Sailing

Introduction Knots have been used for thousands of years, with sailors being the most avid users of this ancient art form. From lashing and rigging to splicing, knot-tying is an essential skill in sailing, enabling vessels to reach their destinations safely and securely. In this article, we will examine the various types of knots, how…

Introduction Sailing can be a tricky task, with the combination of wind, waves and navigation that comes with it, understanding the nautical almanac is essential for a successful voyage. The ‘V’ value found in the almanac provides sailors with an accurate correction which allows them to calculate the Greenwich Hour Angle (GHA) of celestial bodies,…

Having adequate knowledge as a sailor on how and when to properly drop anchor is essential for safe and successful sailing trips. Knowing when and where to drop anchor can make all the difference between a smooth sailing journey and being shipwrecked! This article will discuss in depth, why the bow of a boat is…

Sailing is a popular recreational activity that has been around for centuries and still remains a favorite among many people today. Whether you are a novice sailor or an experienced veteran, understanding the different types of wind and their impact on sailing is essential for a safe and enjoyable experience out on the open waters….

Understanding the Three Main Coastal Processes – Erosion, Transportation and Deposition Sailing experts must be familiar with the three main coastal processes, erosion, transportation and deposition, in order to navigate their vessels safely and understand the dynamics of a coastline or seascape. These processes are constantly at work reshaping our shores and the marine environment…

Whether you’re a first-time sailor or an experienced sailor, you’ve probably asked yourself this question – is it easier to sail upwind or downwind? As a sailing expert, I can tell you that the answer is not so simple! Many factors come into play when deciding which direction is easier to sail in, such as…

Sailing can be an incredibly rewarding and enjoyable activity, but it can also be a dangerous one if the wrong conditions are present on the water. One of the most important things to consider when preparing to sail is how much wind there is expected to be, measured by knots (kts). In this article, we’ll…

Understanding Squiggly Lines on Nautical Maps The ocean is a vast and unpredictable place, full of unseen hazards that can be difficult to navigate safely. Overfalls are one of these hidden dangers, and it is important for sailors to understand how to recognize them and avoid them if possible. In this article, we will discuss…

As an experienced sailor, I know first-hand the importance of understanding wind speed and how it affects your boating experience. Although there is no exact answer to this question, I will provide an in-depth explanation about wind speed and how it can be safely navigated for an enjoyable boating experience. Wind Speed Basics Wind is…

From the amateur sailor getting their feet wet to experienced skippers across the globe, a common question asked is “how windy is too windy for sailing?” Every boat, crew and sailor has a different threshold for what constitutes “windy” conditions, but there are a few general guidelines that can be used to help decide if…

For sailors, understanding wind speed and the impact it has on their journey is essential in avoiding a rough ride out on the water. But how do you know when a wind speed of twenty knots is considered ‘rough’? In this article, we look at factors such as knots, roughness, weather conditions and boating environments…

A nautical chart is an essential navigational tool for sailors, providing them with all the information they need to navigate safely and successfully in the open waters. This article will provide an overview of the common parts of nautical charts, from latitude and longitude scales to topographical features and warning notices, so that you can…

Seaman Slang: A Look Into the Lingo and Terminology Used By Sailors and Mariners Everywhere Seaman slang is the language used by sailors, mariners and seafarers to communicate with each other on board ships, vessels and boats at sea, as well as dockside when back on land again after a voyage out to sea and…

Sailing is an ancient, complex and rewarding form of transportation and recreation that has been used for centuries in a variety of contexts, from commercial shipping to leisurely cruising around the globe. One of the fundamental aspects of sailing is measuring the speed of the vessel, which can be done in a number of units,…

Introduction to The Basic Sailing Triangle Have you ever wanted to know more about sailing? Are you interested in learning the basics of sailing and navigation? Knowing the basics of sailing could help you become an experienced sailor in no time! One of the most important concepts to learn is something called ‘The Basic Sailing…

The 7 Essential Knot Tying Skills Every Sailor Needs to Master Sailing is an incredibly rewarding hobby and can be a great way to spend time with friends and family, however it is important that every sailor knows how to safely and securely tie knots on the boat. This article will provide an overview of…

Sailing into the eye of a storm can be a thrilling experience, and one that requires immense skill and understanding of the forces of nature and your vessel’s capabilities. But, when faced with 100 mph winds, can you stand up against them or will you crumble like buildings in such powerful gusts? This article will…

The Strength Of The Palomar Knot For Sailing And Fishing Applications Sailing and fishing enthusiasts alike know that having a reliable knot is essential for their safety and success on the water. The Palomar knot is one of the strongest knots available for anglers, delivering a high breaking strength with a simple tying process that…

Depths and Dangers: Do Nautical Charts Show Low Tide? As an experienced sailor, I am often asked if nautical charts show low tide depths, and the answer is yes, but with some caveats that I will explain in this article. What Is a Nautical Chart? A nautical chart is a visual representation of the seafloor,…

The Polynesians were an impressive group of people who, over many centuries, developed ingenious sailing vessels and navigational skills capable of conquering the vast oceans around them without modern navigational tools and charts. They were able to sail from island to island with ease, but then something strange happened – they suddenly stopped sailing for…

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Knots for Traveling Longer Distances Versus Miles Per Hour (MPH) Introduction Knots and miles per hour (MPH) are two measurements used to measure speed and distance when traveling on water or land, respectively. A knot is a unit of speed equal to one nautical mile per hour, which is…