Aquila 32S: Updated Sport Power Catamaran Focused on Performance and Social Boating Aquila, a builder known for performance-oriented power catamarans, has introduced a refreshed version of the smallest model in its five-boat lineup: the Aquila 32S. The “S” denotes sport, and the 32S continues Aquila’s emphasis on combining quick, stable hulls with comfortable, social deck … Read more

The holidays are approaching and Black Friday is almost here. If you’re shopping for the boater in your life, here are a dozen well-tested gift ideas recommended by the editors and staff at Soundings and SoundingsOnline.com. These selections prioritize safety, practicality and comfort aboard, and are suitable for everything from day trips to offshore outings. … Read more

Senate Committee Advances Duck Boat Safety Bill Aimed at Preventing Tragedies A bipartisan measure intended to improve safety standards for sightseeing “duck boats” cleared the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee on Wednesday and now moves to the full Senate for consideration. The legislation, known as the Duck Boat Safety Enhancement Act, is sponsored by … Read more

Scout Boats Introduces the 350 LXZ: A New Luxury Crossover Day Cruiser Scout Boats has unveiled a new luxury crossover series, and the inaugural model in this lineup is the 350 LXZ. Designed as a versatile day cruiser that doubles as an overnight platform, the 350 LXZ blends entertaining-friendly deck spaces with below-deck accommodations. The … Read more

Silent-Yachts Scales Up Production of Solar-Powered Electric Catamarans Silent-Yachts, the Austrian pioneer in solar-powered catamaran design, has moved from early adopter status to a rapidly scaling production business. After selling its first solar catamaran in 2018, the company now reports 11 of its electric yachts afloat and has committed to a substantial production run for … Read more

A Sailing Couple in the Vendée Globe Sam Davies of Great Britain and Romain Attanasio of France balance two demanding lives: they are partners at home, raising a nine-year-old son, and they are solo ocean racers who compete in some of the world’s toughest offshore events. Both are seasoned skippers accustomed to long hours at … Read more

Déjà vu hit me the moment my husband, Gary, and I climbed aboard the Formula 380 Super Sport Crossover (SSC) Outboard at Keystone Point Marina in Miami. A year earlier we had test-driven a nearly identical 380 SSC, but that model hid twin 520-hp Mercury Racing sterndrives beneath an expansive swim platform. This version carried … Read more

Ask nearly any Maine boatbuilder where they source quality lumber and they will point to Richard Simon and his business, America’s Wood Company. For builders who need specialty planking, interior joinery, or long, wide boards, Simon’s inventory is a consistent go-to. “It’s a great place,” says Sam Temple, owner of Rockport Marine in Rockport. “Rich … Read more

British Virgin Islands Reopen for Charters on December 1: What Travelers and Operators Need to Know In mid-September officials announced that the British Virgin Islands (BVI) would reopen to visitors on December 1 after a prolonged Covid-19 closure. For yacht charter operators, crewed and bareboat sailors, and vacationers who have long favored the BVI’s sheltered … Read more

Imagine a place where you can land a record-size snook in the morning, target reef species after lunch and hook a trophy sailfish by late afternoon—all within a 15-mile boat ride. It may sound like an angler’s dream, but this place exists: Florida, a global hub for fishing and boatbuilding. This 500-mile-long peninsula has produced … Read more