Market Scan: Sails and Sailmakers
Trying to pin down the technology, trade names, and jargon that define contemporary sailmaking is more than daunting—but it must be done once in...
New Twist on Furlers: New Generation of Roller-Furling Systems For Light-Air-Sails Skip the Fixed...
Roller furling makes headsail handling a whole lot easier, but it also results in a significant loss in light-air efficiency. This stems from the...
Seldén’s In-Mast Furling System
Should the continuous control line become fouled, there is a direct-drive apparatus affixed to the back of the spar just below the...
A Look at Silicon Bronze Versus Stainless Steel
As we embarked on our extensive test of halyard shackles, we were reminded of the longevity of silicon-bronze hardware. Silicon bronze should not be...
Mailport: September 2013
In response to Whats in the Practical Sailor Toolbag? (PS, January 2012): How about a list of tools that a live-aboard cruiser should carry?...
In-Boom Furling: Five Systems
Our last good look at in-boom furling systems was in the August 1, 1998 issue, when we liked both ProFurl and Leisure Furl, giving...
Rope Clutches Tighten Their Grip
Ronstan ConstrictorLike a turbo-charged update of the old finger handcuff, the novel Ronstan Constrictor clutch relies on cordage, rather than cam-induced pressure, as a...
Practical Sailor Tests the Alado Jib Furler
Practical Sailor finds the Alado Nautica headsail furler to be easy to install and a worthwhile sail-handling tool. One feature that sets the Alado...
Practical Sailor Tests Bosun Chairs and Harnesses
The world is divided into two types of sailors: Those who have no qualms scrambling up the ratlines to replace a bad anchor light,...