about, it's rare to see a copy, it's all about the sea and it is a veritable treasure-trove of authentic, historically accurate, seamanship information that is still absolutely relevant to modern sailors.
A note of caution if you are sensitive to the deplorable act of whaling, as the opening chapters do deal with Capt. Crapo's earlier days working on a whaling ship on a...
2022-11-0926 minThe Mariner’s Library#82 | Strange, But True | Capt.Thomas Crapo | Part 7A dusty, somewhat diminutive tome at the end of a high bookshelf here in the Mariner Library, 'Strange, But True' by Capt. Thomas Crapo is just the sort of book this podcast is all about, it's rare to see a copy, it's all about the sea and it is a veritable treasure-trove of authentic, historically accurate, seamanship information that is still absolutely relevant to modern sailors.
A note of caution if you are sensitive to the deplorable act of whaling, as the opening chapters do deal with Capt. Crapo's earlier days working on a whaling ship on a...
2022-11-0827 minThe Mariner’s Library#81 | Strange, But True | Capt.Thomas Crapo | Part 6A dusty, somewhat diminutive tome at the end of a high bookshelf here in the Mariner Library, 'Strange, But True' by Capt. Thomas Crapo is just the sort of book this podcast is all about, it's rare to see a copy, it's all about the sea and it is a veritable treasure-trove of authentic, historically accurate, seamanship information that is still absolutely relevant to modern sailors.
A note of caution if you are sensitive to the deplorable act of whaling, as the opening chapters do deal with Capt. Crapo's earlier days working on a whaling ship on a...
2022-11-0524 minThe Mariner’s Library#80 | Strange, But True | Capt.Thomas Crapo | Part 5A dusty, somewhat diminutive tome at the end of a high bookshelf here in the Mariner Library, 'Strange, But True' by Capt. Thomas Crapo is just the sort of book this podcast is all about, it's rare to see a copy, it's all about the sea and it is a veritable treasure-trove of authentic, historically accurate, seamanship information that is still absolutely relevant to modern sailors.
A note of caution if you are sensitive to the deplorable act of whaling, as the opening chapters do deal with Capt. Crapo's earlier days working on a whaling ship on a...
2022-11-0429 minThe Mariner’s Library#79 | Strange, But True | Capt.Thomas Crapo | Part 4A dusty, somewhat diminutive tome at the end of a high bookshelf here in the Mariner Library, 'Strange, But True' by Capt. Thomas Crapo is just the sort of book this podcast is all about, it's rare to see a copy, it's all about the sea and it is a veritable treasure-trove of authentic, historically accurate, seamanship information that is still absolutely relevant to modern sailors.
A note of caution if you are sensitive to the deplorable act of whaling, as the opening chapters do deal with Capt. Crapo's earlier days working on a whaling ship on a...
2022-11-0326 minThe Mariner’s Library#78 | Strange, But True | Capt.Thomas Crapo | Part 3A dusty, somewhat diminutive tome at the end of a high bookshelf here in the Mariner Library, 'Strange, But True' by Capt. Thomas Crapo is just the sort of book this podcast is all about, it's rare to see a copy, it's all about the sea and it is a veritable treasure-trove of authentic, historically accurate, seamanship information that is still absolutely relevant to modern sailors.
A note of caution if you are sensitive to the deplorable act of whaling as the opening chapters do deal with Capt. Crapo's earlier days working on a whaling ship on a...
2022-11-0222 minThe Mariner’s Library#77 | Strange, But True | Capt.Thomas Crapo | Part 2A dusty, somewhat diminutive tome at the end of a high bookshelf here in the Mariner Library, 'Strange, But True' by Capt. Thomas Craypo is just the sort of book this podcast is all about, it's rare to see a copy, it's all about the sea and it is a veritable treasure-trove of authentic, historically accurate, seamanship information that is still absolutely relevant to modern sailors.
A note of caution if you are sensitive to the deplorable act of whaling as the opening chapters do deal with Capt. Craypo's earlier days working on a whaling ship on a...
2022-10-3021 minThe Mariner#69 | The Mariner | Safety at Sea | Part 2 | Before You DepartPart 2
I did my Safety at Sea course last weekend and I was struck by how compressed the time was for the course- only 2 days or 8 hrs to learn a HUGE amount of info.
I was reminded once agin how unsexy the subject of survival at sea can be and how easily it can get abbreviated to fit better into busy sailor schedules.
(ISBN 978-1-906435-96-7) at exactly the pace that best reveals what to do, how to be prepared and what equipment you have available in a crisis at sea. So...
2022-05-271h 00The Mariner#68 |The Mariner | Safety At Sea | Part 1 | Before You DepartI did my Safety at Sea course this last weekend and I was struck by how compressed the time was for the course- only 2 days or 8 hrs to learn a HUGE amount of info.
I was reminded once again how unsexy the subject of survival at sea can be and how easily it can get abbreviated to fit better into busy sailor schedules.
So, to help clarify my thoughts for my own revision (after all, none of us has sailed properly in nearly two years !) and to give you the crew the benefits of any i...
