Sailing skills

  • February 10, 2022

Going aground, I suspect,is far more common than we think. It’s one of those things that falls into the category where the measure isn’t the cock-up itself but the number…

Dismasted offshore: Jock arriving home in Tighnabruaich after sailing 1,500 miles under jury rig

  • February 8, 2022

When Jock Hamilton’s 33ft Wauquiez Gladiateur dismasted offshore, 500 miles from land, he created a jury rig using a Laser dinghy mast, sails and oars, before sailing 1,500 miles home

  • January 17, 2022

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…

Could you get a 56ft yacht into a tight berth with no working bow thruster? Credit: UKSA

  • January 12, 2022

How would you get a 56ft yacht into a tight berth with no working bow thruster and on a flood tide? James Stevens answers your Questions of Seamanship

Busting the hull speed myth: A heavy displacement cruising boat with a fair run aft is less affected by additional weight

  • January 7, 2022

It may not be anyone’s favourite thing to spend their time doing, but boat maintenance is crucial for any boat owner, to ensure their boat is ready to sail safely…

  • January 5, 2022

Have you heard the phrase ‘through hell or high water’? I’ve been through both, simultaneously when crossing the Bay of Biscay in winter and with only modest sailing experience, writes…

Kynance Cove has good holding and was the setting for Nampara in the Poldark TV series. Credit: Alamy Stock Photo

  • January 2, 2022

When it comes to boat anchoring many different people have their own view on the best boat anchoring techniques to use. Mostly these will revolve around what equipment you use.…

Most people at the helm will bias the course so check the boat is sailing on the right heading. Credit: Bob Aylott

  • December 24, 2021

Like any activity sailing can be filled with new lingo, new ideas and new things to remember for the new sailor. There are many sailing courses out there to help…

Tony's homemade mast steps are still going strong after two circumnavigations of the world. Credit: Tony Curphey

  • December 22, 2021

Sails and rigging are the engine room of any sailing boat from small dinghies up to giant superyachts. No matter how big or how new your boat, the sails and…