It?s spring and the thoughts of boat owners are turning to the season?s cruising or racing but first of all there?s the fitting out to do.
Which is exactly what we?ve been doing over the last few months on Yachting World. But this is no lick of antifouling and shine of polish: after 110 years of continuous publishing, we thought the old girl was in need of something more fundamental so we have stripped her down to the basics, removed worn parts, replaced anything which had not stood the test of time and then very carefully, like layers of carefully applied varnish, brought her back to new, with thoroughly modern fittings.

But don?t panic! This is still Yachting World, still with the highest editorial standards and the world?s finest marine photography, the best writers and that special stamp of authority. But we have made changes and here are some of them ? we?re not giving it all away, you?ll need to buy the May issue to find out . . .

• You tell us you like equipment reviews and features so that?s what you?re getting more of ? every month
• Our boat tests are popular but we?re changing the way we present them and will have an even greater variety of boats
• News has always been central to Yachting World but now we?ve completely rethought the way we cover news stories and reports
• Seamanship ? We?ve co-opted well known author Tom Cunliffe to look back at ? and analyse ? feats of Great Seamanship with gripping tales of bravery and resourcefulness. The first in this series is Bernard Moitessier?s great storm as described in his book Cape Horn the Logical Route.
• Modern classics. There are some boats that will always stand the test of time, are great sailing boats that hold their value well and slip off the broker?s books as fast as Ben Ainslie on a good day. In May we test the Swan 46.
• Your best day? And worst? Most memorable race? Andrew Preece will be grilling some of sailing?s stars and the Preece Interview will be the new ?last page?. We start with Volvo Ocean Race CEO Glenn Bourke
• Cruising Cruising Log has had a makeover and will continue to keep you in touch with the world of cruising and each month there will be cruising features to keep you informed and entertained. And the popular Ocean Ready series has been relaunched as Cruising Essentials but will continue to cover the essence of offshore cruising.
• Racing A new section that will bring you opinion and comment on the racing world, race course equipment and race boat tests and major regatta reports.
  Is that all? Not nearly, because we?re still continuing with all our proven popular features as well.

  And all of it is packaged in a new-look magazine, with new design and new ideas.
  Make sure you get your NEW Yachting World 110 years old with this issue!