Charlie and Diane Ford came to boating by different paths but share a deep passion for being on the water. Diane’s interest began in childhood—her father was always afloat, and she grew up sailing Star-class sloops. Charlie discovered sailing later, after service in the Marine Corps and studies at the University of Maryland. A ride … Read more
Time is running out for the recreational boating community to weigh in on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s proposed North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction Rule. This proposed rule would impose seasonal speed limits in certain coastal areas to reduce the risk of vessel strikes on endangered North Atlantic right whales. NOAA has … Read more
Some boats are designed to travel long distances, and some people are determined to take them as far as possible. Tom and Jan Newman, aboard their Nordhavn 41 Meraki, are a perfect example. Lifelong sailors, they decided about ten years ago that they wanted to retire aboard and see as much of the world as … Read more
Rob Judge is a lifelong high-performance boat enthusiast who spent his summers running a Cigarette 38 on Lake Erie. Wanting a craft he could use through the colder months near his Ohio home, he chose an unusually rugged option: a Safe Boats Defender 25. The Defender 25’s military pedigree and all-weather capabilities made it an … Read more
There are many compelling reasons to visit Cape May, New Jersey. This historic seaside town at the southern tip of the state has been a celebrated summer resort for more than two centuries. Renowned for its fishing heritage, Cape May hosts major offshore tournaments and features top-rated marinas that attract boaters and anglers from across … Read more
How to Maintain Exterior Teak: Cleaning, Sealing, and Practical Care Teak is prized for strength and durability, and it’s commonly used for decks, covering boards, swim platforms, ladder rungs and trim. Proper exterior teak maintenance preserves its appearance and longevity. Left unattended, teak will weather to a silvery gray; if you prefer the warm, rich … Read more
Two years after installing a two‑speaker sound system on his new 22‑foot Panga, John Salafia ran into repeated problems with one speaker and decided it was time for a full replacement and upgrade. He switched brands and opted for a four‑speaker setup, adding two additional speakers in the bow. To drive the new array he … Read more
Artisan Boatworks Builds 40-Foot Daysailer “Wisp” in Record Time Alec Brainerd’s Artisan Boatworks, a compact yard in Rockport, Maine, is known for restoring and maintaining wooden yachts by some of the world’s most celebrated designers. With a staff of about 16, the yard routinely cares for roughly 80 wooden boats and, since its founding in … Read more
I come from a family of engineers, but I’m the outlier: a journalist who, despite being handy enough to restore a Whitehall skiff and five houses, has always avoided electrical work. Aside from installing an auxiliary power outlet on my boat years ago, I left electronics to the pros—until my 14-year-old handheld Garmin became impossible … Read more
It doesn’t matter which dock you walk down—Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Port Townsend, Washington; Newport, Rhode Island; or anywhere in between. Every boat you see—the styling cues, hull shapes, sheer lines—started as a concept in a designer’s studio. Over the past six decades, certain naval architects and yacht designers shaped the look, performance and culture of … Read more