Using Constellations to Navigate: A Guide for Sailors For centuries, sailors have been using the stars in the night sky to navigate their way across oceans and seas. By using constellations, sailors can orient themselves at sea and determine their position on a map or in relation to a destination. In this guide, we will…
How To Go Against The Wind In a Sailboat Sailboats are designed to take full advantage of the wind, but what happens when you encounter a strong gust or need to travel against the wind? This article will explain in detail the techniques you need to know and the sailing jargon associated with upwind sailing,…
The Captain: The Highest Rank in Seaman The role of the captain is one of the most important in any ship’s crew, as they are responsible for the overall welfare and direction of the vessel, as well as its crew and passengers. As such, it is the highest rank that one can achieve onboard and…
As an experienced sailor and navigator, it’s important to understand the symbols and markings on nautical charts that are used to plan your voyage and help you stay safe while out at sea. One such symbol is the letter C which stands for “natural features”–but what does this actually mean? In this article we’ll discuss…
Sailing can be one of the most rewarding sports or hobbies and there are few things more beautiful than gliding through the sea on a boat powered by nothing but wind and sail. But when it comes to sailing, there are many aspects to consider, one of them being can you sail with just the…
Living on a sailboat can be an incredibly thrilling and cost-effective lifestyle. With the right knowledge, budget planning, and sailing skills, it’s possible to enjoy an adventurous life on the open water without breaking the bank. Let’s look at how to make this dream a reality. What Kind of Sailboat Should You Buy? The size,…
Introduction When it comes to sailing, it is important to know how fast your boat is going in knots. Knowing the speed of your vessel helps you better navigate the seas and get where you need to go safely and efficiently. This article will discuss what knots are and how they are used to measure…
Sailing downwind is an art that requires skill, knowledge and experience, and the right equipment to make it successful – one such piece of equipment being the gennaker. Developed in the 1990s, the gennaker is a sail that is designed to make sailing downwind easier and more efficient while still providing enough power to move…
Sailboats are complex pieces of marine engineering, and it takes an experienced sailor to understand the intricacies of operating one safely and efficiently. One critical element that helps make sailing possible is the forestay, which plays an essential role in keeping the mast upright and providing stability to the boat as it moves through the…
Sailing is an ancient mode of transportation that still maintains its popularity today, allowing people to traverse the open seas with relative ease and comfort. As such, it’s important to understand the various measurements of speed that sailors use to navigate the waters, including the knot – one of the most common units of speed…
As a sailing expert, there are many things that I need to know about securing my vessel in the water, including how deep I should drill for an anchor. In order to keep my vessel safe and secure, it is important that I understand the different types of anchors and the depths at which they…
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…
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…
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 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,…
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…
The Hardest Knot to Tie: A Look at the Double Fisherman’s Knot Any sailor worth their salt knows that knots are an important part of any boating experience and it is essential that they are tied correctly and securely in order to ensure safety on the water. There is a variety of knots used in…
Introduction The term “motto” is derived from the Latin phrase “mutuare,” which translates to “to exchange.” It is a phrase or expression that sums up the ideals and beliefs of a person, family, organization or nation. Sailors have long been held to a unique set of values and standards, and their motto reflects these virtues…
Introduction When it comes to sailing, safety should always be your top priority – especially when there is lightning in the area! On May 7, 2020, Swimming, boating, personal watercraft or sail/surf boarding all became dangerous activities when lightning was present, and this is especially true for those who are out on the open seas…
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,…
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…