The Mariner

After centuries of sailors, praying and hoping for a 'magic button' with which to save their lives far from shore on the briney deep, we are now in the 21st century in the enviable situation of having just that built into all newly built VHF and SSB units. The incredible functionality of the DSC button and all the other modern electronic life saving devices available, remains somewhat hidden for many sailors however, behind a raft of acronyms, a confusing plethora of device specifications and a shrewd suspicion of the actual benefits of such 'witchcraft'. The truth is though, that the 'Global Maritime Distress and Safety System' (GMDSS) is available for all mariners, whether gunk-holing along the coast or crossing oceans. In this episode we will dig into the incredible technology available to allow you to call for help, if you should be unlucky enough to find yourself in 'Grave & Imminent Danger'. If you would like to support the podcast or develop your seamanship skills and overall safety at sea, please consider joining my Patreon community at: https://www.patreon.com/themariner

Questions & 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 [email protected] and I will try to help out! If you would like to support the podcast or develop your seamanship skills and overall safety at sea, please consider joining my Patreon community at: https://www.patreon.com/themariner

Liferafts are probably the least understood part of the safety equipment on a modern yacht- sure you know where it is (probably), what it does (maybe) and almost certainly what it cost (!) but have you seen YOUR life raft inflated? Have you had extra equipment added to the safety pack inside the raft that could be essential to you in an emergency? Is your raft good for coastal work or offshore voyaging - or is it just the cheapest you could get to satisfy the rules? All these questions and more will be unpacked this episode as we continue our deep dive into Keith Colwell's excellent RYA Sea Survival Handbook. If you would like to support the podcast or develop your seamanship skills and overall safety at sea, please consider joining my Patreon community at: https://www.patreon.com/themariner

At 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 all cargo of munitions bound for the war in Europe would not be realized, until 20 minutes after the collision an explosion equivalent to 2.7 Kilotons of TNT left a scar on the city and on the psychology of it's inhabitants that would still be felt now, 105 years later. This podcast was recorded at 0900 on the 6th December 2022 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 at https://www.patreon.com/themariner and select the $5 per month 'crew' option. If you have any questions please send them to: [email protected]

Although we have had a few false starts with a round the world sailing project since the podcast began in early 2020- I think everyone will recognize that trying to make any kind of big plans during Covid has been basically impossible. We got close with the Ocean Globe Race entry in 2021, only to have the Race Committee cancel the race division we were entered into! I am therefore, extremely excited to be able to report that I have entered the 'Global Solo Challenge' which will set off from La Coruna in Northern Spain at the end of 2023. This is to be a 'pursuit' race which means the smaller boats (36ft!) set off first in September 2023 and then 2 months later in December, the quickest boats (of which we will be one) start racing. Once all the boats are on the water the first to the finish line -across the entire fleet- is the winner! It's a new and unique format for a round the world race, and I for one cannot wait to be involved. If you want to support the podcast or my Round the World campaign in the GSC hop over to Patreon and sign up to join the crew. https://www.patreon.com/themariner.

In 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 safe and effective. Finally I take a brief look at mooring and anchoring and the specific challenges these line handling situations create. 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 at https://www.patreon.com/themariner and select the $5 per month 'crew' option. If you have any questions please send them to: [email protected]

Questions & 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 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 get out on the water on a race, regatta or training voyage you can book with me here: Spartan Ocean Racing & Training If you have any questions please send them to: [email protected] Cheers, CSM

Another on deck report! This time passing through islands just before I arrive in Iceland. It’s super light winds, flat seas and a rare opportunity to chat and appreciate the scenery as we transit within a few hundred meters of sheer stratified cliffs- Iceland at it’s best:) Patreon On-Line Seamanship Course If you would like to develop your seamanship skills and overall safety at sea- check out the options to receive the regular Seamanship Training Videos, extra podcast and YT content over on my Patreon page. Check out The Mariner Patreon Page here https://www.patreon.com/themariner

The loss of Colin Golder from his boat 'Morgan of Mariette' in the 2022 Newport Bermuda Race shocked the race officers and participants alike. In this episode, in an effort to learn from this incident, and in so doing memorialize Colins' memory, I go through the incident report prepared by US Sailing and attempt to distil what lessons I can with the intention of increasing the sailing community's understanding of what was done correctly, what could have been improved and discuss how ongoing Safety at Sea training could be modified to help prevent similar accidents in the future. Patreon On-Line Seamanship Course If you would like to develop your seamanship skills and overall safety at sea, check out the options to receive the regular Seamanship Training Videos, extra podcasts and YT content over on my Patreon page. Check out The Mariner Patreon Page here https://www.patreon.com/themariner

