For a fully conscious casualty, climbing back on board is one solution. We trialled two man overboard ladders and the swimming ladder on the transom. The swimming ladder was by…
Rachael Sprot
Best man overboard lifting device
After you’ve used a throwing line or a life-sling to bring a casualty alongside in a man overboard situation, you need to lift them out, ideally horizontally. A horizontal life…
Victoria 30: a small boat with big ambitions
The Victoria 30 is a small boat with big ambitions: a pocket cruiser that’s fun to sail and pretty to boot. Is she Queen Victoria or just a pretender to…
Cruising Clinic: Mooring astern in tricky berths
Picture the scene: it’s a beautiful summer evening, the marina is bathed in golden light and there are crowds of people outside the bar sipping gin and tonics. You’ll soon…
Bavaria 32 Cruiser: A boat built for family fun afloat
Can a practical family cruiser also deliver performance? The Bavaria 32 Cruiser straddles both worlds with ease, says Rachael Sprot
Pilotage skills: expert tips to explore with confidence
In the first of our Cruising Clinic series, Rachael Sprot steps aboard to help Tracey Hindmarsh and her crew improve their pilotage skills to explore with confidence
How to service a winch – video guide
Servicing winches regularly is critical for safety, to keep things working easily and to prolong your equipment's life. Rachael Sprot of Rubicon 3 (www.rubicon3.co.uk) explains how to disassemble, clean and…
How to navigate any coastline
Navigation using digital or paper charts is key to good seamanship, but understanding the seven basic types of coastline and their challenges, and keeping your eyes out of the boat…
Navigation masterclass: 7 coastline types
No matter where you are in the world, if you are cruising a coast the chances are it will fall into one of seven categories, says Rachael Sprot.
Expert tips for big boat handling
The principles of big boat handling apply to smaller boats, but everything’s bigger – including the consequences of mistakes, says Rachael Sprot