Australian teenager Jessica Watson is aiming to become the youngest person to sail solo around the world, joining a growing contest for the “youngest solo circumnavigator” title that two other young sailors are already pursuing. In June 2008, 16-year-old Californian Zac Sunderland departed Marina del Rey aboard his refurbished 1972 Islander 36. By early June … Read more

PupPlank: Inflatable Ramp That Lets Dogs Get Out of the Water Safely Living near water means taking extra precautions to protect the people and pets you love. Many pet owners worry about their dogs accidentally falling into a pool, off a dock, or overboard from a boat. Even confident swimmers can struggle to find a … Read more

Weems & Plath CrewWatcher Man Overboard System: A Practical Virtual Lifeline The Weems & Plath CrewWatcher man overboard (MOB) system is an app-driven safety tool designed to give small-boat crews an immediate advantage in a fall-overboard emergency. The system pairs a smartphone app with a compact wearable beacon for each crew member. When someone goes … Read more

Lessons from a Crowded Summer: Boating Safety and Seamanship for New Owners This past summer I saw more new boaters than ever before. With pandemic-driven lifestyle changes, many people traded vacation plans for time on the water, and boat sales surged. Unfortunately, enthusiasm alone does not equal experience, and the result was crowded waterways, avoidable … Read more

Fishing Boat — A Harbor Scene by John Michael Carter In John Michael Carter’s painting “Fishing Boat,” a blue trawler with weathered red fenders rests against a pier in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts. The scene, painted with gentle restraint, captures a quiet moment in Vineyard Haven: a calm harbor, pale water reflecting the sky, and a … Read more

Up-N-Out Marina Safety Ladder — Retractable Dock Ladder for Water Safety Falling off a dock and into the water can become a dangerous situation, particularly when the dock is elevated above the waterline and there is no one nearby to assist. The Up-N-Out Marina Safety Ladder from Scandia Marine Products offers a practical, retractable solution … Read more

Aquatic AV 8-Inch Waterproof Marine Speakers with 1-Inch High-Frequency Horn Aquatic AV’s 8-inch marine speakers combine rugged construction with clear high-frequency reproduction, making them a strong choice for boats, outdoor entertainment areas, and other environments where exposure to water, sun and salt air is a concern. These speakers are designed to withstand the elements while … Read more

Eggemoggin Reach Regatta: A Celebration of Wooden Sailboats in Maine There can be plenty of ego, shouting and rough behavior in competitive sailing, especially when a boat doesn’t take first place. But in the world of wooden sailboat racing, aesthetics and camaraderie often matter as much as the finish line—a graceful sheerline, polished brightwork, or … Read more

Fly Fisher 22 Saltwater Center Consoles Built by Wood Composites Students This year, students in a Wood Composites program completed three examples of the Fly Fisher 22, a saltwater center-console skiff designed by Michael Berryer of Van Dam Custom Boats in Boyne City, Michigan. The design emphasizes practical inshore performance and classic aesthetics: moderate freeboard … Read more

Coast Guard Swimmer and Auxiliarists Awarded AFRAS Gold and Silver Medals The U.S. Coast Guard and the Coast Guard Auxiliary in Alaska earned both the Gold and Silver Medals from the Association for Rescue at Sea (AFRAS) for two separate, life-saving operations earlier this year. One award recognizes a daring rescue of four people in … Read more