Since the start of the Covid crisis many of us have been separated from our yachts for much longer than usual. Fortunately, there are a growing number of options for…
Gear
Fusion StereoActive review: This waterproof speaker packs an audible punch
There is a good reason why the Fusion StereoActive should probably be at the top of the list for any sailor looking for a waterproof Bluetooth speaker. Designed and built…
ResQlink View PLB review: Visual display provides welcome reassurance
As far as we know this is the first Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) to incorporate an LCD screen to improve the interface, which fundamentally changes the user experience. In particular…
Nixon Base Tide Pro review: Rugged watch gives local tides at a glance
I live in a tidal area, where the height and times of the tides are crucial to deciding whether we can get afloat. Tide tables and sailing apps help most…
Globalstar Spot X review: Stay in touch for less with this satellite comms system
Satellite trackers have improved enormously recently. Instead of simply pinging your position, plus potentially a small range of predetermined text messages, the Spot X is a full-function two-way messaging system,…
Facnor FD190 flat deck furler
Although not a new product, this webbing line furler is rarely seen outside of French performance cruising yachts, writes Rupert Holmes. It’s a great option for anyone who wants to maximise…
Elliot Brown Bloxworth watch
Tough and rugged but finely crafted and cleverly designed, the Elliot Brown Bloxworth watch was put through its paces by Rob Owen.
Musto midlayer Gore-tex blouson
We asked the Adventure sailing skippers at Rubicon3 to try the Musto midlayer Gore-tex blouson jacket on both land and sea.
Helly Hansen Crew midlayer jacket
We asked the Adventure sailing skippers at Rubicon3 to try the Helly Hansen Crew mid-layer jacket on both land and sea.
Slam flying jacket
This jacket is a good all-rounder, being both functional on the water and smart enough to wear on shore. It has a warm fleece lining with an elasticated waistband for…
Henri Lloyd Elite Therm mid-layer jacket
There’s no attempt at compromise here, this jacket is a proper mid-layer jacket. Designed to be worn under foulies, the Primaloft filling is superbly warm in cold conditions and the…
Musto Performance Winter sailing gloves
Tough palms; cold finger tips
Gill Extreme winter sailing gloves
Adventure charter skippers Bruce Jacobs and Rachael Sprot of Rubicon3 tested the Gill Extreme gloves, which feature 1.5mm neoprene with good grip and insulation, for a season in a variety…
Henri Lloyd Cobra winter gloves
Adventure charter skippers Bruce Jacobs and Rachael Sprot of Rubicon3 tested the Henri Lloyd Cobra winter gloves for a season in a variety of tough conditions.
iBoating marine navigation app for iPad and Android
A surprisingly versatile and comprehensive app but not easy to use and contains some annoying quirks.
iNavX marine navigation app for iPad and iPhone
A good all-round package and especially versatile for ability to use raster and vector charts from multiple providers.
Transas iSailor marine navigation app for iPad and Android
Good basic functionality – a full standalone navigation app – and plenty of advanced options as well, but each one incurs a fee.
Garmin BlueChart Mobile app for iPad
Slick and well designed navigational planning app that integrates seamlessly with onboard Garmin systems
SeaNav UK and Ireland – marine navigation app for iPad
Way ahead of the competition in terms of advanced features, including augmented reality view, but not as quick for general usage. Options for Europe, Canada and USA.
MaxSea TimeZero – marine navigation app for iPad
If you prefer raster charts then MaxSea TimeZero app for iPad is the package for you, but perhaps not if you seek advanced features