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The best inflatable boats encompass a wide array of vessels with varied abilities that are suited to a myriad of purposes… As a result, it is necessary to offer the following caveat and disclaimer: the term ‘inflatable boat’ can be confusing as there are some large RIBs (Rigid-hulled Inflatable Boats) with multiple high-powered engines that are designed to perform search and rescue operations in the most demanding coastal conditions imaginable, while other inflatable boats are suitable only for playing in a swimming pool or on a calm lake or river. This guide highlights some of the best inflatable boats for various common and specific uses. Even the best inflatable kayak will be wholly unsuited to acting as a yacht tender (see explainer below), while the best yacht tender will likely not make an ideal inflatable fishing platform. With so many designs available, it’s crucial to select the right inflatable boat for the job. Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence. 5 of the best inflatable boats Inflatable Sport Boats Killer Whale Best inflatable boat for use as a tender Reasons to buy – Heat-welded seams – 3-year warranty – Semi-rigid floor – Includes all necessary accessories like bag, pump, oars, bench, etc. – Some air floor models feature EVA faux teak decking Reasons to avoid – Fairly expensive for a PVC tender (close to some cheaper glued Hypalon options) – Not as rigid as a true RIB – Can only take up to a 15hp outboard – Modular aluminum floor options can be more difficult to install than air floor models – Wide, light inflatable boats without a keel such as these tend to row very poorly First up on our list is arguably the best value, fully-modular PVC tender that can currently be purchased on the market. Featuring an 1,100 denier thread count and heat-welded seams backed by a 3-year warranty, this inflatable boat is sure to last a long time. Coming in three different sizes with both modular aluminum and air floor options, there is an option to fit

The best inflatable boats encompass a wide array of vessels with varied abilities that are suited to a myriad of purposes… As a result, it is necessary to offer the following caveat and disclaimer: the term ‘inflatable boat’ can be confusing as there are some large RIBs (Rigid-hulled Inflatable Boats) with multiple high-powered engines that are designed to perform search and rescue operations in the most demanding coastal conditions imaginable, while other inflatable boats are suitable only for playing in a swimming pool or on a calm lake or river. This guide highlights some of the best inflatable boats for various common and specific uses. Even the best inflatable kayak will be wholly unsuited to acting as a yacht tender (see explainer below), while the best yacht tender will likely not make an ideal inflatable fishing platform. With so many designs available, it’s crucial to select the right inflatable boat for the job. Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence. 6 of the best inflatable boats Inflatable Sport Boats Killer Whale Best inflatable boat for use as a tender Reasons to buy – Heat-welded seams – 3-year warranty – Semi-rigid floor – Includes all necessary accessories like bag, pump, oars, bench, etc. – Some air floor models feature EVA faux teak decking Reasons to avoid – Fairly expensive for a PVC tender (close to some cheaper glued Hypalon options) – Not as rigid as a true RIB – Can only take up to a 15hp outboard – Modular aluminum floor options can be more difficult to install than air floor models – Wide, light inflatable boats without a keel such as these tend to row very poorly First up on our list is arguably the best value, fully-modular PVC tender that can currently be purchased on the market. Featuring an 1,100 denier thread count and heat-welded seams backed by a 3-year warranty, this inflatable boat is sure to last a long time. Coming in three different sizes with both modular aluminum and air floor options, there is an option to fit

In the fourth of our series on double handed sailing skills, Pip Hare explains dropping an asymmetric spinnaker for shorthanded crews Taking a spinnaker down without the aid of the snuffer or furler is when double handed sailing is a challenging manoeuvre. This will be your biggest sail; it is slippery to grab hold of and the sheer volume of the spinnaker makes it powerful and unruly. But, like all our double-handed manoeuvres, with good planning and technique this sail can be tamed. If learning as a double-handed crew, practise your technique in lighter winds, to establish who does what, and where to be positioned. Every time you hoist the spinnaker, make sure you’re ready to drop at any time, especially if doing single person watches. Talk through the manoeuvre ahead of time, agree roles, communication and process so if you need to make a quick drop you’re confident it will go well. These techniques are designed for double handed crews sailing a yacht with an autopilot, and an asymmetric spinnaker. We’re sailing a J/99, which has a fixed bowsprit and hanked-on jib. Thanks to Key Yachting for their support. Dropping the spinnaker is one of the most challenging manoeuvres for double-handed crews. Photo: Richard Langdon/Pip Hare Ocean Racing Preparation For double-handed teams, a stress free drop can turn into a nightmare with a rope snag. If a rope catches, even for a couple of seconds, it can lead to the spinnaker refilling and flying back out of the boat with loads too heavy to overcome. All lines associated with the drop: halyard, pole out, tackline and lazy sheet must be well prepared by either flaking or coiling, then laying out on a clear piece of deck to run free. Lines not associated with the drop should be tidied away into pockets or temporarily thrown down the companionway steps. Dropping is a two-person job, so set the autopilot to steer to a True Wind Angle (TWA). This should be deep to decrease the apparent wind and help with depowering the sail, but not so deep that the mainsail is at risk of gybing – this can especially be a problem in waves. I

