John is skipper of a Beneteau Oceanis 34 sailing back to the UK from a holiday in France with two crew. When they left France, the forecast was variable becoming…
Question of Seamanship
Should you cross the Channel with this forecast?
Kate is skipper of an 11m cruising yacht currently in Braye Harbour on the north coast of Alderney. She sailed from Guernsey, 23 miles away, yesterday in a fair SW…
How do you moor a yacht in a tricky windward slot?
Andy’s home berth is alongside a walkashore pontoon on a river. Outside is another pontoon not attached to the shore. There is quite a strong tidal stream, up to 2…
How to handle rounding Portland Bill: inshore of offshore?
Ed is skipper of a 10m production cruiser racer Aurora, which he keeps in Weymouth. He is returning from a West Country cruise with three friends and preparing to round…
When do you need a liferaft on a yacht?
Bill and George, both retired, have recently bought an 8m bilge keel cruiser. They had it surveyed and it seems structurally sound, the engine, fuel and gas systems are safe,…
How to get a yacht out of a tight berth
Tide Race is an 11m production GRP yacht with a fin keel and a fixed three-bladed prop. While giving plenty of power, the prop also gives a substantial kick to…
Would you set off in fog in your yacht?
Ben is skipper of Leading Light, an 11-metre yacht currently moored in a marina in Cowes on the Isle of Wight. He has two crew. It is early morning in…
Push on or divert with seasick crew onboard?
Should you divert or push on when you have a seasick crew onboard? Mike owns Petrel, a modern 12m yacht and is on a passage across Cardigan Bay from Fishguard…
How would you tackle a berth in a gale?
Would you know how to berth in a gale? James Stevens answers your Questions of Seamanship
Do you still lee bow after a wind shift?
If you are lee bowing, how do you make best use of a windshift? James Stevens answers your Questions of Seamanship