ecoOptimist – the world’s first sustainable and recyclable Optimist since it started to be built from fibreglass rather than plywood – has been launched
Laura Hodgetts
Features editor
Follow Laura Hodgetts
Wreck of historic royal ship discovered off the English coast
The wreck of one of the most famous ships of the 17th century - which sank 340 years ago - has been discovered off the coast of Norfolk.
Summer issue – on sale 9th June
Engine school – stern drives, outboards and jet drives compared; Best French 30ft cruisers; First test of the RS Pulse 63 electric RIB; Post-Brexit Channel hop; Personal AIS and PLBs…
Seadog of the Month: Pickle the adventurer
Stephen Torrance's photo of puppy Pickle on his first passage aboard a Leisure 20 off Pwllheli, Wales, has claimed a coveted 'Seadog of the Month' slot in Practical Boat Owner…
Record-breaking solo sailor Katie McCabe targets 2025 Mini Transat
The 14-year-old said: “After spending eight weeks on board the lovely Falanda [Morgan Giles] as I completed my circumnavigation of Britain last summer, I only fell more in love with…
Mast trim for explosive-filled SS Richard Montgomery shipwreck
The Department for Transport wants to trim the SS Richard Montgomery masts as it is feared they could fall on to the shipwreck below and cause a detonation.
Sold! The cocaine-smuggling expedition yacht Kahu
The 120ft expedition yacht Kahu, which was used to smuggle £160million-worth of cocaine from South America to the UK has been sold at auction for £473,500.
Sir Robin Knox-Johnston’s compass mystery solved – 53 years after it was stolen
Sir Robin Knox-Johnston has been reunited with a compass that went missing off his boat in 1969 by the widow of the man who stole it.
July issue – on sale 12th May
Engine SOS; Best British starter cruisers for £30k; Toilet talk – heads, holding tanks & hoses; Gas-free gourmet; A guide to seals and 28 pages of DIY...
June 2022 – on sale 14th April
Upgrade your power; The best Scandi cruisers; Set up your boat office; Temo electric outboard on test; Install a meths stove and 22 pages of DIY...
Rescued Golden Globe contender Abhilash Tomy re-enters race
Abhilash Tomy has re-entered the 2022 Golden Globe Race following extensive rehabilitation from injuries sustained during the 2018 edition
Theft of rare £1m lighthouse lantern prompts £5,000 reward and appeal
Crimestoppers is offering a £5,000 reward for information that leads to a stolen lighthouse lantern, one of only three in the world, being recovered
NCA renews warning of criminals targeting small boats
The National Crime Agency (NCA) has renewed an appeal to the UK maritime industry to beware of organised crime groups targeting them to obtain small boats for people smugglers.
May 2022 – on sale 17th March
She’s afloat! The PBO Project Boat launches after restoration; Big Antifouling Test results; The best British-built 30-footers; ‘How we saved a dismasted yacht’; Seafarer fix and 21 pages of DIY...
Beware “lethal exhausts” unsuitable for boats
Very cheap exhausts bought online and fitted to marine diesel heaters risk fires and fatal fumes, warns a marine surveyor and former boatbuilder.
April 2022 – on sale 17th February
Engine servicing guide; Delphia 29 boat test; Worldwide charter guide; Offshore weather without a sat phone; From diesel to electric; and 19 pages of DIY...
Amazing feats by Golden Globe Race entrants just to reach starting line
Dedicated Golden Globe Race 2022 entrants will have sailed halfway around the world, prior to the start in Les Sables d’Olonne, France.
March 2022 – on sale 20th January
Battery buyers guide; Electric propulsion; 7 new generation anchors; Harmony 47 boat test; Round Anglesey in a dinghy and 22 pages of DIY...
Fair winds to pioneering multihull designer James Wharram
Fair winds to free-spirited sailor and pioneering multihull designer James Wharram who passed away on 14 December, at the age of 93
February 2022 – out Dec 23
Antifouling; budget, eco or longest lifespan?; PBO Project Boat dodgy wiring tackled; Katie McCabe shares her round-Britain adventures; Fairey Swordsman 30 and 20 pages of DIY...