How-to 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 of a long-standing maritime tradition […]

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. The type of sail material

Shaping your sail with Draft – Twist – Angle of Attack – Camber – Wind Conditions The quick version Understanding sail shape is crucial to optimising a boat’s speed and

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. Here’s an overview of some

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 how to perform routine maintenance

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 each other’s strengths. Here are

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 key moments leading up to

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 throughout a tidal cycle, particularly

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 case, please do not read

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, wind is a significant factor