Rhumb Lines: Saluting the Practical Sailor Staff
It’s that time of year when I express my heartfelt appreciation for people behind this magazine. This year, I’m especially grateful for two sailors...
New Safety Switches for Outboard Motors
Buried deep within the recesses of the 2020 US Coast Guard reauthorization bill is a requirement that if a boat is planing or moving...
Rhumb Lines: Focusing on the Essentials
I truly believe that the experience of a long ocean passage on a small boat can change one’s view of the world and inspire...
Are Chart Lights Steering Us Wrong?
As the sun goes down your eyes begin to adapt. At first your pupils dilate. Then photo-sensing chemicals needed in daylight drain away, and...
Kayak Test Update
Our previous favorite kayak in this category was the Walker Bay Airis, which we reviewed in two different evolutions (PS July 2008 and October...
PS Looks at DIY COVID-19 Mask Options
At present, the masks that are certified to provide reliable protection against COVID-19 (minimum rating N95) are in short supply, so we have to...
PFDs for Extreme Events
Seldom does one size fit all, and the same goes for whether or not one type of life jacket can meet all lifesaving needs.
The...
Rhumb Lines: Cruising in the New Normal
The Valiant 40 on the cover of this month’s issue belongs to longtime contributor the late Patrick Childress and his wife Rebecca. Patrick was...
The Ups and Downs of Shoal Draft Boats
As a longtime multihull sailor I’m often told that it must be wonderful to anchor wherever I want and tuck into the smallest of...
Making the Most of Centerboards
A deep, ballasted keel does a lot of good things. It lowers the center of gravity, provides lift to windward, and stabilizes the boat....
Why Sailors Love to Hate the MacGregor 26
The MacGregor 26 might be the most controversial sailboat ever built. Half sailboat. Half powerboat. Water ballast. A 50-horsepower outboard. Capable of sailing… and...
Latest Sailboat Review
Catalina Morgan 440 Used Boat Review
The Catalina Morgan 440 is a massive ocean-capable design from the drafting board of Gerry Douglas, a prolific designer for Catalina Yachts for over...