The 295-foot head-turner carries 21,350 square feet of sail over three masts, two of which (the fore and main) carry square sails. That specific configuration of sails makes her a barque. The only active commissioned sailing vessel in the U.S. military, The Eagle is not a particularly fast ship. But that is not her job. The Coast Guard claims a maximum of 17 knots under sail, and her square sails allow a limited point of sail, only allowing for her crew to steer around 70 degrees off the wind.

The publication that started as a newspaper for Lake Michigan sailors and grew into a glossy, oversized national sailing magazine respected by readers and advertisers alike for the quality of its writing and photography, published its last printed issue in January 2025. Founded in 1966, it was America’s longest published pure-sailing magazine.

I remember spotting you in the marina – a bit like seeing a slightly scruffy, but undeniably charming, stray dog. Needed some work, sure, but I saw the glint in your… uh… porthole? Anyway, I knew we'd get along.

PredictWind Founder Jon Bilger reflects on how far weather forecasting has come during National Weatherperson’s Day on February 5:

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is now offering its online Ohio Boating Education Course (OBEC) in Spanish, expanding access to critical boater safety training for Spanish-speaking communities. This milestone reflects ODNR's ongoing commitment to fostering inclusivity and ensuring that everyone, regardless of language, has access to life-saving boating education.

As the year draws to a close, it's time to shove off on a new adventure. Make 2025 a year of nautical adventure. Resolve to master a new sailing technique, explore uncharted waters, or simply spend more time on the water. Whether you're a weathered sailor or just learning the ropes (we call them lines), there's always something new to learn and experience.