Sailing in squalls? How to protect your rig and sails; DIY rudder checks; How to service your outboard engine; Get the best out of your…
Practical Boat Owner
Summer issue – out 6 June
Troubleshoot engine problems at sea, the 30 best ways to get afloat if you don’t have a boat, how to find crew, essential DIY rig…
“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…
Broaching on a boat and how to prevent it
When the breeze picks up, how do you stop your boat taking charge and going where it wants? David Harding offers some suggestions for staying in control
How to service a marine engine cooling system
Is your boat's engine beginning to run hotter than normal? It may be time to service the cooling system, suggests Tony Davies
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
What does a sailmaker do?
Shortly before the Round the Island Race, one of the largest yacht races in the world, it’s all go at the T Sails loft in Southampton with sailmaker Tim Scarisbrick…
“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. Katherine’s Dock, London
Summer issue – out 6 June
Troubleshoot engine problems at sea, the 30 best ways to get afloat if you don’t have a boat, how to find crew, essential DIY rig care, basic celestial navigation to…
What causes a propeller to go pinkish in colour?
While Rod Stuart was scrubbing his boat, he saw the anode had fallen off and his propeller was turning a pinkish colour. How does he tell if his prop is…
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).
Mediterranean boats: the best second hand yachts for exploring the south of Europe
Seasoned boat tester Duncan Kent chooses the sub-40ft power and sail boats for cruising the sunny - and sometimes fickle - Med
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.
Sailing in Europe after Brexit: the essential guide
Planning on sailing in Europe? The Cruising Association shares its advice on what you need to know for a stress-free cruise in the EU
Sailing to windward: how to tweak your sails to improve performance
Some boats need persuasion to make to windward, so tweaking the sails to best advantage can make all the difference. David Harding offers a few tips
Why an oil test is vital for boat engine health
Gilbert Park and Larry Rumbol explain why regular a regular oil test can increase the life and reliability of your boat engine – and save you money
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…
Pointer 22: the refreshingly simple trailer-sailer
Light, slim and fast, the Pointer 22 is a no-nonsense day-sailer-cum-weekender, says David Harding
Berthing a boat using wind and tide
Manoeuvring a boat into and out of a berth is one of the most frequent handling challenges facing boat owners – so don’t make life hard for yourself, says David…