Bertrand de Broc limps back to port with damage while 19 skippers get a lumpy start on their round-the-world marathon
Elaine Bunting
Vendée Globe: tearful goodbyes
The choking emotion of leaving loved ones sums up the privations and real risks these solo sailors face
IMOCA 60s: A French Revolution?
The solo class has signed over all their commercial rights to a company set up by Britain's Sir Keith Mills. Is a revolution ahead?
Britain’s Sam Davies wins hearts
The only woman racing in the Vendée Globe, Samantha Davies is hugely popular in France. Could she replicate this back home?
Who’ll win the Vendée Globe?
I take a look at the field for the solo round the world race and pick my best bets
Steve Jobs’s iYacht
A high-tech superyacht is launched posthumously for the co-founder of Apple
Old-style ship’s chandlers
They sell everything from anchors to thimbles and IMHO are one of the few joys of shopping
How much does safety at sea cost?
OK, that's a trick question, but did you know an offshore safety inventory can cost over £3,500?
Marine art on show
Objects of beauty for marine artists are interesting muddy creeks, harbour scenes and old yachts
Sailing to the Fastnet Rock lighthouse
The Fastnet Rock has a notorious history and reputation - despite being only 4 miles from the nearest pub
Tall ship sets sail round the world
Lord Nelson is off on a groundbreaking two-year voyage teaming up able-bodied and disabled crew
A sailing work of art
This brand new yacht is one man's singular vision and exquisitely built in traditional style
Plans to create Cowes breakwater
Cowes Harbour Commission will manage construction of an outer harbour breakwater for Cowes, which would improve shelter and extend season
40-year quest for speed
It's the 40th annual Weymouth Speed Week. I look back at inventions whacky and brilliant
Arrest warrant issued for French sailor
Marc Guillemot faces arrest for failing to turn up in UK court to face navigation charges
One-design tris: recipe for success?
The one-design MOD70s were dreamt up to revive offshore multihull racing. How are they faring?
Solo 24hr record is 666 miles
French legend Francis Joyon's breakneck 24-hour distance has officially been recognised
Vendée Globe obsession
Addicted skippers of the forthcoming Vendée Globe are scourgingly honest about this brutal race
Transatlantic deluge
A week after opening the entry list for the ARC rally in 2013 there are almost 90 entries
Rigged up
Rigger Harry James is a dab at hand at stringing up everything from race yachts to race cars