Safety & Seamanship

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.

We compared four forecasting services — three for pay, one free, on an East Coast passage to Bermuda.

Another installment in our quest to stay up-to-date (as if that were possible) with on-screen developments.

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.

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.

Merging more than one function into a single piece of electronics is a big trend now, and Garmin is seizing the day with its...

With this column we begin a long-term exploration of modern boat designs and systems, intended to keep us up-to-date on which advancements are within reach—and worth reaching.

There can be no overstating the importance of a good knife to a sailor. It does everything from routine maintenance to saving life and property. Not only should every sailor carry a knife on his belt or in his pocket, but sharp knives should be strategically located around the boat to grab in emergencies. Whether you prefer the speed of a sheath knife, the convenience of a folding pocket knife, or the versatility of a multi-tool, don't leave the dock without your own blade.

In our review of knives this month, we didn't have space to talk much about how important they are aboard a boat. They're vastly...

A worthy addition to pyrotechnic kits and personal survival gear, this simple but ingenius tool is moving toward a place at center stage in the search-and-rescue world.