Crewing skills Archives - Safe Skipper Boating & Safety Afloat Apps for phones & tablets

Understanding tide tables and tidal curves

by Simon Jollands | Communications, Crewing skills, Navigation, Preparation

No two coastal places have exactly the same tidal pattern. There are many factors that influence this, from the shape of the coastline, the funnelling effect of channels and estuaries, the depth of the sea and the proximity of oceans. The times and heights of tides...

Sailing at the touch of a button

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

As yachts get bigger, the loads on halyards and sheets increase, meaning the strength needed to manage the sails also increases. Every sailor knows that grinding winches can be hard work, especially when sailing short-handed. It is important to keep winches serviced...

Tidal heights and the rule of twelfths

by Simon Jollands | Communications, Crewing skills, Navigation, Preparation

In our previous article we looked at tidal curves and how we can use them to find the time of a specific height of tide. Following on from this we now take a look at how we calculate a height of tide for a specific time. This is not a complex calculation but it helps...

Competent crew skills: arriving and leaving a berth

by Simon Jollands | Crewing skills

Skilled boat handling is needed when entering or leaving harbour. Crew tasks include preparing the mooring lines and fenders before docking and tying the boat safely alongside. The crew also prepare the boat for leaving harbour. In order to help avoid any mishap, they...

Navigating the Unknown: Boating in Limited Visibility

by Safe Skipper | Boat Handling, Communications, Crewing skills, Emergencies, Navigation, Preparation, Yacht ownership

“Boating in fog is a test of patience and trust. You have to trust your instruments, your crew, and your own instincts.” Mental preparation is just as important as physical preparation Sailing or Motor Boating in limited visibility, whether due to...

Anchoring – getting it right

by Safe Skipper | Boat Handling, Crewing skills, Preparation

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 and marinas when cruising. Anchoring is one of the most important boat handling skills. If you...