Notes for first-timers

John Willis explains the consequences of cresting a bigger-than-expected wave while helming his 25ft motorboat

HOW TO SAIL BETTER

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

JUST YOU AND YOUR PARTNER, ON A YACHT. IT’S THE DREAM SCENARIO – BUT HOW TO ENSURE YOU BOTH ENJOY IT EQUALLY? BLUEWATER SAILORS SHARE THEIR SECRETS WITH HELEN FRETTER

Paul Dale recounts the lessons he learned rebuilding his Dufour 41 Alexa on the devastated Caribbean island of Grenada in 2004

When dithering about what product to buy, look to a PBO gear test for recommendations