2022-05-261h 35The Mariner#67 | Questions & Tangents | Traditonal Backstays v’s Flat Top Mains | How to be a Good SkipperIn this episode I tackle some longer, more in-depth questions sent by Patreon supporters. We will be looking at options to replace traditional backstay setups when you have or are thinking of getting a new big roach or flat-top main and I'll be getting under the skin of what it takes to be the kind of skipper people want to sail with ... more than once.
Just before you go....
If you recognize that creating this content requires hours of effort and you would like to help support for the equivalent of 25 cents per episode please...
2022-05-171h 05The Mariner#66 | The Mariner | ABC of Sailing | G is for Gybing (& Tacking!)This episode we investigate 'G is for Gybing' (Jibing for those in North America!) as part of our on-going 'ABC of Sailing' . I discuss what it's like to gybe an Open 60 in the Southern Ocean, mistakes to avoid, potential injuries/damage, how to deal with crash gybes that lead to broaches and why it's healthy to be nervous of this most dynamic sailing evolution.
Just before you go....
If you recognize that creating this content requires hours of effort and you would like to help support for the equivalent of 25 cents per episode please visit...
2022-04-281h 35The Mariner#65 | The Mariner Podcast | Questions & Tangents | 7Questions & Tangents is your opportunity to get to the bottom of those nautical problems that keep you awake in the middle of the night such as, 'Is electronic log keeping really a Thing'? & 'Which boat would Chris have if money and maintenance were not an issue?'
You guys lay awake at night thinking about some weird things... but its my pleasure to share my answers- if you can stand the tangents!
Just before you go....
If you recognize that creating this content requires hours of effort and you would like t...
2022-03-2752 minThe Mariner#64 | The Mariner Podcast | News & Views | European Geopolitical Boundaries & The Monroe DoctrineAnother discussion about the situation in Ukraine- this time focusing on exactly why Russia would choose to launch an attack against the Ukraine at this moment in time and examining how the actions of NATO & the US might be interpreted by a Cold War agent like Putin.
I believe that by seeking truth and validating nuance on both sides of the equation, peace can be restored once again in the Ukraine. I want to underline that I am absolutely against the actions the Russian military are taking in Ukraine and it is my heart felt hope that di...
2022-03-251h 06The Mariner#63 | The Mariner Podcast | Seamanship | Dealing with High Winds at SeaThis episode I delve into some of the issues around heading into high winds whilst at sea. Bilge pumps, boat design, skills acquisition, crew dynamics - you name it- I ramble my way through it in this, the first of a two part series intended to open a discussion about how best to take on the challenge of 40 knots +!
Just before you go....
If you recognize that creating this content requires hours of effort and you would like to help support for the equivalent of 25 cents per episode please visit my Patreon Site and select...
2022-03-231h 26The MarinerThe Mariner Podcast #62: ’Sailing Alone Around the World’ Chapters 19 &20In this episode I read the penultimate chapters of Joshua Slocum's fantastic circumnavigation story 'Sailing Alone Around the World'.
This long played out reading of Slocum (over a year to date!) has been an aside to the normal sailing content on the Mariner podcast- however, many people have shared with me that they really enjoyed it and so I have started a new podcast called, 'Rare Nautical Reads' where I exclusively bring you obscure, out of publication sailing stories that still have incredible tales to tell.
Check it out if listening to non-fiction sailing stories i...
2022-03-1635 minThe MarinerThe Mariner Podcast #61: Noah’s Ark- The Original Offshore Live-aboard!In this episode I discuss the story of Noah's Ark. I have to admit that until I researched this episode I did not fully realize that until the early 19th century the Encyclopaedia Britannica cited the legend of the Ark as being 'an historical fact' so understandably there has been lots to unpack with this mysterious craft, both for and against!
Just before you go....
If you recognize that creating this content requires hours of effort and you would like to help support for the equivalent of 25 cents per episode please visit my Patreon Site a...
2022-03-111h 31The MarinerThe Mariner Podcast #60: Thoughts on the Crisis in the UkraineThis episode of the Mariner is very different from previous episodes- I have decided to speak a little about my understanding of what is going on in the Ukraine. My views are those of a person who spends his life at sea working as a professional sailor, I am not a geo-political analyst or even a very political person BUT I do have eyes and ears and I am disgusted to see what has been happening within Europe in the last few weeks.
Take what I have to say with a bucket of sea water.
...
2022-03-0858 minThe MarinerThe Mariner Podcast #59: F is for Flat EarthWhilst the news that 'Flat Earth' is even 'a thing' may be new to you- what will come as a much larger shock is that 1% (3.8 million) of the US population actively believe in the FE theory, and 16% (51 Million) say they 'have doubts' about the certainty that the world is in fact a globe.
In this episode I take a look at the Flat Earth conspiracy theory and outline the main pieces of evidence that we as sailors have unique access to on a daily basis that make this idea an absolute non-starter to anyone but the most na...
2022-02-1754 minThe MarinerThe Mariner Podcast #58: The Nova Race #1This episode I discuss my ideas for a new race- The Nova Round the World Yacht Race.
With the Classic Challenge division of the Ocean Globe Race now cancelled despite my best attempts to keep it alive, the opportunity suddenly exists to create a North American RTW sailing event to give the Ocean Globe Race Classic Division boats somewhere to race in 2023/24.
I have given this a lot of consideration but I would really like some input from you on this idea, so if you have an opinion to share please do so at the...
