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Ask Sail

Ask SAIL: Do Without a Bolt Rope?

  Q: In one of your recent Ask Sail responses, you wrote about loose-footed mainsails. I have an S2 7.9 that has a rope-footed main.

Ask SAIL: Some Random TLC

Q: I recently removed my radar’s white radome, which covers the internal rotating antenna. I gave the radome a light sandblasting to clear it of

Ask Sail: Underperforming Solar

UNDERPERFORMING SOLAR Q: I have a pair of solar panels on my aft arch feeding to a solar voltage regulator and then feeding my bank

Ask Sail: Cetol Skin

I used Sikkens Cetol on the bare wood on my Catalina 30, Morning Dew IV. The can was compromised over the spring, and I put the balance in a 16oz clean glass mayo jar. Last spring when I went to use it, a skin had formed over the top of the liquid, so I just cut the skin off. It is 1/8in thick. In the future, is it still OK to use?

Ask Sail: Keel Attachments

Q: I have an early ‘70s Catalina 27. The keel bolts look pretty good. My question is, why not glass over the keel to bond

Ask Sail: How Far to Ease Out?

Q: When sailing dead downwind (assume 22 knots of wind), if the main is eased out to 90 degrees relative to the wind (perpendicular to

Ask Sail:To Bond or Not To Bond

Q: I have a new-to-me Gulfstar 41 Ketch and would like some advice on bonding the through-hull valves. They are not bonded to anything or

A Quick Guide to Sea Safety

For National Safe Boating Week (May 17-23) we’re revisiting some of the best safety stories, recommendations, and gear from our sister publications.

Tallship Strikes the Brooklyn Bridge

Our thoughts are with the crew of Cuauhtémoc, a Mexican training ship on a cultural diplomacy tour that apparently suffered a mechanical failure and struck the Brooklyn Bridge over the weekend. Two people have died and 22 others are injured. 

Photo Friday

There’s nothing quite like the adrenaline at the start of a race. 

Antigua Sailing Week 2025

Against the backdrop of a lush and vibrant Caribbean island, this regatta offers fierce competition, challenging conditions, and a friendly social scene. 

Exploring Antigua

The sailing scene in Antigua is fantastic, but head to shore and check out this island’s history, stunning nature, and vibrant culture.

Walkthrough: Top 10 Best Boats 2026 Nominee Dufour 48

A first look at the stunning new Dufour 48, which SAIL had the opportunity to be the first U.S. magazine to test and review in Palma de Mallorca. The boat will be making its U.S. debut at the Annapolis Sailboat Show this October.

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