The Spinlock Deckvest LITE is one of the best lifejackets I have used, principally because it feels the least cumbersome. I am not going to argue that it’s the best…
new gear
Karver KJH Handle tested
Who’s it for? Any sailor who wants added purchase when hand-pulling a rope of 8mm or less. Tested by Matthew Sheahan
B&G H5000 review – instrument package for all sailors
B&G is the only company that currently produces a range of instruments specifically designed for sailing. It became clear during two days trialling its new equipment aboard three yachts in…
Velocitek Shift tactical compass
The Velocitek Shift is an interesting new product that can help make the decision about when best to tack. It uses changes in compass heading to let you know if…
PROtect Tapes: Skid and LoopX reviewed
PROtect Tapes specialises in making products to combat chafing, friction, abrasion, scratches, damage, ageing and wear on board boats by working with specialists in polymers, technical films and adhesives, as…
Squid weather software program
This is an exciting new weather program that collates online weather information. Developed by experienced offshore sailors and navigators, Squid weather software has been designed as a tool to download…
Garmin Quatix watch
Apart from telling the time, one of the most useful functions on the ground-breaking Garmin Quatix sailing watch is the tidal data, which allows you to find HW and LW…
D Splicer fid and scissors reviewed
When faced with a splicing job where a fid won’t work I, like most innovative sailors, will reach for a cable tie, or bent wire and electrical tape to find…
Ocean Signal’s new AIS alarm for man overboard is the most compact on the market
As smartphones bizarrely continue to get larger, to the point where today’s ‘phablets’ are almost too big to fit in a trouser pocket without attracting attention, the majority of us…
Fuel cell from Hydromax: a smaller, lighter, cleaner alternative to diesel generators for battery charging
Hydrogen fuel cells offer a mobile, silent form of power that can be useful for recharging batteries in place of generators. But although the technology has been available to yachtsmen…