Is it time to swap your boat batteries? We look at the pros and cons of lithium-ion vs standard, installation dos and don’ts, bust the…
Practical Boat Owner
May issue – out 14 March
15 fixes at sea: sailors share how to deal with a range of problems afloat from a dismasting and rudder damage to chafe, the essential…
Dinghy sailing skills for cruisers
What can a lapsed cruising sailor learn from a dinghy course? A lot, as Ali Wood discovers when she returns to the water for her RYA Level 3
Motorboat handling: techniques for rough weather
Gilbert Park undertakes some training for riding out heavy seas and wind in his Mitchell 28 – but first has to find some rough weather
RNLI 200: Two centuries of saving lives
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution marks its bicentenary this year. Katy Stickland looks back at its formation and development
What’s Ashore app: tried and tested
Steve Hodges and Sam McClement test the What's Ashore app, which aims to bring together up to date cruising information from locations of dinghy docks to the best bar next…
Banish winter damp: install a solar-powered vent
Ten years ago, Colin Haines installed a solar-powered vent on his boat. He shares the results and if it still keeps his boat truly dry
Is your antifoul choice contributing to Global warming?
Visit a boatyard now and you’ll be greeted by the unpleasant smell of solvents. Known as VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), solvents are a major component of traditional antifoul paints, many…
‘Why I want to sail around the world in my 9m electric sailing boat”
Dena Hankins is on a global voyage aboard her 1984 9m Baba 30 converted to run with an electric propulsion motor – possibly the smallest electric sailboat to circumnavigate the planet
“I saved two other sailors on my boat’s maiden voyage”
Gilbert Park’s maiden voyage in his Mitchell Classique 28 culminates in the rescue of two men from the water after their yacht sank
Eight bells for renowned boat builder and designer Iain Oughtred
In addition to the his popular Caledonia Yawl, Ness Yawl, Grebe, Tammie Norrie and the Acorn skiff designs, Iain Oughtred was well known for his St Ayles Skiff
RIB driver who sped around 18 knots in inner harbour fined £3,000
This is the first time new high-definition CCTV camera footage has been used by the Falmouth Harbour Authority in a prosecution – in addition to speeding through the Inner Harbour,…
Seldén S-series and E-series winches
The 'game changing' advantages of Seldén's new line of manual and electric winches include clever features to speed up tacking and make it safer when sailing with inexperienced crew.
GT35 boat test: ‘outstanding, production cruiser’
David Harding tests the GT35 boat and finds a yacht that offers "a blend of performance, power, stiffness, comfort, security, ease of handling, innovative thinking, clever detailing and structural integrity…
Sailing with limited mobility: a practical guide
Deteriorating mobility has forced Kerry Buchanan to modify habits aboard – but she’s still sailing!
English Channel boats: the best power and sail vessels under 40ft
You don't need a big boat to cross the English Channel, just the right boat. Duncan Kent recommends some suitable 20-to-40 footers, both sail and power
Boat fibreglass repair: a beginner’s guide
No need to fear GRP repairs with these helpful tips from Andy Pag
Lawrie Smith named YJA Yachtsman of the Year
Lawrie Smith has won the 2023 YJA Yachtsman of the Year award. The British sailor is an accomplished Olympian, America’s Cup skipper and a UK National Champion in multiple classes.…
Quadriplegic sailor and Wetwheels founder announces plan to circumnavigate the UK in a 9m power catamaran
Disabled adventurer and yachtsman Geoff Holt has unveiled a sneak preview of plans to circumnavigate the UK in a 9m Wetwheels power catamaran
Offshore sails: what you need to cross the Atlantic
Sailmaker Daryl Morgan gives some expert advice on ocean sails, while Neil Smith explains how his family coped with delaminating sails
How to replace boat trailer leaf springs
Steve Walburn replaces his boat trailer leaf springs
“How I sailed around the world in my 32ft yacht”
The fifth finisher in the 2022 Golden Globe Race, Jeremy Bagshaw shares how he prepared his OE32 for a circumnavigation alone