2022-02-0939 minThe MarinerThe Mariner Podcast #57:‘Sailing Alone Around the World‘ Chapters 17 & 18In this episode I read the penultimate episode of Capt. Joshua Slocum's 'Sailing Alone Around the World'. In these chapters (17 &18) Slocum is approaching the Cape of Storms- the modern day Cape of Good Hope which is the final challenge he must over come before completing his incredible solo circumnavigation of the world in 1897.
Just before you go....
If you recognize that creating this content requires hours of effort and you would like to help support for the equivalent of 25 cents per episode please visit my Patreon Site and select the $5 per month option.
2021-12-0250 minThe MarinerThe Mariner Podcast #56: Veterans Ocean Globe Race 2023This episode I discuss what Remembrance Day means to me, I read some poetry that I hope illuminates the timeless difficulties veterans have faced once they return to civilian life and I share a problem that has arisen regarding my plans to have 2 boats in the upcoming Ocean Globe Race specifically for veterans.
Just before you go....
If you recognize that creating this content requires hours of effort and you would like to help support for the equivalent of 25 cents per episode please visit my Patreon Site and select the $5 per month option.
...
2021-11-161h 04The MarinerThe Mariner Podcast #55: Managing High Winds @ MooringsThe start of a four part mini series, this episode looks at one aspect of dealing with high winds with your boat- namely on a mooring.
I discuss how I chose the location for the moorings I use for my boats including, macro & micro geographic considerations, and what I was considering technically when I settled on the mooring system components that I specified.
Wow... I just reread that.... that sounds DRY:)!
Look: If that description really gets your attention, let me share with you that you are either A. really desperate to go sa...
2021-11-0959 minThe MarinerThe Mariner Podcast #54: Questions & Tangents 5In this episode I read some more listener questions and ramble on into long winded tangents about subjects that are vaguely connected to the original question. We discuss asymmetric versus symmetric spinnakers, fitting bowsprits to older displacement boats, a little more on hyperbolic navigation inaccuracies, safety when sailing with inexperienced family members and much, much more.
Just before you go....
If you recognize that creating this content requires hours of effort and you would like to help support for the equivalent of 25 cents per episode please visit my Patreon Site and select the $5 pe...
2021-10-151h 43The MarinerThe Mariner Podcast #53: E is for Estimated Position ErrorIn this episode we explore Estimated Position Error as a improving function of the 5,000 year history of Navigation.
While today's nav technology would be considered witchcraft 1000 years ago, everything we have now is built on the hard work and incredible bravery of millions of mariners who pushed the edges of what was possible with the tools of their time. This week I discuss the steps that led us from Gnomon to Non-Terrestrial Hyperbolic Trilateration (!) and what problems there may be with trusting today's tech too much.
Just before you go....
If you recognize t...
2021-10-032h 12The MarinerThe Mariner Podcast #52: Joshua Slocum‘s ‘Sailing Alone Around the World‘ Chapters 15 & 16In this episode we rejoin Capt Joshua Slocum, sailing single handed around the world in 1895- this week he is sailing up the coast of Queensland and then heading out into the Indian Ocean on his way to becoming the first person ever to sail solo around the world.
Just before you go....
If you recognize that creating this content requires hours of effort and you would like to help support for the equivalent of 25 cents per episode please visit my Patreon Site and select the $5 per month option.
If you want to...
2021-09-222h 09The MarinerThe Mariner Podcast #51: Finally - It‘s Time to go Sailing Again!Finally, after 18 months of sitting on our hands waiting for some semblance of 'normal' to return to the world - Spartan Ocean Racing is ready to get back on the water and start sailing!
Personally, I am hugely excited by the realization that we can now start to dream a little and start to plan some awesome sailing for 2022 and beyond.
Uppermost in my mind is the fact that the new schedule of events for Spartan is VERY LIGHT on racing events and much more focused on seamanship training, voyaging and visiting interesting ports & countries.
2021-09-151h 23The MarinerThe Mariner Podcast #50: My 30th Atlantic CrossingThis episode I finish up the story of the delivery of the Maxi 'Weddell' to Nova Scotia. Whilst the voyage its' self was not very eventful (just the way I like them!) there was lots to consider as this was effectively my first passage with a new (to me) vessel.
Just before you go....
If you recognize that creating this content requires hours of effort and you would like to help support for the equivalent of 25 cents per episode please visit my Patreon Site and select the $5 per month option.
If you want t...
2021-09-091h 41The MarinerThe Mariner Podcast #49: A Maxi by Any Other Name.There has been a break in the podcast due to me travelling to Europe to pick up a new boat for the Veteran's Sailing Program, but I'm back now and what a story I have to tell! Nothing's ever simple with boats!
Grab a cup of tea and sit yourself down and have a listen to the first part of my tale- just getting to the boat through Covid Lockdown travel restrictions, then losing my financing, then crazy contractual wrangling, cross country drives over the Sierra Nevada Mountains, extreme project triage and a final workable solution which...
2021-08-311h 43The MarinerThe Mariner Podcast #48: How to Recover a Man OverboardThis episode I announce the winners of the Patreon prize draw which gives three lucky listeners the opportunity to join me on board one of our race boats in the next year to compete in either a major race, regatta or transatlantic event!
