The Grand Soleil 65 is offered in both LC (long cruise) and performance variants. Externally key differences are in the coachroof and the shorter coamings of the performance boat. However,…
Yachting World
Admiral’s Cup to return in 2025 (with a Fastnet finish)
The Admiral’s Cup, formerly the most prestigious offshore/inshore regatta in the world, is scheduled to return in 2025, the Royal Ocean Racing Club announced today. Few events make big boat…
World’s coolest: IKA Kitefoil
“Watching the gracefulness of kitefoil racing had me mesmerised the first time I saw it,” explains Will Harris. “It is an example of pure efficiency and use of all and…
First look: Bestevaer 36 – downsized pilothouse cruiser
In a world in which yachts are constantly becoming larger, this Dutch brand is bucking the trend, with the smallest-ever model in its 20-year history. It’s intended to offer performance…
Best kayaking sunglasses: Sturdy pairs for kayak, canoe and paddleboard adventures
Going out for a paddle on a sunny day is a sensationally enjoyable experience, but water reflects glare and it’s vitally important to protect your eyes from solar damage. The…
Pro sailors on their Southern Ocean experience
“I’m so happy not to be alone,” an emotional Boris Herrmann said standing at the base of his 29m/95ft mast, a foot-long gash ripped into the carbon above his head…
F1 star Sebastian Vettel backs new German SailGP team
Four-time F1 World Champion Sebastian Vettel and double Olympic sailing bronze medallist Erik Heil have joined forces, alongside team owner Thomas Riedel, to announce a brand new German SailGP Team.…
Paddle sports continue uptick in watersports participation
The increase in people participating in watersports in the UK during the Covid 19 pandemic – when restrictions on international travel reduced overseas holiday options – continued to build in…
Extraordinary boats: The Sam Manuard foiling mini 6.50
The past few years have seen an explosion of activity in the Mini 6.50 class, with qualifying races for the iconic Mini Transat race oversubscribed by up to 100% and…
What to wear dinghy sailing: from bouyancy aids to boots
If you want to make a start in sailing then often a dinghy will be your first port of call for learning – and thereafter many choose to keep dinghy…
Best snorkelling set: 5 of top options for better vision underwater
Explore the wonders of the ocean for longer with a good mask and snorkel – who knows what creatures of the deep you might spot? While you can have a…
How (and why) wood is making a comeback in yacht building
Why would a naval architect and structural engineer used to working with cutting edge materials for America’s Cup teams, including INEOS Britannia, and companies like Airbus, be excited about working…
Two Man Overboard Incidents in cross-Channel races: British sailor dies
Two separate Man Overboard incidents have occurred during different cross-Channel races this weekend, with one fatality confirmed. The first incident took place during the Royal Escape Race, which set off…
640.9 miles in 24hrs: Holcim-PRB smashes monohull record
Kevin Escoffier’s IMOCA Holcim-PRB, competing in the The Ocean Race, has annihilated the 24-hour monohull sailing record by covering an incredible 640.9 miles on the fifth leg from Newport to Aarhus. This…
Lagoon 51 review: surprisingly fun to sail
It’s a light wind early autumn day in the Mediterranean and we’ve been sailing the Lagoon 51 alternately under Code 0 and genoa at boat speeds occasionally touching 8 knots…
Iridium GO! exec vs Starlink Roam: Which Sat comms system does it best
Until recently, developments in satellite communications were painfully slow, but the pace of change started to quicken a few years ago and is today accelerating rapidly. There’s now a wider…
Swimming with humpback whales
“Slip into the water, don’t jump. Try not to splash, and follow me,” our guide Torea hurriedly told us as the panga-style boat slowed to a stop, only 100m away…
How to provision a yacht for a long passage
Provisioning a yacht for a long period away from conventional shops, with limited cold store space, dry goods stowage and galley facilities, can be daunting. In a beautifully illustrated new…
Buddy Melges, 1930-2023
Harry Clemons ‘Buddy’ Melges Jr., widely considered to be one of America’s greatest competitive sailors, passed away on May 18, 2023. Born on January 26, 1930, in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, Buddy…
Elan E6 review: Fun to sail with a nice, sporty feel
I’ve always looked forward to testing new models in Elan’s performance range. Historically they’ve offered an enticing blend of performance and comfort, with every example I’ve sailed in the last…