Crunch time for the chart makers - With GPS giving us extremely accurate positions, can we trust charts from 19th century surveys with soundings taken by lead-line? Nigel Calder investigates

The spice boys - Dick Durham and friend Pete Willetts get their first taste of the Caribbean aboard the bareboat sloop Goliath. From cloves and cinnamon to coconuts and coral, the East Coast lads discover the charms of the spice island, Grenada

The art of course sailing - Jan Leonard spends a stormy week learning the ropes on a Solent sailing course. Will she (and, more importantly, her hair) survive the experience?

Rally on the run - Mike Kopman rejoins YM's Rally Portugal to catch up with the fleet for its final coastal hops, from Lisbon to Lagos

Autopilots - In the first of a two-part special on self-steering systems, Mike Kopman looks at electronic autopilots, how to install them and how to troubleshoot problems

Next month: windvanes - Astro navigation Can you learn astro navigation in three days? Paul Gelder sets off across the Bay of Biscay, guided by the sun and the stars

Destinations: the River Medway, Chatham and Rochester - Dick Durham discovers chequered naval history, brand-new marinas and quiet creeks along this bustling Kentish river

French island hopping-part 6 - Ken Endean discovers that lie de Re, despite being joined to the mainland by bridqe, retains its unique island character

Following in Iskra's wake - Inspired by writer-sailor Frank Mulville's adventures in Buenos Aires, Thies Matzen follows in his friend's watersteps on board Wanderer III

Gear on test - Two different sets of high-tech foulies, some waterproof binoculars and a Swedish U Mi-plotter get put under the YM spotlight

Malo 41 - This elegant cruiser, built in Sweden, is put through her paces by James Jermain in fair weather and foul

Dragonfly 1200 - A trimaran with extending wings that make her more marina-friendly sounds promising. James Jermain discovers whether comfort and capability have been compromised

Feeling 326 - Simon Jinks on afast, roomy second-hand coastal cruiser

Blue Water Letter - Rod Heikell's seven tenths undergoes urgent repairs and gets re-decked in Turkey

Blue Water Postscript
New gear - A-Z of second-hand boats
Around the Coast - Property
The Confessional - Editorial
On Watch - The latest sailing news, including SOLAS regs and RCD checks
Readers' letters - Any Questions?
YM subscriptions
Next month and YM books

Libby Purves - Let sleeping logs lie

A Question of Seamanship - Shelter from the storm

Learning Curve - Nigel Calder hits a granite ledge sailing a friend's yacht

Yachtmaster Class - Tom Cunliffe on proving the earth is round, swinging a compass and not letting your sextant rust away in its box

Better Boat Handling - Simon Jinks on how to approach a MOB under sail

Sailing quiz
Sea Sense - Practical stowage
Knots - Geoffrey Budworth demonstrates a sling for bottles, jugs and jars