NEWS & VIEWS:

Sailing news - The Light Dues Review, looking out for marine turtles and an appeal to help the first single-handed transit of the North-west Passage - all reported here...
Nav/Comm news snippets - Basil D'Oliveira takes a microscope to the topic of obtaining reliable weather forecasts while at sea
Your letters - Out-of-date Small Craft folios and our recent naming and shaming of the country's worst marinas have prompted you to put pen to paper...

TESTING:

Just In - A whole range of gadgets and gizmos to tempt your wallet including a wind generator that doubles as a water generator, a microchip security tagging system and a new enzyme-based fuel cleaner
Marine gear: tried & tested - Special report on engine spares and associated costs plus a chain cleat, a new-design prop and a pair of two-way radios tried and tested by the STteam
VHF licence upgrade course - Moving from VHF to DSC radios involves upgrading your licence to a Short Range Certificate. Colin Jarman and Garth Cooper find out what's involved
Wind speed instruments on test - Tim Bartlett heads to the Southampton Institute of Higher Education and puts several high-tech wind systems through their paces
Used boat test: Jeanneau Sunshine - Designed to be a fast cruiser/racer and a family cruiser too. Duncan Kent finds out how it handles its duality
Shopping around - Five suitable alternatives to the Jeanneau Sunshine to consider

ON THE WATER:

Fearsome reputations - We examine the North Channel from the Mull of Galloway to the Mull of Kintyre
Weather watch: July - What to expect and where to find the best sailing
Masterclass: new series! - John Goode looks at boat handling under power in the often testing tidal waters around our coast
Small-boat sailing - in Ireland - Jake Frith heads over to Baltimore to see what a course on small-boat handling can offer the cruising sailor
Weather class - Expert tips on reading and interpreting the weather
Spotting whales & dolphins - Advice from the pros on safely spotting and watching whales and dolphins PLUS: FREE identi-card
Delivery charter in Greece - Plus tips on getting this year's best holiday bargains

PRACTICAL:

Fitting a fuel tank - Philip Dunn sets about replacing his rusting diesel fuel tank with a brand new stainless-steel one. Of course, all did not go quite as planned...
Knot know-how - Colin Jarman provides a step-by-step guide to tying the useful Man Harness Knot (aka the Harness Hitch)
Restoring damaged veneer - Keith Bunker demonstrates how to repair and restore delicate veneer without it ending up looking worse than before you started
Fat Martyn's Galley - Gourmand Martyn Lester points out that dehydrated foods, while being basic, make fine emergency rations
Making new washboards - Fitting a new set of washboards can really cheer your boat up. Greg Dalrymple shows how easily it's done
Q&As - Your queries answered by our panel of experts