Safety & Seamanship

USCG Now Allows Digital Instead of Print Charts

Heralding in a new era for electronic navigation, the U.S. Coast Guard recently published guidance that allows mariners to satisfy chart-carriage requirements using electronic...

Which MOB Lights Shine Bright?

When a man-overboard (MOB) incident occurs at night, the odds of recovery become slimmer. The fate of the person in the water hinges on...

Stated Output Doesnt Always Match Real Life

In the second phase of our on-the-water field testing, we had a volunteer victim display two lights at a time in a round-robin context,...

Can Portable Flashlights Serve as MOB Lights?

During our man-overboard light testing, we also looked into the effectiveness of using a waterproof flashlight as a man-overboard signal. Most offshore sailors already...

Jackline Materials Evaluation

Most offshore sailors are familiar with jacklines, those long lines-typically made of high-strength, low-stretch webbing-that run along the deck, offering a convenient way for...

International Sailing Federation (ISAF) Guidelines to Jacklines

The International Sailing Federation (ISAF), the world governing body for the sport of sailing, has established clear guidelines for ISAF-sanctioned events, and these are...

Jackline Installation Advice

Material selection is just one of many details regarding jacklines that deserve careful thought. If you are re-installing your jacklines, be sure to read...

Fiber Lifeline Protection Plan

Photos by Ralph Naranjo New, single-braid, high modulus polyethylene (HMPE) lines, such as Amsteel Blue from Samson Ropes, WR2 (wire rope replacement) from New England...

Slicing, Dicing Abrasion Data

For testing, we used the same abrasion rig we used to test sewn eyes and rope (see PS March 2015). A modified wood lathe...

Visible Harm Doesnt Tell Whole Story with Amsteel

Our testing made us wonder whether we are better off with a core-and-cover lifeline with a tough cover, like New England Ropes WR2, or...

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...