What you record in your logbook depends on what you are doing. Just a quick note of the tides and weather forecast may suffice for a short day-sail, but an…
Andy Du Port
Digital passage planning and electronic navigation
Drawing up a passage plan is not only common sense, it is a legal requirement under SOLAS V regulation 34 which says that, whatever the size of your vessel, you…
Sailing the English Channel for the first time
Sailing the English Channel for the first time can be a daunting prospect, especially if your sailing experience so far has been in local waters, mostly remaining within a few…
Sea sailing: making your boat secure
Loose objects can endanger both crew and yacht in rough weather. Checking your boat is secure before sea sailing should be a regular habit, says Andy du Port
VHF Radio pitfalls and how to avoid them
It’s easy to just turn on your VHF radio and hope for the best, but knowing how to get the best out of it can make a big difference, says…
How to make a VHF radio Mayday call & Pan Pan call
When you need help, make sure you and your crew know exactly what to say when making a Mayday or distress call, says Andy Du Port
How and when to make a VHF radio check – and when not to
A VHF radio check will tell you if your radio is working properly or not, but you shouldn't do every time you go out, or even with the Coastguard, says…
How to avoid collisions in fog
Not many of us would happily set sail in fog but sometimes it is unavoidable, and knowing how to avoid collisions is crucial, says Andy du Port
Do the ColRegs need to change?
Andy du Port explains the history of how the ColRegs were founded and suggests they might be due an update
Why you should keep a lookout with your ears
There’s a simple way to enhance your watchkeeping abilities, as Colregs Rule 5 obliges every skipper to do. Andy Du Port explains