COVER STORY: PIRATES’ MACHETE ATTACK
THE NIGHT OF THE LONG KNIVES
Eyewitness account of how armed men boarded a Caribbean charter yacht and attacked the cruising couple on board

CAMBRIAN CROSSINGS
Ken Endean looks at ways to make the hop from Cornwall to Wales before exploring Milford Haven

ARC POWER FEEDBACK
Three transatlantic skippers share their alternative methods of generating power while crossing an ocean

NO NODDING OFF
A good night’s sleep can be hard to find, says Graham Snook

COVER STORY: NOT THE NINE O’CLOCK NEWS
SAILING FOR GRINGOS
Michael Buerk heads for Mexico in search of sunshine sailing

LONDON BOAT SHOW: A LEAP OF FAITH?
How did the ExCeL show compare to its Earl’s Court rival?

BLUE WATER LETTER
Great Barrier Island in New Zealand may be the most beautiful place she has ever visited, says Annie Hill

COVER STORY: HAVE YOU GOT THE WRONG RIG?
FREEDOM TO BE DIFFERENT
It’s worth considering the alternatives to a Bermudian rig

COVER STORY: NIGHT WATCH
STANDING YOUR WATCH
Why standing orders and a planned watch system are vital

SKIPPER’S TIPS AND QUICK QUIZ
Prevent your yacht piling into pontoons, stop shore lines chafing, PLUS: test your nautical knowledge

A QUESTION OF SEAMANSHIP
Is there time for a nap during an offshore passage?
SAILING SKILLS LIBRARY
A mini-logbook, tidal cards and the physics of sail

LEARNING CURVE
Ingenuity is called for after a collision with a log

ANY QUESTIONS?
What’s a good starter boat?
Must I carry paper charts?

NEW BOAT TEST: BAVARIA 50 VISION
The sleeker version of Bavaria’s 50ft flagship is remarkably
cheap – but is she good value, asks James Jermain

USED BOAT TEST: HALLBERG-RASSY 312
The HR312 may look a little dated but she still ‘exudes
understated class’

COVER STORY: SEARCHLIGHTS & HEAD TORCHES
BRIGHT IDEAS
19 searchlights and head torches tested and rated

CHAIN REACTIONS
Cost may not be the only drawback to stainless steel chain

NEW BOATS
Highlights from ExCeL including the Southerly 32, Elan 450,
Bavaria 38 and the innovative Orana 44 catamaran

NEW GEAR
A jerrycan with a built-in pump, a souped-up mainsail stacker
and how to slice through shrouds in seconds

COVER STORY: WHAT’S YOUR BOAT WORTH?
NEW SERIES: A-Z OF USED BOATS
Buying, selling or just curious? This major new series casts off
with used classics including the Albin Vega and the Arpège

30,000-MILE GEAR TEST
Seafresh watermaker – tried and tested on a cruise around the world