The Mariner
The Mariner is a sailing podcast for sailors of all ages and skill levels, covering seamanship and safety at sea. Episodes feature deep dives into practical topics such as anchoring, sail trim and man-overboard procedures, alongside interviews, on-deck reports and listener Q&A sessions. It is hosted by Chris Stanmore-Major, a professional skipper with over 325,000 nautical miles commanding vessels from 15 to 150 feet worldwide. He has raced twice around the world and is the 182nd person to have circumnavigated solo. The show mixes technical instruction with light-hearted asides and critical observations drawn from his own experience.
Episodes
134 | Mid-Atlantic Update - All Well!
Join me 250 Nm west of Madeira as I negotiate my way through the Azores high on my qualifying passage on board the 80 ft yacht Osprey for the 2027 Global solo challenge round the world yacht race
If you would like to join me for many more deep dives on topic's like: MOB recovery, heavy weather tactics and offshore seamanship, check out:
Patreon & Youtube Membership
To support the produc
133 | Good Things Ahead 😀
It’s been a while since I last recorded an episode. A friend put it perfectly the other night — I’ve been “down below, sheltering.” There’s been a lot to deal with, but I’ve come through it.
Right now I’m lying alongside in Cherbourg, France, aboard Osprey — our 85-foot maxi — with a brand-new mainsail, surrounded by some of the best sailors and sailing service providers in the world. Ahead of us
132 | Entering the Needles Channel at 15 knots.
In this episode you join me on deck as we enter the Needles Channel, en route to Southampton, to pick up the crew for the Fastnet Expedition 2025.
This comes at the end of a 3500Nm solo transatlantic voyage, on the 80 foot maxi, Osprey.
94 days before, in Nova Scotia, sick and stuck on the mooring, I set myself the challenge to get Osprey into the Centenary edition of the world's most famous off
131 | The Mainsail That Would Not Die
This episode tells the full story of the sail that’s been with me through it all — my old Open 60 mainsail, which, although it has impossibly high mileage (100,000nm!), has proven indefatigable, indestructable and faithful right through to the end.
But, it’s about more than gear. It’s about the kind of grit and grace it takes to keep going when the world says you shouldn’t, whatever your passion m
130 | 5 Years of The Mariner Podcast - Now I Need a Little Support From You
Thank you to everyone who’s already signed up to receive a piece of Osprey’s mainsail—the same sail that’s carrying me toward the UK right now. Your $100 pledges at the 'solo' tier on Patreon, are going straight to my beautiful tnew 197 sqm /2150 sqft mainsail that was just finished, that we will be using for the Centenary Fastnet.
https://www.patreon.com/themariner/shop/own-piece-of-mainsail-that
129 | The Mariner Returns
Join me today on deck, onboard Osprey, my 85ft Maxi, as I complete my 33rd Transat, headed to England, to join the Centenary Fastnet Race and everything that lies beyond.
You are not going to want to miss this one. The Mariner is BACK!
Follow the story with DAILY videos over on the Mariner YouTube Channel
Tenacity in Pursuit
What if a piece of torn sailcloth could remind you what commitment looks
128 | Accident Investigation | MOB & Injury | Round the Island Race 2024
In this episode we look at an MOB incident in the 2024 Round the Island Race in which a crew of five were inundated by a following sea off St. Catherine's Point, UK resulting in one tethered MOB, one MOB clear of the vessel with only a short distance to a lee shore... Oh and the skipper broke his leg in the knock down. Both MOB's were recovered without injury, but there is a lot to look at as I ta
127 | Accident Investigation | Roaring Meg of Cowes | Crash Gybes & Serious Injuries
Today, we're diving into the Marine Accident Investigation Bureau's (MAIB) report on the 2006 Roaring Meg of Cowes incident, where two crew were seriously injured in two crash gybes that happened within minutes of each other.
I'll be sharing insights as a professional sailor, examining what went wrong and the crucial lessons we can learn.
