The masthead-rigged Hunter Europa (foreground) sailing against the Squib. Credit: David Harding
When a masthead-rigged Hunter couldn’t keep up with the Squibs in the club fleet, the owner realised that something had to be done – but what? David Harding has some answers
When a masthead-rigged Hunter couldn’t keep up with the Squibs in the club fleet, the owner realised that something had to…
Fellow ARC entrants, Sue and Chip Ogilvie were able to provide the Ellis family with extra fuel, in case they needed to motor the rest of the way across the Atlantic. Credit: Vicky Ellis
Facing an Atlantic crossing with broken shrouds and two young children onboard is the ultimate test of seamanship for Vicky Ellis.
Broken shrouds and two young children onboard during a transatlantic…
On a tiller-steered yacht, having to pull the tiller up to stop the boat rounding up into the wind is a clear indication of weather helm. Credit: Nic Compton
Cruising instructor Ben Lowings delves into the common causes of weather helm – and looks at what can be done to control it
Cruising instructor Ben Lowings delves into the common causes of weather helm – and looks at what can be done…
It is worth making a final assessment before making your final approach to pick up the mooring. Credit: Chris Hitchins
Catamaran sailor Chris Hitchins demonstrates the easy and reliable method he uses for picking up swinging moorings when sailing single- or short-handed
Chris Hitchins demonstrates the easy and reliable method he uses for picking up swinging moorings when sailing single- or…
Drying out will give you more anchorage options and give you a chance to scrub off without the haul out fees. Credit: Ken Endean
Having your boat prepared to take the ground can open up new cruising opportunities - and save you cash! Ben Meakins and PBO experts share their tips for drying out
Having your boat prepared to take the ground can open up new cruising opportunities - and save you…
Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) yachts must carry both LED and pyrotechnic flares. Photo: Jesus de Leon
What makes your life easier on board? Atlantic Rally for Cruisers sailors share their top 24 tips and game-changing gear for blue-water sailing with Laura Hodgetts
Laura Hodgetts caught up with the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers sailors for their best blue-water sailing hacks for…
Sugar Plum’s bridle configuration, which Greg has designed so it can cope with the boat violently pitching, heaving and yawing. Credit: Greg Manning
Greg Manning explains how he made a bridle to ensure his Fairey Atalanta remains safe in a storm while on a swinging mooring
Greg Manning explains how he made a bridle to ensure his Fairey Atalanta remains safe in a storm while on a swinging…
It can feel daunting ticking off so many boxes but it becomes easier year after year. Credit: Niki Hurrell-Head/Alamy
As excitement builds for the new sailing season, minimise the risk of shakedown cruise glitches and common mistakes with this handy guide.
As excitement builds for the new sailing season, minimise the risk of shakedown cruise glitches and common mistakes with this handy…
A stern kedge anchor is an obvious choice if anchoring or coming alongside under sail, downwind or downtide
Dick Everitt passes on a few tips about alternative ways of using your anchor
Dick Everitt passes on a few tips about alternative ways of using your anchor
Gilbert Park has adapted his sailing so he can safely cruise short-handed with his wife, Máire. Credit: Gilbert Park
Gilbert Park shares how he safely gets on the water with limited crew
Gilbert Park shares how he safely gets on the water with limited crew
Illustration by Claudio Myatt
Chris and Veronica Mardon were at anchor in the Isles of Scilly when Veronica suffered a stroke. A timely response and extraction by the RNLI stopped a precarious situation from precipitating further.
Early July 2025 found my wife, Veronica, and I sailing in our Dufour 40, Spook from Falmouth in Cornwall to …Continue reading »
It is important to practise MOB recovery methods and find the best one for your boat and crew set up. Credit: David Harding
Which is the best single-point vertical lift recovery method when faced with a man overboard? David Harding examines the best way for MOB recovery
Which is the best single-point vertical lift recovery method when faced with a man overboard? David Harding examines the…
Learning to gybe with a cruising chute will allow you to use the sail to your best advantage. Credit: David Harding
**Knowing how to gybe with a cruising chute will give you the confidence to make the best use of it. PBO's David Harding shows you how
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Knowing how to gybe with a cruising chute will give you the confidence to make the best use of it. PBO's David Harding shows you how
Making a checklist will help ensure a solo passage goes smoothly. Credit: Hympi/Alamy
It’s easy to forget vital bits of information when setting off on a single-handed passage. Making checklists helps, but everyone’s will be slightly different
It’s easy to forget vital bits of information when setting off on a single-handed passage. Making checklists helps, but everyone’s will be slightly…
Pete Hill repairs the port sail during a lull in the storm. Credit: Pete Hill and Linda Crew-Gee
Pete Hill faced damaged steering and lost two drogues while battling extreme conditions in the Tasman Sea. Graham Cox tells his story
Pete Hill faced damaged steering and lost two drogues while battling extreme conditions in the Tasman Sea. Graham Cox tells his story
A mixed ability crew works best; if your crew is experienced, make sure areas of responsibility are agreed before leaving port. Credit: Ed Smith Photography
Will Spencer explains how to choose and manage a competent and friendly crew for an enjoyable offshore passage
Will Spencer explains how to choose and manage a competent and friendly crew for an enjoyable offshore passage
Reduce the risk of collision by whatever means possible. Credit: Richard Langdon
Nick and Wendy Tyler’s advice on avoiding collisions, based on their own experience
Nick and Wendy Tyler’s advice on avoiding collisions, based on their own experience
Max Liberson sailed his Seadog 30 from Torpoint to the Caribbean and then back to Plymouth. Credit: Claudia Myatt
Max Liberson sails to the Caribbean aboard project boat Lunatoo, a Seadog 30 with added bowsprit that was made sea ready for less than £4,800
The wind was coming on like my brother Alex had warned me it would, as I approached the north side …Continue reading »
When viewed from on deck, it is very easy to estimate the scope
Alex and Daria Blackwell reveal a simple way to check anchor scope when determining the correct amount of rode to let out
Alex and Daria Blackwell reveal a simple way to check anchor scope when determining the correct amount of rode to let out
It is best to practice towing techniques before you need it for real
**Ben Meakins and the PBO team examine the techniques of towing and being towed astern at sea, trying out the textbook theories in practice
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Ben Meakins and the PBO team examine the techniques of towing and being towed astern at sea, trying out the textbook theories in practice