Life on the Edge—State 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.
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.
You Can’t Insure Old Sailboats… Right?
Are older sailboats really uninsurable? If you’ve been shopping for a 20, 30, or even 40-year-old sailboat, you’ve probably seen the warnings online: “Insurance...
Latest Sailboat Review
Irwin Citation 38 Used Boat Review
As the largest of the Citations, the Irwin Citation 38 is probably the best looking, handling the high-sidedness better than her smaller sisters. The boat has three windows set in the sheer stripe on each side, so they are not very noticeable. Like the other Citations it is distinctly modern-looking not pretty, but not ugly either.