This summer and next Michael Goodwin, a retired Staffordshire University professor, is sailing his Bavaria 37 Blue Star round Britain with a friend. At the same time they hope to…
Yachting World
Ocean damage – tales of chafe, jury rigs and a shark on the rudder in the ARC
Crossing the Atlantic is hard on your gear, as the reports of ocean damage during the annual Atlantic Rally for Cruisers always demonstrate. The 2014 ARC was easier on crews…
Velocitek Shift tactical compass
The Velocitek Shift is an interesting new product that can help make the decision about when best to tack. It uses changes in compass heading to let you know if…
PROtect Tapes: Skid and LoopX reviewed
PROtect Tapes specialises in making products to combat chafing, friction, abrasion, scratches, damage, ageing and wear on board boats by working with specialists in polymers, technical films and adhesives, as…
5 tips: going aground – how to get off the bricks as quickly as possible
Jonty Sherwill asked seasoned Solent racer Paul Heys for his 5 tips on staying afloat and getting back under way when you’ve gone aground
Superyacht Wisp is a classic-looking 156-footer with an elegant profile and a feeling of space
In October Palma de Mallorca is filled to the brim with over 100 overwintering superyachts, including some of the most beautiful classics, such as the schooner Ashanti IV and the…
Squid weather software program
This is an exciting new weather program that collates online weather information. Developed by experienced offshore sailors and navigators, Squid weather software has been designed as a tool to download…
Baltic sailing: a leisurely cruise with the ARC Baltic to fascinating St Petersburg
It was hazy and hot. The air was still. Sticky even. The seas were calm. Certainly not the conditions we were expecting for Baltic sailing as we motored down the…
5 tips: how to get the best IRC rating
It’s the same type of boat going the same speed, but how come their IRC rating is so much lower than yours? Although getting your rating as low possible is…
Brand new April 2015 issue out now!
NEWS Gunboat 55 dismasted and abandoned on her maiden voyage Polish yacht reaches furthest south The coolest paint job of 2015? NEW GEAR AND YACHTS New yachts: A first look…
Solent Sunbeam: a pretty dayboat that has been a stalwart of Cowes Week for nearly 90 years
Given the ‘local boat’ flavour enjoyed by many of the one-design yachts and dayboats found around our coasts, it is not surprising that many are attributed to little-known ‘local’ designers.…
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…
25ft quarter ton yachts have been having something of a revival racing in the Solent
They’re old, small and decidedly quirky, but quarter tonners are providing some of the hottest handicap racing in the Solent now.
Flyer flies again – Conny van Rietschoten’s famous round the world ocean racer has been meticulously restored
One name dominated ocean racing in the late 1970s and early 80s: Dutch round the world racer Cornelis van Riestchoten, who owned two yachts named Flyer. This great sailor died…
Yacht refit overseas: it may look cheaper, but is it a good idea to have a refit done abroad?
Yacht refit in a far-flung part of the world can appear to be an attractive proposition, particularly if you can reap the benefit of lower labour rates. However, if it…
Focus on liferafts: are you ready should the worst happen?
For six days in May last year Britain held its breath as the search went on for Cheeki Rafiki and her crew. Signals had been reported and hopes were kindled…
10 facts you may not know about the J Class
From sail numbers to deck gear, discover interesting facts about the J Class and how this regatta has left a lasting mark on sailing
Baby on board: a parents’ guide to the challenges and rewards of sailing with children
Like any couple on the brink of starting a family James and I would talk about having a baby, but couldn’t really comprehend how it would work sailing with children.…
5 tips: bowman signals. Get a great start with clear signs to helmsman and trimmers
Five seconds to the start and the row of bows is accelerating towards the line. A boat to windward is early and obscuring your view of the start boat. The…
Recommissioning: how to prepare your yacht to sail away after laying up
If you are leaving your boat for a period of time it may work out well to leave a job list with the yard or associated workmen, so inquire about…