I’ll come straight out with it: there are some boats that hit the spot from the outset and for me the VX One is on that list. In fact, I’ll…
Video: See how the new Gunboat G4 foiling ‘cruiser’ capsized at the Voiles de Saint Barths regatta
Having been talk of the town in Saint Barths for her foiling antics at the beginning of the week, Eduardo Perez’s foiling Gunboat G4, ‘Timbalero III’ became the hot topic…
Here’s why the Voiles de Saint Barths is one for your bucket list
“Breeze coming in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1…full hike, press her down guys!” As we threw ourselves against the padded lower guard wire, arms outstretched to windward as if reaching…
Z is for the Victory class, named after Nelson’s flagship and a stalwart at Cowes Week
One of the most prolific designers of the first third of the 20th Century was Isle of Wight-based Alfred Westmacott, whose portfolio included such popular classics as the Solent Sunbeam…
Voiles de Saint Barths – the model for a perfect regatta? Matthew Sheahan thinks so
When saxophonist Jim Rolland, aka ‘Jimmy Sax’, climbed onto the table and belted out his live solo to Mark Ronson’s ‘Uptown Funk’ the party kicked off. Fuelled by a plentiful…
If I had a hammer . . . a winter voyage to South Georgia by Skip Novak
No matter how well you think you have prepared for a voyage, there are always things that slip through the net. Usually they are minor items that didn’t make the…
Why now is the right time for America’s Cup change
Debate and disagreement go hand in hand with the oldest trophy in international sport, often because a wealthy individual is considered to be trying to outspend the competition. But rarely…
A multihull for the French classic the Tour Voile? Meet the Diam 24, a VPLP-designed 24ft trimaran
If the change from monohulls to foiling cats was dramatic in the America’s Cup, an equally profound transformation is to take place next year in one of France’s leading events,…
Take a tour of Ben Ainslie Racing’s new base as it nears completion
If you are in any doubt as to how serious the latest British assault on the America’s Cup is, there is one simple way of appreciating the effort and commitment…
5 tips: when, why and how to take a penalty in a yacht race – advice from top match racer Ian Williams
“It’s close, but we are easily clearing them,” is the call from the tactician as you beat to windward on port tack. But the breeze is veering and the other…
Watch the world’s first foiling cruiser take flight at 30 knots: first video of Gunboat’s G4
Hats off to Gunboat. The company that put the cool into cruising cats has done it again by producing the world’s first foiling ‘cruising’ yacht. And it seems the G4…
Video: The FarEast 28R pocket rocket on test. A 28ft sports boat for under £35,000?
Just over a year ago a little known Chinese yard, the Shanghai Fareast Boats Co. Ltd. made a big impression at the Dusseldorf boat show with a rocket red, all…
VIDEO: Recovering a man overboard under downwind sails
We show you the best way to stop a boat quickly under downwind sails and remain close to the casualty so you can ensure a speedy and safe recovery
Video: Why choose custom? We sail this bespoke French 60 footer to find out
Individuality is to be cherished. Without personal taste we’d all be living in similar-style houses, wearing the same clothes, driving the same cars and be attracted to the same people.…
VOR: Will Brazil be the end of Dongfeng Racing’s VOR campaign?
The rest of the fleet may be in, but Charles Caudrelier’s Volvo team is still racing, racing to get to Itajai, Brazil to step a new mast and get back…
Chinese sailor Guo Chuan plans to set a record through the North East Passage – in a giant trimaran
What’s the ideal yacht for attempting to set a record transiting the North East Passage? You might think a steel yacht, or aluminium perhaps, something that resists crushing by ice,…
Offshore sailor Henry Bomby shares his top iPad yacht apps for racing and cruising
Few new products have changed the way I navigate at sea so much as the tablet computer. In my case that means the iPad, although most of the sailing apps…
Abu Dhabi wins Leg 5 of Volvo Ocean Race. Skipper Ian Walker reveals some interesting reasons why
“I am absolutely stoked,” said Abu Dhabi skipper Ian Walker shortly after taking the trophy for the leg win from Auckland to Itajai, Brazil. “That leg was absolutely epic, absolutely…
British sailor Jimmy Cornell reveals his extraordinary new exploration yacht, Aventura IV
Cruising guru Jimmy Cornell has put his years of experience into a new boat for world cruising. Matthew Sheahan finds her an extraordinary and exciting go-anywhere cruiser