Reading the Telltales on Your Sails - https://www.practical-sailor.com/sails-rigging-deckgear/reading-the-telltales-on-your-sails If your headsail never seems to set quite right — the top luffs first, the foot is strapped tight, the boat won’t quite point, or everything just feels a little “off” — the issue isn’t your sail. It’s your sheeting geometry. In this Practical Sailor video, we break down why adjustable jib and genoa tracks are one of the most effective performance upgrades you can make to any cruising sailboat. We look at how jib car tracks actually work, why they make such a dramatic difference to sail shape, twist control, pointing ability, and comfort, and how they compare to fixed toe-rail sheeting or improvised “floating” leads. We’ll also cover real-world hardware costs, track options, installation considerations, and what to expect if you’re retrofitting a boat that never had proper tracks in the first place. Whether you sail a coastal cruiser or a performance-oriented masthead rig, adjustable leads let you finally use the full shape your sailmaker built into your headsail — increasing efficiency in light air, improving control in heavy air, and reducing flogging, heeling, and crew effort across the entire wind range. Keywords: jib tracks, genoa tracks, jib cars, sail trim, headsail twist, toe-rail sheeting, sail control systems, Practical Sailor, cruising upgrades, sailing performance, genoa lead angle, how to trim a jib, sailboat retrofits, cruising sailboat upgrades, headsail efficiency, upwind performance. Practical Sailor is your trusted resource for reviews of sailboats and sailing gear. https://www.practical-sailor.com Chat with us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/PracticalSailor/

Practical Sailor is your trusted resource for reviews of sailboats and sailing gear. https://www.practical-sailor.com Chat with us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/PracticalSailor/

Practical Sailor is your trusted resource for reviews of sailboats and sailing gear. https://www.practical-sailor.com Chat with us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/PracticalSailor/

Morgan 41 Used Boat Review: https://www.practical-sailor.com/sailboat-reviews/morgan-41-used-boat-test The Contessa 32 is one of the most legendary bluewater sailboats ever built — a true classic that earned its reputation the hard way. In this video, we dive deep into everything a prospective buyer needs to know: who built the Contessa 32, where it came from, how it sails, what makes it so seaworthy, and the real-world lessons learned from the 1979 Fastnet Disaster that turned this little boat into an offshore icon. We’ll cover the strengths, the weaknesses, the common problems to watch out for, and why the Contessa 32 remains one of the cheapest true bluewater-capable sailboats on the market today. If you’re dreaming of crossing oceans on a budget — or just love classic, proven offshore designs — this is a boat worth knowing intimately. In this video: • The full history of the Contessa 32 • Jeremy Rogers & David Sadler’s iconic design • How the boat performs offshore and in coastal cruising • Why a Contessa 32 survived Fastnet ’79 when so many others didn’t • What to inspect before buying one • Hull, keel, deck, rigging, and engine concerns • And whether the Contessa 32 is still a smart buy today If you’re researching bluewater boats, planning your first big passage, or simply fascinated by tough-as-nails offshore legends, this video will give you the full story. Keywords: Contessa 32, Contessa 32 review, bluewater sailboat, cheap bluewater boat, Fastnet 1979, offshore sailboat, Jeremy Rogers, David Sadler, best bluewater boats, budget cruising sailboat, ocean sailing, sailboat review, sailing documentary, sailboat buyer’s guide Practical Sailor is your trusted resource for reviews of sailboats and sailing gear. https://www.practical-sailor.com Chat with us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/PracticalSailor/

