With only two crew aboard it can be difficult to get enough sleep. Cold or rough weather also take their toll and make it difficult to stand a whole watch alertly. What we learned is first that different watch schedules can be helpful when dealing with different situations, and second that watch schedules don’t have to be split […]
Coastal Explorer: Navigation Software for PC
Coastal Explorer from Rosepoint Navigation is a robust software navigation program that is intuitive to use. Although not free, at $400 it is a reasonable alternative to expensive proprietary navigation displays. It is for PCs only (or Macs running in PC mode) and there is a 30 day free demo download if you want to try it for yourself […]
How to Make a Canvas Tote Bag
These instructions create a canvas tote bag 13″ high by 12″ wide by 6″ deep with double shoulder straps. If you prefer shorter straps for carrying in your hand, reduce the total strap length to about 92″ instead of 130″. Materials 20” x 36” cotton canvas 130” of 1” cotton webbing for straps Double sided […]
Preparing Phoenix for Voyaging: 2008
Major existing now working equipment includes: HF Ham Radio, Pactor Modem, GPS, VHF-DSC, Radar, solar panels; main, furling genoa, storm trysail, jib; storm jib; drifter; propane cook stove, diesel engine; Existing but not yet working: Autopilot, Watermaker, Refrigerator. Replacements include: older Aries windvane (replaced); outboard for dinghy (replaced); Deferred Maintenance Engine Extensive engine work – […]
Choosing a Boat: Summary
Three previous articles on Choosing a Boat: Beauty Performance Comfort So how do you choose a boat? The first step, which is sometimes neglected, is to start sailing. Sail as much as you can, on other people’s boat if you have to. Chartering? Maybe, but the boats you’ll charter may not be a realistic match […]
Choosing a Boat: Beauty
When choosing a boat, in addition to Human Comfort, and the Boat’s Performance Factors, there’s the beauty of the boat. This is essential but extremely personal. To choose a spouse merely for beauty can be a short ride to hell and likewise with a boat. But why choose a spouse or boat you can’t find […]
