This gear includes but is not limited to solar panels, jerry cans, kayaks and paddle/surfboards, bicycles, etc. This applies to boats that will go offshore but is also applicable for all boats that spend any time in open water and do more than daysailing hops in fine weather.
At the least problematic, but perhaps the most insidious, are your stanchions and lifelines. Stanchion deck fittings are typically not designed or installed to tolerate the rhythmic back-and-forth tugging and stresses of heavy jerry cans pulling on them with every wave, for example, or the rhythmic continuous pounding inflicted when sailing hard to wind. These repeated stresses can lead to leaks in the stanchion bases (if this occurs, look to whether there has been gear attached) or stress fractures (look at the welds down low). What’s more dangerous is if the leak does not become apparent below decks, since at least then there would be warning. Leaks into your deck core, however, may be hidden; this can be especially problematic if the core is balsa.
Pushpits are likely to be better attached to the deck, and often are constructed of tubing rather than wire. It seems reasonable to have a horseshoe and a Lifesling attached, or perhaps a welldesigned and well-supported wind generator. But think of the forces accrued from a full enclosure whose support comes from the pushpit structure. Imagine further, the forces beating to wind in a swell or sideways wind coupled with big waves. These are unusual events, but they are far from unheard of and statistically likely with enough miles under your keel.
Danger to footing
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Stay Connected
Satellite phones have evolved a full ecosystem of gear and services
Respecting Paradise
Thoughts on voyaging responsibly
Yankee sails on
The steel ketch Yankee in the Connecticut River.
TRANSPAC RACE PREP
How a group of determined mostly military veterans built a race team
NOAA upgrades its global weather model
More data and a better global weather model should make for improved weather distributed to users, like this temperature gradient map.
From North Sea fishing to Sea of Cortez voyaging
The former Dutch fishing vessel turned power voyaging yacht Varnebank in Mexican waters.
Chatter Chartroom
IN 2019, MY HUSBAND, DOUG PASNIK, AND I RACED OUR first Transpac together with a team of 10 on our Andrews 70, Trader, comprised primarily of military veterans (see story on page 22). This year we are doing the race again and inviting four mentees from The Magenta Project to race with us.
Doing it all with one screen
The steering station on this Gunboat cat is equipped with large-screen B&G Zeus MFDs.
Don't scrimp when it comes to the crimp
Solid crimp connections make your power voyager’s electrical system more reliable.
Chartroom Chatter
Maritime Publishing acquires Ocean Navigator
Three Steps to Becoming a Great Crew
Want to be the best crew you can be? It's easy and starts with a positive attitude and a commitment to improving.
The Next Greatest Generation
There have been many outstanding American champions of the past few decades, but we are still fixated on the greats of yesteryear. It's time to connect with our modern-day stars.
Boat Life
Ten tips from global cruising parents on ways to keep kids (and adults) happy on board.
FUN AND GAMES
SAILORS OF THE WASZP CLASS DESCEND UPON LAKE GARDA, A MECCA OF HIGH-PERFORMANCE SAILING FOR A FOILING IMMERSION
On Planning Her Wedding - I'M NOT A BRIDEZILLA YET!
The Southern Charm star expects to lose her cool at some point before her upcoming nuptials
On Diversity
DR. ICHAK ADIZES is an expert in change management for organizations. Here he shares some thoughts on why we celebrate diversity, cultural and otherwise.
Billy Collins
“Read. Just Read,” advises Billy Collins. “The best teachers are not lecturing behind some seminar table, but are instead sitting quietly on the bookshelves of your home.”
CHASING 80 KNOTS
THE SPEED SAILING RECORD HAS STOOD FOR 10 YEARS, BUT TWO NEW CHALLENGERS ARE LINING UP TO MOVE THE DIAL TO 80+ KNOTS, MARK CHISNELL REPORTS
Oyster and new ARC adventures
The crews of 25 Oyster yachts set off from Antigua on 9 January on the first leg of the Oyster World Rally, a 16-month fully supported circumnavigation. The 27,000-mile adventure comprises 25 stops around the world and is the third edition for the British brand. The first leg sails to Panama City, where the fleet will regroup in early February to transit the canal.
5 Expert Tips — Chris Nicholson on How to Steer at Night
Chris Nicholson is one of the most experienced ocean racing skippers in the world. He shares advice on night helming with Andy Rice.