Category: Europe
-
When do you need a liferaft on a yacht?
Each month James Stevens, who spent 10 of his 23 years at the RYA as chief examiner answers a reader’s question. This month, when do you need a liferaft? 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…
-
Heavy weather sailing: How to reduce sail in a storm
It’s one thing dealing with heavy weather sailing offshore, but what should coastal sailors do when they need to shorten sail in a blow? Martin Thomas explains, and Theo Stocker puts it to the test Knowing the theory behind how to reduce sail in a storm is one thing, but does that theory work id…
-
How to dry out alongside with your yacht
Knowing how to dry out alongside piles or a wall can save time and money for working on the hull, says Rachael Sprot Whenever I launch a boat for the start of the season, I say a solemn goodbye to its bottom. As soon as it’s launched the underside becomes a foreign land, and one…
-
Heavy weather sailing: How to prepare your yacht for a storm
It’s one thing dealing with heavy weather sailing offshore, but what should coastal sailors do when a big blow is imminent? Martin Thomas explains, and Theo Stocker puts it to the test From South Ocean pitchpolings to North Atlantic hurricanes, much has been written about the means and methods of heavy weather sailing in open…
-
Buying a second hand boat: The good, bad and the ugly
When Simon and Sally Hardaker set out with friends to buy a boat suited to long-distance cruising they encountered a tricky second hand boat market considerably changed in recent times For much of the past decade, my wife Sally and I have been dreaming, planning and saving up to sail off on an adventure, together…
-
How to get a yacht out of a tight berth
James Stevens considers a problem sent in by a Yachting Monthly reader who wants to know 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…
-
The best mast climbing gear for sailors & solo climbers
The best mast climbing gear for sailors isn’t necessarily anything fancy and marinised with a premium price tag, instead you can pick up the best mast climbing gear from a regular high street store with a climbing department. This buyers guide has all the gear for climbing a mast solo, double handed or fully crewed.…
-
Would you set off in fog in your yacht?
Author of the Yachtmaster Handbook, James Stevens, answers a tricky question on setting off in fog for one Yachting Monthly reader 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 late August and Ben…
-
The 10 golden rules of boat handling updated for modern times
There are 10 key principles when it comes to boat handling under power, says Rachael Sprot, but it’s time to update them to reflect the latest tech and evolving features of modern boats Mind your bows,’ said my mother in an increasingly high-pitched voice, ‘bit more to port…don’t clip the stern!’ I was 17 and…
-
Where is the best sailing in Europe?
Table of Contents Introduction Exploring the Best Sailing Destinations in Europe Luxury Yacht Charters: The Best Way to Sail in Europe Private Yacht Rentals: Enjoy a Unique Sailing Experience in Europe Yacht Vacations: Unforgettable Sailing Holidays in Europe Crewed Yacht Charters: The Ultimate Way to Sail in Europe Q&A Conclusion “Experience the Best Sailing in…