Learning curve

Dismasted offshore: Jock arriving home in Tighnabruaich after sailing 1,500 miles under jury rig

  • February 8, 2022

When Jock Hamilton’s 33ft Wauquiez Gladiateur dismasted offshore, 500 miles from land, he created a jury rig using a Laser dinghy mast, sails and oars, before sailing 1,500 miles home

  • January 5, 2022

Have you heard the phrase ‘through hell or high water’? I’ve been through both, simultaneously when crossing the Bay of Biscay in winter and with only modest sailing experience, writes…

Pete advises 'Always carry an expert helm' like his friend Mike (pictured) with Cambeltown Lifeboat. Credit: Pete John

  • December 14, 2021

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

After a harrowing first lock experience, Lizzy and Rob favoured a technique of tying off mid-cleat and motoring against it, whether against a ladder - or to the Rhone locks' easier floating bollards. Credit: Lizzy Bolan

  • December 2, 2021

From buying a suitable yacht to negotiating 371 locks, three tunnels and travelling 1,400 miles from Fareham, Lizzy Bolan shares the highs and lows of navigating the French canals

Swimmer descends to the liferaft in breaking waves; two casualties were still in the storm-battered sea after the yacht sunk. Credit: Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust

  • September 27, 2021

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…