Dedicated to Cruising the world under sail including destinations, navigation, sailing tips, safety ideas, yacht & multihull reviews along with stories and insights for the sail cruising life in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.
Sharon and Julian Smallwood believe cruisers should not be put off from visiting some states and countries because of bureaucratic red tape and differing rules and regulations. Firstly a big thanks to everyone who commented on the last blog about…
Jack and Jude Binder ponder the world we live in, from adventure and Jessica Watson's solo voyage to Mother Earth and the pressure the environment is under. Throughout history men and women have gone out seeking adventure, earth's curiosities and…
Practical: heavy-weather sailing Jim and Linda Colliers' worst nightmare comes true when they find out a cyclone is on the way when they are in the middle of nowhere. What on earth were we doing here, hundreds of miles out…
PRACTICAL BY BOB ROSS Increased strength, versatility and specialisation are just some of the attributes of the latest developments in rope technology. Rope manufacturers continue to steadily improve the quality of the synthetic fibres most widely used on yachts: double-braid…
Robyn and Ian Reidy revel in one of the NSW South Coast's lesser known gems – the small township of Bermagui. Approaching Bermagui on the NSW South Coast was a real buzz – the first port of call on our…
Destinations: East Coast Chris Dicker and wife Gilli enjoy some of the east coast's most popular stopovers when they head north in the classic Jock Muir sloop West Wind. The sun went down in a benevolent glow over the high…
Destinations: Panama An unexpected health crisis adds angst to the task of preparing K-Sera II for the long passage from Panama to the Marquesas Islands, writes Elaine Kleiss. Brilliant sunshine sparkled across the waters of La Playita, our first anchorage…
Practical: Finances Budgeting effectively is even more essential in tough times, writes financial expert Bruce Vass. A Charles Dicken's character, Mr Micawber, said: “Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure nineteen six, result happiness. Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure twenty…
By Alan Lucas When the sun is hiding wind generators complement solar panels beautifully, presuming the wind continues to blow, of course. In adding them to our checklist the various types cannot be reviewed, but a common failing can certainly…
At the Club Visiting Pittwater north of Sydney? Caroline Strainig previews what you can expect if you call in at the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club. If the word “royal” makes you think of “stuffy,” think again, at least in…
Destinations: Kangaroo Island Bruce Vass enjoys one of South Australia's most popular cruising grounds – Kangaroo Island. Kangaroo Island is a popular cruising ground for South Australian yachties. The waters are pristine and sailing conditions can be ideal. When the…
Practical: Skippers' Checklist Before starting the engine, check oil, water and battery levels, advises Alan Lucas. Never press the button until these essentials have passed muster, then, immediately after starting, confirm that all instruments are monitoring correctly and that cooling…
Greg Cockle shares one of his favourite spots on his way home from the US – Palmerston Atoll in the Cook Islands. Debbie and I arrived at Palmerston Atoll in the Cook Islands after a quick one-and-a-half-day passage of 280…
Sharon and husband Julian get a little hot under the collar when they have difficulty getting sea-time recognised by authorities. Okay. I've been inspired by Captain Cranky to let off some hot air! If you're a cruising sailor who's successfully navigated…
Insights into SE Asia Hidden treasures, corruption and garbage – you'll find them all in SE Asia, says Bob Morgan, who argues that it is all the more rewarding if you look beyond the superficial to the underlying culture. One…
One of the most common emergencies on a sailing yacht is engine failure so keeping the donk in good condition when cruising is important. Cleanliness of the engine room is often a good indication of the general condition of things….
