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The right protective clothing and gear are necessary in a boating emergency. Buying considerations for foul-weather gear, inflatable personal flotation devices, immersion suits and personal safety devices are discussed.

Three sailboats designed for ocean cruising are evaluated by experienced sailors: Crealock 44 ($320,000), Island Packet 44 ($279,547) and Taswell 43 ($256,000).

A sailing vacation on the lakes of the Rocky Mountains of central Colorado is described. The attractions and facilities of Lake Dillon and Lake Granby are highlighted.

A yacht cruise to Martinique and St. Lucia in the Caribbean is described. The yacht was chartered by a young couple and two sets of in-laws.

A cruise around St Vincent and the Grenadines aboard a chartered Beneteau Oceanis 440 is described. The trip included visits to Charlestown Harbour, Young Island, the Falls of Baleine and the Soufriere Volcano.

Three trailerable sailboats are tested for their ease of rigging and launching: Hunter 23.5, MacGregor 26 and Santana 2023. The Santana was easiest to rig, and the MacGregor was easiest to launch by a slight margin.

Computer software manufacturers are marketing products for use on a sailboat as well as at home. An overview of educational sailing software packages, racing simulators and software for use on board is presented.

The 1992 Foley's/Sperry Regatta in Galveston, TX, is described. The annual event at the Lakewood Yacht Club is famous for 'bug boil' barbecues and new Sperry Top-Siders for the winners.

Competitive sailing is becoming popular in both public and private high schools. Most school programs receive support from local yacht clubs. The Interscholastic Yacht Racing Association provides help in starting programs and has over 200 member schools.

A Nautor 50 ketch is used as a research vessel by the World Conservation Union. The research project collects whale tissue samples for genetic and toxicological studies. A biopsy gun is used to collect the samples.

Bill Pinkney became the first African-American to circumnavigate solo through the five capes. Pinkney made his two-year voyage aboard a cutter-rigged Valiant 47.

The T301 ($76,900) is a 30-foot racing sailboat with weekend sailing accommodations for up to four adults. Its wide beam provides stability and a roomy cockpit.