Simon Jollands

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...