Sails, Rigging & Deck Gear

The Science of Headsails Part II

The right roller-furling headsail is as beneficial to a sailor as a good zoom lens is to a photographer. But just as the zoom...

Tame Bigger Breezes with a Forestaysail

Getting rid of the big genoa is usually easy thanks to roller furling, but what do you do then? Changing sails on the furling...

Is Your Quiver of Sails Sufficient?

There's no question that sailors heading offshore face a different set of challenges than those cruising coastal waters. And theres good reason that the...

Adding a Solent Stay

Whether you view it from the top down or the bottom up, a Solent rig needs to be carefully thought out, well-engineered, and strategically...

Untangling Furling-line Fairlead Logistics

Headsail furling on sailboats 40 feet and shorter should be able to be accomplished with a hand-over-hand pull on the furling line. If a...

Bulletproof Companionways

The used boat review of the Tartan 37 in the January 2015 issue mentioned that several companies specialize in producing bullet-proof companionway door arrangements...

Editors Tap Top Sailing Gear of the Year

ApparelGill OS2 fouliesIn early 2015, Practical Sailor tested mid-range, mens and womens foul-weather gear from Gill, Grundens, Helly Hansen, Henri Lloyd, and West Marine....

The Best of Bottom Paints

Spray-on WaxesThe December 2014 issue reported on our search for affordable spray waxes-liquid waxes that offer a glossy finish and some surface protection and...

VHFs, SSBs, and Reading the Weather

In the April 2015 issue, Practical Sailor evaluated four handheld VHF radios loaded with all the bells and whistles, including longer battery life, positive...

Anchor Swivels: Caution Required

Bearing FailureThe bearing where the two forks join and rotate is also prone to failure. Commonly, the bearing is a threaded stud set into...

The ALL NEW Catalina 426 Full Tour

The Catalina 426 is the latest addition to Catalina’s renowned fleet, designed for sailors seeking a blend of performance, comfort, and versatility. This 42-foot...

Latest Sailboat Review

Martin 16 Used Boat Review

The Martin 16 is designed for adaptive sailing so people with disabilities can easily control sails and steering. It is an excellent choice for...