A Busted Mast Step and a Popped Shackle

Shortly after we published the July 1, 1998 article on mast steps, reader Jim Lyons mailed off a little box. He lives in...

PS Advisor 01/15/99

Adding a StaysailCan you advise where I can find basic design parameters for adding an inner forestay to my 40-footer? Jim FitzgeraldHollywood, FloridaAdding an...

Whence Thou Comest, Highfield?

Because increasing numbers of serious sailors have become interested in retrofitting inner forestays for heavy weather headsails, a look at quick-detach hardware is in...

Whats Going On With Sailmakers?

During our recent cruises through boat shows and seminars, we were surprised that changes in sailmaking are occurring as rapidly as consolidations in the...

Are Masts Getting Too Skinny, Too Fragile?

Dear Editor: Some time ago you published a letter from a marine surveyor who said he’d seen three boats whose masts failed when sailing...

Consider The Self-Tending Jib

During the 1960s, the CCA (Cruising Club of America) rating rule promoted boats with large mainsails and smaller foretriangles. Despite the fact that many...

Offshore Log: Rigged For Downwind

A cruising boat has for downwind sailing much the same hardware as a racing boat. The only difference is that the cruising boat is...

Harken Boasts Best Overall Quality Among Backstay Adjusters

In these times when everyone seems interested in tight tacking angles, a taut forestay is the ticket to ride. And to create a...

Sail Track Lubes: Slide-All Lasts Longest

Whether fitted with slides and shackles on a metal track or plastic slugs in a mast slot, mainsails can be difficult to hoist or...

Top 10 Products for 1999

Choosing the best gear for sailboats isn't easy. But at Practical Sailor were used to doing just that. The job is easiest when empirical...

Beneteau 423: What You Should Know | Boat Review

Looking to buy a 40-45 foot sailboat? Considering a Beneteau 423? See a Beneteau 423 for sale? What are the pros and cons of...