Cascade purchases are cheap and can give a huge mechanical advantage. Stan Cockeram explains where they can and can’t be used
Latest
eNav in a Nutshell: Paper charts versus electronic charts
There’s an accelerating shift away from paper charts, but how best to use predicted data from digital aids in real-world situations? Craig Burton, head of…
Tinker dinghy: the inflatable boat that could do it all!
Richard Thomson’s love letter to the original multipurpose inflatable dinghy - the Tinker
Swanwick Yachting Showcase line-up announced
The new Swanwick Yachting Showcase is a free, appointment-only event highlighting new sailing and motor boats, as well as brokerage
Maintenance
Marine varnishing: an expert guide to making your woodwork shine
Few things look better on a boat than beautifully varnished woodwork. The best results are all down to the preparation and here sailor, cabinetmaker and…
Painting over varnished wood: Is it ever OK?
Mark Prior commits the ‘cardinal sin’ of painting over varnished wood aboard his 1988 Moody 376 – and is delighted with the results
How I built my dream minimalist trailer-sailer to navigate the Canadian wilderness
Herb McLeod explains how he designed and built his flat-bottomed 3.6m Omakayas
DIY Guide to Overhauling and Reassembling your Boat’s Furler
With a likely bill of £500 to have his forestay replaced, Stu Davies decides to tackle the job himself – and gets carried away overhauling…
Amazing adventures
Pip Hare: a masterclass in resiliance
Big C solo sailor Andrew Bedwell rescued while attempting to cross the Atlantic in his 100cm boat
20 Years of the Jester Challenge: Celebrating Low-Budget, Single-Handed Seamanship
Glaciers, williwaw gusts & dodging drifting ice: Cruising the Beagle Channel with a French legend
Practical Projects
Laying ground tackle for swinging moorings
Make a big toot again by clearing seagull scum out of a boat air horn
How to make low-cost collision mat
How to make your own ensign flagstaff
How to prevent wave slap on the hull
Anchor windlass repairs to extend its life
PBO Project Boat
What does a sailmaker do?
Shortly before the Round the Island Race, one of the largest yacht races in the world, it’s all go at…
Shore power: solving tripping problems
Ali Wood gets a crash course in reverse polarity and smart charging when Project Boat Maximus’s shore power gets trippy…
Sail design – using 3D software and laser technology to cut new sails
During the survey of our Maxi 84, the PBO Project Boat Maximus, we were warned by a marine surveyor that…
How to measure your yacht for new sails
Measuring your boat for new sails is a job for the sailmaker, so when our PBO Project Boat Maximus needed…
Restoring a vintage Sailor radio
Ali Wood’s Sailor radio is given the VIP treatment
Seajet Bioclean silicone antifoul review: Our verdict after one year on the water
Does silicone antifouling work? It’s not flying off the shelves yet, according to suppliers, but the results from our Project…
Securing mast cable on our Maxi 84
With the help of ACM Marine, Ali Wood goes about securing mast cable on the Maxi 84 PBO project boat
Family sailing safety gear: TESTED!
Ali Wood discusses the sailing safety gear she chose for their first family cruise on board their Maxi 84, and…