Sailing: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Best Sailing Gifts
Give the sailors you know something special and appropriate for sailing—a gift not for the boat but for that special person aboard.
Give the sailors you know something special and appropriate for sailing—a gift not for the boat but for that special person aboard.
Types of Sailboats and Rigs
Over history, dozens of sailboat rigs have been developed and used for different types of boats in different circumstances. The “rig” refers to the combination of mast(s) and sail(s), which may vary considerably among boats of different sizes. Here is an introduction to the most common types of sailboat rigs found on the water today.
Over history, dozens of sailboat rigs have been developed and used for different types of boats in different circumstances. The “rig” refers to the combination of mast(s) and sail(s), which may vary considerably among boats of different sizes. Here is an introduction to the most common types of sailboat rigs found on the water today.
America's Cup 2010
The 33rd America's Cup Race will be held in February 2010 in Valencia, Spain. Read all about it!
The 33rd America's Cup Race will be held in February 2010 in Valencia, Spain. Read all about it!
Points of Sail and Sail Trim
“Point of sail” refers to the angle of the sailboat to the direction from which the wind is blowing. Different terms are used for the different points of sail, such as close hauled (sailing close to the wind), beam reach (with the wind sideways over the beam), and running (downwind). The sails are trimmed differently on each point of sail.
“Point of sail” refers to the angle of the sailboat to the direction from which the wind is blowing. Different terms are used for the different points of sail, such as close hauled (sailing close to the wind), beam reach (with the wind sideways over the beam), and running (downwind). The sails are trimmed differently on each point of sail.
How to Tie a Bowline
The bowline is among the most commonly used knots on a sailboat. With it, you can tie a line (rope) in a loop around anything else to anchor the line. The bowline knot is not only strong and secure but is easy to break loose later, even when pulled tight under a load.
The bowline is among the most commonly used knots on a sailboat. With it, you can tie a line (rope) in a loop around anything else to anchor the line. The bowline knot is not only strong and secure but is easy to break loose later, even when pulled tight under a load.
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.
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.
MacGregor 26M Review
The MacGregor 26M sailboat is a popular pocket cruiser for day sailing and short cruises. It trailers well and with a large outboard engine also moves like a fast powerboat. But this inexpensive sailboat may not be for everyone.
The MacGregor 26M sailboat is a popular pocket cruiser for day sailing and short cruises. It trailers well and with a large outboard engine also moves like a fast powerboat. But this inexpensive sailboat may not be for everyone.
How to Tie a Cleat Hitch
A cleat hitch is used to tie dock lines to a cleat, to tie an anchor rode to the boat's bow cleat, and to secure other lines on a boat to cleats.
A cleat hitch is used to tie dock lines to a cleat, to tie an anchor rode to the boat's bow cleat, and to secure other lines on a boat to cleats.
Sailboat Keel Shapes
The keel of a sailboat is necessary to keep the boat from being blown sideways and usually also to provide ballast weight low in the water to reduce heeling. Different keel shapes have varying advantages and disadvantages for different kinds of sailboats.
The keel of a sailboat is necessary to keep the boat from being blown sideways and usually also to provide ballast weight low in the water to reduce heeling. Different keel shapes have varying advantages and disadvantages for different kinds of sailboats.
Basic Chartplotter Functions
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sailboat Rudder Types
A sailboat is steered by means of the rudder, a flat vertical surface beneath the water near the stern. As the rudder is pivoted to one side by means of the tiller or steering wheel, the force of the water striking one edge of the rudder pushes the stern of the boat in the opposite direction, thereby turning the boat as it continues forward. Different types of rudders have different advantages and disadvantages.
A sailboat is steered by means of the rudder, a flat vertical surface beneath the water near the stern. As the rudder is pivoted to one side by means of the tiller or steering wheel, the force of the water striking one edge of the rudder pushes the stern of the boat in the opposite direction, thereby turning the boat as it continues forward. Different types of rudders have different advantages and disadvantages.
How to Whip a Line End
The end of a line (rope) on a sailboat should be whipped to prevent unraveling and fraying at the end. Whipping is the best and most long-lasting method for preventing problems.
The end of a line (rope) on a sailboat should be whipped to prevent unraveling and fraying at the end. Whipping is the best and most long-lasting method for preventing problems.
