Air Conditioning for Sailboats

Subscribers Only — One of the great joys of sailing is the state of near nakedness (literal and figurative) to the wind, air, and sea—and the wisdom that comes with it. From that perspective, climate control seems antithetical to the sailor’s art. But being Practical Sailor (not Philosophical Sailor) we recognize that even the hardiest round-the-world racers seek temporary refuge dampness, cold, and heat. And for one looking to make the transition from the landlubber’s life in temperate climates to full-time cruiser in the tropics, the idea of air-conditioning—despite its huge power demands—is alluring. More...