If you’re in the market for a new boat, or you may be in the near future, be sure to check out Boat Fest this weekend in Alameda.  Boat Fest
©Latitude 38 Media, LLC If you’re in the market for a new or high-quality used boat — or you simply like poking around different boat designs in order to help you move closer to a buying decision — consider attending the (free) Annual Boat Fest at Alameda’s Marina Village Yacht Harbor, which runs today through Sunday, from 11 a.m. More »

The powerful storm blew over many dry-stored boats in La Paz.  BajaInsider.com
©Latitude 38 Media, LLC As reported earlier, Hurricane Odile struck a devastating blow to Cabo San Lucas, although as far as we know, yachts in marinas there suffered only minimal damage. More »

This image from Puerto Escondido hints at the power of Odile. Note the tattered headsail. And this was after the storm’s force had diminished. © Shelly Ward With most communication out with Baja, it’s difficult to get an accurate picture of the destruction caused by Hurricane Odile, but the following should give a general idea. More »

When a regatta event includes Le Mans starts, you can bet that the focus is on fun. Nearly 40 two-person crews competed in the Port Opua Hobie Cat Challenge, in which modified shallow-draft Hobie 16s raced in a single-elimination match-racing format. More »

All sorts of vessels transit the waters of San Francisco Bay, but none as unique as Russian gazillionaire Andrey Melnichenko’s 390-ft megayacht simply named A. After a South Pacific tour and a stint in the Northwest this summer, she appeared on the Bay this week, turning heads everywhere she went.  More »

It’s amazing how one brief conversation can be a springboard to life-changing adventures and lasting friendships. This happens all the time at Latitude 38′s Crew List parties — where skippers in need of crew mix and mingle with able-bodied sailors who are eager for a ride. More »

Pied-a-Mer found a sunny spot to berth, center stage in the wine country.  © Art Hartiger There’s no denying that Napa is a splendid city, and a wonderful place to visit during the summer months. More »

As the accompanying photo illustrates, a boat fire is one of the worst calamities a sailor or powerboater can experience — either at sea or when tied to a dock. Marc Lieberman grabbed this shot while at the Monterey Municipal Marina several days ago, and gave us this explanation of how the inferno occurred. More »

Looking like a ghost ship out of a Disney movie, Walkabout is seen here before she dismasted, but badly battered nonetheless. In the Coast Guard footage you can just make out the train of huge swells that swept beneath the boat from the top of the screen to the bottom. More »

Despite surviving a hurricane, Walkabout may still be afloat and drifting according to one report today. By the time her crew was rescued this morning, they had reportedly bailed her out and she was no longer in danger of sinking. More »