Sian Lewis shares her top picks of the best women’s specific warm wetsuits for cold water swimming to keep you cosy year-round Looking for the best cold water swimming wetsuit for women and need a little pointer in the right direction, then I’m here to help you. Whether you’re an experienced outdoor swimmer eyeing up your next open water challenge or are just dipping your toe in the world of wild swimming this spring, a warm and comfortable wetsuit will keep you going for longer in colder temperatures, and make swimming a true year-round activity. Not all wetsuits for women are created equal – most are designed specifically with either surfers or open water swimmers in mind. If you exclusively swim, make sure you choose a suit designed just for swimmers, like the six tried-and-tested wetsuits in our round-up below. While you can always wear a surf wetsuit for a quick dip, a swimming-specific wetsuit will really give you the edge if you’re getting fit over longer distances or are entering your first swim event. Swimming wetsuits are usually made from thick materials like neoprene and yulex rubber, which trap in heat and warm water around your body, keeping you at a comfortable temperature for longer. They usually have slimmer neoprene around the arms and legs, to reduce drag in the water and keep you feeling flexible as you move. You’ll also find short swimmer’s wetsuits that can be armless or sleeveless, designed to give you some protection in spring and summer. At a glance Zone 3 Thermal Agile Wetsuit – Best for winter use – Buy Now Orca Openwater Core Hi-Vis Wetsuit – Best for being seen in the water – Buy now Nabaiji Open Water Sleeveless Wetsuit – Best for freedom of movement – Buy now My top six picks of the best swimming wetsuits for women are aimed at different seasons and will suit different budgets, but they’re all reliably cosy in the cold without stopping you from swimming freely. Not sure where to start shopping? You’ll also find key features to look out for when choosing the best cold water swimming wetsuit in our quick buyer’s

Alex Thomson might have hung up his Vendée Globe boots, but 2024 will see one of the most competitive line-ups of British skippers taking on the epic race Pip Hare is a renowned shorthanded offshore sailor. She will be starting her second Vendee Globe in 2024. Photo: Richard Langdon/Ocean Images /Pip Hare Ocean Racing As the 2024 Vendée Globe draws ever closer it looks like British fans will have plenty to shout about in the next edition as a bumper number of British skippers are preparing to take on the solo non-stop round the world race. Despite long-time British Vendée contender Alex Thomson retiring from the event, the 2024 race is set to feature one of the strongest British contingents ever fielded in the Vendée. So, who are the skippers flying the flag for Britain in the Vendée Globe? Photo: Yann Riou Sam Davies English-born Samantha Davies has the rare status of being loved by both French and British sailing fans, having made France her home for many years since breaking into the Figaro class, a traditional feeder for the IMOCA 60. Davies, 48, is now among the most experienced IMOCA 60 skippers in the fleet, and well known for being one of its best communicators, also being bilingual. Davies trained for many years at the prestigious Port La Forêt, and has more than 25 transatlantic races under her belt as well as three circumnavigations. Davies is a long time Vendée Globe competitor having first taken on the race in 2008/09 on Roxy, crossing the line in 3rd place and finishing 4th after redress was awarded to other competitors (for the rescue of Jean le Cam). She was dismasted in the 2012 Vendée Globe, but went straight on to the all-female Team SCA entry in the Volvo Ocean Race, in which she was made skipper. The Volvo Ocean Race has since become The Ocean Race and Davies is currently competing onboard Biotherm alongside Paul Meilhat on an epic 12,000 mile Southern Ocean leg. Sam has spoken about how this year’s crewed Ocean Race is an opportunity for skippers to really accelerate their learning on how the latest generation IMOCAs handle

