Anchoring Legal Responsibility

We often get questions about anchoring rights. While it is commonly understood that the first boat arriving in an anchorage has privileges, many see...

Assessing the Anchor Kellet

One of all-chain rodes most popular features among cruising sailors has little to do with anchoring-and everything to do with stowing. With a well-designed...

Selecting the Right Anchor Size

Over the years Practical Sailor has conducted dozens of anchor tests, and like many publications, we've repeated the common guidance that cruising sailors should...

What Chain Connector Will Fit My Gypsy?

Regarding your recent article on joining chain segments (see Reliable Chain Connections, PS June 2018), I've been coastal cruising from Canada to Panama since...

Mailport: Tourniquets at Sea

Tourniquets at Sea Anthony Foglio I'm an emergency medical technician with a local volunteer fire company and wanted to comment on your recent Inside PS blog...

High-Tech Anchor Rode

My primary anchor is a big hunk of steel on an all-chain rode, handled by a windlass. Secure in all bottoms, idiot proof, easy...

Fenders and Lines for Seawalls

To the lubber, tying-up to a bulkhead seems like the simplest of all docking situations. Perhaps with floating docks this is true. You just...

Dodging a Bullet When Caught on Bulkhead

The following is aimed primarily at boats that are unable to leave an alongside dock or bulkhead before wind and seas become dangerous. Any...

Make Your Own Rugged Fender Boards

We described a simple home-built version several years ago (Practical Sailor, December 2011); here we present a few simple upgrades on the same basic...

Reliable Chain Connections

We often get asked about joining two shots of chain together without compromising strength. You have a number of options-including some that are just...

The 51 Foot Wharram Catamaran He Finally Found!

If you’ve ever wanted to build your own sailboat, you’ve undoubtedly come across Wharram Catamarans. These home-built DIY sailboat plans are a big hit...

Latest Sailboat Review

Vancouver 27 Used Boat Review

I was single handed on our Islander Bahama 30 on a spectacular fall afternoon, white caps dancing on the blue waters of Plumper Sound...