Cruising Life

Iranian Speedboats that Keep the Strait of Hormuz Closed

By George Day on June 11, 2026 Cruising Life

What at first looked like a David versus Goliath conflict in the Persian Gulf between the U.S. and Iran, has turned into a stalemate largely because Iran has managed to keep the Strait of Homuz closed. That is in no small part because of their massive fleet of mosquito boats. The strait is under a double blockade with hundreds of commercial ships unable to pass through for fear of being stopped by either the U.S. or Iran. But, Iran’s navy has largely been put out of commission, so how are they able to maintain their blockade? Apparently, it is easier…

Marex 440 Scandinavia is a Complete Cruiser

By George Day on June 11, 2026 Boat Reviews, Cruising Life

Earlier this year, we published a video from Marex Yachts of Norway showing off their unique Marex 440 Gourmet Cruiser. A flagship in their line of express cruisers, the Gourmet Cruiser has an expanded galley designed to facilitate entertaining and cooking with and for friends. The video got so many views, we thought it was time to introduce the boat’s sister ship, the Marex 440 Scandinavia. The hull and deck are the same but the salon has been reconfigured with a smaller galley and a large sit-down dinette. All PostsThe dinette has several features that will appeal to cruising families.…

Are the Dashew-Designed FPB Aluminum Expedition Yachts the Ultimate Voyagers?

By George Day on June 4, 2026 Boat Reviews, Cruising Life

Steve and Linda Dashew have left an indelible mark on the cruising world, both power and sail They developed the Deerfoot line of blue water sailboats that changed the way many voyagers thought about offshore yacht design. They did the same to the power cruising world when they launched the FPB series. The concept behind the FBP designs from 64 to 97 feet focuses on long-haul, efficient and low-maintenance cruising. New Zealand boat builder Circa Marine, based in Whangerei, North Island, built all 17 of the FPB designs until the Dashews decided to end the project at it peak of…

One Boat Left for 2026 Mother Goose Flotilla Round Vancouver Island

By George Day on June 4, 2026 Charter, Cruising Life

NW Explorations’ annual cruise in company in the wild Pacific Northwest this year will undertake a 21-day adventure around British Columbia’s Vancouver Island. The so-called Mother Goose Flotilla will depart from Bellingham, Washington on July 17 and return on August 5. This year the flotilla is limited to six boats and as of this week, according to the NW Explorations website, there is still one boat left for booking a slot in the fleet. NW Explorations specializes in chartering trawler-style cruising boats and has been running their Mother Goose Flotillas for many years. About this year’s event, they spell out…

Hunt Yachts Acquired by DiMillo’s Yacht Sales

By George Day on June 4, 2026 Cruising Life

This is not breaking news but it is good news. At this spring’s Palm Beach International Boat show it was announced to the public that DiMillo’s Yacht Sales and dealership in Maine had acquired Hunt Yachts from the Hinckley Company. DiMillo’s has also secured an exclusive license with Ray Hunt Designs, the iconic firm that developed the Deep-V hull, to use the Hunt name in production boat building. This will keep the famous Hunt Yachts brand alive and well. The Hunt’s Ocean Series has models from 56 to 76 feet in both flybridge and Express cruiser models. These blue water-capable…

The Art and Science of Outboard Maintenance

By George Day on June 4, 2026 Cruising Life, Engine Room, Gear

Increasingly over the past few years, boat builders and the boat owners they serve have shown a burgeoning interest and preference for outboards over diesel inboards. The reasons are several. Outboards are quieter, can be as fuel efficient as an inboard and free up space inside the hull for storage. Modern outboards are sophisticated machines that have evolved significantly in the last two decades to the point that they are impressively reliable and, if well maintained, destined for a long life. The catch Is in that last point. Regular care and routine maintenance are the keys to an outboard’s long…

Aspen Power Cats Launches New 38-Foot C110

By George Day on May 28, 2026 Boat Reviews, Cruising Life

When it comes to interesting and innovative boat design and performance, Larry Graff, founder and CEO of Aspen Power Catamarans may well be in a league of his own. He builds proa-style cruising cats in which one hull is narrower than the other, like Polynesian sailing proas. This unusual feature reduces drag and weight which in turn minimizes the power needed from the outboard motors for maximum efficiency and speed. He builds five models from 32 to 44 feet in Bellingham, Washington, of which the 38-foot C110 is the newest addition. The boat has a three-cabin, one-head (with shower) configuration…

Onassis’s Classic Yacht Christina O Headed for Restoration

By George Day on May 28, 2026 Cruising Life

At 325 feet, the Christina O, once owned by shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis, was in her hayday one of the world’s largest and swankiest yachts. Onassis was a gadabout socialite, political networker and a collector of the rich and famous. His lifestyle defined the European post-war rebirth of luxury and style and the parties and guest lists aboard the Christina O were legendary. And, when John F. Kennedy’s widow Jacquline Kennedy married Onassis, his status and that of his yacht soared. As a shipping tycoon, Onassis had a knack for buying, building and refurbishing ships. But it was still eyebrow…

New Aluminum Voyager 56 Fly Adventure Cruiser

By George Day on May 21, 2026 Boat Reviews, Cruising Life

The Dutch builder Van den Hoven Jachtbouw’s Voyager series has proven to be highly prized by experienced and adventurous cruisers. With four models from 50 to 71 feet and an 80 footer in development, the builder specializes in family-sized cruisers that have a true mega-yacht feel. The new 56 Fly is built on the platform of the 56 coupe. By adding a flybridge, they have nearly doubled the design’s open air social spaces. Yet, they have done so with a low profile bridge that sits very discretely atop the salon. The 56, like her sister Voyagers, is an artful combination…

Stolen Motorboat Used in Assault on Cuba, Four Killed

By George Day on May 21, 2026 Cruising Life

Here’s a follow up to a story we ran a few weeks ago about an assault on Cuba by 10 Cuban-Americans based in Florida that ended in a shootout with Cuban border patrol officers and the death of four of the men. It turns out, the 24-foot fishing boat the men used to cross the Florida Strait was stolen. Angel Montera, who owns the 24-foot boat, got a call from an international news organization to ask him if he knew anything about the raid on Cuba and shootout. He did not but when he checked his marina slip, he discovered…

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