Soft shackles can be used almost anywhere you currently use a conventional shackle. Look on any boat and you will usually find areas where a metal shackle has worn away…
Gear
What makes a good pair of binoculars?
Ken Endean reveals what you should look for, and what you should avoid, when investing in a new pair of binoculars
Reasons to be paranoid about diesel
As emission regulations tighten up and diesel gets more biocontent, Nigel Calder warns of potentially dire consequences for new yacht engines
Six ISO 9650 liferafts tested
Do manufacturers abide by the self-regulating ISO 9650 liferaft standard? Does the standard go far enough? Chris Beeson tests six liferafts to find out
What happens when they ban antifoul?
Some countries are threatening to ban the use of copper in antifouling by 2020 – but will other products take up the challenge? Duncan Kent reports
Midwinter maintenance
Got that nagging feeling there's some maintenance you’ve forgotten to do before putting her to bed for the winter? Duncan Kent helps to jog your memory
How to maintain your lifejacket
Maintain your lifejacket, says Duncan Wells, and you’ll understand it better – and save money!
Review – Skipper Swede’s little book of yachting
Chris Beeson reviews a book that blurts out what every sailor thinks when their patience is tested
Anchor lights test
Still relying on an old hurricane lamp at anchor? Duncan Kent tests the latest electric anchor lights
METS 2015: Lume-On
These tiny LED lights are self-adhesive patches which can be attached to any lifejacket – where the bladder is separate from the case. When the LEDs lights illuminate, the whole…