Meltdown in Auckland
As readers know, Practical Sailor's Editor at Large, Nick Nicholson, is an official America's Cup measurer, and spent most of this past winter in New Zealand. Recently returned to the States, he brought back the following quick report and photos of the series' end.
Offshore Log: Waypoints
For most sailors, a waypoint is a point on a surface, a defined location with special meaning. It can be a goal, an obstacle to avoid, or merely a marker to be passed on the way to somewhere else.
Color GPS Chartplotters
The Standard Horizon CP150C is a Best Buy. The small Si-Tex and Garmin units are also strong. At the higher end we like the Simrad machine, but wish it could run Garmin's BlueChart.
Hand Warmers
Cold hands and feet can be debilitating and dangerous when you're trying to get things done at the beginning or the end of the sailing season. We like the Grabber Mycoal pouches, but the other brand names work well, too.
Offshore Log: Open Class Monohulls
While the attention of much of the sailing world in February was focused on the America's Cup matches, a very different group of boats was leaving on the next leg of their 29,000-mile odyssey around the world.
Offshore Log: Kiwi Spars, Hatches, and Pumps
From the most traditional polished metal galley pumps to the latest carbon fiber tech, New Zealand has a good grip on the marine gear marketplace. Nick Nicholson continues his series.
Chandlery: 02/15/03
PDA/GPS/Charting Package, ACR ThermaBlanket, Tool Leash
Offshore Log: More Kiwi Companies
Last month, we started a survey of marine manufacturers in New Zealand that are riding, and sometimes creating, the wave of sailing technology that is rolling around the world. Here are a few more.
Restoring Decks: Nonskid Options
We evaluated four paints, 10 additives, and three mats for slip resistance, ease of application, and appearance. Treadmaster's mat still rules, in our view. West Marine's paint is a Best Buy.
Life Rafts
Winslow still leads, but the gap narrows. Viking's RescYou Pro earns a Best Buy.
How Long Do Sails Last?
How long do sails actually last? Sailmakers often say cruising sails last around 10–15 years, but what happens when you discover a sail that’s...
Latest Sailboat Review
Jeanneau 55 Boat Review
This recent sailboat from Jeanneau may as well be a spaceship. They’ve taken all the time-honored designs of a monohull aft cockpit and turned...