On the Wind
Groupama 3 capsizes off New Zealand during her world record attempt – a lucky escape for the French crew; Aussies and Brits share the medal haul at world championships; Lagoon catamarans win new green award

Taming the beasts
As competitors in the two-handed Barcelona World Race arrive battered and exhausted after their round the world dash, Elaine Bunting asks about stresses, breakages and life on board

Walrus
New words for old – heard on board

Letters
NEW! Letter of the month – win a pair of Bollé Faze sunglasses for your wise words

Robin Knox-Johnston
Tow technique – the art of hauling

Moment in The Times
Edward Gorman on the incomparable Ellen MacArthur and her first break
into stardom

Gear
Marine broadband finally arrives; waterproof ideas for your iPod; neat nozzle for fuel cans; emergency water

Leading Edge
Phone, e-mail, GPS – the latest super gadget

Yachts at Düsseldorf
New launches at Europe’s biggest boat show, from a super-Soleil to a quality Odyssey; a Swedish Folkboat-lookalike to a speedy Surf Sailer

On Test: Dehler 34 and X-34
Two 34-footers with aspirations on the race course. Can Dehler’s new design and enthusiasm match
X Yachts long-standing performance credentials? We take both yachts for a test sail

Five ways to take on the world
World ARC takes the hassle out of organising a world cruise, but how do participants sort out their lives to take part? We head for the start in St Lucia to ask five very different crews how they planned – and financed – their trip
J Class fleet set to double
Two new J Class yachts are to launch within a year – Lionheart and Endeavour II – and more are in the pipeline. David Glenn reports

Cruising
How safe is cruising in the Caribbean? We ask again after an attack in St Vincent. Plus: Ocean Cruising Club annual awards; new developments in Grenada after Hurricane Ivan

Crewed behaviour
The pros and cons of taking on crew. How to avoid the pitfalls and enjoy the benefits of having an extra hand on board. Julie Skentelbery investigates

Down East, a September cruise of Maine
It’s the best time of year to enjoy the beauties of this eastern US state, when the autumn colours are breathtaking, the fog diminishes and the notorious black fly ceases to bite

Great Seamanship
The terror of a pooping off Cape Horn

Performance World
Matthew Sheahan relishes some early season racing at Key West, sails a Club Swan 42 and finds out why the new Numbers is taking all the silverware. Plus: rules at the weather mark

Going for Gold
Who controls the weather at Qingdao?

Supersail
A recent visit to Holland reveals a hive of activity in the building of large yachts. David Glenn tours with designer André Hoek

One Amazing Day
Find out why Don Street embraced the cruising life