Cruising instructor Ben Lowings explains how to gybe safely and the techniques used when dealing with different sail types
Seamanship
Racing dinghies vs motorboats: Who really has right of way?
Based on experience, Gilbert Park ponders what every motorboat owner should consider when sharing the water with dinghy racers
How to use canal locks: one skipper shares his tips after a trip across France
Following a trip across France via the Canal Latéral à la Garonne and the Canal du Midi, Richard Hare shares his experience of how to tackle locks and the etiquette…
How to boom out a jib safely
Ben Meakins explains how you can eliminate danger while poling out the jib
How to pack a spinnaker in 9 steps
If a spinnaker goes up twisted, or with the halyard attached to a clew instead of the head, you can be in trouble. So packing the kite properly is vital.…
Bermudan vs gaff rigs: Which rig setup wins for coastal cruising?
How better to compare the handling and performance of Bermudan and gaff rigs than on two boats that use the same hull? PBO’s David Harding did exactly that
When a fouled prop leads to saildrive failure (and the costly solution)
Alan Weavers recalls experiencing a fouled prop, a lifeboat tow, and saildrive failure aboard his Dufour
The will to survive: how one sailor spent two hours lost at sea without a lifejacket before rescue
Overboard without a lifejacket in the dark Irish Sea, Prue Nash had to tread water for two hours before she was rescued. But what was she really thinking as her…
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
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
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…
“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
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…
Transatlantic rigging failure: how a professional skipper managed the emergency with a young family onboard
Broken shrouds and two young children onboard during a transatlantic crossing is the ultimate test of seamanship for Vicky Ellis
Weather helm: what is it and how do you reduce it?
Cruising instructor Ben Lowings delves into the common causes of weather helm – and looks at what can be done to control it
Is this the failsafe method for picking up a boat mooring single-handed?
Chris Hitchins demonstrates the easy and reliable method he uses for picking up swinging moorings when sailing single- or short-handed
Drying out: how to safely take the ground
Having your boat prepared to take the ground can open up new cruising opportunities - and save you cash! Ben Meakins and PBO experts share their tips for drying out
How one boat owner made a mooring bridle to secure his yacht
Greg Manning explains how he made a bridle to ensure his Fairey Atalanta remains safe in a storm while on a swinging mooring