If you would like to join me for more deep dives on topic'
126 | Advanced Seamanship Notes | Capt. Illingworth | Headsail Trim
Join us in this episode as we delve into the nuanced art of headsail trimming, guided by the wisdom of Captain W.H. Illingworth's 'Offshore' (1948).
We explore often overlooked aspects of headsail trim, including car positioning, halyard tension, forestay sag and more.
Discover how these techniques can optimize your performance and elevate your sailing experience.
If you would like to join me fo
125 | Preventers - Widely Misunderstood & Absolutely Essential.
Spinnaker poles have three bits of rigging holding them in place we all know that, but it often comes as a shock when sailors realize they have been missing the third (and arguably the most important) piece of rigging on their main boom.
Preventers save lives- it's just that simple. Please take time to listen to this podcast and update your knowledge on preventers and check out the Mariner Youtube
124 | Advanced Seamanship Notes | Capt. Illingworth | Heavy Weather
This episode we learn key elements the skipper of a vessel in heavy weather should keep in mind, to keep his vessel sound & her crew safe. Capt. Illingworth was a submarine commander in WWII as well as a racing skipper, and therefore had a better measure than most as to the thoughts uppermost in a skipper's mind in heavy conditions.
I hope my communication of his ideas into this new medium doe
123 | Advanced Seamanship Notes | Capt. Illingworth | Beating to Windward
I started this series of Advanced Seamanship Notes (Episodes 115-117) to bring to light specific areas of sailing knowledge which are A. difficult to locate in sailing resources on-line or off, and B. provided by a Mariner who is recognizably a 'Master' - in the true sense of the word.
Captain J H Illingworth was considered the 'father of offshore sailing & racing' in postwar Britain. He star
122 | Advanced Seamanship Notes | Capt. Illingworth | Ocean Racing Strategy
I started this series of Advanced Seamanship Notes (Episodes 115-117) to bring to light specific areas of sailing knowledge which are A. difficult to locate in sailing resources on-line or off, and B. provided by a Mariner who is recognizably a 'Master' - in the true sense of the word.
Captain J H Illingworth was considered the 'father of offshore sailing & racing' in postwar Britain. He star
121 | Advanced Seamanship Notes | Capt. Illingworth | Waves & Wave Riding
I started this series of Advanced Seamanship Notes (Episodes 115-117) to bring to light specific areas of sailing knowledge which are A. difficult to locate in sailing resources on-line or off, and B. provided by a Mariner who is recognizably a 'Master' - in the true sense of the word.
Captain J H Illingworth was considered the 'father of offshore sailing & racing' in postwar Britain. He star
120 | The ABC of Sailing | L is for Leaks
L is for many things at sea, but as always, I wanted to find something that would make us stop & think maybe and see things afloat from a new angle.
This episode gives us the opportunity to discuss things as divergent as structural delamination and emotional overload, excessive crankcase oil pressure and fighting complacency as we get more experienced. L is for Leaks and boy are there a lot!
119 | Questions & Tangents | PTSD & Shouting | Seasickness | Autopilots
Another Questions and Tangents Episode, this time we look at emails sent regarding, PTSD and shouting, sea sickness & the function of the ear, buying old race boats (and the fun they can be!) and much more. PLUS loads of me rambling on.....
To support the production of this material please consider heading over to Patreon. where for $5 a month you can get access to more audio books, videos and
118 | Marine Insurance | Who I Use & My Research
Marine insurance is a massive heartache for many sailors who are doing slightly 'non-standard' things in sailing, whether it is crossing oceans, sailing solo or cruising with your family- often times it is very difficult to get a policy that will cover you. I have faced this problem for years- this episode I discuss who I am now insured with and why and read the answers to questions I submitted t
117 | Advanced Seamanship Notes | Capt. Voss | Heavy Weather in Small Vessels | Part 3
Sometimes we get the opportunity to sit at the hand of the master and hear first hand what is the best way to do something.
This is the third part of one of those moments.
