Practical boating tips

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...

Tips and advice for staying safe on a sailboat at sea

by Simon Jollands | Boat Handling, Boat Maintenance, Communications, Crewing skills, Emergencies, First Aid at Sea, Navigation, Preparation

Here we focus on tips and advice for staying safe on a sailboat at sea, the common causes of accidents on sailboats and what to do in an emergency. 9 ways to stay safe at sea Always wear a personal flotation device (PFD) or life jacket. This is the most important...

Boat maintenance – what does it involve?

by Simon Jollands | Boat Maintenance, Preparation, Yacht ownership

Maintenance involves keeping something in good condition, as close to its manufactured state as possible. The maintenance of a boat involves things like cleaning, varnishing, painting, polishing, antifouling, servicing the engine, servicing the seacocks, and...

Jester Challenge 2022 – Sailing single handed from Plymouth UK to the Azores: Part 10 – The Return Trip

by Emma | Boat Handling, Boat Maintenance, Communications, Crewing skills, Emergencies, Navigation, Preparation, Yacht ownership

Jester Challenge – A modern experiment in old-fashioned self-reliance, self sufficiency, and personal responsibility. The Jester Challenge was created for skippers of small boats who want to test their skill and self-reliance, is a uniquely successful...

Keeping boat records and doing checks

by Simon Jollands | Boat Maintenance, Preparation, Yacht ownership

This is our second post in a series intended for new boat owners and any existing owners who want some help and advice on keeping records and doing checks. Keeping boat records A boat’s records should provide information about maintenance schedules, when...