Boats unlikely to float

When octogenarian Anthony Smith and his gang recently set sail in their water pipe raft intent on crossing the Atlantic, they were only the latest to join the club of sailors using bizarre sailing contraptions. You see for some, sailing in old-fashioned boats just doesn't cut it. No, for these intrepid few, aluminium and steel are for sissies - they prefer to cruise the waves in boats shaped like zips or use the sun to power their craft.

Some of these have undertaken epic voyages and others small river trips, most look like they're about to capsize (two actually did). Stretch your sea legs and step onboard for a tour of the world's craziest boats and their equally outlandish journeys.

Eddi Fiegel is a freelance writer.