This episode I read the last section of the Appendix of Capt. Voss' book 'Venturesome Voyages' and if that leaves you feeling a little less than interested, don't worry, it's just because you don't' know who Capt. Voss is.
I've
116 | Advanced Seamanship Notes | Capt. Voss | Heavy Weather in Small Vessels | Part 2
Sometimes we get the opportunity to sit at the hand of the master and hear first hand what is the best way to do something.
This is the second part of one of those moments.
This episode I read the second section of the Appendix of Capt. Voss' book 'Venturesome Voyages' and if that leaves you feeling a little less than interested, don't worry, it's just because you don't' know who Capt. Voss is.
I
115 | Advanced Seamanship Notes | Capt. Voss | Heavy Weather in Small Vessels | Part 1
Sometimes we get the opportunity to sit at the hand of the master and hear first hand what is the best way to do something.
This is one of those moments.
This episode I read the Appendix of Capt. Voss' book 'Venturesome Voyages' and if that leaves you feeling a little less than interested, don't worry, it's just because you don't' know who Capt. Voss is.
I've got you covered on that too.
If you w
#114 | Questions & Tangents | So, You Bought an Old Race Boat Anyway.
Questions and Tangents #14 and this episode we continue down the rabbit hole regarding buying a used race boat.
Recap
Last time we discussed this I said, 'Don't do it - unless you REALLY want/ need to do it.'
But as you did it anyway... (which I knew you would...)
This time I'm saying- 'Since you can't take simple advice-;) here's 2 further hours of things to bear in mind.'
I guess #3 (Owing a Rac
#113 | Safety at Sea | Easy MOB Recovery & Other Fantastic Myths
So, after all your best efforts to prevent a Man Overboard Situation now your crew are in the water, and they are relying solely on you to not only come and find them; but also to do it in heavy seas, high winds and at night.
Shit.
Let's explore the options when all hope appears lost, when only brute strength and the spark of ingenuity may be all you have to get the job done.
If you would like
#112 | Safety at Sea | How to AVOID MOB Situations
We've all done it, taken a quick nip onto the foredeck just do ' that thing' and suddenly we find ourselves realizing one wrong move and we are toast.
This episode looks to try to reconcile that kind of risk-taking to the garbage can and promote instead a deep instinctual suspicion that the sea does not actually care about you, is in no way impressed or 'wow'd' by your skill set and will take eve
#111 | Deep Dives | Solar Eclipse = Wolf Eating the Sun
Today is the day of the solar eclipse across North America, the only one that will touch the continent until 2024 (when only three states will experience totality) therefore: Happy Solar Eclipse Day!
I thought I would put a few thoughts down relating to the historical and scientific history of solar eclipses to give you Dad's EVEN more to amaze and thrill your kids with.... as you always do.....
O
#110 | Dogwatch | Autopliots V's Wind Vanes | US West Coast Deliveries | Curved.Traveler Tracks
Another Dogwatch, to relieve the anxiety I am starting to feel doing these safety at sea episodes back to back- my dreams have started to become very weird and threatening when i spend my days talking at length about everything that can or might go wrong at sea!
This time we discuss autopilots v's wine vane steering, boat deliveries out of West Coast US cities and the complications therein and why
#109 | Safety at Sea | Dismasting, Lost Steering & Other Sailing Nightmares
Losing the mast, rudder or even a single hatch cover at sea in heavy weather can be catastrophic, unless you have been playing the 'what if' game for a while and already have the equipment, procedures and mental capacity developed to deal with the problem, concisely & precisely.
If you would like to listen to fantastic stories of sailors in small vessels taking on the ocean in the last 150 yea
#108 | Safety at Sea | Heavy Weather Tactics
Whenever anyone meets me and hears I am a sailor, the first question is always 'have you been in a big storm?' Well, the answer unsurprisingly is yes, so here in concert with Keith Colwell's excellent 'RYA Sea Survival Handbook', let me lay out some of the ways to avoid becoming a statistic, when the volume on the weather gets cranked to eleven.
