Discover how to sail with a poled out headsail in our latest Bluewater Sailing Techniques…
Practical cruising
Bluewater Sailing Techniques Part 5: How to set up a spinnaker safely for long downwind passages
In the fifth instalment of our bluewater sailing videos, we explain how to set up…
Bluewater Sailing Techniques Part 6: anchoring in coral
Anchoring in coral is illegal in many places and should certainly be avoided if at…
Bluewater Sailing Techniques Part 7: man overboard under spinnaker
Man overboard at sea is thankfully a very rare occurrence. But with any risk assessment,…
Bluewater Sailing Techniques Part 8: man overboard recovery
A man overboard on an ocean passage is probably one of the most terrifying emergencies…
Bluewater Sailing Techniques Part 9: night watches and routines offshore
Expert skipper Dan Bower explains how should you plan it, what should you take into…
Bluewater Sailing Techniques Part 10: the care and use of the ship’s dinghy
A major part of your cruising life will be spent using your tender. In many…
Bluewater Sailing Techniques Part 11: snorkelling and diving on reefs
When cruising in the tropics – or indeed sailing round the world – the time…
Bluewater Sailing Techniques Part 12: Fishing from your boat
Dan Bower's advice on catching a fish for your supper is the last in our…
Offshore weather planning: the options for receiving weather data at sea
When I skippered a yacht in the first Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) 30 years…
6 ways of preparation to sail around the world, from the planner to the opportunist
It’s really comforting having a family of boats around us – a community.” Paul Frew…
16 expert tips on sailing across the Atlantic from the Caribbean to Europe
Heading the other way? Planning to sail to the Caribbean from Europe? Check out our…
Risk of piracy reduces off Somalia, but increases in West Africa
While the problem of piracy seems to have lessened in the Indian ocean, it is…
Downwind sailing tips: sail more comfortably and faster with this simple main and headsails combination
As exciting as it sounds to fly coloured sails at sea, when it comes to…
Rudder failure in the Med: how Ross Applebey made it to safety and fashioned a replacement
Losing a rudder is a big issue, but in bad weather it can quickly become…
Yacht refit overseas: it may look cheaper, but is it a good idea to have a refit done abroad?
Yacht refit in a far-flung part of the world can appear to be an attractive…
Baby on board: a parents’ guide to the challenges and rewards of sailing with children
Like any couple on the brink of starting a family James and I would talk…
Recommissioning: how to prepare your yacht to sail away after laying up
If you are leaving your boat for a period of time it may work out…
How to lay up a yacht abroad: cruisers find they can fly home and still save money
A high percentage of cruisers we meet plan to lay up a yacht in a…
Cruising in Brittany: its warm weather, golden beaches and handy marinas take some beating
Peter Cumberlidge cruises the coast of north Brittany and investigates a slower pace of life…