Getting close in to the coast to explore a tidal channel or find a snug anchorage is rewarding but close attention must be paid to the visual clues, says Ken…
Sailing skills
How would you retrieve a spinnaker sail?
What is the best way to retrieve a spinnaker sail? James Stevens answers your questions of seamanship
‘The hurricane had us confined to the aft cabin for 24 hours’
Holly Turner shares some lessons from a turbulent hurricane season in the Caribbean with a 10-month-old baby and Scrumpy the Jack Russell
Keeping a lookout using electronic navigation aids
Your boat's electronic navigation aids can help keep you safe, but it's easy to be overwhelmed by the amount of information available. Striking a balance is key, explains Craig Hardy
Spinnaker masterclass: tailored downwind sailing
There’s more than one way to rig, hoist, set and drop your spinnaker. Choosing the right setup and skills is key to success with the kite, explains James Stevens
How to sail across the Atlantic and back
Confined to quarters during the pandemic, many sailors are itching to slip their lines and sail for the sun. Elaine Bunting explains exactly how to break free and sail across…
Celestial navigation: understanding the night sky
You don't need complicated maths or even a sextant to enjoy the night sky and use it for navigation, says William Thomson
What is the blue and yellow light ahead?
Would you know what blue and yellow flashing lights meant while night sailing? James Stevens answers your questions of seamanship
How to navigate using waves
Developing a thorough understanding of what the waves are telling you can provide you with a 'sixth sense' when it comes to navigation, says Dag Pike
Skippers’ Tips: soft shackle splicing & optimise locker space
Deck harnesses for children, mainsail downhaul trick and soft shackle splicing are amongst the skippers' tips suggested by seasoned sailors and Yachting Monthly experts