Cabin looking aft

Photos of the aft part of the salon. These picture show the converted milk crates that we use to store things. The stacked crates on the left we usually use for food items like onions, potatoes, bread, and other stuff that needs air circulation but does not need to stay cool. The crates on the counter area store books and other materials that need breathing room and need to stay away from any water that might spill onto the counter from the open hatch. the crates keep stuff organized, make it easy to move around, and keep stuff from flying around the cabin when the seas get rough.


The hatch under the companionway leads to a large storage area where I keep all my tools and other boat parts.

the cockpit

The cockpit of Magstar with the new outboard, solar panels, and autopilot. Engine is a new 4 stroke outboard which is so much quieter and fuel efficient than the old 2 stroke. The solar panels are on removable mounts and can be rotated to track the sun. They keep the batteries well charge with all the sun in Baja. The autopilot has been a godsend. It means one person can sail the boat in most conditions.

Dual forstay

These are pictures of the dual forstay or headstay on our Bristol 27. Each headstay is attached to a side of the anchor roller. It has worked really well for us as you can quickly change jibs in variable wind conditions even if you don't have the money for a roller furler. You do loose some pointing ability with this set up but since this is a cruising boat we don't worry about that too much and being able to carry the jib in more conditions makes up for the loss of performance.

There are bungee cords on the pulpit so the jibs can be secured when it is down. This set up works best when you have double jib halyards.

Here you can see one jib on the starboard and the other jib rolled on deck on the left.

This photo shows the two jibs on deck with the anchor running through the roller in the middle.

Getting the bow roller modified by a welder in La Paz so we could use it for attaching the dual headstays.

Crazy NZ wind storm

I can't even imagine getting hit with something like this on a boat. Scary as hell.

La Paz

Sailing around in La Paz.


I don't remember exactly when this was but I think it was about 2005.

Magstar Interior photos from 2009

Photos of the interior of the boat. I love looking at these photos and dreaming of being aboard. I love how comfortable she is. I know where everything is, I built most of it and installed the rest. When I bought her 11 years ago the boat was empty and I have slowly built her into the boat I have always wanted. Now she is my retreat. I know that I can always go back to her and she is ready for new adventures.

Sailing with my dad

Down in San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico sailing with my dad. Having a great time and wonderful weather.

I am going Sailing!!

I am excited for Baja. Next week I am going to visit my Bristol 27 in San Carlos, Mexico. Haven't been there in over a year and have been missing the cruising life. I will only be down there for a few days but it will still be glorious.

A few pictures from the last trip to warm things up.

A close reach across the Sea of Cortez to Guaymas and San Carlos.

Steve checking out the entrance to Ensanada Grande.

At anchor in Ensanada Grande.

Baja Sailing 2007

I am giving the blogger video a try with this post from a sailing trip in November 2007. I am headed down to the boat the end of October for a little visit and some sailing with my Dad.

S/V Magstar

It is freezing in NYC and I am dreaming of sailing on Magstar. She is such a simple boat and such a pleasure to sail. I love that we are going on year 10 of sailing her together and she is still a ton of fun. I think one day we will want to trade up to something bigger and nicer especially if we are going to make longer passages. A bit more water, and a better galley will be necessities on long trips, but we both strugle with the fact that this little 27 footer is so comfortable, seaworthy, affordable, and easy to sail that any boat will have a lot to live up to.


Honeymoon Cove on Isla Danzante.