Rupert Holmes analyses this extremely seaworthy classic and suggests a dozen other viable lower-cost alternatives
boat
SeaHawk 17: the mini yacht that has it all
Can’t choose between a bilge keel, fin keel or drop keel/centreplate for your boat? Then why not get a yacht that has all three…
Why you should buy a boat you have never heard of
Rupert Holmes says less well-known designs can often be a perfect second-hand choice and explains his own thought processes when choosing
The beauty of the Thames barge, Greta
Small-boat fanatic Clive has a day off his usual trailer-sailers to savour the wonderful and much bigger world of the Thames barge
How much does a free boat really cost?
Richard Rogers reveals the true cost of how much he spent rebuilding his ‘free’ yacht, and asks if it has been worth all the effort
Best second-hand sub-40ft liveaboard boats: sail and power
Seasoned boat tester Duncan Kent chooses the sub-40ft power and sailing boats most suitable for long-term living aboard
Hastings Boats: stable and seaworthy dinghies
The smaller Hastings luggers (22ft or less) are called punts – and Clive Marsh has converted several 16ft versions back to sail
Major fire at Cockwells’ boat-builders production facility
Multiple crews from Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service tackled a significant fire at Cockwells Modern & Classic Boatbuilding Ltd production facility, near Falmouth
Offshore boats: the best power and sailing yachts to take you further afield
Want to go further afield? Duncan Kent looks at some of the most suitable second-hand sail and motor boats for cruising offshore
Vita Power Seal and Sea Dog: the new electric RIBS which can run at 6-8 knots for 10-25 hours
With a reputation for ‘plug and play’ electric propulsion, Vita Power has launched electric RIBs of its own design. Jake Frith drives them to see how they handle
Want to cruise the waterways of France? Here are the best sail and power boats for a memorable trip
The French inland waterways are an attractive route to the Med. Duncan Kent shares his pick of sub-40ft sail and power boats
Scow boats: sturdy little sea-going vessels
Clive shares his love of the South Coast variety Avon Scow: 11ft lug-sailed boats with a heavy galvanised steel centreplate
Westerly Cirrus and Tiger: two excellent fast cruisers that can now be bought for the price of a decent sofa!
Clive Marsh shares why those looking for a smaller boat should consider the Westerly Cirrus and Tiger
Best boats for a family: sail and power
Duncan Kent chooses a selection of sail and power boats that are ideally suited to cruising with your children and grandchildren
English Channel boats: the best power and sail vessels under 40ft
You don't need a big boat to cross the English Channel, just the right boat. Duncan Kent recommends some suitable 20-to-40 footers, both sail and power
Lune Pilot 11: why you should sail this fine, little boat
A very interesting boat with a long keel, which makes it slightly unusual for a dinghy
Best second-hand river yachts: sail and power
Duncan Kent highlights some of the most suitable sail and power boats under 35ft for exploring shallow coastal regions
Problems with ageing bonded boat windows on the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42 DS
The window bonding on some Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42 DS yachts manufactured from 2005 onwards is coming undone, caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light over time, and leading to
First look at the new Astus 26.5
The first images of the new Astus 26.5 have been released. The yacht will be available towards the end of 2024
Solo yachting: sail and power boats for sailing alone
Duncan Kent looks at sail and power boats under 40ft in length that are easily managed by the single-handed sailor