Sailing in the Baltic is increasingly popular, and for all the right reasons: beautiful cruising grounds, lovely weather, interesting history and hospitable countries. But the 90-day limit for non-Schengen passport…
Yachting World
Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez: A maritime history book
The great French sailor, Eric Tabarly, an instrumental figure in the origins of what is now Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez, is reputed to have said that strolling along the quays…
Cruising the coast of Taiwan: A culture rich in seafaring history
We were still five miles from port when we realised that clearing into Taiwan might not be as simple as we’d hoped. Our VHF radio crackled into life and a…
Two sailors killed in separate incidents during Rolex Sydney Hobart Race
Organisers of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Race, which started on 26 December, have confirmed that tragically two sailors have died overnight in separate incidents during the race. According to a…
Your complete guide to using radar on a yacht
Collision avoidance technology has changed dramatically over the last 20 years. Radar has become more affordable, more intuitive to use and easier to install. We can now track approaching vessels…
Bali 5.8 first look: New open-plan flybridge catamaran
With Bali’s step-up in size with the Bali 5.8 comes up a step-up in quality, says Bali. It recognises that its early yachts were more basic, wipe-clean designs for charter,…
The ultimate cruising adventure? Jimmy Cornell launches new High Latitude Challenge
Forty years since he founded the original ARC rally, Jimmy Cornell is launching a new cruise-in-company event for adventurous sailors, the High Latitude Challenge, which features the ‘bucket list’ expedition…
Lagoon 60 first look: A sizeable space for lounging in stunning locations
Big new cats from the volume production yards seem to on the money market-wise currently. Lagoon, Fountaine Pajot and Bali are all launching or have recently launched their largest models…
Boot Dusseldorf 2025 preview: the yachts you need to see
Boot Dusseldorf, the world’s largest yacht and watersports fair, is expected to attract over 200,000 visitors over nine days from 18 January. Exhibitors at Boot Dusseldorf 2025 will comprise all…
Hanse 590 first look: At the top limit for owner-operation
This is a massive new flagship for Hanse’s Greifswald yard, one which completes its new range of Berret Racoupeau designs. It is larger in all respects to the Hanse 575/588,…
Excess 13 first look: A light and airy catamaran for easy enjoyment
Receiving a limited edition Lego set is one of the most surprising (and best) ways I’ve seen to announce a new model (particularly for those with a Lego-obsessed child). Building…
Pip Hare dismasted in Vendée Globe: “I am so devastated”
Pip Hare, the only British based skipper in the Vendée Globe, has dismasted on Medallia while racing in the South Indian Ocean. On Sunday, December 15 at 21:45 UTC, approximately…
Lagoon Eighty2 first look: An 80-footer with space for hosting many guests
The Bordeaux brand strengthens its offering in the lengthy yacht market with the Lagoon Eighty2. It has already built 88 catamarans over 75ft, including 52 of its Seventy7. Designed by…
5 expert tips for sailing in cold weather
Unlike most of us, Bob Beggs seeks out extreme cold and is currently planning his next yachting venture into the Arctic Circle. “When I was in the Commandos I did…
Best personal locator beacons and AIS units: 16 top options for boating
The best personal locator beacons on the market – hands on testing Locating a crew member who’s fallen overboard in anything other than the most benign of conditions is a…
Heyman 42PPH: Handsome new decksaloon cruiser packed with ideas and space
Think about it relative to houses, and it makes more sense. After all, who would choose to put their kitchens and living rooms in the cellar or basement? Especially if…
Best satellite messenger and tracker for heading off the beaten path
The best satellite messenger and trackers have come a long way in just a few years since we last looked at them with Pip Hare. (12 yacht trackers compared) A…
Why we’ll probably see the AC75 in the next America’s Cup (and why that’s a good thing)
Given that this was the second America’s Cup cycle for the AC75 design rule it seemed fair to assume ahead of the event that the racing would be closer than…
Beneteau’s new planing First 30: A step change for the French giant
The First 30 was Beneteau’s first sailing yacht when it launched in 1977 and it has since built nearly 3,000 in its various guises. So this is a special model…
Fountaine Pajot 41 first look: First in a new range of catamarans
FP has launched more than 4,000 catamarans over the last 40 years. The La Rochelle yard has just enjoyed its best year of trading ever, with over €300m turnover (up…