Ask SAIL: Do Without a Bolt Rope?
March 9, 2022
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.
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.
Celestial Nav 5 – The fifth installment of The Nav Station’s Celestial Navigation series discusses the contents of the Nautical Almanac, and how to use
In mid-August 2019, my wife, Terrie, and I laid up our Malö 46, Nada, in Falmouth, England, and flew home to Maine. We booked flights
To read part 1, click here. When I began repairs on my Santana 27, Shirley Rose, I focused on the major systems rather than cosmetics.
I’ve always known the importance of having good sails. As a low-budget boat punk, I prioritize making sure I can get where I’m going with
If you missed the first installment, click here. The hull and deck of Shirley Rose had been repaired, but what kind of sailboat would she
Squalls are well known to sailors who cruise the middle Latitudes. Eventually, you become complacent to their bluster. But squalls vary in magnitude, and while
If you missed the first installment, click here. Thankfully, the deck and cockpit of my decades-old Santana 27, Shirley Rose, were in pretty good shape.
Ever since the advent of GPS, I have not found much use for the chart table on my schooner Britannia. Most of our passagemaking navigation
Pressurized water systems are brilliantly convenient, but they raise the question of how to get water out of the tanks in the event of a
The Charter issue is on the way! Here’s what to look forward to in the April issue of SAIL Magazine. Cruising in the Land of
Francesca Clapcich has had incredible few years both on and off the race course. Meet the sailor behind the trophy collection.
Cornell University and Dartmouth College are in search of new head sailing coaches in the 2026 season. Both positions were listed this week and are
The Gulf Stream is a fascinating navigational puzzle.
It’s March, and if you’re like most sailors who’ve had to put their beloveds away for the winter, you’re champing at the bit to get
Don’t let the close confines and recurring stresses of living aboard sink your relationships.
Replacing a legend isn’t easy, but this new cruising cat may have what it takes.
A beginner’s guide to getting off soundings in New England.
ORC has been criticized for re-rating the XR 41 for the 2026 season. Let’s talk about it.
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
