by Skipper1 | Yacht ownership
If you’re planning to join the highly selected group of boat owners, there are a few things you should bear in mind. Buying a boat isn’t so different from buying a new car. Both purchases involve careful research and a clear idea of what to look for. Although the...
by Simon Jollands | Boat Handling, Communications, Crewing skills, Emergencies, First Aid at Sea, Yacht ownership
A liferaft is an essential piece of equipment to carry on offshore or coastal passages and should be regularly serviced by professionals according to manufacturers’ recommendations. Liferafts should be stowed where they are ready for immediate launching. All...
by Simon Jollands | Boat Handling, Communications, Crewing skills, Emergencies, Yacht ownership
We enjoy ourselves on the water knowing full well there are risks attached. The same applies to most sporting activities and many leisure pursuits, but this does not put us off indulging in such fulfilling pastimes. A safe skipper will be mentally prepared for all...
by Simon Jollands | Boat Maintenance, Preparation, Yacht ownership
Providing they are regularly serviced and maintained, modern marine diesel engines tend to be very reliable. However, they are by no means infallible and a large percentage of lifeboat rescues are to leisure vessels with engine failure. Fortunately, a handful of...
by Simon Jollands | Boat Handling, Communications, Crewing skills, Emergencies, Yacht ownership
How to send and receive emergency radio calls In an emergency situation at sea, it is a top priority is to know how to send and receive emergency radio calls and alert others of your predicament. Likewise, if you receive a distress signal, you must be ready to go to...
by Simon Jollands | Boat Handling, Crewing skills, Navigation, Yacht ownership
There are several ways to improve the upwind performance of a sailing yacht. Read on for some useful tips that should help in the upcoming season. One of the easiest ways to boost windward performance is to make sure your boat has a clean bottom, as even a coat of...