2016 March 1

A beautiful and rugged offshore cruiser that is perfect for a small family or a couple

 Sailors who admire the Baba 35 are quick to point out that the bluewater cruiser possesses both beauty and brawn. The full-keel, double-ended cutter was designed by naval architect Robert H. Perry. When it first splashed in 1979, the boat was dubbed the Flying Dutchman.
2016 March 1

Practical purists are sailing the world engine-free and finding a list of reasons why cruising sans iron genny is the way to go

When a cruising tale starts with the words, “We had no engine and ... ,” it usually means a disaster story is about to follow. Most sailors get a knot in their stomach at the thought of losing an engine while trying to anchor somewhere new, entering a busy harbor at night or attempting to dock their boat. Those are the panic-inducing moments that we prepare for but secretly hope never happen. There are some sailors though who go through these scenarios on purpose. Sailing without an engine is not a new idea, but it’s one that is catching on slowly but surely with long-term cruisers all around the world. 
2016 March 1

Some of the best team leaders in the sport share tips on how to always get asked to sail again

 Finding an opportunity to go racing, whether it be on a Hunter 336 for a weekly beer can series or a professionally crewed TP52, can be daunting. All the way through the ranks, most sailboat teams are tight little units with core groups of regulars. Standing on the dock with a sign, or registering with an online crewfinder are ways to get a spot on a boat. Word-of-mouth helps too. But it’s what you make of those opportunities that will determine your racing career trajectory, no matter how small your aspirations.
2016 March 1

Classic design coupled with modern adaptions make for a cool cruiser

I really like the look of this new Tartan. It reminds me of the classic Sparkman & Stephens-designed Tartan 37. 
2016 March 1

Panache and power come in a speedy dinghy design

 I can’t imagine being a sailor and not wanting one of the new Melges 14’s. I can picture myself in this new Reichel/Pugh design rocketing across the bay, just me and my dog. All the car
2016 March 1
 Rig tuning relies on accurate, repeatable results. Spinlock’s Rig-Sense has a composite lead spring calibrated to output loads to a direct linear scale
2016 March 1
 New ProLine tethers from Wichard have innovative snap hooks made from forged aluminum, for strength and rust-resistance, while remaining extremely light.
2016 March 1

Incorporating European design is a new and successful tack for a venerable American builder

 Here is something new and a bit different from Gerry Douglas and his design crew at Catalina. In the past Catalina has stuck to a very conservative look that in time has distinguished it from the more contemporary or Euro-influenced designs. But with its new 425, Catalina has moved in the Euro direction a bit and is producing a boat that is aesthetically on a new tack. 
2016 March 1
 The TackingMaster is a wrist-worn navigation device that helps racing sailors track wind shifts and trends to make educated tactical decisions.
2016 March 1
Garmin’s Quatix 3 is the first general-purpose watch that incorporates navigational features and marine tools that sailors will appreciate. 
2016 March 1
 The SOS Distress Light from Weems & Plath is approved by the United States Coast Guard for use in lieu of traditional pyrotechnic flares.
2016 March 1
 The warp factor speeds that the latest generation maxi multihulls can reach is hard to conceive of even for experienced performance sailors. For example the fastest offshore sailboat in the world, the French 130-foot trimaran Spindrift2, covered 908.2 nautical miles in one day in its previous incarnation as Banque Populaire V
2016 March 1
 I am adding an AIS transceiver to my boat. After a few close calls, I decided that not only do I want to know where other boats are, I’d like them to be able to see me as well. It looks like the AIS will work well with my chartplotter but I don’t know what I’m supposed to be doing with the antenna. I’d appreciate your guidance.
2016 March 1
 A mental disease called prairie madness afflicted settlers living on the American Great Plains. It was caused by the wind. The incessant wind blowing over the endless expanse of flat land literally drove people nuts.I believe I was once on the brink of going crazy because of the wind. That was during the worst sailboat race I ever experienced. Unlike prairie madness, my nascent mental disorder was caused by wind that never blew. 
2016 January 25

Arm yourself with a proper sail repair kit and a bit of knowledge to keep a passage intact when your sails aren't

Sail repair is a crucial offshore skill, many times it can save a passage. It takes a little planning to build a kit and to study some basic skills, but it is manageable for anyone. 
2016 January 25

This cruiser packs plenty of bells and whistles in a compact hull

This new 31.5-footer is obviously aimed at getting the very most you can out of that LOA. Let’s take a look and see how it went about doing that.
2016 January 25

Options abound in this updated cruiser

 Here is a handsome new design from the Finot-Conq design group and built by Beneteau.
2016 January 25

All racer on deck, this cutting edge design offers comfort down below

Swan considers the new Juan Kouyoumdjian (aka Juan K) design the “cutting edge of contemporary yacht design.” Seems like the company has used all the buzz words, and from the look of the boat, I’d say it was warranted. This is a very exciting looking design.
2016 January 25

This pint-sized daysailer and family weekender packs a lot of sailing into a small package

 Frank Butler had a dream. In July 1969, he designed and built the first Catalina 22 in North Hollywood, California. This petite, family-friendly cruising sloop was his fledgling company’s inau

Perry on Design

  • This high-powered, high-tech cruising trimaran has speed to burn

  • A daysailer with a vintage vibe will turn heads in every anchorage

  • This folding trimaran for fun cruising offers plenty of options

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