Preparation Archives - Page 23 of 29 - Safe Skipper Boating & Safety Afloat Apps for phones & tablets

Hull inspection – the annual checks

by Simon Jollands | Boat Maintenance, Preparation, Yacht ownership

With the boat ashore for the winter it is time to do a hull inspection – the annual checks. Are there any scratches and chips in the gelcoat? What about the rudder and keel? Are there any signs of osmosis? Do you have records and checklists to help ensure no...

Feeling anxious at sea

by Simon Jollands | Boat Maintenance, Preparation, Yacht ownership

Some people feel anxious at sea. Will they be seasick? What if they get caught in a violent storm? Could the boat capsize or sink? What if they fall overboard? If a crew member is feeling anxious at sea then they may need reassuring by their crew mates. They...

Seasickness – how can you prevent it?

by Simon Jollands | Boat Maintenance, Crewing skills, Emergencies, Preparation, Yacht ownership

Seasickness is a common problem at sea and affects both seasoned sailors and novices. What are the causes and symptoms of seasickness? How can you prevent seasickness and what medications can you take?It can take time to acclimatise to a boat moving around beneath you...

Essential yacht tender safety for skippers and crew

by Simon Jollands | Boat Handling, Crewing skills, Preparation

Essential yacht tender safety – the dangers inherent in using a dinghy to get ashore from a moored or anchored yacht are all too easily underestimated. A recent experience caused me to have a serious think about essential yacht tender safety. Recently I faced...

Avoiding collisions at sea – how to stay safe on the water

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

Boats have many blind spots, including the headsails of sailing boats. Always keep a lookout, stay safe and remember that whatever their size or type, all boats have a responsibility to avoid collisions with others at sea. If you are heading out on the water for the...

Boat Improvements

by Safe Skipper | Boat Maintenance, Preparation

My Boat – practical improvements Author – Mike Rossiter Most boat owners who have had their craft for any length of time will have made what they consider are ‘improvements’. If the boat changes hands the new owner will scratch his/her head and...