Essential Knots: Clove hitch
Use: Tying a rope to posts, bollards, rings or a guardrail.
Step 1. Make a turn around the object and lay the working end diagonally back over the standing part. 
Step 2. Pass the working end round the object and back through the loop.
Step 3. Pull tight Tip: Learn how to tie and adjust a fender using a clove hitch – this is a job for everyone on board.
A one stop guide to tying and understanding all of the 50 most useful nautical knots!
Boat ownership
Learn ColRegs: Traffic Separation Schemes
Sector lights, directional lights, leading lights – how do they differ?
First Aid at Sea – strains and sprains
Getting a tow for your sail or power boat at sea or on inland waterways
A five day sailing cruise of the Solent, UK
Essential boat engine checklist
Rudders and steering systems – Part 1
Rudders and steering systems. A rudder is one of the most critical parts of a boat. Rudder failure is a common occurrence on neglected or overworked boats and a very unpleasant and potentially dangerous thing to happen when you are out at sea.
The give-way hierarchy at sea – who gives way to whom?
Feeling anxious at sea
Navigation safety: a quick-reference mobile app to learn the ColRegs NavLights and Shapes
Repairing chips and dings in gelcoat
The gelcoat topsides of a GRP boat can be pampered and restored to their former glory relatively easily when it is ashore. Gelcoat is only a very thin outer layer of the hull, often less than 1mm thick, so you should avoid cleaning it with highly abrasive cleaners, or an-ything that could potentially damage its surface.
Fire safety advice at sea from the Marine & Coastguard Agency
First Aid Afloat – how to deal with a fracture at sea
Know your Navlights & Shapes – essential for all skippers
Rewiring a boat – overcoming the challenges involved
An explanation of the IALA maritime buoyage systems – IALA A and IALA B
Avoiding collisions at sea – how to stay safe on the water
ColRegs – avoiding collisions at sea
Seized fixings and fastenings
Maintaining a boat can be a rewarding experience but at times it can also be frustrating. A prime example of this is when you come across a seized fixing or fastening that refuses to budge. Read our tips on how to release and fix them:
