Safety & Seamanship

Offshore Log: A Close Call in the Red Sea

Calypso finds a reef off the coast of Eritrea, but boat and crew are all well. Hats off to Lofrans-Falkon and Speedtech Instruments.

Too Expensive To Bury

The test report in the March 1, 1997 issue of Practical Sailor called the KVH Datascope “the king of the hand-bearing compasses.” Although expensive,...

Boat Ladder for Inflatables

Ladders for use around and aboard the boat? For docks and rafts, hook-on-the-rail models, stern mounts, folding, extending, the new center bar sport ladders…there...

Sextants: Do We Really Have To?

Sextants may be anachronisms, but maybe we need them anyway — to save our sailing souls. Beginners should consider the Davis MK25 and the Celestaire Astra IIIB.

Offshore Log: Scoots, An Apogee 50

This customized long-distance cruiser has numerous features that would improve any boat. Plus, Log of Calypso: Asia to Arabia.

Choosing a Charter Company in the British Virgin Islands

Top-notch companies like The Moorings cost considerably more than lower-priced outfits, but as is often the case, you get what you pay for.

Offshore Log: Working For Your Fun

Before heading across the Indian Ocean and up the Red Sea into the Mediterranean, Nick and Maryann tackle a long work list. Also, When is old technology better?û

Abandon Ship Bags: Don’t Leave the Boat Without Them

At $100, West Marine’s bag is a Best Buy, but no one beats Landfall Navigation’s watertight construction.

Offshore Log: The Right Gear for the Job

Calypso has deck hardware from most major companies. Here's what's being used, and how the various pieces have held up.

Offshore Log: In Search of the Magic Finish

Most varnishes don’t last long in the tropics and, unfortunately for Nick, Calypso has a laminated captrail that requires protection.

O’Day 40 – A Budget Cruiser for the Bahamas

The O’Day 40 (1986) is one of those cruising sailboats that somehow slipped through the cracks of sailing history. Built during the final years...

Latest Sailboat Review

Caliber 33 Used Boat Review

The Caliber is a peculiar blend of tradition and innovation, of security and performance, of practicality and pizzazz. All of the owners we heard from were "satisfied." One called the 33 his favorite boat over six decades of sailing.