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
Top stories
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…
How I built a DIY boat doghouse using an old bath as a mould
When traditional plywood didn't match the curves of his Corribee 21, Jake Kavanagh found an ingenious—and free—solution at the local scrapyard
Big C solo sailor Andrew Bedwell rescued while attempting to cross the Atlantic in his 100cm boat
The Canadian Coast Guard has rescued Andrew Bedwell after his 100cm vessel, Big C V2 got into difficulties around 75NM east of Newfoundland's Bay de Verde Peninsula
20 Years of the Jester Challenge: Celebrating Low-Budget, Single-Handed Seamanship
Jester Challenge founder Ewen Southby-Tailyour and PBO’s Jake Kavanagh on the enduring appeal of this long-distance sailing event
This sailor’s Atlantic crossing attempt in bonkers 100cm micro-boat has started. Will he make it?
With the favourable prevailing westerly winds now blowing, Andrew Bedwell has started his Atlantic crossing aboard his 100cm boat, Big C V2
Mid-channel medical airlift from a yacht
Andy Turner suffers a debilitating heart condition while sailing his Bowman 46 offshore with his son and a friend, resulting in an HM Coastguard helicopter airlift from an RNLI lifeboat.
Sailing books: best new releases to read
Katy Stickland chooses her pick of the latest sailing books that will keep sailors enthralled
Searching for witches in Skye – a cruising adventure aboard a Westerly Storm
Michael Skidmore explores how folk stories can help sailors navigate the Hebrides.
Moving a primary fuel filter for access all areas
Paul Diamond explains how he upgraded his primary fuel filter to make it easier to get at and change
Fed up with people staring into your saloon? Here’s how to make a companionway cover for privacy and shelter on your boat
Keep your cabin dry and private with this simple canvas companionway cover project that anyone with a robust sewing machine can tackle.
DIY chainplate redesign: how one skipper made his rig stronger
After a chainplate snapped on his Albin Cumulus 85, Joe Magee explains how he designed and fitted new ones
Animated weather, tides and currents now available on Orca
UK Met Office forecast data is now available free to all Orca users, with animated weather, tides and currents overlaid directly onto charts