Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a novice skipper, manoeuvring in tight spaces can be challenging. But with the right equipment, returning to your berth doesn’t have to be stressful.…
Gear
‘When I made the change to lithium batteries on my yacht I saved space and money’
We bought our boat, Cassini, a Beneteau Oceanis 50, in 2022 intending to live aboard for long periods from the summer of 2023. After a winter overhaul and a few…
Modern (and more sustainable) alternatives to teak decking
The material, colour, and condition of a yacht’s deck can dramatically transform its overall look and feel. Over the years, marine decking materials have evolved, moving from natural, traditional hardwoods…
How to install Ultrasonic Antifouling and why I chose it to beef up my protection
You might recognise the feeling – a sense of deepening anxiety as the moment for your boat’s annual haul-out finally approaches. What state will the hull be in? And what…
Best water bottle for sailing: 3 top options to quench your thirst on the water
With the hot weather and sailors spending more time on the water, staying hydrated is essential, so it’s important to pick the best water bottle for you. Drinking enough water…
How I moved my mooring into deeper water better suited to my yacht
Typical of a purchase driven by the heart, the reality of buying a long keel cruiser struck home immediately when I tried to keep Swedish Lass on the drying mooring…
How it works: Yacht Radar
To utilise radar properly it’s imperative that you learn how to interpret the information displayed. Many objects produce such a poor echo they don’t show up on the screen. Fixed…
‘I moved my anchor locker aft – now we sail better than ever…’
The chain locker in Britannia’s bow was totally inadequate for the 250ft (76m)of 3/8-inch chain I considered to be a bare minimum for my 22-tonne boat. Every time we weighed…
What to wear for sailing during winter
There is something really quite special about finding yourself out on the water and having most of it to yourself. Being the solitary boat in an anchorage or being able…
How to clean an anti-syphon valve on a yacht’s engine
On sailing boats the exhaust pipe is swept up into a ‘swan neck’ to stop following waves flooding the exhaust when the engine isn’t running. Exhaust gas normally drives water…