Blogs & Articles

Sailing fast – TWA and TWS First things first: what is the difference between true and apparent wind? The fact is that true wind is

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 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 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 Night sailing presents unique challenges, but with proper preparation and awareness, it can be a rewarding experience. Here are 20

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 The start of a race in sailing can be super confusing, with many complex rules

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-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 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? 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

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 a

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.