Respecting Paradise
Author’s note: I first started to write this story at the request of one of my Marquesan friends who hoped to make the cruising community more aware of the issues I outline here. But I want to make it…
Ocean Voyager
Light in a pinch
Routes from Florida to the Bahamas are as short as 50 miles, but they all involve crossing the Gulf Stream and hopefully arriving during daylight hours and early enough to clear Customs. For most sailors, this means an evening or…
It’s not easy being green
How can it be that something you love to do makes you sick? The ocean is a fickle host, at times benevolent and mild, then obstreperous and cruel — often within moments of each other. One minute you’re in…
Bluewater Gear: A 10-year circumnavigation gets stretched
Dave and Sherry McCampbell voyage aboard their St. Francis 44 catamaran, Soggy Paws.
Pushing batteries to the limit
For several years, I was part of a project developing energy systems built around massively powerful alternator-type devices; the one I have now will generate up to 8 kW.
Satcom coming on strong
We’re not quite there yet, but the era of Star Trek-like communicators is mostly here — though many of us are impatiently waiting for the day we can beam ourselves between home and the boat.
Evaluating voyaging anchors
Anchors, as a means to secure boats to the bottom, have been around for thousands of years.
Offshore Safety: Voyaging on the boat they built together
Australian voyagers Mike and Gay Lewis are longtime live-aboards who built their own boat and have sailed extensively, including having passed all of the five Southern Ocean great capes.
Safety thoughts from medical pros
Our background of being registered nurses, volunteering with emergency services, and having been part of the emergency planning for a major medical center has helped us think about how to keep safe on our offshore Nordhavn 46, Salish Aire.
Tropical cyclone graphics
Whenever a tropical cyclone (tropical depression, tropical storm or hurricane) is present, there is a large amount of information available to help the public understand the outlook for the system or systems of interest, and also to help with decisions that need to be made and actions that need to be taken.
Non-lethal self-defense for boaters
It was a calm night in an isolated anchorage on the north coast of Papua New Guinea.
Voyaging Skills: Two sailors with a thirst for voyaging
Jon and Sue Hacking live aboard their Wauquiez Kronos 45 catamaran Ocelot.
Storm tactics for small yachts
I chuckle every time I hear someone say, “You sailed around the world on that?”
Delivering the goods
Recently, a friend asked me to deliver his boat from Florida to the Bahamas.
From the Taffrail: Sock
Just three nights into our Atlantic crossing, with early days for a three-week passage, our minds and bodies were still adjusting to the challenges of a 24/7 watch routine...
Bluewater Gear: Stretching out a circumnavigation
Bob and Sue Dall set out to circle the globe in three years, and years later they are still happily making their way around the world.
Not indestructible
The broker representing the 60-foot vessel was dumbfounded. “How could that be?” he asked. “They are stainless steel, and stainless steel doesn’t rust.”
Reducing oil waste
Most cruisers I know dutifully change their mineral engine oil every 100 to 150 engine hours as per the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Offshore Safety: Voyaging family style
Erik and Emily Orton moved their small family of four to New York City straight out of college for Erik to pursue a career in the Broadway theater industry.
How the ocean affects weather
Ocean voyagers want the most accurate forecasts they can get.
Abandon-ship bags
Prior to any offshore passage, the captain of the vessel readying to head offshore should bring the crew together for a safety briefing.
Security for sailors
While focusing on the dream of sailing away to exotic ports and having the most fun imaginable, many mariners overlook the concerns of crime at sea.
