Soundings

Soundings is the news and feature publication for recreational boaters. Award-winning coverage of the people, issues, events -- and the fun -- of recreational boating. Check out our generous boats-for-sale section and our gunkholing destinations.

Soundings • SEPTEMBER 2026 VOL. LXIV, NO. 1

Coming Home

Built Beyond Tradition • MEET ROCKPORT MARINE’S MOST AMBITIOUS CUSTOM SAILBOAT

Jeff Leishman’s Better Boat • AS NORDHAVN UNVEILS NEW MODELS, THE DESIGNER EXPLAINS WHAT A DIFFERENCE A COUPLE EXTRA FEET CAN MAKE

Chapman Still Shows the Way • THE BIBLE OF BOATING IS BACK IN A NEW EDITION

Art and Adventure • BRECHIN MORGAN DRAWS INSPIRATION FROM A LIFETIME ON THE WATER, FROM WORKING ABOARD RUGGED COMMERCIAL VESSELS TO SAILING SOLO AROUND THE WORLD IN A 27-FOOT BOAT

ABOVE THE ACTION • The Formula 387CCF’s upper station adds a new perspective for anglers, but it’s the boat’s ride and versatile design that steal the show

The Real Deal • Yes, the waterfront experience in Newport has evolved in the age of megayachts, but this little city still has a lot of sailing in its heart

REMADE BY HINCKLEY • When a 2010 Picnic Boat 37 resurfaced in poor condition, the builder restored it from the hull up with modern craftsmanship

FLUKE FANATICS • THE UNASSUMING FLATFISH IS A REMARKABLE HUNTER THAT ANGLERS OBSESS OVER

TASHMOO REBORN • A beloved skiff is back in production, bringing a storied Martha’s Vineyard design and its enduring workboat heritage to a new generation of boaters

Keep Your Water Sweet • WARM WEATHER BREEDS BACTERIA IN FRESHWATER TANKS, WHERE THEY CREATE MISCHIEF WITH FILTERS AND PUMPS. HERE’S HOW TO STOP THEM

The Decks Are Shifting • NATURAL TEAK STILL ENDURES, BUT CORK, BIO-BASED SYNTHETICS AND CHANGING OWNER PRIORITIES ARE RESHAPING WHAT GOES UNDERFOOT

DOWNLOAD TODAY • INSTANT ACCESS TO THE LATEST ISSUES

Women on the Waterfront • FEMALE LIFESAVERS HAD TO FIGHT FOR THEIR PLACE IN THE EFFORT TO REDUCE THE NATION’S DROWNING RATE