The inaugural Conquer the Island challenge, a 10-hour clockwise circumnavigation of the Isle of Wight, was organised by the historic London club, which this year celebrates its 100th anniversary. PBO…
News
Why do boaters need to buy Class M compliant Man Overboard (MOB) devices?
Ofcom plans to phase out legacy man-overboard (MOB) automatic identification system (AIS) devices - after 2030, boaters need to upgrade to Class M compliant equipment.
Emrhys Barrell: Eight bells for the marine journalist and electric boating pioneer
Emrhys Barrell, who was a long-time contributor to Practical Boat Owner, has died at the age of 78
Compulsory PLB registration comes into force on 15 April
All current and new PLBs carried on board a UK-flagged vessel or mechanically propelled watercraft like a jet ski, must be registered
Seafarer charter and boat club holidays celebrates 30th year
Independent charter yacht and boat club holiday specialists Seafarer is celebrating its 30th anniversary year.
Poorly fitting PPE putting women in the marine industry at risk but new BS brings focus for change
The launch of a new British Standard now means that all women working in the marine industry must be provided with personal protective equipment (PPE) that fits, but many women…
Growing concern for missing 75-year-old sailor David Fretwell
Devon and Cornwall Police are appealing for information about David Fretwell, whose stricken boat Green Goddess washed up in the Hayle area on 6 March 2026.
What is S-100 and how will it affect the future of electronic charts?
“S-100 is indeed a great step forward. However, it does not promise any new chart data in the areas where leisure boaters frequent", says the Royal Institute of Navigation (RIN)…
Stitelmann takes the 2025 Mini Globe Race crown
Swiss sailor Renaud Stitelmann has won the 2025 Mini Globe Race, having sailed his 19ft plywood boat around the world via the Panama Canal
Recall of hydraulic hoses on Volvo Penta D4 and D6 engines
The UK's Office for Product Safety and Standards has issued a product recall for Volvo Penta hydraulic hoses for D4 and D6 engines with DPH sterndrive
GNSS-enabled electronic devices have ‘cyber-security vulnerability’
Sailors are being warned of the threat of spoofing or jamming of electronic kit, such as Man Overboard (MOB) devices and chartplotters, which have Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) functionality.
Why boatbuilding needs a broader workforce
Lola Morgan examines how a more diversified workforce is helping to preserve traditional boatbuilding skills and techniques
Restored Keewaydin trawler ‘unsalvageable’ after fire
Lowestoft wooden trawler, Keewaydin, which was close to post-restoration launch, is 'unsalvageable' following a fire, says the Sailors Creek CIC team
Jazz Turner is named YJA Yachtsman of the Year 2025
Jazz Turner, who is the first disabled person to complete a solo, non-stop and unassisted circumnavigation of the UK and Ireland is named Yachtsman of the Year 2025
Find out how you can win £6,000 for your club with Funding the Future
Sunsail's Funding the Future is open to all RYA-affiliated sailing, yacht clubs, charities and university teams in the UK
Boatworld announces national expansion
Boatworld has unveiled three new partner locations in the UK as part of its national expansion programme
Behind the scenes with Radio Caroline, the last “pirate” radio station still broadcasting offshore
Some miles off the Essex coast, inside the bright red skeleton of an old Icelandic fishing trawler, lives a radio. Radio Caroline is the last of its kind. For 62…
Inspiring guests and club anniversaries at the RYA Dinghy and Watersports Show 2026
Celebrations of milestone moments and a star-studded line up of guest speakers will be among the highlights of the RYA Dinghy and Watersports Show 2026.
Scottish sailors’ relief that ‘outrageous’ Clyde fee plan has been shelved
Plans to introduce a £100 annual fee for leisure boaters in the popular cruising ground of Scotland’s Clydeport have been shelved after a public backlash.
First prosecution under new watercraft safety laws
A motorboater who injured a teen kayaker in a “completely avoidable” collision is the first to be sentenced under new watercraft safety laws.