July Latitude Out Early

As a special weekend treat for our readers, we’re distributing the July issue of Latitude 38 today rather than wait until Monday, July 1. Many boaters will be celebrating the 4th of July this weekend so the timing couldn’t be better. Inside the still-damp pages you’ll find recaps on the grand Master Mariners Regatta and the inaugural Made in Santa Cruz Race Week, a preview of July’s TransPac Race (with a few predictions thrown in), an SSB primer and an America’s Cup Viewer’s Guide. As usual, it’s also packed with all sorts of other fascinating news.

If you’re one of the many sailors planning a sailing trip this weekend, be aware that law enforcement agencies nationwide will be teaming up for Operation Dry Water, a coordinated effort to crack down on those who drink and boat that starts today and runs through Sunday. Last year’s effort yielded 337 BUI citations and nearly 15,000 safety citations and/or warnings. Do yourself a solid by making sure you have up-to-date registration tags, plenty of PFDs, flares and so on — and make sure the skipper leaves the beer in the cooler until the boat is safely tied up or anchored!