he difference between leisure boaters and the operators of T commercial craft is akin to the difference between amateurs and professionals. That statement is not intended to be disrespectful to leisure boaters in any way. The point is simply that while professionals work in all weathers to prescribed deadlines and timescales, no such pressure is imposed upon amateur mariners, who have the freedom to look at the conditions and to either go out or stay at home. It follows then that the development of the most rugged and robust craft tends to be driven by professionals – by those whose livelihoods depend on taking to sea in all kinds of exposed and unfavourable weather. But among the amateur fraternity is a group of battle-hardened boaters whose aspirations match those of the professionals. These adventure-hungry individuals, and the vessels they choose, inhabit
