Cruising World

Cruising World is your passport for exploring the world’s coastlines and oceans while voyaging under sail. Its contributors inspire and entertain through stories, pictures and videos that underscore the beauty and adventure of sailing, while providing instruction on the disciplines of seamanship, navigation and boat handling. The Cruising World community is made up of experienced, committed sailors and boat owners. No matter their long-range sailing plans, Cruising World’s mission is to nurture their dreams with practical how-to information and stirring real-life adventure features.

Be the CHANGE • An increasing number of sailors are adding charitable work to their cruising plans, all around the world.

Cruising World

THE YEAR In Photos

UNDERWAY • EXPLORING the BEST of the CRUISING LIFESTYLE

Clear THINKING • During many years of sailing in the Pacific, I’ve learned that it’s possible to stay in the islands without unnecessary cyclone risks.

AGE AND Beauty • For fans of classic wooden sailboats, the Opera House Regatta is a feast for the eyes and soul.

Ride LIKE the WIND • Being a female sailor who kiteboards makes me unusual. It shouldn’t. This sport is for everyone.

GETTING STARTED

HOMEMADE Bread SAVES a Voyage • Cooking had never been my strong suit as a solo sailor. Then I took a gamble and hit a culinary jackpot.

THE Rest of the STORY • Great sailors are well-rested sailors, and well-rested sailors are comfortable at sea.

HANDS-On SAILOR • ADVICE and INSIGHT for BOAT OWNERS

COOL STUFF • It was a big job to reinsulate the fridge on our 41-foot 1979 Cheoy Lee, Avocet, but we learned a lot along the way.

BRIGHT IDEAS • The best types of boat lighting maximize how well boaters can see, while minimizing power draw overall.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM AROUND THE INDUSTRY

AGING IN PLACE ON BOARD • As sailors get older, they might fear having to sell the boat they love, but an equipment upgrade could be the solution.

SET SAIL WITH CONFIDENCE: TIPS DELIVERED WEEKLY • Get even more Hands-On Sailor content in your inbox every Friday. It’s free!

HOT TIPS • These basics will keep an onboard water heater running smoothly and safely.

The Power of Survival • Steve Callahan’s bestseller Adrift: 76 Days Lost at Sea is now a documentary film—nearly 40 years after the book was first published.

Special Deliveries • Aboard their 80-foot historic sailboat, Vega, Shane Granger and Meggi Macoun bring much-needed supplies to remote communities.

BOAT OF THE YEAR 2025

In Equal Measure

Meet the Judges

Go Ahead, Make My “J”

BEST MIDSIZE CRUISER

BEST FULL-SIZE CRUISERS 40 TO 45 FEET

BEST FULL-SIZE CRUISER OVER 45 FEET

BEST MIDSIZE MULTIHULL

BEST FULL-SIZE MULTIHULL 45 TO 50 FEET

BEST FULL-SIZE MULTIHULLS OVER 50 FEET

JUDGES’ SPECIAL RECOGNITION

Interior Design Trends

CRUISING WORLD

Off Watch • Living aboard in Florida, now more than ever, I’m drawing some unsettling similarities to Travis McGee, the rugged protagonist of many a John D. MacDonald novel.