Editor’s Letter: Continuing Excitement for Shorthanded Racing

I am frequently asked, “What is cool or noteworthy in the world of sailing? What’s the next big thing?” and variations on that theme. The answer is usually murky — foiling technology for America’s Cup boats and many other…

November Ed Letter:
Thankful for Sailing Mentors and Friends

Since I first got my hands on a tiller and sheet, I’ve known every nook and cranny along the winding spectrum of sailorly self-perception. While sailing vastly different boats, in venues local and exotic, engaging in wide…

FOR YOUR BOAT’S SAKE

As we move into another blustery Pacific Northwest rainy season, it felt like a good time to revisit this encouraging editorial from the October 2020 issue.  When my younger sister and I were kids, our parents took us on a…

Editorial: Beautiful British Columbia

On a sunny, early spring day we motored out of Roche Harbor, set our sails and shaped a westerly course toward Vancouver Island.

Editorial Change of Watch

One of my favorite parts of the maritime lifestyle is what happens between fellow crew members at sea when it comes time to change watch. A watch change on a boat comes with the assurance that those going off watch will be…

In Defense of Imperfect Races

To hear some of us racing sailors, you might think that anytime we aren’t sailing our boats in 80-degree sunshine and trade-wind breezes with our dearest pals, it’s hardly worth it. You’d think that we all sail in huge,…

The First Things to Know About Sailing

The following is Joe's Editor's note from the February 2022 issue of 48° North. 

Editorial: Spring Makes the Sailing Heart Fonder

From the April 2021 issue of 48° North. Spring boating is abuzz with evident joys. With the change of seasons comes a pervasive sense of excitement for boating’s high season that makes every trip on the water feel like a…

What Will You Do This Year?

Letter from the editor from the January 2021 issue of 48° North. 2021, we’re counting on you! If ever we needed a fresh start, it’s this new year. The burning desire to turn the page is evident even among we sailors and…