Blue water cruising takes you days or weeks from professional medical care. Your onboard medical kit and knowledge become the first—and possibly only—response to illness...

Offshore passages demand continuous watchkeeping around the clock. For couples cruising two-handed or small crews, establishing sustainable watch rotations determines whether you arrive rested or...

Adding crew for ocean passages or extended cruising brings welcome help but also complications. Finding reliable crew, establishing clear expectations, and knowing when a crew...

Mediterranean marinas pack boats stern-to against quays, maximizing berthing capacity in crowded harbors. This European docking style intimidates newcomers but becomes routine with practice and...

Crossing the Atlantic by sailboat remains the quintessential bluewater passage. Whether via the trade wind route from the Canaries to the Caribbean or the northern...

The Pacific Puddle Jump carries cruisers 3,000 miles from Mexico to the Marquesas Islands in French Polynesia. This passage launches dreams of South Pacific cruising,...

Hurricane season officially runs June 1 through November 30 in the Atlantic basin. Cruisers in the Caribbean must either sail north of the hurricane belt,...

The Great Loop circumnavigates eastern North America by water, connecting the Atlantic coast, Gulf of Mexico, inland rivers, Great Lakes, and Canadian waterways. Completing the...

The Intracoastal Waterway stretches over 3,000 miles along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, offering protected passage from New England to Texas. Navigating this ribbon of...

Choosing between day hops and overnight passages shapes your entire cruising experience. Both approaches offer distinct advantages, and understanding the trade-offs helps you plan trips...