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

A Man Overboard safety device fitted to a lifejacket

Big changes to marine radio device rules are planned to be brought into the UK. The only MOB AIS devices allowed will be those that incorporate DSC on Ch70.

Ian Williams

Ian Williams has been named the Yachting Journalists' Association's Yachtsman of the Year; Jessye Opoku-Ware was awarded the 2024 YJA Young Sailor of the Year