Short Scope Anchor Test

In the process of our ongoing investigation on the effect of time and wind gusts on anchor setting and holding capacity, we performed limited testing at short scope and couldnt help but notice that holding capacity at short scope varied greatly. When recovering the test anchors, some anchors would lift out of the bottom while we were pulling the dinghy over to them, while others required heroic efforts even when the rode was nearly vertical.
Bruce Maunsell enroute from Mexico to Marquesas. Homeward bound via Polynesia. (Photo/ Bruce Maunsell)

Bruce and Bob’s Pacific Loop: A Solo Sailor’s Search for Utopia

The world is chock-a-block full of stunning, postcard-worthy cruising destinations. But pleasant aesthetics and comfort didn't guide my good friend Bruce Maunsell. Instead, he...

Setting an Anchor in a Small Boat

In our ongoing study of ways to compare, and hopefully improve the way our anchors set, weve learned that it takes time and slow, delayed setting to make best advantage of very soft mud. However, firm sand and weeds can have the opposite character-making it hard for the anchor to penetrate.

Engineless and Adrift in Panama: How Seamanship Saved Atlas IV

“Is everything okay? Your EPIRB was set off.” It’s a call no sailor wants to receive. For Josh Verstoep and Sierra Grant, that call set off...

Getting Weather on the Water: From VHF to Starlink

We are in the midst of a yachting weather forecasting and awareness revolution. With satellite internet technology today’s sailors have never had so much...
Author Bert Vermeer and his granddaughter Natasha, age 8, at the helm.

Old Boats, New Generations: The Real Value of Our Cruising Life

I often ask myself the point of all the effort and expense of owning a well-aged sailboat. This usually happens after I crack a...

What It Takes to Compete in the Solitaire du Figaro

La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec is a unique, solo, multi-stage annual racing format created in 1970 by Jean-Louis Guillemard and Jean-Michel Barrault. In 2025, for...
A bit of triage for Carey's ripped fingers. (Photo/ Bert Vermeer)

Bloody Fingers to Princess Louisa Inlet

Sailing the west coast of British Columbia over the years has opened our eyes to the beauty of this cruising ground. From Washington State...
Bill and Jean’s dinghy dock. View of the mooring field. (Photo/ Jaclyn Jeffrey)

El Salvador as a Hurricane Hole: Safe Haven or Risky Refuge?

Each spring, boats along Mexico’s Pacific Coast start making their summer plans. If they aren’t crossing the Pacific, most are deciding whether to head...
Skipper Chris Read at the helm, going to weather just north of Maui. (Photo/ Bert Vermeer)

Maui to Vic: A First Ocean Crossing Experience

A lifetime of sailing the protected waters of Vancouver Island on British Columbia’s west coast has given me a wealth of sailing experience. But...

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...

Latest Sailboat Reviews

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,...