Tim Atkinson, Managing Director of Mortgage Required ticked a box in his bucket list in June when with two other sailors on a 42 foot Yacht he crossed the Atlantic Ocean.
The trip which took him from Venezuela in South America to the Azores off the Portuguese coast covered 3100 nautical miles in 5 weeks.

Tim commented, As a keen sailor I really wanted to tick ocean crossing off my list of achievements, it was a real challenge and a great experience, however having encountered storms as well as days with no wind at all, I am happy to sail in the Solent for a while, where the pub is never more than 2 hours way.
Here are the lowest fixed mortgage rates of the week, available to first-time buyers, home movers, buy-to-let, and those remortgaging.
Call us for more information: 01628 507477 or email: team@mortgagerequired.com.
Research from Lloyds identifies the most affordable areas in the UK for first-time buyers to be able to get onto the property ladder.
On Wednesday, 13th May, King Charles delivered his speech at the House of Lords, outlining the government’s plans for the upcoming year.
Here is a summary of the housing and energy/environment points.
From 18th May 2026, Halifax (part of Lloyds Banking Group) is launching a ‘£5k Deposit mortgage’ to help first-time buyers get onto the property ladder sooner.
Homeowners could be faced with paying over £3,000 more per year on their mortgage if the conflict in the Middle East continues, following new analysis from INTEREST from Moneyfacts.
28 Apr 2026
The Renter’s Rights Bill became law at the end of October, which means it has been signed off by the King, and it is now the Renters’ Rights Act. Despite this becoming law, these changes are likely to start changing within the next six months, with the aim of being fully implemented throughout 2026 and into 2027.
28 Apr 2026
Mortgage lenders are starting to recognise their “Green” responsibilities when it comes to the different products they offer.
24 Apr 2026
Recent data from Rightmove shows the most expensive streets in Great Britain, with the majority being situated in the capital.