Set along Nova Scotia’s picturesque South Shore, Liverpool is a historic port town known for its privateering past, coastal scenery and relaxed maritime charm. Located in Queens County, southeast of Digby, Liverpool blends seafaring heritage with beautiful beaches, Mersey River watersports and small-town hospitality. Fort Point Lighthouse Overlooking the
Flowing through France, Luxembourg and Germany, the Moselle River offers one of Europe’s most scenic and culturally rich cruising grounds. The Moselle, approximately 338 miles long, winds past steep vineyard terraces, medieval towns and fairy-tale castles before joining the Rhine at the German corner in Koblenz. For recreational boaters,
Nestled at the southern tip of Lake Como, in Northern Italy, and framed by dramatic Alpine foothills, Como blends Italian elegance with lakeside tranquility. Whether you arrive by boat, train or winding mountain road, this historic city offers a compelling mix of architecture, scenery and culture to visit from marinas
Clear and confident communication is one of the foundations of safe boating. A fixed-mount or handheld VHF marine radio is more than just a convenience, it’s a primary safety tool. Understanding which VHF channels to use (and when) ensures you comply with regulations, avoid interference and respond properly in
Recreational boating on the Seine River offers a uniquely French blend of culture, scenery and relaxed cruising. Flowing approximately 485 miles (780 km) from northeastern France to the English Channel at Le Havre, the Seine passes through storybook villages, rolling countryside and the heart of Paris. For leisure boaters, it’
In an age of GPS chartplotters and touchscreen multifunction displays, traditional navigation skills remain essential seamanship. Electronics can fail. Batteries can die. Signals can be lost. Knowing how to determine your position using dead reckoning and other time-tested methods not only builds confidence—it can be a lifesaver. Whether you’
When navigating busy shipping lanes, harbor approaches or offshore passages, understanding and applying COLREGS—the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea—is essential. These rules form the foundation of maritime right-of-way worldwide and apply to nearly every vessel operating beyond inland waterways. Recognized globally, COLREGS are administered under the
Strasbourg blends centuries of European history with vibrant modern culture, making it one of France’s most captivating destinations. Located along the Rhine River, on the border with Germany in the Alsace region, its unique Franco-German heritage is visible everywhere—from its architecture and cuisine to its festivals and public
Seeing a flag flying in the breeze on a boat or a yacht always makes an impact because it’s a symbol of identity, patriotism and/or support. It most certainly is a great identifier. If you’re new to nautical flags, you may find the different flag options a
For sailors planning long-distance ocean passages, one of the most important decisions is how to reliably steer the boat when you’re not at the helm. Two primary self-steering options dominate the ocean cruising world: mechanical wind vanes and electronic autopilot systems. Both technologies have proven themselves over decades of
One of Europe’s most iconic waterways, the Rhine River in the southeastern Swiss Alps (at Lake Toma) and flows more than 760 miles through six countries (Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, France and the Netherlands) before reaching the North Sea near Rotterdam. It’s famous for its castles, vineyards, historic
Boat cleats are small pieces of hardware with a big job: securing lines safely and efficiently. Whether you’re tying up at a marina, mooring at a private boat lift for rent, anchoring out or managing fenders, the right cleat makes all the difference. Understanding the most common types of
Situated at the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula, Cabo San Lucas is known for dramatic desert-meets-sea scenery, watersports and the vibrant nightlife and shops of downtown Cabo. Whether you’re here to relax, explore or chase adventure, Cabo delivers. Here are some of the top attractions you
As a boating enthusiast, it’s important to understand the rules of the water. No-wake zones are designated areas where boats have to operate at the slowest speed possible (just fast enough to maintain steering) so they don’t create a wake. While it may seem like an inconvenience – albeit
Boating on the Danube River offers a rare opportunity to travel through the heart of Europe while experiencing a remarkable mix of history, culture, castles and diverse landscapes. Stretching roughly 1,770 miles from Germany’s Black Forest to the Black Sea, the Danube is Europe’s second-longest river and
Mechanical wind vanes are elegant, self-powered steering systems that have guided sailing vessels across oceans for decades. Favored by both long-distance cruisers and purists, they combine simple physics with clever engineering to provide reliable, energy-free self-steering. Understanding their design, function and performance helps explain why these devices remain relevant even
Puerto Vallarta, in the state of Jalisco, is a destination that blends old-world charm with tropical adventure, all set against the dramatic backdrop of Mexico’s Sierra Madre mountains and the blue waters of Banderas Bay. Once a quiet fishing village, it has grown into one of Mexico’s most
Boat stringers are a critical but often overlooked part of a vessel’s structure. Hidden beneath decks and floors, they provide strength, stiffness and support to the hull and everything mounted above it. Understanding what stringers do, how they fail and how they are repaired can help boat owners catch
Precision anchoring is a critical skill for boaters navigating crowded harbors or deep anchorages. Limited space, strong currents and variable bottom conditions leave little room for error. A well-set anchor not only protects your vessel but also prevents collisions and costly re-anchoring. Mastering a few proven techniques can dramatically improve
Keeping your boat’s fuel tank clean is essential for reliable engine performance, reducing fuel consumption and long-term fuel system health. Dirt, water and microbial growth inside the tank can lead to clogged filters, poor operation and even engine failure. Understanding when and how to clean a fuel tank helps
Bora Bora, French Polynesia, is one of those rare places that lives up to the hype—and then exceeds it. Floating in the heart of the South Pacific, this volcanic island is wrapped in a turquoise lagoon so vivid it looks unreal, whether you’re moored at a marina or
Stretching across Wyoming, Idaho, Oregon and Washington, its waters are important for hydropwer, irrigation and salmon. Boating on the Snake River offers a diverse and rewarding experience for travelers. As one of the largest tributaries of the Columbia River, the Snake River winds through dramatic canyons, fertile valleys and remote
You really need to plan if you run a cruise ship. We're seeing the introduction of many new modern gadgets and advanced systems. These don’t replace traditional sailing methods, but they serve as a boost and complement to them. What follows are guidelines for choosing tools and
Managing crew fatigue on liveaboard sailing charters and multi-day boat voyages is essential for safety, efficiency and morale. Whether you’re cruising offshore, making a long coastal passage or living aboard for several days, fatigue can quietly erode judgment and reaction time if it isn’t addressed. Thoughtful planning, realistic