Considerations Before a Serious Collision & Transiting the Cape Cod Canal With a 125ft Mast

Before taking Osprey offshore, it's time to go through the details that can make all the difference at sea. In this episode, I take you around the forward 30 feet of Osprey, our 80-foot ocean racing yacht, checking the equipment, fittings, lashings and arrangements that need to be secure before we head out into the Atlantic. Chafe is the enemy at sea. A line or fitting that looks perfectly satisfactory at the dock can become a serious problem after days of constant movement and loading. It's the small details that matter, and preventing trouble before it starts is a fundamental part of good seamanship. We then head below and consider an interesting question about collisions at sea. If you're unable to avoid hitting something, is it better to strike it head-on or turn and risk opening up a much larger section of the hull? The sinking of Titanic provides an interesting historical example, and we explore the practical considerations behind that decision. At approximately 15 minutes, we change scenes and take Osprey through the Cape Cod Canal during our passage towards Mattapoisett, Massachusetts. Taking a yacht of this size beneath fixed bridges requires careful attention to air draft, water levels and available clearance. With Osprey's mast towering above the deck, there's very little room for mistakes. It's an opportunity to see some of the practical considerations involved in moving a large ocean racing yacht through restricted waterways. SAIL ABOARD OSPREY IN 2027 We're inviting sailors and supporters to join us aboard Osprey for a programme of offshore racing and ocean passages in 2027. Our planned events include: RORC Transatlantic Race — Lanzarote to Antigua, January 2027. RORC Caribbean 600 — February 2027. Antigua to Bermuda — an offshore passage through the Atlantic in April. Rolex Fastnet Race — August 2027. These are opportunities to experience genuine offshore sailing aboard a powerful 80-foot ocean racing yacht, learn from the challenges of operating her, and become part of the wider campaign. Places are available through our sailing sponsorship programme, which supports Osprey's preparation and our longer-term racing ambitions. If you're interested in joining us, please contact me through CSM The Mariner. Tell me a little about your sailing experience, which event interests you, and what you'd like to achieve. SUPPORT THE GLOBAL SOLO CHALLENGE CAMPAIGN Osprey is being prepared for the Global Solo Challenge, a solo, non-stop circumnavigation of the world. The work we're doing now, from rigging and sails to the smallest details of reliability and maintenance, is all part of preparing this extraordinary yacht for the demands of sailing alone around the planet. It's a substantial undertaking, and your support makes a real difference. PATREON If you'd like to help make the Global Solo Challenge campaign possible, support the ongoing work on Osprey, and follow the project more closely, you can join us on Patreon. https://patreon.com/themariner THE MARINER'S LIBRARY A collection of classic sailing and maritime literature, bringing some of the greatest stories of the sea to life. https://themarinerslibrary.podbean.com THE MARINER PODCAST Conversations about offshore sailing, seamanship, ocean racing, adventure and the practical realities of life at sea. https://www.themarinerpodcast.com CSM THE MARINER Our website is being updated and will soon provide more information about Osprey, the sailing programme, and the Global Solo Challenge campaign. https://csmthemariner.com