Will Bruton finds out what coastal cruisers should consider before taking their small yacht on an offshore adventure
Rachael Sprot
Malo 46: A head-turner with blue-water promise
The Malo 46 generally turns heads wherever she goes but does she live up to her blue-water promise? Rachael Sprot went to find out
Best man overboard ladders
For a fully conscious casualty, climbing back on board is one solution. We trialled two man overboard ladders and the swimming ladder on the transom. The swimming ladder was by…
Best man overboard lifting device
After you’ve used a throwing line or a life-sling to bring a casualty alongside in a man overboard situation, you need to lift them out, ideally horizontally. A horizontal life…
Victoria 30: a small boat with big ambitions
The Victoria 30 is a small boat with big ambitions: a pocket cruiser that’s fun to sail and pretty to boot. Is she Queen Victoria or just a pretender to…
Cruising Clinic: Mooring astern in tricky berths
Picture the scene: it’s a beautiful summer evening, the marina is bathed in golden light and there are crowds of people outside the bar sipping gin and tonics. You’ll soon…
Bavaria 32 Cruiser: A boat built for family fun afloat
Can a practical family cruiser also deliver performance? The Bavaria 32 Cruiser straddles both worlds with ease, says Rachael Sprot
Pilotage skills: expert tips to explore with confidence
In the first of our Cruising Clinic series, Rachael Sprot steps aboard to help Tracey Hindmarsh and her crew improve their pilotage skills to explore with confidence
How to service a winch – video guide
Servicing winches regularly is critical for safety, to keep things working easily and to prolong your equipment's life. Rachael Sprot of Rubicon 3 (www.rubicon3.co.uk) explains how to disassemble, clean and…
How to navigate any coastline
Navigation using digital or paper charts is key to good seamanship, but understanding the seven basic types of coastline and their challenges, and keeping your eyes out of the boat…