Blogs & Articles
Hopefully, there are some interesting bits of info amoungst the waffle…
The fastest transoceanic sailing vessel ever
The fastest transoceanic sailing vessel ever History is about to get a serious upgrade tonight, folks — and not because someone finally figured out how
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
Dealing with aggressive orcas (killer whales)
Dealing with aggressive killer whales or orcas Orcas in some regions, particularly the Iberian orcas near the Strait of Gibraltar, have been increasingly interacting with
Gybing vs tacking
Gybing vs tacking Gybing (also spelled jibing) and tacking are two fundamental sailing manoeuvres that change the boat’s direction relative to the wind. The essential
Australian’s blue vs red flags
Australian’s blue vs red flags The Detailed History of Australia’s National and Maritime Flags Australia’s flags have a fascinating history, deeply connected to the country’s
Flags on boats
Flags on boats When sailing internationally, vessels are expected to fly certain flags based on their registry, ownership, and status. Here’s a breakdown of the
Courtesy Flags
The etiquette of courtesy flags When cruising in foreign waters, flying a courtesy flag is a key part of maritime etiquette and, in some cases,
The bureaucracy of international sailing
The bureaucracy of international sailing Sailing to other countries involves a lot of bureaucracy, including customs, immigration, and maritime regulations. The specific requirements vary depending
Must see sailing destinations
Must-see sailing destinations Sailing worldwide is a dream journey, with countless breath-taking places to explore. Here are some must-see destinations for yachties, categorised by region:
Top 10 places sailors avoid
Top 10 places sailors avoid Sailing around the world is a dream for many, but there are some places you might want to avoid due
Winches on a sailing vessel
Winches on a sailing vessel Winches on a sailing boat are mechanical devices that control and adjust sails, rigging, and other onboard systems. They provide
What to cook on a sailboat?
What to cook on a sailboat? Cooking on a sailboat presents unique challenges due to space limitations, movement from waves, and the need for efficient
RADAR – Is it worth it?
RADAR – Is it worth it? Radar (Radio Detection and Ranging) is essential for yacht navigation, safety, and situational awareness. Below is a detailed explanation
AIS – Is it worth it?
AIS – Is it worth it? AIS (Automatic Identification System) is a tracking and identification system used in the maritime industry to enhance navigational safety,
What is a seacock – best practice
What is a seacock – best practice A seacock is an essential boat component that controls water flow through the hull. These valves are critical
VHF vs HF marine radios
VHF vs HF marine radios When sailing, choosing between a VHF (Very High Frequency) radio and an HF (High Frequency) radio depends on your communication
MAYDAY – PAN-PAN – SECURITÉ
MAYDAY – PAN-PAN – SECURITÉ MAYDAY, PAN-PAN, and SECURITÉ are three internationally recognised maritime radio signals; each used for a specific level of urgency or
Puffs – Reading the water
Puffs – Reading the water Reading the water for wind puffs is an essential skill in sailing. Not just in racing but similarly when you
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,
Types of square-rigged ships
Types of square-rigged ships A square-rigger is a sailing ship that uses sails rigged primarily in a square or rectangular shape, set perpendicular to the
TWA and TWS
Sailing fast – TWA and TWS TWA (True Wind Angle) and TWS (True Wind Speed) are critical parameters for understanding wind conditions and optimising sailing
What is a polar diagram in sailing?
What is a polar diagram in sailing? A polar diagram in sailing is a specialised chart used to represent a sailboat’s performance under various wind
Clouds: Sailor’s warning
Clouds: Sailor’s warning Clouds can give sailors essential clues about the weather and help us anticipate changes that may affect our voyage. Different clouds indicate
How to start a sailing race
How to start a sailing race Starting a sailing race is both exciting and challenging. The congestion and sense of urgency can be nerve-racking, but
Tips for Sailing at Night
Tips for Sailing at Night Night sailing presents unique challenges, but with proper preparation and awareness, it can be a rewarding experience. Here are 20
What is Point Nemo?
What is Point Nemo? Point Nemo is the name given to the oceanic pole of inaccessibility, the point on Earth’s surface that is farthest from
Flags and Horn Blasts before the start of a race
Flags and Horn Blasts before the start of a race The start of a race in sailing can be super confusing, with many complex rules
Full vs Fractional Rig
Full vs Fractional Rig The choice between a full-rigged (masthead rig) and a fractional rig depends on the sailing characteristics, performance, and handling desired. Here’s
Keel vs Deck-Stepped Mast
Keel vs Deck-Stepped Mast Keel-Stepped Mast A keel-stepped mast passes through the deck and is secured at the boat’s keel. Advantages: Structural Strength: Provides a
Tips on sailing faster
Tips on sailing faster Sailing faster involves optimising various factors, from boat handling and trim to technique. Here are some essential tips to help you
Why do sailors put a coin under the mast?
Why do sailors put a coin under the mast? Sailors often place a coin under the mast during a ship’s construction or commissioning as part
What type of material are sails made from?
What type of material are sails made from? Sails are made from various materials, each suited for different sailing conditions, performance requirements, and durability needs.
Shaping your sail with Draft – Twist – Angle of Attack – Camber – Wind Conditions
Shaping your sail with Draft – Twist – Angle of Attack – Camber – Wind Conditions The quick version Understanding sail shape is crucial to
Sailing Racing Rules 2025 – 2028 What changed?
Sailing Racing Rules 2025 – 2028 What changed? The 2025–2028 Racing Rules of Sailing introduce several vital updates to clarify and refine the sport’s regulations.
Diesel engine maintenance on a yacht
Diesel engine maintenance on a yacht Basic diesel mechanic knowledge is essential for sailors, as diesel engines are often sailboats’ primary auxiliary power source. Understanding
Sailing advice for couples
Sailing advice for couples Sailing as a couple can be a rewarding and bonding experience, but it requires good communication, planning, patience and understanding of
Starting Sequence Flags and Sound Signals
Starting Sequence Flags and Sound Signals In a sailing race, the starting sequence is signalled through a combination of flags and sound signals, which indicate
Tide and the rule of 12
Tide and the rule of 12 The Rule of Twelfths is a simplified method used by sailors to estimate the rise and fall of tides
The Distance to the Horizon
The Distance to the Horizon We cannot see beyond the horizon because of the curvature of the Earth (unless you think the Earth is flat, in which
True wind vs apparent wind
True wind vs apparent wind You’ve heard about “true wind” and “apparent wind”, but you’re unsure how this relates to sailing. As you are aware,
What is Maximum Hull Speed
Maximum Hull Speed? The hull speed of any yacht is the theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can travel without planning. It’s a common
Remedy Seasickness
Remedy Seasickness There are several effective remedies for seasickness, ranging from medications to natural techniques. Here are some of the best options: 1. Medications Over-the-counter