Recent content by PHN

Recently we were discussing safety at sea and stupid decisions that resulted in the loss of lives. I wondered if anyone on this forum ever came across a situation when the decision for a ship leaving port was considered more or less suicidal because of that particular crew on that particular...

Arctic area, destination in sight. Except that we had several miles of sea ice in between. Skipper sailed into the ice field. Crew told skipper that such a move was a bad idea. In case of a wind shift you are stuck with nowhere to go and boat risks to be crushed. Then skipper attempted using the...

Yes, that is correct. Stopping at an occasional harbour with facilities and some kind of supermarket will be part of the plan.

This summer (July) we will be sailing in about 3 weeks from Reykjavik alongside the north coast of Iceland to Faroe and Shetlands. From Shetlands we fly back home when another crew takes over the boat. Of course there is a plan, but I wondered if anyone has tips or suggestions what is not to be...

Wondered if a Sadler 34 from about 1990 would be a good choice for (1 - 2 person) ocean crossings and other heavy weather long distance sailing outside of the milk run. To be more specific I mean would it offer reasonable comfort, speed and reliability/durability or is it mainly a "floating...

Depending on where you want to go in Netherlands be aware that "Slijkgat" in the direction of Stellendam has uncharted depth issues changing frequently. This is caused by the expansion of Rotterdam harbour. You need local knowledge at the time of arrival and don't rely solely on charts.

Yes, I am interested in buying a 37 - 40 ft "sail round the world" type of boat. Looking at my RTW plans it does not have to happen today, but it can provided the right boat for the right price pops up. As a matter of fact I came across a few options today that are worth considering.

There is more than one view to that. First of all I do understand that you prefer spending money and holiday/quality time with your familiy. On the other hand I know lots of sailers (both man and women) who sail while their partners and kids are doing other things due to difference of interest...

Reality of life has proven that there are two sides to that story. 1. If you wait for the perfect moment there is a good chance it will never happen. Hence "carpe diem" and follow your dream today without further delay. 2. There is - hopefully - the day of tomorrow and you will not be the...

It is a scientifically established fact that these virusses (jumping from animals to humans) originate from more intense contact between humans and animals. That has already happened many times throughout the history of mankind. The spanish flue of about a hundred years age, bubonic plague in...

Having a job (that I like) with more or less the usual number of holidays I take a different approach. Yes, I can cast off and say goodbye to everyone, but it is my choice not to do that. I built a sailing network that brought me all over the world from the Arctic to the Antarctic and a lot in...

Would captain Mainwaring telling you in the harbour to go home better fit our audiance ;) ?

Maybe you are hearing the Sirens that Ulysses heard or Loreley is calling you.

He is on his way home to Netherlands from La Gomera after lockdown blocked other options. Unscheduled solo trip by the owner of the ship. Experienced several challenges on his trip. The only thing he wants now is to arrive home safely. Other ships can have a similar story. Don't assume they are...

If it is a paid for mooring with an identified (liable) owner/tenant then what is the problem? Of course additional requirements can be imposed like third party insurance and not being a hazard, oil spill, etc. And next to that "keeping unused space occupied" sometimes is not desirable, but...