Laura Hodgetts

Features Editor at Practical Boat Owner

Cruising Editor at Yachting Monthly

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pbo.co.uk

yachtingmonthly.com

Articles

Dinghy Cruising Association at 70

4 weeks ago | pbo.co.uk | Laura Hodgetts

The Dinghy Cruising Association may be 70 years old – but it’s never been so on trend, reports Laura Hodgetts TAGS: CruisingdinghyTop stories Long considered ‘a bit bizarre’ for sailing small boats into creeks and estuaries for adventurous nights of wild camping on board, the Dinghy Cruising Association (DCA) members now find their sport ‘increasingly fashionable’.
Five boats destroyed by fire at Portsmouth boatyard

2 months ago | pbo.co.uk | Laura Hodgetts

A blaze involving several boats on land and a storage container at a boatyard in Tipner Lane, Portsmouth, Hampshire prompted around twenty 999 calls to the fire service. TAGS: boat fireTop stories Fire investigation officers are working to establish the cause of a fire that broke out at a boatyard in Tipner Lane in Portsmouth, Hampshire, destroying five boats.
Yacht charter in Europe: where to sail

2 months ago | pbo.co.uk | Laura Hodgetts

From bareboat to skippered or flotilla holidays, Laura Hodgetts looks at options for sunnier climes a few hours’ flight away TAGS: EuropeTop stories Just a short-haul flight away from the UK, warm sunshine and a sailor’s playground awaits. The Mediterranean coast stretches approximately 2,500 miles and encompasses 23 countries, boasting varied landscapes, cultural gems and countless islands, islets and bays.
Left for dead after falling overboard: how one sailor survived 5 hours lost at sea before rescue

2 months ago | pbo.co.uk | Laura Hodgetts

Roger Cottle was presumed dead after falling overboard a 27ft yacht and lost at sea for five-and-a-half hours in a holed lifejacket, at night in the Bay of Biscay TAGS: Man OverboardseamanshipTop stories Falling overboard, I discovered that what they don’t tell you on the sailing courses is that a safety harness is great until you fall in, and then you become a waterskier.
Plan to secure future of nautical publisher Imray paper charts

2 months ago | pbo.co.uk | Laura Hodgetts

Imray’s nautical paper charts and books are no longer at risk of ceasing publication this year. TAGS: boatinggearnavigationTop stories Leading publisher of nautical information for leisure sailors Imray Laurie Norie & Wilson Ltd (Imray) and Austrian cartographic specialist freytag & berndt (FB) have pledged to “ensure the continued availability and development” of Imray paper charts.
Big worries over new MCA Sport and Pleasure Code of Practice

Mar 28, 2025 | pbo.co.uk | Laura Hodgetts

Sail training providers across the UK are warning the cost of proposed changes to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s (MCA) Sport and Pleasure Code of Practice’ could have a ‘devastating’ impact on the services they deliver.
Have your say on boat licensing via the Canal and River Trust survey

Mar 21, 2025 | pbo.co.uk | Laura Hodgetts

Boat owners and other stakeholders are invited to share their boat licensing experiences and suggestions for improvement via the Canal & River Trust's survey – are changes are needed for the UK network’s future? TAGS: boatingTop stories An independently led commission is reviewing the legal framework around the Canal & River Trust’s boat licensing.
Where to recycle old sails and end of life kit – drop off points across the UK and Europe - Practical Boat Owner

Mar 19, 2025 | pbo.co.uk | Laura Hodgetts

Got old sails and unwanted rope that you don't want to put into landfill?
Buyers beware: new AIS MOB device rule

Mar 13, 2025 | pbo.co.uk | Laura Hodgetts

Big changes to marine radio device rules are planned to be brought into the UK, impacting man overboard (MOB) locator devices. TAGS: gearsailingTop storiesUK seas New European safety rules to address congestion of automatic identification system (AIS) frequencies used by Autonomous Maritime Radio Devices (AMRDs) have already taken effect in many countries including Ireland.
Ian Williams named YJA Yachtsman of the Year

Feb 24, 2025 | pbo.co.uk | Laura Hodgetts

Ian Williams has been named the Yachting Journalists' Association's Yachtsman of the Year; Jessye Opoku-Ware was awarded the 2024 YJA Young Sailor of the Year TAGS: awardawardsnewsTop stories Ian Williams, who made history after securing an unprecedented eighth World Match Racing Tour title, has been named the Yachting Journalists’ Association’s (YJA) 2024 Yachtsman of the Year.