After that we get into the main subject of this episode - man overboard.
I take you in depth through the procedure I have been taught and now teach to recover someone from the water with the emphasis being on making each stage understandable and transparently logical as part of an overarching st...
2021-05-132h 19The Mariner#46 | Sailing Alone Around the World | Chapters 13 & 14In this episode I continue reading Capt. Joshua Slocum's excellent narrative of his solo circumnavigation of the world in 1895.
In Chapters 13 &14 Slocum leaves Samoa, sailing to Australia and then Tasmania. Australia is an opportunity for Slocum to relax a little- he is on the far side of the world from his starting point in Boston and is once again amongst friends and those who know of his voyage, many of whom are keen to assist him.
He decides at this point to take a Northerly route around Queensland and head to the trade winds blowing We...
2021-05-111h 14The Mariner#46 | ABC of Sailing | D is for DamageIn this episode we explore D is for Damage and as always it's me shooting right from the hip discussing this crucial subject as we would sat on the deck of your boat with a cup of tea. I am unapologetic for tangents and spurious information but the deal here is to plumb what exactly a 'pro' sailor is meant to know should things go sideways.
I discuss, use of 'Mayday', grounding, keel damage, losing the rig & cutting it away, fire, collision, bilge-pumping and lots more! So, grab a cup of tea, sit yourself down and lets e...
2021-05-112h 06The MarinerThe Mariner Podcast #45: Questions & Tangents 4As always Questions & Tangents 5 hovers close to the optimal track suggested by this week's listener questions before tacking off onto a flyer to 'knock the corners' with whatever happens to be floating through my head!
Topics include (but are not limited to!): Hydrogen Fuel for boats, Synthetic rigging on cruising boats, anchoring, setting the depth sounder correctly and delivering Longobarda home to Nova Scotia this summer.
Just before you go....
If you recognize that creating this content requires hours of effort and you would like to help support for the equivalent of about 25...
2021-05-051h 25The MarinerThe Mariner Podcast #44: The Northwest PassageIn this episode I discuss the strange story of Dr. John Rae, a man struck from history by the wife of the famous/infamous Arctic explorer Sir John Franklin.
Rae's brilliant cartography expeditions to the far North of Canada in the mid 1800's not only identified the last part of the puzzle of transiting the Northwest passage but also revealed the final fate of Franklin's Arctic expedition that had been lost 10 years before. However, it was a terrible truth that no one wanted to hear about and a macabre reality that Franklin's estate strove hard to obfuscate- t...
2021-05-0354 minThe MarinerThe Mariner Podcast #43: C is for CookingThe episode we explore the third subject of our on-going 'ABC of Boating' with C is for Cooking. Food, food preparation and its effect on crew morale, decision making ability, accident avoidance, emotional rationality and overall performance (whether cruising or racing)cannot be under estimated.
Cooking can be the make or break element on a an offshore passage and is something I take extremely seriously as a skipper. In this episode I discuss all the aspects that come to my mind 'off the cuff' when it comes to food from the perspective of someone who has eaten...
2021-04-302h 00The MarinerThe Mariner Podcast #42: Review- Helly Hansen 'Aegir' Ocean WaterproofsThis episode I discuss the early origins of waterproof clothing and the designs that have developed over the centuries to a point were, now- we at least 'expect' to be dry when it rains!
To bring things right up to date, I also review Helly Hansen's 'Aegir' Ocean Waterproofs -which are at the cutting edge of heavy duty offshore sailing gear and have been kindly supplied by Helly Hansen as part of their sponsorship of my Westabout Circumnavigation.
But don't worry- 'Sponsored' does not mean 'perfect' :)
Just before you go....
If...
2021-04-281h 30The MarinerThe Mariner Podcast #41: Sailing Alone Around the World, Chapters 11 & 12In this episode I continue reading Capt. Joshua Slocum's excellent narrative of his solo circumnavigation of the world in 1895.
In chapters 11 & 12 Slocum starts out first in Juan Fernandez ,where he visits the cave the Alexander Selkirk lived in for four years and four months, a story that became the inspiration for 'Robinson Crusoe' Next Slocum sails 72 days non-stop to Apia in Samoa where he meets the Fanny Van de Graf Louis Stevenson (!) the widow of Robert Louis Stevenson.
Just before you go....
If you recognize that creating this content requires hours of effort a...
2021-04-251h 33The MarinerThe Mariner Podcast #40: Questions & Tangents 3This episode I read listener's questions and then proceed to talk abut whatever comes into my head working on the basis that if it is somewhat related to sailing we will all enjoy the process!! Sometimes, amid the tangents I even end up answering the question! Miracle of miracles !:)
If you have any questions you would like answering please send them to csmthemariner@gmail.com
If you recognize that creating this content requires hours of effort and you would like to help support for the equivalent of 25 cents per episode please visit my Pa...
2021-04-241h 18The MarinerThe Mariner Podcast #39: News & Views 3This episode I cover the recent updates concerning the proposed Olympic Offshore Racing event, The Global Ocean Race and the plan we are developing to campaign two boats for Veterans. I also talk about Covid and how that is affecting sailing this year and introduce a few more details about our new boat Longobarda.
