Cruising Resources
Boat Maintenance: Preparing for the Cold Months Ahead
As the sailing season draws to a close across the Northern Hemisphere, many boat owners are thinking about lift-out and winterising their boats. Whether you keep your boat afloat through winter or haul out onto the hard, this is the time to inspect, clean and protect every part of your vessel. A little attention to detail now will reward you with a quicker, easier launch when the season starts again. Read Jimmy Green Marine’s guide.
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Papua New Guinea, Bougainville: Friendly and Welcoming Vibes Everywhere
Long term South Pacific cruisers Birgit Hackl and Christian Feldbauer are currently cruising in Papua New Guinea and in September/October 2025 they spent three weeks visiting the islands of Bougainville. Despite travel warnings and negative reports, they experienced responsive and helpful officials - as well as friendly and welcoming locals - wherever they went. This is their cruising report.
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Caribbean: Jamaica in the Path of Hurricane Melissa
Tropical Storm Melissa has been upgraded to Hurricane status and is expected to rapidly intensify into a Major Hurricane by the end of the weekend bringing life-threatening and catastrophic flash flooding and landslides into parts of southern Haiti and Jamaica according to the US National Hurricane Center.
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Solomon Islands: A Very Enjoyable Six Month Cruise
The Solomon Islands offer a convenient way to bypass Australia when sailing from Vanuatu to South East Asia or vice-versa and is a good option if you have pets onboard according to long time cruisers Luc and Jackie Callebaut. With uncrowded anchorages and only a few regular tourists, this is a great place to visit says Luc in this report on their six months spent cruising the archipelago.
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Sailing to South Africa? Learn About The Mozambique Channel
When sailing to South Africa and going down the Mozambique channel there are a few important factors to consider. One is the Agulhas current running north to south and the other is the two prevailing wind directions. Combined, with polar fronts peeling off from the lower latitudes, sailors need to be prepared for short weather windows, dangerous seas and very limited safe havens. Read this useful guidance report from Vince Nel, Director of OSASA.
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Atlantic Crossing, Canary Islands: ARC Boats Gather in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Anticipation for the ARC and ARC+ is building as boats from around the world are gathering in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands. These iconic sailing rallies, organized by World Cruising Club, will see over 1200 participants complete crossings of the Atlantic Ocean and this year will be particularly special as 2025 marks the 40th edition of the ARC.
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Guinea Bissau, Bijagos Archipelago: An Unknown Paradise
Why rush to cross the Atlantic for the Caribbean, say Knut Kähler and Bianka Martens of SV Habiby, when there is so much to see on the eastern side? Having sailed from the Canaries to Cape Verdes, they spent time exploring West Africa. After Senegal and Gambia, the highlight was Guinea Bissau – a former Portuguese colony – that they say, despite the tricky navigation, was an “unknown paradise”.
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Comment on Fiji
Note to clarify recent experience regarding 48 hours notice for arrival requirements. Recent incidents of smuggling of band substances and arms aboard cruising yachts has increased the rigour and precise application of official regulations of the advance arrival notification for cruising boats...
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New Zealand: Understanding Biofouling Requirements
Cruisers heading to New Zealand to escape the South Pacific Cyclone season or as part of their round the world adventure are being advised to make sure they are fully conversant with the Ministry of Primary Industry’s strict biofouling inspection requirements, so they do not have any clearance issues on arrival.
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Electronic Navigation Systems – Guidance for Safe Use on Leisure Vessels
The Royal Institute of Navigation (RIN) Small Craft Group has published an updated edition of its Electronic Navigation Systems – Guidance for Safe Use on Leisure Vessels booklet, which includes the latest developments in navigation technology, user feedback from across the leisure marine sector as well as a new section on astronavigation as a vital backup to electronic methods.
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