Practical Sailor's gear and boat reviews take the guesswork out of your buying decisions.

November 1, 2003

Sailmakers' Advice and Prices
Last month we heard from a group of top sailmakers about the technology and design behind their products, and their loft philosophies. This month they're here to sell sails.

Offshore Log: The Volvo Open 70
This new class of round-the-world racers has just been introduced. The boats will be designed for even more speed than their 60-foot predecessors, but also engineered for more safety.

Santa Cruz 27
Bill Lee's first production boat set a standard for fast, lightweight keelboats that are easily sailed by a small crew.

Walker Bay RIDs
There will be added drag in some conditions, and the nine-footer is tough for one person to carry. Minor gripes aside, though, Walker Bay's addition of an inflatable tube was a great move.