Knowing your tides and their heights is key to conquering the fearsome Plateau des Minquiers, says Ken Endean
Cruising guides
Deshaies, Guadeloupe
Kit Pascoe discovers Deshaies, Guadeloupe, is ideal for exploring the wild side of this French Caribbean island
Discover the Farne Islands
This Northumberland outpost offers rich history and plenty of wildlife experiences, says Alastair Buchan
Exploring the hidden Hamble
Peter Bruce discovers the rich heritage of the Hamble as he winds his way upriver
Newton Haven, Northumberland
Not only does this anchorage offer good holding but stargazing, birdwatching and a beautiful sandy beach, says Alastair Buchan
Exploring Hope Cove, south Devon
This unspoilt, often overlooked haven in Devon can be a great anchorage, says Dag Pike
Exploring Western Haven, Newtown
Peter Bruce packs a picnic and takes a dinghy day trip to explore a secret haven just a mile or two from the Solent
The Isle of Whithorn in Scotland
It may be slightly out of the way for those heading north, but this anchorage near the Solway Firth is worth visiting, says Dag Pike
A cruising guide to the Rías Baixas
Just beyond Biscay lies a glorious coast rarely explored by British cruisers. After cruising there, Chris Beeson urges the valiant to be a pilgrim and to visit the Rías Baixas…
Lundy, Bristol Channel
Lundy is a bird-watcher’s paradise with its own particular character, but mind the swell, says Jonty Pearce