In the pubs 1^st Q 2005…

What’s available to read, not where to drink!

(hmmm, maybe there’s another feature idea there????)

It’s not often that sailing makes the likes of The New York Times, so I’m going to start by applauding them for running an article about one of my favorite places in the Caribbean , the Bitter End Yacht Club, in the February 13 edition of the Sunday Times. To learn more, visit www.beyc.com .  More articles like these might bring more people into the sport to experience the joy of sailing.

It seems that everyone covered the tragic event of our lifetimes in the first quarter, the Tsunami that hit the Indian Ocean December 26, 2004 .  In our opinion, the coverage was rather limited and a bit casual, except when it came to the reports in Seven Seas Cruising Association Commodores’ Bulletin.  Kudos to the Commodores with their brave actions and honest reports. 

Cruising World had its annual Boat of the Year issue in January, followed by a feature on the new breed of “retro styled” daysailers.  What beauties they are!  In March they covered a mixed bag of destinations including coastal Maine , radical fast sailboat designs, tsunami survival, and autopilots, a review of which seemed somewhat cursory. 

The January issue of Sail magazine presented a very interesting view toward the future of sailing.  Some articles were amusing, others hopeful, and a few radical, but altogether it was an interesting issue on topics that haven’t appeared elsewhere.   Their February edition covers the launching of flagships to drool over, along with a look at the practical aspects of center cockpit versus aft cockpit alternatives.  In March they covered radical fast sailboat designs (hmmm, where have we seen that before?) and several lovely articles about different cruising destinations, from Fiji to Alaska , and Canada to Turkey .

Ocean Navigator, though seemingly getting thinner and thinner, still packs a punch in every meaty issue.  In the Jan/Feb edition, they provide a triple whammy in dealing with foreign officials, choosing dinghies for offshore vs coastal voyaging and navigating the infamous winds of the Pacific coast of Central America .  The 20th anniversary Mar/Apr edition features a pleasing redesign, and great articles on electronics networking, active radar systems, sailing around New Caledonia , deck refinishing, and a very interesting idea of using print screen images to keep a computer log.  This is not the kind of material seen in other publications.

BlueWater Sailing presented its 100th Issue Collector’s Edition with a feature on the top ten items in the top ten sailing categories: Offshore events, Classic passages, Design Innovations, Electronic innovations, Improvements to life onboard, Places for Boat work, Sailing and Deck Gear, Watering Holes, Books, and Destinations. You may not agree, but it’s certainly a conversation piece.  In the same issue is a review of multihulls!  The March issue covers the cruising rallies as well as reviews of binoculars and bilge pumps. 

We’re happy to report that Practical Sailor seems to be making a comeback after several issues of light interest topics.  From February’s sea anchors and mainsail track hardware, to teak treatments non-skid cleaners and a view of different chainplate systems all the topics were valuable and well researched.  The March double issue does the obligatory bottom paint test with some confounding findings, and the rest of the issue tackles portable generators, in-mast furling, discount sail sources (although they didn’t seem to actually buy anything), weather systems, spotlights and a waterproofer for charts!  Phew!  Good going PS!  Now, if you could only make your website more use friendly, we’d be really happy again.

Latitudes and Attitudes appears to be growing in volume with every issue (hooray to Bob Bitchin’, Jody and the crew, especially Sue).  Okay, there’s way too much fun stuff in every issue of Lats & Atts to review it all, but suffice it to say it’s always a good read in the head.  The February issue covers a visit to Mystic Seaport (and picture of our editor, Onyx, on page 74), the March issue introduces all the staff and their boats.  It’s really great to see the attitude back in the rag, and Bob’s editorials are must reads in every issue.

The current issue of DIY Boat Owner magazine features smart cabin interiors with lots of great refit ideas, along with bulkhead repair, gusher pump overhaul, autopilot selection, and servicing the PSS shaft seal.  Check it out at www.DIY-boat.com.  It’s worth every penny, and if you have a chance to hear Jan Mundy lecture at the boat shows, be prepared to take copious notes.  She is fabulous!

Sailing World does the tour of the winter race circuit as always.  Notably they issued a supplement titled the US-IRC Handbook.  You’ll want a copy if you’re planning to race this year, because the IRC is about to become the worldwide standard for ratings. 

Seaworthy, the Boat US Marine Insurance and Damage Report, in January notes that running bilge blowers under way can be a really bad idea.  Apparently, some are not built to withstand continuous operation and can catch fire.  Be sure you know which kind you have!

Windcheck, Long Island Sound Sailing, carried a disturbing story about the proposed floating LNG industrial facility mid-sound (thanks for informing us all!) in the Jan/Feb edition, and in February highlights Boat Shows and Key West, as well as the really useful spring calendar of events. 

Offshore Magazine carried a special report on the fragile condition of Long Island Sound by Tom Andersen, author of This fine piece of water, which is a must read for anyone with roots in east coast sailing.  Blue Hill , Maine in February, Fire Island and wreck diving in the NE are featured in March, as well as a story by yours truly (moi, Daria) about a special fall morning in Zeigler’s Cove.

Note to publishers: 

If we didn’t cover your publications, it’s because we either don’t know about them, they are regional outside our current territory of coverage, or we just do not subscribe at the moment.  If you send us copies, we’d be glad to include them in our review.  Thanks so much, and keep the news flowing and the dreams growing.