Solid Rings in Running Rigging
Ball bearing blocks are the low-friction answer for most tackle on board. However, racers and even cruisers, are increasingly making the switch to low...
Solving the Dodger Dilemma
The phrase ‘cruising canvas’ has always had a sail inventory connotation, but today it’s even more descriptive of cockpit coverings that range from small...
Anchoring in Bad Bottoms
Seamanship is about big concepts and small skills. They work together, but we see them differently and they represent different types of learning. Big...
Do Cruisers Need Jib Leech Telltales?
Telltales on the body of the jib and leech of the main are commonplace, and most of us learned to sail using them. They...
PS Advisor: North-up Versus Heading-up Navigation
When a vigorous debate broke out recently at a local boat show over the ideal orientation of a chartplotter (north up vs. heading up),...
Bungee Lanyards Take the Shock Out of Tools Dropped from the Mast
Iput a nice dent in the deck several decades ago when I dropped a wrench from the masthead. It scared the crew too.
I haven’t...
Shock Cord Hardware for Sailors
Every rope we have on board has its quirks when you’re trying to form a knot that won’t slip or come untied.
Dyneema is a...
Stitching Awl vs. Leather Palm for Sail Repair
Got a small sail or canvas repair? “Get a Speedy Stitcher!” is common advice, though rarely from someone experienced in sail repair.
Sure, it seems...
PS Advisor: Belaying Safety for Mast Climbing
Mast climbing accidents have occurred because the crew member either misunderstood or did not perform their duties attentively and properly. Belaying should be considered...
Damage Control at Sea
For many boaters, damage control means a cell phone call to Sea Tow, Tow Boat US or another marine assistance provider. These are reliable...