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
Rupert Holmes
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
How to choose the right project boat
How do you distinguish a real bargain boat from one that’s not worth restoring, even if it’s free? Rupert Holmes has some sage advice
Security cameras for boats and remote monitoring systems
Rupert Holmes looks at options for monitoring of boats that will warn of intruders, change of location and impact from other vessels
Best eco-friendly wetsuit: How to choose a suit that won’t cost the earth
When choosing the best wetsuit we tend not to think about the potentially destructive nature of the garment. Yet conventional neoprene, an oil-based synthetic rubber that will never biodegrade, is…
Cheaper satellite communications: a buyers guide
Rupert Holmes looks at the advances of sat comms and how they are becoming more affordable for the average boater
Handling rough conditions in port
Rupert Holmes describes the course of action he pursued – and the lessons learned – when storm conditions threatened to cause damage to his moored boat
SUP tent: BAJAO Cabin
A SUP tent allows you to extend your time on the water while paddling. Rupert Holmes looks at the BAJAO Cabin
Electric winches: take the strain out of grinding
Rupert Holmes looks at electric winches and electric winch handles
Man overboard: recovering a casualty from a marina
Rupert Holmes shares top tips on how to avoid the dangers of falling in while in a marina and how to recover someone from a pontoon