The first time I tried to pick up a mooring singlehanded in a stiff breeze, I approached from dead downwind in the usual manner and stopped the boat with the pickup buoy right where I wanted it.
Reading the water is an important skill you should practice often to ensure there’s always water under your keel
Any brightwork on your boat, inside or out, needs regular maintenance to stay in top condition. Varnishes are expected to fulfill two important functions—they enhance the natural beauty of the wood and protect it from the elements.
The fog was rolling in quickly, and the sun would soon be setting. I was bound for Provincetown at the tip of Cape Cod, a long peninsula that extends east and loops north like the tip of an elf’s shoe.
Next time the wind goes soft, instead of submitting to this self-fulfilling prophesy of slow-going, try opening up the slot between your mainsail and headsail.
There are many different ways to embarrass yourself while sailing. Having fenders hanging over your topsides or large scallops in your mainsail between the slides are two popular examples. Another is to use improper radio procedures. This demonstrates your incompetence not only to those who can see you, but to everyone within 20 miles.I am constantly frustrated by the poor procedures I
If you live in what some call temperate latitudes, there’s a good chance you are just about to take your last sail of the season and are well along with plans to haul your boat for the winter. This is an inevitable progression for most sailors who live in communities that budget for snow removal. Getting your boat ready for this kind of weather calls for some clear thinking and a well-developed
There’s an old saying that some of the most dangerous moments in sailing occur when people are in their dinghies. Over the years we’ve had lots of opportunities to see dinghies being handled well and poorly, and we’ve seen a lot more good and bad examples since we have been cruising in the Caribbean aboard our 54- foot cutter New Morning. We carry an 11-foot Zodiac
With boats going back in the water in the northern parts of the country and marinas further south beginning to fill up with the summer regulars, it’s time to make sure the dock lines you’ll be using are going to keep your boat in its designated spot. Carefully inspect the condition of all these lines, and if any show signs of chafe or abrasion, replace them. Once the wind has
Harry Sweica on engine maintenance and repair Harry Swieca has run a boatyard, and he is a registered marine surveyor. He’s certified in the repair of all marine engines. ONE TACH TOO MANY: I have a 2QM20 Yanmar engine that’s great. But after the ignition switch and starter motor started acting up, I installed a new switch, and
A fleet-footed foiler that everyone will want to take for a spin.
Where you’ve seen his work: Onboard photography and video during four editions of The Ocean Race Ross grew up in New Jersey and says he
The Laser was a little worse for wear. It was an old one, a little too heavy with chips and gouges that left the fiberglass
The foiling grand prix fleet made a stop in New York this week, but tricky conditions on Saturday left some out of the racing. Still, the home team moved up the leaderboard and a few notable names joined the racers.
Take a look inside the build process of a foiling Classe Mini 6.50 as Peter Gibbons-Neff gears up for a second go at the Mini Transat.
In praise of the Melges 15, a class that has grown to prominence in recent years, and for good reason.
Where you’ve seen her work: the iconic Transpac photography at Diamond Head light, The Ultimate Sailing Calendar Sharon Green’s photography career began suddenly and with
How and why to make your next adventure a trip aboard Other People’s Boats.
Sailing the “Standing Mast Route” Through The Netherlands
When it comes to managing a blow, reefing is just one part of the equation.
