Boat Handling

Essential Knots: Round turn and two half hitches

by Simon Jollands | Boat Handling, Crewing skills

Essential Knots: Round turn and two half hitches Use: Tying a rope to a pole or a ring. Step 1. Pass the end around the object. Step 2. Make a second turn. Step 3. Take the working end over the standing part, tuck it between the two parts to make the first hitch. Step...

Essential yacht tender safety for skippers and crew

by Simon Jollands | Boat Handling, Crewing skills, Preparation

Essential yacht tender safety – the dangers inherent in using a dinghy to get ashore from a moored or anchored yacht are all too easily underestimated. A recent experience caused me to have a serious think about essential yacht tender safety. Recently I faced...

Avoiding collisions at sea – how to stay safe on the water

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

Boats have many blind spots, including the headsails of sailing boats. Always keep a lookout, stay safe and remember that whatever their size or type, all boats have a responsibility to avoid collisions with others at sea. If you are heading out on the water for the...

What boating skills should you have before you buy a yacht?

by Simon Jollands | Boat Handling, Yacht ownership

Many people dream of owning a yacht and sailing off into the blue yonder. What boating skills should you have before you buy a yacht? Handling a yacht requires a range of boating skills that enables a sailor to sail, navigate and berth a yacht safely. If you are...

Sailing & Motoring in Fog

by Safe Skipper | Boat Handling, Navigation, Preparation

Sailing & Motoring in Fog You can only measure the visibility accurately if sailing & motoring in fog when you have another object in sight so assume that it is less than you think. It can take time to ‘see’ another vessel as you may not be looking directly at...

Pleasure craft safety equipment recommendations

by Simon Jollands | Boat Handling, Boat Maintenance, Emergencies, Preparation, Yacht ownership

Safety equipment is an important part of boat preparation and it is advisable for all pleasure craft skippers to check their vessel is properly equipped. Below are some useful pleasure craft safety equipment recommendations from the UK’s Royal Yachting Association...