Being able to accurately judge distance at sea is just as vital in the digital age as it ever was, says James Stevens. We look at how to refine your…
Sailing skills
Sunk in a storm with no liferaft: lessons learned
Bruce Goodwin's ocean crossing with friends was nearing an end when they encountered a storm; the liferaft was lost, the yacht sank. Skipper Stuart Pedersen tragically died just as he…
Mooring: A guide to coming alongside, rafting & traditional skills
Understanding traditional mooring skills like how to tie up alongside a wall or between piles, raft up or even dry out can give you the option of escaping the marina…
How hull shape affects comfort at sea
Understanding how your hull shape responds to waves will keep you and your crew safe and comfortable in a blow, says Julian Wolfram
Traditional seamanship on an oyster smack
Toby Heppell heads to the East Coast to sail a traditional oyster smack and put his dredging skills to the test
Downwind secrets of ocean sailors
How do you choose which sails to set or what course to steer, and can you stop the boat rolling? Toby Heppell talked to sailors preparing for the ARC to…
Could you get out of this tight berth?
Would you know how to manoeuvre a 22.5m vessel out of a tight berth? James Stevens answers your questions of seamanship
Surviving a Force 11 storm with a series drogue
Small cruising boats are not fast enough to sail away from bad weather. Tony Curphey shares how a series drogue was vital while sailing the Southern Ocean in a Nicholson
Towing a boat: how to tow and be towed
When a boat needs towing, cruising yachts are often among the first on the scene. James Stevens explains how to help
Sailing in waves: top tips to keep you safe at speed
Sailing in waves can make for a jarring, juddering experience and long, uncomfortable passages and at worst, a dangerous, boat-rolling hazard. However, it can also mean a thrilling surfing ride…