If you have any questions you would like answering please send them to csmthemariner@gmail.com
If you recognize that creating this content requires hours of effort and you would like to help support for the equivalent of 25 cents pe...
2021-04-221h 19The MarinerThe Mariner Podcast #38: B is for BoatIn this episode we continue the Alphabet of Boating and I have selected the most basic of terms to cover at this early stage in an effort to lay a wide foundation for the more specific and technical elements of sailing that will no doubt come later on.
This episode- B is for Boat and with the guidance of the Wikipedia entry on 'Boat'- I describe what is known about the early development of humans going out onto the water and how things have moved along since then- a history of some 900,000 years!
If you h...
2021-04-181h 36The MarinerThe Mariner Podcast #37: Sailing Alone Around the World, Chapters 9 &10In this episode I continue reading Capt. Joshua Slocum's excellent narrative of his solo circumnavigation of the world in 1895.
In this episode- pushed back into the Magellen Strait, Slocum must guard against Fuegain pirates, load a cargo of tallow and work the Spray back into position to once again head out into the open ocean.
If you have any questions you would like answering please send them to csmthemariner@gmail.com
If you recognize that creating this content requires hours of effort and you would like to help support for...
2021-04-131h 30
The MarinerThe Mariner Podcast #37: Sailing Alone Around the World, Chapters 9 &10In this episode I continue reading Capt. Joshua Slocum's excellent narrative of his solo circumnavigation of the world in 1895.
In this episode- pushed back into the Magellen Strait, Slocum must guard against Fuegain pirates, load a cargo of tallow and work the Spray back into position to once again head out into the open ocean.
If you have any questions you would like answering please send them to csmthemariner@gmail.com
If you recognize that creating this content requires hours of effort and you would like to help support for...
2021-04-131h 30The MarinerThe Mariner Podcast #36: Interview with Rob PhillipsIn this episode I interview Rob Philips who is both a friend from various Spartan offshore adventures and also one of the cast of the new series of 'Below Decks' a reality TV show about super yacht crew. We catch up with Rob in his 'normal' job working as a exploration geologist in the Jungles of Fiji.
As always with these remote interviews it is tricky to manage the sound quality so apologies if there is a little background noise or uneven tone and in this show please be aware there is a little swearing.
...
2021-02-153h 03The MarinerThe Mariner Podcast #35: A is for AnchoringIn this episode I start a new series intended to deep dive into various seamanship topic, organized only by their relationship to the alphabet!
This series will be done entirely 'off-the-cuff' and without research as a self critical way of unearthing what I actually know as a 'professional'.
The theory is that unlike other professions that may allow for research to be done 'on the job' sailing requires it's adherents to store all relevant info in the old grey matter for instant application- If that is true then it should be easy to spot the...
2021-02-111h 57The MarinerThe Mariner Podcast #34: News & Views 2
This one is a little racing heavy but then there are some pretty interesting races going on! I take a quick look at the Vendee Leaders, the capsize of the Americas Cup boat 'Patriot' and the weather situation facing the 'Edmund De Rothschild' Maxi Trimaran currently fighting for the Jules Verne Trophy.
With the news comes the views, and this week I discuss things as far afield as Elon Musk's Starlink and the Artic Vortex threatening to freeze Nova Scotia this week.
So, Sit Down, Clip on & Listen in for another hour...
2021-01-1957 minThe MarinerThe Mariner Podcast #33: Exploring Modern Marine Battery OptionsIt's Official! The (Lead Acid) battery is dead.
This episode let me take you for a wander around my thought processes as I come to the realization that Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries need not be a dream anymore.
Finally, prices have now dropped to a point where pretty decent, reliable units are available on the market that will bring me all the advantages of the LiFePO4 batteries: such as lighter weight, longer life, more useable capacity and higher charging rates; without blowing the budget.
If you have any questions you would like to sha...
2021-01-171h 10The Mariner#32 | Sailing Alone Around the World | Joshua Slocum | Part 4In this episode I continue reading Capt. Joshua Slocum's excellent narrative of his solo circumnavigation of the world in 1895. This week Slocum is rounding Cape Horn, but between tremendous storms that drive the Spray back again and again plus dealing with the threat of piracy from the local people - he certainly has his work cut out for him!
I conclude the reading of these chapters as always with some commentary on the material, this week I am able to share some of my own experiences of Cape Horn that only reinforce the well earned reputation of...
2021-01-161h 40The Mariner#31 | Deep Dive | IsolationAs the second wave of Covid 19 starts to be felt in territories across Asia, Europe and the Americas the building problem of millions of people facing prolonged isolation and social insulation starts to be felt as well.
Mental health and the long term effects of going without normal human contact has well understood and well researched ramifications but is this being forgotten about as promises of vaccines and the end of lockdown circulate? With months to go in this pandemic in any reasonable forecast, now is the time to double-down on our awareness of the effects of...
2021-01-131h 10The Mariner#30 | News & Views 1 | Vendee | Ocean Globe Race | WestaboutIt's 2021 and it's time to get the Mariner underway!
In this episode I discuss the future of the podcast and take a look at the news from the Vendee Globe. I also discuss the Ocean Globe Race in 2023, Spartan's itinerary for 2021 and my Westabout the world record attempt which i hope will now go ahead in November!
