What's the best sailing magazine?

Question

After a few years of motor boating, I've decided that I now have the patience to live off the winds for a while and get into bluewater sailing. What sailing magazine has the best articles and information on long distance cruising, particularly in the 30 to 40 foot (10-14 meter) category of sailboats?

I should add that I'm NOT really interested in America's Cup, racing, regattas or catamarans.

Answer 1

this is very subjective. I've subscribed to magazines like blue water sailing, cruising world, sail, etc. These seem to be aimed at people that dont have boats, but are dreaming about it. That's fine, but not useful to me.

For me...There is a magazine called "Good ole Boat", living aboard, practical sailor, and DIY that are more useful to me. They have information on boat projects and more of a "How to" guide instead of showing beautiful boats at beautiful desitinations.

Answer 2

I've lived aboard in the Caribbean for 35 years and have written for a few magazines...some already mentioned....so here's my take:

Good ol Boat is very good, aimed at the novice/intermediate under 40 fooot under $100,000 dollar boat crowd.....

Cruising World has some stuff that is good; most is aimed at the folks who have a Pretentious 45 and who's trip would be ruined if the electronic nav sytem failed, and who's first question on entering a harbor is "Where's good WiFI reception?"

Lats and Atts is alright; there's a little too much of "100 Harbors around the World We've gotten Drunk In"; the boats are a little on the expensive side, and the writers Buffett wannabees ; but at least they're racking up miles

Excellent excellent excellent mag out of Maine is "Ocean Navigator" and its yearly "Ocean Voyager".......not just navigation but the whole deal on getting from here to there..

I'd also add Caribbean Compass; www.caribbeancompass.com, the monthly Caribbean cruising sailors paper by people who are out here doing it....

Answer 3

The best sailing magazine, imho, is Latitude 38.
www.latitude38.com
They have sections on racing, crusing, chartering, technical knowledge and much, much more.
The magazine is free on the west coast, at any marine related store, eg. West's. You can buy a subscription if you're from somewhere else. Or get the 'lectronic version.
They also sponsor a cruise down to baja every year called the baja haha.
They also have a tendency to call bullsh*t when they come across it and they are properly irreverent.
Check it out.

Answer 4

I not sure on that. Magazines are a lot of crap advertising. So, they good if you want to buy stuff.
Here a Good Book on Sailing and Used is as good as New. Also, if you look down you can buy Used 2nd editions for around $8-10 shipping and all.
http://www.amazon.com/Annapolis-Book-Seamanship-Completely-Expanded/dp/0684854201
There are a few forums on specific boats where people write and talk of sailing and they free.

Pearson Association;
http://www.pearsontriton.com/
Some articles here;
http://www.pearsontriton.com/articles/articles.shtml
Cheoy Lee Association;
http://www.cheoyleeassociation.com/a_entrance.htm
Many out there, search the type boat and add Association and you find Boat Specifics and many have forums or people you may be able to write too. There much you can learn for free!
But, the book I mentioned, a cheap used one be money well spent.

Answer 5

Get Best Sail Magazine at

http://amzn.to/1Id8htE

.

Answer 6

Yachting Australia it has great boat reviews, articles on sail trim and how to get the best performance out of your boat as well, it has a bit on current races but not heaps.

Answer 7

I agree with (and envy) "I'm a guy who lives full time on a sailboat and getting her ready for a circumnavigation" that "Good Old Boat" is useful. For cruising you might look at "Latitudes and Attitudes" their target is the cruising lifestyle. Also, "Sailing" is good. "Practical Sailor" is a technical mag/newsletter. Most, if not all, have websites.