The appearance of the Beneteau Oceanis 323 suggests simple, economical family sailing, lots of room and a modest performance – or does it? Closer inspection makes you think again, because…
Yachting World
Cruise Scotland: A couple finds empty anchorages and peace
The warble call from a loon broke the silence as we edged closer to shore, motoring quietly through still water. Astern, mountain peaks glowing purple in the sunset faded into…
Mid-ocean repairs: Vendée Globe sailors tell all
Some of the damage we saw at the Vendée Globe finish was simply staggering, yet this edition was also remarkable for its small number of retirements. Many boats suffered major…
Beneteau First 40.7 review: from the archive
Their prevalence at regattas shows how much the design has caught the imagination as a performance boat at a good price. Nowadays there’s another reason for its success-with so many…
X-Yachts X-41 review: from the archive
Although they are clearly from the same stable, Niels Jeppesen has given her a deep T-keel for stability. But the X-Yachts X-41 carries a comparatively lower sail area than her…
Beneteau Oceanis 42CC review: from the archive
Love ’em or loathe ’em, there’s no denying the popularity of centre cockpit yachts. Beneteau’s current range spans sizes from 36ft to 44ft and the Beneteau Oceanis 42CC, which started…
The offshore skills you need to be bluewater ready
You might have a departure day circled red in the diary and be furiously working through a to-do list to get there. Or maybe you’re considering a bluewater sailing adventure…
Elan 450 review: from the archive
As you walk into the reception area at Elan’s factory in Slovenia, you’re greeted by a rack of vintage wooden skis, a reminder of the company’s roots, making skis for…
Bénéteau First 45 review: from the archive
Her looks mirror the First 50, Bénéteau’s flagship performance cruiser launched in 2006, notably owing to the long sleek coachroof and moulded ‘eyebrows’ over the side windows. And the similarity…
Great seamanship: Scarborough to Brightlingsea
The Edwardian period of English yachting is best remembered for the great cutters and schooners of the racing scene. From Cowes to the Clyde professionally crewed yachts competed for big-money…
Beneteau Oceanis 373 review: from the archive
The Beneteau Oceanis 323 uses a well-proven, race-bred hull. She’s a mainsail driven design, with outboard rigging and a close-sheeting headsail. By contrast, the Beneteau Oceanis 373 is brand-new, conceived…
Cowes-Dinard record: Two trimaran records in hours
A MOD70 and Multi70 trimaran both set out on Thursday 22 April in an attempt to break the Cowes-Dinard course record in what was billed as a match race for…
Autonomous boats: The rise of self-sailing vessels
‘Vessel not under command’ looks set to take on a new meaning, with the race to develop a new generation of autonomous boats sailed by artificial intelligence (AI). But what…
Two trimarans to fight it out in record attempt match race
Peter Cunningham’s MOD70 PowerPlay is set for a world record attempt Cowes – Dinard today, Thursday 22 April 2021 and will be going up against another MOD70 in the form…
World’s coolest yachts: Tornado catamaran
“The Tornado catamaran is a really cool boat. It was my introduction to high performance sailing and it had a big influence on me in many ways. “Once you get…
Battling to Hobart: Memories of the Sydney Hobart
Discovering Andrew Wilson has been the sort of exciting surprise that comes with editing a column like Great Seamanship. Andrew is a photographer working in Tasmania. He knows yacht and…
Jean Le Cam: Vendée Globe legend they call ‘The King’
He’s the solo skipper who might remind you of Keith Richards. A rugged, hawkish face topped off with an unruly mop of black curly hair, Jean Le Cam was the…
First look: Trintella 45 and 50 – classic yard reborn
These two gorgeous German Frers designs offer an enticing blend of contemporary yacht design with classic elegance. The Trintella 45 and 50 are intended to re-establish the Trintella brand, echoing…
Hanse 371 review: Different by design – from the archive
Time was when people expected to get what they paid for. Paying good money meant getting a good boat, but can a boat like the Hanse 371 stand up against…
First look: McConaghy Makara 85
Designer Malcolm McKeon has deepened his collaboration with composite wizards McConaghy by launching a range of semi-custom sailing yachts running from 85ft up to 120ft. The first of these new…