navigation at sea

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...

Sailing into fog – being prepared and staying safe

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

One of the greatest dangers a sailing yacht can encounter is fog. If fog is forecast, then most skippers will sensibly delay their departure until they are sure the conditions are clear. However, if fog begins to form when you are at sea it is important to be prepared...

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

by Bernie Branfield | 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...

Jester Challenge 2022 – Sailing single handed from Plymouth UK to the Azores: Part 9 – Around the Azores

by Bernie Branfield | Boat Handling, 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...

Jester Challenge 2022 – Sailing single handed from Plymouth UK to the Azores: Part 8 – Arriving at the Azores

by Bernie Branfield | Boat Handling, 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...

Sailing into a storm

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

Sailing solo into a storm – some lessons learned Weather forecasting has become increasingly accurate in recent years, thanks largely to weather satellite technology and ever increasing computer power. As a result, those of us who go sailing on a regular basis,...