A yacht, a motorboat and a kayaker passing each other. Credit: Niki Hurrell-Head/Alamy

As excitement builds for the new sailing season, minimise the risk of shakedown cruise glitches and common mistakes with this handy guide.

A man hauling out a boat

In a quiet Norfolk backwater a fleet of classic yachts is still fished out of the water and slipped the traditional way – with chip fat – writes Richard Johnstone-Bryden

Plywood veneer on a boat

Wood veneer can revitalise and add a touch of class to many boats. Richard Johnstone-Bryden shares advice on techniques for cutting, gluing and fitting ply veneer

A man sailing a Trapper 500 yacht

Looking for a reasonably-priced and solidly-built second-hand cruising yacht, Richard Reed was smitten by the Trapper 500

June 2026 issue of Practical Boat Owner magazine

Boat Owners’ Antenna Buyer’s Guide, How to make a bridle for secure mooring, Designing and making your own sails, 48 launch checks for skipper and crew, Learn to whip a…