Jimmy Buffett and a Salt Shaker that Will Never Be Found
In these seemingly timeless times, what better occasion to check in with that drifting-est of drifters, that leaf floating on the proverbial wind, that proverbial proverb who is both the enigma and the answer. More »
Keeping Inflatable Life Jackets in Life Saving Condition
Do you use an inflatable life jacket? Have you checked it recently, or ever?
Last week, May 16th to 22nd, was Safe Boating Week, and US Sailing posted a great video (below) in their free online Starboard Portal called Keeping Inflatables in Life Saving Condition. More »
Radical Sailing: America’s Cup ‘Sky Jumps’; Kite-Powered Racing Boats
In the immortal words of the Steve Miller Band, "I wanna fly like an eagle . . . To the sea . . ." Apparently, so does the new America's Cup class.
What’s the Sketchiest Harbor You’ve Ever Sailed Into?
On my last day in New Zealand, a trip marked by the start of the pandemic and cancelled flights, we took a long drive south along the east coast of the North Island. More »
Sailing and Stumbling Through History
Captain James Cook’s exploration of Aotearoa, or New Zealand, might be most significant for what wasn’t found: the fabled Great Southern Continent. Cartographers in the 18th century believed that land in the Northern Hemisphere should be “balanced” with land south of the equator. More »
This Week in Pandemic Sailing News . . .
"With the park closed and no boats permitted to dock in Ayala Cove, the sea lions appear to have reclaimed it as their own."
Following the Rules, Until You Don’t
Today, New Zealand went from its “Level 4” lockdown — the highest, most strict tier — down to “Level 3.” More businesses will be allowed to open, and more activities will be allowed.
Chafe Is Your Enemy
We’ve heard the mantra before, “Chafe is your enemy.” I thought this upon noticing the tow bridle for a friend’s inflatable dinghy was rubbing at its attachment points.
Randall Reeves’ Figure 8 Voyage Book(s)
We asked Randall Reeves if he was going to write a book about the Figure 8 Voyage — or voyages. Reeves had been writing a blog since long before he departed on his singlehanded, round-the-bottom- and-top-of-the-world-in-one-season trips.
Arriving on Strange, Empty Shores in a Foreign Land
In November 1769, the HMS Endeavour, under the command of Captain James Cook, sailed into Maramaratotara Bay, New Zealand, to observe yet another rare astronomical event.
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