Close to the Water: Capsize!
February 18, 2025
Are You Ready to Self-Recover?
Fern swims towards the bow…
Seamanship & Navigation,Featured
Close to the Water: The Old-Fashioned Way
October 14, 2024
Navigating the waters of the Pacific Northwest with simplicity and satisfaction

Close to the Water: Other Boats
September 17, 2024
My old college friend and I were eager to get away and forgot the daily details that usually preoccupy us. And as we slowly ghosted into Jones Island’s broad horseshoe-shaped cove, I knew we’d chosen the right spot. An…
Close to the Water: Looping the Island
May 7, 2024
At 20 miles around, Harstine Island could be circumnavigated with a powerboat in an hour. But freeway speeds yield freeway views: a blur of trees, missed inlets, and a flash of homes. A slower speed suits me better, one that…
Cruising Stories,Featured,Guest Dock
Close to the Water: A Second Cruise with My Mate
February 13, 2024
A Second Cruise Brings Border Crossings, Uncertainty, and Lessons Learned.

Close to the Water: Cruising With My Mate
January 16, 2024
Sailing Luna westward through the San Juan Islands on…
Close to the Water: The Flip
October 10, 2023
Almost over, the flipping crew’s coordination paid off.
It…

Bill rolls his boat down the gravel ramp…
The author does a test launch of his new Portage…
The finished flatbread.Its secret flavor…