Sunbeam_401_bowsprit

Bowsprits are all the fashion on new boats these days, but do you need one? Graham Snook looks at how a bowsprit can make your sailing easier and faster

Send your questions to yachtingmonthly@futurenet.com for an expert answer. This month - can you do your own rigging checks?

Fiercest tide races

Breaking waves and lurking rocks have earned some British tidal races a fearsome reputation. Dag Pike explains how to navigate them

Jon Sanders has circumnavigated the world 11 times. Elaine Bunting finds out what drives him to keep seeking out the solace of the sea

YAchts can go further afield when sailing Scotland with the Scottish islands of Harris at Loch Rodel offering a quiet anchorage

Whether you’ve just got a few days to explore the West Coast, or the open North Atlantic is calling, Scotland’s sea routes offer almost endless options says Brian Black…

A liferaft is reassuring, but only to be used as an absolute last resort. James Stevens explores the main scenarios that could lead to abandoning ship, and what to do…