The Mariner

#109 | Safety at Sea | Dismasting, Lost Steering & Other Sailing Nightmares

Losing the mast, rudder or even a single hatch cover at sea in heavy weather can be catastrophic, unless you have been playing the 'what if' game for a while and already have the equipment, procedures and mental capacity developed to deal with the problem, concisely & precisely.
If you would like to listen to fantastic stories of sailors in small vessels taking on the ocean in the last 150 years, all selected & read by Chris, check out the 'Mariner's Library'.
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-mariners-library/id1710666955
If you would like to check out The Mariner Youtube Channel - we have gear reviews, how to videos, seamanship training videos and on the water reports. Remember to dock your finger carefully on the subscribe button!
https://youtu.be/t0cfY6HqjLA
To support the production of this material please consider heading over to Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/themariner

#108 | Safety at Sea | Heavy Weather Tactics

Whenever anyone meets me and hears I am a sailor, the first question is always 'have you been in a big storm?' Well, the answer unsurprisingly is yes, so here in concert with Keith Colwell's excellent 'RYA Sea Survival Handbook', let me lay out some of the ways to avoid becoming a statistic, when the volume on the weather gets cranked to eleven.
If you would like to listen to fantastic stories of sailors in small vessels taking on the ocean in the last 150 years, all selected & read by Chris, check out the 'Mariner's Library'.
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-mariners-library/id1710666955
If you would like to check out The Mariner Youtube Channel - we have gear reviews, how to videos, seamanship training videos and on the water reports. Remember to dock your finger carefully on the subscribe button!
https://youtu.be/t0cfY6HqjLA
To support the production of this material please consider heading over to Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/themariner

#107 | The ABC of Sailing | K is for Ketches, Yawls & Schooners

This episode we discuss ketches, yawls and schooners as part of the ABC of sailing, and I explore what are the pitfalls and joys of owning and operating such vessels, through the lens of my own experiences, running open ketch expeditions in Asia.
If you would like to listen to fantastic stories of sailors in small vessels taking on the ocean in the last 150 years, all selected & read by me, check out the 'Mariner's Library' Podcast.
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-mariners-library/id1710666955
If you would like to check out The Mariner Youtube Channel - we have gear reviews, how to videos, seamanship training videos and on the water reports. Remember to dock your finger carefully on the subscribe button!
https://youtu.be/t0cfY6HqjLA
To support the production of this material please consider heading over to Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/themariner

#106 | Safety at Sea | What to do BEFORE Heavy Weather Hits

Another instalment of my review & expansion of the RYA Sea Survival Handbook, by Keith Colwell.
This episode I spend an hour just going through all the things to prep onboard, before heavy weather comes in. An hour!
As I point out in the podcast- whatever it is that you need to do on your boat is realistically going to take you longer than that, so FYI maybe best to listen in and find out what's on that preparatory to-do list now, because once the wind starts to blow, it's already WAY too late.
 
If you would like to listen to fantastic stories of sailors in small vessels taking on the ocean in the last 150 years, all selected & read by Chris, check out the 'Mariner's Library'.
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-mariners-library/id1710666955
If you would like to check out The Mariner Youtube Channel - we have gear reviews, how to videos, seamanship training videos and on the water reports. Remember to dock your finger carefully on the subscribe button!
https://youtu.be/t0cfY6HqjLA
To support the production of this material please consider heading over to Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/themariner

#105 | Safety at Sea | The Most Boring Safety Information Possible | Made Tolerable

This episode I continue this series, following the excellent RYA Sea Survival Handbook, by Keith Colwell.
Today we look at interpreting the specifics of incoming weather forecasts & the importance of 'aids to navigation' in fog.
 
Jeepers... that reads bad, no wonder Robert Redford died in that movie.
 
Look it's not bad- It's interesting.. I tell stories & stuff.
Honestly, if you like boats - it's kinda ok
 
If you would like to listen to fantastic stories of sailors in small vessels taking on the ocean in the last 150 years, all selected & read by Chris, check out the 'Mariner's Library'.
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-mariners-library/id1710666955
If you would like to check out The Mariner Youtube Channel - we have gear reviews, how to videos, seamanship training videos and on the water reports. Remember to dock your finger carefully on the subscribe button!
https://youtu.be/t0cfY6HqjLA
To support the production of this material please consider heading over to Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/themariner

#104 | Questions & Tangents | Maybe Don't Buy an Old Race Boat

This time I answer the one burning question every sailor needs to know the answer to: Is there some way buying an old race boat is a good idea.
My take? It can be.... BUT ... like getting a tattoo on your face.. you need to be REALLY certain before you commit.
 
