The Mariner

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: csmthemariner@gmail.com  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 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.   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: csmthemariner@gmail.com  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: csmthemariner@gmail.com  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: csmthemariner@gmail.com  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: csmthemariner@gmail.com  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: csmthemariner@gmail.com  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: csmthemariner@gmail.com  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: csmthemariner@gmail.com  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: csmthemariner@gmail.com  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: csmthemariner@gmail.com  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: csmthemariner@gmail.com  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: csmthemariner@gmail.com  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: csmthemariner@gmail.com  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: csmthemariner@gmail.com  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: csmthemariner@gmail.com  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: csmthemariner@gmail.com  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: csmthemariner@gmail.com  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: csmthemariner@gmail.com  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: csmthemariner@gmail.com  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: csmthemariner@gmail.com  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: csmthemariner@gmail.com  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: csmthemariner@gmail.com  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: csmthemariner@gmail.com  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: csmthemariner@gmail.com  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: csmthemariner@gmail.com  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: csmthemariner@gmail.com  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: csmthemariner@gmail.com  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: csmthemariner@gmail.com  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: csmthemariner@gmail.com  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 csmthemariner@gmail.com    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 csmthemariner@gmail.com    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 csmthemariner@gmail.com    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 csmthemariner@gmail.com    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 csmthemariner@gmail.com    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 csmthemariner@gmail.com    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 one is a little racing heavy but then there are some pretty interesting races going on!  I take a quick look at the Vendee Leaders, the capsize of the Americas Cup boat 'Patriot' and the weather situation facing the 'Edmund De Rothschild' Maxi Trimaran currently fighting for the Jules Verne Trophy.   With the news comes the views, and this week I discuss things as far afield as Elon Musk's Starlink and the Artic Vortex threatening to freeze Nova Scotia this week.   So, Sit Down, Clip on & Listen in for another hour of of the every-day* Mariner Podcast.   (*ish)   If you have any questions or requests you would like to share, please send them to csmthemariner@gmail.com    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        

It's Official!  The (Lead Acid) battery is dead.  This episode let me take you for a wander around my thought processes as I come to the realization that Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries need not be a dream anymore. Finally, prices have now dropped to a point where pretty decent, reliable units are available on the market that will bring me all the advantages of the LiFePO4 batteries: such as lighter weight, longer life, more useable capacity and higher charging rates; without blowing the budget.  If you have any questions you would like to share, please send them to csmthemariner@gmail.com  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. This week Slocum is rounding Cape Horn, but between tremendous storms that drive the Spray back again and again plus dealing with the threat of piracy from the local people - he certainly has his work cut out for him! I conclude the reading of these chapters as always with some commentary on the material, this week I am able to share some of my own experiences of Cape Horn that only reinforce the well earned reputation of this infamous place.     If you have any questions you would like answering please send them to csmthemariner@gmail.com    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      

As the second wave of Covid 19 starts to be felt in territories across Asia, Europe and the Americas the building problem of millions of people facing prolonged isolation and social insulation starts to be felt as well. Mental health and the long term effects of going without normal human contact has well understood and well researched ramifications but is this being forgotten about as promises of vaccines and the end of lockdown circulate? With months to go in this pandemic in any reasonable forecast, now is the time to double-down on our awareness of the effects of the Covid restrictions on ourselves and others.   If you have any questions you would like answering please send them to csmthemariner@gmail.com    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      

It's 2021 and it's time to get the Mariner underway! In this episode I discuss the future of the podcast and take a look at the news from the Vendee Globe.  I also discuss the Ocean Globe Race in 2023, Spartan's itinerary for 2021 and my Westabout the world record attempt which will now go ahead in November!  There is lots to tell and my goodness don't I pack it all in this time! Warning!  This may be the episode where you select '0.75% playback speed' as I fairly rattle along!! ;)   If you have any questions you would like answering please send them to csmthemariner@gmail.com    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 reading and discussing chapters 5 & 6 of 'Sailing Alone Around the World' by Captain Joshua Slocum In the commentary I take time to share my experience of sailing the same route that Slocum follows in this section of the book and unpack the vocabulary, technical details and what it feels like to engage in some of the exploits Slocum shares with us.   If you have any questions you would like answering please send them to csmthemariner@gmail.com  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 presents some very important and thought provoking information that I would advise all listeners to research on their own so they can confirm the facts presented and make changes, if necessary to their life on and off the boat.  What subject could cause me to be so somber and serious? Storm tactics? Immigration laws? No, this week I am talking about sleep. The importance of sleep is a weirdly absent convention amongst sailors who above all travelers and sports people expose themselves repeatedly and needlessly to the dangers of sleep deprivation.  This is mainly due to the fact that we are,  on the whole- hugely uneducated about this critical subject. So, clip on, sit down & listen in; it's time to learn why the foolish old line, 'Sleep when you're dead' is mortally unwise and darkly ironic advice.   If you have any questions you would like to share, please send them to csmthemariner@gmail.com  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        

