NEWS & VIEWS:

Sailing news - Britannia rules the waves and news on WorldSpace Weather Service, plus the local news from your sea area
Navcom snippets - Basil D'Oliveira with all the latest operational news
Readers' letters - All your sailing stories and comments including Xword
Your right to moor - The latest views from senior barrister Sir Patrick Sinclair on our anchoring and mooring campaign
Copyshop service - If you've missed a feature or a Group test or Boat test, here's how to order a copy

TESTING:

Just in - Colin Jarman sneaks a peak at a chain-to-anchor link, a fat bow fender, a waterproof CD/radio, a water-absorbing pouch plus many more hi-tech gadgets
Marine gear: tried & tested - A whole bundle of waterproofs are tried out plus a chafe protector and some schooner varnish combo from Just In, p.60
Mini test - A selection of PC tide prediction programmes
Group test: binoculars - A mega testing of 21 binoculars
Boat test: Freedom 33 - We check out the specs on this unusual wishbone rig boat and try out its reputation for easy handling
Shopping around - Looking for an alternative to the Freedom 33? Check the details on these five: the Hirondelle Family, Nonsuch 30, Catalina 34, Hunter Channel 32 and Fortuna 9
New boat test: Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 35 - The latest comfortable cruiser from Jeanneau that also packs a punch when the boys want to take a rougher ride

ON THE WATER:

Launching sites - A whole host of reasons to visit Bristol
Small-boat sailing: Wayfarers - Jerry Eardley gives some tips for safe dinghy cruising
The South of France - With the help of Rod Heikell, Martyn Lester investigates the pleasures of the Cote d'Azur and the Riviera
Books - Philip Dunn and Colin Jarman spent the cold winter months with a selection of the latest sailing-related titles
Good gear guide - With prices and suppliers' details

PRACTICAL:

Weather class - More about the terms used in weather forecasts and the difference between true and apparent wind speed
How to replace a ballast plate - Sometimes it's better to fit a new keel plate than patch up an old one - here's how
Servicing a bilge pump - A thorough step-by-step guide to help you
Fitting beaching legs - If you don't want to go all wobbly in the winter, fit some smart new legs to your boat
Caring for your rigging - As the new season approaches, a comprehensive checklist on how to give your rigging a thorough overhaul
Q&As - Our sailing experts line up to answer all your pressing seafaring queries - the trickier the better...