The Wreck off the Needles

Introduction

The SS Varvassi was a 3,874‑ton Greek merchant steamship that became infamous after running aground off the Needles Lighthouse, Isle of Wight, on 5 January 1947.

I recently came across the fascinating story of the Niagara scow and decided to learn more and share it with you. The Niagara scow, also known as the Iron Scow or Old Scow, refers to a dredging scow that was marooned upstream of the famous Niagara Falls in 1918.

The Folk Boat

July 5, 2026July 5, 2026 by Erica

Editor’s note: This memoir was written by Lovesail member Gandalpuss back in 2018. It’s a beautifully told story of a Folkboat in Brittany and a mysterious encounter on the water. We love sharing our members’ sailing memories like this.

IndigoBlue Chocolate Recipe

July 3, 2026July 3, 2026 by Erica

Ingredients for homemade chocolates: cocoa powder, honey, coconut oil and mixed nuts.

IndigoBlue Chocolate Recipe – Galley Recipes

This simple homemade chocolate recipe was originally shared with the Lovesail community by one of our members, IndigoBlue. It’s an easy, no-bake treat that’s ideal to make on board, withingredients that store well and require very little preparation.

Bristol Pilot Cutters

July 1, 2026 by Erica

Masters of the Bristol Channel

The Bristol Channel is a notoriously challenging stretch of water. With the second-highest tidal range in the world, navigating its powerful currents, shifting sandbanks, and frequent strong winds requires great skill and deep local knowledge.

Fata Morgana

June 27, 2026June 27, 2026 by Erica

$Illustration of a Fata Morgana superior mirage showing ships appearing to float above the sea due to atmospheric refraction.$

What is a Fata Morgana?

A fata morgana is an optical illusion caused by atmospheric conditions. These complex superior mirages appear on the horizon. They can be seen either at sea or on land, at different altitudes, with some observed from aeroplanes.

Chandlery Origins

June 25, 2026June 25, 2026 by Erica

Historic black-and-white photograph of dock workers unloading sacks and supplies at a timber wharf, illustrating the early origins of the maritime chandlery trade.

A chandler is a merchant who supplies goods and equipment for ships and boats, while a chandlery is the shop or business where these supplies are sold. But the chandlery origins go back much further than the age of sail, and they’re not quite what you might expect. From Candles to Commerce The term chandlery … Read more

Sailing Snacks – Rocky Road

June 23, 2026June 23, 2026 by Erica

Rocky Road – Sailing Snacks

Of all my favourite sailing snacks, the one I will always try and pop into my bag is rocky road. It’s easy to make either at home or on the boat, and requires no baking, just a bit of gentle melting on the stove.

Greek Quesadilla

June 19, 2026June 19, 2026 by Erica

Greek Quesadilla – Galley Recipe

This Greek quesadilla recipe comes from yacht chef and experienced sailor Jane of Coastal Chef, a delicious Mediterranean twist on the classic Mexican dish.

Jane is a qualified yacht chef and private chef who has cooked aboard yachts and in private villas. With more than 27,000 ocean miles under her belt, including ocean passages, racing and crewing, she knows the importance of creating tasty, satisfying meals in challenging conditions. During one charter yacht role in the Western Isles of Scotland, she regularly cooked in Force 8 and 9 conditions, and even experienced a Force 11.

Nautical Phrases in Everyday Use

June 18, 2026June 18, 2026 by Erica

Nautical phrases are deeply embedded in everyday language, often used without a second thought. Many of these familiar expressions originated at sea centuries ago, born from the daily lives of sailors and the challenges of life aboard ship.