The pros and cons of dinghies for downsizing; Stop leaks – tips for every sailor; How to set storm trysails; Antifoul like a pro; Ditch…
Practical Boat Owner
July 2026 – out 7 May
Keel know-how; How to gybe safely; Spotlight on the Nordic Folkboat; Hot water systems explained; Working with Perspex; Painting over varnish; Launching tips for dinghies;…
How I built my dream minimalist trailer-sailer to navigate the Canadian wilderness
Herb McLeod explains how he designed and built his flat-bottomed 3.6m Omakayas
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
Sigma 41: Is This Forgotten 1980s Cruiser Actually the Most Seaworthy Boat Ever Made?
If you are looking for a fast, capable, go-anywhere cruiser of around 40ft (12m), the Sigma 41 should be a serious contender, says David Harding
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.
DIY Guide to Overhauling and Reassembling your Boat’s Furler
With a likely bill of £500 to have his forestay replaced, Stu Davies decides to tackle the job himself – and gets carried away overhauling the mast and furler
Fire up the engine or just enjoy sailing in light wind? Which side of the debate are you on?
Don’t just fire up the engine on a light airs day – make the best of the gentle sailing conditions, says John Simpson
I made international news by running aground off the coast of Brittany
Heading for the start of the annual Waller–Harris two-handed race, an event in which Knight Star had proudly taken the class trophy for the previous two years, our spirits were…
How to secure and tow an inflatable tender
Kerry Pears and husband John have rescued many an errant tender in their years afloat, so Kerry has advice to prevent yours from going walkabout
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…
How I learned vinegar is the mystery cure for marine growth
Sometimes life throws us a curveball, and last year it happened to us. Our boat is based in Portugal. We are having a ball there but unfortunately, due to illness,…
Is the upgraded Orca Navigation System better than a traditional chartplotter? We test it over 450 miles to find out
Justin Morton puts the latest Orca display and software to the test over 450 miles to see if it performs better than a traditional chartplotter
Knut Frostad joins navigation platform Orca
Former Navico CEO and Volvo Ocean Race leader Knut Frostad has joined the navigation company, Orca
Man overboard turns: getting back to the casualty in the water
There are two widely taught techniques for recovering someone who has fallen overboard. David Harding looks at both and explains the different approaches
Pip Hare: a masterclass in resiliance
Against all odds, Pip Hare’s broken mast during the last Vendée Globe became a masterclass in resilience. She talks about her life in sailing and how she coped with her…
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
“A big gust hit us, ripping the clew from the jib”: How I got to the marina safely after gearbox failure, a ripped sail and sheet wrap while sailing against wind and tide
When his drive failed near sandbanks, Bob Angell thought he could sail out of trouble... until the wind picked up
Learning the skills of pilotage
Pilotage is a tricky yachting skill for a skipper to master, but also one of the most satisfying. James Stevens has the inside track on picking up the techniques
Contessa 26: a true legend
Peter Poland recounts the story of the Contessa 26, one of the most able, famous and popular compact long-keeled cruiser-racers
Epoxy sheathing: a guide for boat owners
Epoxy sheathing offers a long-lasting alternative to canvas for covering a traditional plywood coachroof or deck, as Richard Johnstone-Bryden explains
Masthead rig modifications for better performance
When a masthead-rigged Hunter couldn’t keep up with the Squibs in the club fleet, the owner realised that something had to be done – but what? David Harding has some…