The British Virgin Islands have had a tough few years, but one of the world’s favourite sailing destinations is back, and as beautiful as ever, as Mike Pickering discovers As the 30-seater inter-Caribbean turboprop aircraft banked to starboard, through my small window I caught a first glimpse of Tortola and the Sir Francis Drake Channel. I felt my pulse quicken. This idyllic stretch of water was where I had my first Caribbean sailing experience back in 2004. As an 18-year-old, I’d recently moved up from racing dinghies to yachts and was instantly captivated by the quality of sailing, the warmth of the water, and the sweetness of the rum. Now, 15 years later, I’ve returned with my wife, Ruth, whose sailing experience consists of navigating the Solent in inclement weather, and her parents, who have never set foot on a yacht before. As the chief organiser of this adventure, my main objective had been to find a winter sun location with predictable weather and easy, yet beautiful sailing. The British Virgin Islands fit the bill perfectly. The warm tradewinds provide a consistent north-easterly Force 4, the outer islands offer great protection from Atlantic swells and, with the islands being so close together, navigation is primarily by line of sight. Stepping off the plane onto the tarmac at Terrance B Lettsome Airport, we were ushered past a roaming brood of roosting chickens into the small arrivals hall and after a quick passport check were on our way to Nanny Cay Marina. A lot has changed in the BVIs since I first visited in 2004. Back then the islands were experiencing a tourism boom, but that all came to a halt in September 2017 when Hurricane Irma swept over with 190mph winds causing widespread devastation. As we travelled around the islands, evidence of the disaster was still visible five years on. Photo: Christian Wheatley/Getty Driving to the marina our taxi driver, Wendle, pointed out various reminders of the impact of Irma in bays around Tortola. The sight was disheartening; boats lay stranded on reefs like beached whales, and shoreside buildings still nothing more than hollow shells. Despite the international aid that poured

An intensive course promises a fast-track ticket to skippering a catamaran. Helen Fretter goes catamaran sailing to find out more Can one week change your life? That’s a whole lot of pressure to put on a holiday. But for a surprising number of graduates of the Nautilus Sailing catamaran sailing course, that’s exactly what their one week aboard is: a first step to catamaran ownership or liveaboard adventures. Nestled under the towering castillo on the tiny Balearic island of Cabrera is a simple tapas bar, known as the Cantina. Overlooking the dinghy dock and a short dusty road to nowhere, its terrace is a place where sailors sit to contemplate the stars, the swinging anchor lights, and life in general. Over olives and white sangria my crew mates were considering their next life move, and they were resolute that it would involve buying a catamaran, and making that leap. Of course, a liveaboard catamaran sailing course doesn’t have to be about reinventing your life. It’s a week afloat in the sun, hopping from bay to bay in some of the loveliest sailing destinations around, and an opportunity to pick up the skills to do it all again some time – only next time chartering your own boat, with friends or family. Dreaming big: the majority of Nautilus Sailing’s catamaran skipper course students now plan to sail away on their own boat, rather than charter. Photo: Nautilus Sailing Tacking between the islands of Conils and Cabrera, before tucking into the deeply sheltered nook of the Puerto de Cabrera anchorage, surrounded on all sides by a silent national park where the only visitors arrive by sea, is a day to treasure for anyone cruising the Mediterranean. For those experiencing yachting for the first time, it’s akin to being given the key to a secret world that only sailors have permission to access. Broad appeal Catamaran ownership has boomed, but the huge sales of recent years aren’t solely the result of previous monohull owners converting to multihull life. There’s no question that the popularity of YouTube sailing mega-brand La Vagabonde, and other multihull vlogs like Gone with the Wynns and Sailing Zatara, have

Sailing winch deals from West Marine that might just make you day, week or year! Buy one Get one free on Lewmar winches. Sailing winch deals are rare, so when we see something exciting then we want to share it with you! West Marine are offering a Buy one Get one free offer at the moment which includes some incredible savings on their LEWMAR sailing winches. Here’s some of the best sailing winch deals from West Marine right now… Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence. LEWMAR Ocean #30 Chrome Self-Tailing 2-Speed Winch Buy one get one free  Was: $1,299.99 Now: BOGO FREE View Deal LEWMAR Ocean #46 Chrome Self-Tailing 2-Speed Winch Buy one get one free Was: $1,999.99 Now: BOGO FREE View Deal LEWMAR EVO® Electric Winch Kit, 40EST, Chrome Buy one get one free Was: $3,799.99 Now: BOGO FREE View Deal LEWMAR Ocean #16 Chrome Self-Tailing 1-Speed Winch Buy one get one free Was: $839.99 Now: BOGO FREE View Deal LEWMAR Ocean #65 Chrome Self-Tailing 2-Speed Winch Buy one get one free  Was: $5,199.99 Now: BOGO FREE View Deal LEWMAR EVO® Electric Winch, 45EST, Black Buy one get one free Was $3,999.99 Now BOGO FREE View Deal See more deals via the West Marine page for  deals on Sailing Winches   The post Sailing winch deals – Buy one get one free appeared first on Yachting World.

