H2O Podcast

Celebrating the Cowes to Torquay powerboat race, which first ran in 1961.

On this edition, skipper Graeme Henry takes us for a tour on board the famous yacht Stormvogel before she took part in the 2021 Fastnet Race Podcast compiled and presented by Neil Sackley. email: h2o@bbc.co.uk

On August 6th 1971 Chay Blyth sailed into Hamble having completed the ‘impossible’ voyage. He completed a circumnavigation of the globe, travelling west against the prevailing winds in 292 days on board British Steel. 50 years on Sir Chay reflects on that voyage, why he did it and has some advice for those planning their own epic adventure. Podcast compiled and presented by Neil Sackley. email: h2o@bbc.co.uk

After the Covid pandemic caused the cancellation in 2020, Cowes Week, the world's most famous sailing regatta returned for its 195th edition. On this podcast, regatta director Laurence Mead explains how the Royal Yacht Squadron in intrinsic to the event, how the Royal family’s Drago class yacht Bluebottle has been restored, Pip Hare has advice for the students from the Greig Academy and why a Royal Navy minesweeper has been in The Solent. Podcast compiled and presented by Neil Sackley. email: h2o@bbc.co.uk

They’re great fun but not everyone’s a fan. Responsible users of personal watercraft are saying that a minority of users are giving the rest of them a bad name. Podcast compiled and presented by Neil Sackley. email: h2o@bbc.co.uk

Lymington RNLI is urging water users to label their kit in a bid to stop unnecessary call outs. Abandoned dinghies, kite and wind surfing gear have all triggered searches only for the owners to be found alive and well in a local pub or at home. Podcast compiled and presented by Neil Sackley. email: h2o@bbc.co.uk

After 500 years in London, Arthur Beale has become the first chandlery to open in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. MD Hugh Taylor talks about the brand’s history and Hannah Prowse from Portsmouth Naval Base Property Trust reveals how the partnership came about. Podcast compiled and presented by Neil Sackley. email: h2o@bbc.co.uk

The Friends of MV Freedom which is based in Weymouth, provide access to the sea for people living with disability. Their trips can change people’s lives. Volunteer skipper Dirk Aldous talks about the history of the charity, their brand new vessel and their Queens Award for Voluntary Service. Podcast compiled and presented by Neil Sackley. email: h2o@bbc.co.uk

After the first ever peace time cancellation, the world famous Round the Island Race is back for 2021 and it’s 90th anniversary edition. For the thousands taking part in the race around the Isle of Wight, they will be in the biggest participation event to be held in the UK since before March 2020. The Island Sailing Club’s Dave Atkinson is the race organiser. He talks about the legacy of the race, the dangers of relying on technology and the challenges of organising a huge event in uncertain times. Podcast compiled and presented by Neil Sackley. email: h2o@bbc.co.uk

On this edition, UKSA CEO Ben Willows talks about the importance of the UK Sailing Academy to the maritime industry and to the Isle of Wight’s youngsters. How world class and record-breaking sailors use their facilities alongside primary schools. And how their new sea.change initiative is designed to encourage teenagers into maritime careers. Podcast compiled and presented by Neil Sackley. email: h2o@bbc.co.uk

On this edition, the founder of the charity Wetwheels Geoff Holt MBE talks about the first decade of the project that offers a unique opportunity for disabled and disadvantaged people of all ages - including those with multiple, profound and complex impairments - to access the water. Podcast compiled and presented by Neil Sackley. email: h2o@bbc.co.uk

Association Of Sail Training Organisations chair Mark Todd talks about the impact of sail training on those who take part. Podcast compiled and presented by Neil Sackley. email: h2o@bbc.co.uk

Christopher Waddington, chief instructor at Southampton Sailing Club talks about the club’s history, its enviable location and post Covid plans. Podcast compiled and presented by Neil Sackley. email: h2o@bbc.co.uk

On this edition we hear from Simon Collyer who’s set up an initiative exploring sailing wellness. Simon talks about his project and how sailors from the Olympics and Paralympics are involved. And he talks about growing up sailing off the Essex coast.

On this edition we’re hearing about 2 of the most historic vessels ever to set sail from Portsmouth. Portsmouth Historic Dockyard has spent the last year updating the visitor experiences at HMS Victory and at the Mary Rose museum, and we’ve been to have a look. Podcast compiled and presented by Neil Sackley. email: h2o@bbc.co.uk

On this edition, hear from people living with multiple sclerosis who have taken part in a sailing day organised by the charity Oceans of Hope UK. Podcast compiled and presented by Neil Sackley. email: h2o@bbc.co.uk

On this edition, we’re by the waterside in an historic New Forest boat building site. The Honourable Mary Montagu-Scott DL talks about the history and present day of Buckler’s Hard. Podcast compiled and presented by Neil Sackley. email: h2o@bbc.co.uk

The Royal Southern Yacht Club’s rear commodore sailing and flag officer Paul Ward talks about the challenges of running a programme during and after the pandemic, and the positives of lockdown. Also the J/ classes, the club’s youth programme and having HRH Prince Phillip as club patron. Podcast compiled and presented by Neil Sackley. email: h2o@bbc.co.uk

With 2 two bravery awards and an MBE to his name, Peter Huxtable has recently hung up his wellies and handed back his RNLI pager, after an amazing 51 years service. Described by his colleagues as a ‘legend’, Peter is credited with saving 449 lives in the years since he first joined up with the Shoreham lifeboat. Podcast compiled and presented by Neil Sackley. email: h2o@bbc.co.uk

On this edition, we hear from the MOD70 owner and its skipper after they smashed the record for the Fastnet course. Podcast compiled and presented by Neil Sackley. email: h2o@bbc.co.uk