The original version of the Sam Manuard-designed Seascape 27 (now branded as the Beneteau First 27 SE) has long been one of my favourite small yachts. In 2014 I sailed…
Reviews
North Sails Performance Trimmers fast dry shorts review
North Sails Performance is a new venture into high end wet weather sailing gear by the world’s largest sailmaker and if these Trimmer Fast Dry Shorts are anything to go by,…
Musto LPX Primaloft Stretch Midlayer Jacket review
The Musto LPX Primaloft Stretch Midlayer Jacket has been my go-to jacket for the autumn and spring seasons both ashore and afloat and remains in excellent condition. The purpose of…
Theragun Pro review – is a massage gun useful for sailors?
It’s an age thing. You reach a certain stage in your life and things gradually stop working, hurt, or both. I am in my mid forties and have (vocally) put…
Garmin Vivoactive 4s tried and tested review
There’s a whole host of things you can do with the Garmin Vivoactive 4s. You can run, cycle, measure distance, elevation and heart-rate, all while listening to music. It’s…
Jeanneau Yachts 60 review: different yachts in one
It’s not long since 60ft yachts were the preserve of custom or semi-custom yards that could go to great lengths to provide a small number of discerning clients with the…
Motorloc Atlantic outboard Slot Loc review
It’s an unfortunate truth that we’ve all either had an outboard stolen or at least know of someone who has. An outboard lock is at the very least a worthwhile…
Railblaza C-Tug Dinghy Wheels review
A good, durable set of transom dinghy wheels can be transformational for anyone who regularly needs to beach their dinghy. It can make the difference between being able to beach…
Tested: OCA Outboard cover
For those who keep their outboards outside, whether on the tender or pushpit, a good outboard cover is highly recommended. I keep my dinghy tied to a quay for the…
J/45 tested: Fast cruiser with timeless appeal
We’re close-hauled, sailing the new J/45 at 7.5 knots and catching up with a modern 55-footer, but slowly falling into her lee. Winding on a little mainsheet tightens the leech,…
Garmin Quatix 6 review: Best Boating and Sailing Smart Watch – tested
Garmin Quatix 6 Deals A super versatile sports and fitness watch that offers much more besides. I’ve had this model on test for a few months now and I can…
Best sailing knife tested- Victorinox Skipper Pro
The Victorinox Skippers Knife has some well thought out tools onboard and is worth considering as an essential item to stow in your knife pocket. I've used it for well…
Boat test: X-56 The Xtra mile
Large cruising yachts are enormously appealing, but it’s imperative that they’re easy to tame in deteriorating weather. Yet if this is achieved through making the boat underpowered it will be…
Best Binoculars for boating – Tested – Steiner Navigator Pro 7×50
These Steiner Navigator Pro 7×50 binoculars have been used (maybe slightly abused) for the past six years onboard my Dehler 36. I sail and race solo or double handed but…
Swan 58 tested: best of both worlds?
No other yard has been as consistently successful in producing iconic models as Nautor – historically Swans are invariably the very best yachts of their era and subsequently become design…
Hallberg-Rassy 50 tested: ultimate refinement
The Hallberg-Rassy 50, the latest from the renowned Swedish marque is a near masterpiece. German Frers has once again sprinkled his fairy dust over the design, conjuring up a modern…
JPK 39FC review: new sporty 40 cruiser
I have long held that bluewater cruising yachts, especially those under 40ft, have much to gain from the way today’s smaller short-handed offshore raceboats are designed and set up and…
Video: Ice 70 review – a luxury, fast Med cruiser
Some yachts will always produce that instant spark of attraction. With others, the appeal may be slower burning, where facets or practicalities will help make the appeal more than skin…
C-monsta hanger review: makes drying kit simple
It sounds hyperbolic to call a coat hanger a game-changer, but the C-monsta hanger is one of those rare products that once you stumble upon it, you get a bit…
Jeanneau SO410 review: lift keel opens up options
If you sail in tidal harbours or shallow waters, your choice of midsize new production yachts is more limited than you may realise. While most manufacturers offer a shallow draught…