The Lugworm Chronicles

Open boat cruising has never been more popular, in the doing or the reading of it; magazines, websites, associations and events around the world attest to this, and of course the countless sailors who just ‘get on with it’ in their own unassuming manner. Two such, some ­fifty years ago, long before today’s explosion of activity, were Ken Duxbury and his wife B; Ken’s three books recounting their adventures in the eighteen-foot Drascombe Lugger ­'Lugworm' delighted many on their first appearance, yet they became unavailable for years. 'Lugworm on the Loose' describes how Ken and B quit the ‘rat race’ and explored the Greek islands ­under sail. 'Lugworm Homeward Bound' recounts their voyage home from Greece to England. 'Lugworm Island Hopping' has Ken and B ­exploring the Scilly Isles and the Hebrides. The light touch of Ken’s writing belies the sheer ambition, resourcefulness and seamanship which infuse these exploits. And beyond pure sailing narrative, his books convey the unique engagement with land and people which is achieved by approaching under sail in a small boat.