An independent study on seven types of leisure boat antifouling paint has found that biocide-free silicone paint worked best, and a paint marketed as environmentally friendly was ‘extremely toxic’.
News
Westerly at 60: the largest owners’ association in the world
As the Westerly Owners’ Association marks its 60th anniversary, Laura Hodgetts explores the history of these beloved GRP classics
Boat launches announced for Southampton Boat Show 2026
Cockwells, Dragonfly, Saffier, Najad and Highfield will be among the boatbuilders launching boats at this year's Southampton Boat Show
Volunteer coastguard ‘win’ as pay cut plan paused
Coastguard Rescue Officers across the United Kingdom are celebrating 'a huge win' in their campaign to stop their pay being cut.
Renewed call for alcohol limits for leisure boaters
The Marine Accident Investigation Branch is calling for drink-drive limits for non-professional mariners, after a double fatality.
Sailors’ Choice Awards: Vote for the best marine equipment and services
The finalists of the Sailors’ Choice Awards have been announced – vote for your favourite
“Lobster pots need to be properly marked”: Sailors support the CA’s Lobster Pot campaign
After sailing through a field of lobsters pots and getting entangled, Gerard and Gina Versluis explain why they are backing the Cruising Association’s Lobster Pot Campaign
Charter to tackle sports clothing impact
Overproduction, underuse and the disposal difficulty of sports clothing, including the technical challenge of marine garments, are to be tackled in the UK.
Have your say on the future of nautical paper charts
The UK Hydrographic Office has developed a more efficient way to print nautical paper charts on demand, using electronic chart data. How will it affect you?
Fair winds to George Taylor – the co-founder who put the ‘practical’ in PBO
George Taylor, co-founder, assistant editor and later editor of Practical Boat Owner magazine has passed away in his 90th year.
UK volunteer coastguard ‘under threat’
Thousands of coastguard rescue officers will no longer be paid for emergency call outs or training exercises following a Maritime and Coastguard Agency decision
Entries open for the YJA 2026 Young Journalist of the Year Award
Journalists, photographers, videographers, social media reporters, vloggers and bloggers aged 30 and under are being invited to submit their entries for the 2026 Young Journalist of the Year Award
Join the Wooden Boat Stage community at the Southampton International Boat Show
Following a successful debut year in 2025, an expanded Wooden Boat Stage will be returning to the Southampton International Boat Show (SIBS) from 18 to 27 September 2026.
This boatbuilder-made boat camping app wants to get you on the water
The marine world has one question on the tip of its tongue: Why aren’t young people getting into boating? Gaia Brojanigo, boatbuilder, content creator, now app founder knows the usual…
Knut Frostad joins navigation platform Orca
Former Navico CEO and Volvo Ocean Race leader Knut Frostad has joined the navigation company, Orca
Helly Hansen buoyancy aids recalled due to drowning risk
The Office for Product Safety & Standards has recalled several models of Helly Hansen buoyancy aids as they pose a risk of drowning to users
Big C solo sailor Andrew Bedwell rescued while attempting to cross the Atlantic in his 100cm boat
The Canadian Coast Guard has rescued Andrew Bedwell after his 100cm vessel, Big C V2 got into difficulties around 75NM east of Newfoundland's Bay de Verde Peninsula
20 Years of the Jester Challenge: Celebrating Low-Budget, Single-Handed Seamanship
Jester Challenge founder Ewen Southby-Tailyour and PBO’s Jake Kavanagh on the enduring appeal of this long-distance sailing event
This sailor’s Atlantic crossing attempt in bonkers 100cm micro-boat has started. Will he make it?
With the favourable prevailing westerly winds now blowing, Andrew Bedwell has started his Atlantic crossing aboard his 100cm boat, Big C V2
Yacht club using AI community watch system to combat boat crime
Sailing club members are using MoorMesh – an AI-boosted community watch system to tackle thieves targeting yachts on remote moorings