Safety & Seamanship

Offshore Log: Anatomy of a Machine

The Offshore Log this month is a photo essay from the lions' den in New Zealand. And a rope tale.

Offshore Log: America’s Cup Technology

From the cutting edge to the mainstream-at the apex of the racing scene, sailors break things until they get them right. Eventually, the refined parts trickle down to the rest of us.

Type IV Throwable PFDs

The Jim-Buoy life ring did well in throw and flotation tests, as did horseshoes from Jim-Buoy and Forespar. A new hybrid—the Lifeline cushion with attached throw rope—is a versatile device that could become a simple staple.

Electronic Charting Evolution

The following report was written by RonDoescher, of Westford, MA. It started as a letter to Mailport, and turned into a very interesting...

Offshore Log: The Real Cost of Cruising

There are extremes, but most people can probably cruise for what it costs to live ashore. Here's a list of expense categories to consider.

Handheld Horns & Whistles

The Coast Guard requires competent noise-making. Here are the horns and whistles to do it.

Which Sunscreen?

SPF-30 sunscreens fare about the same on our now-striped volunteer. Consider cost per ounce.

Offshore Log: Check Your Lifelines, Save Your Life

Nick makes the case for bare-wire lifelines, double set-screws at the stanchion bases, and vigilance.

Offshore Log: Man Overboard!

Bad news: People are still falling overboard unharnessed. Good news: Practice with good rescue techniques and gear definitely saves lives.

Navigation Software Update

Fugawi does the job at an attractive price. RayTech Navigator 4 shines as a real-time navigating tool. Maptech's Offshore Navigator delivers a complete planning/navigation package.

$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

Dragonfly 25-2 Boat Review

If you’ve ever dreamed of blasting across the water at 25 knots with the wind in your hair and the spray in your face...