Ira aboard his much-loved Lone Fox, which was built in Scotland for Commander Whitbread in 1957. Lone Fox
©2011 Latitude 38 Media, LLC Sincere congratulations on three levels are due Ira Epstein of Bolinas, the owner of the 1962 Robert Clark-designed classic 65-ft wood ketch Lone Fox. More »

Laura Dekker, 15, has made it through the Panama Canal and is now bound for the Galapagos. Guppy
© Latitude 38 Media, LLC It’s been awhile since our last report on Laura Dekker, the 15-year-old Dutch girl who wants to become the youngest solo circumnavigator aboard her Jeanneau Gin Fizz Guppy. More »

There’s no better way to celebrate Earth Day than to go sailing! latitude/LaDonna
© Latitude 38 Media, LLC Friday is the internationally recognized day to celebrate Mother Earth. The irony is that while most of the Earth Day celebrations this weekend will be held on dry land, 70% of the planet is covered in wet stuff. More »

For most of us, the tricky thing about making charitable donations — both locally and when cruising — is feeling confident that your well-intended gift will be spent wisely, and will truly make a difference. More »

According to a Wall Street Journal report yesterday, the U.S. has taken a bold step in combating Somali piracy. Earlier this month, Federal Bureau of Investigation agents entered Somali territory and, with cooperation from local government authorities, tracked down and arrested Mohammad Shibin, 50, a key player in the kidnapping saga of American cruisers Scott and Jean Adam of the Marina del Rey-based Davidson 58 Quest, and their guests Phyllis Macay and Bob Riggle of Seattle. More »

Twenty years ago, Steve Schmidt, then of Saratoga, promised Bill Lee of Santa Cruz Yachts that he would never race the heavily ‘cruis-ified’ Santa Cruz 70 that he wanted Bill to build for him. More »

Sailors en route to or from the Hawaiian Islands have always had to keep a sharp eye out for shipping traffic, migrating whales and runaway containers, but they’ll soon have another — potentially more ominous — hazard to deal with. More »

Delta Doo Dah vets Erik and Brian Jones of the Berkeley-based Glastron Spirit 28 Sizzle were honored with US Sailing’s Hanson Rescue Medal last week for their role in rescuing two Bay sailors on July 19, 2009. More »

In late 2007 Harker rounded Cape Point, South Africa, thus returning to the Atlantic Ocean where he would complete his mostly solo circumnavigation. © Mike Harker We regret to report that Manhattan Beach-based solo circumnavigator Mike Harker passed away last Friday in St. More »