Reading the Telltales on Your Sails: https://www.practical-sailor.com/sails-rigging-deckgear/reading-the-telltales-on-your-sails You’re trimming your mainsail WRONG. Today we break down the most common mainsail trim mistakes sailors make — and then I’ll show you the exact step-by-step sail trim procedure that will make your boat faster, safer, and way more comfortable. Whether you’re racing, cruising, learning to sail, or living aboard, proper mainsail trim is one of the most important skills you can develop. This video covers mainsail twist, outhaul tension, traveler positioning, backstay and mast bend, luff tension, draft control, leech tension, and how to use the vang correctly. We also talk about heel angle, weather helm, and why your sailboat feels out of balance when the trim is wrong. If your boat heels too much… If your helm feels heavy… If you can’t point high… If your speed is disappointing… This video will FIX all of it. ⚓ MAINSAIL TRIM REFERENCE PACK (All Sources Mentioned) These are the guides, PDFs, and videos I recommend if you want to go deeper: • Quantum Sails – Mainsail Trim Guide (PDF) https://www.quantumsails.com/getattachment/Resources-and-Expertise/Articles/Downloadable-Sail-Trim-Guides/QuantumSails_TrimGuide_Mainsail.pdf.aspx • Speed & Smarts – “Mainsail Trim” https://www.speedandsmarts.com/toolbox/articles2/the-fast-course/mainsail-trim • Sail Magazine – “Mainsail Trim 101” https://www.sailmagazine.com/diy/mainsail-trim-101/ • NauticEd – “How to Trim the Mainsail — Traveler or Mainsheet?” https://sailing-blog.nauticed.org/how-to-trim-the-mainsail-traveler-or-mainsheet/ • Yachting News – “Mainsail Trimming: 4 Steps to Keep It in Shape” https://www.yachtingnews.com/mainsail-trimming/ • All At Sea Caribbean – “Guide to Sail Control: Mainsail Trim” https://www.allatsea.net/guide-to-sail-control-part-ii-mainsail-trim/ • North Sails / RSYS – Mainsail Trim Webinar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-W9fA7Vgro • Sail Trim Masterclass https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWRI8MJ67WY • “3 Ways To Sail Faster — Mainsail Trim Techniques” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClMisGS9WJg Practical Sailor is your trusted resource for reviews of sailboats and sailing gear. https://www.practical-sailor.com Chat with us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/PracticalSailor/

Collision at Anchor: https://www.practical-sailor.com/safety-seamanship/collision-at-anchor Excess 13 Catamaran – is this the first real challenger to Lagoon, Leopard, and Fountaine Pajot in years? Today we take a full, brutally honest tour of the Excess 13 and break down exactly why this boat is getting so much attention. If you’ve been waiting for a cruising catamaran that’s actually fun to sail, this might be the one. In this video, we match what you saw in the thumbnail, then go way deeper: • Excess 13 full walkthrough • How it compares directly to Lagoon, Leopard & FP • The real sailing performance numbers • Fit, finish, layout, and liveability • What Excess is as a brand & why Beneteau created it • Strengths, weaknesses, and the things owners need to watch for • Pricing and options that actually matter If you’re shopping for a performance-leaning cruising catamaran or just love multihull design, this is the deep-dive you’ve been waiting for. excess 13 catamaran, excess catamaran review, lagoon vs excess, excess 13 review, beneteau catamaran, performance cruising catamaran, best sailing catamaran, catamaran walkthrough, catamaran comparison, multihull sailing, best catamaran 2025, excess 13 price, lagoon 46 comparison, leopard 45 review, fountaine pajot tanna, liveaboard catamaran Practical Sailor is your trusted resource for reviews of sailboats and sailing gear. https://www.practical-sailor.com Chat with us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/PracticalSailor/

Making Sense of Marine Chain Standards: https://www.practical-sailor.com/sails-rigging-deckgear/anchoring-mooring/making-sense-of-marine-chain-standards Are you relying on anchoring advice that could put your boat on the beach? In today’s video we’re diving deep into the dangerous anchoring myths that continue to circulate in the cruising world — myths that have literally caused boats to drift ashore, drag in squalls, and end up smashed on reefs. Whether you're a new cruiser or a seasoned liveaboard, there are anchoring “rules of thumb” that sound helpful… but are completely wrong. Today we’re breaking down: – Why you actually need chain, and how much is REALLY enough – The myths about catenary, scope, and “just throw out more rode” – Caribbean anchoring realities (100–300 feet of chain is normal!) – Why mixed rode isn’t always safer – The hidden dangers of old or mismatched chain – Windlass mistakes that cause groundings – The anchor-alarm misconceptions that let boats drift into shore We’ll also reference real anchoring research, expert articles, and real-world cruising experience to help you anchor more safely and avoid becoming the next boat washed up on the beach. If you anchor, cruise, or live aboard — this is a “must watch” before you trust your ground tackle again. Practical Sailor is your trusted resource for reviews of sailboats and sailing gear. https://www.practical-sailor.com Chat with us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/PracticalSailor/