No mistake made in the title! I wish to put forth the concept that we should be referring to the 'Triangle of Bermuda' rather than the 'Bermuda Triangle' to correctly identify a patch of the world's oceans that contains a known set of meteorological, navigational, oceanographic and seamanship challenges that together have indeed caused a number of ships to go missing over the period of time man has been traversing those waters and keeping logs of their experiences. Is it aliens, worm holes or time travellers? No, and therefore the term 'Triangle of Bermuda' needs to be thrown out. To me the tall tales that surround this area constitute a kind of straw man argument for caution which once disposed of by a rational mind could lull the unwary into thinking we in fact should not give this area any more of our focus than any other, and THAT would be a mistake. Let us instead recognize and consider the perfectly explainable but manifold risks that the 'Triangle of Bermuda' contains for the sailor, and plan accordingly. Patreon On-Line Seamanship Course If you would like to develop your seamanship skills and overall safety at sea, check out the options to receive the regular Seamanship Training Videos, extra podcasts and YT content over on my Patreon page. Check out The Mariner Patreon Page here https://www.patreon.com/themariner

As we continue to move through the excellent RYA Sea Survival Handbook by Keith Colwell we come to the piece of safety equipment that most sailors have the most familiarity with. We live in an age of miracles where now, falling into the cold, black waters of the Atlantic in the middle of the night MAY not actually be a death sentence, but for a lifejacket to have a chance of saving your life it needs to be correctly fitted, maintained and optioned (Spray shield, light, whistle, AIS beacon, crotch strap etc) PLUS you need to know how to use it and how to improve your chances of being seen. Patreon On-Line Seamanship Course If you would like to develop your seamanship skills and overall safety at sea- check out the options to receive the regular Seamanship Training Videos, extra podcast and YT content over on my Patreon page. There you can also enter exciting monthly draws to win fabulous sailing prizes! Check out The Mariner Patreon Page here https://www.patreon.com/themariner

Something different! a book review of one of the books I have just read over on my other podcast Rare Nautical Reads This is my thoughts having just read this famous French text (wonderful translated by Brian Connell) that charts the voyage of Dr Alain Bombard across the Atlantic in a 12ft rubber raft, with no food, and no water, in 65 days. Alone. It is a most remarkable story, rendered even more heroic when one discovers that Bombard only undertook to complete this voyage to prove a method of survival that may aid those unfortunate enough to be shipwrecked. It could possible aid up to 50,000 people a year in 1950. I think this text has important lessons to teach us as sailors today who rely solely on modern electric life saving devices. One needs to know that if those luxuries are suddenly unavailable, for whatever reason, and you have to enter a raft, you are going to need a plan. Bombard provides it. Patreon On-Line Seamanship Course If you would like to develop your seamanship skills and overall safety at sea- check out the options to receive the regular Seamanship Training Videos, extra podcast and YT content over on my Patreon page. Check out The Mariner Patreon Page here https://www.patreon.com/themariner

Another on deck report and in this one you join me sneaking through the Pentland Firth, a narrow channel at the very top of the Uk mainland. It's midnight, the wind is very light and the coast is very close by: listen in as I discuss keeping such situation safe, keeping on top of the navigation and of course- getting the coffee in! Patreon On-Line Seamanship Course If you would like to develop your seamanship skills and overall safety at sea- check out the options to receive the regular Seamanship Training Videos, extra podcast and YT content over on my Patreon page. Check out The Mariner Patreon Page here https://www.patreon.com/themariner

Sea Survival - Cold Water Survival It is one of my greatest fears. entering cold water in an uncontrolled manner and dying prematurely due to my lack of experience in such an environment. After making this podcast today I am forced to realize that just taking a weeks worth of cold water showers could-statistically- make me 50% more likely to be able to hold it together long enough for a vessel to change course, find me and save me. Let's see if I am able to convince you of the same thing as we take this opportunity to talk facts about what it is to enter cold water off the side of a boat. The statistics are terrifying but it does seem to be that there is a lot we can do to prepare ourselves mentally and physically for a cold water survival situation. As winter descends in the Northern Hemisphere- the scene is set for us all to get a lot tougher with regards cold water and increase our likelihood of surviving cold water shock Patreon On-Line Seamanship Course If you would like to develop your seamanship skills and overall safety at sea- check out the options to receive the regular Seamanship Training Videos, extra podcast and YT content over on my Patreon page. There you can also enter exciting monthly draws to win fabulous sailing prizes! Check out The Mariner Patreon Page here https://www.patreon.com/themariner

