My first real memories — tangible memories that I know to be my own and not false memories born of old photos and stories — were formed as a nine-year-old…
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Eastbound Atlantic crossing: All the weather info you need
Atlantic crossings are usually spoken of in terms of days of running west before the tradewinds (although as sailors we are rarely satisfied and yearn for an angle to turn…
Extraordinary boats: Andrillot, the original ‘Vertue’ design
German boatbuilder Uli Killer was looking for a boat to sail while he was working on a big restoration project when he spotted Andrillot, a 25ft wooden cutter for sale…
World’s coolest yachts: USA 17
“I’d have loved to sail on the America’s Cup AC72 cats in San Francisco in 2013, they were so invigorating. Those boats were when Larry Ellison just let free in…
How to follow the Ocean Race Europe
On Saturday 29 May, The Ocean Race Europe will set off for the first time ever and will see 12 teams in two classes racing on a multi-stage course from…
Across the Atlantic in a £1500 ferrocement schooner
Of all the yachting books I have read, not one starts like The Boat They Laughed At, by the inimitable Max Liberson: ‘I tapped the large man on the shoulder,…
Furlers: All the latest kit on the market
A tug on the working sheet and the furling line, the offwind sail spins open and your boat surges forward, the great joy of a furlers doing that for which…
Apex 850: First look at giant new superyacht
The tie-up between Malcolm McKeon and Royal Huisman continues to bear fruit, this time in the form of the world’s largest sloop, Apex 850. Measuring 85m on deck, this yacht’s…
Dufour 470 review: Bags of space below
Yacht design has made enormous strides in the past decade: the best of today’s new boats are safer, easier to handle, faster and a lot more spacious than older models…
Gender equality: How SailGP and others are driving female inclusion
As part of a remix for this second full season of the foiling world-spanning race series, SailGP, each of the eight teams are to add one female athlete per team.…
Round the world races: 3 new budget events
A clutch of ‘budget friendly’ new round the world races for sailor-owners has tapped into renewed enthusiasm for adventure and endurance sailing. All three new events are set to take…
How to prepare a boat for the season ahead
Abby Ehler has competed in three Volvo Ocean Races and run top race boats including Farr 40s, TP52s and the 76ft mini-maxi Nokia Enigma. She has also been a key…
Pip Hare gets ‘dream’ foiling IMOCA for 2024 Vendée Globe
British Vendée Globe sailor Pip Hare today announced that she has renewed her partnership with Medallia, and bought a foiling IMOCA for her 2024 Vendée Globe campaign. The news will…
Join Toby Hodges for expert advice in ‘Bluewater cockpit conversations’ this May
ARC rally organisers World Cruising Club are running a unique series of events from 25-28 May, which should be essential watching for any aspiring bluewater cruisers looking to buy a…
John John Florence: The surfing sailor
Some folk seem to have it all. At 28, John John Florence has already enjoyed a career as one of the world’s most talented professional surfers. He lives on the…
World’s coolest yachts: Wally 143
“[The Wally 143 is] the most incredible yacht I have had the privilege to shoot and to witness… the length, the design, the power, the elegance. “Maybe meeting this beautiful…
Squalls and gusts: How to predict and cope with them
Squalls are the school bullies of the ocean. But, like all bullies, your best bet is to outsmart them – and that means knowing where they form, how to avoid…
Nordic Cool 105: First look
Yacht number five in Southern Wind’s 105ft semi-custom line is set to have a raised saloon, like several of her sisterships. But the lines and geometry have been slightly modified…
Cruise Scotland: A couple finds empty anchorages and peace
The warble call from a loon broke the silence as we edged closer to shore, motoring quietly through still water. Astern, mountain peaks glowing purple in the sunset faded into…
Mid-ocean repairs: Vendée Globe sailors tell all
Some of the damage we saw at the Vendée Globe finish was simply staggering, yet this edition was also remarkable for its small number of retirements. Many boats suffered major…