Two young circumnavigators cross wakes in Panama

03 JULY 2009: Mike Perham, who is hoping to become the youngest person to sail single-handed around the world, clocked his 20,000th mile yesterday. He said on his sat phone to his father, Peter: “This mileage give me a great feeling that I am well on my way home and I now only have 10,000 to go.”...Read More!

BoatUS Reveals The "Boatiest" Colleges in America

30 JUN 2009: Online Database Helps Pick Schools for Younger Boaters. For young scholars with a passion for the water, heading off to college often means a four-year hiatus from boating. But not anymore with a new online resource, the BoatU.S. Guide to the Boatiest Colleges in America, which helps students find the top marine programs and extracurricular boating activities offered by four-year schools...Click to continue!

Chef onboard schooner AJ Meerwald, killed in car wreck

29 JUN 2009: Tanya Orme, daughter of Mary Orme Elllis, with Affinity Marketing & Communications, died last night in a tragic auto wreck...Read More!

Elba storm damage update -- Storm devastates hundreds of boats

23 JUNE 2009: A vicious storm with a whirlwind has struck the Isle of Elba, leaving hundreds of boats sunk or scattered over the beaches. The skipper of one boat was rescued, 24 miles offshore, 36 hours after he had fallen from his boat. He had survived in a rubber dinghy. Another skipper is still missing in the sea....Read More!

S/V PAULERIC safe and finally free from rocks of Rose Atoll

22 JUNE 2009: "Hello Paul. Thank you for this kind message and your support. As you can see the name of my boat start (Sic) with your name too Paul; the boat name is Pauleric. It is the first name of my mother - Paule and the name my son – Eric. So all make Pauleric. I wish no one to make this experience as it is very painful. I am here nearly 3 weeks alone on this beauty island how seem somed times a nightmare (Sic), but thanks to Randy, George and some other chap I have survived...Read More!

Tell Congress to Support Stronger Climate Legislation on Ocean Acidification

19 JUNE 2009: An issue we can do something about. Read this letter from Randy Repass, Chairman of West Marine. The vote for this bill is June 24th, so take a moment now to make your voice hear...Read More!

Yachts Exciting Launch from Southport, Australia - See the photos!

16 JUNE 2009: In Australian right now every suggestion as to the intelligence of this yacht owner and his crew in Australia is unprintable, writes Rob Mundle. At the same time some of the highest profile yachties in the country want to find out who the owner is so they can tell him in no uncertain fashion what they think about his display of extremely bad seamanship...Read More!

S/V PAULERIC Stuck on rocks at Rose Atoll, Fiji

13 JUNE 2009: From a post on the Pacific Puddle Jump Yahoo Group today:

CALL FOR ASSISTANCE AT 3:20Z. FROM CAPT DOMINIQUE CLERE, SINGLE-HANDLER ABOARD S/V PAULERIC.
LOCATED AT 14-32S / 168-09W / NEAR ROSE ISLAND.
CAPT CAN EASILY REACH SHORE IF NEEDED. VESSEL AGROUND ON ROCKS. NO ENGINE POWER AT THIS TIME. AT THIS LOCATION FOR 5 DAYS. NOW REQUESTING ASSISTANCE / TOW / TUGBOAT.
REPEATEDLY REPORTED HE WAS NOT IN DANGER / CONCERNED FOR WELFARE OF VESSEL AMONG SHARP ROCKS. CAPT DID NOT DECLARE AN EMERGENCY...Read More!

New Port of Entry Regulations for DR

11 JUNE 2009: There is some good news out of the Dominican Republic for cruisers and boaters alike.

Effective May 15th, a new decree regulating marinas and authorities will hopefully put a damper on past corruption and issues plaguing cruisers for some time now...Read More!

NauticEd Releases NED – an interactive online sailing instructor

10 JUNE 2009: NauticEd again lived up to its tag line of being “The World’s Most Advanced Online Sailing Education” this week by unveiling it’s latest teaching tool – NED. NED is a very high tech interactive online sailing instructor whereby new and novice sailors can learn how the sails should be positioned for any wind direction...Read More!