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.
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.
Trim the Jib Using Telltales
The easiest and most efficient way to trim the jib is to pay attention to telltales at the sail’s leading edge. The telltales show you when to pull in the sail or let it out for the greatest power.
The easiest and most efficient way to trim the jib is to pay attention to telltales at the sail’s leading edge. The telltales show you when to pull in the sail or let it out for the greatest power.
How to Tie a Clove Hitch
A clove hitch is frequently used on boats for securing a line around a rail, post, or other cylindrical structure. It is a secure temporary knot used, for example, to hang fenders on the boat’s rails or lifelines. Because it can work loose if there is not continual tension on the line, however, it should be used only in certain situations.
A clove hitch is frequently used on boats for securing a line around a rail, post, or other cylindrical structure. It is a secure temporary knot used, for example, to hang fenders on the boat’s rails or lifelines. Because it can work loose if there is not continual tension on the line, however, it should be used only in certain situations.
Seasickness Prevention
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.
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.
Sailboat Propellers
Traditionally most sailboats with inborn engines had fixed propellers with 2 or 3 blades. While this configuration generally works well when the boat is under power, the prop causes drag when sailing and can reduce boat speed up to 15% in some conditions. Newer models of folding or feathered props greatly reduce drag and may have other advantages as well, but each type still has certain disadvantages.
Traditionally most sailboats with inborn engines had fixed propellers with 2 or 3 blades. While this configuration generally works well when the boat is under power, the prop causes drag when sailing and can reduce boat speed up to 15% in some conditions. Newer models of folding or feathered props greatly reduce drag and may have other advantages as well, but each type still has certain disadvantages.
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.
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 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.
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.
Roller Furling Jibs
Most midsize and large sailboats used for cruising have roller furling jibs rather than hanked-on jibs. A roller furler makes it easy to bring the jib in and out and to reef the jib when the wind increases. Learn how to use a furling jib.
Most midsize and large sailboats used for cruising have roller furling jibs rather than hanked-on jibs. A roller furler makes it easy to bring the jib in and out and to reef the jib when the wind increases. Learn how to use a furling jib.
How to Dock a Sailboat
Going slow and sure is key when bringing your boat to the dock and tying up.
Going slow and sure is key when bringing your boat to the dock and tying up.
How to Tie a Stop Knot
A stop knot is tied in the end of running rigging on a sailboat to prevent the knot from pulling through a block, cleat, or other gear. A stop knot should hold firm but also be easy to untie when needed. The figure-eight stop knot generally works best.
A stop knot is tied in the end of running rigging on a sailboat to prevent the knot from pulling through a block, cleat, or other gear. A stop knot should hold firm but also be easy to untie when needed. The figure-eight stop knot generally works best.
How to Moor a Sailboat
Sailboats are kept in the water on moorings in many areas. Mooring a sailboat can be easy or difficult, depending on the wind, waves, and water currents. Learn how to moor a sailboat efficiently and safely.
Sailboats are kept in the water on moorings in many areas. Mooring a sailboat can be easy or difficult, depending on the wind, waves, and water currents. Learn how to moor a sailboat efficiently and safely.
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.
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.
Keen Newport Boating Sandals
When it’s warm you’ll want to wear boating sandals rather than shoes. The best are the Keen Newport boating sandals, which grip the deck well, are waterproof, and protect your toes.
When it’s warm you’ll want to wear boating sandals rather than shoes. The best are the Keen Newport boating sandals, which grip the deck well, are waterproof, and protect your toes.
Profile of Sail Larry Ellison
Larry Ellison, CEO of the Oracle Corporation, is funding and organizing the BMW Oracle Team’s bid to win the America’s Cup sail race in 2010, and sails aboard as Afterguard. His 90-foot trimaran pitted against Alinghi’s catamaran will make for an exciting race!
Larry Ellison, CEO of the Oracle Corporation, is funding and organizing the BMW Oracle Team’s bid to win the America’s Cup sail race in 2010, and sails aboard as Afterguard. His 90-foot trimaran pitted against Alinghi’s catamaran will make for an exciting race!
Using a Soft Shackle
Use a soft shackle to attach jib sheets to the jib sail's clew for a lighter, softer, safer knot.
