The decision by the US Coast Guard to adopt electronic flares over traditional pyrotechnic distress signals has been welcomed by manufacturers of electronic visual distress signaling devices (eVDSDs).
boating
Dave Selby: Pottier than The Odyssey
Anyone who’s seen The Odyssey movie will notice an omission that could have made it a lot more relatable for PBO readers... a lobster pot episode.
eNav in a Nutshell: using vectors
Two powerful digital navigational tools, heading and course-over- ground (COG) vectors, can help fine-tune your passage making.
Channel Hopping: Heartbreaking Melody, a tribute to Andy Bennington-Turner
PBO's resident YouTube aficionado Kass Schmitt pays tribute to Andy Bennington-Turner of the YouTube channel Sailing Melody
Have your say on the affordability of Admiralty paper charts
The UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) is asking skippers and other maritime users to help inform the future pricing of Admiralty paper charts.
UK’s largest eco-mooring site’s future at risk
The Studland Bay Marine Partnership is warning that boating access to the popular Dorset sailing spot could be threatened unless more skippers pay to use the eco mooring buoys.
Restore waterproofing and revive old sailing kit
Washing and reproofing technical clothing, oilskins and footwear at home is now vital, Gill Marine’s gear guru Matt Clark says, to restore waterproofing. But fortunately, it’s easier than ever…
eNav in a Nutshell: The humble waypoint
How do the four stages of passage planning – appraise, plan, execute, monitor (APEM) – work in the age of the chartplotter? Craig Burton, head of training operations at the…
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 training operations at the Royal…
Biocide-free boat antifouling paint ‘works best’
An independent study on seven types of leisure boat antifouling paint has found that biocide-free silicone paint worked best, and a paint marketed as environmentally friendly was ‘extremely toxic’.
Westerly at 60: the largest owners’ association in the world
As the Westerly Owners’ Association marks its 60th anniversary, Laura Hodgetts explores the history of these beloved GRP classics
Renewed call for alcohol limits for leisure boaters
The Marine Accident Investigation Branch is calling for drink-drive limits for non-professional mariners, after a double fatality.
eNav in a Nutshell: Passage planning in the digital age
Using digital sources to answer basic navigational questions can take some of the hard work out of passage planning and making… explains Craig Burton, head of training operations at the…
Yacht club using AI community watch system to combat boat crime
Sailing club members are using MoorMesh – an AI-boosted community watch system to tackle thieves targeting yachts on remote moorings
Sailors’ Choice Awards: Nominate the gear that really works for you
Be part of Practical Boat Owner's Sailors’ Choice Awards – as we put the best sailing equipment, gear and customer service in the spotlight.
Seafarer charter and boat club holidays celebrates 30th year
Independent charter yacht and boat club holiday specialists Seafarer is celebrating its 30th anniversary year.
GNSS-enabled electronic devices have ‘cyber-security vulnerability’
Sailors are being warned of the threat of spoofing or jamming of electronic kit, such as Man Overboard (MOB) devices and chartplotters, which have Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) functionality.
Restored Keewaydin trawler ‘unsalvageable’ after fire
Lowestoft wooden trawler, Keewaydin, which was close to post-restoration launch, is 'unsalvageable' following a fire, says the Sailors Creek CIC team
Inspiring guests and club anniversaries at the RYA Dinghy and Watersports Show 2026
Celebrations of milestone moments and a star-studded line up of guest speakers will be among the highlights of the RYA Dinghy and Watersports Show 2026.
Scottish sailors’ relief that ‘outrageous’ Clyde fee plan has been shelved
Plans to introduce a £100 annual fee for leisure boaters in the popular cruising ground of Scotland’s Clydeport have been shelved after a public backlash.