Jessica Watson talks to Helen Fretter about what her round the world journey was really like and how accurate the Netflix film True Spirit is In the late Noughties and early 2010s, sailing garnered astonishing levels of attention due to a series of teenagers bidding to become the youngest sailor to sail around the world. One of the most high profile was Jessica Watson, who set off from Sydney in 2009 aged 16, and completed her loop of Antarctica – and a dip north across the Equator in the Pacific – to return an all-Australian hero after 210 days at sea. It was a remarkable story, much of which was told in real time in Watson’s blog and video diaries. Thirteen years on, Netflix has made a feature-length sailing film based on her voyage, called True Spirit. Following the film’s release in the UK, we spoke to Watson about the experience. True Spirit is available to watch on Netflix worldwide Jessica Watson in the spotlight In the film version of True Spirit viewers are introduced to the teenage Jessica Watson aboard her S&S 34 Ella’s Pink Lady on a trial solo sail, when a violent collision with a 63,000 tonne cargo ship off Queensland leaves the yacht dismasted, and both Watson and her family ashore shaken. It’s the same opening scene Watson begins her autobiography with, and it’s as shocking to watch as it is to read her written account: “I grabbed at the tiller, flicked off the autopilot and tried to steer us. It was hopeless. “There was nowhere to go, nothing I could do. Shuddering and screeching, we were being swept down the ship’s hull. A glance told me that the ship’s stern, with its bridges protruding, was fast approaching. The noises were getting louder and, knowing that the mast and rigging were about to come down, I rushed back below hoping for some protection. “The cupboard next to me ripped apart as the chainplate behind the bulkhead splintered it into a million pieces. The boat heeled to one side then suddenly sprung upright with the loudest explosion yet as the entangled rigging suddenly freed itself and crashed

Fancy sitting back and enjoying some dramatic sailing footage from the comfort of your sofa? We pick the best sailing films on Netflix, Prime and more Scene from the Netflix film of Watson’s solo circumnavigation. Photo: Images: Everett Collection Inc/Alamy Recent years have seen a proliferation of sailing films arriving on streaming platforms, with Netflix taking the lead on producing original content but there are many other sailing films on offer on the streaming services that can fulfil your sailing addiction from the couch. Best sailing films on Netflix True Spirit The latest sailing film from the streaming giant, True Spirit, takes a look at the story of Jessica Watson one of the the most famous sailors from the late Noughties and early 2010’s phenomenon of multiple teenagers bidding to become the youngest sailor to sail around the world.  Jessica Watson, who set off from Sydney in 2009 aged 16, completed her loop of Antarctica – and a dip north across the Equator in the Pacific Ocean – to return an all-Australian hero after 210 days at sea. The film is a dramatic retelling of Watson’s story and attempts to tread the fine line between staying true to her story and picking drama out of the narrative. Watson’s story is undoubtedly intriguing and any film taking on the challenge of conveying he long, slow, and arduous experience of the solo adventurer is always going to struggle to weigh realism with drama. But for the most par this stays true enough to the story to make for a satisfying viewing experience. Untold: The Race of the Century Another big Netflix production to be released last year, this documentary on the 1983 America’s Cup is bursting with iconic footage and up-close interviews with major players. The story of the 1983 America’s Cup is legendary to those with even a passing interest in sailing, seeing John Bertrand’s Australia II crew beating Dennis Connor’s American Liberty crew to wrest the America’s Cup from the New York Yacht Clubs grasp for the first time in 132 years – the longest winning streak in sporting history.  Even though we all know what happens, it’s still edge

