Blogs & Articles
Hopefully, there are some interesting bits of info amoungst the waffle…
![Thunder and Lightning on a boat](https://mandurahyachtacademy.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Lightning-on-a-boat-300x152.jpg)
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Thunder and Lightning on a boat
Thunder and Lightning on a boat Being surrounded by lightning on a boat is a serious and potentially dangerous situation. Here are some steps you
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Bluewater first aid kit
Bluewater first aid kit A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for blue-water sailing, where you’re far from immediate medical assistance. Here’s a comprehensive list
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Maintaining a detailed logbook
Maintaining a detailed logbook Maintaining a detailed logbook is crucial for effective yacht management and safety. Here’s a comprehensive list of what you should include:
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Wood, aluminium, steel, fibreglass or concrete hulls?
Wood, aluminium, steel, fibreglass or concrete hulls? When choosing a hull material for a yacht, each option—wood, aluminium, steel, fibreglass, or concrete—has advantages and disadvantages.
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Dealing with weather helm
Dealing with weather helm Weather helm is a common issue for sailors, and it occurs when the boat turns into the wind due to excessive
![Preparing your grab bag](https://mandurahyachtacademy.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Preparing-your-grab-bag-300x225.webp)
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Preparing your grab bag
Preparing your grab bag A crab bag, also known as a “crab gear bag,” is crucial to your yacht’s safety and survival equipment. It’s a
![Sinking yacht - Abandon ship](https://mandurahyachtacademy.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Sinking-yacht-Abandon-ship-300x162.jpeg)
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Sinking yacht – Abandon ship
Sinking yacht – Abandon ship If your yacht begins to sink, acting quickly and effectively is crucial for your safety and the safety of your
![Sailing: crew safety brief](https://mandurahyachtacademy.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Sailing-crew-safety-brief-300x182.jpg)
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Sailing: crew safety brief
Sailing: crew safety brief A crew safety brief is crucial for ensuring everyone on board knows what to do in various situations, especially during adverse
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Preparing for bad weather
Preparing for bad weather Preparing for bad weather while sailing is crucial for ensuring safety and minimising risk. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you
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Best knots for yachties
Best knots for yachties When it comes to yachting, the ability to tie and use knots effectively is crucial. Although not exclusive, here’s a list
![comparing sloop, ketch, and yawl](https://mandurahyachtacademy.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/comparing-sloop-ketch-and-yawl-300x199.jpg)
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Comparing a sloop, ketch, and yawl
Sloop, ketch, or yawl When comparing sloop, ketch, and yawl sailboat rigs, it’s important to understand the different configurations, their advantages, and their typical applications.
![Tiller vs Helm - Pros and Cons](https://mandurahyachtacademy.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Tiller-vs-Helm-Pros-and-Cons-300x104.jpg)
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Tiller vs Helm – Pros and Cons
Tiller vs Helm – Pros and Cons In sailing, the tiller and the helm are crucial components for steering and controlling your yacht, but they
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Tell-Tales: please tell
Tell-Tales Tell-tales are small pieces of yarn, ribbon, or other lightweight materials attached to the sails or rigging of a sailboat. They provide visual airflow
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Backing a Sail
Backing a Sail Backing a sail is a manoeuvre used in sailing to change the boat’s direction or maintain a controlled position, especially when tacking
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Understanding Heaving To
Understanding Heaving To “Heaving to” is a sailing manoeuvre used to bring a sailboat to a stable, controlled position where it remains relatively stationary and
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Finding Bolt-Holds
Finding Bolt-Holds When planning a sailing passage, “bolt holds” typically refer to strategic (emergency) stops or anchorages along the route where you can safely pause
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Passage planning on yachts
Passage planning Yachting passage planning is crucial to any extended voyage, sailing across a bay or crossing an ocean. A well-thought-out plan helps ensure safety,
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Dealing with piracy on yachts
How to deal with piracy Dealing with pirates or potential piracy threats while on a yacht is severe and requires careful preparation and awareness. Here
![Safe sailing with children](https://mandurahyachtacademy.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/sailing-with-children-300x181.jpg)
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12 tips about sailing with children
Sailing with children Sailing with children can be a rewarding experience but requires careful planning and attention to ensure safety and enjoyment for everyone on
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11 tips on anchoring your boat
11 tips on anchoring Anchoring your boat correctly is crucial for safety and stability while at rest. Here are some tips to help you anchor
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Rudder control on a sailing yacht
Rudder control on a yacht Proper rudder control is essential for effective steering and handling of your yacht. Here are some tips to help
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Sail trim – some handy tips
Sail trim – some handy tips Sail trim is crucial for optimizing performance and handling while sailing. Properly trimmed sails can make a significant difference
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What makes a good sailor?
What makes a good sailor? Being a good sailor involves a blend of practical skills, knowledge, and personal attributes. Here are some tips to help
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Maintaining your yacht
Yacht Maintenance Maintaining your yacht is crucial to ensuring its longevity, safety, and optimal performance. Neglecting these essential tips can lead to a decrease in
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The Perfect Gift For Sailors
The Perfect Gift For the Sailor who has everything Renaming your boat The ceremony that will save you and your crew from calamity… “Renaming Your
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The Book of Maritime Idioms
It is the perfect gift for the sailor who has everything… Buy it on Amazon The Book of Maritime Idioms A curious collection of sailing
![Sailing and maritime superstitions on boats and ships](https://mandurahyachtacademy.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Sailing-and-maritime-superstitions-on-boats-and-ships-300x152.png)
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Sailing and maritime superstitions
Sailing Superstitions As far as we can look back in history, sailing and maritime superstitions on boats and ships have always been prevalent. Why? Being
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Creating Lateral Distance and Leverage
Creating lateral distance and leverage in competitive sailing Okay, so you need to know about lateral distance and how this relates to creating leverage. Well,
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Correctly planning for Tides and Currents
Tides & Currents So you set a course to steer, follow it for a few hours and realise that you are not going to hit
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Renaming your boat – the correct process
Renaming your boat Most maritime-related superstitious beliefs stem from Abrahamic monotheistic religions such as Christianity. But renaming your boat calls on the favours of the
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Solar panels on a boat: is Victron worth it?
Solar power on a boat: easy, right? So you found this page because, 1 – you are starting your journey into installing solar on your
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How to anchor your sailboat securely
How to Anchor Your Sailboat How to anchor your sailboat indeed… Easy, right? You have an anchor somewhere on the front of your boat and
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Why use nautical miles and knots in sailing
Why use nautical miles and knots in sailing? We use nautical miles and knots in sailing because a nautical mile is based on the circumference
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Sailing racing rules simplified
Sailing racing rules simplified Question: “What do you call two sailing boats in sight of each other?” Answer: “A race…” Even when we are cruising
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What is the best anchor for a sail boat
Anchors: Best anchor for a sailboat? We have all been there. Late at night, the wind direction changed, and the wind was up to 35
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Storm Drogues and Sea Anchors; To drag or not to drag
“We must free ourselves of the hope that the sea will ever rest. We must learn to sail in high winds.” — Aristotle Onassis, Shipping Magnate