If you've been to a regatta lately-or vacationed by the sea, or ducked into a boat show to use the bathroom-you've probably had the opportunity to purchase a tote bag made out of sailcloth. It's no mystery why these bags are popular: they're functional and durable and their rough-hewn look means their owners will likely get the chance to explain, "It's made out of sailcloth... yes, I'm a sailor."

But in the ever-expanding sailcloth tote-bag market, which brand stands out? I'll tell you which this sailor prefers: the one that mailed me a surprise sample along with a handwritten letter that began, "Hello there friendly editor at the great Sailing World..."

Since its fortuitous arrival a few months back, my Ragged Edge tote bag has seen active duty lugging six-packs and sandwiches to the boat, swallowing up foul-weather gear, and hauling out the crushed-aluminum detritus of a day on the water. The bag's currently in the trunk of my car, looking after my gym shoes. The best part about the Ragged Edge Ice Tote-so named because it perfectly accommodates a 25-pound block of ice-is the clean-up. The bag is made of laminate material that doesn't absorb water, so you can simply hose it out when it gets dirty. This hydrophobic quality also makes the tote stink-resistant and quick-drying. The padded carrying handles are long enough to fit over your shoulder, and two zip pockets keep small items from escaping. While the silver/gray/violet/black tote I've been using doesn't have a top zipper, other Ragged Edge models do. With its heavy-duty material and zig-zag stitching, the bag feels extremely sturdy. In fact, next chance I get, I plan to test it under the burden of that aforementioned ice block and a generous supply of canned goods.

Ragged Edge is a two-person operation; Susan Bailey and her daughter Meredith market and manufacture their evolving line of tote bags, duffels, wallets, and folders out of their workroom in Clearwater, Fla.

Ice Tote: $85, www.raggededgeproducts.com

Sailcloth Tote-Bag Manufacturers: