Towing another boat in the confines of a harbour means that you'll need to set up a tow alongside. Here's how...
Seamanship
How to set up an astern tow at sea
We examine the techniques of towing and setting up an astern tow at sea, trying out the textbook theories in practice
How to master fore and aft trot moorings
Fore-and-aft trot moorings are cheaper than marinas and have many advantages - but they can be tricky to pick up. Here's how...
How to rig a spinnaker on a small yacht – what you need and where to fit it
If you want a spinnaker, but don’t have the necessary fittings or equipment on your boat, where do you start?
Shortening sail single handed
In Pete Goss’ classic account of his Vendée Globe campaign, Close to the Wind, he tells the tale of a boat show encounter with a member of the public who…
Troubleshooting your telltales
Telltales: how they work, how to use them to steer a close-hauled course and how to interpret their behaviour
Getting to grips with gaff
With modern designs in the classic style becoming ever more popular, David Harding offers some tips on getting the best from a gaffer
Nav in a nutshell: Navigating at night
There’s no need to be in the dark if your preparation is thorough and easy to understand, says Dick Everitt
Nav in a Nutshell: Lighthouse characteristics on charts
Dick Everitt helps illuminate our understanding of lighthouse characteristics on charts, their dipping distances and loom...
Nav in a Nutshell: Navigate by ‘feel’ using an echo sounder
The ‘ping’ is king: You can navigate by ‘feel’ over the seabed in adverse conditions by using an echo sounder – here’s how to do it...
Nav in a Nutshell: What is a transit and how are they used in navigation
Lining up a pair of appropriate land features or navigation marks can help keep you safe, as Dick Everitt explains
Nav in a Nutshell: Clearing bearings
In the first of his series on back-to-basics navigation Dick Everitt explains how to use a few simple lines to keep you safe
5 Hand-bearing pilotage tips
An aide-memoire to using a handbearing compass, transits and bearings for quick and easy coastal pilotage
How to deal with riding turns on a winch
Riding turns always occur at the worst possible moment - here's how to remove a riding turn and avoid them in the first place
Sculling over the stern
How to scull over the stern: Learn to propel your dinghy using a traditional skill that's still relevant today
Updating electronic charts
Despite the accuracy offered by digital charting, updating electronic charts is a complicated process. Here's how to keep your electronic charts up to date
How to prepare for a lifeboat tow
Imagine that the lifeboat is on the way to take you in tow. Do you sit and wait, in the knowledge that the lifeboat’s crew will assess the situation and…
How to catch fish while sailing
Catching supper with hook and line is a pastime most yachtsmen will attempt at some time or other, but why do some fishermen enjoy more luck with the rod than…
What to do when you run aground
Whether you go to sea under power or sail, you'll almost certainly find yourself aground at some point in your on-water career. It’s one of the hazards of the sport…
Jester Challenge: One sailor’s preparations for a solo adventure
Two-time solo Atlantic racer Basil Panakis shows PBO’s Ben Meakins how he prepared his 25ft yacht to face the Jester Challenge