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Sailing Gear

Zodiac’s J.J. Marie assumes top gun status

During a career that spanned a quarter of a century, J.J. Marie and his team built the Zodiac line of inflatable boats into one of the best-known brands in the world. Marie had already enjoyed success in many well-known international companies before he joined the Zodiac Groupe in 1984 in Toronto, Ontario.In 1990 Marie moved to the United States as president of Zodiac of North America and

6 New DVDs

Cast Off for MexicoIn their second video cruising guide (Cast Off for Catalina was released in 2005) Mark Ritts and Ted Field explain the ins and outs of cruising to Mexico, including what to bring, how to clear customs, and navigational tips. Though thy complete the trip on a powerboat, the video includes some excellent sailboat footage and would be a useful resource for

Avoiding boomers Page 2

SW WINDS 5 TO 10 KT. SEAS 1 TO 2 FT. A CHANCE OF T-STMS IN THE AFTERNOON. Also a chance that a product below will provide many many more details……and possibly allow you to enjoy a good day’s sailing in spite of an iffy forecast. With real-time weather-tracking capability you can see rain and thunderstorms moving through the area, allowing you to make smarter decisions about when to head

Avoiding boomers

SW WINDS 5 TO 10 KT. SEAS 1 TO 2 FT. A CHANCE OF T-STMS IN THE AFTERNOON. Also a chance that a product below will provide many many more details……and possibly allow you to enjoy a good day’s sailing in spite of an iffy forecast. With real-time weather-tracking capability you can see rain and thunderstorms moving through the area, allowing you to make smarter decisions about when to head

Channel Surfing

When I started sailing, 50 years ago, electronic gear was a rarity. In fact, a knotmeter was the only electronic device aboard the first boat I sailed on. Obviously, things have evolved a lot since then. An onboard TV was once the sole province of the wealthy, but now they’re becoming increasingly common, even on fairly small boats. Some cruisers hate the idea, while others can’t do without

Channel Surfing Page 2

When I started sailing, 50 years ago, electronic gear was a rarity. In fact, a knotmeter was the only electronic device aboard the first boat I sailed on. Obviously, things have evolved a lot since then. An onboard TV was once the sole province of the wealthy, but now they’re becoming increasingly common, even on fairly small boats. Some cruisers hate the idea, while others can’t do without

Easy Options

Here’s good news for foredeck crews who have to deal with hectic sail changes and less-than-ideal sheeting angles. Harken’s new high-load snatch blocks feature an innovative soft-strop attachment system that makes life easy. The blocks currently come in four sizes (safe working loads of 5,070 pounds, 10,805 pounds, 18,080, and 26,460 pounds), and should work well in such static-line applications

Lobster Pot Payback

Wherever you sail, you know all too well how easy it is to get something tangled around some appendage of your boat. The Hooknife, from Sailor’s Solutions, has multiple effective cutting angles and makes it easy to free your keel, rudder, or prop from abandoned fishing tackle, plastic bags, discarded cordage, or (heaven forbid) your own sheet or guy, without having to go swimming. This tool will

Sheltered Existence

Looking for a dry bag that can also serve as a grocery carrier or an adventure pack? DeMar Designs’s new Cortez backpack is well worth your attention. The backpack features open-mesh construction (with some nylon paneling), a generous vertical zipper opening that allows top-to-bottom access, accessory pockets, compression straps, an internal pocket for a hydration unit (not supplied), a removable

2009 Pittman Innovation Awards

As sailors we pit ourselves against the unknown, working to negotiate safe passages through ever-changing oceans and lakes and rivers in weather conditions for which the term “variable” should be considered a euphemism. While each passage or race is unique, one aspect of sailing is universal—namely, that innovation and new technology combine to make our sport easier, safer, and just plain more

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Communication at Sea

Location: 32.19 N, 70.34 W, somewhere in the North Atlantic, three days out of Beaufort, North Carolina. “Done.” Jeremy put the iPad face down on

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Top Tips for Spring Commissioning

Winter can be hard on boats, even when they’re properly winterized, covered, and tucked in for the long dark nights. Come spring, we’re all antsy

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Top 10 Best Boats Review: J/45

It has been nearly 20 years, a full generation, since J/Boats has produced an offshore-capable boat that can be both raced and comfortably cruised. For

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A Hot Sailing Regatta in St. Thomas

For 49 years, St. Thomas International Regatta (STIR) has drawn top regional and international sailors thanks to its renowned trade winds, high caliber sailors, and

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