The Voyages of the Princess Matilda

Last Updated on Sunday, 4 March 2012 10:22 Written by Sunday, 4 March 2012 10:15

The story of Shane and Timothy Spall sailing out into the unknown aboard their Dutch barge The Princess Matilda. Part of this voyage has been the subject of recent tv series entitled ‘somewhere to somewhere’ broadcast in the UK on the BBC.

Many thing are lost on the couple – the art of navigation for example – but the book is full of humour. The story is a great example of following a dream when faced as Timothy was with an uncertain future and potentially a life cut short. Although the tv series only covered part of the journey this details their trip around the UK over a five year period. Well worth picking up a copy not just for the story but the inspiration to make the most of life.

Sailing into Solitude 2011

Last Updated on Saturday, 4 February 2012 06:27 Written by Saturday, 4 February 2012 06:25

Sailing into Solitude – 2011 is the updated version of Val Howells classic account of one of the first single handed yacht race from England to New York, USA across the Atlantic Ocean. Given this was in 1960 and in a 25ft folkboat makes this feat even more remarkable. Originally written in 1966 the author has extensively rewritten the tale publishing it ahead of the paperback on the kindle.

A real classic single handed sailors yarn, updated, and as fresh today as it was in 1966 when the original was published.

Guide to Yacht Chartering

Last Updated on Sunday, 20 May 2012 12:30 Written by Sunday, 29 January 2012 09:09

Check your seasons! Yachts are cheap out of season for a reason, pouring with rain or hurricanes isn’t much fun. even in shoulder months services start to close down. Your less likely to sail in your home off season, why go to somewhere else’s?

Provisioning, if you see it, buy it. Caribbean and Mediterranean stores aren’t as consistent as the the US or mainland Europe. Think about bringing favorite condiments and the odd sauce to get you started (and a washing tablet or two if you need to rinse something through).

While you might not want full provisioning, think about the heavy stuff like bottled water or cases or beer and mixers.