Sarasota Yacht Club Hosts Forum on Cuba Relations

26 MAY 2009: Last Thursday evening the Sarasota Yacht Club on the west coast of Florida, hosted a forum on Cuba Relations.
Taking advantage of what seems like thawing relations between the United States and Cuba, the Sarasota Yacht Club began a discussion on the necessary steps to rebuild nautical ties between the two nations...Read More!

GPS could go south as satellites fail, says report

20 MAY 2009: A report just out by the Government Accountability Office(GAO) has revealed significant issues with the future of the GPS world wide system, currently provided free. The report, released at the end of April, is entitled 'Significant Challenges in Sustaining and Upgrading Widely Used Capabilities'...Read More!

It's official: Sailors make better lovers

12 MAY 2009:The Onzin Institute in Amsterdam conducted a four-year study called 'Environmental Effects on the Virility Index', and the results astounded even the program's Director, Dr. Hijgen Krachtig...Read More!

Do You Want More Ethanol?

9 MAY 2009: BoatUS needs your help! Strong pro-ethanol advocates are pushing the Obama Administration and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to increase ethanol levels in gasoline to 15% (E15). As you may have read, ethanol at the currently allowed 10% (E10) level has been shown to cause significant problems for some marine engines and boat fuel systems...Read More!

UPDATE: Concern Spreads on Cruiser Forum for 2 Missing Puddle Jump Boats

8 MAY 2009: Emily Pearl is sunk in 45 feet of water off the west coast of Nuku Hiva. The skipper Billy Landers has not been found. The Dinghy/Life- raft is not aboard, it is a dark green Portland Pudgy, which is a hard plastic sailing dinghy, and a certified life boat...Read More!

New Cruising Permit LImits in Panama -UPDATE!

7 MAY 2009: Different Ports are doing different things. Bocas del Toro, for instance... Read More!

Today (May 5) on the SSB radio Panama Connection Net (8107Khz USB @0830 hrs) it was reported that cruising permits for vessels in Panama will not be extended beyond 90 days. After that the vessel will be required to leave the country. This is an independent issue from regular immigration matters for cruisers...Read More!

Charles Dunstone’s TP 52, Rio, Takes Overall Honors, Crescendo, Dragon Fly Plus, Hugo B Among Big Winners In 2009 Running Of Antigua Sailing Week

1 May 2009: Falmouth Harbour, Antigua (April 30) – The list of boat names is legendary: Titan. Kialoa. Infinity. Sayonara. Morning Glory. Pyewacket. The roster of yachts and sailors who have captured overall honors at Antigua Sailing Week is certainly long and distinguished. And today, on the sixth and final day of competition for the Division A race boats at the annual regatta, a new skipper and boat joined that illustrious list of champions when Charles Dunstone’s Transpac 52, Rio, capped a dominating performance with two more victories to win overall honors for the 2009 edition of Antigua Sailing Week..Read More!

Antigua Sailing Week - Day 6: Report from the Finish Line

30 APR 2009: The 42nd edition of Antigua Sailing Week began April 25 with a single race for the Division A Racing fleets and the Division B classes of Performance Cruisers, Cruising fleets, Dragons and Multihulls. Live Update and Photos...Read More!

EPIRB and PLB Owners Urged to Re-Check Registration Codes

24 APR 2009: Cobham Life Support, ACR Products, the world’s leader in safety and survival technologies, is urging all EPIRB and PLB owners to double check their 15-character identification code registration...Read More!

Get the Cruising Compass Every Week!

23 ARR 2009: The New Edition of The Cruising Compass is now online! You can view it on the Cruising Compass website - www.cruisingcompass.com, where you may also subscribe and receive this fun & informative e-zine in your email FREE every week!

The Landing School Invites the Marine Industry to Meet the Class of 2009

14 APR 2009: Marine employers may now register to attend the annual job fair for current boatbuilding, yacht design, systems and composites students at The Landing School on June 1, 2009.
More than 70 well-educated, enthusiastic students are seeking employment as boatbuilders, yacht designers, marine systems techs and composites techs following their 10-month-long training programs that culminate with a June 20 graduation. ..Read More!