Questions & Tangents is the weekly episode  where I answer listener questions, tell you about the news in my own sailing and generally ramble on about all things maritime for an 1hr!  This episode I talk about foils on the Vendee boats - pros and cons, sea-sickness and how to combat it, the Ocean Globe Race and the new North Atlantic loop that Spartan is doing in the summer of 2021 - which I am really looking forward to and much more!  Join me if you would rather be at sea! If you have any questions you would like answering please send them to csmthemariner@gmail.com  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 interview Philip Bachmann a sailor I have completed many miles of offshore sailing with. He talks about his time learning to be a boatbuilder and the adventures it has led him to including getting to grips with being a skipper on his own boat and learning how advanced 19th century yacht design was. If you have any questions you would like answering please send them to csmthemariner@gmail.com  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 reading and discussing chapters 3 & 4 of 'Sailing Alone Around the World' by Captain Joshua Slocum In the commentary you will join me as I go down to my own round the world race boat, to discuss some things about this part of the book that are very close to my heart. I can only hope, once more, that I do that old Nova Scotian shellback some justice and help bring his incredible story to life for another generation of sailors.    If you have any questions you would like answering please send them to csmthemariner@gmail.com  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 we get away from gear reviews, interviews & book reading and get back to where the Mariner started.. me chatting about what's going on in my watery world and answering listener questions. We cover what's happening with the Westabout campaign, the exciting news that Spartan is once again setting sail in 2021 and I share my new found excitement about the Vendee Globe Virtual Regatta app which has had me glued to my phone for a week! If you have any questions you would like answering please send them to csmthemariner@gmail.com  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 week I introduce a new feature- once a week I will be reading from a famous sailing book and giving you a commentary afterward that will hopefully expand & illuminate the text. The first book to receive this treatment is for many, the first real offshore sailing book ever written - it is of course ' Sailing Alone Around the World' by Captain Joshua Slocum. Slocum was born and raised not 60 miles from where I live here in Nova Scotia so this was the most obvious book for me to start with but it was also by far the most popular book suggested by listeners. I can only hope that I do that old shellback some justice and help bring his incredible story to life for another generation of sailors. If you have any questions you would like answering please send them to csmthemariner@gmail.com  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 finally make good on my threat to interview someone my first victim/volunteer is Ryan Barkey and in keeping with my normal proficiency in all matters technical the recording of my microphone was corrupted by the time it got to the editing suite!  No matter! I have boosted the recording from Ryan's mic and apart from me sounding like I am sitting in the engine room it is still a great interview! I think Ryan's story is a very common story for someone within the professional (non-superyacht) sailing industry who is trying to make his way through a professional landscape that has very few signposts. Take a job, build qualifications, lever as much experience as you can from each job you take and keep you eye on what is your end goal. It's Ryan's story, it's my story and I think many of you will appreciate his adventurous and positive take on life. Ryan shares with us how he came to be an offshore racer- the adventures and pitfalls he faced along the way and his latest project to sail a Class 40 around the world in the upcoming Globe 40 Race in 2021. Ryan's website is www.loosefishracing.com and you can find a link there to his Gofundme page if you feel like dropping him a few dollars to make dreams into realities. If you have any questions you would like answering please send them to csmthemariner@gmail.com  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 take a deep dive on modern lifejackets- how they have evolved, the design features that make modern jackets so good and I introduce the life jacket I use and is used throughout all of Spartan Ocean Racing's events- the 'Team O Back Tow' life jacket. If you are thinking of buying a new jacket- looking to upgrade to a better jacket for the new season or a just interested to find out more about this crucial piece of life saving equipment - jump in and enjoy 90 minutes of informative and entertaining banter. To learn more about the Back Tow Life Jacket go to: www.teamomarine.com If you use the promo code: SpartanOceanRacing (case sensitive) you will receive a 15% discount and help support the podcast.   If you have any questions you would like answering please send them to csmthemariner@gmail.com  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        

I'm going round the World AGAIN!!  27,000Nm, Solo, Non-Stop, WEST - this time looking to beat the 16 year standing record of 122 days set in 2004. Why? To raise awareness and show support for the Province where I live, Nova Scotia, Canada which like so many places around the world has been hard hit by Covid 19 and its effect of business & tourism. In this episode I introduce you to our newly christened Open 60 'Pride of Nova Scotia' and finally get down to explaining what this West Around the World, Solo, Non-stop voyage is all about. I also take you through where I am up to in the project, what the schedule is and what the obstacles ahead might be. If you have any questions you would like answering please send them to csmthemariner@gmail.com    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.   I 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 Thanks! Chris          

In this episode I share where I have been for the past few weeks and take you through the wonderful voyage I had up the Eastern seaboard of the US from Georgia to Boston.  The boat I was lucky enough to sail on was a Formula 40 trimaran called 'Spirit' (ex. Spirit of England). She was one of the hot ticket rides in the 1990's with a Fastnet Class win (amongst many other things) to her credit in 1995 as well as being one of the early steeds for sailing legend Brian Thompson.   The boat has since been modified for cruising and as you will hear I was blown away by how well that conversion has worked, but let's be clear- at no stage did this boat lose it's 'get up & go' and the result is a massively capable offshore multihull with a intelligently and thoughtfully designed interior suitable for a couple (who like to host big groups of friends!)   If you want to see more of this boat check out the previous owners' (Jason & Claudia) Youtube channel, I think it will really help bring the sights and sounds of this awesome boat to life for you.   https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvBgq4-qZn5FEfrli2SmX7w   Thanks also to Andrew & Jess who came to me with this exceptional opportunity - I look forward to sailing with you again soon!   If you have any questions you would like answering please send them to csmthemariner@gmail.com    If you recognize that creating this content requires hours of effort and you would like to help support for the equivalent of 25cents 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.   I 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 Thanks! Chris