Laura Hodgetts

Features editor

Laura Hodgetts

After graduating with a 1st in BA (Hons) Multi-Media Journalism at Bournemouth University, Laura worked for Digital Photographer magazine as a staff writer, before taking voluntary redundancy to go travelling.

Laura then joined the Dorset Echo as a news reporter, completing the NCTJ senior news reporter qualifications. Laura’s love of watersports saw her write the Echo’s Afloat page and become Newsquest Dorset’s only accredited reporter for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic sailing events, held in Weymouth and Portland.

She has completed the RYA day skipper, dinghy sailing level 2, powerboat level 2, windsurfing and kitesurfing beginner, and PADI advanced open water diving courses.

Laura joined PBO as news and website editor in December 2012, and has worked on sister title Yachting Monthly as cruising editor.

Follow Laura Hodgetts

Excessively low water levels have left hundreds of boats stranded, including Adam McKinstry’s 45ft Oakwood at Gargrave since May – however the photo shows a silver lining, Adam has been able to 'do a bit of blacking on the bottom of the boat.'

Boats have been left stranded in canals, navigation restricted, and businesses “exceptionally quiet” during peak summer months across the inland waterways of England and Wales.