Single-handed ocean crossing webinar

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By Paul Knox-Johnston Sales & Marketing Manager

Map section showing parts of Portugal, Spain, and Morocco near the Strait of Gibraltar, key for single-handed ocean crossing.

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Webinar recording

Navigating oceans single-handed can be a very daunting experience. In our continued collaboration with the Cruising Association we hosted Martin Sutcliffe on the Haven Knox-Johnston webinars. He shared a genuine and inspiring story of how he prepared for and sailed a solo route from Madeira to the Azores and back.

Martin discussed the planning, preparation, challenges, and lessons learned from undertaking a long‑distance passage as an everyday sailor, not an expert.

His story is full of practical insights, real‑world mistakes and successes, and valuable takeaways for anyone interested in offshore sailing or building confidence at sea. Martin does not describe himself as an expert and he is not an RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Instructor with tens of thousands of sea miles behind him.

In fact, he only bought his first boat a few years before retiring.

What’s covered?

Building experience gradually and honestly.
Moving from coastal sailing to overnight and multi day passages.
Managing fear, doubt and confidence at sea.
Preparing both boat and skipper for offshore sailing.
Sleep, watch systems and fatigue management.
Weather forecasting, routing and decision making.
Lessons learned and what he would do differently.
The realities of solo sailing versus sailing with crew.
Practical equipment that genuinely makes a difference.
Q&A

We hope you enjoy the webinar, and if you have any questions please email us at marketing@HavenKJ.com

Man in sunglasses and cap sits on a boat with blue water, rocky coastline, and orca in the background under a clear sky.

Meet the expert

Like many, Martin started sailing via Mediterranean flotillas complete with young children as crew. RYA training provided an ICC which allowed a “step up” to bareboat Mediterranean charters that provided fun family holidays and a bit more freedom to explore.

It was only in 2015, four years before early retirement that Martin bought his first yacht, a Malo 39, based in Marmaris. Following retirement, he worked his way westward, determined to exit the Med but plagued by a nagging question ” Am I a real sailor?”.

Finally in May 2026, with Dragon II berthed in The Algarve and with the Atlantic beckoning, was he able to attempt to answer that question.

Martin is a British national who has lived in Switzerland for the last 25 years, with Dragon II providing a constantly moving home in summer and autumn.

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