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…

Westerly Fulmer

James Stevens answers your questions of seamanship. This month, what would you do in a Force 7 with no sail, no engine, no anchor and no radio?

A yacht sailing in heavy seas which led to the solo skipper abandoning the boat for a liferaft

Phil van der Mespel had always dreamed of a long offshore adventure. When unforeseeable disaster struck, careful preparation for the worst-case scenario saw him rescued within hours

Liferaft

Wherever you cruise, you’ll most likely want to keep a liferaft on board in case of emergency – but where’s the best place to stow it? Duncan Kent makes some…

Liferaft

Do manufacturers abide by the self-regulating ISO 9650 liferaft standard? Does the standard go far enough? Chris Beeson tests six liferafts to find out