If you would like to listen to fantastic stories of
#107 | The ABC of Sailing | K is for Ketches, Yawls & Schooners
This episode we discuss ketches, yawls and schooners as part of the ABC of sailing, and I explore what are the pitfalls and joys of owning and operating such vessels, through the lens of my own experiences, running open ketch expeditions in Asia.
If you would like to listen to fantastic stories of sailors in small vessels taking on the ocean in the last 150 years, all selected & read by me, ch
#106 | Safety at Sea | What to do BEFORE Heavy Weather Hits
Another instalment of my review & expansion of the RYA Sea Survival Handbook, by Keith Colwell.
This episode I spend an hour just going through all the things to prep onboard, before heavy weather comes in. An hour!
As I point out in the podcast- whatever it is that you need to do on your boat is realistically going to take you longer than that, so FYI maybe best to listen in and find out what
#105 | Safety at Sea | The Most Boring Safety Information Possible | Made Tolerable
This episode I continue this series, following the excellent RYA Sea Survival Handbook, by Keith Colwell.
Today we look at interpreting the specifics of incoming weather forecasts & the importance of 'aids to navigation' in fog.
Jeepers... that reads bad, no wonder Robert Redford died in that movie.
Look it's not bad- It's interesting.. I tell stories & stuff.
Honestly, if you like boa
#104 | Questions & Tangents | Maybe Don't Buy an Old Race Boat
This time I answer the one burning question every sailor needs to know the answer to: Is there some way buying an old race boat is a good idea.
My take? It can be.... BUT ... like getting a tattoo on your face.. you need to be REALLY certain before you commit.
If you would like to listen to serialized stories of the sea, selected and read by CSM, check out the Mariner's Library Podcast; availabl
#103 | Dog Watch | BS about Bellropes & AI Advice on Surviving the Apocalypse Afloat
AI wrote this description. It added the word 'hypothetical' FYI.
Embrace the unexpected as Chris jests about how sailboats can serve as ideal bug-out vehicles, taking on an interesting twist as he discusses fleeing a hypothetical AI-backed zombie apocalypse. Hear his personal accounts of challenging sailing voyages and learn lessons about readiness and continuous vigilance for potential hazards.
I
#102 | Safety at Sea | Surviving Your Rescue
This episode dives once more into the seldom-explored realm of life rafts, highlighting the importance of visibility, stability, and utility in survival scenarios.
The discussion includes a thorough examination of rescue measures, the practical usage of survival tools, and alternatives to traditional life rafts. This episode also discusses the importance of emotional management amidst rescue oper
#101 | Safety at Sea | Rustling up a Meal in a Liferaft & Rescue Comms with Aircraft.
This episode we wrap up our look at surviving in a life raft. What is plainly apparent from this six episode deep dive on the life raft is that there is LOADS of information to know, to give yourself and your crew mates a decent chance of survival.
If you would like to listen to serialized stories of the sea, selected and read by CSM, check out the Mariner's Library Podcast; available on all podc
#100 | Dogwatch | Did Josh Slocum Die at Sea? | Heaving-to in a Race Boat | Sail Boats as Bug Out Vehicles
Episode 100 and a new bight-sized (!) format to increase the subjects I can get too and allw me to speak about things that maybe somewhat off topic in a pure sailing show...
This week:
1. Did Josh Slocum die when they said he did?
2. Heaving-to in a race boat.
3. Connecting with sailors from history through their accounts.
4. The podcasts numbers get a hearty increase.
5. Sailing boats as bug-ou
#99 | Safety at Sea | Abandoning Ship 5 | Fresh Water- the Liferaft Survivors' Nemesis
Water, water everywhere: and not a drop to drink.
When there are only a few pints of water to drink in the life raft and no indication of immediate rescue, it is essential for the life raft leader (who is not also necessarily the captain of the lost vessel) to immediately become extremely smart about water usage, water collection and the problems inherent in limiting humans access to water.
