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Read more: Green NomadWe have written before about young people who have chosen sailing as their way to have adventure, see the world, and, for a good number of them, make a difference, whether it’s through their films, photographs, blog, relationships developed while underway, etc. We’ve just added another young couple to the group we link to—thank you […]
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Read more: John’s Thoughts & Photos, November 2013It’s amazing how often we see this: an otherwise substantial anchoring set up totally compromised by one small detail. Can you spot it? Please leave a comment. Just to keep things simple, I’m only talking about the starboard anchor.
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Read more: AAC Comment Tips & GuidelinesTips, explanation of moderation and guidelines.
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Read more: Fall TravelNova Scotia is Pretty Nice in the Fall
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Want to Get out There Cruising? Sail Offshore With Other People
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Read more: Want to Get out There Cruising? Sail Offshore With Other PeopleOne of the most important steps to getting out their ocean cruising is to do at least one passage with an experienced skipper before trying it on your own.
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Read more: Want to Get Out Cruising? Don’t Be a PioneerSure, diesel electric drives, lithium ion batteries, unstayed carbon masts, and composting toilets are fun technology and interesting too. But if your goal is to actually get out there cruising as soon as you can for a relatively reasonable amount of money, we recommend that you only use gear that has been in wide general use for at least 20 years. Here’s why:
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Read more: Self-Study of Polar Bears
Phyllis has just completed a six month long self-assigned course on polar bears. In this post she shares what she has learned about this beautiful animal and the ways her new knowledge will affect our behavior when we go north. She also expresses deep concern about what we believe to be the badly flawed policies of Parks Canada.
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Read more: 10 Tips to Help You Get Out There CruisingAre you struggling to get out there cruising? Do there seem to be a million obstacles between you and your dream? We have 10 sure-fire tips that will help you get out there sooner, and have more fun and be safer when you do.
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Read more: What We Did On Our Summer HolidaysSo how do you unwind from a long and challenging voyage across the Atlantic to Brazil by sailboat? Well, if you are Colin, you do a long and challenging science project by…you guessed it, sailboat.
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Read more: OverviewSummarizing the Adventure 40—a reliable, simple, safe, fast and reasonably priced offshore voyaging boat—and the mission for said boat.
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Read more: Artnautica 58—Design AnalysisWe continue our series on desirable offshore motorboats, for those retiring from sailboats, with a design analysis by AAC Technical Correspondent, Matt Marsh, of the Artnautica LRC58 currently in-build in New Zealand. Even if you are not interested in this particular boat, you will want to read Matt’s insightful analysis of hull form and cost considerations.
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Read more: Design Parameters For an Ideal Sailor’s MotorboatIn the last chapter we compared sailboats and trawlers. In this one we look at the design parameters that if exploited properly could result in a better motorboat.
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Read more: What’s New In Alternative Energy?Developments in alternative energy systems are coming thick and fast these days, so Colin visited the Southampton Boat Show and has filed this report on the latest in fuel cells, solar panels, and hydro-generators.
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Read more: Selecting a Chain GradeIn the last chapter on chain we looked at the three grades of chain normally used for anchor rodes on cruising sailboats. In this chapter we carry on from that base and examine the trade-offs between the grades and the things that you need to know when selecting the right anchor chain and gauge for your boat.
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Read more: Fire ControlMatt, AAC Technical Correspondent takes a look at the challenges of dealing with a fire at sea. In all likelihood, his post will get you thinking, as it did me, about how inadequate the fire fighting resources on your boat are and what to do about it.
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Read more: Real World Impact TestWe have written a lot about hull construction materials and impact resistance. In this post I relate a true story about when construction strength and impact resistance were dramatically tested right before my eyes.
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Read more: Brazil As A Cruising DestinationColin provides a clear-eyed analysis of the benefits and challenges of cruising Brazil. Not only is this chapter of use to those with that country in their cruising plans, Colin does a masterful job of discussing the issues that a voyager visiting any country with a very different language and culture from their own should consider.
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Read more: The Definition of SeamanshipWe offshore sailors tend to throw the word seamanship around with gay abandon, but what does it really mean? I have been thinking about that a lot lately. Here’s my definition.
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Read more: Mainsail Handling Made Easy with LazyjacksJohn believes that any boat over about 45 feet that will be sailed shorthanded needs lazyjacks. In this chapter he describes the lazyjack system that allows him to set, reef, and strike Morgan’s Cloud’s 600-square foot mainsail without resorting to complex gear like roller furling masts or booms.
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Read more: Crash Testing a RelationshipGoing cruising with your partner may sound romantic, and it is. But there are also few activities that are more stressful on a relationship. Colin tells the story of his first tough passage with Lou. One that they took on intentionally to see how they would manage as a team at sea. It’s an example that all couples considering the voyaging life should emulate—Crash Test the Relationship before committing everything to a new life on the ocean.
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Read more: Do We Need Watertight Bulkheads?What are the trade offs of insisting on watertight bulkheads in a cruising boat?
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Read more: Our Changing OceansJimmy Cornell is undoubtedly one of the most important people to offshore voyaging of his generation. Colin caught up to him for a wide ranging interview on what this consummate entrepreneur is planning next as well as his latest publication.
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Read more: Impact Resistance—Two Collision ScenariosThe sad fact is that many, perhaps most, production sailboats are not built to take the loads imposed by even a moderate collision or grounding. In this chapter Matt, AAC’s Technical Correspondent, explains the engineering and shares what to look for before buying a voyaging boat.
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Read more: Impact Resistance—How Hull Materials Respond to ImpactsMatt carries on from the last chapter and examines how the various materials voyaging boat hulls are built out of will survive a collision with a hard object.
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Read more: The Real Reason to Use a Harness and TetherWe have written a lot about gear in our ongoing Crew Overboard Prevention Online Book, but all the gear in the world won’t keep you safe if you don’t heed this tip.
