Most of us have been inspired by Roger Taylors adventures on Ming Ming a 21 foot junk rigged Corribee and how he converted the boat to be set up for single handed sailing from the comfort and dryness of his cabin.

Now Roger has bought his new slightly larger boat from Boatshed for his next adventures of sailing in the Northern Hemisphere. His next venture is a Achilles 24 with triple keel. He will spend the next few months converting it for his voyages by adding wind vane self steering, foam compartments for extra buoyancy, beef up the rigging etc.

Roger has proved that serious long distance sailing in a small boat without an engine and on a tiny budget is absolutely possible with various modifications to the boat.

Whilst on passage to Channel Islands we spotted Ming Ming through the mist one evening, Roger was anchored in Osborne bay (on the North West corner of the Isle of Wight) waiting for the tide. She caught our eye as she was a seriously well set up for serious sailing in a non excessive way. Quiet and unassuming she upped anchor and continued to Plymouth after a few hours with the tide.

Roger has written 3 books about his adventures and travels. I would recommend buying them if you are interested in cruising on a budget and how to prepare your boat for epic adventures.

BOOK 1: Voyages of a simple Sailor - ISBN 978-0-9558035-0-5
BOOK 2: Ming Ming & the art of minimal Ocean sailing - ISBN 09558035-19
BOOK 3: Ming Ming & the tonic of Wildness - ISBN 978-0955803-536

Here's a list of boats for under £8,000 which could be converted for the Jester Challenge or Ocean cruising

Hurley 22 - £7,995
EWesterly Cirrus - £6,250
Hurley 22 - £3,995
Hurley 22 - £3,495
Contest 25 - £3,000
Westerly Jouster - £2,500

Any boats that you are interested in we recommend that you have a survey by a professional.