First On Deck Report For the longest time I have been struggling with how to create a podcast episode at sea with all of the environmental noises that make life on deck interesting and evocative BUT which also play merry hell with recording on a microphone. Well, I think I have a solution and whilst it's early days this episode is an opportunity to see how this content 'goes down' and gives me a starting place to build my skills. For this episode you join me in the North Sea to the East of England, Solo on Osprey and dodging wind farms on the way to Iceland. Patreon On-Line Seamanship Course If you would like to develop your seamanship skills and overall safety at sea- check out the options to receive the regular Seamanship Training Videos, extra podcast and YT content over on my Patreon page. There you can also enter exciting monthly draws to win fabulous sailing prizes! Check out The Mariner Patreon Page here https://www.patreon.com/themariner

Part 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... really, really slowly. No apologies, no excuses- I'm going to take it one page at a time and believe me- you are going to appreciate this when the waters are rising and the last light winks out! 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 get out on the water on a race, regatta or training voyage you can book with me here: Spartan Ocean Racing & Training If you have any questions please send them to: [email protected] Cheers, CSM

I 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 insights I have come to over the years I am going to go through the RYA 'Sea Survival Handbook ' (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... really, really slowly. No apologies, no excuses- I'm going to take it one page at a time and believe me- you are going to appreciate this when the waters are rising and the last light winks out! 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 get out on the water on a race, regatta or training voyage you can book with me here: Spartan Ocean Racing & Training If you have any questions please send them to: [email protected] Cheers, CSM

In 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 visit my Patreon Site and select the $5 per month option. If you want to get out on the water on a race, regatta or training voyage you can book with me here: Spartan Ocean Racing & Training If you have any questions please send them to: [email protected] Cheers, CSM

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 my Patreon Site and select the $5 per month option. If you want to get out on the water on a race, regatta or training voyage you can book with me here: Spartan Ocean Racing & Training If you have any questions please send them to: [email protected] Cheers, CSM

Questions & 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 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 get out on the water on a race, regatta or training voyage you can book with me here: Spartan Ocean Racing & Training If you have any questions please send them to: [email protected] Cheers, CSM

Another 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 diplomacy and understanding will prevail as soon as possible. I applaud Ukraine's recent decision to seek neutrality rather than membership of NATO. From my research and understanding this is the only path to peace in the short term. 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 get out on the water on a race, regatta or training voyage you can book with me here: Spartan Ocean Racing & Training If you have any questions please send them to: [email protected] Cheers, CSM

This 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 the $5 per month option. If you want to get out on the water on a race, regatta or training voyage you can book with me here: Spartan Ocean Racing & Training If you have any questions please send them to: [email protected] Cheers, CSM

In 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 is your thing! 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 get out on the water on a race, regatta or training voyage you can book with me here: Spartan Ocean Racing & Training If you have any questions please send them to: [email protected] Cheers, CSM

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 and select the $5 per month option. If you want to get out on the water on a race, regatta or training voyage you can book with me here: Spartan Ocean Racing & Training If you have any questions please send them to: [email protected] Cheers, CSM

This 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. My views are intended to be balanced, researched and fair but, if you are insulted or offended by anything I have to say I am sorry about that. However, I do not apologize for exercising my ability to speak freely- which I believe is the only route to peace and understanding for everyone. 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 get out on the water on a race, regatta or training voyage you can book with me here: Spartan Ocean Racing & Training If you have any questions please send them to: [email protected] Cheers, CSM

Whilst 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 naive and ignorant. 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 get out on the water on a race, regatta or training voyage you can book with me here: Spartan Ocean Racing & Training If you have any questions please send them to: [email protected] Cheers, CSM

This 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 email address below. 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 get out on the water on a race, regatta or training voyage you can book with me here: Spartan Ocean Racing & Training If you have any questions please send them to: [email protected] Cheers, CSM

