Solo Cruising Tips for Staying Safe and in Control on Your Own
Cruising alone offers a special kind of freedom. Whether you’re a regular single-hander or enjoy the occasional solo outing, there is something peaceful about being completely in charge of your boat, your route and your pace. However, solo boating does come with its own set of challenges, and safety is always a top priority. Make […]
How to Spot and Fix a Damaged Propeller
A damaged propeller might seem like a minor issue at first glance, but it can quickly cause serious problems if left unchecked. Whether you’re cruising inland waterways or enjoying a bit of coastal adventure, your boat’s performance heavily depends on the health of the prop. Spotting signs of damage early can save you money, prevent […]
How to Understand Tidal Streams and Timetables
Tides are one of the most important natural forces any boater needs to get their head around. Yet they’re often misunderstood or ignored entirely. Whether you’re planning a short motor cruise along the coast or preparing for an extended trip, understanding how tides work can make all the difference between a smooth passage and a […]
Why It Pays to Keep a Log Of Every Trip
Sailing is full of little routines. Checking the weather, stowing gear, and running through safety checks. However, one habit that often slips under the radar is keeping a logbook. And no, it’s not just for long offshore voyages or when you’re crossing international waters. Even the quick hop around the bay or the afternoon cruise […]
Mastering Boat Handling Around Marinas
Marina manoeuvres can be nerve-wracking, especially for newer skippers. Tight spaces, expensive boats, shifting winds and the ever-present audience on the quay can all add pressure. However, with a few key techniques and a bit of practice, close-quarters handling becomes far more manageable. Planning Your Approach Before you even touch the helm, take a moment […]
How to Trim a Symmetric Spinnaker for Better Performance
A symmetric spinnaker is a powerful sail designed for downwind sailing, but trimming it correctly is essential for maintaining speed and control. While it may seem challenging at first, understanding the proper techniques can significantly improve performance on the water. Understanding the Wind and Initial Setup Before adjusting the spinnaker, assessing the wind direction and […]
Sailing Boats and How They Move
Sailing is a fascinating way to travel across the water, using wind power rather than engines. Understanding how a sailing boat moves is key to getting the best performance out of it, whether you are a beginner or an experienced sailor. How Sails Work A sailing boat moves by harnessing the wind. The sails act […]
Marine Diesel Engine Checks
There is a difference between going on a journey in your car and setting out on a boat trip. It is wise to take some time before every journey to do some basic checks on your engine or engines. Diesel engines are fairly robust these days, and if they have the basic consumables, they will […]
How to Trim a Headsail
Trimming a headsail is an essential skill for any sailor. It ensures the boat moves efficiently through the water by optimising the sail’s shape and performance. The process involves adjusting the sheet, halyard, and car position to harness the sail’s power while minimising drag. Steps to Trim a Headsail Assess Wind Conditions: It is important […]
How to Trim a Mainsail
Trimming a mainsail is the process of adjusting the mainsheet, traveller, outhaul, and halyard to optimise the sail’s shape and the boat’s performance. The goal is to get the most power out of the sail while minimising drag. Here are the steps on how to trim a mainsail: Additional Mainsail Trimming Tips: Glossary for Mainsail […]