by Safe Skipper | Boat Handling, Communications, Crewing skills, Emergencies, Navigation, Yacht ownership
Sailing Under the Stars: Essential Night Sailing Safety Practices Sailing at night can be a magical experience – the peaceful solitude, starry skies, and gentle lapping of waves create an unforgettable atmosphere. However, night-time sailing also presents unique...
by Safe Skipper | Boat Handling, Emergencies, Preparation, Yacht ownership
An emergency ditch bag (also known as a grab bag, abandon ship bag, or go-bag) is a crucial piece of safety equipment for any vessel venturing out to sea. It’s a waterproof and buoyant bag packed with essential survival gear that can be quickly grabbed if you...
by Simon Jollands | Boat Maintenance, Yacht ownership
Keel design is constantly evolving and nowhere is this more apparent than in modern racing yachts such as the Imoca Open 60 class. These fast offshore monohulls use highly sophisticated canting keels to help them stay upright when sailing upwind. The boats are...
by Safe Skipper | Boat Handling, Communications, Crewing skills, Emergencies, Navigation, Yacht ownership
Navigating through rough waters in a sailboat requires skill, preparation, and a good understanding of both your vessel and the environment. Here are some tips for handling adverse weather conditions: Preparation Before You Sail Check Weather Conditions: Monitor...
by Simon Jollands | Boat Maintenance, Preparation, Yacht ownership
According to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) almost one third of emergency call outs at sea are caused by mechanical failure. Many engine breakdowns are avoidable. The best way to avoid a breakdown is to carry out pre-start checks before heading out to...
by Simon Jollands | Boat Maintenance, Preparation, Yacht ownership
Boat batteries need to be kept properly charged, which means never allowing the batteries to discharge below 50 per cent of their total charge. As well as the batteries themselves, keeping a boat’s charging systems in good shape will also help to keep batteries...