Design Unlimited has styled the interior into a ‘timeless sanctuary’ based on natural tones and materials that demand to be touched Photo: Yachting World Türkiye’s Ares Shipyard recently revealed it is halfway through the build of Simena, a 62m yacht based loosely on the lines of a clipper ship. It comes as a surprise, because the yard is best known for coastguard vessels, and its previous flagship was a full 14m shorter. It doesn’t stop Simena from looking every inch a superyacht, with her Jacuzzi, aft flybridge and foredeck lounge. Strength with Simena, Ares 62 Exterior design by Taka Yacht ..read more

Ten years after his first cruising circumnavigation, Dan Bower is going again. He shares advice on essential preparation to sail around the world. Good old fashioned seamanship and visual navigation techniques are vital when pilot information is sketchy. Photo: Oyster Wolrd Rally Personal preparations and sailing skills are still the biggest part of planning to sail around the world.  Knowledge and competence takes the stress out of situations, which is more fun for you and the crew. That doesn’t mean you need to be a seasoned old salt, but you do need to invest time gaining some sea mile ..read more

Round the world racer Conrad Humphreys discovers the fascinating world of Azorean whaleboat racing, where the top crews are truly athletic and the boats have a legacy like no other Photo: Ralph Hewitt/Helical Productions When the tow rope is released, two of the strongest Azorean whaleboat crewmembers leap forward and haul up the mainsail gaff as quickly as possible. The secret is not to power up the huge main too early, before the halyard has been made off on its rudimentary jammer made from whalebone. Once the sail is raised, you can turn towards the wind and sheet in, but there is definitel ..read more

Welcome to Azorean whaleboat racing, where the top crews are truly athletic with co-ordinated crew weight of huge importance to balance the massive sail area Photo: Ralph Hewitt/Helical Productions When the tow rope is released, two of the strongest Azorean whaleboat crewmembers leap forward and haul up the mainsail gaff as quickly as possible. The secret is not to power up the huge main too early, before the halyard has been made off on its rudimentary jammer made from whalebone. Once the sail is raised, you can turn towards the wind and sheet in, but there is definitely a skill in learning h ..read more

Line handling is an essential skill for keeping yourself and others safe but how best to go about it? Rachel Sprot reports Line handling errors often occur at high pressure moments, so take time to think things through. Photo: Richard Langdon Boats may have nine lives, but a sailor is not supposed to have nine fingers. Every year, however, we hear of instances of crushed hands, lost fingers, and major damage from poor line handling techniques. Technological advances have greatly reduced the amount of sail and line handling required of today’s sailors. Sail areas are increasingly concentrated i ..read more

A couple of days after the first AC75 launch of this cycle, America's Cup Defender Emirates Team New Zealand, has also shown a glimpse of their AC75 ahead of it's official launch Last weekend saw the unveiling of the first America’s Cup boat of this cycle as Alinghi Red Bull Racing revealed the boat they will sail in the 37th America’s Cup later this year. Now, just a few days later, America’s Cup Defender, Emirates Team New Zealand, has also shown their AC75 launching it and stepping the mast ahead of their official launch and naming next week. The Kiwis rolled their boat out of the shed on ..read more

There's no slowing down in the catamaran market with several new offerings for 2024. Toby Hodges takes a look at 5 launches in 2024 Explore the latest in ocean cruising catamarans for 2024 with our lineup of five exceptional boats. From the eagerly awaited Seawind 1370 to the eco-conscious design of the Vann R6, each catamaran brings its own distinct features to for cruising adventures. Seawind 1370 The market for comfortable and spacious performance multihulls continues to grow. Seawind is perhaps less well known in Europe than French brands such as Outremer, however the yard’s background a ..read more

The new Vaan R6 is a 58ft multihull, which aims to allow for comfortable cruising from the poles to the Mediterranean. Toby Hodges reports This Dutch yard is one of a number of the multihull builders leading the way in producing yachts that can be recycled, while also making big steps towards decarbonisation. The 58ft Vaan R6 is intended as a rugged yacht capable of taking owners anywhere between the poles and the Mediterranean. It follows 40ft and 50ft R4 and R5 models. With beam only fractionally short of 30ft, it’s a big yacht by any standards and the builders have sought to make the most ..read more

The original Nilaya was a groundbreaking cruiser-racer. Her 12m larger replacement incorporates enough innovation and weight-saving techniques to ensure she sets new super trends too. Sam Fortescue reports When Nilaya’s 46.82m hull emerged from the vast build sheds at Royal Huisman’s Vollenhove yard in 2023, she was slipped into the water with minimal fanfare and taken to Amsterdam to have her mast quietly stepped. Eagle-eyed observers may have spotted her towering over the National Maritime Museum, where the owner held a private naming ceremony before sailing away. Now, six months after deli ..read more

While meeting America’s Cup heroes is a dream come true for many Youth Cup hopefuls, the masters of the game have been impressed too Dates for the Women's and Youth America's Cup series (which will take place in AC40s) have yet to be finalised. Never underestimate the influence of sailing heroes. “When they saw Ben Ainslie walk into the room it was like they’d been electrocuted,” said Greig City Academy director of sixth form and sailing co-ordinator Jon Holt, speaking about some of his students. “Just seeing Ben in person was a huge buzz for them. And when he and Hannah Mills then came over a ..read more