Ahh, spring! The bird is on the wing, and the grime is on the gelcoat. Furry, grey things are growing in the galley, and your prized vessel looks and smells like she’s been lying at the bottom for the last year. Time to clean it up. But keeping the bird on the wing is important, too—wouldn’t want to poison the first harbinger of spring.

To read the full story, order the April issue of Pacific Yachting as a back issue. To get more great articles like this one, subscribe now.

One of the original purposes of a yacht club was to provide moorage for its members. Many of these traditional yacht clubs still exist, usually providing slips, a clubhouse and, in many cases, a fine dining room. Racing, regattas and group cruises are all part of what they have to offer, and the traditional exchange of privileges with other yacht clubs will include reciprocal guest moorage and clubhouse entry.

  To read the full story, order the April issue of Pacific Yachting as a back issue. To get more great articles like this one, subscribe now. 

It’s April, the cushions and sails are back on the boat, you’ve got a new coat of bottom paint and you’re ready to go for spring. While you may not yet know where or when you’ll take your boating vacation, now is the time to start giving your plans some thought.

To read the full story, order the April issue of Pacific Yachting as a back issue. To get more great articles like this one, subscribe now.