Time for New Sailing Shoes : )

OK, I can’t deny it any longer.  It’s time for new sailing shoes.  About four years ago, I had a pair of sailing shoes that I loved.  They were comfortable, gripped the deck well, didn’t make your feet too hot in the summer, and they looked good to.   The only problem is that Sebago stopped making them : (  Ever since then, it’s been a tough job to buy new boat shoes.  I keep hoping I’ll find a pair [...]

Read more...


The Wind Finally Decided to Join Annapolis NOOD

The weather was still shaky on the second day of the NOOD regatta in Annapolis.  However, wind held out enough for racing to begin.  There were three races on day two — even if it did seem like a storm was on the way for much of the day.  On the division 4 course, there was a general recall during the second race for J-109s.  Luckily, the wind continued to build throughout the day and racing felt better and better [...]

Read more...


NOOD Comes to Annapolis….

But, unfortunately, the wind didn’t — at least for today anyway.  Boats from all over the country have come to Annapolis to race in the Sperry NOOD one design series.  Town was bustling last night as racers rolled in for practice and race preparations.   Today started with heavy fog and a one hour postponement.  The breeze was really light.  I was sailing on a boat that is part of division 4.  So, our start was down by Thomas Point [...]

Read more...


Racing Rules of Sailing

Here’s a basic video from US Sailing about the racing rules of sailing.  It shows the rules with quick video clips.  To me, it’s a true example of a picture being “worth 1000 words” — a lot easier to watch the video and better understand the rules instead of just re-reading the book to get better understanding. If you are interested in purchasing either the Handy Guide to the Racing Rules, or the full written Racing Rules of Sailing, you [...]

Read more...


Favorite Flip Flops

Let’s talk about flip flops : ) For at least six months out of the year, I spend most of my time in flip flops when I’m not wearing racing shoes.  So, in my mind, it’s really important to have good flip flops.  And, I might suggest having more than just ONE pair — just a suggestion .  For a long time, I wore Reef flip flops and loved them.  They are comfortable, inexpensive, and the foam footbed molds to [...]

Read more...


Your Cocktail for the Weekend — Dark & Stormy

The Dark & Stormy became popular in many areas of the British Commonwealth.  Sailors have then spread the popularity if the drink throughout the sailing community.  A Dark & Stormy is basically dark rum mixed with ginger beer.  Different parts of the world use different types of ginger beer or different brands of rum.   To make a Dark & Stormy, mix the following and drink over ice: 2 oz. Dark Rum (I like Goslings) 8 oz. Ginger Beer (I [...]

Read more...


The Pack I LOVE….

    I’ll cut to the chase — the Arc’Teryx Mantis 26 is the pack I LOVE now.  Here it is: Now, I’ll tell you why I love it so much…   For the past four or five years, I’ve used the same daypack as my regular sailing bag.  I bought it when it was the special deal at the Annapolis Boat show.  It’s a blue and gold Henri Lloyd pack that has been very useful over the years, and [...]

Read more...


Sailboat Racing Trim — Part 8

In Chapter 8 of his book Racing Trim, Bill Gladstone talks about Upwind Trim Solutions. The following post shows a short summary of that chapter.   Remember that previously this book taught us that total power comes from the combination of the main and the jib.  The right amount and balance of power can be achieved with angle of attack, sail shape (depth), and twist.   Moderate Air Sailing In moderate air, maximize lift by trimming to a near stall.  Then, fine [...]

Read more...


The Bushwhacker -Your Cocktail for the Weekend

I was first introduced to the Bushwhacker during a New Year’s Eve vacation in St. Thomas.  Here’s a warning — this is a heavy drink.  But, if you like milk shakes and you have a sweet tooth, you will love the Bushwhacker.   It sounds like this drink originated in St. Thomas.  However, in 1975 the Sandshaker in Pensacola, FL started serving a version to their customers and it became hugely popular.   Here’s a recipe if you want to [...]

Read more...


It’s that time of year again…

WARNING…..WARNING…..this may be a soap box post!   We’re all here because we love to sail – right?  That’s definitely my case; and I want to spend as much time out on the water as possible.  It’s even better if the sailing is on a warm sunny breezy day.  However, I’m also REALLY fair skinned with a lot of freckles.   So, I make sure that I go to the dermatologist once a year before sailing gets going to make [...]

Read more...


Next Page »