Gear, Grub & Life Afloat
from the Channel Islands
Honest, researched gear guides for galley, cabin and deck — written from Jersey, where the tides decide everything.
Latest from the Log
The CabinHow to Winterise a Boat: The Lay-Up Checklist
A practical checklist for laying up a small boat for winter, afloat or ashore: engine, water, batteries, sails, damp and covers, with notes for Jersey's mild but wet winters.
The GalleyThe Best Espresso Makers for Boats: Manual & 12V
A proper coffee at anchor is one of sailing's great pleasures. The best compact espresso makers for a boat galley, including the 12V option and the hand-pumped ones that need no power at all.
The CabinBest Boat Dehumidifiers 2026
Keeping a boat in the Channel Islands means fighting damp year-round, especially over winter. Desiccant vs compressor, powered vs passive, and the dehumidifiers that suit Jersey conditions best.
Deck & DockMusto vs Gill vs Henri Lloyd
Three iconic British sailing brands, three very different price points. How their foul weather jackets compare on fabric, features and value — and which one makes sense for Channel Islands sailing.
The GalleyBest Nesting Cookware for Boats
Space is everything in a boat galley. The best nesting pan sets for cooking well, stowing flat and surviving salt air, plus what to avoid.
The CabinBest LED Deck Lights for Boats
The right lighting transforms a boat at anchor. Warm, dimmable cockpit lighting, a better anchor light and one indulgence, with picks for every budget.
Deck & DockBest Boat Shoes 2026
A good pair of deck shoes needs to grip wet decks, look decent in a marina restaurant and last more than one season. The classics and the performance option compared.
The GalleyThe Sundowner Kit
Two glasses, golden hour, Elizabeth Castle across the bay. The best unbreakable wine glasses for boats, and everything else you need for the perfect sundowner at anchor.
The GalleySailing Around Jersey
A practical gear guide for sailing around Jersey and the Channel Islands, from big tides and the Race of Alderney to drying harbours and what to pack for a day on the water.
The CabinHow to Stop Your Boat Smelling Damp
The damp boat smell isn't inevitable. A step-by-step approach to source control, dehumidifiers, absorbers, bedding and airflow that keeps a cabin fresh.
Skipper's Starter Kits
The “No-Soggy-Bed” Kit
Dehumidifier, moisture absorbers & better airflow. Essential in Jersey's damp Atlantic climate.
View the kit →The “Perfect Morning at Anchor” Kit
Compact espresso maker, a proper flask & nesting pans. Sunrise over St. Aubin's Bay, sorted.
View the kit →The “Sundowner” Kit
Unbreakable wine glasses, LED deck lights & insulated bottle. Golden hour at anchor.
View the kit →The “Dried-Out” Kit
Boarding ladder, grippy deck shoes & tide-ready kit list. Built for Jersey's 12m tidal range.
View the kit →