Reefing: How, Why and When to Reef
To “Reef” a sail means to shorten it. And really nothing more. It is the simple act of reducing sail area, so as to reduce the surface area and thereby...
Articles
-
-
Sailing On A Lake Vs Ocean: 6 Differences
If you've sailed in various water bodies, you probably will appreciate that sailing can be quite different depending on the location.
-
Navigation Lights for Sailboats (And How To Read Them)
Navigation lights on a sailboat can be confusing. If you understand the reason behind why they are the way they are however, they can make a lot more sense.
-
How to Sail Around the World
Sailing around the world can be the experience of a lifetime - an adventure that lets you know you are living life to its fullest and not settling for a...
-
How to Winterize Your Sailboat
All things must end, and when boating season comes to a close, that means it's time for sailors to winterize and store their sailboats. So, how do you store a...
-
How To Read Navigation Buoys & Lights
One of the most confusing aspects of the entire marine world is the system of marks, buoys, lights and shapes that decorate the seascape.
-
10 Best Sailboats for Solo Sailing (One Person)
The idea of single-handed sailing or solo sailing appeals to racers and cruisers alike. But what are the best sailboats for solo sailing? Well, let's find out.
-
Essential Sailing Maneuvers & How To Master Them
There are a few essential skills and by extension “maneuvers” that one must know intrinsically to be safe to not only sail but sail anything anywhere in any conditions.
-
Lee Shore Dangers and How To Escape
Leeward has a few applications in sailing and understanding each is kind of important. Two terms in particular, “Sailing in the lee”, and “sailing by the lee” can both be...
-
The Working Man's Guide to Trailer Sailing
Trailerable sailboats go down a boat ramp, they store for free in your backyard, and they have many of the benefits of a keelboat or dinghy, with fewer drawbacks.
-
10 Tips for Sailing In Heavy Weather
Reading a weather report and planning one’s voyage to avoid nasty weather is the best call of them all. If you find yourself under gloomy skies, here are 10 tips...
-
Before You Set Sail: The Pre-Departure Sailing Plan
Pilots have their checklists. Astronauts have their countdown. Even ballplayers have their pre-game rituals before they take the field. Sailors should have a pre-departure plan too.
-
How To Fix Motion Sickness When Sailing
When you're on a boat, the motion of the boat messes up the motion of those ear hairs and tells your mind to tell your eyes to watch for the...
-
Dismasted at Sea: What To Do (During & After)
The best solution to a Dismasting is to avoid it in the first place, but if you do drop the stick, point your boat towards home, make sure everyone is...
-
Rope Types For Sailors (AKA Sailing Line)
Ask any sailor, “What’s this rope used for,” and they will promptly correct you and tell you in the most condescending voice they can muster, “it's a line.”
-
When did Sailing become a Sport?
Even though sailing as a means of transportation has been around for thousands of years, long before recorded history, sports sailing began in the 17th century in Holland.
-
Sail Maintenance For Beginners
Boats in general are all about maintenance. Sails are the one thing that puts fear and trepidation into all gen pop boaters and prevents them from becoming a blow boater.
-
Distress When Sailing (And What Saves You)
The thing I have never considered, or for that matter ever used, in any of my sinking moments was the bevy of distress gear I, and I am sure many...
-
6 Best Life Jackets for Sailing (2024)
When sailing, safety should be a priority and this calls for the need to have a proper life jacket. But because there are a lot of sailing life jackets in...
-
How to Stop a Sailboat (Where & When You Want)
By controlling your inertia, reserving your power and by direct proportion, your speed, you will position yourself to have much more successful landings.
-
Sailboat Registration Costs By State
Looking to determine how much it will cost you to register your sailboat in your home state, or any other state? This article has you covered.
-
How To Sail Through Fog (Don't Forget To Enjoy It)
Sailing in fog, darkness, or any other reduced visibility can bring a myriad of terrors from navigational hazards, other boats, and even the wind itself.
-
What Sailing Qualifications Do You Need?
One main question you probably have in mind is, what qualifications do I need to sail a boat? And if not, what licenses do I need to sail in international...
