For non-racing sailors, a cruising chute is often the downwind sail of choice: it’s nothing to be afraid of, but how do you use it to best advantage? David Harding…
David Harding
Winning ways with a junk rig
David Harding looks at some of the latest developments in junk rig and meets the owners of different types of boat who are all convinced of its merits
Shilling: a versatile camper-cruiser
Just 5m (17ft) long on deck and classically styled in wood-epoxy, the Shilling opens up a whole new world of sailing – as David Harding discovered
How to pick up a pile mooring
Picking up a pile mooring can be a challenge – especially in a tidal harbour. David Harding explains how it’s done
Berthing a vessel: 2 clever ways with warps
In these days of fin keels, bow-thrusters and powerful engines, using warps for marina manoeuvres might seemed an old-fashioned irrelevance – but, as David Harding explains, warping can be an…
Sadler 29: a versatile all-rounder
The Sadler 29 is a tough, well-mannered family cruiser with a good dose of performance to boot, says David Harding
Salona 35: a race-winner goes cruising
Can a boat that’s capable of beating the best on the race course really make a practical cruiser? David Harding sails the Salona 35 to find out
Man overboard rescue procedure: An alternative approach
Can rigging your jackstays in a different way really save lives? PBO reader Willem Bijl reckons it can, so David Harding put his ideas to the test
Copland Harrier 20: ‘Puts a smile on your face’
As a sporty trailable sailer, the Copland Harrier 20 delivers the goods, says David Harding
RM890: ‘Fast, fun and functional’
If you want an easy-to-handle performance cruiser that stands out from the crowd, have a look at the RM890, suggests David Harding
Motor sailing: how to add power to your sails
Whether you’re supplementing the engine with the sails or vice versa, using them together can make a lot of sense – as David Harding explains
Viko 21: A trailer sailer that sets the standard
Costing from £23,000, the Viko 21 seems remarkably good value – but what does she offer apart from economy? David Harding investigates
Haber 620: a trailer sailer like no other
How on earth do you get full standing headroom in a trailer-sailer that really sails? David Harding meets the Haber 620 to find out
Maxi 84: roomy, capable & rewarding to sail
Why has the Maxi 84 proved so popular since her launch 45 years ago? David Harding sailed Maximus, the ‘work in progress’ refurbished PBO Project Boat, to find out
Drascombe Drifter 22 Mk II review: The modern classic trailer sailer reborn
For such a venerable name in the world of boating as Drascombe, the launch of a new model is quite an occasion. And so it was back in 2008, when…
How to sail off a mooring
In many situations, leaving the mooring under power is the only sensible option. But if conditions allow, why not spare the engine and sail off instead? David Harding offers some…
Refining rigging and improving performance
Sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind. When, back in 2014, I saw the mainsail on Peter Kewish’s Jeanneau Sun Way 21, I found it hard to be…
Rigging setup: Turning round a yacht’s performance
Little old boats can offer enormous fun for your money, but they often require some tweaking in order to be experienced at their best. Often a little bit of time…
How to set up your rig: tension your shrouds on masthead or fractional
How to set up your rig: tension your shrouds on masthead or fractional If boats were cars, many of those I see sailing along would be coughing and spluttering down…
Rustler 33 review and test sail – a pleasure to look at and a pleasure to sail
I read a fascinating article recently about relationships. It was a distillation of the guidance offered by over a thousand people who had been with their spouses or partners for…