This year’s pre-Olympics in Enoshima, Japan, starkly illustrated for me the reality of being on the water in extreme hot and humid conditions. One day we saw a temperature of…
Sailing Maine: Exploring a magical corner of America’s northeast coast
Bursting through the Cape Cod Canal is like a voyage through Narnia’s wardrobe. Huge lunar forces whisk us along as the rugged granite world of Buzzards Bay fades in our…
How to stay afloat: Top tips for rescuing a sinking yacht
Twenty miles south of Salcombe, in deteriorating weather, Timothy Meo realised that the new 36-footer he was helping to deliver to the Solent was sinking. “The engine compartment was flooded…
How to pick your ideal bluewater yacht: ARC director explains all
I often chat with prospective bluewater cruisers at boat shows and seminars and am frequently asked: “What is the ideal bluewater yacht?” This is an impossible question to answer, since…
Marine diesel engines: Understanding your yacht’s power plant
When Rudolf Diesel unveiled his engine to the world in 1892, it was nothing short of a revelation. Today we reserve our excitement for batteries and electric power, the miracle…
Bow team communication: 5 tips on how to prevent a crew mutiny
Sailing on big boats is the ultimate team sport, and part of the key to success is putting aside your ego and doing what’s best for the team. It’s easy…
Decade in review: How the last 10 years changed the face of sailing
In January 2010 the Yachting World cover shot was of the giant Alinghi catamaran. Our headline wondered if the America’s Cup Deed of Gift multihulls were ‘The World’s Most Advanced…
Underwater snags: How to escape when your yacht is caught in debris
Whether it’s a fishing pot, long tendrils of Sargasso weed or your own spinnaker sheets, getting stuff wrapped around keels, rudders and propellers is an occurrence every sailor will have…
Sailing security: How to stay safe when cruising around the world
How safe is it to sail around the world and what precautions do you need to take? We asked bluewater sailors who have cruised areas including the Caribbean, Pacific and…
Sailing Ushant: Tom Cunliffe explores France’s most daunting island
‘Qui voit Ouessant boit son sang.’ In plain English, this old Breton sailors’ proverb reads: ‘He who sees Ushant sups his own blood.’ Many a seaman would be inclined to…
Mongrel drop: Pip Hare’s guide to unorthodox kite drops
Emergency drop, small crew For hurried drops of asymmetric spinnakers, particularly with a small crew, I consider the gybe drop – otherwise known as a ‘Kiwi’ drop – to be…
Ernesto Bertarelli: The Team Alinghi mastermind who shook up the America’s Cup
When Ernesto Bertarelli’s Alinghi (SUI64) crossed the finish line for the final time in Auckland, New Zealand, in 2003, the Swiss 5-0 victory was more than just a decisive new…
Sailing Biscay: Top tips for a safe and smooth crossing of the notorious bay
Biscay has a fearsome reputation and for many sailors, it is their first taste of bluewater sailing. Distances may not be a huge, but we are out of shelter, in…
ETF26: The trailer foiler bringing the foiling experience to the masses
Seven knots of true wind and a few quick pumps on the mainsheet was all it took to have the 8m cat rise up onto her foils and slip downwind…
Tradewinds explained: Everything you need to know before sailing across the Atlantic
A transatlantic tradewind crossing from the Canary Islands to the Caribbean is on many a sailor’s bucket list. Endless sunny days of running before the wind followed by nights under…
Road to the America’s Cup podcast episode 4: AC75 control systems explained
The systems that control the aero- and hydrofoils of the new AC75 are covered by some of the most complex parts of the America’s Cup Class. The section on control…
Beam seas: Pip Hare’s top tips on dealing with the most challenging conditions
Big beam seas can be the most challenging, unpleasant and dangerous of all conditions to sail in. Exposing the entire length of your vessel broadside to oncoming waves allows the…
Sailing Galicia: Exploring the enchanting rias of North-West Spain
Dreams of white sand beaches fringed weather with granite boulders warmed by the Galician sun finally took flight. We departed from Crookhaven in Ireland at the break of dawn with…
MOB retrieval gear: Jonbuoy vs Catch and Lift in head-to-head test
Jonbuoy Recovery Module The Jonbuoy is a well-respected piece of equipment. Many boat owners would have one on board, were it not for the upfront cost and annual servicing requirements.…
1979 Fastnet Race: A lucky escape – Sir Peter Johnson’s story
To start, it was hardly distinguishable from any Round the Island race. Our beat down the Solent among so many Ton Cup series yachts and sailing round the buoys in…