We’re beating out of the approach channel to La Rochelle in 8-10 knots of true wind, with some tacks as short as 90 seconds. The yacht is tacking cleanly and…
Reviews
Arcona 50 review: Luxury performance cruiser
Arcona – a Swedish yard with a sound reputation for producing traditional style cruiser-racers, designed by a little known Swede who had a gift of ensuring slippery hulls. If that…
First look: Black Pepper Code C.69
Black Pepper Yachts never ceases to impress, whether it’s the Nantes-based firm’s stylish and impeccably finished daysailers, or performance monohulls including Sam Manuard-designed IMOCA 60s for sailors such as Armel…
SwellPro Spry+ Drone review
We’ve always enjoyed photography and video-making as we’ve cruised Maunie of Ardwall, our Vancouver 38 Pilot. And ever since we first met some American sailors in Vanuatu who flew a…
C-Cat 65 first look: elegant, sophisticated catamaran
Italian yard Comar is adding a 65ft model designed by Enrico Contreas and Luigi Cirillo to its existing range of 37-65ft performance catamarans and 52-100ft monohulls, the new C-Cat 65.…
Ovni 430 review: new interpretation of a successful concept
The concept of rugged aluminium centreboard boats is well proven, but can a boat displacing 14 tonnes when loaded sail well in the light airs that predominate during summer in…
Helly Hansen Ægir Race Jacket review
The second generation Helly Hansen Ægir Race Jacket is a top notch product made for the ultimate in comfort and protection, without compromise. It’s also noticeably lighter than the Norwegian…
Gill Verso Lite Jacket review
There’s much to be said for the advantages of a smock style top, without a full front zip, as they usually offer better protection than a jacket of similar specification.…
Helly Hansen Skagen Offshore Jacket review
The Helly Hansen Skagen Offshore Jacket is part of the Norwegian company’s mid-level ‘Performance’ range and is competitively priced. Yet it shares ergonomics and features with the brand’s top specification…
Zhik INS200 Jacket review: high-tech, lightweight performer
If you’re in the market for a lightweight performance sailing jacket, then the Zhik INS200 jacket might well be the right thing for you. Fortunately the days in which fabric…
First look: 18m Explorer Yacht OC188
Designed for extended remote cruising including a circumnavigation, OC188 is six months into its aluminium construction at alloy experts KM Yachtbuilders in Makkum. Its experienced owner wanted an easily handled…
First look: MCP 68 – luxury yacht meets trawler-style motorsailer
A luxury yacht meets a rugged trawler-style motorsailer, all wrapped in a purposeful explorer look in this MCP 68 from Brazil. Hull numbers two and three are being delivered this…
First look: 15m Explorer Yacht Lynx
This 15m Explorer Yacht Lynx is very much a descendant of Qilak, and is even dubbed ‘little Qilak’, thanks to its similar looks, its hydraulic lifting keel, twin rudders and…
Spirit 72DH review: latest modern classic stunner
Clear the headland three miles south of Guernsey’s St Peter Port and the depth and conditions can change abruptly, as you transition from sailing around tidal banks into the English…
First look: Swan 108 launched
Nautor’s latest model – billed as being the first in the yard’s new Maxi Swan era – was launched in June this year and underwent sea trials in Finland’s Gulf…
First look: Baltic 110 Zemi – all carbon luxury cruiser
This Malcolm McKeon all-carbon luxurious performance yacht is optimised to take the owner’s family and friends on a breath-taking itinerary of cruising and racing. After sea trials this summer she…
YYachts Y9 review: new sweet spot of superyachting
Time. You may not be able to buy it, but some may be fortunate enough to buy the things that let you use it most efficiently. It was mid afternoon…
We’re astounded by this new foiling superyacht: Baltic 111 Raven
Wow…! This foil-assisted, ultra-lightweight superyacht breaks new ground in many respects and Baltic says it is “one of the most extreme yachts” the yard has built in its 50-year history.…
First look: SailScow 37 – ocean racing inspired cruiser
Much of the drive towards scow bow cruising yachts is driven by top level racing sailors. Armel Tripon, who raced the then radical Sam Manuard-designed IMOCA 60 L’Occitane en Provence…
First look: Swan 108 – new maxi-era Swan
Nautor’s latest model – billed as being the first in the yard’s new Maxi Swan era – was launched in June this year and underwent sea trials in Finland’s Gulf…