I’ve learned a great many skills, hobbies, and athletic activities over the years. With each one, especially those involving speed, I have always wanted to know one thing before I get in motion. And that one thing is “Just Tell Me, How Do I Stop???” From snowboarding or skiing, biking or rollerblading, I enjoy the activity, but I simply insist …
How Does a Sailboat Steer?
So how does one steer a sailboat? Most people approach steering a sailboat the same way they would steer their car. When the steering wheel turns to the right, it steers your car to the right, etc, etc. Sailboats with a tiller are different. They have a unique and counter-intuitive way of steering. Turn the tiller to the left and …
Five Foundational Sailing Knots
Any Google search for “knot” comes up with an almost endless list of knots that can be learned. To say this is can be overwhelming is an understatement. Even narrowing your search to “sailing knots” is not really of any help. There are so many knots to be learned, it can be confusing to know where to start. Besides, knots …
The Difference Between Tacking And Jibing (Gybing)
When I first started out, I remember not knowing the difference between tacking and jibing. I just remember going through my very first tacks and jibes in total confusion. The skipper would call out “Ready About!” and I will admit, I was not ready at all. I watched and listened as more seasoned sailors around me rapidly released ropes free …
Must Have Sailing Gear for Beginners
It seems there are two kinds of crew on a sailboat. The first is an over-prepared rookie with 900 pounds of unnecessary gear. The other, an overly confident veteran sailor with what he feels are ‘just the basics’. The former packs for every eventuality, and in return, is only partially prepared for any of the actual realities of sailing. The …
Can a Sailboat Tip All the Way Over?
Can a sailing sailboat tip over when it heels over? This is a question I hear a great deal. If it’s not asked of me directly, I certainly can see it in new sailor’s faces. Usually the first time under sail, and at the first big gust of wind! Everything appears under control. The sun, wind, and spray off the …
What Do You Do When There Is No Wind?
More often than we like, a perfectly good sailing day is cut short by a serious die off in the the wind. What do you do now? Many resources would point to various activities or chore lists. Clean the boat, make lunch and wait it out, or go back to port and wait for a better day to sail. are …
How to Set a Sailboat Anchor in 5 Steps
There is really nothing quite like being secure at anchor. After all, to properly anchor a sailboat takes preparation, the right gear, and a bit of skill. Whether you anchor a sailboat overnight, a quick lunch stop, or a multi hour break to refit or repair something , all competent skippers have had to learn about this one question…. How …