Stepping aboard the 74-foot aluminium lifting keel expedition vessel in Bergen, I stroke the rugged pilothouse gently and whisper, ‘Hello, friend.’ I know that skippering Witness is going to be…
Yachting Monthly
Everything you need to know about swinging moorings
Who goes sailing to spend time in a car park? Yes, marinas are very convenient, but there’s nothing like getting back on your boat after some time away on her…
Sailing around Britain: ‘Caught by the tide off Portland Bill, I began to feel defeated’
Over the course of two summers, I circumnavigated Britain aboard Goldfinch, our Bénéteau 36cc. It was June 2022, and I was cruising on the penultimate leg with a strong and…
Diesel bug: How to get rid of it and why it’s getting worse
Problems related to ‘diesel bug’ in yachts are becoming increasingly common. This is almost certainly due to the higher percentage of biodiesel in the fuel we now buy – good…
Dufour 44 review: Roomy and competitively-priced cruiser
There are many questions to ask when assessing a boat, whether as a journalist or a potential purchaser, but perhaps the most important question is how well it does what…
RNLI at 200: ‘We do things without prejudice. Our mission is to save lives and save everyone’
During the early evening of Sunday 10 October 1822, the revenue cutter Vigilant weighed anchor to evade a heavy sea being driven into Douglas Bay on the Isle of Man.…
How a seawater pump works
The water and oil seals on a water pump shaft will eventually wear with time, leading to pump-shaft corrosion or loss of engine oil. A daily check of the water…
Best sailing boots: 8 of the best seaboots tested during sea trial
Wherever and whenever you sail, sea boots are essential if you want the comfort of warm, dry feet. The Yachting Monthly team set about testing a selection of boots on…
X-Yachts XC38 used boat review: Great value fast cruiser
A stalwart of Exmouth’s Exe Sailing Club, Rick Newcombe has now owned three separate yachts, all of which have borne the name eXehibitionist. The first was a Beneteau First 31.7.…
In search of the famed ship Beagle, which carried Charles Darwin to his discoveries
For several years I kept my Contessa 32, Minstrel Boy, at Paglesham on the River Roach in Essex and was a member of the Roach Cruising Association (RCA), one of…