If you would like to listen to serialized stories of the sea, selected and read by CSM, check out the Mariner's Library Podcast; available on all podcast platforms.
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-mariners-library/id1710666955
If you would like to check out The Mariner Youtube Channel - we have gear reviews, how to videos, seamanship training videos and on the water reports. Remember to dock your finger carefully on the subscribe button!
https://youtu.be/t0cfY6HqjLA
To support the production of this material please consider heading over to Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/themariner

#103 | Dog Watch | BS about Bellropes & AI Advice on Surviving the Apocalypse Afloat

AI wrote this description. It added the word 'hypothetical' FYI.
Embrace the unexpected as Chris jests about how sailboats can serve as ideal bug-out vehicles, taking on an interesting twist as he discusses fleeing a hypothetical AI-backed zombie apocalypse. Hear his personal accounts of challenging sailing voyages and learn lessons about readiness and continuous vigilance for potential hazards.
If you would like to listen to serialized stories of the sea, selected and read by CSM, check out the Mariner's Library Podcast; available on all podcast platforms.
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-mariners-library/id1710666955
If you would like to check out The Mariner Youtube Channel - we have gear reviews, how to videos, seamanship training videos and on the water reports. Remember to dock your finger carefully on the subscribe button!
https://youtu.be/t0cfY6HqjLA
To support the production of this material please consider heading over to Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/themariner

#102 | Safety at Sea | Surviving Your Rescue

 This episode dives once more into the seldom-explored realm of life rafts, highlighting the importance of visibility, stability, and utility in survival scenarios.
The discussion includes a thorough examination of rescue measures, the practical usage of survival tools, and alternatives to traditional life rafts. This episode also discusses the importance of emotional management amidst rescue operations, underlining the importance of staying composed and making practical decisions for the best possible survival outcomes.
On-board safety measures and the knowledge to operate them is critical. Learn about the meticulous safety checks every sailor should regularly perform, ensuring your gear is well-maintained and usable during emergency situations.
Much more than just possessing the right equipment is discussed in this episode too - the need to maintain hope, emotional strength, and practice expectation management are highlighted as integral parts of survival equation
Join us for insights on marine rescue operations, communication with rescuers, situational awareness during the rescue process, and how to effectively balance safety with morale.
Last but not least, we discuss the complexities of interacting with rescue helicopters and the importance of understanding their communication language- all with an aim to leave our sailors well-equipped for dire circumstances.
 
If you would like to listen to serialized stories of the sea, selected and read by CSM, check out the Mariner's Library Podcast; available on all podcast platforms.
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-mariners-library/id1710666955
If you would like to check out The Mariner Youtube Channel - we have gear reviews, how to videos, seamanship training videos and on the water reports. Remember to dock your finger carefully on the subscribe button!
https://youtu.be/t0cfY6HqjLA
To support the production of this material please consider heading over to Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/themariner

#101 | Safety at Sea | Rustling up a Meal in a Liferaft & Rescue Comms with Aircraft.

This episode we wrap up our look at surviving in a life raft.  What is plainly apparent from this six episode deep dive on the life raft is that there is LOADS of information to know, to give yourself and your crew mates a decent chance of survival.
If you would like to listen to serialized stories of the sea, selected and read by CSM, check out the Mariner's Library Podcast; available on all podcast platforms.
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-mariners-library/id1710666955
If you would like to check out The Mariner Youtube Channel - we have gear reviews, how to videos, seamanship training videos and on the water reports. Remember to dock your finger carefully on the subscribe button!
https://youtu.be/t0cfY6HqjLA
To support the production of this material please consider heading over to Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/themariner

#100 | Dogwatch | Did Josh Slocum Die at Sea? | Heaving-to in a Race Boat | Sail Boats as Bug Out Vehicles

Episode 100 and a new bight-sized (!) format to increase the subjects I can get too and allw me to speak about things that maybe somewhat off topic in a pure sailing show...
This week: 
1. Did Josh Slocum die when they said he did?
2. Heaving-to in a race boat.
3. Connecting with sailors from history through their accounts.
4. The podcasts numbers get a hearty increase.
5. Sailing boats as bug-out vehicles.
If you would like to listen to serialized stories of the sea, selected and read by CSM, check out the Mariner's Library Podcast; available on all podcast platforms.
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-mariners-library/id1710666955
If you would like to check out The Mariner Youtube Channel - we have gear reviews, how to videos, seamanship training videos and on the water reports. Remember to dock your finger carefully on the subscribe button!
https://youtu.be/t0cfY6HqjLA
To support the production of this material please consider heading over to Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/themariner