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,…
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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…
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…
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…
How to transfer fuel if you have a disaster at sea
Most sailing yachts don’t carry enough fuel to motor across an ocean. Even having a range of half the distance, so that you could reach one side or the other,…
Proposed changes to Personal Locator Beacon registration announced
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency has announced plans to update Personal Locator Beacon registration, bringing it into line with the requirements for EPIRBS
‘What stops sailors flying the right sails?’ – Nikki Henderson on the power driving your boat
Why we haven’t been matching the factory polars for our new boat? I just can’t work it out! That’s something almost every new boat owner has asked themselves at some…
Great Seamanship: The Last Seadog. Jean-Luc Van Den Heede recalls a Southern Ocean knockdown
For any sailor interested in single-handed racing, Jean-Luc Van Den Heede’s The Last Seadog, just published, is a more than welcome addition to the bookshelf. The ultimate French solo ‘navigateur’,…
Foil damage halts Jules Verne record attempts: both Gabart and Coville’s crews turn for home
The two Ultim foiling trimarans which had set off on a Jules Verne Trophy around the world non-stop record attempt have both aborted their current circumnavigation. Francois Gabart‘s SVR-Lazartigue was first to…
Man overboard in ARC: US MRCC calls off active search. Another yacht abandoned in second incident.
A crew member taking part in this year’s ARC rally has been lost overboard. Yesterday, Monday 2 December, the Volvo 70 Ocean Breeze reported that a crew member had gone…
World’s Coolest Yacht: AC72
“I think one of the coolest boats was the AC72,” says Davies who nominates the wingsail catamarans sailed in the 34th America’s Cup in San Francisco. “Building one of those…