In 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. If you want to get out on the water on a race, regatta or training voyage you can book with me here: Spartan Ocean Racing & Training If you have any questions please send them to: [email protected] Cheers, CSM

This 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. If you want to get out on the water on a race, regatta or training voyage you can book with me here: Spartan Ocean Racing & Training If you have any questions please send them to: [email protected] Cheers, CSM

The 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 sailing and ANY sailing content is good, B. Very nervous about the mooring system you have under your boat or C. A sailing geek like me! Let me reassure you that what ever your specific maritime dysfunction, all are welcome- :) just don't write to me afterwards and tell me it's a slow one - you've been warned!! 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 get out on the water on a race, regatta or training voyage you can book with me here: Spartan Ocean Racing & Training If you have any questions please send them to: [email protected] Cheers, CSM

In 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 per month option. If you want to get out on the water on a race, regatta or training voyage you can book with me here: Spartan Ocean Racing & Training If you have any questions please send them to: [email protected] Cheers, CSM

In 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 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 get out on the water on a race, regatta or training voyage you can book with me here: Spartan Ocean Racing & Training If you have any questions please send them to: [email protected] Cheers, CSM

In 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 get out on the water on a race, regatta or training voyage you can book with me here: Spartan Ocean Racing & Training If you have any questions please send them to: [email protected] Cheers, CSM

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. This draws Spartan 100% closer to the ideals that started the company and grants me the opportunity to stop judging the success of an event on the position logged in the race and instead look towards providing the best possible offshore training for those who are excited to be on the water and learn. The BIG EVENT however, that this new schedule works its way up to is the Ocean Globe Race in 2023 where YOU can join us in this unique opportunity to race a pedigree offshore race boat in a serious ROUND THE WORLD RACE. So, get over to the website www.spartanoceanracing.com and see for yourself what you could be doing 2 years from now! 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 get out on the water on a race, regatta or training voyage you can book with me here: Spartan Ocean Racing & Training If you have any questions please send them to: [email protected] Cheers, CSM

This 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 to get out on the water on a race, regatta or training voyage you can book with me here: Spartan Ocean Racing & Training If you have any questions please send them to: [email protected] Cheers, CSM

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 did not resemble in anyway the plan we had at the outset. It's good old fashioned problem solving nightmare and another stage in my education that maintenance of the overall objective despite critical set backs is all that counts. 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 get out on the water on a race, regatta or training voyage you can book with me here: Spartan Ocean Racing & Training If you have any questions please send them to: [email protected] Cheers, CSM

This 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 strategy to recover the victim before they succumb to hypothermia or drowning. 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 get out on the water on a race, regatta or training voyage you can book with me here: Spartan Ocean Racing & Training If you have any questions please send them to: [email protected] Cheers, CSM

In 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 West through the Torres Strait rather than going around Cape Leeuwin to the South. This affords Slocum time to visit a number of ports, raise some much needed funds and enjoy the cruise North through the Great Barrier Reef. 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 get out on the water on a race, regatta or training voyage you can book with me here: Spartan Ocean Racing & Training If you have any questions please send them to: [email protected] Cheers, CSM

In 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 explore D is for Damage. 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 get out on the water on a race, regatta or training voyage you can book with me here: Spartan Ocean Racing & Training If you have any questions please send them to: [email protected] Cheers, CSM

As 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 cents per episode please visit my Patreon Site and select the $5 per month option. If you want to get out on the water on a race, regatta or training voyage you can book with me here: Spartan Ocean Racing & Training If you have any questions please send them to: [email protected] Cheers, Chris

In 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- to the point that 170 years later very few people even know of the exploits of one of the most successful Arctic explorers of that age. 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 cents per episode please visit my Patreon Site and select the $5 per month option. If you want to get out on the water on a race, regatta or training voyage you can book with me here: Spartan Ocean Racing & Training If you have any questions please send them to: [email protected] Cheers, Chris

The 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 and prepared literally thousands of meals afloat. 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 cents per episode please visit my Patreon Site and select the $5 per month option. If you want to get out on the water on a race, regatta or training voyage you can book with me here: Spartan Ocean Racing & Training If you have any questions please send them to: [email protected] Cheers, Chris

This 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 you recognize that creating this content requires hours of effort and you would like to help support for the equivalent of about 25 cents per episode please visit my Patreon Site and select the $5 per month option. If you want to get out on the water on a race, regatta or training voyage you can book with me here: Spartan Ocean Racing & Training If you have any questions please send them to: [email protected] Cheers, Chris

