Full-Time Ocean Trash Cleanup in the Arctic Circle
On the small island of Bolga in northern Norway, 17 nm north of the Arctic Circle, a 40-ft. catamaran lies at a quay. It...
Sailing the Pacific Northwest (PNW): Costs and Practicalities
The stretch of coast known as the Pacific Northwest (PNW) is one of the largest and most diverse sailing grounds in the world. It...
A Radio Lifeline for Cruisers
Speaking with Patricia Dallas and David Sapiane of Gulf Harbour Radio is a little like speaking to a great-aunt and uncle. Like someone who’s...
How Much Does it Cost to Have a Sailboat in Georgia?
When planning my trip from Rhode Island down the ICW to the Bahamas, I knew I didn’t want to come all the way back...
ICW Gear Must-Haves
After several weeks on the ICW (Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway), I decided that I’d serendipitously bought almost the perfect ICW boat. I can’t take credit...
Crossing the Atlantic with Kids: Intergenerational Voyaging Tips
“It was Reija who started it all,” smiles Leszek, talking to me from his home in Dublin, Ireland.
The idea of crossing the Atlantic had...
Sailing Triteia: Budget Bluewater Cruising
If I were to sum up, in one word, how James Frederick has managed to create his sailing life, I’d say “resourcefully.” The 49-year-old...
Herreshoff Mobjack: A Family’s Love Affair with a Traditional Ketch
The sleek lines of Moon River sliced through the tranquil waters of Whangaroa Harbour in Northland, New Zealand. Our ketch glided effortlessly, her sails...
Tips From A First “Sail” on the ICW
My dream to sail from New England to the Bahamas involved a trip down the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), also known as “the ditch”...
The Rain Catcher’s Guide
An efficient, clean rainwater catchment isn't just for cruisers venturing into remote areas. While biologically safe, many areas of the U.S. are served by well water that is not chlorinated, high in sulfate that makes it prone to going bad. When stored in the absence of oxygen, the sulfate becomes the preferred oxygen source for microorganisms and hydrogen sulfide is the byproduct. Only .05 parts per million (ppm) sulfide is required to make water distasteful. Even if the water at your next marina is fresh and sweet, filling from an unfamiliar source is always a roll of the dice.
ASA Certification: Are Sailing Courses Really Worth It?
Are you learning how to sail and considering taking sailing courses at a sailing school? ASA certifications are a great way to learn how...
Latest Sailboat Review
Irwin Citation 34 Used Boat Review
The Irwin 34 is in many respects a typical Irwin boat. It was originally called the "Citation 34," which was meant to indicate that it was more of a plush cruiser than the race-oriented Irwins at the time, but more of a racer than the larger cruisers. According to the company, 305 Irwin 34s were built in the production run, from 1978 to 1985, a moderate but successful model for the era. Near the end of its production, the boat was advertised as the Irwin 34 rather than the Citation 34. There were no major changes in the boat from beginning to end, just the details and equipment that are typical of any long production run.