September 2016 - Yachting Monthly

See what’s inside our September 2016 issue here…

SAILING SKILLS

Expert On Board: 10 skills to master before you set sail

James Stevens explains which skills are best to perfect while you have time

Practical Seamanship: Enough with the radio checks!

A steady stream of radio checks on Ch16 is annoying and could cost lives, says Andy Du Port

A question of seamanship

‘Can I avoid traffic in a narrow gap?’
Reader survey

Tell us what you want to read in YM and win an iPad

Any questions?

Skipper’s tips

Learning curve

Why a big lee may not offer shelter in a gale

CRUISING

Brest Festival

The Breton port comes alive with stunning classic vessels

A young family adventure on the Firth of Forth
Ben Kemp and his family try out a week afloat in Scotland on their new boat

A sailor’s guide to seabirds

Identify, enjoy and help conserve our coastal wildlife. Brian Black outlines the most common species

Pilotage: Caernarfon Bar

How to cross this infamous bar

A gallop to Gdansk

Heading East to Poland, Miranda Delmar-Morgan discovers charming harbours, Hanseatic towns and welcoming locals

Anchorage: River Roach

A quiet spot at Quay Reach on the Roach in Essex

Cruising log

Readers share their cruising experiences in Ireland and Russia

GEAR & BOAT REVIEWS

Group gear test: Boom brakes

How well do boom brakes really control the boom downwind? Duncan Kent tests three to find out

Cut the cost of replacing your rigging

When did you last change your standing rigging? Tom Cunliffe wasn’t sure, so he bit the bullet

New boat test: Najad 450

The Najad boatyard has been resurrected and YM had an exclusive test of the new Najad 450CC

Tried and Tested

New boats

New gear