CRUISING

Sharing the dream
Don’t put off your long-term cruising plans, advises Jack Gush

The boat of the future?
Could new technologies make onboard electrical systems simpler and more reliable? Nigel Calder is betting his boat on it.

Quality time
The pick of Mike Peyton’s cruising cartoons

Triple entente
Joining the Biscay Triangle is a great way to cruise in company

Strait sailing
Discover African delights just a short hop from Gibraltar

Île de bréhat
Peter Cumberlidge delights in a gem of an island found along a magical stretch of Brittany’s coast. PLUS: Free chart

A ride on the eider
The Eider canal is a forgotten waterway perfect for exploration

#!@#!** Diesels
A dodgy diesel can do strange things to a man, says Briar Jensen

Blue water letter
Niki Perryman snugs down in Tasmania for the winter

Big Brother afloat?
A new crew of youngsters sails the first leg of GMIV’s circumnavigation to Gibraltar

BOATS AND GEAR

New boat test: dufour 365
The Dufour 365 epitomises simple cruising pleasure. James Jermain is impressed.

Used boat test: bavaria 320
This 15-year-old cruiser is comfortable as well as being a pleasure to sail, says Miles Kendall

Blade runners
Toby Hodges reports on folding and feathering propellers that will boost your sailing speed

New gear
Flat-pack anchor, engines and Christmas gifts

New boats
The latest yachts, fresh off the drawing board

SAILING SKILLS

Get a grip on anchoring
Drop the hook securely under sail and power

Marooned!
Andy O’Grady faces fire and freezing waters

Skipper’s tips
Choosing the right sail, chartplotter skills and more

Question of seamanship
The spinnaker’s up but you need to slow down

Sealing out the sea
How to maintain the sealant around your chainplates

Rig checks – what to look for
13 essential tips for checking your standing rigging

Any Questions
Choosing a surveyor, sailing in Sweden, marina rip-offs

Toolbox extra
The tools that you wouldn’t sail without

REGULARS

Editor’s log
The view from the helm

Opening shot
Loch Fyne spinnaker run

News
Fake RYA certificates

Readers’ letters
Your right of reply

Libby Purves
No more novelty presents, begs Libby

Cunliffe on Cruising
Tom rediscovers his faith in yacht ownership

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Around the coast
What’s been happening in your home waters?

Confessional
Yachtsmen share their sailing sins