Ask SAIL: a Bag of Lines
September 24, 2025
You ask, we answered: Ask SAIL is back. Send your questions to sailmail@sailmagazine.com to be featured in the magazine. We have a whole bag of lines
You ask, we answered: Ask SAIL is back. Send your questions to sailmail@sailmagazine.com to be featured in the magazine. We have a whole bag of lines
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: I’ve been watching the most recent America’s Cup down in Auckland, which has got me thinking about technology and sails. My question is, how
TO VANG OR NOT TO VANG Q: Last year, I bought a new, fully-battened Dacron main for my 36-footer. Unlike the old one, the new
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?
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
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
DINGHY DILEMMA Q: We are in the throes of choosing a dinghy, and I would like to ask if you would recommend buying a RIB
Q: I have a 1974 Aquarius 23 that I am fixing up. I am wondering if I should replace the standing rigging no matter what,
Q: I have a 40ft Pearson with a 24-mile radar antenna installed on the radar arch aft. I am concerned that I could be missing
US Patriot Sailing advocate and solo ocean racer Ronnie Simpson will be the keynote speaker at this March’s offshore racing conference.
The days are shorter and the weather is colder, but don’t worry: Your next issue of SAIL is on the way.
American Sailing has announced the passing of CEO Jonathan Payne. Payne is remembered as a champion for the sport who worked tirelessly to support and
The Leopard 52 takes the eco-conscious design of its predecessor, the SAIL Top 10 Best Boats winning Leopard 46, and scales it up. The 52
Line honors have been awarded in both the 2025 ARC and ARC+ fleets.
Larger than the pre-existing models from Balance, this catamaran is the fastest and leanest in their line. It is designed to be light for performance
Your gift goes twice as far in 2025.
In a bid to become the fastest team to circumnavigate the globe, The Famous Project CIC kicked off their Jules Verne record attempt this weekend.
Mullan was named Young Journalist of the Year by the Yachting Journalists Association.
For some, steering by compass comes easily; for others, it takes a little getting used to.
