Sail handling when short-handed

HOW TO SAIL BETTER

Misunderstood and little used, the kicking strap or vang is often largely ignored by cruising sailors. It is an important sail control, however, helping you to flatten or open the main as required. Ra

I’ve had Constance – an American Mason 44 – for 13 years. We’re getting to know each other bit by bit and I’d like to report that she’s everything a yacht should be. Excellent though she is, as the sa

Sharing your boating thoughts and opinions

Andrew Simpson looks at pendulum servo self-steering gears, and describes how to get the best out of them

Richard Ayres makes his first Mayday call when his yacht is dismasted and prop fouled close to the Manacle rocks