There are a number of solutions on the market to help control a gybe and minimise the effects of a crash gybe, but how practical, effective and relevant are they…
Pip Hare
Tested: boom brakes and preventers, including Walder boom brake and Wichard Gyb’Easy
A shout, the mainsheet whips through the cockpit and the boom crashes onto the other side of the boat – everyone has had a bad gybing experience at some point.…
SAIL FASTER SAIL SAFER advanced techniques series Part 11: Spinnaker drop
One manoeuvre that really makes my heart race when sailing single-handed is a spinnaker drop. It can seem like a recipe for disaster as I will often be dropping because…
Pip Hare’s choice of EPIRBs, PLBs and other man overboard aids that could just save your life
EPIRBs When activated, an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) transmits its details on 406MHZ and, if GPS-enabled, the vessel’s position to within 100m. This signal is relayed by satellite…
Video – installing and testing a rope preventer and boom brakes to safely manage accidental gybes
A shout, the mainsheet whips through the cockpit and the boom crashes onto the other side of the boat – everyone has had a bad gybing experience at some…
SAIL FASTER SAIL SAFER advanced techniques series Part 12: Spinnaker problems
I have encountered more than my fair share of problems with the spinnaker when single-handed and it can be a total nightmare. The size and power of the sail that…
GT35 boat test – a British design for serious and safe ocean sailing
I tested the GT35 on a grey blustery day, the kind of day the average sailor avoids; only the stalwarts and passagemakers were out with us on the water. But…
D Splicer fid and scissors reviewed
When faced with a splicing job where a fid won’t work I, like most innovative sailors, will reach for a cable tie, or bent wire and electrical tape to find…
Blog: ‘It’s going to be a wet and windy ride’ Pip Hare reports from the RORC Caribbean 600
The Caribbean 600 yacht race will start on Monday at 11am local time under a beating Caribbean sun for 600 miles of intense and full on racing passing 11 Caribbean…