Articles Index
Winterize Your Boat
Winterizing a sailboat involves preparing the engine for winter, removing or protecting gear, and winterizing the head and water systems before covering the boat. You can expect serious problems when the temperature drops below freezing if you fail to correctly winterize all systems.
Choosing a Sailboat Winch Handle
Winches are used on mid-size and larger sailboats for hoisting and trimming sails. Since a variety of sizes and types of winch handles are available for cranking the boat’s winches, it’s important to consider a number of factors and differences among handles before choosing the right ones for your boat.
How to Anchor a Sailboat
Good sailboat anchoring technique is crucial for safety. If the anchor drags because it was not properly set or because insufficient scope was used, the sailboat may go ashore or strike another boat or other hazard. Follow these guidelines to help ensure your boat is safely anchored so you can get a good night’s sleep.
How to Tack a Sailboat
Tacking, or “coming about,” is the act of turning a sailboat across the eye of the wind. From being close hauled into the wind with the sails in tight on one side, you turn into the wind and across to the other side, usually a turn of about 90 degrees. Read how to tack a sailboat smoothly and safely.
How to Gybe a Sailboat
Gybing is the act of turning a sailboat across the wind downwind. The sails move from far out on one side to far out on the other. Gybing can he a difficult, even dangerous maneuver, depending on the boat and conditions. Read how to do a controlled, safe gybe.
How to Raise the Mainsail
Raising the mainsail is one of the first steps in setting sail. Although usually a simple, easy process, beginners may experience snags if they’re not careful. Follow these guidelines to get the main up smoothly and the boat underway.
How to Use a Mainsheet Traveler
Although the mainsheet tackle attaches to a fixed point on some smaller sailboats, most cruising and racing sailboats have a mainsheet traveler that allows for better positioning of the boom for the best sail trim and boat speed. Read this article to learn how to use a traveler.
Sail Slug Lubricants
On many sailboats, the luff of the mainsail fastens to the mast via sail slugs that slide up and down in a groove in the mast. Over time, wear and tear or other factors may make it difficult to hoist or drop the mainsail. A very inexpensive lubricant may be the best solution and work as well as expensive equipment alterations.
Basic Sailing Knots
Because sailing involves many lines (ropes) that you need to tie in various ways for different uses, it is important to know a few basic knots when learning to sail. Here are step-by-step directions for tying a cleat hitch, bowline, clove hitch, and other essential sailing knots.
Preparing Your Sailboat for a Hurricane
If your area is threatened by a hurricane or tropical storm winds, you need to make advance preparations to reduce the risk of damage. Don’t wait until the wind is rising before taking steps. Follow these guidelines to protect your boat and its equipment.
Basic Navigation with a Chartplotter
Navigation with a marine GPS chartplotter or a computer running navigational software makes it easy to know where you are and get where you’re going. Because of many differences among systems, consider the benefits and drawbacks before choosing the right system for your boat.
Safety For Crew and Guests on Your Boat
When you take crew or guests aboard your boat, you are responsible for their safety as well as for yours and the boat’s. Here are 5 tips for a safety briefing to give.
Legal Requirements for Inflatable PFDs
Inflatable PFDs now meet Coast Guard requirements and have key benefits over regular lifejackets, but you must understand how to care for and use the inflation device.
Sailing Safety
Any activity on the water involves inherent risks. Sailing safety includes the use of safety gear and equipment, paying attention to weather, and following basic principles for both you and your guests and crew.
What Makes a Good Sailing Instructor?
Being an effective sailing instructor involves the right personality traits and teaching skills.
Review of The One Pan Galley Gourmet
Cooking healthy and tasty meals while cruising on a small boat involves some challenges. Authors Don Jacobson and John Roberts have developed a wide range of simple, interesting recipes using fresh ingredients but needing only limited galley room and utensils.
Seasickness Prevention and Cure
About 90% of people will experience seasickness or motion sickness at some point in their lives. If you’re new to sailing, or have ever experienced nausea or dizziness on a boat, it’s worthwhile to know how to prevent seasickness. Once seasickness occurs, it’s too late to do much more than cope with it as best you can.