iQFOil
© severnesails.com
The iQFOil is the one-design foiling windsurfer class selected by World Sailing to replace the RS:X for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris and the ’28 Games in LA. The Men’s Olympic Windsurfing event will use 9m2 sails and the Women’s will use 8m2 sails.
Additional classes for Junior (under age 17) and Youth (under 19) utilize smaller boards and rigs, making the iQFOil a direct pathway to Olympic Windsurfing. If you’re ready to take flight, visit iqfoilclassofficial.org.
Padanaram Boatworks restored Herreshoff 28 ketch Orion
© Matthew Cohen
The H 28 was designed by L. Francis Herreshoff for (in his words) “the man who has only a limited time to sail but would like to go somewhere and back in that time.” A stoutly-built fiberglass version of this outstanding small cruising boat design, Orion is in excellent condition.
Located in Portsmouth, RI, Padanaram Boatworks is dedicated to the restoration and preservation of wooden (and select classic plastic) boats. Dave Strecker and Keith Brown provide quality craftsmanship, superior customer service, and solutions for any wooden boat owner or sailor. Log on to padanaramboatworks.com to learn more.
Soundview Millworks Personalized Serving & Cutting Boards
© soundviewmillworks.com
Handcrafted by Grant Tankoos in Darien, CT since 2008, these maple and mahogany steak boards, appetizer boards, serving boards and cutting boards can be customized with a wide selection of handle and engraving options. Soundview Millworks’ boards (and knives!) are the perfect platform for creating a unique and thoughtful gift for someone special, and the ordering process is fun: pick your handle, pick your engraving, and get on board at soundviewmillworks.com.
Free shipping on orders over $150! Use the code Windcheck23 when ordering.
Ewincher
© ewincher.com
Want the perfect gift for your crew (or skipper) for next season? Electrify your winches with the Ewincher! For $1,999 you can motorize all your winches with a single handle. Designed for all boats from 30 to 60 feet, it’s excellent for man overboard situations using the “halyard method” of retrieval. All its functions are designed to fit perfectly with the practice of sailing. Effortlessly, you gain power and speed by staying in the proper grinding position.
Waterproof, light and fitted with a winch lock, the Ewincher is beautifully ergonomic with fingertip controls. Available in black & white or yellow & gray, its standard size allows it to adapt to all deck plans and makes Ewincher a real, ready-to-use solution. No more thinking about buying a trawler! Hoist the main, unfurl the genoa and tack to your heart’s content. Contact Black Rock Boat Works to get yours at 203-873-0015 or blackrockboatworks@gmail.com. Located at 800 Union Avenue in Bridgeport, CT (one mile from North Sails and Bridgeport Harbor Marina), BRBW provides local support for any issues.
Kong Elastic Tether Double
A premium product completely made in Italy, this tether incorporates two lightweight aluminum double-action safety hooks, built-in stress indicator and welded O-ring for improved security offshore, whether racing or cruising.
The boat-end aluminum safety hooks have easy-to-use double-action gates that automatically lock closed. They won’t accidentally release from attachment points, yet they’re extremely easy to open in one ergonomic movement without pinching your hands. Internal elastic retracts when not under load, staying out of the way.
Founded by Giuseppe Bonaiti and headquartered in Monte Marenzo, Kong has served climbers and sailors since 1830.
Learn more at kong.it/en/product/elastic-tether-double/
Connecticut River Museum
Giving someone the gift of being a member is the best way for them to enjoy all that the Connecticut River Museum, located at 67 Main Street in Essex, CT, has to offer.
The most rewarding benefit is knowing that you are supporting our mission – to lead in the study, preservation and celebration of the cultural and natural heritage of the Connecticut River and its valley. Give someone that gift today (or renew their fun!) by choosing one of several membership categories to fit their needs. There are details on all of these levels at ctrivermuseum.org.
Save the Sound
This holiday season, share the love of Long Island Sound with friends, family and the environment with the gift that gives back – a Save the Sound membership! For just $25, you can make a difference and spread holiday joy with a gift membership. As a member, your loved one will be the first to hear about environmental battles happening right in their backyard, and get early access to our top events.
Member benefits include a printed quarterly newsletter, to stay informed on the environmental victories their membership is powering; first access to events like Paddle for the Sound, where the adventurous and the eco-friendly meet; an invitation to Save the Sound’s Annual Meeting; and the knowledge that they’re making a difference for their environment.
With every gift you can send your loved ones a personalized, nature-themed holiday e-card letting them know how much you care about them—and clean water, clear air, and wild open spaces. Visit savethesound.org/GiveMembership to send your gift and e-card today.
Herreshoff Marine Museum
© Joe Berkeley
In 1971, the Herreshoff Marine Museum was founded to preserve and perpetuate the unique accomplishments of the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company and its legacy of innovation, design, engineering, and entrepreneurial success.
