Seamanship: How to tie an Alpine butterfly knot
The Alpine Butterfly Knot provides a secure loop in the middle of a rope. Load can be applied safely from either end of the rope or from the loop.
How to find a peaceful anchorage
Not every anchorage in the lee offers reliable shelter, says Dag Pike, who offers tips on reading wind and wave patterns
One of the joys of cruising used to be entering harbour and finding a...
How to survive a knock down
With the right sail-set up and an eye to windward, it's unlikely, but a sudden squall can be all it takes to throw you into a knock down. Here's expert sailing instructor and writer Duncan...
Anchoring tips – it’s easy when you know how
Anchoring is the only way we have of stopping the boat whenever we feel like it. We can stop for a rest, for lunch, or overnight. Here are just some things that, if got...
When to tack – can racers and cruisers learn from comparing notes?
Olympic coach Mark Rushall looks at what may determine our decision making, from sea state to pressure patches to tide
Club racers determined to finish further up the fleet, and day cruisers keen to get...
Video: 50 years of RYA training
The RYA has launched a digital timeline and new video marking key moments in the 50 year history of its world-famous training schemes.
The first RYA courses were introduced in 1970 to provide clubs...
Laying up for the winter: what marinas charge
Get the best deal as you tuck the boat up for the winter. Sam Fortescue reports as we approach the off-season of 2021/22.
After the year of restrictions, it has been a summer where many...
Winter boat maintenance checklist
Nothing absolutely guarantees against gear failure whilst sailing but you can greatly mitigate the chance of this happening by investing some time and care. Expert writers and sailors Jon Emmett and Rupert Holmes have this...
