Pushing multihulls downwind to the limit is best left to those who really know what they’re doing. Pete Cumming shares some pro tips with Andy Rice Pushing fast multihulls downwind in gnarly conditions can be a hazardous business. Knowing how hard you can push, and when you need to back off, mostly comes down to experience. But it’s also down to preparation, says Pete Cumming. “We cover a lot of miles on multihulls like Gunboats and MOD 70s, but you’ve always got to respect the fact that these boats can capsize easily and with very little notice. “I’ll never forget the Round Ireland Race we d ..read more

Sailing with electric propulsion is very different to doing so with a diesel engine and may cause you to reconsider your diesel usage. Rupert Holmes reports Electric propulsion is rapidly becoming established in the mainstream yacht market. This is increasingly driven by customer demand, often by people who own electric or plug-in hybrid cars and are more than happy with the balance between their advantages and shortcomings. In my role testing new yachts I’ve sailed an increasing number of boats with electric and hybrid propulsion over the past six years, ranging from lightweight daysailers t ..read more

A readymade platform for sailing fast and exploring the world’s oceans in exquisite comfort It would take years to plan, design and build a catamaran to the standard of Stylia. This unique Sunreef 70S was delivered barely two years ago with every imaginable upgrade and feature, and broker Burgess describes the boat as “probably the best Sunreef 70 ever built”. She is now in search of a new owner, ready to set sail immediately for the adventure of a lifetime. Sunreef is recognised for having transformed the large catamaran market with its range of solid, safe, ultra-comfortable yachts. And thi ..read more

The Sunreef 100 Eco offers vast amounts of renewable energy via the solar panels laminated flush into the hull. But it's more than just an eco-friendly super cat Sunreef is celebrating two recent orders for its Sunreef 100 Eco sailing catamarans – both from existing Sunreef owners. It’ll be the first time they’ve built this model with sails, although there are already two of the larger 43m Eco sailing cats on order. The Sunreef 100 Eco is distinguished by the way that solar panels are laminated flush into the hull, superstructure and even the mast and boom – giving them a speckled effect. Of ..read more

The British America's Cup team reveal the boat they hope will see them win the 37th America's Cup 37th America's Cup recon ··INEOS Britannia ··AC75 ··D1 The British America’s Cup team has become the fourth challengers to unveil their new AC75. INEOS Britannia revealed their AC75 in the early hours of morning, as the foiling monohull – which is code-named RB3 – emerged from the INEOS Britannia base in Barcelona in preparation for having the rig stepped in readiness for its first ever sail.  Team Principal and Skipper of the Challenger of Record,  Sir Ben Ainslie said RB3 would be “on ..read more

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