Tag Archives: Sailing Tips
Get the Most from Light Air
With the high price of diesel at the fuel dock these days, we all have to think twice about how often we run our motors and how far we can go before we have to fill up. Those of us … Continue reading
Quick Tips for Tuning a Sloop Rig
A sailboat’s rig is a dynamic thing, even though it appears to be fixed in place with stays, shrouds, turnbuckles and pins. Wire stretches, decks shift, sails change shape and halyards stretch. To make sure your rig is safely set … Continue reading
Turn Your Engine into a High-Capacity Pump
Thunk! A loud noise jostles you out of a deep sleep. You roll out of your berth and step into ice cold water, ankle-deep and rising. You fumble for a flashlight, and find a gaping hole in the port side. … Continue reading
Prepare for Heavy Weather Before it Arrives
Safety and preparation go hand-in-hand for heavy weather sailing. Crew, topsides and below decks need to be readied if you suspect a blow is on the way. Even if it never develops, you will have the peace-of-mind that you, your … Continue reading
Sailing Safety: Pass this Dangerous Vessel with Care!
If you are like most sailors, most of your sailing takes place inside of the breakwaters. And that means you will deal with all kinds of working vessels like dredges or construction barges. They may be laying pipeline, building an … Continue reading
Five “Sailing Rope” Rules for Longer Life
As another sailing season winds to a close, it will be time to go over each part of your running rigging, docking lines, and anchor rode. Follow these five simple sailing tips to add life to your sailing rope and save … Continue reading
Five Golden Rules to Live By for Sailing Safety
If you are anything like me, one of the toughest decisions to make seems to be the “go; no go” one. That final call every sailing skipper needs to make before casting off. It’s one thing if you’re alone. Singlehanders … Continue reading
What’s the Minimum Your Sailing Partner Should Know?
Some years ago a sailor took his non-sailing girlfriend cruising out in the Pacific Ocean from San Diego for the day. After a pleasant few hours they turned for home. Unexpectedly, in mild weather, he fell overboard. The girlfriend knew … Continue reading
10 Boat Safety Checks Every Skipper Needs to Make
Is your boat as safe as it could be? Captain John from www.skippertips.com will start you out with a 10-point safety checklist – see if you make the grade. 1. Fire Extinguishers: Fire on a boat means big trouble. Check … Continue reading
Avoid Boom Doom: Rigging a Preventer or Boom Brake
Straight from the November issue of Blue Water Sailing … Warning: The only way to start this is with a dramatic, yet frightening reality. “BOOM” isn’t exactly the noise it makes when it hits a crewmember. The sound is more … Continue reading
Protect Your Compass from Enemy #1!
Your sailing compass has few equals when it comes to reliability. Lose all electronics aboard your boat, and your compass could get you and your sailing crew or partner home safe and sound. But there is one simple factor often … Continue reading
Perform These Three Tests Before You Dock a Boat!
If you want to dock a boat like a pro, you need to think defensively. And that begins with three oft-forgotten tests before you approach any pier, seawall, wharf, slip or mooring ball. Put these three actions on your pre-docking checklist … Continue reading
Freezing Temperatures Mean It’s Time to Winterize
Freezing temperatures are right around the corner in many parts of the world. If your area is one of them, it’s time to make sure your boat is winterized. Here are some steps to consider, and remember that if you’re … Continue reading
Docking Secrets: 10 Tips to Storm-Proof Your Sailboat
Would your small cruising or racing sailboat be able to weather a gale, storm, or hurricane in her slip, at a mooring, or at anchor? Will you have peace of mind the next time Mother Nature decides to unleash her … Continue reading
Adding Reef Points
This week’s sailing tip is straight from the September issue of Blue Water Sailing! By Heather Hamilton Any experienced cruising sailor knows the importance of being able to reef your sails in heavy weather to reduce power and heeling. As … Continue reading
Approach This “Sailing Navigation Hazard” with Care!
Captain John from www.skippertips.com gives an overview on what to look for when transiting a channel at night and coming across an unfamiliar set of lights. Imagine that you need to enter an unfamiliar channel just after sunset. You have … Continue reading
Ways to Own Your Boat
Here’s a tip straight from the September issue of Blue Water Sailing! By George Day Owning a boat is immensely satisfying. You’re the master of your own ship and you can fit it out just the way you want it, … Continue reading
Sailing Emergency Tips: Liferaft or Lifeboat? You Decide!
Captain John from www.skippertips.com takes an intriguing look at liferaft use vs. the flotation of your own vessel. Read most survival sailing tips and they talk time and again about how you must equip your boat with the latest liferaft … Continue reading
Free Cruising Guides for Countries Outside the U.S.
First he brought you free cruising guides for the U.S., and now Captain John from www.skippertips.com offers up a way to obtain free international cruising guides and charts. Nothing beats the price of free when it comes to navigation publications. … Continue reading
Sheet Lead
This week’s sailing tip comes straight out of Blue Water Sailing‘s August issue! By Connie McBride One of the easiest sail trimming mistakes to avoid is over-sheeting. Simply remember the phrase, “When in doubt, let it out.” Let the sheet … Continue reading
