Sail training providers across the UK are warning the cost of proposed changes to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s (MCA) ‘Sport and Pleasure Code of Practice’ could have a ‘devastating’…
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Have your say on boat licensing via the Canal and River Trust survey
Share your experiences and suggestions for improvement via the Canal and River Trust's boat licensing survey – are changes needed for the network’s future?
Where to recycle old sails and end of life kit – drop off points across the UK and Europe
Got old sails and old rope that you don't want to put into landfill? The ReSail platform allows sailors to find free drop-off points to give new life to end-of-life…
Thames tidal lesson – getting stuck in the mud motorboating in central London
Faith Merrett gets stuck in the mud while cruising from Teddington to St Katharine Docks Marina in Central London aboard her Haines river cruiser
New AIS MOB device rule affecting sailors
Big changes to marine radio device rules are planned to be brought into the UK. The only MOB AIS devices allowed will be those that incorporate DSC on Ch70.
How a rogue water bottle led to a Mayday in a storm
Learning from experience: Steven Copeland reflects on how a rogue water bottle led to a stormy rescue off the coast of Pwllheli, north west Wales.
Launch of Sunsail’s sailing club prizes for 2025 at RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show
Up to £6,000 can be won by sailing charities and RYA sailing and yacht clubs with the best grassroots initiative, plus £2,000 runner-up prizes. Apply online for Sunsail's Funding the
Yachting in the Mediterranean with children
Antoni Mazur reflects on six-years of a back and forth liveaboard dream, family yachting in the Mediterranean, in between UK life and work commitments
Triple amputee Craig Wood prepares for 80 day solo Pacific crossing
Triple amputee Craig Wood is gearing up for a world record setting solo voyage across the Pacific to change perceptions of what disabled people can do and show that sailing…
When your electronic navigation autoroute settings go wrong
Gilbert Park helps a fellow motorboater achieve his first voyage to the Channel Islands and gets a lesson in the perils of relying on electronic navigation
Talks schedule and sailing stars confirmed for RYA Dinghy and Watersports Show
A host of British sailing stars are set to join tactical and technical experts and inspiring adventurers as guest speakers at the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show
Coroner calls for boat law to deter drunk sailing
A coroner has raised concerns about the lack of legislation prohibiting the use of alcohol or drugs by those helming a vessel for private or pleasure use, following the death…
A sustainable alternative to marine ply?
Even the best marine ply is not totally moisture resistant and will eventually succumb to rot after extended periods of raised moisture levels. Supersede Marine Board is said to be…
11 Practical Gift Ideas That Sailors Actually Want!
Finding decent gifts for boat owners is an unenviably tricky task, but luckily Practical Boat Owner is here to help! These might not all look to be the most exciting…
Cape Horn to port – gaining confidence as a new skipper
Eugénie Nottebohm sails her Contessa 32 solo to the Azores and across the Atlantic, then with crew around Cape Horn
“I worried the mast might strike the rotor blades” – helicopter rescue from sailing boat
Talan Skeels-Piggins experiences a medical emergency in rough seas while attempting to sail around Britain in his Colvic UFO 34
Weir Wood Sailing Club has closed – sad news for grassroots sailing
Weir Wood Sailing Club (WWSC), in East Sussex, has made the "difficult decision to close" its sailing and windsurfing centre on Weir Wood Reservoir
Installing a Wavestream 1 bilge filter
Dirty, oily bilge water from your boat’s hull can be filtered to protect marine life. We talk to sailors who have retrofitted the Wavestream 1 kit...
Winter sailing: top tips to keep you as snug as a bug on the water
Staying afloat this winter? Ali Wood has some top tips for keeping warm while winter sailing
Boat propeller: How to choose the right one for your boat
The correct prop can have a dramatic effect on your boat's performance. Ali Wood learns how you can save fuel, reduce drag and go faster