How to...

Reader Tip: Easy Reefing

Charles Barth — Thu, 16 May 2013 19:38:12 GMT

Here's a look at a mainsail reefing system that can be controlled by one person from the cockpit.

"This Cruising Life" Photo-Contest Winners

jen.brett — Wed, 15 May 2013 19:04:51 GMT

Check out the winners of our cruising life photo contest! The two winners each received a pair of Barz Optics polarized sunglasses.

Your Chain Explained: Understanding Anchor Chain

Steve D'Antonio — Wed, 15 May 2013 18:57:34 GMT

Understanding the various types of anchor chain and the advantages—and disadvantages—of each will keep you linked in for the long haul.

Solo Flight: Preparing our Sailboat for Hurricane Sandy

Wendy Mitman Clarke — Wed, 15 May 2013 18:16:07 GMT

The night before Sandy hit, I stood on Osprey’s deck looking up at the nearly full moon. Its pallid light leaked into the sky as if it were being strained through cheesecloth. Scudding clouds—outliers of the coming storm—now and then threw the deck into an uneasy darkness. We’d been frantically preparing for two days. Now we waited, always the hardest part.

How to Paint Anchor Chain

Tony Little — Wed, 15 May 2013 13:35:29 GMT

To reduce confusion when pulling into your next picture-perfect anchorage, use a variety of colors to mark key lengths along your anchor rode.

How to Strip Your Bottom Paint

Jen Brett — Mon, 13 May 2013 20:46:57 GMT

If your boat’s bottom has years of paint buildup, it may be time for a smooth start.

Disco Winches

Michael Robertson — Mon, 13 May 2013 20:22:10 GMT

They’re big, they’re black, they’re stout, and they're from 1978. Meet Del Viento's Lewmar 48 self-tailing winches.

Off We Go!

Brittany Meyers — Mon, 13 May 2013 19:50:52 GMT

We're excited, nervous, giddy, and grateful. We have an excellent vessel, a fantastic crew, and a heck of a ride ahead.

On the Move Again...and Stress

Brittany Meyers — Thu, 09 May 2013 20:59:48 GMT

I've said it before and I'll say it again: this lifestyle is full of high highs, and low lows. The highs make it all worth it, but the lows are about as un-fun as they come.

National Women's Sailing Association Conference

jen.brett — Wed, 08 May 2013 14:25:47 GMT

Join the National Women's Sailing Association at the 12th annual conference, June 1, in Marblehead, Massachusetts. As these photos from previous years show, you'll learn a lot, meet new friends, and have fun!

Jimmy Cornell's New Atlantic Odyssey Cruising Rally

jen.brett — Wed, 08 May 2013 13:30:59 GMT

This new transatlantic rally is just for cruising sailors and offers a choice of start dates and ports.

Extending Your Range

jen.brett — Mon, 06 May 2013 20:50:42 GMT

Join the National Women's Sailing Association at the 12th annual conference, June 1, in Marblehead, Massachusetts. Meet and share with other women who love sailing and want to challenge themselves by trying something new.

Adventure Charter: Thailand 2014

jen.brett — Mon, 06 May 2013 17:57:50 GMT

Join us for an Adventure Charter in Thailand, February 9 to 20, 2014, and sail amid the stunning scenery of dramatic limestone cliffs and sheltered anchorages. We will explore the Andaman Sea—where the sailing is safe, and the living is easy—on boats from Dream Yacht Charters.

When Does a House (or Boat) Become a "Home"?

Brittany Meyers — Mon, 06 May 2013 14:57:37 GMT

We are back on the boat and, wow, it suddenly hit me that this is home.

What Worked, What Didn't on an Atlantic Crossing

Green Brett — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 20:35:08 GMT

Nearly every offshore passage involves some sort of fix-it work, and this one aboard a new Nautitech 542 catamaran was no different.

Five Years of Cruising Aboard Osprey

jen.brett — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 19:50:17 GMT

Wendy Mitman Clarke shares her favorite photos from her family's journey aboard Osprey. Check out the highlights from the Bahamas, Central America, Bermuda, and the U.S. East Coast.

Dinghy Day Trip

Jan Irons/commutercruiser.com — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 18:34:46 GMT

Before you head out in your dink for a day of fun, make sure you have these items with you.

Anatomy of a Photo Shoot: Watching the Sausage Makers

Mark Pillsbury — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 20:42:46 GMT

CW Senior Editor Herb McCormick takes to the sea for a behind-the-scenes look at the filming of a Jeanneau America video.

When Your Ship Comes In...

Brittany Meyers — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 20:09:49 GMT

It's Family Islands Regatta week in George Town, Bahamas!

We Slipped The Lines

Michael Robertson — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 15:28:10 GMT

For the first time in months, we left Victoria aboard Del Viento.

Bringing up Baby (...on a boat)

Brittany Meyers — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 14:40:48 GMT

Call us irresponsible, but we didn't worry one bit about bringing up a baby on a boat.

Dodging the Squall Lines

Lin Pardey — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 16:07:57 GMT

Seamanship | A shorthanded passage in bad weather underscores the importance of a vigilant watch.

Tips for Shorthanded Night Watches

Lin Pardey — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 15:45:07 GMT

It’s not always easy for couples and shorthanded crews to remain vigilant, which makes it especially important to plan ahead.

Getting Your Electrical System Ready ..

Ed Sherman — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 16:48:43 GMT

It's spring, its in the low 50's here in RI and that means its time to start getting the boat ready for the summer.

Reader Tip: Trace Your Systems

Carolyn Shearlock — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 14:09:27 GMT

If you have a boat that's new to you, take the time to map out the systems—you'll be glad you did!