Nautical charts are essential navigational tools for sailors, providing information about water depth, shorelines, and potential obstructions in the water that could cause danger or difficulty during a voyage. While many of these obstructions will be marked with black or blue lines, some, such as rocks and shallow areas, can be indicated by a dotted…
The Windy City: A Guide to Sailing in Chicago Chicago, otherwise known as the “Windy City” or “Chi-Town”, has a long history of being a bustling metropolis on the shores of Lake Michigan and the birthplace of modern architecture, art, and culture. But for sailors, this city is known for its strong winds and unique…
Sailing upwind is a skill that any sailor should have in their arsenal, yet many people don’t know the basics of sailing upwind, or even what it means to sail upwind in the first place! This article will explain what sailing directly upwind means, the physics behind it, which type of sails are best for…
As a sailing expert, I know that wind plays an important role in sailing, as it is the primary source of power for boats and ships to move and can be used to navigate and reach a destination much faster than rowing or paddling. So naturally, I’m curious about the strongest wind ever recorded on…
Introduction Sailing requires a great deal of skill and knowledge, from handling the ship to understanding how knots can be used to secure ropes, sails and other materials together. In sailing, knots are an essential part of rigging, anchoring and making repairs, they are used to join two or more lines together or to secure…
Sailing is a thrilling and rewarding experience, but it can also be dangerous if you don’t know your limits or the limits of your boat. Knowing how many knots is too windy for sailing is an important part of being a responsible sailor and ensuring your safety on the water. Definition of Knots Knots are…
Introduction The nautical mile is an essential part of navigation and sailing, but what makes it different from the regular mile? This article will explore why the nautical mile is used in sailing, its differences from the regular mile, and factors to consider when using it. Definition of a Nautical Mile A nautical mile is…
As a sailing expert, I’m well aware of what conditions 75 mile an hour winds can do, especially when out at sea! Wind speeds that are 75 to 89 MPH are considered the beginning of hurricane-force winds, with trees being uprooted or broken, weak or open structures sustaining severe damage, good roofs losing shingles, and…
Introduction Sailing is an activity that requires knowledge and skill, with the proper practice and equipment, you can sail safely and enjoyably in the open waters. One of the first things any sailor should learn is how to tie a secure mooring line knot: the Domhoff knot. In this article, we will discuss what the…
Introduction A seaman contract is an agreement between the seafarer and their employer outlining the duration and terms of employment for a designated period of time. It’s important to understand the obligations and responsibilities associated with this type of agreement to ensure that both parties are in compliance with labor laws and regulations as outlined…
Introduction When it comes to sailing, one of the most commonly asked questions is ‘how far can you travel at 15 knots?’ Knowing the answer to this question can help you calculate the time it will take to travel between two points, depending on the type and size of your vessel. In this article, we…
When it comes to boating, wind speed plays a major role in determining the conditions and safety of your voyage. With wind speeds measured in knots, it begs the question: Is 10 knots too windy for boating? The answer depends on a number of factors, including the type of boat you have and the conditions…
Understanding the Conversion Between Knots and Nautical Miles: An Expert’s Guide for Sailors Sailing is one of the oldest forms of transportation and it continues to fascinate sailors around the world today. When out on the open water, navigators need to understand the various measurements used – one of which is the conversion between knots…
The Best Wind Speed for Sailing: Exploring the Sweet Spot between 5-15 Knots Sailing is an exciting and rewarding activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels, but to get the most out of your experience, it’s important to understand the different wind speeds that affect sailing performance and how…
Important Things To Remember Before Using a Chart for Sailing Sailing is an exciting sport that can take you to places you never thought possible, but it requires careful planning and understanding of the navigation tools available to you to ensure a safe journey. One of the most important navigation tools is a chart, which…
Seamen, or mariners, are the people who work onboard ships, boats, and other vessels that operate on bodies of water. This is an age-old profession that has been around since humans first ventured out to sea in search of new lands and resources. Although technological advances have made it much easier to traverse the waters,…
The Longest Sail Line: A Comprehensive Guide for Experienced and Novice Sailors Alike Sailing has been a popular form of adventure and recreation for centuries. From Christopher Columbus’ discovery of the New World in 1492 to modern-day yachting competitions, people have always been drawn to the open seas in search of new experiences and excitement….
Sailing is an incredibly rewarding activity, but it requires knowledge and skill to stay safe and navigate with confidence—and this includes understanding nautical charts and the numbers printed on them. So what does 2 mean on a nautical chart? Let’s explore this question further. What is a Nautical Chart? A nautical chart is a map…
As a sailing expert, I’m often asked what is the hardest knot to learn? The short answer is: it depends on the individual, but one knot that stands out as especially difficult to master is the constrictor knot. What Is A Constrictor Knot? A constrictor knot is a binding knot used for securing an object…
Introduction A Nautical Almanac is a publication that consists of astronomical tables, tide tables, and other navigational data that is useful for marine navigation and sailing. It is published once a year and it is recommended by most sailing experts that it be kept up-to-date for the most accurate information for navigational purposes. There are,…
Introduction A seaman is a sailor who works on a ship or boat and is responsible for the day-to-day operations and maintenance of the vessel, as well as its safety and security at sea. The term “seaman” encompasses all types of sailors, from the deckhand to the captain, and all levels of experience in between….