OFFSHORE BRUISER

Now in my fifties, I’m a committed fair weather sailor. I listen to other people’s tales of crossing the English Channel in a force seven with horror. “The waves were higher than the boat and we were shipping green water over the flybridge, it took 10 hours to get home but we made it. My wife wasn’t too keen, but I told her, that’s boating”. These tales are often closely followed by the boat being put up for sale a few weeks later, occasionally it’s to fund the divorce. That said, I’ve done some big sea plugging in the past, and understand the grim satisfaction gained from taking on and conquering the elements, in the same way that I understand why people climb Mount Everest. So if that’s your bag, good for you, here are four boats worthy of the job. The right tool for this job might just save your life – and your marriage!

PRICE: £ 265,000

BOAT: Botnia Targa 42 DATE: 2006 Poole