Furlers: Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down

What the best riggers in the business have to say about the systems they install, maintain, and repair.

PS Advisor: 08/01/04

Rigging TerminalsHas Practical Sailor conducted a study of swaged terminals vs. screw-on terminals? I've heard opinions recently that the screw-on ones are preferable because...

PS Advisor: 05/01/04

Sailplan Balancing ActYour February 1 editorial on the benefits of small, self-tending headsails is thought-provoking. As I enter my golden years, I like the...

Headsail Roller Furlers

Time was, roller-furling systems were regarded as fragile, fair-weather gear. Now they're a must-have for most—even offshore. Here's a scan of major manufacturers, and the results of our reader survey.

Plea-Free Tacking

I wonder how many people have given up sailing because of the effort it takes to tack a genoa shorthanded. Aside from hitting hard...

Sailmakers’ Advice and Prices

Last month we heard from a group of top sailmakers about the technology and design behind their products, and their loft philosophies. This month they're here to sell sails.

PS Advisor: 10/01/03

Riding Sails Ive read several articles about the benefits of riding sails while atanchor, on a mooring, even during hurricanes.What size is right so...

Market Scan: Sails and Sailmakers

Sailmakers tend to be competitors on the water, and it carries over into the marketplace. But while bragging rights used to come only from the race course, cruising sailors carry real clout today.

PS Advisor: 07/15/03

Storm Jib ProvenanceA barely used, but well constructed, Haarstick storm jib was included with our recently purchased Tartan 34. The clew grommet seems undersized-...

High-Tech Rope Shackles

The future is here, and it looks quite a bit like the past. Within a couple of years, rope may be replacing stainless shackles on boats of all stripes and budgets.

Catalina 25 Sailboat Tour

This Catalina 25 review also explains the important differences between the swing keel, fixed fin keel and wing keel versions, along with the standard...

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Beneteau First 47.7 Used Boat Review

I have a new favorite production cruising boat. For me it’s long been a Jeanneau Sun Odessey 42 DS (Deck Salon) because they’re comfortable,...