TOP 10 DESTINATIONS While sharing stories among friends one evening in our cockpit, someone asked ‘Where’s your favourite place’’ In the fading light, we tossed places and stories into the mix, agreeing, disagreeing and laughing, writes Annette Tuncel. Later, my…
Sharon Smallwood, currently cruising the east coast of Australia with husband Julian, shares her thoughts on budgeting your boating. Last week our 240-volt inverter blew up. Once upon a time this would have been a temporary setback. Without giving it too much thought…
Back in 1979, all ships used the heavens to navigate. The world had no satellites guiding us every moment day and night, and our maps or what we called charts we're somewhat inaccurate – some had been made by aerial…
Steve Farmer and his family have visited Zoe Bay only three times, but they still count it as one of their favourite desintations. It's hard to start an article on Hinchinbrook Island's Zoe Bay without quoting Alan Lucas in Cruising…
Practical: Maintenance Servicing your own diesel engine is a good way to save money but also an essential skill for any cruiser who plans to cruise off the beaten path. Here Jon Neeves takes us through the process step by…
The Panama Canal is a milestone for most circumnvigators, and so too was it for Elaine and Chris Kleiss, on their way home after purchasing a boat overseas. This was it! This was the day! The various jobs mostly done…
With thousands of ocean and coastal miles under their keels Dave and Pattie Bowden and Geoff and Cherylle Stone, two couples who own Grainger catamarans, share their thoughts on coping with heavy weather. Article compiled by Cherylle. Keeping This Way…
John Champion takes a tongue-in-cheek look at some of the perplexing things he has come across in his many years around boats of all descriptions. Boom height The scale of these things ranges, and there frequently seems to be no…
Destination: Port Stephens John Tylor profiles one of NSW's most popular destinations – Port Stephens, also the gateway to the Myall Lakes. Port Stephens would have to rank high on anyone's list of favourite destinations and mine is no exception,…
Sharon and Julian Smallwood enjoy some fun in the sun when they call in at Airlie for the annual Fun Race and then head out for some whale-watching. Since my last post we've been getting to know the mainland suburb…
cruise in company to Papua New Guinea An experienced cruising yachtsman from Cairns, Guy Chester, has announced plans for a Louisiades Rally later this year. The rally is being organised with the support of the Yorkeys Knob Boating Club and…
Feature: Chartering in Europe Many a devout sailor has been lured away from the “true” path by Europe's famous canal system. Betty Dack shares her adventure and offers some advice on how to follow in her footsteps. Bob and I…
Practical: Electronics John and Janet Read give the verdict on forward-looking sonar after putting it through its paces on a cruise to SE Asia. Janet looked up from her book. “Looks like a rock coming up, John,” she said. I…
Practical: Moving on board So you're planning liveaboard cruising with kids? Rohsaan McInnes gives the low-down on a subject that many parents approach with trepidation. How do you live on a boat with young children? After some initial modifications, we…
High Seas Two women, alone, as in without men? Tracey Johnstone catches up with two women who have banded together to make their dream of sailing the world become a reality. Two confident single young English women, living their dream…
SAILING LIFESYLES A lifetime's involvement in sailing boats still wasn't enough excitement for some, as Helen Hopcroft found out. People dream of the perfect sea change: a new life of sipping cool drinks on a shady veranda in the tro…
DESTINATIONS: HONG KONG Who better to ask about sailing in Hong Kong than 1997 Sydney – Hobart race winner, owner of the Reichel/Pugh 45 Beau Geste, and president of the Hong Kong Sailing Federation Karl Kwok, which is why I…
Crusing The Whitsundays Mediterranean-style flotilla fun in the sun is catching on in the Whitsundays as a marketing tool, reports Caroline Strainig. “Flotilla.” It's a word more synonymous with the Med than the Whitsundays, but that is set to change…
Cruising The Whitsundays Well here it is 2008 and the world continues to become a different place. We have a new federal government, Britain has a new Prime Minister and the good ol' US of A is looking for a…
Cruising The Whitsundays Want to wine and dine during your holiday, or simply plan your cruise around reprovisioning spots? This handy-at-a-glance guide compiled by John Champion will help you do just that. Peppers Palm Bay Long IslandSwing moorings either inside…
Cruising The Whitsundays What's making the news? Plenty, says John Champion, who details here the latest on-water and on-land developments. On the waterMuddy Bay Marina, officially known as The Port of Airlie, continues to be built. Numerous trucks and excavators…
Dockside in the land of the white cloud Annette Tuncel checks out some of the best marina facilities for those cruising or planning a charter across the Tasman Sea. New Zealand is an island nation, a nation of people who…
Put to the test Caroline Strainig checks out a trail-blazing course developed specifically for would-be charterers. Okay, so you’ve done a little sailing, and are dreaming of hiring a yacht somewhere. But you’re far from expert, and would love a…
DECKEYE VIEW: RAJA MUDA REGATTA MALAYSIA For racers and cruisers alike, there were as plenty of challenges on the water, and fun off it, reports Herb McCormick. The aroma was unmistakable, and given the circumstances, it was as sweet as…
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