Editor’s Letter: Cheers to the New Year and the Hardy Among Us

As we turn the page into 2025, I’m inspired by hardiness. On the waters of the Salish Sea and the Inside Passage, among Pacific Northwest boat-folk near and far, there is so much to be impressed by, to honor, and from which…

Editor’s Letter: Yes, And…

In acting and improv, there’s a principle known as “Yes, and...” The point is to affirm another actor’s perspective and/or portrayal as truth, and build the scene from there in light of their reality; recognizing that the…

Editor’s Letter: Racing Rewards in the Pacific Northwest

The smell of hot dogs wafted through the cockpit from the grill on our boat’s stern, and laughter rang out from friends sitting on the side deck and perched on the cabin top after a sappy joke. We were making way, but the…

Editor’s Letter: The Season for Learning

A couple weeks ago, I sat on a yacht club lawn in a white Adirondack chair and watched as my boys and the rest of the summer sailing campers in their weeklong class put away boats. Porter, our oldest at 11, helped fold the…

Editor’s Letter: 10 Years!

The first publication I was involved with at 48° North was September 2014. Check my math, but that means that when this magazine goes to press, it will round a decade at the helm of 48° North, and it coincides with the…

Editor’s Letter: On Bringing Up Sailors

One of the mistakes parents, like me, make these days is to overinflate our perception of influence with our children and their interests. As boat folk, deeply held hopes that our children will love time on the water can…

Editor’s Letter: Sometimes, It Is About the Destination

Sailors and boaters will be well-versed in the notion, “It’s about the journey, not the destination.” And of course it is. Our boats are so much more than transportation, and the experience underway is often the most fun and…

Editor’s Letter: Extraordinary Achievements Outside the Limelight

One day before this magazine was sent to press, Seattle sailor David Linger crossed the finish line of the Global Solo Challenge in A Coruña, Spain, completing a solo sailing race around the world. I don’t know David well,…

Editor’s Letter: The Spirit of Adventure

There are a lot of ways to think about the time we spend on the water. For some, it’s relaxation away from it all. For others, a lifelong learning experience. Maybe it’s a test of your skills, a joyful (or serious)…

Editor’s Letter: 48° North is Asking for Your Support

Dear friends and fans of 48° North, Since 48° North became a nonprofit publication by joining the Northwest Maritime Center (NWMC) in 2018, the magazine and website have improved and expanded, and we hope you are…