Inside the December issue of Yachting Monthly you will find:

SAILING SKILLS

Precision weather forecasting
If you want precise weather forecasts where you are, here’s how to build your own from scratch

Safety Lessons
What 2019 taught us about good seamanship

28 traditional skills
The art of setting canvas to balance an oyster smack

Skippers’ tips
Keep warm • Protect your deck gear • Pick the right autopilot

A a question of seamanship
Can you get the MOB back on the boat?

Reading the waves
How to find fair tides and avoid rough water

Baltic dismasting
‘The entire rig sank like a stone’ – how the crew coped

CRUISING

CREDIT: James Holkko/Maritime Museum of British Columbia

Solo circumnavigation at 77
Jeanne Socrates has just returned from a record-breaking voyage. We spoke to her to find out about the challenges and rewards

Scottish adventure
Sam Llewllyn sails through Scotland without a propeller

Exploring Plymouth
Dag Pike discovers the hidden gems of Plymouth

Italian anchorage
Finding a quiet place to droop the hook in  Sorrento, Italy

Taking on Biscay
How to tackle a crossing of Biscay and what route to take

Cruising community
In Captain Cook’s footsteps • Channel Islands cruise

Credit: Sam Llewellyn

GEAR AND BOATS

Yachts for fast offshore passages
Our pick of the best boats for eating up the miles and getting you to your destination in style

Best boats of 2019
Our pick of the best new boats tested in YM this year

Best gear of 2019
Amazing new VHF radios and sustainable wooden decks

REGULARS

Editor’s letter – Jeanne of all trades
News – Small Chart Folios to cease
Letters – Look around • Good to talk
Pete Goss – Our harbour shame
Dick Durham – For whom the bell tolls
Guest column – Anchoring more
Books – Sea Peace by Lord Stanley
Confessions – You say throw, I throw