Don’t Be Fooled by Warmer Air Temps
As air temperatures in the northern hemisphere warm enough for sailors to start spending time on the water, boating safety experts are reminding sailors...
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...
DIY Stability Check?
When the waves kick up, you can’t help thinking about ultimate stability. Am I feeling form stability, the stability that relies on the boat’s...
Sailboat Stability Uncensored
At its most basic level, my goal as a sailor is pretty simple: keep my neck above water. Speed, comfort, progress toward a destination...
When Water Makes Sense Against Fire
We’ve never been entirely satisfied with dry chemical fire extinguishers for marine use. We’ve used them on petroleum and electrical fires in refinery settings,...
In Search of the $50 Rescue Float
Recovering a person in the water is a daunting problem. If the seas are rough enough to fall overboard, it’s not easy to hold...
Rhumb Lines: Kill Switches Save Lives
In the wake of a terrible tragedy that struck a few days before Thanksgiving in Sarasota, Florida, home of the Sarasota Youth Sailing Program...
The Tragedy of the Driverless Dinghy
In the wake of a terrible tragedy that struck a few days before Thanksgiving in Sarasota, Florida, home of the Sarasota Youth Sailing Program...
Underwater Epoxy Test
Although laminating epoxies can tolerate some moisture, we know that excessive moisture can prevent a good cure. So how can we manage an emergency...
Rhumb Lines: Saluting the Practical Sailor Staff
It’s that time of year when I express my heartfelt appreciation for people behind this magazine. This year, I’m especially grateful for two sailors...
A Sailboat Tour of the Exquisite Little Harbor 63 Ketch
Are you interested in a sailboat tour of an ocean crossing bluewater sailboat lush with teak and fine woodwork? Join us as we take...
Latest Sailboat Review
The PDQ 32 Cruising Cat Used Boat Review
PDQ Yachts in Whitby, Ontario, Canada, launched the Alan Slater-designed PDQ 32 catamaran in 1994 and built 53 of the boats in the following...