In the battle of the big boats it was the brand new IMOCA Macif, skippered by Charlie Dalin with Pascal Bidégorry which was first monohull home to take line honours in…
Australia to the Seychelles on a classic Swan
It was time to go. Sailing up the east coast of Australia at the end of a cyclone season can be challenging and dangerous for even the most experienced sailors.…
Line honours and new Rolex Fastnet Race course record for Ultime SVR-Lazartigue
Francois Gabart’s Ultime SVR-Lazartigue has claimed Rolex Fastnet Race line honours and set a new course record of 1d 8h 38m 27s over the 695-mile offshore. With two foiling Ultimes…
Incident-packed first day for Rolex Fastnet Race fleet with rescues, retirements and one yacht sunk
After yesterday’s strong wind start for the Rolex Fastnet Fleet, the number of boats that have retired from racing has continued to multiply. At 0700 this morning over 80 of…
50th Rolex Fastnet Race starts: but early retirements pour in with furious conditions forecast
The 50th Rolex Fastnet Race got underway today, Saturday 22 July, with the largest offshore racing fleet ever setting off from Cowes in rain and 20-25 knot headwinds . With…
‘Gnarly’ but potentially record-breaking forecast for 2023 Rolex Fastnet Race
Strong headwinds are forecast for the start of the 50th Rolex Fastnet Race, which sets off tomorrow from Cowes, Isle of Wight to Cherbourg, France, via the iconic course around…
What does it take to sail two-handed around the world?
Long-distance offshore racing nurtures extraordinary levels of self reliance and mutual support. The inaugural Globe 40 race, an ambitious and testing circumnavigation for double-handed Class 40 teams via the three…
Rolex Fastnet Race 2023 stacked IMOCA fleet set to entertain
The famous Rolex Fastnet Race always provides an intriguing line up of amateur and professional teams all looking for race glory as they battle the 629nm course from Cowes, round…
Who will win the 2023 Rolex Fastnet Race?
This Saturday’s 2023 Rolex Fastnet Race will be the biggest offshore race of all time, with a record-breaking entry list of over 490 yachts for its 50th anniversary edition (the…
Best Fishing Kayaks: 7 boats to serve the needs of any angler
When my wife and I moved to the coast several years ago, I finally got the opportunity to use my sit-on-top kayaks in the environment for which they were designed.…
Best sailing knives: 12 of the best safety knives for emergency use
The safety knife is an often neglected tool, typically languishing strapped to a binnacle leg or stowed inside a lifejacket or a belt pouch. until that is, the moment comes…
Best personal locator beacons and AIS units: 12 top options for boating
Locating a crew member who’s fallen overboard in anything other than the most benign of conditions is a huge and frankly scary challenge for those onboard. Your odds, as a…
Two giant foiling trimarans set for a Fastnet Race battle
As with most big races around the world, bragging rights in the Rolex Fastnet Race race are split into two broad camps, the line honours winners (the first boat to…
How to win the Rolex Fastnet Race: expert navigator’s tips
The 2021 edition of the Rolex Fastnet Race came with an interesting change. The finish line, having always previously been in Plymouth, is now in Cherbourg. Not only does this…
Lone star: Kirsten Neuschäfer the Golden Globe Race winner
“Sometimes in the tropics, if it’s nice and calm, I’ll drop sail and I’ll lash the helm over to one side,” recalled Kirsten Neuschäfer before the start of the Golden…
How climate change is affecting weather patterns: and what it means for sailors
For bluewater cruisers one of the most significant impacts of climate change is the increased unpredictability of weather and disruption of established patterns. The Ocean Cruising Club commissioned a report…
Best kayak seats and SUP seats for back support on paddling adventures
Alongside stand-up paddleboards, sit-on-top kayaks are easily the most popular paddling craft on the water, especially in summer, and most people kick off their kayaking journey on such boats. Popular…
Double handed sailing skills: gybing symmetric spinnakers
Double handed sailing skills are increasingly important to master as the recent boom in double handed racing, both inshore and offshore, continues and boats designed for couples to cruise two-up…
Best Prime Day Garmin watch deals – save up to 51%
This Amazon Prime Day, if you look carefully you’ll spot the tidy little bargains. As the self appointed sports watch geek here in the marine team, I’ve always got my…
Sony SRS-XB13 waterproof bluetooth speaker review
The Sony SRS-XB13 waterproof bluetooth speaker is my favourite speaker for use out in the water and I often take mine (for which I paid full price) with me when…