NOAA Nautical Chart Survey: Serious Boaters May Not Be Sailing Safe

9 APR 2009: Results of a December 2008 survey of hundreds of recreational mariners has revealed surprisingly low levels of awareness of, and usage of, readily available NOAA paper chart update information that is critical to safe sailing...Read More!

Learn Sailing or Boating Online with NauticEd

8 APR 2009:NauticEd is the world's most advanced online, e-learning, sailing and boating education resource. Sailors, from novice to advanced, can learn key boating and sailing techniques online about boat handling, boat safety, latest equipment technology and general learn to sail tips compiled from years of sailing experience by experienced faculty of professional sailors, boating industry experts and tenured university educators...Read More!

Golden Gate Yacht Club ruled America's Cup challenger

2 APR 2009: New York’s top court ruled Thursday that an American sailing club is the rightful challenger for the America’s Cup, reversing a lower court...Read More!

Obama to back yachting initiatives

1 APR 2009: US President Barack Obama wants the carbon zero benefits of sailing taken into consideration when business grants are being doled out in a bid to strengthen the failing marine industry...Read More!

Pat Miller Rains has a favor to ask of all Cruisers:

Help save the Panama Canal YC - Write Now! Join in on the "International Day of Mourning for the Panama Canal Yacht Club."

31 MAR 2009: In this weeks' Cruising Forums, Capt. Pat wrote. "I would like to suggest April 1st as an "International Day of Mourning for the Panama Canal Yacht Club" due to the recent savage destruction of the 81-year-old Panama Canal Yacht Club (PCYC). Located in Colon at the Caribbean end of the Panama Canal, it is the humble but critical cross-roads of the international cruising world...Read More!

Pirates Attack Yacht near the Seychelles

27 MAR 2009: Seychelles - It appears that the pirates of Somalia have struck a private yacht again, this time traveling to the far islands of the Seychelles for the attack...Read More!

Major Earthquake Hits and Undersea Volcano Erupts in Tonga

20 MAR 2009: An earthquake measuring a magnitude of 7.9 has struck off the coast of Tonga. The US Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre released an alert following the earthquake on Thursday, but cancelled it hours later, saying no Tsunami was expected. "When no major waves are observed for two hours after the estimated time of arrival ... then local authorities can assume the threat is passed," it said...Read More!

Put Your Boat to Good Use Surveying Humpbacks in the So. Pac

12 MAR 2009: Whale study group needs volunteer yacht for 3 weeks in the southern Pacific. Those of you who are wanting to do something to give back to the planet might find this project worthy of your consideration.

OceansWatch works with the world’s sailors to undertake marine conservation projects and offer humanitarian aid to coastal communities in developing countries...Read More!

Panama Canal Yacht Club - Put Up A Good Fight - Now No More

04 MAR 2009: At the time of the 1977 Panama Canal Treaties, there was an understanding that the churches, recreational clubs, Masonic temples and other social organizations of the old Canal Zone would get their buildings for nominal sums. Both sides in that binational negotiation expected that many of these groups would close their doors of their own volition as the old American enclave gradually closed up shop, and that did happen in many instances...Read More!

Report on Bulldozing of Panama Canal YC - Confirmed!

3 MAR 2009: The Cruising Compass received confirmation today from Dee and Alan Dark, s/v Sunflower, currently in the San Blas Islands. They wrote to the CC, ". . .we heard the same information as Winterlude. The current situation seems to be that all the club buildings have now been totally demolished...Read More!

Panama Canal Yacht Club Bulldozed - Cruisers Told to Move Boats By April 1st.
2 MAR 2009: The Cruising Compass received word today that the big news on the Panama Connection SSB net Saturday morning reports that the PCYC is no longer...Read More!

Another Marina in Florida Earns "Clean Designation" from Dept of Environmental Protection.
23 FEB, 2009: Spill a drop of fuel at Sebastian Inlet Marina and it will never see the waters of the Indian River Lagoon a few feet away. Neither will waste from its fish cleaning table, soap suds from washing one's boat or even stormwater runoff from a 100-year weather event...Read More!

A most unique member of the sailing community has dropped anchor in his final harbor.

