Sailing

Introduction When talking about speed on the water, most people use the term ‘knots’. A knot is simply a unit used to measure speed at sea, defined as one nautical mile per hour – roughly 1.15 miles per hour or 1.85 kilometers per hour. So 21 knots is about 24 miles an hour – and…

Introduction Sailing in little wind can be a challenge. Experienced sailors know that sailing in light winds requires finesse and skill, rather than brute force. Here are some essential tips for sailing with little wind. With these tips, you’ll be able to make the most of the available breeze and stay on course. Tip 1:…

Sailing is an adventure that requires knowledge and precision in order to be safe on the waters, and one of the most important tools for navigating is a nautical chart sounding. Having a good understanding of how to read these soundings can help you stay safe and get where you’re going quickly and accurately, even…

Fair Winds and Following Seas: A Sailor’s Guide to Good Luck Wishes Sailors have been wishing each other good luck for centuries using the phrase “fair winds and following seas”, but what does this phrase really mean? In this article, we will explore the origins, meanings, benefits, and history of this commonly used expression in…

Sailing is an exciting and exhilarating way to explore the great outdoors, but having the right wind conditions can make or break a successful outing on the water. The ideal wind speed for sailing depends on a variety of factors, including the type of sailing, age and experience level of the sailor, size of sailboat,…

As a sailing expert, I’m often asked about fashion advice – especially when it comes to knot tying for formalwear! Today, I’m here to talk about what tie knot does Prince Charles use and why he prefers it for morning suits, which is a popular choice among those looking to dress up for special occasions…

The Strength and Durability of the Figure Eight Follow-Through Knot The figure eight follow-through has become the standard tie-in knot because it doesn’t require a backup knot, it’s easy to tie, and it’s strong—it retains 75 to 80% of the rope’s strength. Jul 25, 2022 But why is this knot so strong? In this article,…

Introduction Sailing is a popular sport that requires knowledge in nautical miles and land miles, as well as their conversions between each other. Most people don’t know how to convert these measurements, though, so it’s important for sailing experts to understand this information in order to accurately measure distances traveled on the water or on…

Sailing is a great way to explore the beauty of the world’s waters, but it is important to know the right wind conditions for a safe and enjoyable experience. As any experienced sailor will tell you, the best wind conditions for sailing depend on several factors, such as wind speed, wind direction, weather, and even…

Introduction to Coastal Navigation Coastal navigation is the process by which mariners use navigational instruments and techniques to safely guide their vessels in close proximity to land or other nearby vessels while at sea or in rivers and other bodies of water within 15 nautical miles (17 statute miles) of shorelines or coastlines that are…

A full sail is typically seen as more powerful than a flat sail when it comes to sailing, and while this is often true, there are many factors that need to be taken into account before making an informed choice between the two types of sails. In this article we will take a look at…

Introduction Sailing is a beloved activity by many, and understanding the terminology and measurements that come with it is essential for a successful voyage. This article will discuss the knot, its historical origins and how it is used to measure speed, as well as the conversion of knots to mph and other factors that affect…

The Most Common Sailing Knot: The Figure Eight Knot (Figure 8 Loop) Sailing requires skill and knowledge, and one of the most important skills a sailor needs to know is how to tie knots correctly and safely. Knots are used for a variety of purposes, from joining two lines together, to preventing them from fraying…

Introduction to Celtic Endless Knots The ancient Celts were masters at creating intricate knotwork designs, which have become a symbol for the Irish and Scots culture that are now a part of their identity and are used around the world to represent different meanings and symbolisms. Among these knotwork designs is the Celtic endless knot,…

The Essential Skills to be a Seaman As an able seaman, the skillset required is wide and varied to ensure the safety and efficiency of any vessel they are assigned to work on. This article will provide an overview of some of the essential skills needed for a successful career in sailing, from physical requirements…

Navigating Along Coastal Waters with Nautical Charts Nautical charts are an essential tool for marine navigation, providing important information about water depths, bottom quality, coast lines and topography, positions of aids to navigation and other conspicuous landmarks, etc. While there are different chart scales available, it is important to know when to use them in…

What Wind Speed Will Knock You Over? A Sailing Expert’s Perspective Wind can have a powerful effect on both the land and our bodies, especially if it’s strong enough to knock us down! But what wind speed would be required for this? To answer this question, we need to understand the concept of terminal velocity…

Anchors: Weight and Size Matter for Maximum Safety and Effectiveness at Sea Anchor technology has come a long way since their primitive beginnings as large stones or logs tied to a rope, but many aspects of anchoring remain unchanged over time. An anchor is a device that attaches to a boat or ship and keeps…

Should I Hammer in Anchors? – A Sailor’s Guide Sailors often find themselves in unfamiliar waters, and need to know when and how to secure their vessels for the night, or during rough weathers. Knowing the difference between hammering in anchors and using a screwdriver or cordless driver can make all the difference when it…

In the world of sailing, many sailors will tell tales of their close encounters with rogue waves – towering walls of water that suddenly rise up out of the ocean, posing a serious threat to any vessel unfortunate enough to be in its path. This article explores the risks posed by rogue waves, how to…

Difference Between a Seaman And a Marine: A Sailing Expert’s Perspective Introduction A seaman is someone who works on a ship or boat, typically in an enlisted role below the rank of officer, while a marine is a member of the armed forces who specializes in naval warfare and operations at sea. Although both occupations…