Rupert Holmes describes the course of action he pursued – and the lessons learned – when storm conditions threatened to cause damage to his moored boat
Handling rough conditions in port: lessons learned
We were in Agios Efstratios, one of the most remote inhabited Aegean Islands, at the very end of October, sheltering from a deep depression moving slowly west across the Mediterranean. Even that far west they can still pack a powerful punch, but tend to be slow-moving by the time they reach the Aegean.
This...
Marine electrician Jamie Marley explains what you should look out for when choosing an electric outboard engine for your type of cruising
For good performance, make sure the prop tip of your electric outboard is 300mm beneath the waterline. Credit: TorqeedoHow to choose the right electric outboard engine
Back in 2009 it seemed there were fewer electric outboard engines available than fingers on one hand.
Jump forward to...
Katy Stickland talks to Frank Cowper’s great granddaughter about the life and legacy of this unsung pioneer of yachting for everyone
Frank Cowper sailed single-handed, and through his writings, encouraged other sailors to cruise solo. Courtesy of Sula and Steve RiedlingerFrank Cowper’s role in popularising sailing can’t be underestimated.
His Sailing Tours series, which was published between 1892-1896, was the first complete pilot book series covering the coastal waters around Britain for small boats not drawing more than...
Designed for safe family boating under sail, or or power, but taken long distance by intrepid sailors, Clive Marsh looks at the Drascombe and Devon Luggers and the Dabber
Devon Luggers are still built by Honnor Marine. Credit: Honnor MarineDrascombe and Devon Luggers and Dabbers are both excellent versatile boats.
They can be sailed, rowed or motored – ideal for a belt and braces sailor...
Jake Frith braves a chilly April evening with the CasusGrill to see if it cooks as well as its rivals
The briquettes heat up within five minutes, but do lose cooking heat after around half an hour. Credit: Jake FrithThe phrase ‘cardboard barbecue’ has a curious ring to it, not dissimilar to ‘chocolate teapot’.
However, as a big fan of all things new and innovative, I just had to take a look at the CasusGrill, brainchild of Danish inventors Susanne & Carsten Brøgger.
So, my son and I headed out to the river on the first...
Our resident YouTube aficionado shares her favourite picks of microyacht adventurer video blogs...
The universe of microyacht adventurers is large with a long history, as Elaine Bunting recently surveyed in a recent article Smallest boats: The bonkers world of Microyacht adventures in Yachting World.
And while I deeply respect and admire the legendary Swedish...
Katy Stickland reviews the new edition of Marine Diesel Basics and the new maintenance logbooks which accompanies the manual
The new edition of Marine Diesel Basics and the newly released maintenance logbooks for single- and twin-engine installationsIt has been years since I completed my RYA Diesel Engine Maintenance course, so I was pleased to pick up the new edition of Dennison Berwick...
Andrew Bedwell's Big C Atlantic Challenge is over, after his 1m boat was smashed while being lifted from the water
Andrew Bedwell set off from St Johns, Newfoundland, but had to return shortly after starting due to water ingress. Credit: Big C Atlantic ChallengeThe Big C Atlantic Challenge was a lifelong dream for skipper Andrew Bedwell.
Now that dream lies in pieces – as does his 1m/3.2ft long boat, Big C.
The vessel was being lifted out of the water in St Johns, Newfoundland when it fell onto the harbour...
Jerry Armitage is planning to replace his boat engine, but will the old propeller work? PBO expert Tony Davies has the answer
Jerry Armitage’s Westerly Griffon is destined to get a new engine – but will she need a new prop too?We are looking at replacing our Westerly Griffon’s 40 year old Bukh DV20 diesel engine with a somewhat newer DV24.
The DV20 has a 2.5:1 gearbox while the...
PBO reader Will Kerr has an old dynastart and wants to know if it will be able to charge his batteries. Stu Davies has the answer
Will Kerr's Westerly Centaur Carapace; the boat's engine has a dynastart systemWhat size of batteries should I be using for the Volvo Penta MD2B engine in our Westerly Centaur?
The boat...