December 2013

Whether it’s getting the hang of “tiller toward trouble” in an Optimist or learning the feel of the wheel on a keelboat, one of the first things that a beginner sailor learns is how to steer the boat with the rudder. However, using the rudder is not the only way to steer.

Temperatures hover around freezing, the daylight hours are short and those sailing boots have most likely been pushed to the farthest depths of your closet. By now, most boats are hibernating safely in the garage or basement. Yes, it’s winter, but that doesn’t mean you can’t stay in “sailing shape” during the off-season…and it might be easier than you think!

Kieran’s served as Rear Commodore (Programs) 2008-2009, Vice Commodore 2010-2011 and Commodore since 2012

In anticipation of the oncoming winter freeze…

by JENNIFER MATTEI, MARK BEEKEY AND JOHN RAPAGLIA  Over geologic history, the seas have risen and fallen, following the decline or increase in the volume of the world’s glaciers and ice caps. Currently, glaciers are melting, ocean temperatures are increasing and seas are rising at an accelerated rate. People living by the sea have attempted to block rising waters and prevent subsequent coastal erosion by armoring the shoreline. One method of armoring the shoreline is building a seawall….

When we venture out on our vessels, however, we leave the safety and convenience of our homes and face many different challenges on our own. One of the most challenging is a medical emergency at sea

The first step to ensuring that your sails are ready…

In late July of 1999, I had what some might call the good fortune to be among the few in the world who have seen Pitcairn in the flesh. I was accompanying the yacht I was the master of, on a steamer, sailing from New Zealand to the U.S. and we passed by within the proverbial biscuit toss of this infamous island.

We needed reliability and range

Wrap up the boating season and enjoy a festive boat parade and holiday stroll!