Cumberlidge on Cruising A tense year? A good restorative is a gentle potter down the waterways of Burgundy.
Cruising: Padstow and Beyond Exploring the rugged coastline of North Cornwall and Devon is perfectly possible if you base yourself at the delightful port of Padstow. We hop north to Watchet.
New Feature! Head to Head: Southampton v Portsmouth Great marinas, characterful pubs, loads of places to visit – but which is best? These two grand old boating centres slug it out.
Features
Red Diesel Latest The battle to save red diesel is being fought in the lobby rooms and corridors of Westminster and Brussels. We talk to the major players, including the RYA, to gauge the chances of success.
Masterclass: Anchoring Expert tips on making sure your trip to that delightful anchorage goes smoothly.
Volvo IPS Uncovered: The Most Important Boating Invention Ever IPS is subject to some outlandish claims – and it meets every single one. We go out on the water with the system that really could redefine the performance levels of the modern motor boat.
Transporting Your Boat to the Sun Thinking of relocating to a marina with eight months of guaranteed sunshine? Our guide to everything you need to know about moving your boat by ship or truck.
Custom Yachting
In Build Riva Opera 85; Admiral 31; Ferretti 830; Tecnomar Velvet 35.
Pershing 115 Pershing’s new flagship has a majestic presence. But surface drives and a mighty 35-knot cruising speed mean that it’s no lumbering giant.
Hiring the Right Crew The mix of personalities on board is essential if you cruise regularly or offer your boat for charter. Follow our guide to making sure you don’t hire the deckhand from hell.
Hong Kong This boundlessly fascinating part of the world is home to a growing community of boaters. One’s saloon is the perfect hideaway from the relentless crowds and the round-the-clock rush hour.
Boats
New Boats Sarnico 50; Sealine S29; Rodman 770; Bavaria 35 Sport and Hard Top; Valiant Vanguard 650 and 750 Cruiser; Mochi 72.
Quick Spin: Windy 32 Grand Tornado This Scandinavian sportscruiser packs in all the power you could want, and yet is also a fine cruising boat, boasting great handling and plenty of practical features to satisfy the saltiest of owners.
Retro Runabouts Go Wild! There is nothing on the sea as sophisticated, stylish and sexy as a retro runabout. We take stunners from Riva, Chris-Craft and Jeanneau for a spin.
Boat Report: Atlantis 55 You have to hand it to Italian yards: daring to be different is part of the culture. This jaw-dropping sportscruiser is packed with neat innovations and stylish touches – but how does it shape up on the water?
Gear
New Feature! On Test: Hand-held GPS/Plotters They’re superb examples of compact technology but are they useful navigation tools or nothing more than pretty, beeping gizmos? We take four market-leading units on test.
New Feature! Product Review: Crew Bags Whether you’re on board for a fortnight or just Sunday night, a pukka crew bag is essential for all your kit. We take a look at ten of the best.
Shop Portable DVD/CD/radio; Nelson rum; radio-controlled Bladerunner; glowing light; a watch that costs more than your boat; desktop weather forecaster; on-board entertainment system.
Tried & Tested Belfield Tide Plotter PC software on test.
MBY buyer’s guide
Buying a Twin-Cabin Flybridge Cruiser What you need to know if you are in the market for one of these wonderful cruising boats.
Top 10 Twin-Cabin Flybridge Cruisers Our favourite new boats – worth a place on anyone’s shortlist.
Instant Expert Fairline Targa 48 Our major new series for second-hand buyers starts with a detailed look at this great sportscruiser. Full history, surveyor’s notes, an owner’s experiences, example running costs and a buyer’s checklist – it’s all here!
In Brief Legal Advice What instructing a surveyor means – and what to do if it all goes wrong.
Every Month
Editorial New year, new look, new horizons.
Wavelength Have a go on Virgin Atlantic Challenger II ; RNLI’s brave Aileen; Gipsy Moth IV; Shoreham; bargain boating; free Sealine drinks; EA under fire; more.
Next Month What’s coming up in our March issue.
Postcards From the Med A ship in his living room; Soller; Dénia; Atlantis found?; Palma; Med winds – know your bora from your levanter.
Letters Insurance firms and Yachtmasters; friendly Sunseeker; racers need sponsorship; col regs and boaters; Fairline Holiday; Aquanaut Drifter.
Sight & Soundings Alan Harper wonders why, no matter how calm the sea, how good the forecast and how sweet-sounding the engines, boaters always feel anxious.
Bull’s-Eye Chartering in the 1960s wasn’t the luxury holiday it is today. Ray Bulman looks back.
