What We’re Watching
Second Wind: The Snoek Refit
Many readers of boating magazines will recognize the work of Onne van der Wal. Born in the Netherlands and raised in Hout Bay, South Africa, van der Wal learned to sail at an early age and developed a lasting relationship with the sea that would shape his career. He earned international recognition as a marine photographer after serving as crew and photographer aboard the Dutch entry Flyer during the 1981–82 Whitbread Round the World Race, and over the decades his images have appeared across numerous publications and galleries.
After spending years crewing on other people’s vessels, van der Wal longed for a boat of his own. He acquired a 1972 Pearson 36 and set out to refit her in his backyard. The new PBS documentary Second Wind: The Snoek Refit follows that winter-long restoration, documenting the hands-on challenges of bringing an older cruiser back to life while weaving in personal reflections on van der Wal’s life and work. The film touches on his time at sea, his rise as a respected photographer, and his experiences living in racially divided South Africa during apartheid. Produced by Eric Thorkilsen of This Old House Ventures and directed by Thom Draudt, the documentary is presented by Rhode Island PBS. It is also available to view on van der Wal’s Vimeo channel at vimeo.com/356469003.
Salty Reads
LEGAL ADVICE
Owning or operating a recreational vessel brings freedom and adventure, but it also carries legal responsibilities and risks. Issues like title liens, negligent surveys, salvage claims, insurance disputes and compliance with navigation rules can create complex, costly problems for boat owners. Maritime law has its own vocabulary and procedures, and what seems straightforward on the water can quickly become a legal headache on shore.
The book Law of Recreational Boating aims to demystify these areas for everyday boaters. Written by an author who is both an active recreational boater and an attorney, the book uses clear, accessible language and practical examples drawn from real casework to explain common pitfalls and how to avoid them. Topics include towing and salvage rights, marine insurance claims, vessel titling and registration, surveyor responsibilities, and typical dispute scenarios. Priced at $25 from Cornell Maritime Press, this guide is intended as a practical reference for owners, brokers and anyone who spends time on small craft.—Gary Reich
Joys of DIY
For hands-on boat owners who prefer to learn by doing, Dangar Marine is a YouTube channel that focuses squarely on practical boat maintenance and restoration. Hosted by an Australian known as DangarStu, the channel breaks down common do-it-yourself projects into clear, step-by-step videos. Viewers will find guidance on restoring older outboard engines, building plywood dinghies, servicing and maintaining trailers, polishing and waxing topsides, cleaning and degreasing bilges, and other routine and restorative tasks.
Much of the channel documents progress on an old steel trawler undergoing a comprehensive restoration in a boatyard, which makes the content especially useful for owners tackling larger projects. The presentation is straightforward and seasoned with hands-on tips, making the channel a valuable resource for sailors, cruisers and weekend DIYers who want to save money and gain confidence working on their own boats.
Podcast
RIDE WITH THE COASTIES
They Had to Go Out is a podcast available through Apple’s Podcast app that brings listeners aboard U.S. Coast Guard missions through interviews with veteran Coast Guard personnel. The series explores some of the most demanding and heroic operations at sea, sharing firsthand accounts of search-and-rescue missions, cutter deployments, helicopter rescues, and training for rescue swimmers. Episodes cover a wide range of dramatic and instructive stories—from dangerous fishing-boat incidents and remote rescue scenarios to piracy encounters and complex medevac operations—highlighting the skill, teamwork and resolve required to operate in one of the planet’s harshest environments.
This collection of multimedia recommendations originally appeared in the November 2019 issue.