Andrew Parkinson Journalist Profile

Articles

Cruising with Confidence: How Modern Boats Are Measuring Up

Dec 19, 2024 | cruisingworld.com | Andrew Parkinson

Don’t pity me, but in September, I traded my usual rum rations in Florida for some fine rosé wine in the South of France as I attended the Cannes Yachting Festival. Beyond the stout contingent of glimmery sailboats making their world premieres, a common theme was tangible on the docks: Everyday sailors are finding ocean voyaging more attractive than ever, and boatbuilders are responding with capable, comfortable, safety-oriented models to meet that demand.
Gold Standard: Cruising World Turns 50

Nov 5, 2024 | cruisingworld.com | Andrew Parkinson

“Dear Mr. Parkinson: I’ve been a loyal Cruising World reader since the beginning.” Since the day I began at the editor’s desk almost three years ago, I’ve probably received more than two dozen letters from readers that started with these exact words. Naturally, when a letter from a reader leads with the phrase “since the beginning,” I tend to sit up a bit straighter in my chair, set down the coffee, and pay close attention.
Finding Real Joy in Boat Ownership

Oct 3, 2024 | cruisingworld.com | Andrew Parkinson

Take a stroll down the docks at any boat show, and you’ll likely hear the classic quip: “The two happiest days in a sailor’s life are the day he buys the boat and the day he sells it.” While that might get a chuckle or two, for some of us, it’s more cringe than comedy. Boat ownership is like parenthood—exhilarating, but with challenges. Sure, the day you buy your boat feels magical, but the real hocus pocus happens when you launch it.
For Bareboat Bliss, Embrace the Unexpected

Aug 1, 2024 | cruisingworld.com | Andrew Parkinson

When I think back on my bareboat chartering experiences, certain comparisons naturally come to mind. Compared with the boats of yesteryear, modern charter boats are marvels of design and engineering, with best-in-class comfort and convenience. These vessels, especially the popular catamarans, have spacious staterooms, fully equipped galleys and luxurious furnishings.
Are Cats Killing the Monohull?

Jun 25, 2024 | cruisingworld.com | Andrew Parkinson

As winds of change continue to sweep through our sailing community, and as more participants enter the world of cruising, a startling question has emerged: Could the traditional monohull actually lose its market dominance to the up-and-coming catamaran? For years, the monohull-versus-cat discussion has ignited passion among sailors worldwide.
The Case for Multihulls

Jun 12, 2024 | cruisingworld.com | Andrew Parkinson

According to Kurt Jerman, head of West Coast Multihulls, the questions come hard and fast at a boat show anytime a lifelong monohuller is considering a move to the multihull side. Is multihull cruising really all that different from the monohull experience? In what ways? What are the key differences between catamarans and trimarans? Could a multihull flip over? Then what?
Invention on the Breeze

May 23, 2024 | cruisingworld.com | Andrew Parkinson

In the 1550s, a three-masted ship-rigged vessel was the pinnacle of sailing technology. In the almost 475 years since, aerodynamic advances have sped things up a bit, allowing sailing vessels to go farther faster and with less dependence on fair winds. Enter California-based startup Outsail, which, at the recent Düsseldorf International Boat Show, debuted an innovative approach to harnessing the wind: a carbon-fiber airfoil wing.
Competitive Cruising: It’s a Rally, Not a Race

May 21, 2024 | cruisingworld.com | Andrew Parkinson

If you’re ever looking for a good dose of humility, try joining the French crew on a French-built performance catamaran in a sporty breeze on Rhode Island’s Newport Harbor. I was nursing a cold one with my longtime yacht broker pal and sailing buddy, El Jefe (yes, that’s actually what he goes by), at the Black Pearl on Bannister’s Wharf, comparing notes on a sweet Nautitech we had just sailed.
Winning the Party: A Rally Around the Leewards

May 6, 2024 | cruisingworld.com | Andrew Parkinson

Six years ago, Robbie Ferron, a founder of the Sint Maarten Yacht Club and the Heineken Regatta, met with fellow club members about the concept of a regatta exclusive to multihull sailing yachts in the area. The idea sailed through the yacht-club board, and the Caribbean Multihull Challenge was born. The CMC was the first of its kind among competitive racing events, specific to multihull enthusiasts.
Sailboat Preview: Outremer 52

Apr 30, 2024 | cruisingworld.com | Andrew Parkinson

The jury has spoken. At the Düsseldorf International Boat Show in January, amid a competitive field of 21 yachts that were nominated for the 2024 European Yacht of the Year award, the Outremer 52 took home the hardware. This outcome was no surprise to those familiar with the Outremer brand, which has developed quite a fan base among the oceangoing set. Long lines of people often wait to board the latest models on the global boat-show scene.