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…
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…
Sailing is a thrilling and exciting sport, but it can also be dangerous if the conditions become too rough or windy! So, when the wind speed reaches fifteen knots, how do you know if it’s safe to go out sailing? This article will explore the answer to this question and provide some helpful tips for…
Whether you’re an experienced sailor, or have never stepped foot on a boat, you may have heard the term ‘nautical mile’ and wondered what it means – what is a nautical mile called? A nautical mile is an important part of navigation, used by sailors and navigators to measure distances, and also by pilots to…
It is no secret that sailors used celestial navigation to guide their ships across the seas before the invention of compasses, radar, and satellite navigation systems, but what happens when the skies are overcast and they cannot see the sun or stars? How did sailors navigate when it was cloudy? This article will explore early…
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Introduction A cabin is an enclosed room typically found inside larger vessels such as ships, boats, yachts, and sailboats, which is used as living quarters or sleeping quarters for passengers or crew members aboard the vessel in question. On sailboats, cabins are essential as they provide protection from the elements, privacy, additional comfort, and storage…
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Rigging a sailboat requires knowledge, experience and the right equipment, but how long does it actually take? This article will provide an overview of the process of rigging a sailboat, outlining the steps involved, factors that affect the time taken, and tips on how to reduce the time spent on this task. Read on to…
Introduction Coastal phase navigation is an essential skill for any sailor to ensure safe passage in close proximity to a coast or islands, as well as navigating through shallow waters and around hazards like reefs and shoals. This article will provide an overview of coastal phase navigation, including traditional navigation tools, navigational aids, electronic navigation…
What Does ‘I’ and ‘P’ Measure on Sail Measurements? Sailing is a sport that requires careful attention to detail, as the right gear and setup can mean the difference between a smooth ride across the waves or a not-so-smooth journey with much less success. One of the most important aspects of sailing is sail measurements,…
As a sailing expert, I get asked all the time: how far off the US coast is international waters? The answer to this question is complex, as it depends on which sea zones have been established in the area, as well as different laws and regulations that determine where U.S sovereignty begins and ends at…
Sailors have been using bulwarks on their vessels for centuries, but what exactly are they and why do they matter? In this article, we’ll explore the basics of what bulwarks are, the components that make them up, the benefits they provide, and how to maintain and repair them to ensure a safe and successful sailing…
How Windy is Too Windy? A Sailing Expert’s Guide to the Dangers of High Winds When it comes to sailing, wind is essential, without it, a sailor is stuck at port, unable to reach their destination or enjoy the open sea. But while a strong breeze can be a boon to a sailor’s journey, strong…
Sailors who are looking for the best size sailboat for coastal cruising should consider the benefits of a 30-foot boat, which is perfect for cruising bays and other relatively sheltered areas along the coast. Although size isn’t the only thing that matters when it comes to sailing offshore, a boat of this size is generally…
Introduction Sextants have been an important navigational tool used in sailing since the 18th century, and despite modern electronic navigation systems, they remain a popular choice for sailors around the world today. In this article, we will explore what a sextant is, how it is used in modern sailing, the advantages it offers and the…
How High Winds Affect Vehicles High winds can have a major impact on vehicles, from cars, to cyclists, to horse riders, and even sailing vessels. In this article, we will look at different types of vehicles and how they are affected by strong gusts of wind, as well as how to stay safe while travelling…
Becoming a seaman is not an easy task, as it requires hard work, dedication and commitment over several years of study and training before one can be certified as a professional seafarer on board commercial vessels plying international waterways. This article provides an overview of the four-year residency course required to become a seaman, including…
The Arbor Knot: What Makes It So Special? As a sailing expert, you know that having the right knot makes all the difference in your sailing experience. One such knot is the arbor knot, a versatile and dependable knot that is used for a variety of purposes in sailing and other activities involving ropes or…
Introduction The seafaring industry has long been an integral part of the global economy, with seafarers playing a key role in international trade and transportation. As such, it’s important to understand the different roles and responsibilities of the seafarers who make up the merchant navy. In this article, we’ll take a look at the three…
A code zero sail is what sailors consider the go-to sail when downwind sailing. It is an asymmetrical sail that ranges in size from about 32 feet to around 45 feet in length and can be used to provide extra thrust when sailing towards the windward side of the boat (down wind). It is typically…
What is Wind? Wind is created by air molecules heating up and rising in the atmosphere, creating an area of low pressure below it that causes air molecules from other areas to rush in to fill the space, creating wind. The strength of the wind depends on several factors such as temperature, humidity and pressure…
Installing an anchor into concrete can be a tricky business, especially when it comes to finding out what size hole is needed for each type of anchor you are using, such as a 1/2″ Drop-In Anchor Zinc Plated (DIAP). Knowing what size hole is needed will ensure that your anchor is properly installed and securely…