About - Page 3 of 21 - Safe Skipper Boating & Safety Afloat Apps for phones & tablets

Sailing Safely at Night – Best Practice

by Safe Skipper | Boat Handling, Communications, Crewing skills, Emergencies, Navigation, Yacht ownership

Sailing Under the Stars: Essential Night Sailing Safety Practices Sailing at night can be a magical experience – the peaceful solitude, starry skies, and gentle lapping of waves create an unforgettable atmosphere. However, night-time sailing also presents unique...

Boating Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts on the Water

by Safe Skipper | Boat Handling, Communications, Crewing skills, Emergencies, Navigation, Yacht ownership

Boating etiquette is essential for ensuring the safety, enjoyment, and harmony of everyone on the water. Whether you’re a seasoned boater or new to the boating community, it’s important to be aware of the do’s and don’ts of boating etiquette. Here...

DIY boat upgrades: Budget-friendly projects to enhance your (older!) boat

by Safe Skipper | Boat Maintenance, Preparation, Yacht ownership

Owning a boat is not just about cruising the open waters; it’s also about customising and improving your vessel to suit your needs and preferences. While some boat upgrades can be expensive, there are plenty of budget-friendly DIY projects that can enhance both...

Boat Security: Protecting your vessel from theft & vandalism

by Safe Skipper | Boat Maintenance, Preparation, Yacht ownership

Boating is a cherished pastime for many, offering freedom, relaxation, and adventure. However, as with any valuable possession, boats are susceptible to theft and vandalism. Protecting your vessel from these risks requires a proactive approach to boat security. In...

2023 Rolex Fastnet Race – Part 3

by Simon Jollands | Boat Handling, Communications, Crewing skills, Emergencies, Navigation, Preparation, Yacht ownership

This is our third and final article about the 2023 Rolex Fastnet Race. It is a first hand account by Simon Jollands who was one of the crew of Lancelot II, a Beneteau First 40 skippered by John Gillard. The Fastnet Race is named after the Fastnet Rock, which the...

The dangers of running aground in a motor boat

by Stuart Batley | Boat Handling, Communications, Crewing skills, Emergencies, Navigation, Preparation

Picture this: you’re out on a serene lake or cruising along a beautiful coastline in your motor boat, enjoying the wind in your hair and the gentle lapping of the water against your vessel. However, amidst the bliss of boating lies a lurking danger –...

2023 Rolex Fastnet Race – Part 2

by Simon Jollands | Boat Handling, Communications, Crewing skills, Emergencies, Navigation, Preparation, Yacht ownership

Simon Jollands took part in the 2023 Rolex Fastnet Race. This is the second of his articles on the race aboard Lancelot II, a Beneteau First 40. The first night of the 2023 Rolex Fastnet Race proved to be a major challenge for the fleet, including us. Many yachts...

2023 Rolex Fastnet Race

by Simon Jollands | Boat Handling, Communications, Crewing skills, Emergencies, Navigation, Preparation, Yacht ownership

Simon Jollands took part in the 2023 Rolex Fastnet Race. This is the first of several articles on the race and focuses on the start. The 2023 Rolex Fastnet Race proved to be a classic offshore sailing event that lived up to its reputation as being one of the toughest...

The Round The Island Race 2023

by Simon Jollands | Communications, Crewing skills, Emergencies, Navigation, Preparation

This year’s Round the Island Race turned out to be a really thrilling and competitive event. 1100 boats entered the race, which took place on Saturday 1st July. The race started from the world famous Royal Yacht Squadron line in Cowes UK, with the largest and...

Going aground – what to do if it happens to you

by Simon Jollands | Communications, Crewing skills, Emergencies, Navigation, Preparation

It is one of those sailing facts of life that, however hard you try to avoid it, sooner or later you will most likely find yourself aground. It has happened to me twice. Once when I was on a RYA training vessel near the entrance to Beaulieu River in the Western...