The epic 12,000 mile Southern Ocean leg of The Ocean Race has been underway for just a few days, but it’s already a survival of the fittest test, with one team out of the race stage after 72 hours Holcim – PRB have won the first two legs of The Ocean Race so far. Leg 3 of The Ocean Race was always expected to be an punishing test for the five IMOCAs and their crews, but it’s been a particularly tough start for the teams since the 12,000-mile stage from Cape Town, South African to Itajaii, Brazil, began on Sunday 26 February. Two boats picked up damage even before leaving Table Bay at the start of the leg. Then, after just 72 hours of racing, Guyot environnement – Team Europe announced they had to bow out of the rest of the leg after what team team believes to be structural damage to the hull, and yesterday Malizia suffered serious mast damage. Boris Herrmann‘s team has been frantically making repairs today to try and keep themselves in the race. Meanwhile, Kevin Escoffier‘s team on Holcim-PRB has marched to a substantial lead. Leg 3 starting problems During a two-and-a-half lap inshore race off Cape Town before the boats set out offshore, Paul Meilhat‘s Biotherm suffered a broken mainsheet strop during a gybe in strong breezes. This caused further damage to the kicker which forced the team to head back to the dock to effect a repair. They then needed to wait for a minimum two-hour period for receiving assistance. Just minutes later it was revealed that 11th Hour Racing Team had also suffered damage, having broken two mainsail battens. Though the team could fix the repair onboard they elected to have new battens sent onto the water so they could keep their spares onboard for the leg ahead. They too would need to serve a two-hour wait period before they could get their race underway again. After a 24-hour period of lighter winds, which at one stage saw the five IMOCAs drifting facing in five entirely different directions on the tracker, the leaders began to pick up stronger breezes as they made miles to

We review the best battery-powered and electric self-heated jackets for keeping sailors toasty warm and waterproof in cold weather at sea A decent sailing jacket is a must-have wardrobe item for any sailor. But for those sailing in extreme weather, sometimes an extra layer of warmth is needed. In that case, one of the best heated jackets could be the perfect accessory, keeping sailors warm at sea without having to wear bulky layers and compromise their range of movement and flexibility. Heated outdoor jackets use advanced technology to provide warmth through battery-powered heating elements that are integrated into the fabric. Many can be charged using the same USB technology as your phone. Cosy and water-repellent, self-heated jackets are designed for keeping wearers warm and dry for long periods in freezing cold temperatures. Unlike wearing layers of clothing that need to be stripped off or put on again, many self-heated jackets allow the wearer to easily adjust the temperature with a simple button. When looking for the best heated jackets to buy, take into account what the item is designed for and where you’ll be using it. Some self-heating jackets are crafted for winter sports like skiing or snowboarding, while others are made specifically for more sedentary activities like walking or hunting. Some are more suited to milder temperatures while others are appropriate for Arctic conditions. For sailors wanting to buy one of the best heated jackets, consider how the jacket affects your range of motion, and how well it can handle wet conditions and exposure to saltwater. Battery life, machine washability and fit and styling are all important aspects to bear in mind when buying a new heated jacket. 7 of the best heated jackets Regatta Men’s Volter Shield IV waterproof heated jacket The Volter Shield IV model by Regatta is designed for heavy-duty wear in seriously wet conditions. It’s water-repellent and features an adjustable hem and storm cuffs to ensure no water is getting inside while worn, no matter how rough the conditions are out on the water. Although the brand doesn’t define exactly how long the battery life is, we do know that heating panels cover the back

Elaine Bunting looks into the so-called ‘attacks’ on yachts by groups of Orcas and tries to unravel why it has been consistently happening for the last few years Late in November last year, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston’s Farr 65 pilothouse cutter, Sanjula, was being sailed 10 miles west of Cape Finisterre in Spain when it was surrounded by orca whales. The collisions began immediately. “A pod of seven to 10 orcas surrounded Sanjula and then began to barge into its rudder. This eventually broke a steering connecting rod. The engine was switched off and the boat lay hove-to while the emergency steering was rigged,” he reported. “After 10 minutes the orcas moved away, no longer finding a hove-to yacht interesting – but that is only an assumption. The boat sailed to Vigo for repairs.” The incident was the most high profile yet of what has amounted to hundreds of interactions, or attacks, by killer whales off the coasts of Spain and Portugal since they were first reported nearly three years ago. The incident involving Sanjula happened just a few weeks after the loss of a French Oceanis 393, Smousse, 14 miles west of Viana do Castelo. Orcas tore Smousse’s rudder by mouthing and shaking it, cracking the hull in the process. The four crew were forced to abandon to a liferaft, and were picked up by another yacht. Close encounters between orcas and yachts were extremely rare occurrences until something very strange happened – in July 2020 the behaviour of a small sub-population of orcas off the coasts of Atlantic Spain and Portugal suddenly changed. They began to barge yachts seemingly aggressively, often causing serious damage to the boats’ rudders. A towed dinghy could become a target for orca play. Photo: Jon Wright Reports mounted up as the behaviour kept being repeated, and these incidents spread north, marking the orcas migratory route north along the Iberian peninsula to Galicia, where they feed on bluefin tuna and nurse their young. Whether these were play behaviours or attacks wasn’t clear but it involved repeated ramming of boats, and those who experienced them were terrified. Delivery skipper Pete Green was delivering an Amel 52

