Columns

Voice of Experience: Blowout in Belhaven

by David W. Shaw, Posted October 9, 2012

On arriving at Alligator River Marina after a 15-mile passage across Albemarle Sound, we got a bit of a surprise. The place was practically empty, which was weird considering it was October, the height of snowbird season.

October Caption Contest

by Sail Staff, Posted September 30, 2012

Situated at Malvarrosa beach in Valencia, Spain, this fountain, Fuente De Agua, is dedicated to the sea, the winds and the coast. All it's missing is a caption.

Voice of Experience: Snagged!

by Beth Ann Mathews, Posted September 27, 2012

“Jim! What’s wrong?” I shouted as I sprinted half-awake toward the companionway with Glen, our 11-year old son, close on my heels. The roar of our diesel engine thundering into reverse had yanked me from my sleep.

Windshifts: Inflatable Combat

by Ray Jason, Posted September 20, 2012

After ten days of non-stop sailing from San Diego to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, I deserved a night of deep sleep. So why was my crew awakening me at an hour that even a bishop would find ungodly?

Viewpoint: A Vagabond’s Perspective

by Wally Moran, Posted September 13, 2012

In April, reader Dennis Michaud wrote SAIL complaining about the “glorification” of sailors “traveling on a shoestring” while he got a PhD, taught at university and is now about to hire 500 people and purchase a custom yacht—and “pay the onerous yard bills.”

Windshifts: Spinnakers Come, Spinnakers Go

by Lisa Gabrielson, Posted August 28, 2012

The first time I saw a spinnaker I was only a few years old. It was flying on the bow of a 35ft foot cruiser off the coast of Maine. A few years later, my father agreed to set the kite on our 50ft Hinckley, a rare concession.

Voice of Experience: A Carolina Drag

by Tony McMahon, Posted August 24, 2012

During the summer sailing season I had kept Radiant Beam close to my favorite cruising grounds near Pamlico Sound in North Carolina. As November approached, however, it was time to bring the boat back to her homeport in Wilmington.

From the Editor: Days of Joy

by Peter Nielsen, Posted August 7, 2012

Surely everyone who has sailed offshore has experienced that same elevation of the spirit, an upwelling of the life force, or whatever you choose to call it; you’d have to be dead inside not to.

Windshifts: When to Go

by Greg LeBreton, Posted July 11, 2012

For dreamers of all ages, the idea of cruising has an inescapable allure. But the question always remains: “When should I go? When can I realistically trade my current life for the freedom of cruising?”

Voice of Experience: Building a Trimaran

by Graham Silbermann, Posted July 19, 2012

It all started with losing my job. Like many people in recent years, I found myself unemployed, and the lack of activity made for restless hands. I figured since I couldn’t find work, I might as well build a boat.