Radar: Necessary or Nice?
Being cruisers and captains, we often emphasize the importance of integrating radar into a vessel’s navigation system as a cornerstone of prudent seamanship. Thankfully, the days of massive, power-hungry radar domes are…
Weatherlogged: Uncovering Data and Stories in Early Logbooks
Uncovering Climate Data and Sea Stories in the Logbooks of Early Mariners By the time our boat reached the middle of Haro Strait, I knew that my husband Frank and I were in trouble. The weather report, checked at the dock…
You Can’t Buy Safety
Catch this,” said US Sailing Safety at Sea course moderator Captain Jonathan Kabak as he tossed a flare to a student in the recent Safety at Sea hands-on training at Marshall Community Center in Vancouver, Washington. “Read…
Diesel Deep Dive: Run ’em Hard
Since their inception, diesel engines have been known to last for many thousands of operating hours under the most strenuous and abusive conditions, and yet recreational diesel engines seem to struggle compared to their…
#TBT: Making the Most of the Spring Season
In our latest Throwback Thursday, we take a look at the spring-time shifts we make as boaters in the PNW to prepare for the summer cruising season.
#TBT: Thoughts on Choosing a Sailing School
In our latest Throwback Thursday, we jump back to the March 2018 "Learn to Sail" issue of 48° North with some timeless tips on choosing a sailing school.
Predicting Tidal Currents in the Swinomish Channel
Historically there have been no NOAA predictions for the tidal current speed in the Swinomish Channel flowing past La Conner, WA, but local mariners know it can be strong—over 2 kts at times. Years ago we noted that this…
Diesel Deep Dive: Raw Water Cooled Engines
Available according to the Yanmar website, the 1GM10 is…
Close to the Water: Capsize!
Are You Ready to Self-Recover?
Fern swims towards the bow…
Passes of the Gulf Islands
Perhaps the greatest source of fear for boaters on the B.C. coast are the currents of the many passes one must navigate. The idea of your vessel being swept along by the power of a pass’s unstoppable hydrodynamic force can…
