When the sun is shining and the breeze is up, it’s easy to make new converts to the sport of sailing. latitude/Andy
© Latitude 38 Media, LLC "Yee-hah, we’re having some fun now!" More »

Henk de Velde, the only person to have ever circumnavigated nonstop on a catamaran, is visiting the Bay Area through the weekend. latitude/LaDonna
©2011 Latitude 38 Media, LLC It’s not everyday that you get to share a cup of tea with a sailing legend, but that’s just what this writer did today. More »

Are you in the ‘zone’ yet? If so, make sure you’re in the right zone, or it will also be ‘tow time’. © Dwight Witherspoon Reader Dwight Witherspoon of the Islander 36 Surfseaker sent us a photo of a sign posted at the dinghy/fishing dock at 15th St. More »

As any sailor knows, approaching a bridge with a relatively low — but doable — clearance can really get your blood pumping. Even if the chart indicates you’ll have 20 feet of clear air between the top of your mast and the bridge, from deck level it always looks like you’re headed straight for a dismasting. More »

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 »