Nobody gets every tricky marina manoeuvre right first time – but what do you do if things don’t go as planned? David Harding presents an escape route
David Harding
Three pilothouse boats: Bella 703, Orkney Day Angler 20 and Drago Sunday Fishing
Three small, multi-purpose motorboats with simple accommodation tested. What's best, an inboard or outboard engine, a planing or displacement hull?
Westons Point 27: the head-turning gentleman’s launch
A semi-bespoke gentleman’s launch in cedar strip construction, the Westons Point 27 is a real head-turner that oozes traditional craftsmanship, as David Harding reports
Seascape 24 vs Seascape 27: Is a planing cruiser really practical?
Bowling effortessly downwind at 15 knots can be fun, but what are the compromises? David Harding sails the Seascape 24 and Seascape 27 to find out
Elan Impression 43: a spacious interior & satisfying sailing performance
High, wide and thoroughly modern, Elan’s new Impression 43 offers a remarkably roomy interior and more performance than you might expect, as David Harding discovers
Marina boat manoeuvring: reversing the roles
When couples sail together, one usually takes the lead when it comes to marina boat manoeuvring, remaining on the helm, while the other does the leaping around – but that’s…
Gib’Sea 242: family favourite
As a roomy, versatile and affordable family-friendly cruiser, the Gib’Sea 242 has much to offer, says David Harding
Hunter 19: rugged & seaworthy yacht for under £1,000
For sailing performance, seakeeping ability and rugged construction on the smallest of budgets, the Hunter 19/Europa is hard to beat, says David Harding
How to cure a heavy boat helm
If your boat has a new rig and new sails, but a tiller that still tries to wrench your arms out of their sockets, what do you do? David Harding…
Oysterman 16: tradition in miniature
Condensing all the character, charm and idiosyncrasies of a traditional gaffer into a pint-sized package, the Oysterman 16 has proved to be the ideal boat for one West Country enthusiast.…
Delphia 11: the roomy cruising boat you can just step on and go
Just like today’s sailing cruisers, the new generation of motorboats give you a lot of space for their length. David Harding spent some time on the Delphia 11 to see…
Rustler 33: the elegant weekender
With many cruising yachts only used for weekend sailing, Rustler decided to create something that's made for the job. David Harding reports
Seascape 18: the light fantastic trailer-sailer
Despite her racy appearance, the Seascape 18 is a versatile and well-mannered trailer-sailer – as David Harding reports
Ovni 395: aluminium all-star
She can dry out on the beach, cross oceans, and bounce off submerged dangers that would present a serious threat to other boats – so does the Ovni 395 have…
Etap 24i: the boat that will do whatever you want
Small enough to trail, big enough to cruise for a fortnight and fast enough to win races, the Etap 24i is as versatile as they come, says David Harding
Bay Cruiser 26: space, pace and practicality
How do you combine trailability, performance and live- aboard comfort in a 26-footer? David Harding explains the secrets of the Bay Cruiser 26
Frances 26: a proper little yacht
With her long keel, appealing lines, big-boat feel and surprisingly roomy interior, the Frances 26 is a sought-after, second-hand buy, says David Harding
Hoisting and lowering the mainsail: troubleshooting problems
What can you do if your mainsail is hard to hoist or reluctant to drop? David Harding offers some advice
How to rig a spinnaker on a small yacht – what you need and where to fit it
If you want a spinnaker, but don’t have the necessary fittings or equipment on your boat, where do you start?
Sail trim: Sailing downwind without a spinnaker
Sailing efficiently when the wind comes astern doesn’t mean you have to fly a spinnaker or cruising chute. David Harding shows how to make the most of your upwind sails…