Essential Knots: Reef knot
Use: Tying two ends of rope together, often used for tying up a bundle of loose sail around the boom.
Step 1. Take two ends of a rope. Use one as the working end.
Step 2. Right over left. Then under.
Step 3. Then left over right and under.
Step 4. Pull tight.
Tip: Practice tying a reef knot by using your shoelaces.
A one stop guide to tying and understanding all of the 50 most useful nautical knots!
Keel design – options to consider when choosing a yacht
First Aid Afloat – fish spine injury
Boating Rules of the Road – International ColRegs
Fire safety advice at sea from the Marine & Coastguard Agency
Seasickness – how can you prevent it?
Antifouling for leisure boats – Part 2
To prepare for antifouling, as soon as your boat has been lifted out and pressure washed, you need to check all the surfaces of the hull below the waterline, remove any remaining barnacles and check for blisters.
Boat Handling – anchoring
Peer to Peer yacht charter – How can you monetize your boat?
The VHF DSC Radio jargon buster
First Aid Afloat – how to deal with a fracture at sea
How to Avoid Collisions At Sea With The ColRegs
Navigation safety: a quick-reference mobile app to learn the ColRegs NavLights and Shapes
Dag Pike’s Boat Survey
Medical Emergency at Sea
Tacking a sailing boat
Fire prevention on boats
Competent crew skills: arriving and leaving a berth
Keel maintenance
Keels are designed to act as underwater foils that generate lift as the boat moves through the water, counteracting the leeward force of the wind and enabling the boat to sail closer to the wind. Keel maintenance and repair is essential for the performance of your boat.