Distress

Offshore Log: An Evolution in EPIRBs

Sailing shorthanded makes you think a lot about safety. Even after you develop confidence in your boats ability to take what the ocean hands...

Chandlery

Fire & Flame GuardIt's a clich but also true that theres nothing as scary as a fire on a boat, or anywhere else for...

GPS 406 MHz EPIRBs: ACR vs. NAT

The prime electronic rescue device has for many years been the EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon).The original concept of the EPIRB was a...

Safety Harness Tests

Practical Sailor is pleased to present the results of destructrive and practical testing of safety harnesses and tethers by the Sailing Foundation of Seattle,...

Top 10 Products for 1999

Choosing the best gear for sailboats isn't easy. But at Practical Sailor were used to doing just that. The job is easiest when empirical...

Hurricane Watch

When I moved from Michigan to Rhode Island in 1980, sailing my old Pearson Triton through the lakes, canals and Hudson River, it never...

Safety Harness Tether Test

In 1998, the Safety at Sea Committee embarked on a program to evaluate common safety harnesses and tethers used in sailing. Most testing for...

Not Quite A Life Raft

by Douglas S. RitterWhen is a raft not quite a life raft? When it’s an “inshore” raft lacking significant capabilities or features normally found...

Life Raft Materials, Construction and Servicing

One of the biggest points of contention among those selling life rafts, and a point of confusion among those buying them, is what they...

Sea Anchors & Drogues

Sea anchors are as old as seafaring. Sailors through the ages have carried buckets, bags, cones—just about everything except the kitchen sink—and thrown them...

Beneteau 423: What You Should Know | Boat Review

Looking to buy a 40-45 foot sailboat? Considering a Beneteau 423? See a Beneteau 423 for sale? What are the pros and cons of...