Some years ago, I arrived at a chilly sports centre in the Midlands to give a talk to some yachtsfolk keen enough to turn up on a winter’s night. One…
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Speedy daysailers and rugged explorers: This season’s most exciting new launches
The sailing world is currently witnessing a fascinating split in design philosophy. On one hand, the weekender market is pushing the boundaries of style and effortless speed, creating boats that…
Winter jobs and frozen fingers – Libby Purves
Here in Suffolk, on a frosty new year’s morning, a walk across the common always takes me to the river, its fast tides churning and tugging at the row of…
From sextants to screens: Has modern tech made us better (or worse) sailors?
Bob Dylan’s ageless song was released at about the same time as I started sailing yachts. Its aim was to influence people’s views about society, so it seems to be…
Sailing the Shipping Forecast: Tyne’s marvels and Holy Island, ‘A place that stirs the imagination’
The anchorage at Lindisfarne (Holy Island) lies right at the top of the Tyne sea area. Fewer than 10 miles to the south-east are the Farne Islands. But then, with…
Navigating tight harbours and finding sanctuary in the Greek sun
The Saronic Gulf is part of the Aegean Sea, extending from the Peloponnese in the west, Athens in the north, and the island of Hydra to the south. The geography…
How would you try to avoid this tidal marina collision?
Roscoff Marina is one of the few all-tide ports in North Brittany. However, whilst it doesn’t have any depth restrictions, it does have a strong current which sets south through…
Dufour 48 review: Pushing the cruising concept to the extreme
Dufour seems to introduce new models at a blisteringly fast pace. The truth is, each mould they build will last for about 300 hulls, after which it’s worn out and…
Sail care: how to get the best from your sails with basic repairs and proper cleaning
High-tech laminate sails may sound appealing, but conventional woven sails remain a better all-round option for cruising – as long as you take care of them. Understanding sail care basics…
Arion 29 used boat review: The Polish pocket cruiser built for the canals
In October 2019, my wife Anna and I decided to sell our Victoria 26. We loved the boat and had experienced some fun times with her, but she was just…