Jonty Pearce

“A long time ago in a marina far, far away….” Well, last weekend, actually, in Pembrokeshire. Despite the speedy approach of Spring, we are still held in Winter’s grip. There…

Jonty Pearce

Sadly, we are down to one cat. Liver cancer claimed Archie, our ‘outdoor cat’ in November, and Puffball, our ‘Indoor Cat’ has ruled the roost since. Carol is desperate to…

I collect old Tilley lamps. I know it’s a bit sad, and such a statement does make me wonder if I should attend a group where the accepted introduction is…

Jonty Pearce

Today is Valentines Day. I know that any readers will be seeing this at least two days after this warm and loving day, but bear with me. I’m writing this…

Circumnavigation

Yachting Monthly was recently contacted to let us know about a new book, written in French and downloadable for free, recounting a circumnavigation in 1966-68. Guy Quiesse, the author, Claude…

The Ancient Mother (her description) was 92 this weekend. She remains a sprightly, bright, and upright example of good preservation, and it has become our habit to celebrate her birthday…

British Virgin Islands

Chris Beeson has gone to The Dogs, reached the Bitter End, even needed Painkillers – and never been happier than on charter in the British Virgin Islands

While many leisure yachtsmen might support the idea of Marine Conservation Zones, there is simultaneous apprehension about them – the echo of a caveat such as ‘as long as they…

Dick Durham

My mother died recently and I now know why ships are called shes. I suddenly feel as though I’ve been left to swim for it, even though I’ve been old enough…

Maybe I should explain further in case by any chance readers of these pages think that I have finally been ejected from the confines of my mind. I am not…