Founded in 1997 by Pete Greenfield, previously editor of Classic Boat and The Boatman, WaterCraft magazine is an independent international bi-monthly. It’s aimed at the boat enthusiasts who want to do it, not dream about it, presenting appealing boat designs from around the world and practical articles about all aspects of boatbuilding, in the boatyard and in the backyard. WaterCraft regularly features wooden boats and ‘green’ boats, with plans for home boatbuilders in every issue. WaterCraft looks at tradition for information, not replication and to the future for inspiration and innovation.

We’re out with the old… restoring Corribee no 1 & Norfolk smack Victorious… and in with the new…. first year boatbuilder Hannah Lovett & free Paul Gartside electric launch plans… in our January/February 2026 issue, on sale from 18 December.

• SAILS OF THE CENTURY – The great festival of sail in Douarnenez, Brittany, attracts boats with all kinds of rig. Kathy Mansfield has photographed many of them: Click to see

• WORK OUT OR DAY OUT – The best of small workboats can also lend themselves to leisure use, even the modern ones. Nigel Sharp reviews the versatile Nelson 18: Click to see

• WITH THE BEETLES – Kathy again, this time over in the US, rediscovering the little Beetle Cat which taught so many young Americans to sail – and is doing so still: Click to see

• BUILDING YOUR OWN 20’ (6.1m) ELECTRIC LAUNCH – Paul Gartside provides full plans for such a sweet-lined dayboat she’s definitely worth investing in a pod motor: Click to see

• HOW WE BECAME WOODEN BOAT BUILDERS – Colin Henwood of the WBTA looks back over  50 years and Hannah Lovett graduates from the BBA after 50 weeks: Click to see

• RESTORATION DRAMAS – Dr Les Gornall loses Corribee no 1 to rescue her years later and Mat Arney follows the major rebuild of a 100 year old Norfolk fishing smack: Click to see

• THE HEROIC HISTORY OF THE SAILING CANOE – Jean-Yves Poirier describes how John MacGregor’s Rob Roy inspired solo adventurers on both sides of the Atlantic: Click to see

• PLUS… 

Refining traditional rigs, Moray MacPhail updates the old gooseneck • Yacht designer Ian Nicolson lets in some fresh air with his simple home-made Dorade vents • Join The Club takes us with the gaffers to the Broads, with the dinghy cruisers to Loch Sunnart and with the steamers up the Tamar • And in Grand Designs, Paul Fisher of Selway-Fisher Design creates the 24’ (7.3m) Oarsome Skiff to get more youngsters afloat.