Yacht rigging is a dark art and no one will ever convince me otherwise. I have yet to meet two riggers who agree on anything – and there is no…
sailing skills
Cruising Clinic: Mooring astern in tricky berths
Picture the scene: it’s a beautiful summer evening, the marina is bathed in golden light and there are crowds of people outside the bar sipping gin and tonics. You’ll soon…
The best sailing books & cruising guides of 2021
The best sailing books of 2021? Julia Jones reviews the latest maritime reading
How to get the most from your boat autopilot
Rupert Holmes looks at how to set up your boat autopilot so it will steer better than you can
How to judge distance at sea
Being able to accurately judge distance at sea is just as vital in the digital age as it ever was, says James Stevens. We look at how to refine your…
Sunk in a storm with no liferaft: lessons learned
Bruce Goodwin's ocean crossing with friends was nearing an end when they encountered a storm; the liferaft was lost, the yacht sank. Skipper Stuart Pedersen tragically died just as he…
Mooring: A guide to coming alongside, rafting & traditional skills
Understanding traditional mooring skills like how to tie up alongside a wall or between piles, raft up or even dry out can give you the option of escaping the marina…
Downwind secrets of ocean sailors
How do you choose which sails to set or what course to steer, and can you stop the boat rolling? Toby Heppell talked to sailors preparing for the ARC to…
Towing a boat: how to tow and be towed
When a boat needs towing, cruising yachts are often among the first on the scene. James Stevens explains how to help
Sailing in waves: top tips to keep you safe at speed
Sailing in waves can make for a jarring, juddering experience and long, uncomfortable passages and at worst, a dangerous, boat-rolling hazard. However, it can also mean a thrilling surfing ride…