Cruising Resources and Information for Sailors

Somebody Asked . . .

"Do I just lash Old Glory on the stern at the begging of the season, or are there flag rules and customs cruising sailors follow?"

Etiquette and Flags

Somebody Said . . .

"It's the habits of seamanship - the things you check constantly - that are the most important elements of a safe and happy life afloat. These habits are born of a constant, low-grade paranoia that comes from having met Murphy many times."

Practical Sailor
Emergency Planning

Your Boat Needs

Lots of boat preferences to consider when Analyzing Your Needs and Preferences, among them Size, Speed, Simplicity, and Beauty.

What Makes a Good Cruiser

Start by evaluating Performance and Seaworthiness. Then there are factors like Cockpit Location, Interior Layout, Berths and, of course, Construction Quality.

Rig Types

Sloop, Cutter and Ketch are prevalent? But what about a Schooner, or a Junk, Gaff, or Unstayed Rig?

Special Types

Multihull Sailing, Motorsailing, and Beach Cruising all have different benefits and requirements from the average monohull experience..

Finding a Boat to Buy

The search for your dream cruising boat will probably involve Yacht Brokers, Owner?s Groups, Boat Shows, multiple listings and more.

The Buying Process

Once you?ve found the boat for you, you may need a Yacht Survey, Boat Title and Registration Documentation, Financing, Marine Insurance, and maybe even Delivery by sea or by road.

Other Ways to Go Cruising

There are plenty of ways to go cruising, such as Chartering, Sharing or Exchanging Boats, having one Custom Built, Building It Yourself, Fixing Up an old or damaged boat, or simply Crewing on others' yachts.