Phil Taylor bought Tabitha, a 1970-built fin keel Sabre 27, about 23 years ago. He has gradually updated and modified Tabitha to produce a vessel capable of varied and extensive cruising on a budget.

As proof of this he has sailed much of the UK and European coasts, and completed several offshore passages of more than 1,000 miles, including Biscay. These passages have either been crewed or solo. A retired chemistry teacher, he has been sailing for nearly 50 years, first on dinghies and then on cruising boats.