These can transform cruising yachts, giving them sufficient power to sail in light airs when previously crews would have been likely to resort to the engine. However, as we can…
Family adventure: How we home-schooled our kids while sailing across the Pacific
Sailing the paradise of the Pacific Ocean with my own boat had been my dream since forever. The first big question was when would be the right time for the…
It takes a team to Tango: The inside story of the fourth Wallycento superyacht
This may be the fourth 100ft yacht designed to the Wallycento box rule, but it’s one that raises the bar with regard to combining form and functionality with outrageously cool…
Cruising New Caledonia: Spectacular sailing in the French corner of the Pacific
“OK, this time you’ll do it, right?” Wietze asks, full of hope that this time I’ll grab the mooring buoy without a hitch. I’m totally focussed on the white buoy…
From the archives: How the early years of the Fastnet Race shaped its legend
In 1931, a Yachting World correspondent who went by the name of Solent opined: “615 miles seemed to me too long for any yacht race by some 500-odd miles.” But…
Taking control: How modern autopilot systems can be your best helmsman
It’s hardly surprising. At speeds that are regularly in the high 20s with sustained bursts in excess of 30 knots, there is much to gain from getting it right and…
Vendée Globe 2020 preview: Next generation foilers will sail on the limit
The world of single-handed offshore racing is a uniquely rarefied one. It’s an oft-quoted statistic that more people have been into space than sailed around the planet non-stop, but solo…
Video: See inside 9 of the most amazing modern sailing superyachts
1. Aquarius The brief for Aquarius included that she should be, ‘an elegant, muscular sailing yacht with a classic profile for family enjoyment.’ But that barely scratches the surface of…
Pink Gin VI: The inside story of Baltic Yachts’ all-carbon super sloop
The Baltic 175 Pink Gin may have captured most of the headlines for her sheer size and cleverly engineered topside balconies, but below decks a collection of Cuban art and…
Inside a legendary Whitbread: Extract from Maiden by Tracy Edwards and Tim Madge
Tracy raises the funds, finds the boat of the same name and skippers the first all-female crew around the globe in the world’s greatest fully-crewed yacht race. The years 1989/90…
Hallberg-Rassy 50: New model continues the Swedish yard’s twin-rudder revolution
The Hallberg-Rassy 50 is the fifth new generation twin-rudder model from the Swedish yard. As with its immediate predecessors – the 340, 40C, 44 and 57 – the new boat…
5 tips: Vendee Globe veteran explains how to face the fear and do it anyway
Facing your fears is something that challenges every sailor, but none more so than those taking on single-handed offshore racing. Nick Moloney is a social animal and thrives on being…
McConaghy 105 first look: Luxurious concept promises a wicked turn of speed
With its all-carbon build, the McConaghy 105 is capable of matching true wind speed under sail, topping out at around 20 knots. So it speaks volumes that this Jason Ker-designed…
Hylas 60 first look: Virtual tour brings this stunning new model to life
COVID-19 lockdown saw a bonanza of virtual boat shows and there’s every chance they are here to stay. A well executed virtual experience can give potential buyers a good feel…
Yacht lightning strikes: Why they cause so much damage and how to protect against them
According to US insurance claims (from BoatUS Marine Insurance) the odds of a boat being struck by lightning in any year are about 1 per 1,000, increasing to 3.3 per…
Navigation briefing: How to use weather observations to improve your forecasts
I have some tips for maximising the real-time information you can see, both online and using the naked eye. For instance, if sailing west across the Solent you can utilise…
Aquarius: Modern classic masterpiece makes for a surprisingly sensible superyacht
A demanding brief for Aquarius from experienced sailors has produced a masterpiece from some of the most experienced and talented brains in the superyacht world. Within five months of handover…
Shogun 50 first look: New Swedish brand looks to balance performance and comfort
Mats Bergryd approached father and son team Håken and Oscar Södergren for the design. “The commission from Mats was to make a competitive 50ft racer suitable for our archipelago with…
Flax 27: Cork decks and electric propulsion make this the most eco-friendly yacht
In the face of it there was nothing unusual about the Flax 27. Set in a corner of one of the 17 halls at Boot Düsseldorf at the beginning of…
Is in-boom furling the next big thing in sail handling technology?
Even though this remains an expensive option, in-boom furling is one that a growing number of boat owners are adopting. Key advantages include one person being able to handle the…