Monique the sailing hen, who famously accompanied French solo skipper Guirec Soudée on a five-year around the world voyage, has died. Soudée posted a tribute to his unique companion today: Monique, a Rhode Island Red hen who joined solo sailor Guirec Soudée on multiple sailing adventures, even including 130 days icebound in Greenland, has died at the age of 9. Without doubt the most well travelled chicken in the world, Monique accompanied Soudée on a five year world tour, clocking up (clucking up? sorry… Ed) the kind of sea miles many a professional sailor would be proud of. Adventurous young sailor Guirec Soudée and his adopted hen Monique sailing on Yvinec. Photo: Guirec Soudée Young Breton sailor and adventurer Soudée adopted Monique while on a stopover in the Canary Islands aboard his 38ft steel yacht, Yvinec, on his first solo circumnavigation in 2015.  Monique took to life at sea easily, laying 25 eggs on the pair’s 28-day Atlantic crossing, and swapped pecking at the earth for worms for pecking flying fish that landed on Yvinec’s deck. “I said to myself: ‘If she annoys me, I can always eat her.’ It feels weird to say that now! We formed a real bond. She was so endearing, she made me laugh so much, it felt as if I had always known her,” Soudée recalled in an interview for The Guardian in 2019. The duo spent time in the Caribbean, where Soudée worked as a watersports instructor to raise funds for his voyage, and his sailing hen Monique became something of a local celebrity, joining Soudée windsurfing, on paddleboards and swimming in the sea. Icebound in Greenland Soudée went on to sail north via Bermuda and Halifax to southern Greenland, arriving in late summer. He often visited children in local schools to talk about his voyage, always accompanied by Monique, much to the children’s amusement as there are no hens in Greenland. Soudée had set himself the challenge of overwintering in ice, unassisted. The pair holed up in Greenland’s vast Disko Bay, provisioned with 40kg of rice for Soudée, 60kg of seeds for Monique, and 2,000lt of fuel for heating and electricity, as Yvinec’s

Expert weather guru, Chris Tibbs takes a look at Southern Ocean storms and considers how sailors can best take advantage – or avoid- them Any colour you want as long as it’s grey! That’s my overriding memory of life in the Southern Ocean – we tend to forget the sun reflecting off icebergs and the aurora of the Southern Lights on the horizon at night, because it is the relentless succession of low-pressure systems rattling around the world that dominate the weather. This gives periods of low cloud and rain to be followed by an active cold front and squally conditions. A temporary lull may occur as a ridge of high pressure builds… .before the next low is upon us and the pattern repeats until we escape from the area. For many sailors the Southern Ocean is the holy grail of racing, with its reputation for fearsome storms and monster waves. But what makes it different from other storms and oceans? The remoteness, for one: knowing that the only help you’re likely to get is from other competitors and at times you’re closer to the International Space Station than any other person (beyond fellow competitors). The Oceanic Pole of Inaccessibility is at 48° 52.6’S and 123° 23.6’W and is the point on the globe furthest from any land (over 1,400 miles) – and it feels it! I have been fortunate to race around the world three times; twice in the Whitbread Race and also as skipper in the BT Global Challenge (racing the wrong way around the world) and the depressions were bigger and fiercer than others I have experienced in other parts of the world. Racing strategy indicates heading south to reduce the distance along the great circle route, and also to take advantage of the circumpolar current that continually circles the globe, without getting south of the low pressure systems and into head winds. In the days of the heavy IOR yachts of the early Whitbread races, the more wind you had the faster you went, with the cold and ice being the limiting factors. Low pressure system west of the Antarctic Peninsula with a developing secondary low