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Cruising Tips

Voice of Experience: Knockdown on Lake Ontario

“We’ll only be out for an hour,” he promised, and I decided to believe him. The wind out on Lake Ontario was light, the seas were calm, and despite there being some dark clouds in the distance, it looked like a great afternoon for a sail.

Learning to Do It Yourself

I never used to read how-to articles in sailing magazines. They were too daunting. I might want to build a thingie or fix a whatnot, but a few paragraphs in, I would learn that success was possible only if certain conditions were met.

Save Energy Onboard with a 12-Volt Laptop Charger

For many cruisers with simple electrical needs, a laptop computer can be the biggest power hog onboard. On our Creekmore 34, Eurisko, we need a laptop not only for my writing, but for our three homeschoolers.

Nifty Winch-Handle Holder

It’s always nice to have dedicated spots on deck or in the cockpit for stowing winch handles. But the various pre-made molded-plastic or fancy fabric holders out there can be surprisingly costly, when all you really need is a short length of PVC pipe.

Know How To Tow

This GMC video series will fully equip Active Interest Media readers and boaters with the necessary how-to skills involved in enjoying your trip to the nearby launch for that much-deserved trip out on the water.

Crossing Seas with Kids

What could be more relaxing and peaceful? Until you hear cries of, “Dad! My Barbie shoes went down the bilge!”, “Mom! James is sick again!” or the ever popular “I’m hungry!”

Compass Mask

 Sunlight is not good for your compass. The liquid inside gets cloudy over time, making it hard to read a heading.

Drain your Rudder

When I bought my first cruising sailboat, I falsely assumed the rudder was watertight. I later learned otherwise when I began seeing rust streaks at the seams.

Clearing an Anchor Rode

Here’s a simple trick I’ve used many times to clear a rope anchor rode caught on a keel. First, I get out my 15lb mushroom dinghy anchor and attach it to the snap shackle…

Best Stern Anchors

If you’re getting into serious cruising, there will be times when you want to set a stern anchor. Usually this involves emptying fenders, lines and whatnot out of a cockpit locker until you unearth the kedge and its rode.

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Aquila Goes Sailing 

A major powercat brand is turning towards new horizons with the announcement of three new sailing cats to join their lineup.

Lydia Mullan

From the Editor: Watch Change

I have a confession to make: I recently read one of John Kretschmer’s books for the first time.  You’d think someone who’s made a career

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