Use a soft shackle to attach jib sheets to the jib sail's clew for a lighter, softer, safer knot.
Leave the Dock Under Power
To leave the dock to go sailing, most boats start out with the engine running. Here's how to untie docklines and leave the dock.
To leave the dock to go sailing, most boats start out with the engine running. Here's how to untie docklines and leave the dock.
Weather Data from NOAA Buoys
You should know current weather conditions before and while sailing. U.S. coastal sailors can check the NOAA National Data Buoy Center web site for current information from automated buoy reports, including wind speed and direction, air pressure and changes, wave height, and more. Once underway, without an Internet connection, you can obtain this information with a cell phone.
You should know current weather conditions before and while sailing. U.S. coastal sailors can check the NOAA National Data Buoy Center web site for current information from automated buoy reports, including wind speed and direction, air pressure and changes, wave height, and more. Once underway, without an Internet connection, you can obtain this information with a cell phone.
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.
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.
LifeSling Overboard Rescue
If someone falls off your boat, you need a way to rescue and retrieve that person. You could throw a life ring with a rope attached, but that method has drawbacks. The LifeSling is currently the best device and system for rescuing a person overboard and getting him or her back on the boat.
If someone falls off your boat, you need a way to rescue and retrieve that person. You could throw a life ring with a rope attached, but that method has drawbacks. The LifeSling is currently the best device and system for rescuing a person overboard and getting him or her back on the boat.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Scope
Definition of scope.
Definition of scope.
Types of Sailboat Foghorns
All sailboats should carry a horn for making signals to warn other boats of their presence when sailing in fog with reduced visibility. Three basic choices for a foghorn include compressed-air horns, manual horns, and VHF radios with foghorn signals through a hailer.
All sailboats should carry a horn for making signals to warn other boats of their presence when sailing in fog with reduced visibility. Three basic choices for a foghorn include compressed-air horns, manual horns, and VHF radios with foghorn signals through a hailer.
New Rocna Anchor vs the CQR
The new Rocna anchor from Australia has challenged the class CPR and plow anchors. The Rocna is better for new boats and may be worth the cost for an older boat too.
The new Rocna anchor from Australia has challenged the class CPR and plow anchors. The Rocna is better for new boats and may be worth the cost for an older boat too.
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.
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.
Seamanship Book
Two comprehensive texts on seamanship vie for the attention of sailors. Which you choose, and which you may eventually need, depends on how much you know now about sailing and how much you may need to know in the future.
Two comprehensive texts on seamanship vie for the attention of sailors. Which you choose, and which you may eventually need, depends on how much you know now about sailing and how much you may need to know in the future.
Sailing Charters Caribbean
It can be difficult to choose a sailing charter company from the many charter bases and boats in the Caribbean and Bahamas. Read this article for how to find the best boating charters and browse through the varying services provided by many Caribbean bareboat charter companies.
It can be difficult to choose a sailing charter company from the many charter bases and boats in the Caribbean and Bahamas. Read this article for how to find the best boating charters and browse through the varying services provided by many Caribbean bareboat charter companies.
Sailing Destinations: Bermuda
Bermuda is a popular sailing destination or layover point for sailors transiting to or from the US East Coast, Canada, or the Caribbean, and is the finish line for several classic sail races. It has much to offer both the cruising and racing sailor.
Bermuda is a popular sailing destination or layover point for sailors transiting to or from the US East Coast, Canada, or the Caribbean, and is the finish line for several classic sail races. It has much to offer both the cruising and racing sailor.
Good Old Boat Magazine
The slogan for Good Old Boat magazine is “The Sailing Magazine for the Rest of Us!”—which means essentially everyone who owns or sails or is interested in sailboats except for someone shopping for an expensive, brand-new boat. This magazine is chockfull of articles covering almost everything you need to keep your sailboat running or make upgrades you can do yourself.
The slogan for Good Old Boat magazine is “The Sailing Magazine for the Rest of Us!”—which means essentially everyone who owns or sails or is interested in sailboats except for someone shopping for an expensive, brand-new boat. This magazine is chockfull of articles covering almost everything you need to keep your sailboat running or make upgrades you can do yourself.
Blue Water Sailing Magazine
Blue Water Sailing is a magazine primarily intended for sailors with advanced skills and ambitions for long-distance cruising. Its cruising stories and equipment reviews provide in-depth information for those preparing their own boats for voyages.
