On my own sailboat, I have a water ballast system. I was unsure about the stability and efficacy of this system at first. From my experience, a water ballast sailboat, in place of a lead keel boat, is an incredibly worthwhile and effective option to consider when purchasing a sailboat. What is a water ballast sailboat? A water ballast sailboat …
How to call the Coast Guard on VHF
The Coast Guard is there to help. They have assisted me several times, and each time I’ve come away with a very satisfying feeling that I did the right thing by calling. In this article, you will learn how to contact the Coast Guard on VHF. Generally speaking, when you call the Coast Guard on VHF your need to: Be …
7 Real Reasons Why You Should Own A Sailboat
It’s time to consider a pleasure craft purchase. You’ve earned it. You can justify it. Maybe you’ve been out a few times with friends and the boating bug has bit you. Or possibly you’re an independent soul who would rather take to the waterways instead of the highways in search of adventure. Maybe you’ve always had a thing for sailboats …
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 …