Crazy as a Fox: Meaning and Origins Explained

img 1681 1

Uffa Fox: Pioneer of Modern Dinghy Design and Sailing Innovation In 1919, at just 21 years old, Uffa Fox launched his boatbuilding business, Uffa Fox Ltd., on the Isle of Wight, beginning the career of one of England’s most influential boat designers. Born in East Cowes on the Solent, Fox grew up surrounded by boats … Read more

Pilgrim 40 Review: Specs, Features & Owner Guide

img 1683 1

Patti and Bill Linscott were deliberate in their search for a coastal cruiser. Their goal was a capable, comfortable boat suited to the Salish Sea — the mix of open water, protected bays and tributaries that stretches from the lower arms of Puget Sound to the Strait of Georgia near northern Vancouver Island. They wanted … Read more

How to Separate Items Accidentally Glued Together

img 1691 1

Gougeon Brothers: How Wood and Epoxy Transformed Boatbuilding In the early 1960s, fiberglass was revolutionizing boatbuilding and wooden construction was rapidly declining. In Bay City, Michigan, however, the Gougeon brothers—Meade, Joel and Jan—believed wood still had a future if paired with the right adhesives and techniques. Their experiments and innovations led to epoxy products and … Read more

Why Choose Diesel: Benefits, Costs, and Maintenance

img 1716 1

Why Diesel Sterndrives Are Becoming a Real Alternative to Outboards A pair of outboards remains the most common propulsion choice for today’s large center consoles, day boats and sport cruisers, but it’s no longer the only viable option. Volvo Penta’s DPI Aquamatic D6-440 diesel sterndrive is gaining traction as an alternative to outboards. Several production … Read more

The Chosen Ones: Prophecy, Power, and Dark Secrets

img 1722 1 scaled

Like many of you, we have a long list of favorite boating destinations, and choosing the very best can feel like picking a favorite boat. As Soundings celebrates its 60th anniversary, we’ve chosen six cruising locales that have endured as beloved stops for generations of boaters. All are in New England — the region where … Read more

How Cruising Evolved: Ships, Routes, and Onboard Life

img 1731 1

Since its founding in 1970, Sabre Yachts has built its reputation on cruising yachts. Based in Raymond, Maine, Sabre focused solely on sailboats until 1989, when it introduced the Sabreline 36 Fast Trawler — the company’s first Downeast-style powerboat. In 2003 Sabre launched a sister brand, Back Cove Yachts, to meet growing customer demand for … Read more

Why Brining Makes Meat Juicier and More Flavorful

img 1736 1

Chasing a free spirit across the globe can be a logistical headache, especially when that person lives offshore. “Max Campbell is available this week,” my editor messaged. “Call him while you can.” Campbell was halfway through a circumnavigation he began in early 2020, sailing from his home port of Falmouth, England, aboard a lovingly restored … Read more

Explore a Massive Coral Reef: Snorkeling and Diving Tips

img 1742 1

Scientists Map the Largest Known Deep-Sea Coral Reef off the U.S. Southeast Coast Picture holding a flashlight close to a desk: the lit area is small and sharply defined. Now imagine the same light from a rooftop—suddenly a much wider area is illuminated. That analogy describes how modern sonar mapping reveals seafloor features at vastly … Read more

Pay It Forward: 10 Ideas to Spread Kindness Locally

img 1747 1

Sails Up 4 Cancer: How Sailing Helped One Man Turn Treatment Into a Mission of Support Bob Davis was in his early 60s when he received a diagnosis of esophageal cancer. The radiation treatments were harsh: he lost roughly 80 pounds in a short time and was left exhausted, spending long days on his sofa … Read more

Shipwreck Fragments Wash Ashore on Massachusetts Beach

img 1752 1

The Ada K. Damon Shipwreck: History, Exposure, and New Discoveries at Crane Beach The Ada K. Damon, a sand schooner that came ashore on Crane Beach in Ipswich on Massachusetts’ North Shore around Christmas of 1909, has been a visible and evocative feature of the shoreline for years. Largely buried and forgotten for much of … Read more