Blue Water Sailing is a magazine primarily intended for sailors with advanced skills and ambitions for long-distance cruising. Its cruising stories and equipment reviews provide in-depth information for those preparing their own boats for voyages.
Water-Ballast System
Water-ballast system used in some trailerable sailboats
Water-ballast system used in some trailerable sailboats
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.
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.
How to Use Jacklines
When circumstances increase the risk of falling off your boat, wear a safety harness and clip in with a tether. Use jacklines on both sides of the deck so that you can stay tethered if you have to move about on the deck.
When circumstances increase the risk of falling off your boat, wear a safety harness and clip in with a tether. Use jacklines on both sides of the deck so that you can stay tethered if you have to move about on the deck.
Safety Harness Tether
Because the great majority of deaths during sailing or boating occur because the person has fallen or been knocked off the boat, the most important safety principle is to ensure you stay on the boat no matter what happens. It’s not enough just to be careful and hold on. When conditions warrant, sailors should use a safety harness and tether secured to a fitting on deck. Different kinds of safety tethers are available for those with varying preferences.
Because the great majority of deaths during sailing or boating occur because the person has fallen or been knocked off the boat, the most important safety principle is to ensure you stay on the boat no matter what happens. It’s not enough just to be careful and hold on. When conditions warrant, sailors should use a safety harness and tether secured to a fitting on deck. Different kinds of safety tethers are available for those with varying preferences.
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.
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.
Shank
Definition of shank.
Definition of shank.
Swing Keel
A swing keel is a type of keel found usually on trailerable sailboats.
A swing keel is a type of keel found usually on trailerable sailboats.
Preparing Sailboat 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.
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.
Luff
The luff is the leading edge of a sail.
The luff is the leading edge of a sail.
Fluke
Definition of fluke.
Definition of fluke.
furl
Definition of furl.
Definition of furl.
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.
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.
Sailing - Articles
An index of articles for the Sailing guide site.
An index of articles for the Sailing guide site.
Holding Ground
Definition of holding ground.
Definition of holding ground.
Forestay
Definition of forestay.
Definition of forestay.
Chartplotter
Definition of a chartplotter.
Definition of a chartplotter.
Shackle
A shackle attaches a line to a sail.
A shackle attaches a line to a sail.
Lee
Definition of lee, leeward.
Definition of lee, leeward.
Mainsheet
The mainsheet controls how far the mainsail is in or out.
The mainsheet controls how far the mainsail is in or out.
Mooring
A mooring is a permanent anchor for a boat.
A mooring is a permanent anchor for a boat.
Rode
Definition of rode.
Definition of rode.
Sheave
A sheave is the central pulley part of a block.
A sheave is the central pulley part of a block.
Winch
A winch is used to pull in or tighten a line (rope) that is under pressure.
A winch is used to pull in or tighten a line (rope) that is under pressure.
Sailing - FullReviews
An index of FullReviews for the Sailing guide site.
An index of FullReviews for the Sailing guide site.
Jib
The jib sail attaches to the forestay or headstay.
The jib sail attaches to the forestay or headstay.
Jibsheet
Jibsheet definition.
Jibsheet definition.
Tiller
A tiller is used on small sailboats to steer by turning the rudder.
A tiller is used on small sailboats to steer by turning the rudder.
Good Sailing Instructor
Being an effective sailing instructor involves the right personality traits and teaching skills.
Being an effective sailing instructor involves the right personality traits and teaching skills.
Sailing - StepBySteps
An index of StepBySteps for the Sailing guide site.
An index of StepBySteps for the Sailing guide site.
Safety For Crew and Guests
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.
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.
Lazy jacks
Lazy jacks are used to neatly hold the mainsail on top of the boom after being lowered.
Lazy jacks are used to neatly hold the mainsail on top of the boom after being lowered.
Keel
Definition of keel.
Definition of keel.
Draft
Definition of draft.
Definition of draft.
Boltrope
The boltrope is part of a sail.
The boltrope is part of a sail.
Sail slug
Sail slugs attach to the mainsail for raising and lowering the sail in the mast groove.
Sail slugs attach to the mainsail for raising and lowering the sail in the mast groove.