The great Californian Gold Rush of the 1840s and 1850s saw over a quarter of a million people follow the sun to the west of the United States, each dreaming…
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Boréal 47.2 review: a proven concept refined
Boréal is not afraid to forge its own path and its distinctive aluminium cruising yachts have gained a strong reputation over the past 15 years. The latest model, the Boréal…
New Fastnet record: MOD70 PowerPlay sets new fastest time
The MOD70 Trimaran PowerPlay, led by Peter Cunningham and skippered by Ned Collier Wakefield, has set a new Fastnet record. The team completed the original Fastnet course of 595 nautical…
New catamarans: 2021’s most exciting launches
2021 looks set to be a bumper year for new catamarans as the trend for fast cruising yachts, which deliver plenty if living space continues. This year there are set…
First look: J/45 and Linjett 39
Manufacturers are continuing to design and build innovative new boats in 2021. This month, we’re looking at three new yachts for 2021. The J/45 is a novel departure for J-Boats,…
Five very different Atlantic crossing experiences
On the first night of their Atlantic crossing, a ‘dark shadow’ passed 100m away from Christian and Manuela Lücking’s boat. It was unlit and not moving. Unnerved, Christian Lücking called…
First look Aeolos P30: lightweight downwind flyer
The Aeolos P30 is a competitively priced, but very fast, ‘carbon fun rocket’ aimed at the market for single and double-handed offshore racing, plus inshore racing with a team of…
Marine electronics: the latest new gear for 2021
It seems every year the technology available to sailors is improving and broadening and 2021 is already delivering innovative new marine electronics from radical new ideas to improvements on well-known…
MW40OF first look: An easy to look after, marina friendly foiler
History tells us that unfamiliar Argentine names in yacht design are not to be underestimated and if the drawing of the new MW40OF is anything to go by, you can…
Mike Horn: From the Amazon to the Arctic Ocean and beyond
Mike Horn is not a man you forget easily, yet if you were to name the world’s most famous sailors, it’s unlikely Horn’s name would top the bill. For a…
How New Zealand became the greatest modern America’s Cup team
Team New Zealand’s latest successful America’s Cup defence in March 2021 was their fourth America’s Cup victory; two as Defender two as a challenger. New Zealand is only the second…
Bluewater cruisers’ 10 tips for sailing during Covid
With so much uncertainty still surrounding travel, should cruisers still be sailing during Covid? There is a moral quandary here. “We advise people to wait another year,” says Janneke Kuysters…
Best boating accessories: Summer sailing essentials from barbecues to coolboxes
Best portable barbecues Cobb Grill Premier Plus portable barbecue I was introduced to the Cobb when a friend offered me a hot dog – which he was cooking in the…
Sailing to South Africa: A demanding sail from the Seychelles
“Quick, close the hatches!” my partner Wietze calls down while we prepare an early Monday breakfast. All is ready to leave Seychelles, we’ve mustered our courage to tackle the difficult…
Avvento: The all-electric Spirit 44e that’s pushing boundaries
Boats have been built of wood since Noah first put axe to tree. For devotees of the classic style, Spirit Yachts have been building head-turningly pretty yachts with laminated wooden…
Round the Island Race: Entries now open
Entries for the world-famous Round the Island Race 2021 opened at 00.01 this morning, 19 March. Organised by the Island Sailing Club, the Round the Island has always been one…
British team confirmed as Challenger of Record for 37th America’s Cup
In what might have been the worst kept secret of the current America’s Cup, the British INEOS Team UK has been confirmed this morning, Friday 19th March, as the Challenger…
Crew safety: Lessons from the aviation industry
The safety and wellbeing of both crew and vessel are the primary responsibility of any skipper. Without exception every crew leader will attest to this and yet it is nearly…
Sailing downwind: Expert tips to improve your helming
Carolijn Brouwer is a top talent, having been to the Olympic Games in three different classes (470, Europe and Tornado catamaran), and more recently raced extensively offshore, there are few…
America’s Cup: Matthew Sheahan’s final day report from Auckland
In the six America’s Cup regattas that I’ve now be present at and covered it’s never been daylight when I’ve written the final race piece. Today is no different. As…