Boat Articles

Pacifica 44 – A True Cruiser’s Classic

Though no longer in production, the Pacifica 44 remains a highly respected and sought-after long-distance cruiser, especially among serious boaters doing the Great Loop, extended coastal voyages, or even the occasional offshore passage. Built in the 1980s and early 1990s, primarily in Taiwan for American and international buyers, the Pacifica 44 is a testament to a different era of boatbuilding—when long-term livability, seaworthiness, and simplicity took priority over trend. Design and Layout The first thing that strikes you about the Pacifica 44 is its timeless trawler profile: a high bow with forward rake, a low, protected deckhouse, and a generous flybridge perched above.
Pacifica 44 - Review
© Michael Hodges

Pacifica 44 – A True Cruiser’s Classic

31-03-2026

Sir Francis Chichester's Gypsy Moth IV

Gypsy Moth IV - An Iconic British Yacht
Michael Hodges
He navigated alone through the Southern Ocean, Cape Horn, and across vast, often treacherous waters. His successful circumnavigation made Gypsy Moth IV a national treasure and Chichester a knight, knighted by Queen Elizabeth II using the very sword of Sir Francis Drake. The yacht instantly became a symbol of resilience, daring, and British seafaring excellence. Following years of neglect, Gypsy Moth IV was eventually restored in the early 2000s thanks to a major conservation effort.
04-03-2026

Yacht / Boat events and Regattas - Diary 2025

Several yacht and boat races, events, and regattas are scheduled over the next few months, based on available web information. These events span a variety of locations and formats, catering to classic yachts, modern racers, and even youth sailors. Here’s a rundown of what’s coming up through to August 2025.
25-07-2025

Rolex Fastnet Race Class40 top guns

Now 20+ years old, the Class40 has proved itself one of the most successful genre of offshore race boat ever. Since Géry Trentesaux and class co-founder, round the world sailor and journalist Patrice Carpentier entered their first Pogo 40 in the 2005 edition, the Rolex Fastnet Race has included a strong entry from this French box rule class, providing it with its own class since 2009. Today the Rolex Fastnet Race features in the Class40’s main championship.
25-06-2025

Sir Francis Chichester's Gypsy Moth IV

Gypsy Moth IV is one of the most iconic yachts in British maritime history, known for her association with legendary sailor Sir Francis Chichester. Built in 1966 by Camper and Nicholsons, the 53-foot ketch was purpose-designed to help Sir Francis Chichester to attempt a remarkable feat, to sail solo around the world with just one stop. Which had never before been accomplished. Constructed using cold-moulded Honduras mahogany on a lightweight frame, Gypsy Moth IV was a blend of traditional craftsmanship and innovative engineering for its time. Chichester set sail from Plymouth, England, in August 1966 and returned in May 1967, completing the voyage in 226 days at sea.
21-05-2025

Sir Francis Chichester's Gypsy Moth IV

Gypsy Moth IV is one of the most iconic yachts in British maritime history, known for her association with legendary sailor Sir Francis Chichester. Built in 1966 by Camper and Nicholsons, the 53-foot ketch was purpose-designed to help Sir Francis Chichester to attempt a remarkable feat, to sail solo around the world with just one stop. Which had never before been accomplished. Constructed using cold-moulded Honduras mahogany on a lightweight frame, Gypsy Moth IV was a blend of traditional craftsmanship and innovative engineering for its time. Chichester set sail from Plymouth, England, in August 1966 and returned in May 1967, completing the voyage in 226 days at sea.
15-05-2025