Seamanship
The term "yachtsman" used to be hard-won and coveted. Yachtsmen (and women) sailed around the world on small boats with basic tools. They safely piloted their craft through all types of weather and found their way in and out of exotic (and local) harbors. Yachtsmen practiced good seamanship. Look here for information on navigation, communication, docking, anchoring, heavy weather sailing and more.
Latitude and Longitude
Latitude and Longitude are used to determine an exact position on earth. This article by About.com's Jim Shepard give a basic tutorial on understanding and using these lines of position.
Latitude and Longitude are used to determine an exact position on earth. This article by About.com's Jim Shepard give a basic tutorial on understanding and using these lines of position.
Emergency Radio Communication
No sailboat should leave the slip without a working VHF marine radio. In case of emergency, there are specific radio protocols to get essential information out quickly and accurately. This article by About.com's powerboat expert offers an excellent overview.
No sailboat should leave the slip without a working VHF marine radio. In case of emergency, there are specific radio protocols to get essential information out quickly and accurately. This article by About.com's powerboat expert offers an excellent overview.
Anchoring to Stay Put
Sailing is great, but sometimes you want to stop. That's why anchors were invented. The amount of care you spend making sure the anchor is set properly will depend on the reason for the stop. If you plan to sleep, or to leave the boat, take the time to make sure your hook is well set. Here is a step-by-step to help ensure your boat stays put.
Sailing is great, but sometimes you want to stop. That's why anchors were invented. The amount of care you spend making sure the anchor is set properly will depend on the reason for the stop. If you plan to sleep, or to leave the boat, take the time to make sure your hook is well set. Here is a step-by-step to help ensure your boat stays put.
Glossary of Sailing Terms
Glossary of sailing terms and phrases
Glossary of sailing terms and phrases
Review of Reed's Almanac
Reed's Nautical Almanac is a must-have aboard any boat venturing out of the harbor. Essential navigation information including GPS coordinates of thousands of aids-to-navigation will get you home or into a safe harbor. Tide and current tables are included, as well as brief information of facilities ashore. This small book is jammed with useful information.
Reed's Nautical Almanac is a must-have aboard any boat venturing out of the harbor. Essential navigation information including GPS coordinates of thousands of aids-to-navigation will get you home or into a safe harbor. Tide and current tables are included, as well as brief information of facilities ashore. This small book is jammed with useful information.