Zodiac rigid inflatables are ideal for exploring more remote areas; Archimedes in the Northwest Passage; Em-Trak’s AIS transceiver unit; drones are invaluable for both reconnaissance and navigation

Ship to shore

“When you are planning a trip, you need to think about not only where you are travelling to, but also what kind of activities you will want to do when you get there and how you are going to get ashore safely to do them,” says Christopher Walsh, captain of 68-metre Archimedes, which has travelled to destinations including the High Arctic, the Antarctic and Papua New Guinea. Walsh argues that, for most trips, a Zodiac (a rigid inflatable originally designed for military use) is essential.

“A Zodiac is just the most indispensable tool that you could possibly have,” agrees EYOS Expeditions’ Ben Lyons. “People in the yachting world look at these open