© Cowes Week/Paul Wyeth

Boating news, reviews, and sea stories

Old Sea Dogs

Beau Geste collected two of Cowes Weeks great trophies, champions emerged across the fleets and the Solent reminded 641 boats that local waters can still humble the very best.

The reference library

Discover Old Sea Dogs Guides

Practical cruising knowledge, maritime history and the stories that give Britain's sailing waters their character.

Explore All Guides

Edited by Michael Hodges

A practical Solent eye on boating stories

Old Sea Dogs is being tightened around attributed sources, corrections, image credits, practical notes and Michael's own boating judgement: RYA Day Skipper, Powerboat Level 2, years around Cowes and the Hamble, and a taste for details that survive contact with the tide.

Latest from the Watch

Fresh sailing stories, race notes and waterfront news

Boat Reviews

Launches, sea trials, and owner-minded notes

Reviews are written around the questions buyers and skippers actually ask: handling, access, storage, maintenance, and whether the layout works once the weather turns.