ON THE WATER:

Fearsome reputations - Running the Portland Race is not for the faint-hearted. Here's how to sail this renowned passage safely with boat and reputation intact at the end of the day
Great Glen Raid - An event organised in Scotland for open boats using just sails and oars. Jake Frith took up the challenge
Small-boat sailing: Anglesey - When Peter Edward took Wigtail, an 18-foot Westerly Nimrod, for a gentle canter round Anglesey, a rough ride was had by afl
Masterclass: handling under power - John Goode continues his look at close quarters iiaoomiikig under power
Charter - A first-time bareboater's experiences around the Ionian. Martyn Lester comments on the pitfalls and pleasures...
Weather Class - Your chance to learn more about interpreting the weather - this issue, depressions and secondary lows

NEWS & VIEWS:

Sailing news - The perils of immigrant-smuggling and ex-editor Digby Fox on his charity sail round Ireland plus all the local news from your area
Navcomm snippets - Basil D'Oliveira brings you the latest operational news including NAVTEX changes and safety at sea
New Boats at the Show - With so much to offer at the Southampton Boat Show we give you the lowdown on some of the top compact cruisers and the bigger production boatyards
Copyshop service - Missed a feature or a Group Test or Boat Test? Here's your chance to get hold of a copy
Readers' letters - Continued interest in our 'Right to moor' campaign and sound medical advice plus prize Xword p.48

TESTING:

Just in - Enough useful new gadgetry to keep Colin Jarman happy for a whole wet weekend
Marine gear: tried & tested - Foulweather gear, schooner varnish, a Nordic smock, a robust engine and a fuel filter funnel are some of the items under investigation this issue
Group test: Cabin heaters - The long-awaited results of our year-long test of hot-air cabin heaters. Tim Bartlett gets hot under the collar
Boat test: MacGregor 26X - Find out what makes this 26-foot trailer-sailer one of the most popular - and controversial - of cruisers
Shopping around - Smitten by the MacGregor 26X? Take a look, at these other five contenders in the category before vou buv

PRACTICAL:

Woodwork - How to patch up your woodwork at the end of the season when it's looking a little worn out
Engine install - A step-by-step guide to installing a new diesel engine
Galley - Ingenious hot meals using a vacuum flask - they don't just keep things hot you know. So much more to learn.
Q&As - Our panel of sailing experts are poised to reply to your every obscure query. The trickier the better