PBO columnist Dave Selby laments the decline of oral history lessons at the Maldon branch of Essex University in the Queen’s Head pub
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How to rig a spinnaker on a small yacht – what you need and where to fit it
If you want a spinnaker, but don’t have the necessary fittings or equipment on your boat, where do you start?
Mad about the boat: Cream tea carnage at sea
The crew’s ‘scone mad’ on a Thames sailing barge... PBO columnist Dave Selby speaks from experience
Easier check in and out requirements for sailors cruising to France
French officials have announced a new ‘protocol’ for small boats to enter France from outside of the European Union (EU).
Mad about the boat: Weather or not to go sailing
Ignore the apps: it’s much safer to swear by the weather wisdom of a local oracle, says PBO columnist Dave Selby
New race for solo and double-handed sailors who wish to sail the world in their own boat
"An opportunity for those sailors who want to take on the world in their own boat without the need to spend huge amounts of money", says the team behind WORLDSTAR…
“It was like doing a MOB recovery wearing a neck brace” – says Round the Island Race 2024 man overboard skipper
As if this year’s Round the Island Race wasn’t tough enough for competitors with winds gusting 45mph and a rough seastate with 3-4m waves, one boat had the additional challenge…
“Tough conditions” for Round the Island Race sailors and lifeboat crews providing safety cover
"The weather may not have been on our side for parts of the day, but what an incredible experience had by all", said a spokesperson from one of the many…
Several classes cancelled as strong winds forecast for Round the Island Race 2024
Several classes for the Round the Island Race around the Isle of Wight have been cancelled due to the strong wind forecast and all participants are being reminded to take…
Theo, 6, circumnavigates island singlehanded in his ‘Spidey’ boat – painted in Spiderman colours
Theo Geddes, aged 6, sailed solo around Hilbre Island at the mouth of the Dee Estuary to raise money for the RNLI, in his Optimist dinghy painted in Spiderman colours
Six rivers and a backwater – cruising the East Coast of England
John Kingsnorth endeavours to ‘go with wind and tide’ and cover as many English East Coast rivers as possible in a week aboard his Nova 27 cruising yacht
“We recovered a stolen boat while cruising on the Norfolk Broads”
A quiet January cruise on the Norfolk Broads turns into an unexpected crime drama for PBO contributor Will Renilson when he helps in the recovery of a stolen 35ft Bourne…
Geoff Holt completes his ‘finishing the dream’ circumnavigation
After 25 days at sea, circumnavigating the UK coastline, quadriplegic adventurer Geoff Holt and his team have returned to St. Katharine Docks, London
PBO editor Katy Stickland takes the YJA helm as newly-appointed chairman
Practical Boat Owner (PBO) editor Katy Stickland has added another feather to her cap – as the new chairman of the Yachting Journalists Association (YJA).
Celebrate unsung heroes of the boating community with the revamped RYA Awards
From inspirational volunteers to thriving and forward-thinking clubs, the RYA awards aim to celebrate all those going the extra mile to support our boating community.
Citizens urged to report marine life sightings after colour-changing octopus spotted
Footage of a rarely-filmed curled octopus captured changing colour on a Welsh beach has prompted scientists to ask for more people to join their Seasearch programme to help identify changing…
“Significant change” in laws for non-EU sailors cruising in Greece
The requirement to check into and out of every controlled port in Greece for non-EU yachts has now been removed for sailors who can demonstrate the status of Union Goods…
How to get a crew place sailing around the world
If you don’t own a boat but want to sail around the world, the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC), which leaves annually from Gran Canaria for the Caribbean, is a…
Grassroots sailing club needs support to survive: Save Weir Wood Sailing Club
Sailor, author and broadcaster Tom Cunliffe has thrown his support behind a campaign to 'Save Weir Wood Sailing Club' in East Sussex from closure.
Chance for Northern Ireland boaters to get rid of expired marine flares
"Whilst a long-term solution is still needed and welcomed, this will provide some immediate respite and improve safety for all boat users across Northern Ireland..." Boaters can safely dispose of…