The Backside of Normal: a sailing life of adventure If your starting point is Los Angeles then your cruising ground is immediately the Pacific. Roger Olson’s first expeditions took him…
Gear
Waterproof backpack tested: Red Paddle 30 litre
A waterproof backpack is easy to carry and keeps things dry when going to and from the boat. We put Red Paddle's new 30 litre dry bag through its paces
Satellite messenger tested: Spot Gen4
We test the Spot Gen4 satellite messenger which can send check in and customised messages or distress signals at the touch of a button
Solar panel tested: PV Logic 8W Folding Solar Panel
We test the affordable Solar Technology International PV Logic 8W Folding Solar Panel and see if it charges even during a spring sail
How a PLB saved my life when I was knocked overboard
Solo yachtsman Nigel Fox's life was saved by a PLB when he was knocked overboard by stormy seas off the north coast of Australia
Buying a boat: an expert guide to avoiding the pitfalls
Upgrading, downsizing or buying a boat for the first time can be a nerve wracking experiencing. Theo Stocker talks to a new owner, a boat buyer and a broker about…
Brokerage tips for listing your boat for sale
The founder of Boatshed, Neil Chapman shares tips for listing your boat for sale and the pitfalls to avoid
Essential saildrive checks for your boat
Maintaining a saildrive is just as important as caring for the engine itself. Dennison Berwick explains how to give your stern gear some much-needed attention
Tech focus: The future of the chartplotter
A new generation of chartplotters offers sailors more processing power than ever before. Sam Fortescue examines what you get when you upgrade
Easy ways to power up your mainsheet
The mainsheet is the most worked item of deck gear, so it's vital to choose the right system and set it up correctly for your boat