Peter Poland recounts the story of the Contessa 26, one of the most able, famous and popular compact long-keeled cruiser-racers
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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
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
We sailed from London to the Netherlands, leaving the city for the sea locks
Matthew Kenyon and crew sail a Jeanneau Attalia from London’s South Dock to Amsterdam via the East Coast of England
We tested 10 wifi gateway options under £250 to find the best smartphone navigation system
With modern tablets and smartphones becoming an increasingly popular choice for electronic navigation, we investigated the core of any onboard wifi network: the multiplexer wifi gateway. This little box of…
How secure is your boat’s mast spreader?
When was the last time you had your mast spreader checked? PBO reader Jane Burton was shocked to find the spreader on her boat was not secured
The best used boats for cruising the Mediterranean this summer
Phil Clandillon looks at the most suitable sub-45ft second-hand yachts for sailing the Mediterranean. Models: Beneteau Oceanis 311 | Bavaria 32 Cruiser | Elan Impression 344 | Jeanneau Sun Odyssey
Why a simple bucket of fresh water is the secret to making a small outboard engine last
If your outboard engine is struggling with salt build-up, follow these essential maintenance steps to keep the cooling channels clear