Boat Handling

Man Overboard Drill

by Stuart Batley | Boat Handling, Emergencies, Preparation

How to respond to crew overboard under sail • Keep the MOB in sight • Tack into the heave-to position, do not adjust the headsail sheets • If under spinnaker, alter course to windward and haul sail down immediately • Throw buoyancy to the MOB • Mark MOB with dan buoy...

First Aid Afloat – fish spine injury

by Stuart Batley | Boat Handling, Emergencies

First Aid Afloat – Here is what to do if somebody stands on a fish spine: • Check for dangers. Is it safe for you to enter the water? • Check for levels of response and for normal breathing • Inform emergency services if necessary • If needed treat serious...

Hourly Checks when sailing or motoring

by Stuart Batley | Boat Handling, Crewing skills

Hourly Checks Get into the habit of carrying out these checks and both yourself, your crew and your boat will be safer: Fill in log book Filling in the log book can seem an unnecessary chore but having a record of courses and positions is valuable if you have...

Boat Handling – anchoring

by Simon Jollands | Boat Handling, Crewing skills, Preparation

Anchoring your yacht or motorboat Anchoring is one of the most important boat handling skills. If you can set an anchor correctly with confidence and know your boat will be safe in a secure anchorage, then you can rest in comfort and will not need to rely on moorings...

Essential boat engine checklist

by Stuart Batley | Boat Handling, Navigation, Preparation

Boat engine checklist Engine oil level check Even if you have checked it previously, confirming the engine oil level is up to scratch will give you peace of mind on a passage. Cooling water check It is the same with the cooling water in the engine. Check the water...

Dag Pike’s Boat Survey

by Stuart Batley | Boat Handling, Boat Maintenance, Preparation

We’re really pleased to be working with Dag Pike on some great new apps for iPhone & Android. Here’a a bit more about the first app: Dag Pike’s Boat Inspection App Dag began his career as a merchant captain, went on to test RNLI lifeboats, and...