Hatching a Hatch Plan
Alazarette that closes at the wrong moment can cost you a broken finger—or worse. I should know. A failed latch on an oil field...
The Super-compact Sailboat Dodger
Sailing in general, but especially offshore, can sometimes be a wet experience particularly on a low-freeboard boat like Far Reach, our highly modified Cape...
Rugged Winch Handle Holders
In 40 years of sailing I’ve lost only two winch handles. I was reefing the main when I lost the first. I reached up...
Liquid Chafe Protection
We recently learned that Spinlock RP25, one of our favorite cordage treatment used to prevent chafe and to improve grip in jammers has been...
Mailport: Winch Maintenance, Painting Jib, DIY Mainsail Cover
BLANKET WINCH SERVICE
Regarding your blog post “Simple Tips on Servicing Your Sailboat Winches,” I do my winches every two years when the boat is...
The Science of Stern Anchoring
Sailboats yaw at anchor. In prior reports we discussed seriously yawing can compromise anchor security, and we talked about how a riding sail can...
Unwrapping the Revealing Capstan Equation
High-strength, high-tech fibers have transformed so many aspects of sailing—sometimes in ways we might not even recognize. Consider the way these new fibers behave...
Better Winch Grip
Winches are the power behind the sails. A dinghy can use a 2:1 tackle to sheet in the jib, but greater purchase than that...
Be Careful with Boom Brakes
I love the idea of a preventer that can be engaged by pulling on just one line and that can be eased just as...
Controlling Jibes and Case Studies
We are vehemently against using a boom brake to prevent a jibe. Even using them to control a jibe introduces problems, requiring that we...
Why Is This 46 Foot Sailboat So Cheap? Hunter 460 Review
Is the Hunter 460 really one of the best-value cruising sailboats on the used market? In this video, we take a deep, honest look...
Latest Sailboat Review
Jeanneau 65 Used Boat Review
From the drawing board of Philippe Briand, a renowned marine architect over the past four decades, comes the Jeanneau Yachts 65. This boat is...