Practical Sailor is your trusted resource for reviews of sailboats and sailing gear. https://www.practical-sailor.com Chat with us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/PracticalSailor/

Practical Sailor is your trusted resource for reviews of sailboats and sailing gear. https://www.practical-sailor.com Chat with us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/PracticalSailor/

Freedom 45 CC Used Boat Review: https://www.practical-sailor.com/sailboat-reviews/sailboats-over40ft/freedom-45-cc-used-boat-review The Bluewater 56 is one of the most misunderstood offshore cruisers in the sailing world — and today we’re diving deep into what makes this German Frers design so special. Built at the highly respected Hansheng yard in China and descended from the legendary Hylas 56 and Outbound 56, this boat combines serious ocean pedigree with modern construction, incredible strength, and a layout made for real passagemaking. In this video, we break down the hull design, the Twaron aramid reinforcement (yes, the “Kevlar-type stuff”), watertight bulkheads, the skeg-supported rudder, the cutter rig, the systems, the customization options, and the boat’s complex but fascinating lineage. We also take a clear look at reported problems (or lack thereof) and what buyers should pay close attention to if they're considering one of these long-range machines. If you’ve ever wondered whether the Bluewater 56 is truly “overbuilt,” why it has such a loyal following, or whether it belongs on your circumnavigation shortlist, this episode will tell you everything you need to know. Bluewater 56, Bluewater yachts 56, Hylas 56 review, Outbound 56, German Frers sailboat, Twaron hull, Twaron sailboat, bluewater cruiser, best bluewater sailboats, offshore sailboat, passagemaker sailboat, circumnavigation sailboat, ocean going yacht, serious cruising yacht, sailing review, Lady K Sailing, liveaboard sailboat, offshore safety, cutter rig sailboat, skeg rudder sailboat, Bluewater 56 walkthrough, Bluewater 56 review Practical Sailor is your trusted resource for reviews of sailboats and sailing gear. https://www.practical-sailor.com Chat with us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/PracticalSailor/

Dirt-cheap Winter Insulation for Liveaboards: https://www.practical-sailor.com/boat-maintenance/dirt-cheap-winter-insulation-for-liveaboards In this video, we dive into one of the most important — and most ignored — parts of boat ownership: thru-hulls and seacocks. These tiny fittings decide whether your boat stays floating or becomes an unplanned submarine, and most sailors never give them a second thought. We cover everything you need to know to keep your boat safe, including: • What thru-hulls and seacocks actually do • The #1 cause of below-waterline failures • Why some materials fail (brass, stainless, composites, bronze) • How to inspect your system • Common installation mistakes • Which hoses and clamps are actually safe • What to replace, when, and why • Simple monthly maintenance you should be doing • Real-world failure scenarios • How to make sure your boat never sinks from a preventable leak Whether you’re a new boat owner or you’ve been sailing for decades, this guide will help you understand the most important valves on your boat — and how to keep the sea on the outside where it belongs. Practical Sailor is your trusted resource for reviews of sailboats and sailing gear. https://www.practical-sailor.com Chat with us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/PracticalSailor/

Practical Sailor is your trusted resource for reviews of sailboats and sailing gear. https://www.practical-sailor.com Chat with us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/PracticalSailor/

Anchor Swivels: Caution Required: https://www.practical-sailor.com/sails-rigging-deckgear/anchor-swivels-caution-required Get ready for one of the most entertaining catamaran reviews we’ve done yet. Today we’re looking at the Outremer 52, a lightweight, high-performance bluewater catamaran that absolutely loves to go fast — and we’re comparing it directly to the Lagoon 52, one of the most popular cruising cats on the planet. If you’ve ever wondered what the real differences are between a performance catamaran and a comfort-focused catamaran, this video breaks it all down in a fun, slightly sarcastic Jeremy Clarkson-style narration. We talk weight, speed, helm position, interior volume, daggerboards, passagemaking, and what life is like aboard each boat. Whether you’re shopping for a cruising cat, dreaming about a bluewater passage, or just love seeing sailboats pushed to their limits, this is one of our most enjoyable and informative reviews yet. Practical Sailor is your trusted resource for reviews of sailboats and sailing gear. https://www.practical-sailor.com Chat with us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/PracticalSailor/

