Raising Sail in the Digital Age: Attracting the Next Generation of Sailboat Buyers

Walk the docks at most marinas or check out the bars at your local yacht club and it’s obvious that the average boat owner...

A Marine Book with Staying Power: Book Review

We love marine books at Practical Sailor, but we recognize their shelf life can be limited. After you’ve read, enjoyed and absorbed, they might...
An old winch with a strip of 3M Safety-Walk tape applied for extra grip. (Photo/ Bert Vermeer)

Giving Old Winches New Grip

On Natasha, our 1978 Islander Bahama 30, the Barient two speed sheet winches were showing their age—a dull chrome surface and the drum were...

Engineless and Adrift in Panama: How Seamanship Saved Atlas IV

“Is everything okay? Your EPIRB was set off.” It’s a call no sailor wants to receive. For Josh Verstoep and Sierra Grant, that call set off...

Inside Sail America’s Plan to Grow the Sport and the Industry

Sail America’s mission is to “promote the health and growth of sailing.” Thus, you’d think alarm bells would be going off there given that...
The author's pup Sprocket, modeling his Mustang lifejacket. (Photo/ Jaclyn Jeffrey)

What Dog Breed is Best Suited for Cruising?

Despite their anatomical handicaps, some dog breeds are pretty well adapted to boats and the water. The dog lovers among our readers have helped us put together this list of relatively small dogs, good traveling dogs that like the water and are happy to curl up in tight spaces during passages. Here is a list of the most popular breeds that were recommended.
During the survey on this CS 36 in the Dominican Republic, the author found widespread moisture, hidden core rot, and structural concerns beneath her freshly painted topsides.(Photo/ Ray Ville)

Not All That Glitters Is Gold: A Surveyor’s Cautionary Tale

I received a message regarding surveying a 1980 CS 36: “I bought a sailboat with two friends and need a survey,” the WhatsApp message...
Author Bert Vermeer and his granddaughter Natasha, age 8, at the helm.

Old Boats, New Generations: The Real Value of Our Cruising Life

I often ask myself the point of all the effort and expense of owning a well-aged sailboat. This usually happens after I crack a...

Caring for Damaged Foul Weather Gear

Manufacturers will recommend returning damaged foul weather gear for evaluation, and in some cases there may be remedies under warranty. On the other hand,...

Essential Knots and How To Tie Them

Like most sailors, you’ve probably seen many articles and books about knots. You’ve probably also seen the hundreds, if not thousands, of social media...

This 24 Foot Sailboat Can Cross Oceans… Seriously

Can you really cross oceans or even live aboard a 24-foot sailboat? In this deep dive on the Pacific Seacraft Dana 24, we break...

Latest Sailboat Review

Cabot 36 Used Boat Review

The Cabot 36 is a sought-after, medium-displacement, 36-ft. cutter from the 1970s that can provide security and comfort for a budget-conscious sailor willing to...