Lisa Blair' in her feature film Ice Maiden Ice Maiden premiers at the Doc Edge Film Festival in Otāutahi, Christchurch on 19th June 2024. Stay up to date with streaming dreaming details at Ice Maiden. When Australian solo sailor Lisa Blair says “The sailing’s the fun bit” — it soon becomes pretty clear that fun sailing in the southern ocean is subjective. And the deeper I dig into her experience, the more obvious it is that Lisa is not just a sailor; she's a testament to resilience, determination, and the unyielding human spirit. And not in a doe eyed Disney way — I’m talking gritty superhuma ..read more

Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 380 at the 2024 Auckland Boat Show Saltwater Journal is reader supported. When you buy through our links we may earn an affiliate commission (at no extra cost to you) From Auckland to Annapolis, boat shows are a highlight of the calendar year for the marine industry and the thousands of boaties that attend. Nowhere else will you find the latest model sailboats and sailing gear all at one venue along with expert advice. Thinking about heading along this year? It's an awesome way to check out the latest trends, get inspired, and find a good deal on marine equipment. Plus, y ..read more

Saltwater Journal is reader supported. When you buy through our links we may earn an affiliate commission (at no extra cost to you) Trying to choose a sunscreen when there are hundreds to choose from can be overwhelming. We all want to buy a sunscreen we can trust is actually going to work and keep our skin from getting burnt, but we also want to choose wisely and minimise our impact on the ocean too, right? The great news is I’ve found the perfect choice for environmentally conscious sailors like us who want a high-performance sunscreen. I’ve been testing it out and are confident you’ll love ..read more

"Is it cool or crazy?" Photo © Stropnik Saltwater Journal is reader supported. When you buy through our links we may earn an affiliate commission (at no extra cost to you) I knew small boats were fun — but I didn’t realise they could be THIS fun!  YouTube thrives on suggestions of what you might like to check out next (which in my case is always sailing related or anything featuring Chris Hemsworth) — well this week, a short adventure film featuring a small boat popped up — and well, who am I to refuse? Naturally, I hit play. And now I’m in trouble. Because this little film has gotten un ..read more

Saltwater Journal is reader supported. When you buy through our links we may earn an affiliate commission (at no extra cost to you) Kickery verb,singluar kik-ker-ee To strike a toe against an inanimate object creating a sudden intense pain and feelings of disbelief, anger and regret To accidentally drive, force, make by or as if by kick accompanied by a selection of expletives involuntarily emitted by the kicker Ok, yes I made the word up but I’m using it… If you’ve just kicked your toe, I’m feeling for you. REALLY. Kicking your toe is a special kind of pain, right up there with standin ..read more

Melges: The Wizard of Zenda. Photo © 1992 Uhl Studios Hawaii – Uhlstudioshawaii.com Saltwater Journal is reader supported. When you buy through our links we may earn an affiliate commission (at no extra cost to you) In the spirit of honesty, I admit to not being familiar with the beloved American sailing champion Buddy Melges before watching this documentary but in my experience, that has added to the impact of this film. Mark Homer has crafted a remarkable journey through the life and career of an extraordinary sailing icon. Simply, Melges was a man so in love with sailing, speed and competi ..read more

Note: Saltwater Journal is reader supported. When you buy through our links we may earn an affiliate commission (at no extra cost to you) It’s no accident most of the world’s top professional sailors got their start in small boats. But for those of us that missed the boat learning to sail as a kid, here’s the great news — there’s no age limit on learning to sail! And you don’t need to eye up a F50 foiling catamaran in SailGP to have a good time either. Whether you’re 24 or 40, sailing small boats can provide a much needed escape from normality, and open up a whole new world of practical ..read more

Note: Saltwater Journal is reader supported. When you buy through our links we may earn an affiliate commission (at no extra cost to you). However, this does not effect our editorial independence and honest reviews Since 1935, sailors have kicking about in the classic leather Top-Sider — they’re one of the grippiest, comfiest sailing shoes in the world. So it’s exciting to see Sperry’s contemporary range that seamlessly combines nautical aesthetics (and practicalities) with modern sailor style. This is footwear designed to keep you on deck, and rock off the boat in any season. Boatie or not ..read more

Many Saltwater Journal readers have Aotearoa, New Zealand on their travel bucket list. It’s easy to see why! New Zealand is known for its stunning landscapes, and one of its most remarkable natural wonders is Te Tauihu-o-te-Waka, the Marlborough Sounds. Nestled at the tip of the South Island, and stretching over 1,500 kilometers of coastline, this intricate network of bays, coves, and islands is a sailor’s dream come true. It’s breathtakingly beautiful, and ecologically diverse with crystal-clear waters, lush native bush, and abundant wildlife. Queen Charlotte Sound, also known as Tōtaranui ..read more

If you click on my affiliates/advertisers’ links, I may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) and you’ll help keep Saltwater Journal going. Thank you! Many Saltwater Journal readers have Aotearoa, New Zealand on their travel bucket list. It’s easy to see why! New Zealand is known for its stunning landscapes, and one of its most remarkable natural wonders is Te Tauihu-o-te-Waka, the Marlborough Sounds. Nestled at the tip of the South Island, and stretching over 1,500 kilometers of coastline, this intricate network of bays, coves, and islands is a sailor’s dream come true. It’s b ..read more