As a life-long yachtsman, I am very well aware of the opinions which yachties and leisure boating enthusiasts express about commercial ships; and since I am also a Master Mariner who has commanded and piloted what are commonly known as 'supertankers' for almost quarter of a century, I also know what the Merchant Navy thinks of the 'Yellow Welly Brigade'.

Having, as it were, a flipper in each camp, I have for some time been speaking to yachtsmen about the view from the bridge of the big ship and this talk, which is in a light-hearted vein, is intended to both to entertain and also to educate leisure boaters about what the commercial ship can and cannot do, and why it does what it does, and how best to avoid conflict between the two.

Subjects covered will include:

• the misconceptions yachtsmen have of large ships, -the misconceptions ship's crews have of leisure craft. -the visibility of small craft from large vessels, -the manoeuvrability of commercial ships, -hydrodynamic properties of vessels, -how to be sure when ships are really on a collision course, and the best action to take when in doubt. -I will also categorically answer the eternal question 'How long does it take them to stop?'

At the end of the presentation, I will be happy to take any questions arising or to remain for informal discussions.

The talk can be tailored to your requirements. -A talk-only format covers all points without visual aids and takes approximately 50-60 minutes. -A talk with visual aids will spend rather more time on individual examples, and takes about 80-90 minutes. -If required, this material can also be presented in a symposium-style with audience interaction - this option can be used as a training session.

Fees are dependent on the talk required, and my be reduced if I have the opportunity to sell my books. Please contact me to discuss.

I am based in NW England, but can travel anywhere subject to basic expenses for travel which will be requested and agreed beforehand.