The folks at Seaworthy Publications present a set of CD-ROM's which teach you the essentials of knot tying. Pictured here is the first in the series, Knot Tying: The Basic Knots. The CD ROM features step by step instructions in the form of short narrated videos which you can stop, pause, and rewind as many times as you need. This CD ROM is great for practicing knots stress free, and includes such knots as the bowline, square knot, sheet bend, half, double half hitch, figure eight knot, and many others.

     The software is easy to use and runs automatically on your computer without installation, in fact no files are installed on your computer. The knots are demonstrated by a professional seaman, who in addition to demonstrating the knots, includes a bit of knot history and lore. Rope included! Soon to be released are two more titles on advanced knots and ornamental knot tying.

     I am a bag lady. I love bags in all shapes and sizes. But on a boat, you can't have eight thousand bags. One must be selective, so I have settled on a collection of canvas totes that I use for everything, from carrying diapers & baby things, toiletries for a trip to the showers, to groceries and hardware from the store. Then I came across Sea Fever Gear. Sea Fever makes all sorts of items, from ties to totes, from recycled sails. We believe in recycling things.

     I liked this snazzy tote bag made out of a carbon fiber Kevlar sail. For one thing, it weighs nothing, whereas canvas weighs a ton. Secondly, the sail fabric is waterproof, mildew and mold resistant and very durable. It has a zipper and 6 interior pockets all around the inside. Best of all, it has a very nautical look and an economical price tag, $27 for a medium sized bag. I use this bag every day, and (unlike canvas) it doesn't show dirt and is very easy to clean. You can find the Sea Fever products at boat shows and also online at www.seafever.com