The Mariner

In this episode I continue the story of my voyage solo across the Southern Ocean in the Velux 5 Oceans Race.   In Episodes 6 & 7 of the Podcast I described the massive damage I suffered to my mainsail and how I struggled through to get it fixed and continue racing; Now I conclude the Southern Ocean Leg with the exciting dive towards the Horn followed by a major storm that promises to make my H...

In this episode I take a look at shouting and the intimidation techniques often employed by skippers who feel it is OK to speak to their crew in a bullying and disrespectful manner.   I uncover how damaging this is not only to the crew but also to the 'shouter' and the group dynamic on the boat.  I suggest a few tactics that can lower the volume and how to get important actions completed without h...

In this episode I describe how I overcame disaster and completed 36hrs of stitching to repair my badly damaged mainsail in terrible conditions close to 'Point Nemo' in the Southern Ocean. When physically and emotionally I am at the end of my tether an unexpected visitor turns my situation around and gives me the catalyst I need to come back fighting. I also answer a fantastic question sent in by a...

Halfway between New Zealand & Cape Horn I suffer critical damage to my mainsail between reefs 2 & 3, a 6 ft (2m) tear has opened up in the leech of my mainsail and unless it is fixed I cannot fly the sail and I will not only be last in the race but also in a very dangerous position 1000's of Miles form shore. Suddenly all thought of competition is forgotten and I am in survival mode as I struggle...

In this Episode I take you through an overview of Southern Ocean sailing that can be applied to any wild stretch of ocean and any long passage made in those kind of conditions. Taking my first Southern Ocean leg on the Velux Race as a framework I share observations and learning that came from that 6500Nm, 40 day, solo voyage and the sights and sounds that stick with me from that first nervous fora...

In this episode I continue the story of my first serious solo offshore passage and delve into what makes Open 60's such serious offshore racing boats. I also discuss the near vertical learning curve I had to go through to tame the beast and the distressing results of the emotional pressure I had been under.  If you have any questions you would like answering please send them to csmthemariner@gmail...

In this episode I discuss the start of the Velux 5 Oceans Solo Race Around the World. Safe to say it was not the slick operation you may have perceived if you were standing far enough away on start day. Nearly crashing into the Canary Islands because I did not set my alarm clock, a huge headsail tears loose and nearly dismasts the boat; close calls with big ships & learning to sleep in 20 minute b...

In this episode I discuss how only a few days after getting back from sailing round the world with the Clipper Race I get the opportunity to go Round the World AGAIN: But this time Solo and on an Open 60. I outline the impossible task I was challenged with to get an older Open 60 that had not been offshore for a long while into fighting shape ready for another lap of the planet- on a very tight bu...

In this first episode I talk about how I ended up starting a career at sea: it's not what you might expect! I was actually over 18 when the realization came that life ashore was not going to be enough for me. I talk about my first ship 'Ji Fung' a brigantine at the Hong Kong Outward Bound School that changed my world forever and set me off on this life of voyaging and adventure.  If you have any q...