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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...

Liferafts

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...

How to cope with an emergency at sea

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...

Fractures, sprains and dislocations at sea

by Simon Jollands | Boat Handling, Crewing skills, Emergencies, Preparation

Moving about a boat at sea often results in a few knocks and bruises, but if a crew member has a fall or major bump and is in serious pain, they should be examined and treated accordingly. The risk of this happening can be reduced by keeping one hand holding the boat...

First aid at sea – four common emergencies

by Simon Jollands | Boat Handling, Crewing skills, Emergencies, Preparation

In our series of Safe Skipper blogs on first aid at sea, here are four common emergencies skippers should be prepared for at sea. Knowing how to cope with them could well save a life, while not knowing could result in an avoidable tragedy. In this blog we look at what...