by Simon Jollands | Boat Handling, Crewing skills, Emergencies, Preparation
A medical emergency aboard a boat at sea requires immediate attention to ensure the safety of the casualty and the crew in general. The skipper needs to know which crew members, if any, have had medical training or have a first aid qualification. All boats should...
by Simon Jollands | Boat Handling, Crewing skills, Emergencies, Preparation
Reducing the risks of an accident happening at sea is a priority for every skipper of a leisure vessel, as is reducing the chance of any of the crew becoming ill. The first line of defence against a medical emergency at sea is to avoid it in the first place, which may...
by Simon Jollands | Boat Handling, Crewing skills, Navigation, Preparation, Yacht ownership
If you are contemplating a cruise through tidal waters and strong currents, then planning your trip carefully in advance is essential to enable you to take advantage of favourable tides rather than constantly fighting against them. Big tides demand considerable...
by Simon Jollands | Boat Handling, Communications, Crewing skills, Navigation, Preparation, Yacht ownership
Effective crew briefings are a vital part of the good on-board communication that helps everything to run smoothly on a sailing vessel at sea, whether it is cruising or racing. Involving everyone on board, including children, with sailing a boat will make the...
by Simon Jollands | Boat Handling, Boat Maintenance, Communications, Crewing skills, Emergencies, Navigation, Preparation, Yacht ownership
Preparing for a sailing trip entails a lot of planning. In this blog, we take a look at some of the many safety aspects that a skipper needs to consider before heading off on a cruise. The degree of preparation, knowledge and equipment needed for cruising will vary...
by Simon Jollands | Boat Handling, Boat Maintenance, Communications, Crewing skills, Emergencies, Navigation, Preparation, Yacht ownership
What are the main dangers a vessel may face at sea and what should skippers do to reduce the risk of these happening? Collisions with other vessels The Collision Regulations apply to “all vessels upon the high seas and in all waters connected therewith navigable...