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How to trim a genoa sail

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

I recently had two new sails made by Sanders Sails, based in Lymington UK. The first to arrive was the new genoa and it took me a little while to get to know it and learn how to adjust it correctly. Here is an aide memoire for getting to know how to trim a genoa so...

How to improve a yacht’s upwind performance

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...

Sailing to windward – how to take advantage of wind shifts

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

For most sailors, sailing upwind is the most exhilarating point of sail as you tack your way to your destination. Sailing to windward is a bit like zig-zagging your way up a mountain road through a series of hairpin bends – great fun but also calling for...

How to use tides and currents to your advantage

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

If you are contemplating a cruise through tidal waters and strong currents, then planning your trip carefully in advance is essential to enable you to take advantage of favourable tides rather than constantly fighting against them. Big tides demand considerable...

Understanding your boat’s compass

by Stuart Batley | Boat Maintenance, Navigation

Article submitted by Mike Rossiter, Certificated Compass Adjuster. Since the magnetic compass was first used by the Chinese for navigation sometime around 1044, it has become an essential instrument on every boat, yacht & ship. There are a wide range of compass...