SAIL.SailMagazine

By Peter Nielsen

Many drivers develop a kind of mechanical sympathy—they learn to recognize the sounds an engine makes when it’s being over-revved or is in too high a gear for the speed. The ability to empathize with sails is not so easily acquired, which is one reason why sailmakers will never be short of repair business.

Step one is to keep the sails from flogging. Flogging

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With boats going back in the water in the northern parts of the country and marinas further south beginning to fill up with the summer regulars, it’s time to make sure the dock lines you’ll be using are going to keep your boat in its designated spot. Carefully inspect the condition of all these lines, and if any show signs of chafe or abrasion, replace them. Once the wind has
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Okay, so you’ve anti-fouled, varnished, polished, and cleaned. Now that all the obvious spring jobs have been completed, why not turn your attention to your nether regions?

There, that got your attention. I actually mean the boat’s nether regions, as in the bilges.

Clean, sweet bilges contribute more than you think to the quality of life on board. Lower yourself down there and take a

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Troubled marine retailer West Marine reported a 10 percent year-on-year sales decline for the first quarter of 2008. The $113.3 million in sales was down $12.5 million on Q1 2007.

CEO Geoff Eisenberg said sales were down more than expected, and that he was “anxious” about sales going into the spring fitting-out season, traditionally one of the peak selling periods for West Marine.

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One of the world’s most prestigious boat brands has changed hands. Oyster Marine, founded by Richard Matthews 35 years ago, has been bought by private equity firm Balmoral Capital. The company already owns the Italian luxury motoryacht builder Canados. Oyster Marine builds a range of luxury yachts from 45 to 125 feet, and its revenues amount to more than $100 million a year. Matthews will remain
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