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

Fleming 55: The Yacht That Redefined Long-Range Cruising The first Fleming to arrive in the United States was unloaded in Long Beach, California, in November 1986. That initial boat measured 50 feet and was built from the same hull mold later used for the Fleming 55. Early on, a dam was inserted into the mold … Read more

At Marine Weather Center, a client recently asked why a computer model forecast showed small seas on the windward side of Saint Martin, when in reality they were experiencing strong winds and large waves. The explanation lies in how weather models are built, what they can resolve, and where they fall short. Weather forecast models … Read more

Why We Chose a 23-Foot Caribiana Sea Skiff: A Practical Powerboat for Trailerable Cruising After years of sailing, my wife Jackie and I decided in 2013 to move from sail to power. We wanted something smaller, easier to handle and trailerable so we could spend more time enjoying the water and less time maintaining a … Read more

In Extremis: A Photographer’s Portrait of America’s Historic Ships By Jeanne Craig In 2012, while leaving an Ikea parking lot in Philadelphia, photographer and journalist Pim Van Hemmen happened upon an imposing ocean liner whose hull bore rust and whose funnels were streaked with peeling paint. It was the SS United States, once the pride … Read more