Today the campus, located on the Bristol, RI waterfront, encompasses a large museum facility, the old family homestead, six former company buildings, and a large portion of the company’s waterfront. You’ll find several membership levels available including kids programs at herreshoff.org/support/#join.
Bitter End Provisions
Embrace the warmth of the Caribbean spirit this holiday season! Bitter End Provisions offers stylish and sustainable gifting for every sailor on your list. Transform your holiday festivities into a tropical getaway, no plane ticket required – visit bitterendprovisions.com.
For over 50 years, Bitter End has been a cherished, family-owned retreat and the premier watersports resort in the Caribbean. After Hurricane Irma in 2017, we launched Bitter End Provisions to preserve our legacy and protect our North Sound playground. Every purchase you make contributes to the Bitter End Foundation standing with our beloved BVI Community and championing the stewardship of our planet’s marine environments.
North Sails Performance: BUILT TO PERFORM
North Sails Performance, made in Gore-Tex Pro, is the best foul-weather gear on the planet. Designed and developed for the high-performing sailor who won’t settle for second, there is absolutely no compromise on design, materials or construction. Everything you need on the water, and off. In the WindCheck area, you can shop in person at two locations. Call Black Rock Boat Works at 203 873-0015 to make an appointment at their Bridgeport, CT store or visit Team One Newport at 561 Thames St. in Newport.
Mystic Seaport Museum
© Mystic Seaport
Established in 1929 and located at 75 Greenmanville Avenue in Mystic, CT, Mystic Seaport Museum is the largest maritime museum in the United States. Comprising more than sixty historic buildings and a remarkable collection of sailing ships and boats, the Museum of America and the Sea is a 19th-century seafaring village exhibiting nearly every type of general and specialized trades associated with building and operating a sailing fleet.
This year for the Holidays, come visit Lantern Light Village. It is an outdoor, self-guided experience for the whole family, designed to exemplify the differences between the modern and 19th century holiday seasons. Take a journey through time as you seamlessly transition between the holidays you experience today and the holidays of the past. Enjoy festive lighting displays, live music, horse and carriage rides, crackling fires, a visit to St. Nicholas, and more, including holiday themed stories, crafts, and games! Admission is $29 for adults (Ages 13 and up), Mystic Seaport Members are $24, Youth (Ages 4-12) are $24, and Youth Members are $19. Ages up to 3 are free.
The Sailing Museum
Membership at The Sailing Museum, located at 365 Thames Street in downtown Newport, RI, provides unlimited free admission year-round. There is always something for you to see, learn or to explore! Members also enjoy a 10% discount in The Sailing Museum Store.
We offer a range of membership levels so you can find a membership that aligns with your interests and needs. For more information, call 401-324-5761, email development@thesailingmuseum.org, or visit thesailingmuseum.org/get-involved/memberships
Offshore Sailing School
Give the Gift of Sailing at Offshore Sailing School.
Purchase a Gift Certificate for a sailing course in Florida or the BVI with America’s #1 Sailing School, and receive an autographed copy of OFFSHORE High, the biography of Offshore Sailing School’s founder Steve Colgate and his wife, Doris Colgate, President & CEO and their many sailing adventures around the world. Purchase by December 15, 2023, to ensure delivery by Christmas. Call 888-852-2127.
America’s Cup Charters
America’s Cup Charters, with almost 40 years of experience, is the longest running 12 Meter charter fleet in Newport. When it comes to connecting people with beautifully restored Classic Twelve Meter Class sailing yachts in Newport, RI, no other company comes close. Our almost four decades in business is proof of our ability to deliver an exceptional sailing experience. With our professional and friendly crews, beautifully restored classic yachts and onshore staff who coordinate your unique sailing event – our unmatched experience assures you a successful and memorable event. For a fantastic sailing experience for team building, friends or just family, please come see us to plan your sailing adventure in Narragansett Bay at our Boarding Location, 49 America’s Cup Ave, in Newport.
PT Marine Hardware and Accessories
Precision Tech Manufacturing specializes in providing high-quality and unique marine hardware and accessories. For that sailor or in your life, we offer a wide range of products including our Covered Locking Turnbuckles (CLT), Folding Pad Eyes, Snap Shackles and many more parts made from marine grade aluminum, carbon fiber, rubber and plastic. Order by December 15 to ensure delivery before the holidays. Visit us at ptechmanufactoring.com.
WindCheck Subscription
Few gifts costing less than $30 deliver as much enjoyment, ten times a year, as a subscription to WindCheck Magazine. Simply visit WindCheckmagazine.com and create a free account if you don’t already have one. Then you can go to your Account, then Subscriptions and then to the Store and sign up for a subscription. At checkout, you can enter in Order Notes to indicate where to send the gift of WindCheck.
Thank you to all of our, contributors, advertisers and loyal fans from the WindCheck Community. Happy Holidays and here is to hitting all of the shifts in the new year. ■
