Sail Magazine

by David Schmidt

David Schmidt, a SAIL editor-at-large, is a recent transplant to the Pacific Northwest from SAIL's Boston offices

Eight Bells: A Conversation with Ned Cabot

by David Schmidt, Posted September 6, 2012

Ned Cabot recently died in a tragic accident aboard Cielita along the coast of Newfoundland. The following interview took place in May.

A Conversation with Sheila McCurdy

by David Schmidt, Posted August 17, 2012

Growing up in a distinguished sailing family has its advantages, but as Sheila McCurdy discovered, nothing trumps experience. Her late father, Jim McCurdy (of McCurdy & Rhodes Naval Architects), loved racing, but mainly sailed offshore with clients until he designed Selkie, the family’s 38-foot sloop, in 1986.

A New and Improved U.S. Team for the 2012 Olympics

by David Schmidt, Posted July 31, 2012

For full 2012 Olympics coverage, read on and make sure to click the links for more on the team, the competition, the venue and changes in the approach to U.S. Olympic sailing.

Tranquility in the San Juans

by David Schmidt, Posted July 18, 2012

Misty clouds clung to the evergreen-clad hillsides of San Juan Island, the largest and westernmost island in its namesake archipelago in the Pacific Northwest. Whip-like strands of kelp were shepherded by the currents of Haro Strait...

The Life with Henry Strauss

by David Schmidt, Posted July 17, 2012

Henry “Hank” Strauss, still tack-sharp at 97, had to give up sailing solo a few years back but still regularly gets out on San Francisco Bay with friends. His lifetime in sailing spans the evolution of cruising under sail as we know it.

There's a First Time For...Racing Your Cruiser

by David Schmidt, Posted July 16, 2012

For years, you’ve watched raceboats strut around the buoys, their crews tweaking lines or pulling off well-choreographed maneuvers requiring hours of practice and polish. While cruising may be your raison d’être, you can’t help but notice that racers know how to really make a boat go, a useful skill for any sailor.

The Future of Grand Prix Racing Sails

by David Schmidt, Posted January 25, 2012

In the rarefied world of grand prix racing sails, the distance between first and second can be measured in millimeters. Today’s racing sails are built out of an exotic menu of high-tech materials using advanced construction techniques to yield shape-specific sails that boast minimal stretch or creep.

2012 Pittman Innovation Awards

by Adam Cort, Posted January 11, 2012

Each year SAIL presents the Pittman Innovation Awards, recognizing the most innovative and interesting new products on the market. Our team of judges went through the fall boat shows looking for the latest and greatest in new gear. Here’s what they came up with.

Best Boats 2012: Farr 400 One Design (Performance 30ft and Over)

by David Schmidt, Posted November 17, 2011

The Farr 400’s all-carbon construction, powerful sailplan and excellent deck and cockpit layout make it a convincing successor to the aging Farr 40. The 400’s lifting keel and two-part carbon mast (supported by EC6 standing rigging) also allow for cost-effective shipping in a 40-foot container, facilitating international competition.

Best Boats 2012 Winner: The VX One Design (Performance 30ft and Under)

by David Schmidt, Posted November 17, 2011

From the same design team that brought the world the Viper 640 comes a new sport boat configured for two- and three-person racing. The boat is designed to be both affordable and accommodate a wide range of experience levels.