X-Yachts has released findings into an investigation into the events that led up to the yacht Brainstorm, an X49, being abandoned in the ARC January transatlantic crossing. X-Yachts’ director of…
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First look: Jeanneau 64 – flagship gets an update
The Jeanneau 64, which we fondly remember sailing in a Mistral off Marseille eight years ago, proved the demand for production yachts of this supersize. It also showed that Jeanneau…
Comanche-Skorpios showdown set for RORC Caribbean 600
One of the final international racing events to take place before the covid 19 pandemic in 2020, the RORC Caribbean 600 was cancelled in 2021, but is back with a…
Catamaran sailing: expert multihull techniques
There has been a huge surge in the sales of performance multihulls and with them a need to know how to handle them particularly when it comes to specific multihull…
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…
First look video: Hanse 460 – the French-designed Hanse
Following a generation of Judel/Vrolijk designs, the new Hanse 460 is the first from Berret Racoupeau, which will surprise many as it forces closer comparison with French production yachts such…
Boathandling masterclass: how to handle large yachts
If there’s one trend that’s true across all areas of sailing, it’s that large yachts are becoming more common. Advances in technology have made ever-larger yachts more affordable while sail…
iWinch test: new electric winch handle option
Sometimes, a solution to a problem comes along that is so obvious, you wonder why it hasn’t been there for years. In my opinion the iWinch, an electric winch handle…
Cruising England’s south coast: a green and pleasant land
It was around the moment that we both huddled over the vent of our diesel air heater for warmth, droplets of condensation forming on the hatches overhead, the smell of…
5 expert sailing tips: Night helming
Chris Nicholson’s prowess in 18ft Skiffs and three World Championship titles in the early days of the 49er Olympic dinghy drew the attention of Grant Dalton when he recruited the…
Westabout round the world record attempts on rocks off Cape Horn
Two skippers attempting an around the world record attempt against the prevailing winds and currents have run aground in the Patagonian channels, having taken shelter from a storm after rounding…
First look: Dufour 32 – new smaller cruising yacht
The Dufour 32 is a compact new launch with particularly impressive deck and cockpit space thanks to its combination of modern wide aft beam hull shape and clever solutions. An…
Second hand boats: how to buy a ready to sail yacht
It’s no secret that if you want to buy a new yacht the wait is now likely to be two years or more. But what if you don’t want to…
World’s coolest yachts: Jolie Brise
“This choice is made out respect for the boat (and crew),” says Rick Tomlinson. “There is nothing new in sailing, it’s all been done before by someone. Jolie Brise is…
World’s coolest yachts: MOD70 Phaedo
I’d choose the MOD70 without too much doubt because the boat is so beautifully thought out. It is a great combination of speed, safety (even though four of them have…
Transat Jacques Vabre: lessons from the experts
Two boats achieved stunning victories in the latest edition of the Transat Jacques Vabre, establishing leads before the halfway mark that they extended to the finish: the 30-metre Ultim trimaran…
World’s coolest yacht: J Class Topaz
“I’ve climbed a lot of mountains so choosing the coolest is a tough one, but it has to be the J Class Topaz. I love what we are able to…
First look: Nautitech 44 Open – an ideal bluewater cruiser
It’s been many years since we’ve seen an all new Nautitech catamaran, but it may have been worth the wait, with the first details of the new Nautitech 44 Open…
Fist look: Elan E6 – new flagship performance model
This new Elan E6 looks like a real weapon. Elan has collaborated with three key firms to try to ensure the new flagship of its performance line has the edge,…
Cruising achievements of the year awarded 2021
The Ocean Cruising Club’s top award, The OCC Barton Cup, has been awarded to Dustin Reynolds as he became the first double amputee to circumnavigate the globe solo. Reynolds lost…