Mike Smith on keeping algae, grass and barnacles at bay. Mike Smith | Originally published April 2, 2024 Get Moving When your boat sits still for too long, algae, grass and barnacles take up residence on the bottom, hurting performance and efficiency. Help prevent this by going boating […]
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A clear checklist driving a logical order of operations makes for smart spring commissioning. CHRISTOPHER BIRCH MAR 18, 2024 It’s March, and if you’re like most sailors who’ve had to put their beloveds away for the winter, you’re champing at the bit to get down to the boatyard […]
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By Buttons Padin McMichael Yacht Yards & Brokers can get your boat ready for the upcoming summer season. However, how do you get yourself ready to be on the water? Whether you’re sailing or powering, there are things you should start doing so you’re set for a summer […]
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Buttons Padin Last summer I was navigating a large boat (Ok, it was the 12 Meter INTREPID) using the Narragansett Bay racing chart. In prep for the weekend’ racing, I had laid out the course and distance between all the various marks using my Navionics app sitting at […]
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Buttons Padin | McMichael Yacht Brokers There is an often-shared point-of-view that the Olympic bronze medalist gets more satisfied or is happier to be on the podium than the silver medalist. The second-place competitor is likely to spend the rest of his or her life trying to figure […]
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By: Christopher Birch | November 30,2023 Starlink has changed the game for cruising sailors, but caution—and hacks—are still useful. A dark cloud has been hanging over Starlink antennas lately. Sailors around the world have been bypassing the $5,000 per month maritime version of Elon Musk’s new satellite internet […]
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By Robin Stout | Fall 2023 Issue We met Sarah Schelbert in Antigua 2022 when she sailed her boat into the harbor with her dog and asked if she could race in the Classic Regatta. She turned out to be the life of the party. The next […]
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Buttons Padin | McMichael Yacht Yards & Brokers There was a print ad for Dewars Scotch in 1985 profiling Gary Jobson who since has become ubiquitous with sailing. In that ad, Gary’s quote was, “If you can’t tie good knots, tie lots of them.” I just called Gary […]
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By Buttons Padin | McMichael Yacht Brokers Top-10 things you should know to optimize your rig for safety and performance! 1. Salt water can be your rigging’s enemy Fresh water rinsing Simply put…salt is bad – lines, fittings, sails, acrylics, gelcoat 2. Corrosion control is critical Check […]
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By Buttons Padin Top-12 things you should know to operate your engine including what spare parts and tools to have, what to watch for when starting-up, and more! 1: Read the owner’s manual Get to know your engine Your specific engine model 2: Know your engine’s […]
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By: McMichael Staff 4th of July Boating Safety Reminders The Fourth of July is one of our most special holidays. The main highlight of course is the fireworks, and many boaters choose to enjoy them on the water. And while it is a fun activity, it […]
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By: PETER FREDERIKSEN APR 26, 2018 You know to check your running gear when you run aground but hitting bottom can also impact your engine(s) in surprising ways. The affects of running aground aren’t always easy to spot. Making Sound Choices Pay attention when listening to […]
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By: CAPT. RICHARD THIEL | UPDATED: NOV 11, 2021 | ORIGINAL: JUN 6, 2016 Cruise for long enough and you’ll touch bottom. What’s the plan for when you do? Getting Grounded Sooner or later you’re going to run aground. What you do next will determine just […]
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Originally published MAR 10, 2023 ELLEN MASSEY LEONARD- Sail Magazine Small diesel engines tend to be remarkably reliable. Even in the harsh saltwater environment, marine diesels can last for decades and thousands of hours, largely because they are entirely mechanical (other than the gauges, alternator, and starter motor). […]
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Originally published March 16, 2023 Adam Cove – Sail Magazine It’s 0930 and we are approaching our destination, having gotten under way early to avoid melting under the Caribbean sun. As my wife, Alison, and I sail Ben-Varrey, a 1969 Luders 33, through the anchorage, we pick out a […]
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The 10 common mistakes… and how to avoid them. We ask the experts about the skills every good skipper should have in their armoury. By Toby Heppell – Yachting Monthly Originally Published April 22, 2020 It’s easy to get into bad habits when we go sailing and equally […]
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Originally published May 17, 2021 Theo Stocker – Yachting Monthly Maintaining a saildrive is just as important as caring for the engine itself. Dennison Berwick explains how to give your stern gear some much-needed attention Essential saildrive checks for your boat The season draws to an end, […]
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Ellen Massey Leonard – SAIL Magazine Originally published Nov 8th, 2022 The old saw that the happiest day in a sailor’s life is the one on which they sell their boat is funny, of course, because of the fact that owning a boat can be both expensive […]
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Jon Mendez Motorboat and Yachting Magazine Teak decks look lovely as well as being hardwearing, grippy and gentle underfoot. The one downside to real teak is keeping it clean. To maintain that just-fitted look takes a lot of work, ideally with a weekly hose-down or a bucket […]
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In addition to being an industry supporter of the Newport-to-Bermuda Race, McMichael Yacht Yards & Brokers is a sponsor of the upcoming Storm Trysail Hands-on Safety-at-Seminar that provides a range of safety tips and guidelines for sailors of any level. Here is what STC prescribes for damage control […]
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Top-10 Things You Should Know To Optimize Your Rig For Safety And Performance. Fresh water rinsing Simply put…salt is bad – lines, fittings, sails, acrylics, gelcoat Corrosion control is critical Swages, rigging fitting Watch for chafing Lines, sails against shrouds, Be mindful of rig tension and fatigue Shrouds, […]
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Our customers rely upon McMichael to help protect their boats during storms. They bring their boats to our Post Road and Rushmore Yards where some are hauled (for subsequent relaunch), some are put on moorings in our protected cove, and others are secured to our docks. In those […]
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