For those looking to make the most out of their sailing experience, learning about the different types of sails and what they can do for you is essential knowledge. One type of sail that you should be aware of is the yankee sail, which is a headsail resembling either a jib or genoa typically used…
Sailing downwind has become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more sailors taking the opportunity to enjoy the thrill of this type of sailing. But what speed do you need in order to sail downwind? In this article, we will explore what speed is necessary for downwind sailing, as well as some tips…
Sailing upwind isn’t always easy, and it can be even harder when you are relying on just one sail—the jib—to take you there. While having only the jib may seem like a simple solution, unfortunately, it won’t get you very far, as sailing with just the jib alone will only cause you to sail in…
Introduction Are you a sailing enthusiast looking to go out on the open waters? Or perhaps you are just curious about how wind affects boats and sailing trips? Well good news, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we will delve into the world of sailing and answer the age-old question: Is 20…
When it comes to spending a day at the beach, wind is an important factor to consider, especially if you’re an avid sailor or plan to be out on the water. But when does the wind become too strong for a beach day? Generally, 15 mph is considered to be too windy for the beach,…
When it comes to travelling on water, the term “knot” often crops up—but what does it actually mean? In this article, we’ll explain why a knot is longer than a mile and explore the history and importance of this maritime measurement unit in sailing and navigation. What is the Knot? In sailing and navigation, the…
The Relationship Between Knots and Miles Per Hour (MPH) in Sailing Whether you are an experienced sailor or a curious landlubber, understanding the relationship between knots and miles per hour (mph) is essential when talking about sailing and wind speeds. In this article, we will explore the history of knots, how they are measured, how…
The Devastation of 200 MPH Winds The wind is a powerful force of nature, capable of causing immense destruction when it reaches speeds above 200 miles per hour (mph). The destructive potential of such strong gales has been known for centuries, with stories of shipwrecks and destruction on land attributed to them since antiquity. Today,…
Sailing is a sport that has been around for centuries, with the earliest evidence dating back to the 7th century BC in Mesopotamia, when boats were made from reeds and papyrus plants, according to National Geographic. With the advent of technology and more sophisticated boats, sailing has evolved drastically over the years, with a wide…
As a sailing expert, I can confidently say that wind speed is one of the most important factors to consider when boating, especially when it comes to safety and comfort. On Dec 30 2021, the National Weather Service issued a strong wind warning for boating with wind speeds over 15 miles per hour, which can…
Introduction When it comes to sailing, one of the most important elements is the wind direction, as this determines how much power the sail can generate, and how fast the boat will move through the water. Understanding how different factors influence wind direction is essential for any sailor looking to maximize their performance on the…
As a sailing expert with years of experience on the water, I am often asked which type of nautical chart should be used as a general rule when navigating in coastal areas? The answer is not straightforward as there are several types available that come with different characteristics depending on your needs – from paper…
When most people think of the Navy, they think of a force composed of sailors, or seamen as they are formally referred to, who have dedicated their lives to military service and protection of our country. But is everyone in the Navy considered a seaman? The answer is no, not everyone in the Navy is…
Sailing can be an exhilarating and memorable experience, but it’s important to understand the basics of sailing before you hit the open water, especially when it comes to wind speed and how it can affect your boating experience. This article will provide an overview of the basics of sailing, what wind speed is, and how…
Nautical speed, measured in knots per hour, has been an important part of sailing since the 17th century, when sailors first began to use a device called a “common log” to measure their ships’ speeds. This article will explain why knots are used to measure nautical speed and how they became the standard unit of…
The recent news of a rare Category 5 hurricane forming in the Atlantic Ocean has raised the question: Are 200 mph winds possible? The answer is yes, and this article will explain how and why these powerful winds can form, as well as their potential impacts on humans and infrastructure. What Is The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane…
Introduction – What is a Shot of Anchor Chain? Anchoring is an integral part of sailing and a key component in the process is anchor chain, or just chain for short. A shot of anchor chain is a measure used to determine the length in feet or fathoms (1 fathom = 6 feet). Each shot…
The Colors Found on a Nautical Chart As a sailing expert, it’s important to understand the colors found on a nautical chart, how to read and interpret it, and how to use it effectively in order to stay safe while at sea. The National Ocean Service (NOS) uses various shades of five colors on their…
Sailing has long been a male-dominated sport, but women have been taking to the seas for centuries and their numbers are growing every day. In recent years, many organizations have been working hard to promote gender equality in sailing, and women sailors are becoming increasingly visible in competitive racing and leadership roles in the industry….
Sailing is the art of navigating a vessel through water, either by using the wind or motor power, to reach a desired destination or port. It is one of the oldest forms of transportation used by humans and has evolved over time to become an exciting and popular recreational activity as well as a viable…
It is true that sailboats with a keel are designed to help prevent them from capsizing in strong winds, but it is still possible under certain conditions for the boat to flip over completely, even if it has a keel installed on it or is water ballasted for extra stability in choppy seas or high…