Costing from £23,000, the Viko 21 seems remarkably good value – but what does she offer apart from economy? David Harding investigates
David Harding
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…
How to reef – expert advice from PBO Sail Clinic
How do you ensure an efficient reef with a roller-reefing headsail and slab-reefing mainsail? David Harding explains
Getting to grips with gaff
With modern designs in the classic style becoming ever more popular, David Harding offers some tips on getting the best from a gaffer
Bermudan rig vs Junk rig: which is best?
David Harding sets up a direct comparison between Junk- and Bermudan-rigged Splinters to find out how they handle
Why won’t my boat tack properly?
David Harding offers ideas to help a Kelt 5.50 that won't beat upwind