Almost all vessels, in the days of working sail, had to take the ground when calling at destinations around Britain. Some port towns were on estuaries that dried out at…
Sailing skills
The best mast climbing gear for sailors & solo climbers
The best mast climbing gear for solo sailors or double handed sailors can be found in some well known high street stores and not necessarily in a chandlery. This buyers…
Sailing with katabatic winds: what you need to know this season
There are several localised metereological phenomena sailors and watersports users should know all about. Two key phenomena are land and sea breezes and Katabatic winds. You’ll want to understand what…
How to get out of a tight yacht berth without damage
Sarah and Mark have enjoyed a holiday in Guernsey but the wind and tide are both now favourable for them to return to England. They are on board their 11m…
How to get the best from your sailing boat: Learning how to ‘change gears’
Many of you, like me, probably started their sailing adventures in small dinghies. The purity of just you, the wind and some canvas. It’s where we honed our skills of…
How it works: Taking a noon sight
To take a sextant noon sight you first have to figure out when the sun will pass over your meridian. It is good enough to work it out to the…
Land and Sea breeze basics: how to make the most of your coastal sailing
No matter where you are in the world, coastal sailing is all about knowing how to read your immediate surroundings to have fun and stay safe while cruising and one…
Should you avoid a mystery green light at sea?
Mike and two crew are sailing north up the east coast of England towards Sunderland. They are on board Amelia, a 15-metre gaff cutter and finding the trip hard work.…
Swellies quandary: Go at low or high water?
Nick and Judy own a 9m bilge keel yacht with a draught of 1.2m. They are on a voyage up the west coast of Britain and are now in the…
How to become an experienced all-round sailor
Don’t worry, I’ve got a wetsuit you can borrow,’ reads the text from Rafa’s mum. ‘No thanks,’ I reply, ‘I have no intention of getting wet… and anyway, I don’t…