Headings: The Academy of the Sea
Closing out 25 years of regular contributions, our Editor-at-Large bids adieu with advice from this year's Newport-Bermuda Race.
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.
$40,000 for a 40 Foot Cruiser? The Bristol 40 Reality Check
You can find Bristol 39s and Bristol 40s for around $40,000 — and at first glance, that sounds like one of the best deals...
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!