20 FEB. 2009: John F. Bryan(also known as John St. John) passed away this morning at his firend Dan's home in Vancleave MS.  After 14 years of many harbors and adventures he had to batten down the hatches on the Adhara in Culebra, PR and came back to Mississippi with Dan five weeks ago.  John had metastatic malignant melanoma which is a very aggressive cancer...Read More.

Tax benefits of owning a boat

19 FEB, 2009: Turns out owning a boat can actually be a benefit during tax time. Usually as boaters we are spending money on our boats and moorage but once a year it can pay us instead in the form of reduced taxes...Read More!

Miami International Boat Show and Strictly Sail Round-Up

16 FEB, 2009: The show is coming to a close after a full-four days of non-stop action. Although the final numbers are not yet in from the NMMA, visitors were plenty. From the vantage point of the BWS/Cruising Compass booth, we could see folks eagerly handing over their boat-bucks for all kinds of gear, knickknacks, sailboat training courses and of course, beer!...Read More!

Bermuda Cruising Rally Sets Sail in June

8 FEB, 2009: Want to sail to Bermuda? Want to sail in company for fun, camaraderie, added safety and all the other benefits you get from a cruising rally? At present there are no spring or summer rallies or flotillas leaving from the U.S. East Coast to Bermuda. Well, Tania Aebi changed that and will once again offer the Bermuda Cruising Rally. Plan to join this friendly sail in company to historic and picturesque St. George's Harbour. The Rally departs Mitchell Park Marina, Greenport, NY on June 21...Read More!

Blue Water Sailing Launches MQ- Multihulls Quarterly Supplement

6 FEB. 2009: Middletown, R.I. – Blue Water Sailing's publisher George Day announced today that the February issue of Blue Water Sailing has been delivered to all subscribers and newsstand readers with the new, innovative 32-page supplement MQ—Multihulls Quarterly...Read More!

TowBoatUS - Fort Lauderdale Celebrates 20 Years of Service to the Boating Community

5 FEB. 2009: Capt. Larry Acheson founder and president of TowBoatUS - Fort Lauderdale, celebrated 20 years of service last night at the 15th Street Fisheriers in Fort Lauderdale.  Your Cruising Editor was there to see all that TowBoatUS has to offer So. Florida...Read More!

Obama Pick to Lead NOAA Surely A Win for All Sailors

5 FEB, 2009: Oregon State University professor Jane Lubchenco, an internationally known marine ecologist who is deeply concerned about climate change and overfishing, has been picked by President Barack Obama to head the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration...Read More!

New Kadey-Krogen 55’ Expedition Wins People’s Choice Award
4 FEB 09: For an unprecedented fourth time, a Kadey-Krogen yacht has been honored with PassageMaker Magazine’s People’s Choice Award. The award presented at Trawler Fest last week in Stuart, Florida, was given to Invictus, hull #1 of the new Kadey-Krogen 55’ Expedition trawler yacht...Read More!

Obama admin may lift travel bans on Cuba

29 Jan. 2009: President Obama has said previously he favors relaxing restrictions on travel and cash remittances. This could mean that American cruising sailors in the Caribbean would have a whole new sailing ground opened up...Read More!

Hurricane Claims Push Insurer Out of Florida
28 Jan. 2009: State Farm announced Tuesday that it will no longer sell property insurance in Florida. The decision will affect more than 1 million homeowners and renters and also affect personal liability and boat policies. State Farm currently carries 57,982 boat owners' policies in the state according to a State Farm PR representative reached by phone yesterday. State Farm said it has proposed a two-year plan that will allow its customers to find other coverage.

For a comprehensive list of Boat Insurance Companies,..Read More

Atlantic Cup Set to Depart May 3 - Brings Winter Cruisers Home
26 Jan. 2009: The Cruising Rally Association just announced that the Atlantic Cup Rally will depart from the Nanny Cay Marina on Tortola May 3, and finish in Bermuda 4-5 days later. The Atlantic Cup is the companion rally to November’s Caribbean 1500 and offers the opportunity for returning cruisers to enjoy the camaraderie, competition, and adventure of an 850-mile rally. Pre-start festivities and skipper briefings will begin on May 1...Read More.

