Infestations of insects and other unwanted visitors like rats are an ever present risk, especially in warmer climates. Rupert Holmes shares how to keep them at bay
Cruising
What I discovered on my first Arctic sailing trip
My first time going above the Arctic Circle for some Arctic sailing required a few adjustments to the usual packing list. Trying on my brand-new oilskins, I belatedly realised that…
ARC Rally Stopover Survival Guide: The boatyard at the crossroads of the world
How do you fix a boat in the middle of the Atlantic? BoatCV, beloved by generations of ARC Rally cruisers, has the answer. The workshop echoes with see-sawing files and…
Sailing ‘La Semaine’: how I faced hidden 8-knot currents and whirlpools on traditional craft
Your sailing education is not complete until you’ve sailed La Semaine, I’d been told by my sailing mentor. Calm seas, warm winds, beautiful islands and French cuisine. A regatta for…
How I survived a fouled propeller in a crowded marina
The thought of a fouled propeller was the furthest thing from my mind. The sun was shining and my plan for the day was to leave my marina berth in…
Yann Quenet: From France to Canada in a 4m boat
French micro voyager Yann Quenet is currently transporting his home-built 4m boat across Canada ahead of a Pacific crossing in the spring
Taking a boat to Europe: how to avoid the pitfalls
Simon Hampton-Matthews of the Cruising Association’s Regulatory & Technical Services (RATS) Group discusses boat VAT in Europe
First-time charter holiday with family
Katy Stickland introduces her non-sailing family to life afloat on a charter holiday in Greece’s spectacular Ionian Sea
Quick tips to improve your boat’s performance
Expert delivery skipper Ben Lowings offers his top tips to help improve boat performance and handling. Efficient helming Sailing starts – and ends – with the human element. You may…
Cruising with Alzheimer’s: how one couple have adapted to continue sailing together
Tony and Ann Montgomery-Smith have been sailing for almost 60 years. Now both in their 80s, and with Ann’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis, Tony explains how they have continued to cruise
My trailer-sailer cruise in the Baltic
Ever been on a trailer-sailer cruise? Charles Erb shares his story. The Baltic Sea is well suited to a small yacht. There are many beautiful islands close together and whatever…
Manoeuvring in shallow waters with a bow thruster remote control
Andrew Morton explains how a bow thruster remote control helped him manoeuvre safely alongside a new jetty in potentially shallow water.
Ian Wyllie completes round-Britain and Ireland circumnavigation in project boat
Ian Wyllie of Sailing Trilleen has completed a solo multi-year circumnavigation of the UK and Ireland in the 1979 Vancouver 27 that he restored in parallel to his own rehabilitation.
Sailors urged to help protect the Mediterranean monk seal in Greece
Sailors visiting Greece can help protect one of the world's rarest seals by reporting sightings or checking and avoiding restricted breeding areas while cruising the Ionian or Aegean
“I crawled 50m across rocks with an anchor on my back”: Jazz Turner’s record voyage
Jazz Turner reflects on her circumnavigation achievement of being the first disabled person to sail solo, non-stop and unassisted around the UK and Ireland
Summer sailing: how to have the best time afloat!
Ali Wood gets some top tips from experienced cruisers on preparing for the perfect summer cruise
Boat charter holiday destinations in the UK and Ireland away from coast
Katy Stickland highlights some of the spectacular and magical places to charter away from the coast in the UK and Ireland
Dinghy Cruising Association at 70
The Dinghy Cruising Association may be 70 years old – but it’s never been so on trend, reports Laura Hodgetts
How to sail around the UK and Ireland
Sam Steele explains everything you need to know about a circumnavigation of Britain and Ireland
Joshua Slocum: Is the Spray legend fact or fiction?
On the 130th anniversary of Joshua Slocum’s circumnavigation departure, Ian Nicolson discusses the reality of his seamanship feats