April 2010
On sale: Thu, 11 Mar 2010
Cruising
Ipswich to Newcastle
A tough winter North Sea voyage
The lighter side of fitting out
A wry glance at pre-season chores
Britain’s top cruising secret
Comprehensive cruising guide to Milford Haven and Pembrokeshire
Italy’s loveliest islands
The idyllic Aeolian archipelago
Me and my chart table
Navigation aboard the last of William Fife’s designs, Solway Maid
Sailing Skills
Expert on board
The pros and cons of windvane self-steering
Learning curve
‘How my new yacht was wrecked’
A question of seamanship
With a rope around the prop, how do you sail backwards into your berth?
Skipper’s tips
Compass lubber lines, great circle chartplotting and more
Know your kit: AIS
There is more to this navigation aid than people realise
Weatherwise
Use cloud formations to spot a warm front over the horizon
Any questions?
Is red diesel in cans illegal? Should you antifoul the prop?
Boats & Gear
Düsseldorf Boat Show
We review 12 new yachts
Second-hand test: Etap 35i
She’s lightweight and unsinkable, but how has this popular yacht aged?
Bénéteau First 35
We spend 24 hours on this exciting new fast cruiser
Gear test: manual bilge pumps
We test 15 pumps against a man with a bucket. Which is quickest?
Emergency bilge pump
One owner’s solution after he nearly sunk his yacht
New gear
AIS-enabled personal locator beacon; Gennaker furlers
Tried & tested
Kru Sport Pro lifejacket; Easidri towel
Gear test: jumpstarters
Portable power to start your engine
Regulars
The view from the helm
Cruising news
America’s Cup wind technology; SAR privatisation shock
Letters Readers’ views and opinions
Libby Purves
The truth about exotic charters
Tom Cunliffe
The real value of tradition
Nigel Calder Spring start-up tips
The Confessional
Readers own up to their sailing sins
