Two yachts got tangled in fishing gear last week on the first leg of the ARC+ rally, causing a skipper and crew to dive overboard in the Atlantic. Kristian Hægeland,…
Alison Wood
Features Editor
Family boats lead transatlantic rally in ARC+ start
Three family boats led the fleet at the start of the ARC+ rally this afternoon in Gran Canaria, all of them Outremers. Sailing with 13-year-old twins, US-flagged Appa was in…
Windvane self-steering: a complete guide for sailors
Ali Wood explains how you can harness the power of the wind and sea to steer efficiently
How to get the most from your yacht survey
Thinking of buying a new boat? A marine survey could save you a lot of heartache and money in the long run, says Ali Wood
How to go sailing and boating if you don’t own a boat
From tall ships to small dinghies, you don't need to own a boat to go sailing. Ali Wood looks at the options, and how skippers can also find crew
Cheap boating: 110 ways to cut the cost of your sailing and cruising
From DIY to learning new skills, mooring, sails and rigging, Ali Wood has some top tips on keeping afloat as affordably as possible
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 the T Sails loft in Southampton with sailmaker Tim Scarisbrick…
How to get a crew place sailing around the world
If you don’t own a boat but want to sail around the world, the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC), which leaves annually from Gran Canaria for the Caribbean, is a…
15 boat fixes at sea: sailors share how to deal with torn sails, rudder damage, chafe & more
Transatlantic sailors tell Ali Wood how they used their ingenuity – and sometimes bravery – to cope with emergencies on passage and make boat fixes at sea
Dorset sailing club in £4m bid to save outdoor centre
Hengistbury Head Outdoors Centre (HHOEC), on the shores of Christchurch harbour, closed during Covid, after decades of running sailing and adventure courses for the community. Now, in what would be…
Buying a new or used outboard motor? Professionals share their tips to make sure you avoid the pitfalls
From horsepower to shaft length and tilt-angle to 2- or 4-stroke, Ali Wood highlights the different features you should consider when buying a new or used outboard motor
What sailing boat kit do you need for an Atlantic crossing? Cruisers share the gear that really worked for them
From Starlink to tradewind sails, first aid and cooking, Ali Wood reports on new and traditional gear for transatlantic sailors
Boat launch checklist: all the jobs you need to do for a hassle free start to the season
Take the stress out of the big day with practical tips from Practical Boat Owner's Ali Wood
Dinghy sailing skills for cruisers
What can a lapsed cruising sailor learn from a dinghy course? A lot, as Ali Wood discovers when she returns to the water for her RYA Level 3
Offshore sails: what you need to cross the Atlantic
Sailmaker Daryl Morgan gives some expert advice on ocean sails, while Neil Smith explains how his family coped with delaminating sails
Boat cookers – great gadgets for low-fuss meals
Low energy boat cookers are a great way to save on gas, power and time spent below. A hot dinner can be the highlight of the day when you’re on…
How to sell a boat & get the best price
Ali Wood gets tips from the trade on how to sell your boat from a marine surveyor and a yacht broker so you can get the best price to spend…
Dismasted yacht arrives safely in Gran Canaria
Swedish yacht Hilma was 540 miles west of Cape Verde on 21 November when the crew heard a loud bang. The port top shroud of the Wauquiez 47PS had come…
Happy reunion and podium finish for transatlantic yacht Imi Makani
Canadian yacht Imi Makani, who PBO captured arriving in Grenada last week, was one of the ARC+ yachts to take home a trophy at the prizegiving ceremony, bringing to a…
“They don’t know what normal is!” Transatlantic with a baby and toddler
When Stephanie and Richard Stevens set sail from Jersey to Grenada, they knew it was going to be a challenge with two young children. “I’d have been busy if I…