Off Watch
Cruising World|January - February 2024
A1A is not only my favorite Jimmy Buffett album, but it's one of my favorite records ever. If I were marooned on an island and could bring only five CDs with me, this would be one of them
HERB MCCORMICK
Off Watch

RIP A1A

As every sailor and music lover knows, the world became a quieter place in September, when the one-of-a-kind songwriter, mariner and balladeer Jimmy Buffett passed away after a bout with skin cancer. The outpouring of grief, appreciation and remembrances on social media was substantial, and nearly everyone seemed to have their own personal memory or tribute. Here's mine.

I met Buffett in Fremantle, Western Australia, in the Down Under summer of 1987. I was there covering the America's Cup during what became Dennis Conner's Redemption Tour, when he won back the trophy he'd lost four years earlier. Buffett was a huge fan of Conner and his Stars & Stripes crew, and had flown to Oz for the duration, often playing sets at their waterfront base. It was pretty cool.

This story is from the January - February 2024 edition of Cruising World.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the January - February 2024 edition of Cruising World.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM CRUISING WORLDView All
Off Watch
Cruising World

Off Watch

A1A is not only my favorite Jimmy Buffett album, but it's one of my favorite records ever. If I were marooned on an island and could bring only five CDs with me, this would be one of them

time-read
3 mins  |
January - February 2024
PREPARING A VESSEL FOR SURVEY
Cruising World

PREPARING A VESSEL FOR SURVEY

Trying to hide a boat's problems never ends well for the seller. Follow these tips to have a successful day

time-read
3 mins  |
January - February 2024
THE WESTERN WAY
Cruising World

THE WESTERN WAY

Instead of buying a pricey custom canvas awning for my schooner, I made my own \"covered wagon.\"

time-read
6 mins  |
January - February 2024
HIDDEN GEM
Cruising World

HIDDEN GEM

BUT ALL AROUND IS A PARADISE FOR SAILORS WHO LOVE TO LINGER AND EXPLORE

time-read
6 mins  |
January - February 2024
Last Man Standing
Cruising World

Last Man Standing

During the past four decades, the once-thriving business of American production sailboat manufacturing has nearly vanished, and dozens of companies and builders have fallen by the wayside. And then there's Tartan Yachts of northeast Ohio, which, in some aspects, is as vibrant as ever. Longtime Tartan stalwart Tim Jackett, a marine-industry lion in winter still making a stand, might be the central reason why

time-read
10+ mins  |
January - February 2024
Boat of the Year 2024
Cruising World

Boat of the Year 2024

With sweet, early autumn sailing conditions on Chesapeake Bay, a strong fleet of 19 contenders competed for top honors in our annual Boat of the Year competition. Once the spray had settled and the votes were tallied, the judges awarded prizes in seven categories for monohulls and multihulls. The overall winner? The surprising, innovative Jeanneau Yachts 55.

time-read
7 mins  |
January - February 2024
On Watch
Cruising World

On Watch

Sometimes, a seamanship or safety issue requires sailors to give up and turn around. But other times, it's just fear taking control of a situation that can be handled

time-read
7 mins  |
January - February 2024
Sailor & Galley
Cruising World

Sailor & Galley

This rich, steaming stew from the Pacific Northwest warms chilled sailors' bones and brings back a lifetime of memories.

time-read
2 mins  |
January - February 2024
Seamanship
Cruising World

Seamanship

George Eldridge first published the Eldridge Tide and Pilot Book in 75. Its new edition, published by the sixth generation of his family, is an impressive feat of continuity

time-read
5 mins  |
January - February 2024
Island Time
Cruising World

Island Time

It's impossible to rank these favorite destinations by beauty. Instead, sailors should set a waypoint based on what they want to experience

time-read
8 mins  |
January - February 2024