Boating Lifestyle

19/07/2017

22/08/2016

The natural reaction when you run aground is to freeze—turning is not necessarily instinctive, but it can make a huge difference.

“I’ve run aground” are words that justifiably send a shiver down every sailor’s spine. However, the damage you may do to your boat when running aground is all relative—the most important risk factors are the type of the bottom you’ve hit, your speed when running aground and the sea conditions. Avoid...

19/08/2016

Check your weather and sea conditions for at least 24 hours from the time of your departure. Know your limits and those of your vessel!

18/08/2016

Whether you’re going to encounter gale winds or the dulldrums, high seas or heavy winds, having an accurate weather forecast is key for comfortable cruising.

In planning for the upcoming 2016 Pacific Cup—a race that takes sailors from San Francisco to Oahu, Hawaii—I was interested in tools for predicting the optimal route. Depending on the location of the Pacific high-pressure system and El Niño, sailing the rhumb line may not be the fastest course. The…

17/08/2016

For a quick evaluation of a nightime crossing situation, note the position of the vessel being observed in relation to a star.

16/08/2016

If your destination is directly to windward, then you’ll have to tack towards it. Here's how.

With the wind dead ahead, we can start on either port or starboard tack.

15/08/2016

Following a departure plan helps to cover bases that may be missed. Departure checklists often include: making sure all of the safety equipment is on board and in working order, the engine is maintained and working properly, you have enough fuel, and have the proper documentation (papers, permits, charts).

12/08/2016

The number one piece of safety equipment on a boat is a lifejacket.

11/08/2016

It’s important to be prepared for all conditions. Reefing your sails is an excellent way to enjoy big breeze, while still being safe and comfortable.

Know your boat and your sails' limits and err on the side of reefing early. It's always easier to shake a reef than put one in in a blow.

10/08/2016

Before you leave the dock, have a boater's checklist and run through it prior to embarking. Have a life jacket (personal flotation device, PFD) for each person on board.

09/08/2016

Keep a boating journal. It will come in handy later.

08/08/2016

In general, sails should be relatively flat when the wind is either very light or very strong, and full when there is a moderate wind.

05/08/2016

GPS is not infallible. It makes sense to know the basics of shaping a rough ‘course to steer’ on a paper chart.

04/08/2016

Another clever way to keep the plastic out of our oceans.

04/08/2016

Not all sea breezes are created equal. To know which way to go, you need to know their origin.

03/08/2016

Know the time and heights of high and low tides before you head out. It is often key to know when "to go or not to go" in and out of an ocean inlet or a tributary. It may also assist you to avoid groundings during low tide in unmarked areas.

02/08/2016

Go slow when docking and you'll look like a pro.

01/08/2016

Modern sailmaking technology has allowed sailmakers to decrease weight aloft through the application of lighter and stronger materials.

31/07/2016

A great skipper always uses his excellent judgment so as not to be forced to show off his amazing skill.

28/07/2016

Practice makes perfect. Don’t try to teach yourself all the sailing basics. Invest in a good sailing course, research guides and books, and learn from friends with experience.

27/07/2016

Before you venture out on your first trip, be sure to acquaint yourself with basic sailing terms. Make sure you know the difference between port, starboard, and other important concepts.

26/07/2016

The best sailors are the ones who are able to adjust sail settings to take the best advantage of different wind and water conditions.

25/07/2016

Beginning on a boat that’s rigged with just one sail will make learning sailing basics easier and less complicated.

23/07/2016

Now that's funny. Funny things happen at sea.

A funny video has emerged from Norway of a seagull landing on a fisherman's head and refusing to get off. The video, filmed off the coast of Arviksand in Jun...

23/07/2016

Choose a small boat to learn how to sail. It’s easier to learn using one with fewer lines and sails. A small dinghy will be more responsive and easier to maneuver, and is also perfect for practicing test capsizes.

21/07/2016

When the video was slowed, people were stunned by the beauty.

21/07/2016

Monitor your boat through a few tide cycles after first launching to make sure you’ve ­correctly adjusted the dock lines.

20/07/2016

When first teaching your children Sea Sense, tie a long line to the shore from a small dinghy so they don't go too far. Let them row a little boat.
They will learn faster than you could ever imagine and have heaps of fun in the process.

20/07/2016

Don't overload your boat, if you want to go fast and keep the load off the rig.