Book Review: Shell Channel Pilot
Shell Channel Pilot – Still the Go-To Guide for Channel Hops? Thinking about crossing the Channel this season? Or maybe just finally fancy a proper explore of the Channel Islands or north Brittany, tides permitting? Before you start plotting GPS routes and downloading half the internet, do yourself a favour and grab a copy of the Shell Channel […]
Book Review — Reeds Crew Handbook
(Read Mike’s the full review here) When you step aboard a yacht — whether for a Solent weekend hop, a summer cruise to the West Country, or a Cowes regatta — the difference between a smooth sail and a stressful one often comes down to the crew. Clear communication, tidy rope handling, and calm teamwork […]
Navigating Your First Yacht: What to Expect on Day One of Competent Crew
If you’ve signed up for an RYA Competent Crew course and it’s your first time on a yacht, congratulations — you’re about to step into a completely new world. Day One can feel like a blur of new faces, nautical terms, and boat bits you’ve never seen before, but the aim of this post is […]
FAMILY SAILING SOUTH COAST: STRESS-FREE SUMMER PASSAGES
Picture this: it’s 6am on a bright Saturday morning in July, you’re sipping coffee in the cockpit while the kids are still asleep below, and the Solent’s just starting to hum with sails and ferries. You’ve got the weekend ahead and a family crew eager for some adventure – but you also know what’s coming: […]
The Quiet Joy of Waking Up at Anchor Alone
There’s a moment, just before sunrise, when the world is still deciding whether to wake up. The water is like glass, the sky a soft bruised pink, and the only sound is the gentle clink of a halyard somewhere far off, echoing like a slow metronome across the bay. This is my favourite time on […]
MY FIRST NIGHT PASSAGE
The Call to Sail After Sunset Last weekend was a milestone for me. It might sound odd to some, but I’ve been sailing for nearly three years and never plucked up the courage to say “yes” to a night passage. Much as I love being out on the water, for some reason, the idea of leaving […]
Why the RYA Competent Crew Course is Worth Doing – Even if You’ve Sailed Before
Why the RYA Competent Crew Course is Worth Doing – Even if You’ve Sailed Before I am often asked if the RYA Competent Crew Course is worth doing if you have a good skipper to teach you anyway. My answer is always “yes”! – If you’re new to sailing or have only ever been a […]
5 Smart Safety Upgrades for Solo Sailors
Sailing solo is a unique kind of freedom. Just you, your boat, and the open water. But when you’re the only crew aboard, every decision counts—especially when it comes to safety. Whether you’re a seasoned single-hander or newly navigating your first solo passages, here are five smart safety upgrades that can make all the difference […]
Book Review: The Cruising Guide to the Virgin Islands by Simon Scott
Now in its 2025 edition, The Cruising Guide to the Virgin Islands by Simon Scott is the go-to Virgin Islands cruising guide for sailors, charterers, and liveaboards heading for the BVI or USVI.
Scroll down to read our review and verdict.
Why You Should Buy Rod Heikell’s Greek Waters Pilot Guide – Top Nautical Book Pick for Sailors
Sailing around Greece sounds like a dream, but figuring out where to go and what to watch out for can be a bit much without the right guide. That’s where Rod Heikell’s Greek Waters Pilot comes in. It’s one of those books that actually makes planning easier, whether you’re new to sailing or have been […]