Tom’s Tips
October 30, 2026
Photos by Tom Cunliffe Semantics – Chain or Rope? In the golden age of our sailing navies, a “cable” was the huge rope used for
Photos by Tom Cunliffe Semantics – Chain or Rope? In the golden age of our sailing navies, a “cable” was the huge rope used for
Tides are an essential part of coastal sailing, so don’t forget to look at the moon once in a while.
Twist: The Big Question When asked to help out onboard, I’m sometimes surprised to find how many skippers only have a vague notion of how
Low-power ideas for keeping your boat well-ventilated in the dog days of summer.
When it comes to managing a blow, reefing is just one part of the equation.
Log the Glass These days with weather forecasts available wherever there is WiFi, it doesn’t do to forget the old ways. Last season I was
Do away with mean reef points I’m always pleased to be on a boat with reef points for the mainsail. Without a stack pack, tying
Ditch the Squeaky Rope Look at the illustration and guess which rope kept me awake one night. It was, of course, the skinny one. The
The risk of going overboard—and how you brief it—depends entirely on context. Mia and I were at a wedding recently in England. The bride and
A cruising family revels in two seasons
of exploration in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Sailing America’s Intracoastal Waterway.
Photos by Tom Cunliffe Semantics – Chain or Rope? In the golden age of our sailing navies, a “cable” was the huge rope used for
Being a good skipper is about more than just managing the boat.
As technology marches onwards, experience is still our own.
Coastal Maine, a Tiny High
School Sailing Team, and the Legacy of Mike Horn.
The 2026 National Boating Safety Awards recognize outstanding efforts within the marine industry to promote safe and responsible boating to help build more confident boaters.
Race organizers have announced long term plans for the event, including expanded science and education programming and a homebase in Porto, Portugal.
Friends and crew of a boat lost in the 2024 Newport Bermuda return to the racecourse
The smallest end of the Seawind range proves itself during a spicy sea trial.
Even a rainy day can’t cast a shadow over Jeanneau’s latest midsize cruiser.
