Happy Halloween, here is an episode that is a bit different, but I thought it might be fun.  I have been flying drones for a couple of years, and have my FAA Part 107 commercial license for over a year. It has been a nice tool on a lot of jobs, and used a few times on Kincora.  All the jobs have been great, but we found a spookie spot where a black hole takes over.  Well a least that is a good explanation.  Check out the video and see me lose it, twice. Have Fun Paul

September I emailed a friend Henry Filter, who I sailed with a lot in the past.  We sailed Melges 24‘s and J22‘s together for years, winning often and playing the top of the game at worlds level.   It had been about ten years (too long) since we sailed together. I had interest to see what the J70 was all about.   So Henry suggested I sail the EYC J/70 Fall Brawl with him, “Count me in”.  This was a great opportunity to sail together again and check out the boat. The boats are Melges 24‘s on training wheels, which was a…

I have been following the Figaro Circuit for 20 years, and have always been impressed by the very high quality of the racing, and the boats.  No wonder the French have dominated the worlds shorthanded sailing, having Figaro as a building block, or career. So when the Figaro Circuit decided to go with a new boat it was big news in the shorthanded sailing circles.  And has even slightly touched the mass market with Beneteau selling the boats to the retail market, which did not happen with the Figaro 2 very often. The Figaro 2 has been an exceptional boat,…

Welcome to Boat Show season.  I will be at the Annapolis Sailboat show 4-5 October meeting clients, talking with new ones, and of course checking out all the cool new boats and gear.  If you see me say hi and lets chat shorthanded sailing. I changed the landing page on my site.  The home page will now have a Vimeo link from my show and corporate clients.  So go to the site and see what is hot this week, just a click away.  Let me know what you think? NOTE: I do not like auto play videos on sites and…

Welcome back, to the next episode of In and Out of the Boat Shop. I only recommend gear that stands out and does everything the company says, and more.  The ZKG’s do this in spades.  Having purchased and worn dedicated deck shoes for over 50 years, nothing comes close to these. The Zhik, ZKG deck shoes are amazing. Check out the episode to see the features and watch them in action. Oh by the way I paid full retail for all four pair I have purchased, so no paid promotion. Nice to be back with Episode 41, and loads of…

There are defining moments in life and this past week was one of those special moments. I had the honor to coach, and see my two favorite sailors win the Snipe Women’s World Championship. Carol Cronin and Kim Couranz who have been together as a team in the Snipe for eight years. Prior to that I also had the honor of coaching them in the Yngling. Carol and Kim personify to me what it means to not only be World Champions, but also great teammates and knowing how to have fun every day. There are so many aspects of what…

This was my first Offshore 160 out of Newport Yacht Club.  The race is a qualifier for the Bermuda 1-2 and the longest single-handed race in New England.  Twenty Two boats signed up and were divided into three classes.  Kincora was the slow rated boat in class one, with the Class 40 First Light (Sam Fitzgerald) being scratch boat at -6, Kincora is 108 so a huge spread.  The race had a lot of talent with multiple Bermuda 1-2 veterans and past winners. First time sailors in our class were Kristianna, Olson 30 (John Manderson), my trekking buddy, Spadefoot, Randall…

The weekend weather was perfect.  The crowds were big, smiles big, and everyone was enjoying the wonderful art festival. I had a fantastic spot (#144) right next to my friend and neighbor, Jillian Barber.  If you have not visited Jillian’s site you must take a look.  And when ever possible go in person to see he work. On August 11 we will both be part of the Open Studio Tours in Jamestown, which is run by the Jamestown Alliance for Artist Sustainability.  So mark the date from 10am-4pm and come visit both Paul Cronin Studios and Jillian Barber Studios at…