Setting an Anchor in a Small Boat
In our ongoing study of ways to compare, and hopefully improve the way our anchors set, weve learned that it takes time and slow,...
Essential Sailing Gear that Lasts
Our long-term testing at Practical Sailor may have the initial appeal of a tortoise race, but things do heat up at the finish line....
Custom-Made Hard Top Biminis
I was wondering if there is any information regarding the protocol for replacing canvas with a rigid Bimini/dodger on a small 36-foot catamaran. I...
Regalvanizing G70 Chain
As high tensile G70 chain becomes more prevalent in the marine market, Practical Sailor has been busy testing the limits of this material, which...
Fixing Tears in Sunbrella Boat Canvas
Sooner or later, chafe, UV rays, and sharp edges take their toll on our canvas. A misplaced screw or simple friction will eat holes...
Using a Jordan Series Drogue for Steering
Thanks for this discussion of using drogues for controlling a boat with a rudder lost or jammed over (see Sailing Without a Rudder, Practical...
Controlling Jibes With Boom Brakes
Ten years ago, you may recall having seen the Walder boom brake demonstrated at sailboat shows. There wasn't anything quite like it. The device...
Tools to Tame the Jibe
The loads of a flying jibe in late summer squall are enough to shred sails, rip out deck or boom fittings, bend or break...
The Best Prevention is a Preventer
Ideally, you don't put yourself in a position where an accidental jibe can happen, but even an experienced sailor can get caught off guard...
Ideal Drogue setup will require experiments
For maximum maneuverability, the control lines-one port, one starboard-should attach at the widest part of the boat. This maximizes leverage and places the effort...