Sail

Fairly good magazine. The articles are short, interesting, and often include sailing stories. SAIL could use more hands on information. Overall evenly balanced between stories of interest, and "how to" articles. SAIL seems to be targeted at the middle class boat owner. You may need to subscribe to a mag more focused on your particular needs or two to three magazines on sailing.

The Magazine is great, but Amazon forgot my order for 3 month. And mail me 3 month old magazine. I have seen same problem to other magazine order from Amazon.

As a fairly new sailor, I have subscribed to several other magazines. Many like Sailing World deal with mostly racing boats, which isn't even close to what I'm interested in. The reason I love SAIL, is that it is meant for people like me to learn new things. Places to go, passages to make, tips on basics, storage techniques, new technology and just plain good advice. We started with a 24 foot motor sailer, and just invested in a 33' steel hull fixer upper. Hopefully, the next will be the one to make our dreams a reality, and for several years really "SAIL". It's a magazine that all my friends read and we discuss the articles. Not only beginning sailors like me, but my seasoned sailor friends read it also.

Are you the type who enjoys a nice excursion in a sailboat? If so, then you will probably enjoy Sail magazine. This publication is one of dozens available on the newsstands that cover the sport and hobby of sailing, but I feel its one of the best around.

What makes me feel so strongly about this magazine is the fact that the articles and advice are written by actual sailors. This magazine doesn't waste the reader's time with articles composed by so- called professional writers. Instead, it sticks with the people who know sailing better than anyone: the sailors themselves. This makes the magazine more believable and more respectable.

Sail divides its time between factual articles and ones that are more personable in nature. The factual articles cover things like how to maneuver a boat in different directions; what to look for when you shop for a new navigation device; the advantages and disadvantages of catamarans; etc. These factual stories are intended more for those who own boats and want to keep them in tip- top condition. The other articles deal with personal stories, and they rank among my favorites in each issue. These articles feature individuals and families who share their sea- going experiences with you.

Sail also has lots of reviews of boat- related products and plenty of ads in the back of each issue for shoppers who are looking for a boat. Ads in the rest of the magazine are scattered around, but they tend to stick mostly to boating and related products. The reviews are nice, but I would prefer to see more opinions from more people, to make comparisons.

Sail magazine has many great qualities, and they add up to a well- rounded publication- a magazine that I feel is the best in its field. Whether you sail for sport or for leisure, Sail magazine is probably the best of its kind. Great photography, informative articles, and personal stories place this magazine in a league of its own.

When the storm blows, or I am languishing in the doldrums, I pull out one of the three "boating" magazines I get: Sail, Sailing and Soundings. "Sail's" top quality, above, the other two, is in the areas of technical advice. It always has a solid information on cruising tips and weather mixed with a smattering of great sea stories.

The destinations that are profiled, for potential cruising destinations, always becharm me with the thought that one day I too will anchor in Italy, or Maine, or Western Canada, or..... Really, who among us wouldn't be tempted with the thought of a layover at Bora Bora .

Some of the reviews, especially in electronics, have been disappointing. The reviews give an overall comprehension of what is offered in the market today, but, sadly, make no recommendations. For example, the article that was to "review" seven color plotters (April 2003) ended the article with no recommendations, and then gave an insubstantial kiss off by saying, "it is disconcerting to contemplate how many brands and models there are to choose from". In other words, "you're on your own".

Regarding evaluations of new and used boats, I find "Sailing" to be more comprehensive and helpful.

Don't get me wrong "Sail" is still a worthwhile read and has excellent advise for any `salt' or `beginner'. Recommended. 3.5 stars