Hello Mark and Lee. Thanks for your reply.
Good stuff in the Practical Sailor article. Being slip resistant is important but I'm not sure I want to put sand, salt, or walnut powder in the varnish.
I think I'm leaning toward the Varathane option. We once had a kitchen table that we refinished with Varathane - not the same as the sole in a sailboat - but after three boys, homework, projects, a lot hot meals and spilt milk, the table top looks almost as good 25 years later without any touch up coats. A very durable product..
I'm still a little ways away from getting started so I hope others will share their experience but I appreciate your thoughts and advice.
Don and Nancy