-
10 Popular Sailing Knots and How to Tie Them
Knowing the different types of sailing knots, learning how to properly tie them, and how to use them effectively are some of the most priceless skills that every sailor should...
-
10 Best Small Sailboats (Under 20 Feet)
Most small sailboats under 20 feet in this list are time-tested, easy to rig, simple to sail, extremely fun, and perfect either for solo sailing or for sailing with friends...
-
How Much Do New Sails Cost?
Sails are one of the most important parts of your sailboats. They're your engine or essentially, what propels your sailboat.
-
Who Has the Right of Way When Sailing?
Before you can understand who has the right of way when sailing, it is important that you understand who creates the regulations on the water.
-
History of Sailing & Boat Types
When and where did sailing originate? The answer to that question is threaded through our entire written history.
-
10 Essential Tools to Keep on Board Your Sailboat
If you are just getting into sailing, you may be wondering what some of the most important tools to keep on hand in case of emergencies are.
-
Sail Rigs And Types - The Only Guide You Need
With good sails, great design, and regular maintenance, sails and rigs are an important part of a sailboat.
-
How Long Did It Take The Vikings To Sail To England?
The Vikings were widely and well known not just for their boat-building skills but also for their long and mostly successful long voyages.
-
Average Speed of a Sailboat (Plus Top Speed)
Going fast in a sailboat can be lots of fun. The top speed of a sailboat will vary based on its size and purpose. But what is the average of...
-
How To Gel Coat A Sailboat - A Complete Guide
Given that many boats utilize fiberglass in their construction, gel coating a boat is the only way to make it bright and shiny while also protecting it against the elements.
-
11 Best Liveaboard Marinas In The US
So, how do you determine which are best? By looking at not just the marina itself but where it is, what its surrounded by, and whether or not you might...
-
The Best Liveaboard Marinas In Maine
Perhaps the great state of Maine is the place for you. This article covers not only what makes Maine a great state for sailors but which marinas should be on...
-
The Best Liveaboard Marinas In California
A good economy, good weather, high-quality marinas, and a laid back way of life. That means California might be the place for you. Here are some of the best liveaboard...
-
What Questions Should You Ask When Buying a Used Sailboat?
You're probably in the market looking to buy a used sailboat. But before you commit, it's of great importance to get as much information as possible to ensure that you...
-
15 Best Liveaboard Marinas in North Carolina
There are several liveaboard marinas in North Carolina. All you have to do is choose the best and you'll have an incredible experience.
-
5 Best Wind Generators For Sailboats (2024)
Wind generators, also known as micro turbines, have come a long way since their first appearance on the cruising scene back in the 1970's.
-
What Is Shorthanded Sailing?
Are you singlehanded or short on crew members? Well, shorthanded sailing involves much more than a lack of crew. It not only demands a new mindset but also a different...
-
How To Choose & Restore An Anchor
Whether you're using a grapnel or a fluke, boat anchors are a must-have. No matter the shapes and styles, an anchor assures safe sailing and gives you more control over...
-
What It's Like To Live On A Sailboat
Choosing to live on a sailboat is not for everyone. It’s a unique way of life that requires a particular lifestyle that would be a step too far for what...
-
What Is The Ideal Wind Speed When Sailing?
Whether you're using one of the biggest sailboats in the world or a small dinghy boat meant for the water body in your backyard, sailing is all about the wind.
-
20 Must-Have Sailing Accessories
While some sailing accessories are simply nice to have, others are a must if you want to have a safe and enjoyable sailing experience.
-
How Much Is a Sailboat? (Average Cost of Buying & Owning)
What is the average cost of buying and owning a sailboat? This comprehensive guide will help you understand the realities of buying and owning a sailboat.
-
How To Sell A Sailboat Fast
Are you thinking about selling your sailboat? Because you're in a competitive market and you want to sell fast, you need to give your boat the best chance.
-
What Are Sails Made Of? (And What's Right For You)
Sailboat sails are constructed from a variety of materials and fabrics, each with their own unique set of advantages and disadvantages.
-
How Does A Sail Work?
Mainly powered by the wind, a sailboat is a simple but complicated machine that relies on its sails. But exactly does a sail work? Well, let’s find out.
