Blogs & Articles

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? 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 The quick version Understanding sail shape is crucial to

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 Basic diesel mechanic knowledge is essential for sailors, as diesel engines are often sailboats’ primary auxiliary power source. Understanding

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 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 The Rule of Twelfths is a simplified method used by sailors to estimate the rise and fall of tides

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 You’ve heard about “true wind” and “apparent wind”, but you’re unsure how this relates to sailing.  As you are aware,

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 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

Six motions on a yacht Here are some common boat movements, including yaw, pitch, and roll, which describe how yachts move in the water: Yaw

Tides & Currents So you set a course to steer, follow it for a few hours and realise that you are not going to hit

Points of Sail Points of Sail refer to the different directions a sailboat can travel in relation to the wind. Understanding these helps you optimise

Forces acting on a sailboat The forces acting on a sailboat, particularly lift and drag, are part of a complex interaction of several aerodynamic and

Solar power on a boat: easy, right? So you found this page because, 1 – you are starting your journey into installing solar on your

Knowing your ropes On a ship, ropes are generally called lines once they serve a specific purpose. It is surprising to find ropes on boats

The origin of Port and Starboard The origin of the term “port” in sailing, referring to the left side of a ship when facing forward (towards

20 critical nautical terms When you are invited to join some friends on their yacht, you could make a positive impression (or at least not

Coxswain vs Bosun In a maritime or naval context, both coxswain (cox’n) and boatswain (bosun or bauson) have vital roles but distinct responsibilities. Here’s a

Why use nautical miles and knots in sailing? We use nautical miles and knots in sailing because a nautical mile is based on the earth’s

SMG – CMG – VMG   Velocity Made Good (VMG) Velocity Made Good (VMG) is a sailing term that refers to the speed at which

Sailing the Whitsundays Sailing the Whitsundays is a breathtaking experience, offering one of the most iconic ways to explore Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Located off

Your actions have a purpose. You act decisively and without fear. You are also a planner who will mitigate any possible danger. Life jackets for

Provisioning for long voyages Provisioning for long voyages on a small yacht requires careful planning, as space is limited, and access to fresh supplies will

Windvane steering on yachts Windvane steering is a mechanical self-steering system commonly used on yachts, especially for long-distance cruising. It allows a yacht to maintain

Handling Propeller Walk Propeller walk (or “prop walk”) is a phenomenon that occurs when a boat moves sideways due to the interaction between the propeller’s

Reversing your yacht – some tips Reversing a yacht, especially if it’s a large one, can be quite a task. Here are some general steps

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

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

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:

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.

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 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 If your yacht begins to sink, acting quickly and effectively is crucial for your safety and the safety of your

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

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

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

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 In sailing, the tiller and the helm are crucial components for steering and controlling your yacht, but they

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