NEWS & VIEWS:

Sailing news - Historic court case rules against dual charges on the River Orwell, and how an ice-cream seller found a bomb in Studland Bay! Plus: club news & diary dates
Letters - Outrage at possible 250 per cent increase in Lymington mooring costs; where to get good - and bad - service; and some thoughts on security Plus: Prize Xword p.42
FREE: Boat Show guide - Comprehensive plans and listings - a must-have guide to who will be where at Southampton this year
Copyshop - Missed a boat test or gear review? Order a copy here

TESTING:

Just In - Find out what's new at the Show and make sure you're the first in the queue
New boat test: Etap 32s - Don't let the price tag put you off this classy yacht that's as unsinkable as any of Etap's boats
Marine gear: tried & tested - Buying advice you can trust: more products put through their paces including a hi-tech nightsight, training CD, offshore oilies and a pressure washer
Buyers' guide to solar panels - Ever considered fitting one of these? We find out whether it's a good idea and what's available
Used boat test: Westerly Fulmar 32 - Does this popular 32-footer deserve its enviable reputation as a good all-rounder?
Shopping around - Five alternative boats to consider if you're thinking of buying a Fulmar 32: Carter 33; First 32; Jeanneau Sadler 32 & OOD34

ON THE WATER:

Crew Class: dealing with gas - Beginners are quite rightly often apprehensive about the presence of gas on board. But being aware of the dangers and learning some basic safety rules will soon help to build your confidence - as Tom Goodall explains
UK cruise: to the Isles of Scilly - Setting out from Milford Haven, Ed Gorman cruises around the Isles the long way and finishes up back at Falmouth. It wasn't quite all plain sailing, however...
Reader's experience - Paul Custance decided to buy a boat off the internet and ended up being rescued 350 miles off Bermuda by the US Navy Air National Guard
Chartering: how to get a bargain - It's by no means too late to book a sailing holiday for this year - in fact, it's a very good time to pick up some amazing cut-price offers for a peaceful, off-season break
John Goode's Masterclass - Continuing his Seamanship In The Sun series, John explains how to leave a very crowded quay without any unnecessary panic and maintaining good seamanship

PRACTICAL:

Get smart - battery-wise! - If you want to increase the life of your batteries, plus save on fuel and engine wear and tear, you should consider installing an intelligent regulator. Here's how...
Check out your wiring - How to give your onboard wiring the once over, to ensure that your electrical connections won't let you down when you're least expecting it
What rigging screws are wearing...An easy-to-follow, step-by-step guide to making some posh and sturdy leather covers for your rigging screws
Ship's cook - Fat Martyn comes over all hot and spicy in the galley with a selection of essential herbs and spices to keep on board
Learn how to 'scribe' - Two cunning methods of measuring a curve to ensure a smoother fit of on-board fixtures and fittings
Q&As - plus Know Your Knots - Our experts take the wind out of your sailing problems Plus: How to tie a Turk's Head, step-by-step