Yachting & Boat Life

You open the boat after days or weeks away and notice a damp smell. Is this normal, or a sign of a problem? Here’s what’s really going on.

Do lithium batteries really destroy stock alternators? This Tech Talk explains how alternators actually behave, why failures happen, and when lithium upgrades are safe — without hype or panic.

Boat upgrades never truly end. This post is about recognising the moment to stop upgrading your boat, accept imperfection, and finally go sailing.

Boat license requirements by country can be confusing. This guide explains where a licence is required, where you can sail without one, and how ICC and RYA certificates are commonly accepted in practice.

The first 24 hours after buying a used sailboat are a mix of excitement, confusion, small surprises, and real tasks. This easy guide walks you through what actually happens on day one — and what most new owners wish they knew.

Sailing trends 2026 are shaped by electric propulsion, Starlink and always-on connectivity, stricter environmental rules, new green fuels, and a fast-growing global boating market. This post looks at what those changes mean for real cruisers.

Documenting boat upgrades helps you understand your systems, prevent future problems, and make ownership changes smoother. This Tech Talk explains why good documentation is essential for safer and easier cruising.

Is long-distance cruising still possible without Starlink? Yes — and many sailors are doing it. In this easy-English guide, I look at how modern sailors can still cross oceans with minimal internet, what changes without Starlink, and how traditional tools, simple satellite devices, and careful planning can still take you safely around the world.