I wrote my first article in 1987 when I was away cruising. It was accepted by a small paper. It gave me the courage to offer a piece to Yachting Monthly. They liked it, bought it and the rest, as they say, is history. I have now written for most of the yachting magazines in the UK and have also appeared in publications in France, Germany, Holland, America and Australia.
Monthly Columns
Classic Boat and Sailing Today
I have two regular slots in Classic Boat and in each of them I’m lucky enough to be joined by a talented artist. Claudia Myatt‘s delightful watercolours bring life to my yarns while Martyn Mackrill’s sketches illustrate perfectly the technicalities of ‘The Bosun’s Bag’ – regular tips for traditional craft.
Sailing Today gives me the opportunity to recount some incident or other that’s happened to me at sea that allows me to offer helpful, first hand advice on a solution, should someone find themselves in the same situation.
SAIL (USA)
I also have a monthly column in American sailing magazine SAIL (USA) where I offer up sailing hints and top tips.
Yachting World
My column in Yachting World ran for over 15 years. It was called ‘Great Seamanship’ and in it I introduce an extract from nautical literature. I covered most of the famous names, but also found treasures from sailors that many folks had never heard of. My book ‘In the Wake of Heroes’ is a compilation of 40 of my favourites.
Other magazines I’ve written for over the years have included Marine Quarterly, Wooden Boat, Yachts and Yachting, Sailing SA, RYA magazine (UK), Le Chasse-Maree, High Life, Business Life, Queste, Segel (Germany),The Scotsman, The Independent, etc.
In addition to journalism, I write brochures for marine firms, such as Fairlie Restorations and occasionally foreign companies will ask me to proof the English version of its brochure to ensure it is correct and readable.
I also offer video promotion for firms.
Photo Library
Editors and publishers always ask for photographs with the written word, so I supply hi-res images along with my articles and books. These have included front covers for both books and magazines. Over the years I’ve been writing I’ve amassed a huge photo library. I have on-water shots of various craft, equipment on boats, people on board etc., plus coastal images from many countries. I specialise in the English Channel, but if you need something specific give me a shout.
If I can help at all, please contact me.
