I first came across Robert FitzRoy while researching the origins of The Shipping News. As 2025 marks the 100th anniversary of The Shipping Forecast, it seems fitting to revisit the life of the man who laid the foundations for modern meteorology and marine weather forecasting.
Maritime history is full of tales of ghost ships – stories and legends passed down through generations of sailors and fishermen. These phantom vessels are said to be omens of doom, and seafarers have long feared their eerie glow on the horizon.Among them, none is more famous than The Flying Dutchman, often called the most-sighted … Read more
Sailing the Panama Canal: What to Expect Sailing through the Panama Canal is one of those rare experiences that genuinely lives up to the hype. It’s not just a passage between oceans, it’s a journey through one of the greatest engineering achievements in history. Stretching 77km (48 miles) across Central America, the canal connects the … Read more
Originally published in 2014. Updated in 2026 with revised information and additional guidance.
If you suffer from seasickness while aboard a boat, it can be extremely unpleasant and sometimes debilitating. In severe cases it can even affect safety on board. Fortunately, several seasickness remedies may help prevent or reduce the symptoms.
Dockwalking is the practice of walking around marinas and docks to introduce yourself to yacht crew and ask about job opportunities.
Long before satellites and digital forecasts, sailors relied on one simple but powerful tool to predict the weather: the sailing barometer. Even today, despite modern technology, barometers remain one of the most reliable ways to detect approaching weather changes at sea.
Originally published in 2014. Updated in 2026 with revised information and additional guidance.
Following on from our article Seasickness Remedies, here are some alternative seasickness remedies if you prefer a more natural approach to preventing nausea while at sea.
Many sailors look for natural seasickness remedies before turning to medication, especially for shorter trips or when sailing regularly.
There are countless sailing quotes from writers, sailors, and adventurers across the centuries. Some inspire, some amuse, and others capture the magic of life at sea. Here are just a few of our favourites.
When people hear the name HMS Victory, their thoughts usually turn to Nelson and the Battle of Trafalgar. However, long before that famous ship sailed, there was another, the HMS Victory shipwreck of 1744.
You must be logged in to post a comment.