A boating emergency is the sort of thing that everyone taking to the water should be prepared for even if, in preparing, we hope we are never in a position…
Sailing skills
Sea sailing: making your boat secure
Loose objects can endanger both crew and yacht in rough weather. Checking your boat is secure before sea sailing should be a regular habit, says Andy du Port
Storm tactics at anchor: Surviving gales in Scilly
Ken Endean shelters from Storm Evert on the Isles of Scilly and reflects on storm tactics at anchor and on moorings
Fouled prop in a Force 7: lessons learned
Pete John recalls bringing his Nicholson 35 from Hamble to Argyll, with strong winds, a rope around the prop, genoa furling line failure and an escort by the Campbeltown lifeboat
Busting the hull speed myth
Waterline length is not the defining factor in maximum boat speed that we all think it is. Julian Wolfram busts the hull speed myth
How do I get out of a severe broach?
If your boat was about to broach what would you do? James Stevens answers your Questions of Seamanship
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
Sailing in the Arctic: how to cruise to the far north
Once you’ve experienced the beauty and peace of sailing in the Arctic, you’ll want to return again and again. Andrew Wilkes explains how to make the dream a reality…
VHF Radio pitfalls and how to avoid them
It’s easy to just turn on your VHF radio and hope for the best, but knowing how to get the best out of it can make a big difference, says…
How to make a VHF radio Mayday call & Pan Pan call
When you need help, make sure you and your crew know exactly what to say when making a Mayday or distress call, says Andy Du Port