Yacht ownership Archives - Page 3 of 21 - Safe Skipper Boating & Safety Afloat Apps for phones & tablets

DIY boat upgrades: Budget-friendly projects to enhance your (older!) boat

by Safe Skipper | Boat Maintenance, Preparation, Yacht ownership

Owning a boat is not just about cruising the open waters; it’s also about customising and improving your vessel to suit your needs and preferences. While some boat upgrades can be expensive, there are plenty of budget-friendly DIY projects that can enhance both...

Boat Security: Protecting your vessel from theft & vandalism

by Safe Skipper | Boat Maintenance, Preparation, Yacht ownership

Boating is a cherished pastime for many, offering freedom, relaxation, and adventure. However, as with any valuable possession, boats are susceptible to theft and vandalism. Protecting your vessel from these risks requires a proactive approach to boat security. In...

2023 Rolex Fastnet Race – Part 3

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

This is our third and final article about the 2023 Rolex Fastnet Race. It is a first hand account by Simon Jollands who was one of the crew of Lancelot II, a Beneteau First 40 skippered by John Gillard. The Fastnet Race is named after the Fastnet Rock, which the...

2023 Rolex Fastnet Race – Part 2

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

Simon Jollands took part in the 2023 Rolex Fastnet Race. This is the second of his articles on the race aboard Lancelot II, a Beneteau First 40. The first night of the 2023 Rolex Fastnet Race proved to be a major challenge for the fleet, including us. Many yachts...

2023 Rolex Fastnet Race

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

Simon Jollands took part in the 2023 Rolex Fastnet Race. This is the first of several articles on the race and focuses on the start. The 2023 Rolex Fastnet Race proved to be a classic offshore sailing event that lived up to its reputation as being one of the toughest...

Pre-start engine checks

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...