Features

Choosing new sailing clothing is always a difficult task; it's an expensive investment that usually has to be made without the chance to try out the kit before you take the plunge.

During research for my last book, I spent some considerable time trying to find a definitive guide to the sizes of superyachts, writes columnist Malcolm Alder-Smith.

Photographer Guy Waites from North Yorkshire has single-handedly crossed the Atlantic ocean twice this summer, with only a 10 day stay in the USA, then raced hurricanes Irene and Katia and dodged tropical storms on his journey back to the UK.

Steve Sleight visited Plymouth for the AC45 World Series to find out if this new America's Cup spin-off lives up to the hype.

Back on Sunday, 11 September a group of ardent fast handicappers turned up at our home club on the Isle of Wight, the Brading Haven, for a weekend race, writes Jonathan Hoare.

For a first timer, the J.P. Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race can seem a little daunting, yet I was ecstatic to learn I'd been given the last spot available on one of Pelican Racing's SB3s for the 80th Anniversary Race, writes Cowes Online editor Louisa Mamakou.

Kia Motors UK offers some good advice to help take the heat out of summer driving and ensure a smooth journey whilst towing your boat.

Skandia Team GBR's sailing team nutritionist shares his advice on a healthy diet and shedding that holiday weight!

With increases in theft and crime generally associated with times of recession, extra vigilance and careful planning is strongly recommended to all boat owners this year, leading pleasure-craft insurer Navigators and General has advised.

This summer Cowes-based Lightning Reflex, renamed EADS Innovation Works for the event, won the PowerBar Three Peaks Yacht Race, one of the oldest multi-sport endurance races in the world, writes Geoff West.

Back in August the weather was glorious in Cowes, which gave the crew a chance to get the varnish brushes out and touch up some of the places that were getting a bit worn, writes crewmember Oliver Cotterell of the Bermudan Ketch Halcyon.

Volunteer lifeboat crews and lifeguards of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) are preparing themselves for what is traditionally their busiest weekend of rescues during the year as holidaymakers flock to the coast.

Coastguards are promoting their 'Sea Smart' summer safety campaign as millions of us head to the coast this summer.

Double Olympic gold medallist Shirley Robertson is helping the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to save lives this summer by presenting two new sailing safety video podcasts for their website.

With the coming of springtime and the new sailing season, boat owners are reminded to carry out a number of simple checks before they get back on the water following the winter lay-up period and avoid common insurance claims.

The RNLI's Sea Safety team are reminding people around the coast of the risk of firing distress flares as a source of entertainment this firework night, on 5 November, because it is not only illegal but also potentially dangerous.

With the summer, what there was of it, now officially over boat owners may be turning their attention to the laying up and storage of their vessel over the winter months.

RNLI lifeboat crews and lifeguards are ready for a busy Bank Holiday weekend as further Coastguard strike action looms.

The RYA has revised its guidance on the use of buoyancy aids and lifejackets, in order to make it clearer and easier for beginners and less experienced water users to make a decision about when to wear one.

RNLI lifeguards are now geared up for the start of the 2008 season, and the latest rescue statistics are a stark reminder to the public of the importance of being beach-wise.

It's that time of year when Solent racers drag their sailing bag out of the cupboard, brush off the oilies and head out for the first races of the season. But that's just the time when danger lurks writes Jerry Freeman.

I arrived at Shepards Marina in Cowes after an uneventful single-handed sail from Chichester in Puddleduck, my Etap 30 - uneventful that is until I reached Cowes, writes visiting yachtsman, Simon Jollands. (See also the video - click link at foot of story.

There can be no doubt that boating, in all its forms, is a vital factor for the economy of the Isle of Wight in general and Cowes in particular, but just how large a contribution does it make, and who benefits from it? Rupert Holmes investigates.

Everyone loves fireworks and this year at Skandia Cowes Week the fireworks were bigger and better than ever thanks to a £30,000 donation from an anonymous Royal Yacht Squadron member who doubled the usual budget to help produce a recreation of the Battle of Trafalgar.

Heading for a day out on the sea? Watch out for the sun. We're through the major part of the summer months now and the weather has been hit and miss through June and July, but if the sun comes out there is still plenty of time to enjoy being out on the water.

Fancy a nautical ring tone for your mobile? Well now you can download the Cowes Online 'Life on the Ocean Wave' ring tone direct to your phone - and it's FREE!