Hinckley Pilot 35 Used Boat Review: https://www.practical-sailor.com/sailboat-reviews/used_sailboats/hinckley-pilot-35 Every sailboat needs annual maintenance, but most owners never get a complete list of what actually needs to be inspected. In this video, we walk through the ultimate annual sailboat maintenance checklist, covering rigging, electrical, plumbing, hull integrity, navigation systems, safety gear, and everything in between. This isn’t a fluffy overview — it’s a Practical Sailor–style deep dive into the essential checks that prevent breakdowns, failures, and expensive surprises. Whether you’re a new sailor preparing for your first season or a long-time cruiser who wants a clear yearly routine, this guide will help you stay ahead of problems and keep your boat reliable, safe, and ready for adventure. Chapters include: – Standing & running rigging inspection – Annual diesel engine service – Fuel system checks – Electrical & battery maintenance – Cooling system overview – Plumbing & head system – Seacocks & through-hulls – Hull, keel & rudder integrity – Anchor & ground tackle – Navigation electronics – Safety gear checks – Canvas, hardware & deck work – Paperwork & documentation If you maintain a sailboat, this is the one video you don’t want to skip. Practical Sailor is your trusted resource for reviews of sailboats and sailing gear. https://www.practical-sailor.com Chat with us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/PracticalSailor/

Ultra Fairleads and Soft Padeyes: https://www.practical-sailor.com/sails-rigging-deckgear/getting-a-grip-on-soft-padeyes The Beneteau First 30 isn’t just another 30-foot cruiser — it’s the Porsche 911 of sailboats. Heritage performance, everyday usability, and thrilling design come together in one perfect blend of speed and comfort. In this video, we dive into why the First 30 name matters, how Beneteau has reinvented a legend, and why this little rocket might be the most exciting boat in its class. From planing hulls and twin rudders to a comfortable two-cabin interior, this boat nails that “race on Saturday, cruise on Sunday” formula better than ever. If you love classic design, modern performance, and boats that make sailing fun again, this is one you don’t want to miss. Practical Sailor is your trusted resource for reviews of sailboats and sailing gear. https://www.practical-sailor.com Chat with us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/PracticalSailor/

Practical Sailor is your trusted resource for reviews of sailboats and sailing gear. https://www.practical-sailor.com Chat with us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/PracticalSailor/

Maui to Vic: A First Ocean Crossing Experience: https://www.practical-sailor.com/voyaging/maui-to-vic-a-first-ocean-crossing-experience On April 27, 2012, during the Newport to Ensenada Race, the Hunter 376 Aegean sailed into North Coronado Island at night. All four sailors aboard were lost. This video does not assign blame. Instead, it looks carefully and respectfully at what is known from the U.S. Coast Guard and US Sailing investigations, the GPS track data, the race context, and the design characteristics of the boat involved. The goal is simple: to understand how a calm night, an autopilot, and human fatigue can intersect in a way that leads to tragedy — and what lessons sailors today can take forward about watchkeeping, awareness, and respect for the sea. Practical Sailor is your trusted resource for reviews of sailboats and sailing gear. https://www.practical-sailor.com Chat with us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/PracticalSailor/

Practical Sailor is your trusted resource for reviews of sailboats and sailing gear. https://www.practical-sailor.com Chat with us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/PracticalSailor/

Practical Sailor is your trusted resource for reviews of sailboats and sailing gear. https://www.practical-sailor.com Chat with us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/PracticalSailor/

Practical Sailor is your trusted resource for reviews of sailboats and sailing gear. https://www.practical-sailor.com Chat with us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/PracticalSailor/