Some of the damage we saw at the Vendée Globe finish was simply staggering, yet…
Bluewater sailing techniques
The offshore skills you need to be bluewater ready
You might have a departure day circled red in the diary and be furiously working…
Masterclass: How to set a storm trysail
We were running before a deep depression en-route from Ponta Delgada in the Azores to…
Broken forestay in the Southern Ocean: Extract from Woman of Steel
The first British Steel Challenge Race west-about around the world via the Great Capes was…
Navigation briefing: How to navigate with Google Earth
We have got used to chartplotters and GPS being very accurate; sometimes (I think) too…
Sailor’s essential guide to AIS: Everything you need to know
If I were to pick one development that has revolutionised my own sailing over the…
Why cruising sailors should consider using a professional weather router
Should you consider support from a professional weather router on your next ocean crossing? With costs…
Telemedicine for cruisers beyond the reach of an airlift – how a phone call saved one sailor’s life
Anchored in a remote lagoon in the Solomon Islands last year, Tom Partridge and his…
Bluewater Sailing Techniques Part 1: introducing our 12-part series with a cruise in the Pacific
We begin our new 12-part multimedia series on Bluewater Sailing Techniques in stunning Fiji
Bluewater Sailing Techniques Part 2: Navigating in coral
Discover how to nagivate coral reefs in the second installment of our Bluewater Sailing Techniques…
Bluewater Sailing Techniques Part 3: Coping with squalls
Discover the best way to cope with squalls and weather them safely in the latest…
Bluewater Sailing Techniques Part 4: sailing downwind with a poled out headsail
Discover how to sail with a poled out headsail in our latest Bluewater Sailing Techniques…
Bluewater Sailing Techniques Part 5: How to set up a spinnaker safely for long downwind passages
In the fifth instalment of our bluewater sailing videos, we explain how to set up…
Bluewater Sailing Techniques Part 6: anchoring in coral
Anchoring in coral is illegal in many places and should certainly be avoided if at…
Bluewater Sailing Techniques Part 7: man overboard under spinnaker
Man overboard at sea is thankfully a very rare occurrence. But with any risk assessment,…
Bluewater Sailing Techniques Part 8: man overboard recovery
A man overboard on an ocean passage is probably one of the most terrifying emergencies…
Bluewater Sailing Techniques Part 9: night watches and routines offshore
Expert skipper Dan Bower explains how should you plan it, what should you take into…
Bluewater Sailing Techniques Part 10: the care and use of the ship’s dinghy
A major part of your cruising life will be spent using your tender. In many…
Bluewater Sailing Techniques Part 11: snorkelling and diving on reefs
When cruising in the tropics – or indeed sailing round the world – the time…
Bluewater Sailing Techniques Part 12: Fishing from your boat
Dan Bower's advice on catching a fish for your supper is the last in our…