If you’re thinking of hiring a boatyard crane to step your mast, why not consider this low-tech, low-cost alternative? Rupert Holmes shows how it’s done
Rupert Holmes
Mediterranean sailing: the essential kit you need
Rupert Holmes explains the most useful equipment he carries on board for low-hassle, reliable and self-sufficient Mediterranean cruising on a budget
Seldén S-series and E-series winches
The 'game changing' advantages of Seldén's new line of manual and electric winches include clever features to speed up tacking and make it safer when sailing with inexperienced crew.
Keep yacht maintenance simple to spend time sailing
Rupert Holmes on the realities of long-term boat ownership and how he manages maintenance to spend more time on the water
Fixing and avoiding marine engine leaks
There is no need to put up with a leaky, smelly inboard engine. By dealing with small leaks as they arise, even the oldest units can be maintained drip-free
Ocean Signal RescueME PLB3 locator beacon with AIS
Rupert Holmes tests the Ocean Signal RescueME PLB3, one of the first personal locator beacons on the market with personal AIS
New boats under 40ft: sail and power
Rupert Holmes previews some of the latest new boats under 40ft that made an appearance at the La Rochelle boat show
Buying a boat: the essential guide
Rupert Holmes looks at negotiations, surveys and the legal aspects of buying a second-hand boat
Why plywood boats are making a comeback
A wonder material in the 1950s and 1960s, plywood is making a comeback. Rupert Holmes analyses what lies behind a new wave of plywood boats
SailTies sailing log app: tried and tested
Rupert Holmes tests the personal sailing log app, SailTies, which records passages, collates photos you take while en route and allows collaboration with other crew, groups and yacht clubs
Lifos Go 72 first look: New lithium ion battery packs a lot into a relatively small package
LiFePO4 batteries are cobalt free and don’t have the high fire risk associated with straight lithium-ion batteries, so are the chemistry recommended for use afloat. Nevertheless, it’s important to recognise…
Safe sailing: practical know-how from the racers
Cruising sailors wanting to make sure their boat passes muster on the safety front could pick up a few tips from racing yachtsmen, says Rupert Holmes
Essential shorthanded sailing skills
Many sailors sail shorthanded much of the time, and it can prove a challenge. Rupert Holmes has some tips and techniques to help inspire confidence
Rebuilding a damaged mast step
Rupert Holmes repairs a compressed water-damaged mast step – a common problem for boats with a deck-stepped mast - and saves £700
Sailing in storms and squalls
One crew's brisk breeze and exciting sail can be another's gale, even if sailing similar boats. So what makes the difference? Rupert Holmes outlines techniques that experienced skippers use to…
5 tips for sailing in strong winds
Rupert Holmes has sailed more than 85,000 miles, including the Southern Ocean. He shares his tips for sailing in strong winds
Coping with a dismasting & rig checks
Faced with a sudden dismasting in 40-knot gusts, Rupert Holmes explains how he and his crew saved his boat, and offers advice for simple safety checks you can make to…
Typhoon TX-3 Coast Jacket & Hi Fit trousers review
Rupert Holmes tests the lightweight Typhoon TX-3 Coast Jacket & Hi Fit trousers
Adding a bowsprit to your boat
Nearly every new boat has a bowsprit, but what about older yachts? Rupert Holmes looks at what is available on the market for owners of older vessels
Can a phone with satellite connectivity replace an EPIRB?
Is a phone with satellite connectivity a good replacement for the EPIRB? PBO expert Rupert Holmes answers the question