Safe and Sound
As of this summer, Practical Sailor enters its fourth decade as a journal of fact and opinion pertaining to the gear and equipment we...
Life on the EdgeState of the Art Boatbuilding
Most of us have boats built of fiberglass and have only a vague idea that the hard outer surface is made of gelcoat. Beyond that, our knowledge of the boatbuilding process approaches zero.
Headings: Trickle-Down Safety
Those who sanction entries for offshore races offer some essential lessons.
EPIRB Test
An independent evaluation of GPS-equipped 406-MHz EPIRBs leads to the suspension of sales of two models from McMurdo.
Headings: Navigation, Then and Now
Between Marion-Bermuda and Newport-Bermuda events, June 18 will mark Nick Nicholson's 18th race to the Onion Patch, and his 25th year as an offshore navigator. He compares the racing navigator's role and methods in 1979 with those in 2004.
Fee-Based Weather Forecasts
We compared four forecasting services — three for pay, one free, on an East Coast passage to Bermuda.
Computer Charting Software Update
Another installment in our quest to stay up-to-date (as if that were possible) with on-screen developments.
Headings: Get a GRIB on the Weather
The Weather Channel Marine and XM WX Satellite Weather offer on-board solutions to satellite weather that are pricy, but simpler and more familiar-looking than older systems.
Airdeck Rollup Boats
In a test of seven roll-up boats with inflatable decks and keels, the Zodiac Cadet 310FR ACTI-V was the top choice. Best Buy honors go to the Mercury 310 Airdeck Hypalon.
Garmin Rino 110 and 120
Merging more than one function into a single piece of electronics is a big trend now, and Garmin is seizing the day with its...
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...