Bob Lipkin (AKA Bob Bitchin) formerly publisher of Latitudes and Attitudes magazine sent this note to Blue Water Sailing magazine (popped up on my Facebook Wall post):

"As many of you know, we sold Latitudes & Attitudes last January, and as part of the sales agreement, we were to work as consultants. Recently, we discovered things were not as they should be. Last week we found out that the July issue did not print, although advertisers had been billed. This morning, the offices were locked with the following sign on the door: "Offices Closed Until Further Notice."

Jody & I put our lives into the magazine, TV show, events and lifestyle for over 15 years. It is with very heavy hearts that we have to make this announcement."

The magazine website (seafaring.com) is down with the message"

"Due to recent changes, this site is being re-designed.  If you would like to be kept informed and updated on when it will be operational again, please enter your email below."

UPDATE:

The previous publishers of Lats and Ats now publish the Cruising Outpost had have written about the sale and subsequent problems at http://cruisingoutpost.com/2012/10/inglorious-latitudes-attitudes/

The new owners finally came back with their side of the story with a website they call
The Inglorious Demise of Latitudes & Attitudes and Seafaring.com

Summary of Events

The Port of Bellingham released a 128-page report detailing the investigation of the fire which caused the death of Jim Langei and his wife Sterling Taylor aboard their 42-foot trawler Breakwind early March 30.  They were trapped inside their boat by the flames. Eleven other boats at G Dock East were also destroyed in the fire.  The couple apparently could not use their escape hatch because it was covered by rug and pinned by the barbecue.  The dock where the boats burned had a history of electrical issues.  Here is the article from the Bellingham Herald in hopes that boaters will learn lessons from this incident:

Electrical issues are focus of Squalicum Harbor fire investigation

Two key points of utmost importance to boaters:

1)  Always keep escape/deck hatches clear of all equipment.
2)  Be wary of AC electrical circuits on the dock, connections to the vessel, and possible overloading of circuits.