Bluewater Planning: Proper Preparation
Being out in the ocean means you are going to have to deal with whatever the weather sends your way. It also means you...
Bluewater Prep: Boat Design Factors
Offshore safety is in some ways simpler than coastal safety but there are some important differences in the approach you need to take. Close...
Finding Balance: Mental Health on the Water
For many of us who spend time on the water, there’s an intuitive understanding that sailing impacts our mental well-being. Whether it’s the meditative...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Before You Buy a Beneteau Watch This First – Hanse 430E...
Thinking about buying a 40–45 foot cruising sailboat? Before you default to a Beneteau, Jeanneau, Catalina, or Hunter, this in-depth Practical Sailor review takes...
Latest Sailboat Review
Tartan 33 Used Boat Review
In 1978, Tartan brought out the Tartan Ten, a 33', fairly light, fractionally-rigged "offshore one design." The boat was a huge success: fast, easy to sail, and unencumbered by the design limitations of a rating rule. But the Tartan Ten had one big problem: limited accommodations with stooping headroom, an interior most kindly described as spartan. A hardy crew could take the Tartan Ten on a multi-day race such as the Mackinac, and you might even coax your family aboard for a weekend of camping out. But cruising or extended racing in comfort? Forget it!