From buying a suitable yacht to negotiating 371 locks, three tunnels and travelling 1,400 miles from Fareham, Lizzy Bolan shares the highs and lows of navigating the French canals
France
Should you push on with a tired boat crew?
With a tidal stream against you and a tired boat crew, should you push on or turn around? James Stevens answers your questions of seamanship
Europe’s Atlantic coast: the best places to cruise
The Atlantic coast of Europe runs from Ushant to Gibraltar, and, with the Atlantic Islands thrown in, is a vast area of cruising opportunities, says Lu Heikell.
Cruising northern Europe: The best places to sail to
Miranda Delmar-Morgan recommends a few of her favourite places to sail when cruising northern Europe between Atlantic France and the Kiel Canal
UK cruisers can now enter France through any port
Following Brexit, sailors arriving in France from the UK were only allowed to enter through a Port of Entry. Now entry will be allowed through any French port
C1331 check-in and check-out system to be replaced
A new online reporting system for all sailors leaving and returning to the UK should go live later this year
Clarisse Cremer makes Vendée Globe history
French skipper Clarisse Cremer has smashed Ellen MacArthur's 21 year old Vendée Globe race record, crossing the line in 87d 02h 24m 25s.
Do you trust the buoys or the chart?
James Stevens answers your questions of seamanship - this month, what should you do when the buoys you see don't match the chart?
Golden Globe Race: Tapio Lehtinen’s barnacle blight
The last Golden Globe Race skipper Tapio Lehtinen has arrived back in Les Sables d'Olonne after 322 days alone at sea
Golden Globe Race: Tapio Lehtinen crosses the equator
Tapio Lehtinen, the last Golden Globe Race skipper still sailing, has finally crossed the equator as he continues his circumnavigation back to France