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How to cope with an emergency at sea

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

We enjoy ourselves on the water knowing full well there are risks attached. The same applies to most sporting activities and many leisure pursuits, but this does not put us off indulging in such fulfilling pastimes. A safe skipper will be mentally prepared for all...

Engine failure at sea – common causes and how to avoid them

by Simon Jollands | Boat Maintenance, Preparation, Yacht ownership

Providing they are regularly serviced and maintained, modern marine diesel engines tend to be very reliable. However, they are by no means infallible and a large percentage of lifeboat rescues are to leisure vessels with engine failure. Fortunately, a handful of...

Fractures, sprains and dislocations at sea

by Simon Jollands | Boat Handling, Crewing skills, Emergencies, Preparation

Moving about a boat at sea often results in a few knocks and bruises, but if a crew member has a fall or major bump and is in serious pain, they should be examined and treated accordingly. The risk of this happening can be reduced by keeping one hand holding the boat...

First aid at sea – four common emergencies

by Simon Jollands | Boat Handling, Crewing skills, Emergencies, Preparation

In our series of Safe Skipper blogs on first aid at sea, here are four common emergencies skippers should be prepared for at sea. Knowing how to cope with them could well save a life, while not knowing could result in an avoidable tragedy. In this blog we look at what...

Common medical emergencies at sea

by Simon Jollands | Boat Handling, Crewing skills, Emergencies, Preparation

A medical emergency aboard a boat at sea requires immediate attention to ensure the safety of the casualty and the crew in general. The skipper needs to know which crew members, if any, have had medical training or have a first aid qualification. All boats should...

First aid at sea basics

by Simon Jollands | Boat Handling, Crewing skills, Emergencies, Preparation

Reducing the risks of an accident happening at sea is a priority for every skipper of a leisure vessel, as is reducing the chance of any of the crew becoming ill. The first line of defence against a medical emergency at sea is to avoid it in the first place, which may...

Sending distress signals

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

How to send and receive emergency radio calls In an emergency situation at sea, it is a top priority is to know how to send and receive emergency radio calls and alert others of your predicament. Likewise, if you receive a distress signal, you must be ready to go to...

How to improve a yacht’s upwind performance

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

There are several ways to improve the upwind performance of a sailing yacht. Read on for some useful tips that should help in the upcoming season. One of the easiest ways to boost windward performance is to make sure your boat has a clean bottom, as even a coat of...

Sailing to windward – how to take advantage of wind shifts

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

For most sailors, sailing upwind is the most exhilarating point of sail as you tack your way to your destination. Sailing to windward is a bit like zig-zagging your way up a mountain road through a series of hairpin bends – great fun but also calling for...

How to use tides and currents to your advantage

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

If you are contemplating a cruise through tidal waters and strong currents, then planning your trip carefully in advance is essential to enable you to take advantage of favourable tides rather than constantly fighting against them. Big tides demand considerable...