International Sailing Federation (ISAF) Guidelines to Jacklines
The International Sailing Federation (ISAF), the world governing body for the sport of sailing, has established clear guidelines for ISAF-sanctioned events, and these are...
Jackline Installation Advice
Material selection is just one of many details regarding jacklines that deserve careful thought. If you are re-installing your jacklines, be sure to read...
Where Credit Is Due: August 2013
Water Witch Two years ago, I purchased a Water Witch bilge pump switch. When it developed a glitch, I called Kathleen at Water Witch...
Life Jackets for Active, Racing Sailors
Practical Sailor has long lamented the lack of imagination in the design of personal flotation devices (PFDs), and part of the reason for this...
Mailport: July 2013
A few issues ago, you had a short article on deck hardware (blocks, traveler, cars, etc.) that included Garhauer, and you mentioned that the...
Kids Life Jackets for Active Sailors
With the hopes of sparing parents the hassle of sifting through all the varieties of youth life jackets on the market today, weve narrowed...
Practical Tips for Survival at Sea
Editors Note: Michael Tougias is the author of several books on true survival stories, including Ten Hours Until Dawn, The Finest Hours (soon to...
The Science of Safety
We got some heartbreaking news just before this issue was on its way to the printer: On May 9, British Olympic sailing medalist Andrew...
Mailport: April 2013
I would like your comment on what I believe may be a safety issue with one of the Marinco EEL 30-amp shore-power cords (PS,...
Practical Sailor PFD Research Looks at Capsizes
After a series of tragic accidents involving sailors in organized sailing events and training programs in 2011 and 2012, Practical Sailor initiated research into...
Abandon Ship! Coast Guard Rescue Beneteau 523 in the Atlantic
What would cause the captain and crew to abandon ship in the Atlantic ocean? There was no sailboat disaster here, but a coast guard...
Latest Sailboat Review
J/109 Used Boat Review
The J/109 is a 35-ft. boat that races well and has some comforts for short term cruising. It is a true racer/cruiser. The first...