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…
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…
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…
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,…
Sailing is an ancient practice, used for thousands of years by people to explore, trade, and travel across bodies of water in order to get from one place to another, this is no different for Moana’s tribe in Disney’s 2016 animated film, Moana. In this article, we will be exploring why Moana’s tribe stopped voyaging…
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…
Violent Winds: An Overview for Sailors Sailors know that wind can be their friend, providing propulsion and guiding them to the destination of their dreams, but when wind becomes violent, it can become an enemy to be reckoned with, and depending on the type of violent wind present, can cause serious damage to boats and…
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…
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…
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,…
Solo sailing is an adventure that requires preparation, practice and skill, but the right sized sailboat can make it much more enjoyable and safer for the sailor. For those looking to take on the challenge of sailing solo, the ideal size boat to choose lies between 35 and 45 feet in length. This size boat…
The Best Wind Direction for Sailing Sailing is one of the most enjoyable outdoor activities that you can do and it is important to know the best wind direction for sailing in order to maximize your experience and perform optimally on the water. This article will explain what a reach is, why it is generally…
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…
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…
Introduction Sailing is the art of maneuvering a boat or vessel by using the forces of wind and water to guide it on its voyage across the waters. It is a unique form of craftsmanship that has been practiced for centuries, and continues to be enjoyed by sailors around the world today as a leisure…
Sailing is a popular sport that requires precision, attention, and skill. Many sailors rely on various knots to help them maneuver through the sea with ease. One such knot is known as the Arbor Knot, which is designed for use when attaching fishing line to the “arbor” or “spool center”. This knot gets tighter as…
Sailing is a great way to explore the open seas and experience the beauty of nature in its purest form, but it can also be dangerous if you don’t take the necessary precautions. It is important to understand how many knots is considered rough sea so you can be aware of the potential risks and…
Anchoring At Night: The Essential Guide for Sailors Anchoring your boat at night can be a daunting task, but with the right preparation and knowledge, it can be a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. This guide will provide you with everything you need to know about anchoring your boat at night, from understanding…
Introduction Sailing is an exhilarating sport which allows people to explore the world’s oceans with a sense of freedom and exploration that can’t be matched by any other activity or sport on earth. It provides an opportunity for those looking for an escape from their everyday lives, whether it be for a day or for…
Sailing is an exhilarating activity that has been practiced for centuries, from ancient Polynesian vessels to modern-day racing boats- all vessels have one thing in common: they must ride on winds of different strengths, directions and velocities. Depending on conditions, some sailors prefer to sail with the wind, while others prefer to sail against it….