Boat Owners May Have Federal Tax Benefits Available

19 Jan. 2009: Recreational boat owners who paid state sales taxes on a boat purchase, or those who secured a bank loan to finance a boat, may have some tax deductions available when filing their 2008 federal income tax return. ...Read More.

Sam Davies hits mini-Sargasso Sea

13 Jan. 2009: ...Roxy lurched and slowed instantly from 10 to 8 knots.... So, I got out my endoscope to inspect what "cling-ons" we had picked up, and discovered that we had been attacked by a forest of giant Kelp! ...Read More.

Australia offers 'best job in world' on paradise island

12 Jan. 2009: Wanted: one 'island caretaker', must be able to swim and willing to move to Hamilton Island in Australia's tropical Whitsundays to begin July 1. Flexible hours, six-month salary of $150,000 (£75,000), non-negotiable...read more

Strictly Sail Chicago at Navy Pier: Jan 29 – Feb 1

11 Jan. 2009: Strictly Sail Chicago, the largest indoor sail show in the country, takes place January 29 – February 1, 2009, at Navy Pier. More than 20,000 sailing enthusiasts are expected to attend the four-day event to find the latest sailboats and sailing products, in addition to hundreds of educational seminars. Launched in 1996, Strictly Sail Chicago is an annual tradition for thousands of sailors to meet to discuss the upcoming season and shop the best deals on the newest sailboats, gear and accessories.

Blue Water Sailing and Cruising Compass Readers receive a $2 discount on tickets purchased online. Click Here!

2008's Top Stories on Cruising

01 Jan. 2009: January - Solar Sailing – Now A Reality!
Described as "possibly the greatest evolution in boats since the advent of steam," an ingenuously simple concept that combines sun and wind power with sophisticated computer systems is set to transform the future of navigation...read more

Florida Cruising Clubs: Where you can be Captain or Crew
18 Dec 2008: If you're like Groucho Marx, who famously said, "I would not join any club that would have someone like me for a member," you might try joining a cruising club.
All boating clubs have one thing in common: having fun on the water in boats. Some focus on power boats, some on sailboats, and they usually have activities including day trips, overnighters, races or poker runs, and social activities including cocktails and food... read more

BWS 2009 Holiday Gift Guide

15 Dec 2008: Your Cruising Compass Editor has put together a list of great gifts for the Sailor in your life. Check it out - Just click on the ribbon! ... read more

Tom Morris: 11•20•1940 – 12•7•2008
09 Dec 2008: Morris Yachts is saddened by the loss of their founder Thomas D.C Morris on Sunday, December 7th. Tom was diagnosed with cancer in the summer of 2007 and fought it valiantly. To those who knew him it will not be surprising to know that he outlived all the doctors’ prognoses. He died at home in Southwest Harbor, Maine surrounded by his loving family.... read more

Holiday Gift Ideas from Our Sponsors!
08 Oct 2008: Don't forget to check out the great Holiday Gift Ideas in the December issue of Blue Water Sailing magazines' classifieds or see them online: Holiday Gift Ideas ... read more

Get two issues FREE with no obligation by clicking on http://www.bwsailing.com

Fiji Interim Government eases up on visiting yachts

Nov 2008: Yachts, other tourist ships and vessels coming to Fiji can stay in the country for up to 18 months come January 2009, (crew is still subject to a total allowable of 12 continuous months). The nine month minimum time out before re-entry has also been revoked... read more

Join the Fun with Grands Adventure Sailing Vacation in the Virgin Islands

30 Oct 2008: Grands Adventure announced today their new, family-themed, week-long sailing adventure vacation in the British Virgin Islands. The dates for the event are July 11 through 19, 2009...read more

Changes in Costa Rica Temporary Import affecting Cruisers
08 Sep 2008: Costa Rican customs officials have sent foreign cruisers packing this hurricane season, denying the three-month ... read more

Cruising Compass-- Your weekly cruising fix
10 Jul 2008: Cruising Compass is just over one year old and is going strong. The weekly e-newsletter ... read more