CATEGORIES

Why don't they go sailing?

Yachts used to rot in harbour. Now they just sit there gathering expensive, esoteric gear. Noel Dilly looks at the packed berths, scratches his head and wonders why

A windy sail through the Netherlands' inland sea

Jeff Wrinch is seduced by the old-world charm on offer around the IJsselmeer and Markermeer.

How to rig a storm jib without an inner forestay

Before setting off to cruise the Pacific, John Marley found a smart way to rig a storm jib.

Checking out a new anchorage

During our 2015 visit to Chausey, we noticed that several local yachts favoured an anchorage close to Aneret, where the chart shows a deep pool (more than 3m depth below Chart Datum) largely surrounded by islands that should offer a useful degree of protection from swell.

Coping with engine failures in strong tides

A mysterious mechanical problem leaves Simon Broadley and his young family sailing in 7½ knot tides with a new but unreliable engine.

Bay of Islands, Lau Group, Fiji

Remote and beautiful, Tom Partridge recommends a visit to this untouched Pacific island anchorage

Contest 41

If you fancy a well-built Scandinavian cruiser but can’t quite afford one, the Contest 41 could be a suitable alternative says Dick Durham

‘I Was Knocked Down and Dismasted in the Southern Ocean'

On the 70th day of a solo delivery from Melbourne to Plymouth for the Golden Globe Race start, Shane Freeman was 600 miles from Cape Horn when his world turned upside down

Three Ways To Seize A Shackle

Shackles are often under high load. If one shakes itself open in use, the result could be expensive and dangerous. Chris Beeson shows how to make sure it won’t

'Key Safety Issues For All Sailors' In Maib Report On Clipper Deaths

'Key Safety Issues For All Sailors' In Maib Report On Clipper Deaths

'I Was Saved From Death Alone In Mid-Ocean'

Crippled by pain while sailing solo in the Indian Ocean, Andrew Halcrow had to call for help

Salvare Second Breath

Have you needed to clear a prop, but couldn’t hold your breath long enough? Theo Stocker tests a device that may be the answer

Short-Handed Spinnaker Tips For Cruisers

Lots of us are loath to unleash the coloured beast that lives in a bag in the forepeak, but it’s easily tamed.

Newbiggin Bay, Northumberland

Looking for a lunchtime stopover on passage along the Northumberland coast? In north or west winds you can anchor in this sandy bay, says Alastair Buchan.

Falmouth Harbour, Antigua

In addition to its marinas, Falmouth Harbour offers a good anchorage with more space to swing in than its fabled neighbour English Harbour, says Kit Pascoe.

Greystones, Co Wicklow

This long-awaited harbour on Ireland's east coast has become a popular destination for both local and visiting yachtsmen and deserves a visit, says Norman Kean.

Farewell To Mike Peyton

Dick Durham secured the last interview with yachting cartoonist Mike Peyton, just weeks before he died.

Hallberg-Rassy 44

Do twin-rudders and a bowsprit have a place onboard the world-girdling iconic brand Hallberg-Rassy, or are the Swedes simply following fashion? Graham Snook travels to Ellös in Sweden to find out.

Catalina 36

This American cruiser offers a spacious layout and rugged build quality, but what’s she like to sail? Duncan Kent reports.

Moody 31 Mk II

Sailing a dinghy is a youthful joy. But can the adroit touch of a dayboat be transferred into a six-berth cruiser? Dick Durham finds out

What Is A Katabatic Wind, And What Is Not?

Katabatics are associated with strong, sudden gusts, but they can be confused with other phenomena. Chris Beeson explains