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Sails, Rigging & Deck Gear

Although the cause of this delaminated rudder is unknown, In most cases the delamination comes with age. Also, a small nick from hitting a rock or coral will let water in and, if not attended too, the delamination will worsen in time. (Photo/ Ray Ville)

Pre-Purchase or Insurance Survey: Which One Do I Need?

You’ve been bitten by the sailing bug and every spare minute is spent searching online for that perfect vessel. You’ve narrowed it down to...

Do Twin Sheets Control the Mainsail Better?

The main traveler is one of those love-hate pieces of gear on a boat. We love that it separates control of twist and angle...

Shock Cord Hardware for Sailors

Every rope we have on board has its quirks when you’re trying to form a knot that won’t slip or come untied. Dyneema is a...
The author's Catalina 270, Aquaholic, on slings. You can easily see where the slings are properly set. Even the crane seems happy! (Photo/ Marc Robic)

Haul Out Tips to Avoid Confusion and Delays

Every fall, we sailors living in the colder, wintery parts of the world, must haul out our beloved boats and set them gently onto...

Checking Rope Strength

We like nylon for docklines, anchor rode and chain snubbers because it stretches, absorbing jolts that would otherwise be transferred to the boat and...

Lashing for Strength

Standing rigging, stays, and lifelines; these have always been steel cable, terminated with a shackle or ball at one end and a turnbuckle at...

Are Wrinkles Killing Your Sail Shape?

Polyester sails stretch. Sailmakers add resin to the cloth in order to stabilize the fibers. Sailmakers then cut the sail to arrange the load...

Superlight Anchors: Not Just for Racers

How important is an anchor aboard a racing sailboat? Just ask Swiss sailor Bernard Stamm who was disqualified from the 2008-2009 Vendee Globe Around-the-World...

Refining Furling Line Fairleads

There was a time when headsail handling meant snapping on bronze piston-hanks and hauling on a smooth-running halyard. Times have changed, and now it's...

Revive Your Mast Like a Pro

Unobtainium is the metal at the top of every Naval Architect’s wish list. It’s a perfect marine material; light, strong, stiff yet flexible—it’s as...

The UNIQUE Maxus 26 Lifting Keel Trailer Sailor

What is the best trailerable sailboat? One big feature is the mast stepping system. Today we look at trailer sailors like the Catalina 275,...

Latest Sailboat Review

Morgan Out Island 36 Used Boat Review

Most are familiar with Charles Morgan and his Out Island 41, primarily made to cruise and charter in the Bahamas, but not many are...