Category Archives: Home Page

New gear for SV Bear!

This holiday season we have been reminded of how lucky we are to have parents who support our sailing adventures. Jeff’s parents in particular have helped us on multiple occasions to provision, clean, and even sail down the ICW … Continue reading

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Mariners Trading Consignment – Port Charlotte, Florida

One of the first things we do when we visit Jeff’s parents in Florida is take a trip to Port Charlotte to visit Mariners Trading. This boating supply consignment shop has a wide variety of used gear as well as … Continue reading

Posted in Home Page, Margaret's Blog | 8 Comments

Winter work aboard SV Bear

It has been a hectic few weeks for us, which, unfortunately has meant radio silence on the blog. While we are now relaxing in Florida, soaking in the warm sun and gentle gulf breezes, just a few days ago it … Continue reading

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Our Animal Sightings over Summer 2014

Here in Illinois, we are wrapping up the end of the semester and looking forward to escaping south for a few weeks of boat work and relaxing with family. This past Wednesday, we had a little faculty party at our … Continue reading

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The Best Sailing and Cruising Books of 2014

If you are into such things, this is the time of year when all the “best of the year” lists come out. I always pay attention to the ones listing books, looking for interesting or important works that I may … Continue reading

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Another Round of Great YouTube Sailing Videos

It is no secret that Margaret and I watch a lot of YouTube. Just last night we plowed through ten or so Jimmy Fallon clips, and I watch a climbing video over lunch nearly everyday. But sailing videos occupy most … Continue reading

Posted in Home Page, Jeff's Blog | 2 Comments

In search of the perfect v-berth mattress: innerspring versus foam

How many of you have woken up in a beautiful anchorage with a sore hip from your lousy, old v-berth cushions? Well, I am sick of it and have decided to do something about it – pronto. While Jeff could … Continue reading

Posted in Home Page, Margaret's Blog | 1 Comment

Review: Starboard Collection – Carina Plates and Bowls

A few days after I posted the Wish List for Sailors, I received a comment from Aimee Marti at Starboard Collection asking me if I would review her new product line. After taking a peek at the well-designed website, I responded … Continue reading

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A Crew’s View – Part One

I am Jeff’s father and I had the pleasure of sailing with him from August 26th from Wrightsville NC through the end of his voyage in St. Mary’s Georgia on October 6th. When he asked me to join him my … Continue reading

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Marine Diesel Courses for Cruisers

Even before we bought Bear, Margaret and I had discussed how we needed to take a marine diesel course. Neither of us had much of any experience with diesel engines beyond encountering a few issues during a charter. Once we became … Continue reading

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