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.

Holding a Constant Heading while Adjusting the Sails

We're heading to a specific point on land or a compass heading. Thus we need to keep the sails flying effectively...
August 22, 2023/by Grant Headifen
Panoramic view of a serene bay with turquoise waters, anchored sailboats, and a sandy beach, perfect for a sailing adventure.

Getting Familiar with the Charter Boat

Prior to releasing the boat to you, the charter company will give you a reasonably extensive walk through the boat.
April 2, 2024/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
Diagram of sail with lazy jacks and stackpack bag, showing how sail flakes down along the boom for easy handling.

Unfurling or Raising the Sails

You have motored your vessel from the slip into open water and are now ready to either unfurl or raise the sails, depending on your setup.
October 21, 2023/by Grant Headifen
Diagram showing wind direction effects on a sail: trimmed, backwinding, and luffing stages.

Lifts and Knocks in Sailing

Lifts and Knocks are technical terms for how the direction of the wind changes, requiring changes in how you respond while sailing...
August 11, 2023/by Grant Headifen

Seamanship Nav Rules

Navigation rules refer many times to good seamanship, The best advice we can give here around seamanship is to get experience...
August 31, 2023/by Grant Headifen
Aerial view of a sailboat with a wooden deck moored at a dock, floating on calm, dark blue water.

Returning a sailboat to the Slip

Time flies when you are sailing. But sadly, the moment comes when you must return and put your vessel back in its slip.
October 13, 2023/by Grant Headifen
Two sailboats anchored with a dragging anchor. One boat moves sideways in a marine environment with sea grass.

Deploying the Anchor

It is important that the person deploying the anchor and the helmsperson are in agreement about the anchoring plan first. Discuss the placement, the direction, the depth, the desired scope, and the setting plan.
April 15, 2024/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

Sailboat Diesel Engine

Thanks go to Mr. Rudolf Diesel who years ago in Germany cleverly invented an engine that today bears his name (luckily, they chose to use his last name)—the sailboat diesel engine.
October 21, 2023/by Grant Headifen
VHF marine radio with distress alert, important for boating safety and emergency communication.

Raising the Alarm in Emergencies

A comprehensive list of how and the equipment used to raise the alarm in sailing emergencies
October 22, 2023/by Grant Headifen
Two sailboats with conical shapes on the ocean, indicating vessels under power, sailing in clear weather.

Motor Sailing

If the wind is light and your time is short you might want to consider motor-sailing—using your auxiliary engine...
October 19, 2023/by Grant Headifen
Group of people planning a sailing route with a map and notes in a cozy room, discussing navigation strategies.

The Nautical Chart

Safely maneuvering a vessel while using positions derived from various coastal and near coastal sources is called coastal navigation.
October 24, 2023/by Grant Headifen
Sailboats passing port to port with horn signals, showing nautical right-of-way on open water.

Head-on Nav Rules Situation

The Rule (a) Unless otherwise agreed when two power-driven vessels are meeting on reciprocal or nearly reciprocal...
August 26, 2023/by Grant Headifen
Boat battery wiring diagram showing engine, alternator, battery banks, isolator, charger, and shore power connections.

Typical Boat and Battery Wiring Schematic

Here is a typical wiring schematic of how your batteries are connected into your boat and charging system.
April 15, 2024/by Grant Headifen
View of a sailboat's helm with a wooden wheel against a clear blue sky and open sea, conveying serene sailing moments.

Operating the Engine – Getting Familiar with a Charter Boat

Many modern sailboats are equipped with integrated engine throttle and transmission shift systems; called the push-pull cabling system. 
April 5, 2024/by Grant Headifen
Diagram of a marine propulsion system with inline shaft alternator and propeller, enhancing ship energy efficiency.

Spinning Propeller

As you sail along, the water flowing over your propeller will cause it to spin. Some sailboats are fitted with a special alternator that will create electricity...
October 13, 2023/by Grant Headifen
Sailing diagram showing boat heading angles: 30, 60, 90, and 120 degrees off wind direction. NauticEd education info.

Best Angle to the Wind when Sailing

Here's a diagram to show you what "degrees off the wind" means. Sails, unlike wings, get their shape from the wind pressure against the fabric....
August 13, 2023/by Grant Headifen
Red and white diver down flag indicating scuba diving activity or a submerged diver in the area.

Non-Electronic Communications

Sailing has been around for thousands of years. Electronic Communications has been around for less than 100 years (not counting the telegraph).
October 24, 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
Satellites orbiting Earth in space, illustrating global connectivity and navigation technology.

Global Positioning System

GPS stands for global positioning system. It uses a network of satellites in orbit. Although the GPS is used as a navigation device, it is also a form of communication to the vessel.
October 14, 2023/by Grant Headifen
Catamaran and monohull sailboats docked; text Catamaran vs Monohull overlaid, highlighting sailing choice options.

Catamaran vs Monohull: A Real-World Comparison for Cruisers

Comparing catamaran vs monohull for cruising? This guide breaks down comfort, sailing feel, cost, safety, and real-life tradeoffs that matter.
June 27, 2025/by Merrill Homann-Charette
Group of sailors examining navigation charts at a table in a nautical classroom setting.

Charter Local Area Familiarization

Once you’ve arrived at the charter base, the company will give you an extensive briefing on the local area, where to sail, where not to sail, and they’ll also give you a recommended route to take for the time that you have allotted.
April 4, 2024/by Grant Headifen
Diagram showing three sailboats docking with wind direction labeled, demonstrating optimal approach angles.

Leaving the Dock – End Ties

Wind pushing you away from the dock - This is the simplest scenario. Once you are confident of your plan, release and stow dock lines, then allow the wind to push the boat clear of other obstacles.
May 5, 2024/by Grant Headifen

Last updated on December 6th, 2024