And al
#98 | Safety at Sea | Part 11 | Abandoning Ship 4
This episode we continue our in-depth look at chapter 7 of Keith Colwell's Sea Survival Handbook, specifically entering a liferaft and the vast amount of actions there are to remember and take to make the most out of the meagre opportunity such a craft offers survivors.
If you would like to listen to serialized stories of the sea, selected and read by CSM, check out the Mariner's Library Podcast;
#97 | The ABC of Sailing | J is for Jargon
In this episode I continue the ABC of sailing, with the letter J. and 'J is for Jargon'
This time I look at the history, benefits and disadvantages of all the jargon used in sailing and take a look at the entries in the J section of the 1952 volume, 'Mariner's Dictionary' that help to underline just how dense, granular and historically-rooted many of the words used in sailing really are, and ho
#96 | Questions & Tangents 12 | Over-riding Turns, Poor Winch Placememt & Finding Warm Gloves for Sailing
In this episode we discuss Youtube viewer questions relating to:
1. Over rides on winches, how do they happen, how to avoid them and how to deal with them when they appear anyways.
2. Operating winches on boats with awkwardly mounted equipment (Swans!)
3. Finding gloves that keep you warm and dry. (Hint- the answer is NOT gloves!)
If you would like to listen to serialized stories of the sea, sele
#95 | Safety at Sea | Part 10 | Abandoning Ship 3
Continuing with the lunchtime recording sessions (while my two year old is having his nap (!), this time we are looking at what happens after you have made the decision to leave the vessel due to fire, sinking, collision etc.
This begins with getting into the liferaft of course, but quickly escalates into a whole new kind of seamanship, as you and the other people in the raft have to start to work
#94 | Safety at Sea | Part 9 | Abandoning Ship 2
In this episode we continue the brilliant RYA Sea Survival Handbook by Keith Colwell
This time we are looking at Abandoning Ship!, words that should drive an icy spear into any good skippers heart!
This section of the book will take a few days to cover and I am doing this while snowed in (with a two year old) during the worst winter storm in Nova Scotia in 20 years .. So, apologies if the audio is
#93 | Safety at Sea | Stepping UP into the Life Raft
This time we are looking at Abandoning Ship!, words that should drive an icy spear into any good skippers heart!
This section of the book will take a few days to cover and I am doing this while snowed in (with a two year old) during the worst winter storm in Nova Scotia in 20 years .. So, apologies if the audio is not as engineered as normal!
If you would like to listen to serialized stories of th
#92 | Questions & Tangents 11 | The 1974 'Orgy of Destruction on Barnstaple Beach'
Questions and Tangents ! As always I get to talk about kinda whatever I want in these episodes, and this week it's a newspaper article from 1974 that's got me excited- I think when you hear about 'The Orgy of Destruction outside Barnstaple' you too will be excited.
A little shorter this week as we haven't done one of these for a long time and I am short of questions to answer- if you could help me
#91 | Safety at Sea | Part 7 | The Psychology of Survival
This episode we continue reviewing the excellent, RYA Sea Survival Handbook by Keith Colwell with a look at the psychological tactics that must be employed to get you past circumstances that may be life and death in the very real meaning of the phrase.
If you would like to hear more exclusive sailing content, head over to https://www.patreon.com/themariner and there, for $5 a month you can not o
#90 | ABC of Sailing | I is for Information Availability at Sea
Continuing the ABC of basic sailing concepts series, I take a look in this episode at the modern revolution in information collection, exchange and processing on board the modern yacht.
So, step away from your Scrimshaw, put down your sextant and lend me your shell-like because you are not going to believe what is possible on a phone in the middle of the Atlantic these days.
#89 | Global Solo Challenge | Intro to the racers already on the water.
This episode is the first I am going to do about the Global Solo Challenge Race that I intend to join in early December.
I'm still a little way off on the last funding to get the project over the start line but I figure its best to throw myself in completely and go for broke rather than tippy toe around the edges any longer.
