Worth every penny

I have been sailing for as long as Dick Durham and similarly have never had cause to make an insurance claim (YM, January 2020), and, until 2016, only had third party cover.

In 2016 I became proud owner of Pastime, a modest Sabre 27 in fine condition. Although not ‘valuable’, she means a huge amount to me and I opted for fully-comprehensive cover. Like Dick, I like to think my good seamanship and thorough boat maintenance will keep me out of trouble and obviate the need for a claim. By the time it came to renewal, I seriously considered downgrading.

In August 2018 I was really glad I hadn’t done so. Arriving aboard Pastime on her swinging mooring at Landshipping, Milford Haven, I was devastated to find she had been rammed on the port bow. The cost of repair for the compressed and shattered teak rubbing strake, and the torn and lifted deck came to nearly £5,000. After an excellent service from GJW Direct and superb repair by RSJ Marine, I’d say my £152 annual premium was worth every penny. The offending vessel was never traced. No amount of good seamanship will keep your pride and joy safe when you’re not aboard. Andy Strzelecki

Dick Durham responds: I’m sorry to hear your Sabre 27 – great little boat – was damaged and delighted your insurance company stumped up the cash. The incident is unusual and clearly not one you had factored in when considering terminating your cover. Thanks goodness you didn’t do so beforehand. Maybe you will now! In Russian roulette terms, it’s likely you’ll remain accident-free.

‘The offenders left no word of apology but were kind enough to leave the pieces they’d smashed off my boat in a neat pile on the deck!’

Pastime was damaged in a ‘hit and run’ on her swinging mooring