In 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 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 get out on the water on a race, regatta or training voyage you can book with me here: Spartan Ocean Racing & Training If you have any questions please send them to: [email protected] Cheers, CSM

This 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 [email protected] 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 $2 per month option. If you are looking to develop your seamanship skills and take your sailing knowledge & safety to a more advanced level I run an On-Line Seamanship Training Program which gives you access to four 30 minute videos each month that deep-dive into a broad range of subjects from Ropework to Naval Architecture, Electronic Navigation, Sail Trim, Composite Repair. The lessons come out once a week and the minimum commitment to have access to all of them is $20 per month. If you want to get out on the water on a race, regatta or training voyage you can book any number of trips in the Caribbean, American North East, Europe and even Transatlantic trips; year round with Spartan Ocean Racing & Training Cheers, CSM

This 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 [email protected] 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 $2 per month option. If you are looking to develop your seamanship skills and take your sailing knowledge & safety to a more advanced level I run an On-Line Seamanship Training Program which gives you access to four 30 minute videos each month that deep-dive into a broad range of subjects from Ropework to Naval Architecture, Electronic Navigation, Sail Trim, Composite Repair. The lessons come out once a week and the minimum commitment to have access to all of them is $20 per month. If you want to get out on the water on a race, regatta or training voyage you can book any number of trips in the Caribbean, American North East, Europe and even Transatlantic trips; year round with Spartan Ocean Racing & Training Cheers, CSM

In 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 have any questions you would like answering please send them to [email protected] 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 $2 per month option. If you are looking to develop your seamanship skills and take your sailing knowledge & safety to a more advanced level I run an On-Line Seamanship Training Program which gives you access to four 30 minute videos each month that deep-dive into a broad range of subjects from Ropework to Naval Architecture, Electronic Navigation, Sail Trim, Composite Repair. The lessons come out once a week and the minimum commitment to have access to all of them is $20 per month. If you want to get out on the water on a race, regatta or training voyage you can book any number of trips in the Caribbean, American North East, Europe and even Transatlantic trips; year round with Spartan Ocean Racing & Training Cheers, CSM

In 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 [email protected] 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 $2 per month option. If you are looking to develop your seamanship skills and take your sailing knowledge & safety to a more advanced level I run an On-Line Seamanship Training Program which gives you access to four 30 minute videos each month that deep-dive into a broad range of subjects from Ropework to Naval Architecture, Electronic Navigation, Sail Trim, Composite Repair. The lessons come out once a week and the minimum commitment to have access to all of them is $20 per month. If you want to get out on the water on a race, regatta or training voyage you can book any number of trips in the Caribbean, American North East, Europe and even Transatlantic trips; year round with Spartan Ocean Racing & Training Cheers, CSM

In 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. If you have any suggestions, questions or requests, please send them to [email protected] 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 $2 per month option. If you are looking to develop your seamanship skills and take your sailing knowledge & safety to a more advanced level I run an On-Line Seamanship Training Program which gives you access to four 30 minute videos each month that deep-dive into a broad range of subjects from Ropework to Naval Architecture, Electronic Navigation, Sail Trim, Composite Repair. The lessons come out once a week and the minimum commitment to have access to all of them is $20 per month. If you want to get out on the water on a race, regatta or training voyage you can book any number of trips in the Caribbean, American North East, Europe and even Transatlantic trips; year round with Spartan Ocean Racing & Training Cheers, CSM

In 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 'pros' from the 'cons' by simply asking them to put their money where their mouth is- lets see how I gt on!! The big question I need you to help with is: 'If A is for Anchoring... what are B & C for?' If you have any suggestions, questions or requests, please send them to [email protected] 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 $2 per month option. If you are looking to develop your seamanship skills and take your sailing knowledge & safety to a more advanced level I run an On-Line Seamanship Training Program which gives you access to four 30 minute videos each month that deep-dive into a broad range of subjects from Ropework to Naval Architecture, Electronic Navigation, Sail Trim, Composite Repair. The lessons come out once a week and the minimum commitment to have access to all of them is $20 per month. If you want to get out on the water on a race, regatta or training voyage you can book any number of trips in the Caribbean, American North East, Europe and even Transatlantic trips; year round with Spartan Ocean Racing & Training Cheers, CSM