Essential skills, planning and kit for your best summer afloat, Bonding & sealants guide, How to sail tidal estuaries, Yacht handing on rivers, Silicone antifouling…
Practical Boat Owner
May issue – out 13 March
Tune your rig so your boat points higher and sails better, The ultimate cruising guide to Britain and Ireland, Essential propeller care, How to check…
New boat news: the latest news and video – sail and power
1. Honda Honwave range revamped for 2021 Honda has revamped its Honwave range for 2021, applying a sharp new look to a reappointed deck layout. Available in approved Honda Marine…
How to repair gel coat damage – video guide
From rope chafing on cockpit coamings to impact damage after a winch handle has been dropped, gelcoat chips are an inevitable result of any boat that has miles under its…
Rustler 33 review and test sail – a pleasure to look at and a pleasure to sail
I read a fascinating article recently about relationships. It was a distillation of the guidance offered by over a thousand people who had been with their spouses or partners for…
April 2021
Mind over matter this month as we tackle the restoration blues head-on with top tips from a psychologist boat restorer. Plus we dig into the Polish boatbuilding business and explain…
Dorset boat building academy launches crowd funder
The Boat Building Academy in Lyme Regis has launched a crowdfunder to raise £20,000 in order to undertake Covid-necessary building work, and in just a couple of weeks is 80%…
Véndee Globe: Pip Hare first British sailor to cross the line
Pip Hare is the first British sailor to cross the finish line of the Vendée Globe, finishing the solo round-the-world race at 0057 this morning. The sailor from Poole took…
Pip Hare: I’ve not just sailed 97% of the way around the world to be broken now
It is relentless out here. Squall after squall. Multiple wind shifts. Waves coming from every direction. Just this second one wave has hit Medallia side on, smashing over the top…
Our new seadog – our puppy Chloe’s first voyage
Chloe’s first voyage was from the slip to the mooring. As always, I was more concerned about the engine stopping unexpectedly or being unable to pick up the buoy, so…
Boating with dogs – essential sailing gear for your seadog
Having the right dog sailing gear is an important part of keeping your four-legged friend happy. Any dog can be taken sailing, at least once, but some are better suited…
Sea shanties and a foiling Polynesian proa – PBO Channel Hopping Blog
There may be nothing new under the sun, but happily it’s still fun to see younger generations rediscover old things and show them to us in a new light, writes…
Best bilge pumps: electric pumps, emergency pumps and alarms
Rupert Holmes explains how electric bilge pumps work and why performance doesn't always meet expectations
Make your own bilge pump alarm
A bilge alarm is an essential piece of kit on any boat. You can buy a bilge alarm on Amazon or at any chandlery or make your own using a…
Seadogs: 10 top tips for sailing with dogs
Sailing round the world with dogs requires months of preparation and research, stacks of paperwork, extra supplies and provisions, regular vaccinations, expensive updates for your vessel, and many hours of…
Yannick Bestaven wins Vendée Globe in closest-ever finale
Yannick Bestaven, the 48 year old French skipper of Maître Coq IV, is the overall winner of the ninth edition of the Vendée Globe. Although third over the line at…
Around the world in 80 days – Dalin first over the line in Vendée Globe
After 24,300 nautical miles and more than 80 days of racing around the world, Charlie Dalin was first over the line this evening in the ninth edition of the Vendée…
Vendée Globe: Charlie Dalin (Apivia) expected at the finish line within the hour
In the closest-ever finish of the Vendée Globe solo round-the-world race, Charlie Dalin (Apivia) is expected to be first over the line off Les Sables d’Olonne at 1950 UTC. In…
How to repair a sail – video guide
Fixing a tear A big tear in the body of the sail looks dramatic but is easy to fix. Don’t use sail repair tape – PSA adhesive backed sailcloth is…
Vendée Globe on YouTube – why the women stand out from the crowd
As another International Women’s Day approaches (8 March), it’s time to check in with the Vendée women skippers on YouTube, writes Kass Schmitt. It was an atypical year, with the…
March 2021
Some restorations become the pride of a nation, while others become expensive embarassments – how does that happen? We find out, plus used boat reviews - including 9 of the…
Best boat heaters – diesel, solid fuel or warm air central heating?
Diesel fuelled heating systems Having a warm boat can significantly lengthen the sailing season, but the best boat heater for you depends on budget, the size of your boat, and…