John Stobart and “New York Maiden Lane”: Mastery of Maritime Memory In the oil painting New York Maiden Lane, John Stobart conjures a nineteenth-century waterfront scene that feels both photographic and entirely imaginative. Men push carts, horse-drawn carriages idly wait, and dockworkers exchange words in the shadow of a triple-masted schooner. A solitary lamp post … Read more

How a Chance Meeting in Daytona Sparked a New Line of Wolfeboro Boats When Nate Drouin stopped into a West Marine store in Daytona Beach last year, he was looking for a simple answer about repair materials for the fiberglass on his rental water-scooters. As the owner of a marina and Jet Ski rental business … Read more

Fino 30: The Iconic American Sport Boat That Blended Race Performance with Italian Style When offshore powerboat racer Bobby Rautbord launched the first Fino 30 in 1968 his goal was clear: build an American sport boat that delivered race-boat handling and high performance while wearing the refined fit and finish of a custom Italian runabout. … Read more

Pinellas County Deputy Rescues Struggling Manatee During Severe Red Tide Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Jill Constant refused to watch a manatee die. During a recent period of elevated red tide in Pinellas County, Florida, Constant answered a call reporting a distressed manatee in the Intracoastal Waterway. Although well-meaning members of the public sometimes misinterpret … Read more

For more than three decades, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism has organized annual boating flings that showcase the islands’ natural beauty, vibrant culture, and welcoming communities. These events are essentially Bahamian road trips by water — a chance for boaters to hop from one island to another while enjoying powdery beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and … Read more

Team Malizia Secures Victory in Genova as Final Ocean Race Standings Await Redress Decision Team Malizia crossed the finish line in Genova, Italy on Tuesday morning to claim victory, aided by a light, favorable breeze that allowed them to sail confidently into the harbor ahead of their rivals. The triumph marked a high point for … Read more

All-Female Team Aims to Break Jules Verne Trophy Record Aboard 100-foot Ultime Trimaran IDEC sport The Jules Verne Trophy rewards the fastest non-stop circumnavigation of the world by any type of sailing yacht with a crew of any size. The route begins and ends on an imaginary line linking Le Créac’h Lighthouse on the island … Read more

Stonington Borough sits tucked into a protected harbor and unfolds like a postcard from classic New England: narrow streets, clapboard houses, and a waterfront lined with shops, galleries, and restaurants. The village is rich in maritime history and brims with local character—ideal for a slow stroll, an afternoon of gallery browsing, or a waterfront meal. … Read more

NEW ENGLAND REGION Ballard’s, New Shoreham, RI Established in 1956, Ballard’s is a longtime favorite for live music, local seafood and a classic Block Island atmosphere. Located close to the Block Island Ferry, the restaurant and beach attract day-trippers as well as boaters staying for a few nights. Ballard’s Marina features Mediterranean-style floating docks with … Read more

My inbox at Soundings is one of my favorite places to drop anchor. It’s where readers stop by to share their on-the-water stories, ask questions and tell us about the boats they love. I’m always grateful when people take a few minutes to write — those messages often reveal memorable moments, practical lessons and the … Read more