J Class Yachts Thrill Newport Just as They Did in Their 1930s Glory Days Photos by Jody Dole We gathered in a small launch in Newport, Rhode Island — three photographers, Soundings editor Bill Sisson and I — to witness the J Class Regatta. The event is part of a series of international competitions organized … Read more
Ferrocement Ships: Early 20th Century Concrete Vessels and Their Legacy What are these men doing, and what is all that metalwork? Look closely at the background and the curved outline of a ship’s bow reveals the answer. It’s the early 1900s, and the workers stand inside a lattice of rebar and wire mesh, building what … Read more
Hella Sea Hawk XL Marine LED Lamps — Compact, Dual-Color Lighting for Boats The Hella Sea Hawk XL is a compact, dual-color marine LED lamp designed for a wide range of onboard lighting needs. At roughly 6 inches wide by 2 inches high by 2 inches deep, these slim-profile fixtures deliver bright, controllable light while … Read more
Lessons from the Cosco Busan’s Collision with the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge The ship’s pilot who directed a 901-foot container vessel away from the dock in dense fog and then sideswiped the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge nearly two years ago will serve 10 months in federal prison. The vessel, the Cosco Busan, weighed roughly 68,000 … Read more
Where to See the Latest Boats and Marine Technology This Season Boat builders continue to introduce fresh designs, advanced systems and smarter materials, and the boat-show circuit is where many of those innovations make their public debut. Whether you’re shopping for a new boat, researching the latest propulsion and electronics, or simply enjoying the craftsmanship … Read more
I spent the first week of the America’s Cup in San Francisco, immersed in corporate hospitality and running between Pier 27, the Marina Green, Crissy Field, the top of the Transamerica Building, St. Francis Yacht Club and out on the racecourse. From every vantage point I visited, the racing was spectacular — San Francisco truly … Read more
Chris-Craft Triple-Cockpit Runabouts: Iconic American Dayboats In 1874, a 13-year-old boy in Algonac, Michigan, built a skiff for himself. That young craftsman, Chris Smith, found an appreciative local market and soon began building more boats. His skills and entrepreneurial drive grew into Chris-Craft, a name that became synonymous with pleasure boating in America. By the … Read more
The sinking of the Titanic on April 15, 1912, remains one of the most studied and written-about maritime disasters in history. Yet among the central figures of that night, one stands out as surprisingly understudied in popular memory: Sir Arthur Henry Rostron, captain of the RMS Carpathia. Rostron and his crew steamed through ice fields … Read more
Propane-Powered Outboards: A Cleaner, Affordable Option for Small Boats What began as a concept aboard a research vessel in the North Sea has evolved into a practical alternative for small-boat propulsion: the propane-powered outboard. Developed by Lehr Inc. of Los Angeles, these outboards aim to bring more affordable, lower-emission propulsion to the mass market, based … Read more
Photos by Bob Drake Peninsular Waterfront Home in St. Marys, GA — Dock, Solar-Heated Pool and Marsh Views Situated on a private peninsular lot in the gated Osprey Cove community, this custom-designed home in St. Marys, Georgia makes the most of its natural setting. The property occupies 1.47 acres and offers uninterrupted water and salt-marsh … Read more