There is lots to tell and my goodness don't I pack it all in this time! Warning! This may be the episode where you select '0.75% playback speed' as I fairly rattle along!! ;)
If you...
2021-01-121h 29The Mariner#29 | Sailing Alone Around the World | Joshua Slocum | Part 3This episode I reading and discussing chapters 5 & 6 of 'Sailing Alone Around the World' by Captain Joshua Slocum
In the commentary I take time to share my experience of sailing the same route that Slocum follows in this section of the book and unpack the vocabulary, technical details and what it feels like to engage in some of the exploits Slocum shares with us.
If you have any questions you would like answering please send them to csmthemariner@gmail.com
If you recognize that creating this content requires hours of effort and yo...
2020-12-231h 46The Mariner#28 | Deep Dive | Sleep Now or Die QuickThis episode presents some very important and thought provoking information that I would advise all listeners to research on their own so they can confirm the facts presented and make changes, if necessary to their life on and off the boat.
What subject could cause me to be so somber and serious? Storm tactics? Immigration laws?
No, this week I am talking about sleep. The importance of sleep is a weirdly absent convention amongst sailors who above all travelers and sports people expose themselves repeatedly and needlessly to the dangers of sleep deprivation. This is ma...
2020-12-141h 33The Mariner#27 | Questions & Tangents 2 | Sea Sickness | Vendee Globe | North Atlantic SailingQuestions & Tangents is the weekly episode where I answer listener questions, tell you about the news in my own sailing and generally ramble on about all things maritime for an 1hr! This episode I talk about foils on the Vendee boats - pros and cons, sea-sickness and how to combat it, the Ocean Globe Race and the new North Atlantic loop that Spartan is doing in the summer of 2021 - which I am really looking forward to and much more! Join me if you would rather be at sea!
If you have any questions you would like ans...
2020-11-291h 20The Mariner#26 | Interview | Philip Bachmann | Newly Minted Traditional Boat BuilderThis episode I interview Philip Bachmann a sailor I have completed many miles of offshore sailing with. He talks about his time learning to be a boatbuilder and the adventures it has led him to including getting to grips with being a skipper on his own boat and learning how advanced 19th century yacht design was.
If you have any questions you would like answering please send them to csmthemariner@gmail.com
If you recognize that creating this content requires hours of effort and you would like to help support for the equivalent of 25 cents p...
2020-11-273h 02The Mariner#25 | Sailing Alone Around the World | Joshua Slocum | Part 2This episode I reading and discussing chapters 3 & 4 of 'Sailing Alone Around the World' by Captain Joshua Slocum
In the commentary you will join me as I go down to my own round the world race boat, to discuss some things about this part of the book that are very close to my heart. I can only hope, once more, that I do that old Nova Scotian shellback some justice and help bring his incredible story to life for another generation of sailors.
If you have any questions you would like answering please send th...
2020-11-261h 41The Mariner#24 Questions & Tangents | Vendee Virtual Regatta | Westabout VoyageThis episode we get away from gear reviews, interviews & book reading and get back to where the Mariner started.. me chatting about what's going on in my watery world and answering listener questions.
We cover what's happening with the Westabout campaign, the exciting news that Spartan is once again setting sail in 2021 and I share my new found excitement about the Vendee Globe Virtual Regatta app which has had me glued to my phone for a week!
If you have any questions you would like answering please send them to csmthemariner@gmail.com
I...
2020-11-191h 34The Mariner#23 | Sailing Alone Around the World | Joshua Slocum | Part 1This week I introduce a new feature- once a week I will be reading from a famous sailing book and giving you a commentary afterward that will hopefully expand & illuminate the text.
The first book to receive this treatment is for many, the first real offshore sailing book ever written - it is of course ' Sailing Alone Around the World' by Captain Joshua Slocum.
Slocum was born and raised not 60 miles from where I live here in Nova Scotia so this was the most obvious book for me to start with but it was...
2020-11-171h 18The Mariner#22 | Interview | Ryan Barkey | Canadian Offshore RacerIn this episode I finally make good on my threat to interview someone my first victim/volunteer is Ryan Barkey and in keeping with my normal proficiency in all matters technical the recording of my microphone was corrupted by the time it got to the editing suite! No matter! I have boosted the recording from Ryan's mic and apart from me sounding like I am sitting in the engine room it is still a great interview!
I think Ryan's story is a very common story for someone within the professional (non-superyacht) sailing industry who is trying to m...
2020-11-122h 18The Mariner#21 | Equipment Review | Team O Back Tow Life Jacket.In this episode we take a deep dive on modern lifejackets- how they have evolved, the design features that make modern jackets so good and I introduce the life jacket I use and is used throughout all of Spartan Ocean Racing's events- the 'Team O Back Tow' life jacket.
If you are thinking of buying a new jacket- looking to upgrade to a better jacket for the new season or a just interested to find out more about this crucial piece of life saving equipment - jump in and enjoy 90 minutes of informative and entertaining banter.
2020-11-091h 30The Mariner#20 | Deep Dive | 'Pride of Nova Scotia'In this episode I introduce you to our newly christened Open 60 'Pride of Nova Scotia' and finally get down to explaining what this West Around the World, Solo, Non-stop voyage is all about. I also take you through where I am up to in the project, what the schedule is and what the obstacles ahead might be.
