[ SMART GADGETS AND STYLISH PRODUCTS THAT REALLY FLOAT OUR BOAT ]
G O O D S + G EAR BY RANDY WOODS
Find You Bearings with New Atlas 2 Compass Whether racing or charting a course through rough seas, a captain must always maintain situational awareness with pinpoint accuracy right down to the centimeter. To secure this edge, locally based Vakaros has improved upon its original Atlas compass with the Atlas 2. The second generation of this much beloved digital instrument, optimized for L1 and L5 signals, can correct for ionosphere error and reduce multi-path interference. With a magnetic sensor four times more sensitive than its predecessor, it’s capable of resolving heading changes as small as 0.1°. The gyro-stabilized unit includes a motion-fusion algorithm to keep the compass steady in rough seas, and wirelessly links with sensors for wind, depth, and speed, plus provides customized displays to give you maximum control from start to finish. $1,099 // vakaros.com 34
Your Next Beach Read: ‘Northwest Know-How’ Prepare yourself for summertime with this entertaining guide to more than 30 celebrated beaches in Washington and Oregon. Written by the state’s poet laureate Rena Priest, Northwest Know-How: Beaches describes the fun facts, quirks, natural history, and local lore of each location, along with up-to-date tips about how to make your next visit a success. The evocative illustrations by Seattle artist Jake Stoumbos help bring the guide’s prose to life and reminds us of the unique beauty of our rugged Pacific Northwest coastline. Whether you’re traveling with kids on summer vacation or taking a romantic stroll on the sand, this guide from Sasquatch Books is the perfect way to follow the call of the surf’s eternal roar. $16.95 // sasquatchbooks.com
Fish in a Blanket Boating season officially begins this month, but every Northwesterner knows that the chill will be with us for many weeks to come. Stay cozy no matter the weather with this charming, lightweight Trout Blanket from the folks at Filson. Made from 100% brushed Portuguese cotton, the limited-edition blanket features a jacquard weave and custom-designed graphics of two trout circling each other, with a reverse color pattern on the other side. The permanent juniper dyes used on this 80” x 64” machine washable throw will never fade, making it perfect for everyday use and to warm you up on deck. $175 // filson.com
