Mark Prior commits the ‘cardinal sin’ of painting over varnished wood aboard his 1988 Moody 376 – and is delighted with the results
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Boat launches announced for Southampton Boat Show 2026
Cockwells, Dragonfly, Saffier, Najad and Highfield will be among the boatbuilders launching boats at this year's Southampton Boat Show
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
Does the Opinel No 9 Ocean Knife deserve a place onboard your boat? We put it to the test to find out
Choosing a dependable sailing knife means evaluating how features like marlin spikes and shackle keys perform. John Stickland puts the Opinel No 9 Ocean Knife to the test
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…
Sailing Valent: One cruising family’s tumultuous love affair with their 30-year-old Oyster bluewater cruiser
The minute you ring her doorbell it’s clear that Valent is a special boat. Yes, doorbell. Not your average ding-dong, but a catchy sea shanty that, like its owner Will…
How to boom out a jib safely
Ben Meakins explains how you can eliminate danger while poling out the jib
‘Like walking on marshmallow!’ Testing the XTRATUF + Finisterre Ankle Deck Boots on the water and while walking in Norway
XTRATUF + Finisterre Ankle Deck Boots are the midway option when it is too hot for full-length boots but chilly for deck shoes. Katy Stickland tests them
Volunteer coastguard ‘win’ as pay cut plan paused
Coastguard Rescue Officers across the United Kingdom are celebrating 'a huge win' in their campaign to stop their pay being cut.
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.…
Renewed call for alcohol limits for leisure boaters
The Marine Accident Investigation Branch is calling for drink-drive limits for non-professional mariners, after a double fatality.
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
Sailors’ Choice Awards: Vote for the best marine equipment and services
The finalists of the Sailors’ Choice Awards have been announced – vote for your favourite
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
Buyers Guide: the best marine antennas for your boat
When considering whether you should fit a splitter or not, to enable your AIS to share the same aerial as your VHF radio, antenna expert James Turner emphatically advises: “If…
“Lobster pots need to be properly marked”: Sailors support the CA’s Lobster Pot campaign
After sailing through a field of lobsters pots and getting entangled, Gerard and Gina Versluis explain why they are backing the Cruising Association’s Lobster Pot Campaign
Charter to tackle sports clothing impact
Overproduction, underuse and the disposal difficulty of sports clothing, including the technical challenge of marine garments, are to be tackled in the UK.
Musto EVO Crew jacket: how breathable and waterproof is it while day sailing and walking?
The Musto EVO Crew waterproof jacket is designed for day sailing and every day use. Katy Stickland puts it to the test while sailing and walking
eNav in a Nutshell: Passage planning in the digital age
Using digital sources to answer basic navigational questions can take some of the hard work out of passage planning and making… explains Craig Burton, head of training operations at the…
How to make low-cost collision mat
Gilbert Park takes steps to prevent a sinking by making his own collision mat