UPDATE: Video Released November 24, 2016, See Below Originally printed in SAIL Magazine, August 2016 It had been months, but the email I was waiting for finally came in. “I think it’s going to work out … Will confirm Monday,” was all it said, but I jumped to my feet. Hello Ocean, our research foundation, was about to launch Expedition …
On a Morse Alpha Sail-Training expedition we were approaching a harbor in typical fashion with a student “Captain of the Day” at the helm. It would be a beautiful anchorage next to one of the quaint fishing villages in Maine, on one of the outermost islands. Everyone was tired. We had just completed our offshore passage, and the watch schedule …
Benji and I navigated Rocinante through the labyrinth of coral heads to the sandy-bottom anchorage after a long day underway. With the anchor down, the sail furled, and nothing but bright sun and turquoise around us, we donned our snorkel and mask, and jumped in. As usual, I practiced my free dive a few times. Ben, who is much better …
Sailors love checklists! When we first talked about our Boat Check many of you asked for more details. Well – you asked, and we responded….finally! “Boat check” is something that the off-going watch does before they are relieved of their duties. It takes about 15-20 min to do a thorough job. Our watch schedule on our sail training expeditions is usually 6 …
Guess What!?! Our Morse Alpha Sail-Training Expeditions just got even better. Some people were asking if we offer ASA certifications. We do not – and you can find out more about why we don’t here. But, since you asked for it… As of this summer 2016 we are offering a certificate that will be very valuable when demonstrating skill level …
Since 2008 the size of the “cruising boat” has seemingly doubled. It used to be that a 31ft boat was a good size for two people. Even for a small family. Now, it is unheard of that a couple would consider anything under 40 feet. “But it is also going to be our house for a few years,” they say …
Once in a while, something genius is invented and it catches my attention. That’s what happened with the new SOS Distress Light. The SOS Distress light is an electronic flare that replaces your flare kit. It meets the USCG requirement and far exceeds them. 1) Safe to use. Wouldn’t you rather be holding a light that doesn’t get hot or …
I’ve noticed a strange phenomena that I believe is due to the rise in sailing Youtubers and bloggers like myself. More and more sailors are going to sea without any training at all. They decide to take the leap, move aboard a boat and set sail. I’ve seen it over and over – praise given for being so brave, for …