Offshore Log: Charting A Course
For a circumnavigation, the cost of charts is a major expense. The use of photocopies saves money.
PS Advisor 09/01/00
Inflatable vs. Hard DinghyI have recently bought a nice, old 38' Shannon ketch, and she has dinghy davits. I have no dinghy, but am...
Sea Marshall Rescue Systems
The greatest fear of any sailor perhaps is the cry, “Man-overboard!” It’s not a common occurrence, but it can and does happen. Sometimes the...
Offshore Log: Waiting at the Panama Canal
Before transiting the Panama Canal, Calypso stops in the San Blas Islands and the PCYC.
Offshore Log: Alternator Breakdown
When you don't have a back-up means of charging batteries, you carry a second alternator and learn about belts and tension.
Offshore Log: Across the Isthmus
Calypso transits the Panama Canal, but not without a few scary moments.
Offshore Log: Across the Pacific
Racing through paradise, Calypso sails nearly 5,000 miles from Panama to Tahiti. The GPS is a boon, but the watermaker and mini-M fail, causing problems.
Trim Design Turnbuckle
Big ships had bulwarks, hip-high extensions of the topsides to prevent the crew from falling or being swept overboard. Yachts had nothing; maybe a...
Buyer’s Guide: Children’s PFDs
For ultimate safety, we like the Type 1 Safegard, though kids prefer more comfortable vests such as the Type III Kent Casad and Extrasport.
Buyer’s Guide: Handheld Emergency Flares
The SOLAS-grade Pains-Wessex Pinpoint flares are bright and spatter-free at a reasonable price.
Video: Beneteau 361 – Full Review
Should you buy an older Beneteau sailboat? In this Practical Sailor boat review and yacht tour, we examine the Beneteau Oceanis 361 to see...
Latest Sailboat Reviews
Brewer 12.8/44 Used Boat Review
The Brewer 12.8 and the Brewer 44 are developments of the Whitby 42, a cruising boat from the board of Ted Brewer. Brewer is one of the great modern cruising boat designers. His boats are well-mannered, attractive and practical. To improve windward performance, a high aspect ratio centerboard extends through the bottom of the 12.8's shallow keel. Since the board is not ballasted, it does not affect stability, but can be used when reaching to shift the center of lateral resistance.