If you have any questions you would like answering please send them to csmthemariner@gmail.com
If you recognize that creating this content requires hours of effort and you would like to help support for the equivalent of 25 c...
2020-08-201h 03The Mariner#19 | VoyageThe Formula 40 Trimaran 'Spirit'In this episode I share where I have been for the past few weeks and take you through the wonderful voyage I had up the Eastern seaboard of the US from Georgia to Boston. The boat I was lucky enough to sail on was a Formula 40 trimaran called 'Spirit' (ex. Spirit of England). She was one of the hot ticket rides in the 1990's with a Fastnet Class win (amongst many other things) to her credit in 1995 as well as being one of the early steeds for sailing legend Brian Thompson.
The boat has since been modified f...
2020-07-241h 27The Mariner#18 | Deep Dive | These are the Days of our LivesIn this episode I examine the concept of 'Chronoception' our in-built ability to assess the passing of time and how it changes in times of stress, fear, activity, boredom & excitement.
Time and memory are variable depending on what you are doing, how much you enjoy it and what chemicals your brain is creating whilst you do it. This week I look at how sailing offers us a perfect activity to wind back the clock somewhat and begin laying down memories that are as rich and vivid as those created in the heady days of our youth; memories w...
2020-06-101h 06The Mariner#17 | Sailing Solo Around the World | The Voyage HomeIn this final instalment of the story of sailing solo around the world covers the last leg of the Velux 5 Oceans Race from Charleston, USA to La Rochelle, France.
This was the best leg of the entire race for me but there were still some major difficulties to overcome including a massive flooding incident that saw air crew being scrambled in Halifax, Nova Scotia and one of my canting keel ram pins breaking 400Nm from the finish.
I take a little time at the end of the episode to reflect on what the entire escapade...
2020-05-291h 21The Mariner#16 | Deep Dive | Lunar ExplorationIn this episode I take you for a whirlwind tour of the Moon our closest partner in the heavens and the single most important element - potentially- in the development of life on this planet.
The Moon's origins are still somewhat mysterious and it is only in very recent years that we have turned the full focus of modern science on the complicated questions of 'Where did the Moon come from?' and 'What has been the relationship between the Earth and Moon over the last 4.5 Billion years?' Luckily I get it all worked out for y...
2020-05-241h 07The Mariner#15 | Sailing Solo Around the World | Between the Devil & DehydrationIn this episode I describe the 6,500Nm race from Punta Del Este in Uruguay to Charleston, South Carolina. The sailing was nothing to write home about but everything else about that trip was pretty unique. Terrible toothache required me to create a temporary dental solution at sea but having worked that out my watermaker then stopped working which left me with only two options; stop racing and stop into Brazil to get repairs done or keep racing and head on to Charleston and drink brackish water for two weeks. If you have been listening to this podcast for a whi...
2020-05-131h 11The Mariner#14 | Deep Dive | Climbing Mount StupidIn this podcast I put on my black turtleneck sweater, horn-rimmed glasses and ask you to lie down on the Mariner couch as we discuss some interesting aspects of psychology and metacognition that can really affect our learning style, our ability to develop advanced hard skills and even perhaps influence our ability to keep ourselves and our crew safe at sea.
If you have never heard of the Dunning-Kruger effect, the Superiority Illusion, Selective Bias or the Imposter Syndrome prepare to deny everything and declare yourself an above average student!
If you have any questions y...
2020-05-091h 19The Mariner#13 | Deep Dive | My Sailing HeroesIn this episode I answer a listener question about who inspires me in sailing and why. I gave this some thought and decided to include only those who truly motivate me at an emotional level rather than just those who's exploits I find noteworthy.
Dame Naomi James, Joshua Slocum, Sterling Hayden & Jean Luc Van Den Heede & the Westabout Circumnavigation Record are who/what I decided upon- some you may know- others not but all are connected to sailing.
I hope you enjoy hearing both why and how I find these people (and this event!) so...
2020-05-051h 15The Mariner#12 | Sailing Solo Around the World | Punta Del Este or BustIn this episode I return to the story of my solo round the world race and the exciting conclusion of Leg 3 from New Zealand around Cape Horn to the famous South American race stopover of Punta del Este in Uruguay. If you want to hear how close a yacht race can be after 3 weeks and over 6500Nm at sea- Tune in!
I also talk radar watch methods for solo sailors, Code Zero's, yacht design for up wind sailing, autopilots & making school boy mistakes at crucial moments in your career!
If you have any questions you w...
2020-04-301h 12The Mariner#11 | Deep Dive | Meaning & FunctionThis episode I start to discuss what pieces of equipment are 'Must Haves' for me at sea, practically and emotionally.
Whilst shivering in freezing conditions in my new studio 'The Barn', I take you through the unique 'Deck-Assist Belt' I have designed and fashioned for myself over time & the outstanding, one-off, sailing knife kindly made for me by the incredible Rick Marchand of www.wildertools.com .
I also talk about why a Gerber is better than a Leatherman and how a $5 torch saved two lives in the frigid waters of Newfoundland last year has therefore bec...
2020-04-281h 09The Mariner#10 | Deep Dive | Weathering LockdownIn this episode I take a look at the transferable skills sailors possess that could prove useful in the global crisis we are all now facing.
