Few people are lucky enough to be able to take a hands-on approach to the design and build of their own dream yacht. But that’s exactly what Karin and Brian…
Yachting World
Everything you need to know about sailing in Bermuda
The breeze that whistles through the pines that line Bermuda’s shores ranges from a prevailing south-westerly with an average Force 3, rising to a gentle Force 4 in June. Together…
World’s Coolest Boats: The 29er dinghy
“When I moved out of Oppies, I wasn’t sure I wanted to sail,” Diamond recalls. “I tried the 420 for a little bit, but for whatever reason, it just didn’t…
Top 16 Best Marine Binoculars for navigation and pilotage – tried and tested
I can sit gazing through binoculars for hours. From looking at the local baby seals when on anchor or trying to find my way using old fashioned naviguesswork. If I…
Team New Zealand claims it has the ‘right and responsibility to choose the [America’s Cup] venue’ as war of words escalates
Following a statement from Alinghi and co-ordinated statements of support from Athena Racing and NYYC American Magic yesterday, Thursday 29 May, Team New Zealand have responded with their own statement…
‘Team New Zealand have sold something they do not own the rights to. This is not acceptable.’ Alinghi issues strong America’s Cup statement
Swiss America’s Cup team Alinghi Red Bull Racing issued a statement today, Thursday 29th May, as the latest war of words among various interested America’s Cup teams escalates. That statement…
How to buy an unseen new yacht ‘off-plan’ (and why you might want to)
Buying a brand new yacht off-plan grants the owner, at least for a few weeks after launch, the promise of owning the very latest technology and design development. Buying an…
Sena Nautitalk Crew intercom headset review: ‘Once you’ve used it, you wonder how you’ve managed without it!’
Sena Nautitalk Crew Headset – Clear Comms, No Fuss, No Shouting I can’t shout into the wind, I lose my voice really quickly and trying to communicate on larger boats…
5 Expert tips: How to perfect a time on distance sailing start
When I go out on the Solent to go racing, I often see a lot of boats not even doing a single practice run before the start,” says Ian Williams.…
What happens when you run aground on a yacht? And what should you do
With one foot on the beach and a fresh breeze in her sails, our old yacht seemed to come alive as we raced along the Panamanian coast. It was the…
Nikon 7X50 Ocean Pro Global Compass Binoculars – A Sailor’s Perspective
Nikon 7×50 Global Compass Binoculars – A Sailor’s Perspective When I first picked up the Nikon 7x50CF WP Global Compass binoculars, I was curious. I’ve used many of the best…
America’s Cup: Team New Zealand hits back at ‘unreasonable’ Challengers – and releases draft Protocol
America’s Cup defenders Team New Zealand have returned fire in the America’s Cup war of words – by unveiling the draft Protocol. The battle was initiated in public this afternoon…
Frustration boils over in America’s Cup: Challengers demand Team New Zealand restore ‘fair competition’
The statements, released Thursday 22 May, follow last week’s announcement by the America’s Cup defenders Team New Zealand that the next America’s Cup will be held in Naples, Italy. They…
Are you ready to take on an ocean crossing? How to refit and maintain a bluewater yacht
In 2012 I bought a neglected 15-year-old Hallberg-Rassy 46 which had stood ashore unsold for many years. She was strong, but had been somewhat abandoned – sails still furled, and…
Lagoon 43 review: Will this voluminous new cat be the world’s most popular multihull?
Replacing a very successful model is a huge challenge for any boatbuilder. Is it best to take a conservative approach, opting for a similar design to the original with only…
What the M-Class?! AIS Beacons Get a New Rulebook
If you’re like me and you’ve got a healthy collection of gadgets clipped, zipped, and stashed around every bit of your foulies, then you’ve probably already clocked a few personal…
Sailing the Pacific: ‘As we sailed away from lush Hanalei Bay, it was so beautiful I actually teared up’
After two recent deliveries sailing the Pacific to Hawaii and back, on two very different boats, with two very different crews, I’m starting to realise that, more than anything else,…
The America’s Cup is going to Naples, but what will sailing conditions be? We get an insider’s guide
When it was confirmed last week that the 38th America’s Cup would be held in Naples, Italy, the announcement was widely welcomed. The Italians’ enduring passion for the Cup –…
Great seamanship: unstepping a solid wood mast solo
The late Steve Pickard was the very essence of a cruising sailor. Never a high-aspiration man, he did not round Cape Horn or sail the Northwest Passage. Instead, he operated…
SMRT Alert AIS beacon – the beacon I wear every day
SMRT by name, smart by nature – Class M peace of mind afloat When you spend half your life jumping from a tender to a boat in pitch dark, in…