Classic Boat

Admire the world's most beautiful boats, brought to life through breath-taking photography. Classic Boat offers a unique blend of yacht reviews, seamanship and restoration features, history and design columns, practical advice and coverage of the leading international regattas and events. Whether your interest lies in working on restoration projects or sailing in classic regattas; whether you're a wooden boat owner or simply an admirer of traditional marine workmanship, Classic Boat will have something for you.

The classic clock ticks forward, or does it?

Classic Boat

RETURN OF THE QUEEN • On board Shamrock V following her triumphant three-year restoration

Big breeze and big fun in the Solent

Rain or Shine

Tell Tales

PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION WINNERS • The National Historic Ships UK photography competition, run annually in partnership with Classic Boat, attracted many strong images. Here are the winners

THE 2025 REVIEW • The Classic Boat team recall challenges, change, near-catastrophes, an epic return and the most incredible yachts

They don’t make ‘em… • Certainly when it comes to shavehooks, you want old ones

Objects of desire festive special

MILLY’S PICKS • Classic Boat’s online editor and purveyor of fine yachting gear selects a few tried and tested winners

Saleroom

MAST CHRISTMAS • Stepping a mast in Southampton Water in 1969, when crews were rough, spars were made of trees, cranes were driven by steam… and winter meant snow

GIVING WAY TO SAIL • Loch Lomond is an extraordinary one-off built by an ocean-racing legend, and these days acts as a regatta spectator launch. She’s what all motorboats want to be when they grow up… a sailor’s yacht

NATIONAL TREASURES • Opened to the public in 2024, an Ontario-based, world-class museum pays tribute to Canada’s most emblematic watercraft: the canoe

WILD WILD WEST • As part of Will Stirling’s ongoing global adventure, a wildly challenging Alaskan plan to sail and climb in this incredible landscape lived up to all expectations… and concerns

BUILDING CLOUDS • Lallows on the Isle of Wight has turned its hand to many things over its 158 years, but is best known for its S&S racers, including Ted Heath’s Morning Cloud II

Honky tonk nights • Nights out and old friends

SPIRIT OF TRADITION

New helm on Jeremy Rogers tiller

The Lloyds Bank horse gallops again

Mast of the world

Royal barge renewed

CONSIDERED CRAFTSMAN AND BENEVOLENT TEA-MAKERS • We pay a visit to the upper Thames and discover a wooden world full of good people, good vibes and hot beverages

Boatbuilder’s Notes

Traditional Tool

Letters

Next month

30 YEARS AGO • JANUARY 1996, CB91

The perfect gift this Christmas • 1 YEAR FOR JUST £39.99

Let it blow, let it blow, let it blow • The wind outside was frightful and the cabin not delightful, recalls Carl Richardson