Masthead rig modifications for better performance

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…

Transatlantic rigging failure: how a professional skipper managed the emergency with a young family onboard

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…

Weather helm: what is it and how do you reduce it?

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…

Is this the failsafe method for picking up a boat mooring single-handed?

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: how to safely take the ground

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…

Lessons from the ARC: 24 top cruising hacks for blue-water sailing

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…

How to make a mooring bridle to secure your boat

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…

Start of season boaters’ checklist

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 stroke off the Isles of Scilly: How a medical emergency left this skipper’s wife “hanging from a wire in a near gale”

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 »

MOB recovery: which is the best single-point vertical lift technique for getting a crew member back on board?

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…

Gybing a cruising chute

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
**

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

Sailing alone: a checklist for solo sailors

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 on sail repair, damaged steering and two lost drogues while battling storms in the Tasman Sea

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

Why your boat crew is the most important system on board

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

6,000 miles solo in a £1 boat: lessons learned from an Atlantic Circuit

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 »

Boat towing at sea: how to tow astern

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
**

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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