Rupert Holmes revisits this popular high volume cruiser from the late 1990s and early 2000s and looks at the alternatives
Rupert Holmes
A sustainable alternative to marine ply?
Even the best marine ply is not totally moisture resistant and will eventually succumb to rot after extended periods of raised moisture levels. Supersede Marine Board is said to be…
Second hand focus: Hallberg Rassy 352 + 8 alternative yachts to consider
Rupert Holmes celebrates the attributes of this iconic, but expensive, Scandinavian design and highlights other options
Merry Fisher 895 vs Cap Camarat 9.0 WA
Jeanneau has launched two very different motorboats of a similar size. Rupert Holmes put both through their paces
Is it time to switch to an all-electric boat?
Rupert Holmes takes an in-depth look at the practicalities and pitfalls of choosing electric propulsion, or even an all-electric boat
Contessa 32: the second-hand classic + 6 alternative boats
Rupert Holmes analyses this extremely seaworthy classic and suggests a dozen other viable lower-cost alternatives
How to choose a watermaker
Rupert Holmes explains why a basic watermaker may make sense onboard your boat
Why you should buy a boat you have never heard of
Rupert Holmes says less well-known designs can often be a perfect second-hand choice and explains his own thought processes when choosing
Tips to stay in control while close-quarters manoeuvring
Seasoned sailor Rupert Holmes shares his tips for better close-quarters manoeuvring under sail alone
Boat handling in a tight space
You might one day need to sail your boat into a marina without an engine. Rupert Holmes explains useful techniques for boat handling in tight spaces
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 350: setting new standards
Testing a pre-production prototype of Jeanneau’s new 33-footer, Rupert Holmes finds a boat that sets a whole raft of new standards
Lessons learned from the sinking of Morning Cloud 3
Decades on, Rupert Holmes looks at what the Morning Cloud 3 tragedy taught us about heavy weather sailing
Replacing gearbox oil seals: step-by-step
Outboard engine gearbox oil seals are vulnerable to damage and can be difficult to remove. Rupert Holmes explains how to change a typical set
IZIBoat: Simple sailing on a yacht that can be towed by bicycle
Rupert Holmes sails an innovative catamaran design intended to widen participation in sailing among those with little time to get on the water in more conventional craft
Inland boating in the UK: a beginner’s guide
Rupert Holmes and Jonathan Mosse look at boats, seamanship skills, planning and destinations in their guide to inland boating in the UK
First-time boat skipper: tips for your first voyage in charge
Skippering a yacht for the first time is a pivotal experience; one that's rewarding if done right. Rupert Holmes explains how to ensure everything runs smoothly on your first voyage…
Sailing without an engine: tips to get home when it fails
Faced with an engine that won’t work, do we necessarily have to reach for the radio to summon help? Depending on circumstances, we may be able to help ourselves
The best boat anchor types for different types of cruising & their pros and cons
Rupert Holmes looks at the different anchor designs and how to choose the right one for your type of cruising
Do-it-yourself mast stepping
If you’re thinking of hiring a boatyard crane to step your mast, why not consider this low-tech, low-cost alternative? Rupert Holmes shows how it’s done
Mediterranean sailing: the essential kit you need
Rupert Holmes explains the most useful equipment he carries on board for low-hassle, reliable and self-sufficient Mediterranean cruising on a budget