Mind your bows,’ said my mother in an increasingly high-pitched voice, ‘bit more to port…don’t clip the stern!’ I was 17 and we were in Tesco’s car park in our…
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Monty Halls on the trials and tribulations of sailing
Now, before you horny-palmed ocean conquerors give a rum-laden snort of derision, I’ve just emerged triumphant from my Day Skipper test. Let me be the first to point out that…
Sigma 38 review: a sheep in wolf’s clothing?
The Sigma 38 plays tricks on me. No matter how long I look, I can’t decide whether it’s a sharp-nosed racer or a gently curved cruiser. Seen from the bow…
Taking on the Limfjorden Rundt a race for magnificent ships of old
Kenneth brings the champagne on deck. ‘I have saved a couple of bottles for a special occasion – what could be more special than this!’ We have just won today’s…
How to cold start a marine diesel engine
Starting a diesel engine from cold can be a tricky business. Many direct-injection engines use extra fuel for cold starting. On some, such as small Yanmars, this extra fuel is…
Cruising the Gothenburg Archipelago
Big seas, four-metre-high rolling waves, storms, fog, and squalls. We had anticipated all of it on our first Kattegat crossing, in our 50-year-old, 24-ft Spækhugger yacht Gaia. We weren’t, however,…
Push on or divert with seasick crew onboard?
Should you divert or push on when you have a seasick crew onboard? Mike owns Petrel, a modern 12m yacht and is on a passage across Cardigan Bay from Fishguard…
Dehler 46SQ review: improvements all round
Powering to windward in one of the breeziest starts to a winter I can remember, it was hard to tell what was rain and what was spray. Sunshine and a…
First look: Saare 41.2 third 40 footer in the range
After a change of ownership, Saare is back with the Saare 41.2, adding a third option to their range of 41-footers, as this will co-exist alongside the 41 aft cockpit,…
Everything you need to know about watermakers
The feeling of autonomy that a watermaker gives a yacht is unique. It transforms that weekend-only cruiser into a go-anywhere, life-on-the-hook, adventure craft, breaking the tether to marinas. Filling your…