Home Safety & Seamanship

Safety & Seamanship

Mud Anchoring Wisdom

For as long as I can remember, and probably for generations, it has been Chesapeake Bay lore that the longer an anchor soaks the...

Top Fire Blankets for the Offshore Sailor

Fire extinguishers are a U.S. Coast Guard requirement, and every boating instruction manual starts by telling you how many you need, where to mount them, and how to use them. Unfortunately, the manuals never go beyond that simplistic guidance, even though most fire-prevention authorities agree they are often not the best first response.

Offshore Log: Thoughts on Engine Spares For Cruising

Emptying out the spares inventory for Calypso's Perkins diesel was an eye-opener—there were plenty of parts back-ups, and, in Nick's view, all for the best of reasons.

Safe Options for Stowing LPG on Deck

Disposable propane cylinders are darn handy, powering stern-rail grills, propane torches and catalytic cabin heaters. I’ve also had the valves fail twice, the result...
1978 Islander Bahama 30 that we’ve owned for just over 20 years. We keep her in good condition and therefore she is relatively easy for us to insure. (Photo/ Bert Vermeer)

Insurance For Older Sailboats

In our modern, risk-adverse world there is seldom the opportunity to stand alone, to be self-insured as it were. Gone are the days that...
The author in his j70 coaching role, giving a chalk talk. (Photo/ Nick Van Antwerp)

Navigating the Learning Curve: Insights from a Sailing Instructor

I think of sailing as a lifelong pursuit. Mastery of sailing is elusive, there is always more to learn, from leading a new position...
We asked insurance companies how much it would cost to insure the popular Beneteau Oceanis 37.1 so readers could see the benefit of shopping around to find the company that best suits their needs and price point. Photo courtesy of Beneteau.

What Kind of Insurance Do I Need for My Cruising Sailboat?

There are plenty of exciting things to buy in the world of sailing. Nabbing all the gear, gadgets, upgrades and essential marine accoutrement is...

Refurbishing the Inflatable Dinghy

Inflatable tenders have become the family car for many cruisers. They haul groceries, take us to snorkeling spots, shuttle guests, haul out second anchors,...
You don't need to keep a full-size SCUBA tank onboard for underwater emergencies. Mini SCUBA tanks like this Spare Air don't take up much storage space, and offer sailors the ability to dive on an anchor or work on the prop longer than you'd be able to with snorkel alone.

Compact Scuba Kits for Sailors

In general, many cruisers prefer the freedom of snorkeling to scuba diving, yet there are situations when extending the time you can spend underwater becomes a safety issue.

Safety: Lights and Shapes that Signal Status and Intentions

We have the minimum required lights, including running lights for sailing and motoring, and an anchor light. We might even have an electronic distress...

Is This the Ultimate Pocket Trimaran? | Dragonfly 25-2

Looking for speed, style, and serious fun on the water? In this video, we dive into the Dragonfly 25-2 sailboat—a trailerable trimaran that blends...

Latest Sailboat Review

Tally Ho: Historic Boat Review

This is not going to be your typical Practical Sailor boat review. Not by any stretch of the imagination. You will not be able...