In this episode of The Sailing Podcast, brought to you by Sunsail, host Theo Stocker was at Southampton Boat Show to dive deep into the high-stakes world of pilotage. Joining him was Justin Morton, a former Royal Marine with 30 years of experience who went from 'zero to Yacht Master Examiner' in record time.

Justin breaks down why navigation is a mental process, not just a physical interaction with machines. He explains the concept of the bubble of awareness, the vital mental map that keeps a skipper calm when the plan goes out the window.

From his days building 3D terrain models in the Marines to his modern technique of tracing iPad charts onto plastic, Justin shares practical, economy of effort tips that any sailor can use to reduce stress at the helm.

We also explore:

The 'so what' of Navigation: Why knowing your distance is useless if you don't know your timing.

Boundaries of safety: Using transits, depth contours, and clearing bearings to know exactly where the rocks aren't.

The human element: How to avoid "unstitching" relationships with your family when things get tricky in the harbour.

Justin’s most hideous moments: What happens when the GPS dies in 4-meter seas off Start Point.

Whether you're a seasoned offshore racer or a weekend cruiser looking to keep the peace on board, this conversation is an essential guide to becoming a more confident, flexible navigator.

This episode is made possible by our friends at Sunsail. Ready to test your pilotage skills in the sun? Discover your next Mediterranean adventure and see why Sunsail is the perfect choice here.

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