Late spring is my favorite season for getting afloat and testing the newest marine gear that caught my eye at the winter shows. This year’s highlights include an innovative propeller, a new family of multifunction displays and networking tools, a fuel filter head with an NMEA 2000 water-in-fuel alarm, and a compact stabilizer designed for … Read more

Highfield Velox 420: New Jet-Powered 14-Foot RIB from Highfield Boats Highfield Boats, the Michigan-based builder known for its rugged rigid inflatable boats (RIBs), has unveiled the Velox 420, a new jet-powered recreational model designed for day trips, watersports and use as a yacht tender. The 14-foot RIB features an aluminum hull and was developed in … Read more

Yamaha has unveiled a series of notable updates for its outboard lineup and control systems, introducing the new XTO Offshore 450, steering enhancements for the F150 and F200 models, and refinements to the Helm Master EX control suite. These upgrades target both power needs and ease of installation, emphasizing greater electrical output, simplified steering integration, … Read more

Intelliboat Ladder Sensor: Automatic Alerts to Keep Your Boarding Ladder Safe The Intelliboat Ladder Sensor is a compact, waterproof device designed to alert you whenever your boarding ladder remains in the water. By providing immediate audio and visual warnings when you are about to get underway, it helps prevent propeller strikes, damage to the ladder, … Read more

2008 Olympic Sailing Regatta: Team USA Wrap-Up The 2008 Olympic Sailing Regatta concluded on August 21 with strong showings from Team USA, including historic and breakthrough performances in singlehanded classes. Twenty-five-year-old Anna Tunnicliffe of Plantation, Florida, captured the gold medal in the Laser Radial, becoming the first American woman to win Olympic gold in sailing … Read more

Turning heads and tugging at hearts One glance at the photograph tells the story: a beautiful autumn evening, the air crisp with the smell of wood smoke, and the last warm light of the sun gilding the horizon. Photographer Jody Dole and Soundings editor-in-chief Bill Sisson had just finished a shoot in Essex, Connecticut, and … Read more

Coast Guard Response and Boating Safety Updates Washed Up On Jan. 4, contractors began efforts to right a beached 65-foot commercial fishing vessel at Francis State Beach near Half Moon Bay, California. Coast Guard Sector San Francisco pollution investigators monitored the operation to prevent potential environmental impacts during the recovery process. Responders Rescue Injured Tug … Read more

Onne van der Wal: From Ocean Racer to Celebrated Maritime Photographer There are few people who reach the top of one career and then achieve prominence in a second. Onne van der Wal is one of those rare individuals. Warm and modest by nature, he is also a gifted overachiever who parlayed a world-class sailing … Read more

Bill Blount — Naval Architect and CEO Leading Modern Yacht Design A young Bill Blount’s love of boats began after a Wellcraft V20 sank three times and sparked a lifelong fascination with the water. That early passion, combined with growing up around his father, renowned powerboat designer Donald L. Blount, shaped a career that today … Read more

We were anchored in a sheltered Bahamian harbor when a 70-foot sailboat glided in from the ocean. Its size, finish and obvious quality drew attention from everyone ashore and on the VHF. People assumed the owner must be wealthy and experienced — how could you not be with a boat like that? The next day … Read more