Boating Knowledge Base

Have a sailing question? Access NauticEd’s sailing and boating knowledge base, and gain in-depth answers to your sailing questions. If you’re interested in powerboating, visit our new powerboating blog.

Woman starting a dinghy motor near a catamaran at sea during sunset, showcasing boating and adventure lifestyle.

Dinghy Safety!

When it comes to dinghy operations, the following is a dangerous attitude: “It’s only a short distance ashore—jump in...
October 17, 2023/by Grant Headifen
Two sailboats navigate wind conditions of 20 and 10 knots, illustrating sailing dynamics and wind impact.

Reefing the Sails

Before heading out, check forecasted wind conditions to see if you might need to reef at some point during the day. If so, make appropriate reefing preparations in the calm marina and ensure your crew knows the procedure.
October 12, 2023/by Grant Headifen

Sail TellTales

"Telltales" attached to the sail in strategic positions to "tell" us what the wind is doing at that exact location.
August 11, 2023/by Grant Headifen

Sailboat Diesel Engine Fluids

Diesel engines make use of a variety of fluids, including raw and coolant water, diesel fuel, and lubricating oil. A problem in the flow of any one of these fluids can cause problems...
October 22, 2023/by Grant Headifen
Sailboat racing on open water with crew adjusting sails, vibrant spinnakers in the distance, under a clear sky.

Holding a Straight Course in Sailing

Holding a straight course is an imperative skill to master as you learn to sail. As an experienced sailor, nothing is more distracting to a good day out sailing than a novice helmsperson swinging the boat in all directions.
October 12, 2023/by Grant Headifen
Diagram comparing lift and drag forces on fabric and winged sails, illustrating aerodynamic efficiency differences.

Winged Sail Vector Diagrams

Sail and Winged Sail Wind Force Vector Diagrams. And it's highly relevant right now because of the America's Cup AC45 catamarans using winged sails.
August 26, 2023/by Grant Headifen
Sailboat anchored in serene blue water near rocky coast, ideal for sailing adventures and peaceful escapes.

Anchoring

Anchoring is not simply throwing a “hook” and letting out a line. However, after watching some sailors, this seems to be their theory. Successful anchoring requires a plan considering all the factors.
October 24, 2023/by Grant Headifen

The Nautical Chart on a Charter

Even though most sailboat charters are within island groups where the next landfall is typically within sight, every boat should be equipped with complete large-scale charts of the area.
April 5, 2024/by Grant Headifen
Diagram of green light patterns: Flashing (2), Flashing, Occulting, Quick Flashing, ISO for nautical navigation signals.

Lights on ATONS

Lights are installed on some ATONS. The lights are usually alternating on and off on some consistent interval to distinguish one ATON from another.
October 24, 2023/by Grant Headifen
Two people enjoying a sunny day sailing, adjusting sails on a boat with clear blue skies in the background.

Sails – Getting Familiar with a Charter Boat

We’re pretty certain here that you know how to operate sails on a sailboat,  however – chances are that you’re chartering a boat much bigger than you’re normally used to.
April 3, 2024/by Grant Headifen
Diagram illustrating true wind, apparent wind, and boat speed effects on sail, influencing sailing dynamics.

Sailing Wind Velocity & Direction

The faster the boat sails into the wind, the more the apparent wind speed increases and the more it feels like it is coming from the front of the boat. They say  "The apparent wind is forward of the true wind". This means the apparent wind feels like it comes from a more forward direction than the true wind.
October 19, 2023/by Grant Headifen
Two men discuss a yacht purchase strategy at a marina, with a model sailboat on the table.

How to Negotiate When Buying a Boat

Get expert tips on how to negotiate when buying a boat, helping you make an informed investment for your sailing experience.
March 22, 2026/by Merrill Homann-Charette
Sailing on a modern yacht at sunset, with a person relaxing on deck and the sea stretching to the horizon.

The Deck – Getting Familiar with a Charter Boat

Gaining knowledge about the boat, its systems, and its equipment is a great starting point for any sailing adventure.
April 5, 2024/by Grant Headifen
Sailboat galley showing dual-compartment fridge with open lids, ideal for storing food and drinks on long voyages.

Charter Freezer and Fridge Management

Freezers are typically top-loading and very deep. Take from home 4 -5 fabric shopping bags to stow similar items in the freezer. In doing this you...
April 1, 2024/by Grant Headifen

Sailing Safety Introduction

Emergencies at sea extend from simple and almost funny episodes to major challenges that are extremely serious.
October 19, 2023/by Grant Headifen
Open yacht anchor locker with chain and windlass, showcasing teak deck and railing against blue sea backdrop.

Electric Windlass

An electric windlass is a powerful electric winch that greatly helps in the lowering and raising the anchor.
October 23, 2023/by Grant Headifen
Boat generator control panel with preheat and start switches; toggle between gen and shore power.

Generators on a Charter Boat

Some charter boats have generators. These are small diesel engines that convert fossil fuel to DC electricity that is stored in the battery banks and AC electricity that is used to run the air conditioning, microwave, and AC outlet plugs around the boat.
April 4, 2024/by Grant Headifen
Father and daughter enjoying sailing, adjusting ropes on a sunny day at sea.

Kids on a Sailing Charter

If you're considering a charter and considering taking your kids - DO IT.
April 3, 2024/by Grant Headifen

Navigation Tools

No matter the chart in use, the navigator’s work largely involves the determination of direction and distances. The most useful tools for actual chart work are...
October 25, 2023/by Grant Headifen
Diagram showing 12V DC power inverted to 110V AC current with a waveform illustration and labeled inverter.

Sailboat Inverters

Sailboat Inverters are devices used to convert 12-volt DC battery electricity to AC 110-volt or 220-volt electricity. Special electronics in
October 13, 2023/by Grant Headifen
Sailboat heeled over in windy conditions on a sunny day, gliding through blue waters under clear skies.

Running Aground

In the information age, running aground is usually caused by an amateur mistake, and besides the potential damage, it is also highly embarrassing.
October 23, 2023/by Grant Headifen
Bulldozer moving sand at a construction site, operated by a person in the driver's seat, surrounded by earthy terrain.

Getting the General Feel of Maneuvering a Catamaran

Some have compared maneuvering a catamaran with driving a bulldozer. Well . . . perhaps!
May 19, 2024/by Grant Headifen
Two sailboats, one red and one blue, are connected on the water.

Towing

The following diagram shows how you can tow another vessel. Form a “bridle” from the rear cleats...
October 24, 2023/by Grant Headifen
Diagram showing the safety position of a sailboat with arrows indicating wind direction for safe navigation.

Understanding the Safety Position in Sailing

Learn how the Safety Position — a controlled, depowered close reach — helps sailors pause safely without losing steerage. Ideal for MOB drills, instruction, and more.
July 12, 2025/by Grant Headifen

Last updated on December 6th, 2024