The Maxi 72 Ran II was a dominant force both inshore and offshore, sailing an intense programme after its launch in 2009, including taking back-to-back wins in the Rolex Fastnet…
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First look: HH44 – smallest offering yet
The old adage that the many benefits of a cruising catamaran are achieved at the cost of its sailing qualities is no longer true and a growing proportion of buyers…
New yachts at Cannes Yachting Festival 2023
Cannes Yachting Festival has always featured a wide-array of new multihull launches – it is France, after all – but in recent years the French boat show has grown and…
The Ocean Race: Was the latest edition a success?
In the sweltering heat of midsummer in the Ligurian Sea, temperatures and tensions were steadily rising on board 11th Hour Racing. Simon ‘Si Fi’ Fisher restlessly tidied lines in the…
New yachts at Southampton Boat Show 2023
The northern hemisphere summer is drawing to a close and for sailors this means that boat show season is upon us. With dozens of world premieres among the line-up at…
What’s it like to quit your job and sail the world?
There’s an old sailing joke that goes something like this: “In search of single man with boat. Please send photo of boat.” Today couples find each other on dating apps…
How Venice changed my mind – and won my heart
I’ll be the first to admit that I wanted to ‘skip’ Venice. In the myriad of Mediterranean sailing destinations I discussed with my wife and co-captain, Roxy, I thought we…
Clothing of the future: Eco friendly sailing kit
Back in the days when togging up for a sail meant donning a stout Guernsey and some tightly woven gaberdines, sustainability was barely on the agenda. Wool and cotton were…
Swan 55 review: modern performance cruiser
When it comes to choosing a modern performance cruising yacht, it could be argued that many of the current crop of designs share very similar trends, particularly those from Med-based…
How to follow the America’s Cup preliminary regatta
The 37th America’s Cup may still be a year away but in early September 2023 we will see the first AC racing of this cycle as teams take to the…
I tested the $100 Huck Bucket could it possibly be worth the money?
I, like most sailors I’m sure, use a bucket. A lot. In fact, it’s arguably the most used item on our boat. It’s the first thing I retrieve from the…
5 expert tips to improve your tacking
While a tack is one of the most fundamental manoeuvres, it’s also hard to execute well. The more crew on board, the harder it is to co-ordinate the timing of…
Cruising Turkey: magnificent ruins, beautiful flora and fauna
For the last five years we have wend our way from the Channel Islands to the crystal waters of the Eastern Mediterranean. Our 56-footer Kytra is registered in Guernsey so…
First look: Jack Setton’s JV60
This 60ft Judel/Vrolijk daysailer is the latest commission by French businessman and serial boatowner Jack Setton. Those familiar with Setton’s yachts over the last few decades will know he is…
Why the yachts of the future are already here
Imagine a future where you could buy a standard production yacht which is built not from virgin fibres, toxic resin, and fitted with teak or plastic decks, nor propelled by…
World’s fastest monohull: Malizia-Seaexplorer IMOCA 60
Followers of the IMOCA 60 fleet will know that two names have dominated the class over the past two generations when it comes to design: VPLP and Verdier. So, it’s no…
American Magic skipper: Terry Hutchinson
American professional sailor Terry Hutchinson has been called many things in his 40-year career racing sailboats. Brash. Outspoken. A horse’s you-know-what. And they’re among the less incendiary labels – comments…
First look: Rapide 41 – a new Mills Café-Racer
This graceful new Rapide 41 is the first to be built in a new series of performance café-racers drawn by Mark Mills. The in-demand Irish designer was commissioned by a…
Great seamanship: The Lugworm Chronicles
For anyone interested in small-boat voyaging – or indeed, any sailor wanting to get seriously close to the sea itself, The Lugworm Chronicles by Ken Duxbury is a ‘must-read’. I,…
Double handed sailing skills: handling symmetric spinnakers
Double handed sailing skills are increasingly important to master as the recent boom in double handed racing, both inshore and offshore, continues and boats designed for couples to cruise two-up…