Belafonte: An Eco-Friendly Hybrid Day-Tour Power Catamaran The story of the hybrid day-tour catamaran Belafonte begins with another boat: the 57-foot power catamaran Reef Express. Reef Express runs snorkeling and sightseeing trips out of Key West, Florida, and it led to a collaboration among designer Dave Walworth, builder Joe Kitchell and an owner with a … Read more

There are many ways to monitor and forecast weather online, and the choices can be overwhelming. Whether you’re a sailor who enjoys digging into meteorology or you prefer simple apps with clear colors and arrows, the best approach is to tailor your devices so they give you exactly the information you need quickly and reliably. … Read more

Michael Peters is one of the world’s most respected yacht designers. His studio, Michael Peters Yacht Design in Sarasota, Florida, has worked with major production builders such as Azimut, Bertram, Chris-Craft, Hinckley and Valhalla Boatworks, and has created bespoke vessels for premier yards like Van Dam Custom Boats and Brooklin Boat Yard. When he isn’t … Read more

Coast Survey’s Civil War Maps and Fieldwork To mark the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, NOAA’s Office of Coast Survey examined its archives and uncovered a rich collection of wartime maps, charts and firsthand accounts. These records document the work of topographers and hydrographers who operated alongside Union forces as surveyors, boat pilots and … Read more

Falling leaves outside our windows are a clear signal that another season is winding down. Some boats have already headed south for the winter, others are preparing to begin the southern leg of a year-round fishing cycle, and a portion of anglers are squeezing in one or two final trips before the inevitable curtain drops. … Read more

Bristol Yacht Components Carbon Fiber Boarding Stairs Bristol Yacht Components builds a premium line of carbon fiber boarding stairs designed to provide safe, lightweight access while complementing the appearance of modern yachts. These stairs combine high-quality materials with refined styling, offering an upscale boarding solution for owners who want durable performance without sacrificing looks. Design … Read more

Quarken 35 Cabin: A Minimalist Offshore Cruiser from Finland Quarken Boats of Finland has introduced the 35 Cabin, a minimalist, sleek offshore cruiser designed for comfortable day trips and short overnight adventures. At 35 feet overall length (LOA) with an 11-foot beam, the Quarken 35 Cabin combines a compact profile with roomy, weatherproof accommodations for … Read more

With Lake Macatawa behind us, we clear the channel and enter Lake Michigan. A light breeze and calm seas make for a pleasant summer morning. Sunlight burns through the low cloud cover, highlighting the sand beaches and rolling dunes along the shoreline and turning the Holland Harbor Lighthouse—known locally as “Big Red”—into an even more … Read more

Freeman 40: A Sleek Power Catamaran That Marries Style and Function At this year’s Miami International Boat Show I came across a power catamaran that stands out for its lines and presence: the Freeman 40. Its sharply raked bows and reverse sheer give the boat an athletic profile uncommon among many current catamaran designs, immediately … Read more

Summer Nationwide Crackdown Nets 322 Boaters for Boating Under the Influence Marine law enforcement agencies across the United States arrested 322 vessel operators for boating under the influence (BUI) during a three-day, nationwide enforcement and awareness campaign this summer. The concentrated effort aimed to reduce alcohol- and drug-related incidents on the water, increase public awareness … Read more