Presently, my Open 60 Falcon is 95% read to go, I have time available to
#88 | Don’t Pay the Ransom, I Escaped!
It's been a long time since I published a podcast and I finally I found after many, many attempts that the only way to get back on the horse was to just record whatever came out of my mouth for an hour and we can pick the bones out of it later.
In this episode I talk about what has been happening for me in 2023, I talk about the Global Solo Challenge Race coming up in December and answer a great q
#87 | Interview | Offshore Sailing & Cruising with Paul Trammell
This episode I thought I would share with you an interview I did month or so ago with Paul Trammell on his wonderful podcast 'Offshore Sailing and Cruising '. It was great to chat to Paul and learn about his sailing to date, but as this was an interview I was doing for him introducing myself to his audience we will have to wait for a future date to really get to know Paul more. As by the end of t
#86 | My Perfect Boat | William Nutting | Founder of the Cruising Club of America
The 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 on
#85 | Notes on Cold Water Resistance Training & Abandonment Technique
I found an interesting document on a pen drive over the weekend- given to me by the organizers of the Velux 5 Race 10 years ago, it was a series fo notes prepared by the Race Officers after discussing with Alex Thompson and Mike Golding, Mike's fantastic rescue of Alex in the Southern Ocean in 2006.
At first the notes seemed a little wandering, but I think you will agree when I read you Mike's a
#84 | Safety at Sea | Part 6 | Calling for Help
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
#83 | Questions & Tangents 9 | The ’MOJE’ MOB system, Dutchman mainsail reefing & 36ft boats in the Southern Ocean
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 t
#82 | Safety at Sea | Part 5 | Liferafts
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 voy
#81 | The Mariner | The Halifax Explosion
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?
#80 | The Mariner | Entering ’The Global Solo Challenge’ in 2023
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 exci
#79 |The Mariner | The ABC of Sailing | H is for Handling Lines
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 b
#78 | Questions & Tangents 8 | Aviation VHF Frequencies | Dehler Sails | The Lesson of the Rocks
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!
#77 | The Mariner | On Deck Report | Icelandic Island Channel
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 t
#76 | The Mariner | Safety at Sea | MOB Report | Newport Bermuda Race 2022
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
#75 | The Mariner | The Triangle of Bermuda
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 ha
#74 | The Mariner | Safety at Sea | Part 4 | Lifejackets
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 n
#73 | The Mariner | Book Review | The Bombard Story | Dr Alain Bombard
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
#72 | The Mariner | On Deck Report | Sept ’22 | Pentland Firth
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 yo
#71 | The Mariner | Safety at Sea | Part 3 | Survival In Cold Water
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
#70 | The Mariner | On Deck Report | Sept ’22 | North Sea
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 s
#69 | The Mariner | Safety at Sea | Part 2 | Before You Depart
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, h
#68 |The Mariner | Safety At Sea | Part 1 | Before You Depart
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
#67 | Questions & Tangents | Traditonal Backstays v’s Flat Top Mains | How to be a Good Skipper
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
#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 recog
#65 | The Mariner Podcast | Questions & Tangents | 7
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!
#64 | The Mariner Podcast | News & Views | European Geopolitical Boundaries & The Monroe Doctrine
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 Ukrain
#63 | The Mariner Podcast | Seamanship | Dealing with High Winds at Sea
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
The Mariner Podcast #62: ’Sailing Alone Around the World’ Chapters 19 &20
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 Re
The 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 creatin
The Mariner Podcast #60: Thoughts on the Crisis in the Ukraine
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 wit
The Mariner Podcast #59: F is for Flat Earth
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 tha
The Mariner Podcast #58: The Nova Race #1
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 consideratio
The Mariner Podcast #57:‘Sailing Alone Around the World‘ Chapters 17 & 18
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 con
The Mariner Podcast #56: Veterans Ocean Globe Race 2023
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 ef
The Mariner Podcast #55: Managing High Winds @ Moorings
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.... t