With a unique outlook created by the unusual nature of sailing compared to all other sports, could offshore sailors prove to be a positive force during lockdown and beyond?
I also answer a listener question and reveal my maximum recorded speeds & maximum day's distance sailed and discuss fluid intake at sea- I also give thanks to my first Patreon supporter- 'Sailing Starbuck!'
If you have any...
2020-04-1836 min
The Mariner#9 | Sailing Solo Around the World | Racing to Cape HornIn this episode I continue the story of my voyage solo across the Southern Ocean in the Velux 5 Oceans Race.
In Episodes 6 & 7 of the Podcast I described the massive damage I suffered to my mainsail and how I struggled through to get it fixed and continue racing; Now I conclude the Southern Ocean Leg with the exciting dive towards the Horn followed by a major storm that promises to make my Horn rounding memorable if not traumatic!
I also answer a listener question and explain the difference between an Open 60 & an IMOCA 60 and discuss the p...
2020-04-0834 minThe Mariner#8 | Deep Dive | You Don't Have to Shout!In this episode I take a look at shouting and the intimidation techniques often employed by skippers who feel it is OK to speak to their crew in a bullying and disrespectful manner.
I uncover how damaging this is not only to the crew but also to the 'shouter' and the group dynamic on the boat. I suggest a few tactics that can lower the volume and how to get important actions completed without having to resort to verbal abuse.
Sailing needs as much new blood and energy as possible in the 21st century- a rev...
2020-04-0338 minThe Mariner#7 | Sailing Solo Around the World | 36hr Sail Repair at Point NemoIn this episode I describe how I overcame disaster and completed 36hrs of stitching to repair my badly damaged mainsail in terrible conditions close to 'Point Nemo' in the Southern Ocean.
When physically and emotionally I am at the end of my tether an unexpected visitor turns my situation around and gives me the catalyst I need to come back fighting.
I also answer a fantastic question sent in by a listener and discuss Spartan's entry in the Ocean Globe Race in 2023
If you have any questions you would like answering please send...
2020-03-3053 minThe Mariner#6 | Sailing Solo Around the World | Critical DamageHalfway between New Zealand & Cape Horn I suffer critical damage to my mainsail between reefs 2 & 3, a 6 ft (2m) tear has opened up in the leech of my mainsail and unless it is fixed I cannot fly the sail and I will not only be last in the race but also in a very dangerous position 1000's of Miles form shore.
Suddenly all thought of competition is forgotten and I am in survival mode as I struggle to deal emotionally and physically with a major repair on deck at 'Point Nemo' the most remote point on the planet...
2020-03-2744 minThe Mariner#5 | Sailing Solo Around the World | Sailing Into the Southern OceanIn this Episode I take you through an overview of Southern Ocean sailing that can be applied to any wild stretch of ocean and any long passage made in those kind of conditions.
Taking my first Southern Ocean leg on the Velux Race as a framework I share observations and learning that came from that 6500Nm, 40 day, solo voyage and the sights and sounds that stick with me from that first nervous foray into the wilder stretches of the world ocean.
From escaping half acre kelp patches that stop the boat to coping with Christmas...
2020-03-231h 42The Mariner#4 | Sailing Solo Around the World | Learning to Sail an Open 60 FastIn this episode I continue the story of my first serious solo offshore passage and delve into what makes Open 60's such serious offshore racing boats.
I also discuss the near vertical learning curve I had to go through to tame the beast and the distressing results of the emotional pressure I had been under.
If you have any questions you would like answering please send them to csmthemariner@gmail.com
If you recognize that creating this content requires hours of effort and you would like to help support for the equivalent of 25ce...
2020-03-191h 40The Mariner#3 | Sailing Solo Around the World | First Time OffshoreIn this episode I discuss the start of the Velux 5 Oceans Solo Race Around the World.
Safe to say it was not the slick operation you may have perceived if you were standing far enough away on start day.
Nearly crashing into the Canary Islands because I did not set my alarm clock, a huge headsail tears loose and nearly dismasts the boat; close calls with big ships & learning to sleep in 20 minute bursts -it's all here!
If you have any questions you would like answering please send them to csmthemariner@gmail.com
2020-03-191h 58The Mariner#2 | Sailing Solo Around the World | Impossible PrepIn this episode I discuss how only a few days after getting back from sailing round the world with the Clipper Race I get the opportunity to go Round the World AGAIN: But this time Solo and on an Open 60.
I outline the impossible task I was challenged with to get an older Open 60 that had not been offshore for a long while into fighting shape ready for another lap of the planet- on a very tight budget with almost no skilled assistance all in just matter of 8 weeks!
If you have any questions you...
2018-10-0952 minThe Mariner#1 | Sailing Solo Around the World | He that would go to SeaIn this first episode I talk about how I ended up starting a career at sea: it's not what you might expect!
I was actually over 18 when the realization came that life ashore was not going to be enough for me. I talk about my first ship 'Ji Fung' a brigantine at the Hong Kong Outward Bound School that changed my world forever and set me off on this life of voyaging and adventure.
If you have any questions you would like answering please send them to csmthemariner@gmail.com
If you recognize th...
2018-10-0131 min