Journal

Good seamanship and safety go hand in hand. Preparation, awareness, and confidence in your boat and crew are what make every passage enjoyable. To explore what that mindset looks like in practice, we’ve teamed up with Spinlock creators of trusted, innovative safety gear to share practical insights from seasoned sailors. We also spoke with Hugh Williams, a long-standing Pantaenius UK customer and experienced yachtsman, to hear his perspective on safety at sea. Here’s what he had to say.

For 35 years, we’ve been proud to insure and support sailors, cruisers, and boat owners across the UK and beyond. To mark our anniversary, we’re highlighting some incredible customers who’ve trusted Pantaenius over the decades. These are more than insurance stories — they’re tales of adventure, resilience, and passion for life on the water. Here are just a few:

Meet the people at the helm and the faces behind 35 years of Pantaenius UK - and celebrate three long-serving team members who’ve been part of the journey from the early days.

In the boating world, most skippers understand the purpose of a kill cord. Yet, even among the most experienced, routine use can still be overlooked - especially on short trips, calm days or when manoeuvring in familiar waters. At Pantaenius UK, we’re all about supporting confident, capable boaters. But confidence should never come at the expense of safety. Kill cords may be simple devices, but their importance is anything but.

Outboard motor thefts are on the rise, and organised crime groups are increasingly targeting high-value engines. Knowing how to reduce your risk, and what actions to take if the worst happens, can make all the difference.

Selling a boat isn’t just a transaction—it’s the final chapter of one journey and the start of another. Whether you're upgrading to a new vessel or simply changing course, preparing your boat for sale takes more than just a listing. At Pantaenius UK, we’ve recently been through this process ourselves, handing over our Antares to another Pantaenius office—so we know just how valuable a little preparation can be. From refreshing fittings to reviewing your insurance, here’s a practical guide to help you make your sale smooth, transparent, and successful.

When it comes to selecting the perfect boat, the choices can be overwhelming — from size and performance to intended use and safety features. At Pantaenius UK, we face the same considerations as any boater, which is why we recently transitioned from our Antares motor cruiser to a brand-new RIB from Island RIBs.

Why do some insurance claims run smoothly, while others turn into a source of stress? In this article, we share seven practical tips every boat owner should know to help avoid delays, reduce confusion, and make the claims process as straightforward and stress-free as possible.

Boats naturally age, and over time, parts will deteriorate due to regular use and exposure to the elements. This gradual process—known as wear and tear—is inevitable and affects every boat. However, many boat owners are unaware that many insurance policies exclude both the wear and tear itself and also any resulting damage. At Pantaenius, we understand that wear and tear exclusions can lead to unexpected and costly repairs. That’s why we offer flexible insurance options, allowing you to choose either an enhanced policy that covers damage resulting from wear and tear or or a more basic policy that does not. Selecting the right level of cover ensures you are protected in a way that best suits your needs and boating lifestyle.

What goes into insuring boats of all sizes? In this exclusive episode of Sense of Identity – Charting the Course, Mike Wimbridge, Managing Director of Pantaenius UK, shares his insights on the world of boat insurance and the importance of personal service in a digital age.

There’s something truly special about staying with a company for 35 years. In a world where careers are often measured in short bursts, finding someone who has dedicated over three decades to the same business speaks volumes; not just about the person, but about the company itself. At Pantaenius UK, trust, commitment and expertise have always been at the core of what we do. And if there’s one person who embodies those values, it’s Leigh Huggett, our Marketing and Business Manager, who has been here since day one!

Pantaenius UK is proud to be a lead sponsor of the British Classic Yacht Club’s prestigious British Classic Week Regatta, taking place in Cowes from 6th to 11th July 2025. This iconic event is a true celebration of classic yachting, bringing together some of the most exquisite yachts and passionate sailors from across the UK and Europe.