Velella:
A Boat and Her Legacy
Michael Butler’s dream boat, Loco, under various stages of construction in California in 1979. “Did you just buy this boat?” a man on the dock asked. “Yup.” Technically, the deal hadn’t quite closed. We were still awaiting…
Which Anchor to Choose?
Experienced cruisers work with a local resource who analyzes anchor performance to consider anchor options for their new boat. This article originally appeared in the May 2022 issue of 48° North. Choosing the right anchor is…
Virtual Wooden Boat Festival Delivers Inspiration, Entertainment and Connection
Creativity and resilience brought a new vision for a well-loved event from idea to reality. And it was awesome. It would be one big experiment. Never been done before. But, hey … why not? When the pandemic hit, it soon…
Crossing the Bar: Remembering Thunderbird Legend Sandy Pratt
The Seattle Sailing Scene and Thunderbird Fleet Loses a Legend in Sandy Pratt As the outbreak of COVID19 rages across our world, we are stunned by news reports of infection and death. The devastating statistics become…
Team Sail Like a Girl continues to inspire
Team Race Like a Girl, which is competing again in this year's Race to Alaska. Photo by Wendy Hinman Team Sail Like a Girl has evolved into something of a movement, initially tugging at our heartstrings as an underdog story…
How the Inside Passage was won
The R2AK is one way to get to Alaska, but this trek is no pleasure cruise. The rules for the Race to Alaska are simple: 750 miles to Ketchikan, navigating past two waypoints at Seymour Narrows and Bella Bella. No motor. No…
United By Adventure – Friendships and Perspectives of Offshore Sailors and the Clipper Round the World Race
Local author, Wendy Hinman, shares the story of her friendship with a Clipper Round the World participant (Sandra), her personal experience of the last Seattle stopover, and the perspectives she and Sandra share as offshore…