As any sailing expert knows, the figure 8 knot is essential for safety and security when sailing, but can it come undone? Knowing how to tie the figure 8 knot correctly and understanding when it may come undone can be critical for sailing safely and securely at sea. In this article, we’ll explore what a…
Nautical charts are an essential navigational tool for any sailor, providing detailed information about the ocean depths and features in a given area, as well as aids to navigation like buoys and lighthouses, which allow sailors to stay safe while exploring the open seas! There are six main categories of nautical charts, each providing different…
Sailing around the world is a dream shared by many, but it requires preparation and knowledge in order to safely and legally complete a circumnavigation of the globe. In this article, we’ll explore what it takes to make this journey around the planet and answer the question: Can you legally sail around the world? The…
Introduction The age-old question: can I put a nail in an anchor? The answer is no, and for good reason! As a sailing expert, I am here to explain why it is not recommended to put a nail in an anchor when sailing, and provide information on the alternatives you should use instead. Keep reading…
Introduction to Sail Slugs Sailing is a popular pastime, and many sailors look to upgrade their boats with the latest sailing technology and accessories to make their experience easier, more efficient, and safer overall. One of these accessories is the sail slug, which is a handy piece of equipment that helps sailors get the most…
Overview Of Seamanship Seamanship is an essential skill necessary for sailing, and it encompasses a variety of techniques used to protect the safety and security of ships, sailors, and passengers. It requires knowledge of weather patterns, an understanding of how to navigate the open seas, and the ability to respond quickly in hazardous situations. As…
Introduction The Nautical Almanac is an annual publication containing information necessary for navigation by sea. It contains tables giving data such as positions and brightnesses for celestial bodies, including sun, moon, and navigational planets and stars. It was first published by The British Admiralty in 1767 and is now produced jointly by The United Kingdom…
How To Address a Seaman: A Guide for All Sailors Sailing is one of the oldest forms of transportation, and it has been around since ancient times. As such, there are many rules and regulations surrounding the profession, including how to address members of the crew depending on their rank and position. In this article,…
Sailing And Windy Weather: How To Keep Your Bangs In Place Sailing is an exciting and exhilarating sport that anyone can enjoy, regardless of age or experience level. But it’s important to be aware of the conditions and how they might affect your sailing experience, especially when it comes to windy weather and keeping your…
Colors On a Nautical Chart: A Guide for Sailors Sailing is a complex activity that requires knowledge in various areas, such as navigation, weather, and safety protocols. One of the most important pieces of knowledge for any sailor is understanding the color coding system used on a nautical chart so they can plan their trip…
The wind is an ever-present part of sailing and all maritime activities, but not all winds are created equal, and understanding the differences between them is essential for any sailor or seafarer to know. In this article, we’ll explore what 10 knots of wind looks like in various terrain and scenarios, whether it’s on the…
Introduction For centuries, seamen have been a vital part of the maritime industry, providing essential services to ships and seafarers alike. While the job may seem daunting to some, it is a rewarding career path that requires a unique set of skills and abilities in order to be successful. This article will explore the essential…
The Strength of Wind and Commercial Airplanes: What You Need to Know about Flying in High Winds As a sailing expert, you know how wind can affect your vessels, but what about when it comes to commercial aircrafts? In this article, we will explore the strength of wind and commercial airplanes, looking at what factors…
As a sailing expert, I’m well-versed in wind speeds and their effects, both positive and negative, especially when it comes to extreme high winds like those seen in a tornado with speeds up to 300 miles per hour (mph). Tornadoes are incredibly dangerous and destructive forces of nature, and knowing how to prepare for them…
Reading Coastal Navigation Charts: A Guide for Sailors Sailing is an adventurous and exciting activity, but it requires proper preparation and skillful navigation to keep you safe in the waters. One of the most important tools for navigation is the nautical chart, which is used to determine your location, plan your course, and identify potential…
A bowline knot is one of the most important knots that any sailor should know how to tie, and it can be used to secure a line to an object or another line in order to form a loop that will not slip or come undone under pressure or strain. Also known as “the king…
For any sailor, understanding what is represented on a nautical chart is essential for safe navigation of waterways and coastal areas. Most navigators understand the common symbols used to indicate rocks, reefs and other dangers, but not all are familiar with the abbreviations PA and PD, which stand for “Position Approximate” and “Position Doubtful” respectively….
As a sailor, it’s important to know what is labeled “Obstn” on a nautical chart and how to avoid it when navigating the seas or oceans near you in order to stay safe on your journey! In this article, we will discuss what exactly “Obstn” stands for and how to identify, avoid, or navigate around…
Effective Coastal Management Strategies: An Overview for Sailors As sailors, we understand the importance of having an effective coastal management strategy in place to protect our marine ecosystems from threats such as erosion, sea-level rise, pollution, overfishing, and other human activities that can harm our delicate oceans and coasts worldwide. In this article, we will…
Introduction: What Are Knots and Wind Speed? Knots are a unit of speed used to measure how fast something is moving. The most common unit used to measure wind speed is miles per hour (mph). However, sailors prefer to use knots because they are more accurate when measuring speed on the open sea. Generally, a…
The Power of 140 mph Winds: What Sailors Need to Know Hurricanes are one of the most powerful and destructive forces in nature, capable of causing catastrophic damage to buildings, infrastructure, and lives when they make landfall along coasts or islands. But what is a hurricane and what can 140 mph winds do to sailors…