Rhumb Lines: Kill Switches Save Lives

In the wake of a terrible tragedy that struck a few days before Thanksgiving in Sarasota, Florida, home of the Sarasota Youth Sailing Program...

The Tragedy of the Driverless Dinghy

In the wake of a terrible tragedy that struck a few days before Thanksgiving in Sarasota, Florida, home of the Sarasota Youth Sailing Program...

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...

Catalina 25 Sailboat Tour

This Catalina 25 review also explains the important differences between the swing keel, fixed fin keel and wing keel versions, along with the standard...

Latest Sailboat Reviews

Gemini 31/3000 Used Boat Review

The funny thing about the Gemini is that it's an old design. Ken Shaw drew the lines in 1969. There's nothing particularly contemporary about it. However, by painting the cabin sides black (Euro styling), adding a swept-back fiberglass "pilothouse" and gradually adding length to the full-bodied hulls, the Gemini has always looked like she belonged with her contemporaries, whether that was the 1980s or 1990s.