Back in the late 1970s, I found myself on the horns of a dilemma. For the last decade or so I’d dismissed bilge keels and twin keels as ugly and…
boats
Cornish Cormorant used boat report: The day boat that feels much longer than 12ft
The Cornish Cormorant is an attractive cat-rigged dinghy and I was very pleased when Alex at Anglia Yacht Brokerage was able to locate and deliver one to me. I’d done…
Pocket cruisers: the best boats between 17-20ft
Whether you’re moving on from dinghies, or downsizing to a boat that’s fun without being a financial millstone, here’s a pocket cruisers market guide
Hunter 19 restoration: lessons learned from restoring an unwanted cruiser
Richard Date takes up the challenge of restoring an unloved and unwanted cruiser
Normandy Flobart & Sussex beach boats
Prolific boat owner Clive Marsh sings the praises of Sussex beach boats and their French sisters, the Normandy Flobarts
Viko S30 walkaround review: Affordable Polish-built cruiser
Jake Frith looks at the Viko S30 and wonders how far he’d cruise in this affordable Polish-built cruiser…
Jimmy Cornell boat survey reveals how much sailing has changed in 40 years
‘During the past four years I have sailed through some of the major crossroads of the cruising world: Rhodes, Gibraltar, Antigua, Panama, Tahiti… and everywhere I was struck by the…
Best daysailers: All thrills, no frills with these compact craft
You can learn a lot from studying famous sailors and what they say. Take Uffa Fox, for example. As well as being a designer, confidant of Royalty and an intrepid…
Cruising dinghies for timeless adventures
Trailer-sailers can be stored at home, may not need a motor and can provide cosy accommodation with clever use of a boat tent
Classic cruiser boats: Why GRP models are now being welcomed into the fold
Sprawled, glass in hand, in the cockpit of my friend James Stock’s beautiful Stephen Jones-designed Mystery 35, I pondered on the eclectic fleet of elegant flag-bedecked classic cruiser boats that…
Sailfish 18 buyer’s guide: This affordable trailer sailer is surprisingly speedy
Like most cruising sailors I claim that I do not race. Well this is only true to an extent for when another yacht starts to overhaul me I instinctively pay…
How to make a kayak: This £300 custom design has lasted our family 30 years
Building your own boat is an absorbing pastime leading, hopefully, to an enjoyable result. Kayaks are about the simplest boats to make, and they give tremendous fun. There are plenty…
Drascombe and Devon Luggers buyer’s guide: Gateway to offshore sailing
Visit any UK harbour in the summer and the chances are you’ll see a Drascombe Lugger or a Devon Lugger afloat or dried out on the mud. My first experience…
Best British cruiser-racer boats: Our pick of the secondhand market
Many sailors tend to steer clear of yachts dubbed as cruiser-racers when they’re browsing classified ads or brokerage lists in search of their first (or next) cruising yacht. I often…
Sarum 28 refit: How we completely overhauled this aluminium bilge keeler
Occasionally I’ve said that if someone were to look into one of my ears they’d see daylight out of the other. Owning one boat is questionable, owning two defies sense.…
SEAir Flying Tender 80 review: Is this foiling RIB the future for small motorboats?
Having sampled a prototype version of this French foiling RIB three years ago, I had to reluctantly admit it wasn’t quite there yet. It had, and still has, roughly L-shaped…
Best boats under £50,000: Our top 10 picks from the secondhand market
Choosing the right second-hand yacht to suit your needs as the years fly by can become ever more challenging. Unlike cars that fail MOTs and finally cease to be worth…
2022 Southampton Boat Show: Insights into the sail and power market
Peter Poland discusses interesting new boats at the Southampton International Boat Show (SIBS) and the state of the sail and power market in general.
Winchelsea Lugger used boat report: A 14ft beach boat that can cross the Channel
Sussex beach boats and their Flobart sisters on the other side of the channel are amongst my favourite luggers. In Normandy they have a following but here in the UK…
What do you eat on a transatlantic when your boat’s only 1m long?
When you’re aiming for a solo world record, saving space is a priority… and when you’re in a 1m yacht, it’s absolutely crucial! Food needs to be small, longlife and…