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.

Raymarine sailing instrument displaying depth of 9.8 feet and speed of 6.35 knots, with log reading 10321 NM.

Key Sailboat Instruments

Sailboat Instrumentation can be very sophisticated and intelligent. Most electronic displays provide a wide range of menus of useful information...
October 18, 2023/by Grant Headifen
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
Sailors securing a sailboat to a mooring buoy at sunset, against a backdrop of tranquil ocean and distant islands.

Mooring on a Charter

Most developed chartering locations throughout the world have established zones in which mooring balls have been permanently implanted.
April 12, 2024/by Grant Headifen

Sailboat Balance

Below is an animation that shows the balance of forces: actually it is technically the balance of a concept called “moments.”
October 20, 2023/by Grant Headifen
Man walking beside a modern spiral staircase on a minimalist deck, under a clear sky.

Propwalk factors – The p factor

There are two combined reasons that work in unison to create propwalk.
May 16, 2024/by Grant Headifen

Propeller Entanglement

If there is a sudden slowing or stopping of the engine while motoring it is possible that you have picked up some floating line, hopefully not from your vessel.
October 17, 2023/by Grant Headifen
Blue sailing life vest featuring durable straps and a cartoon logo. Ideal for safety and buoyancy on the water.

Personal Flotation Devices

The terms “life jacket” and “PFD” are interchangeable, with the latter used in the USA and the former used in most of the rest of the world.
October 17, 2023/by Grant Headifen
Sailboats anchor downwind in a neat line on calm water, with wind direction indicated.

Tacking and Gybing Maneuvers

Tacking when you want to sail in a direction to exactly where the wind is coming from— guess what—you can’t! The best we can do is to follow a zig-zag course by sailing at about 30 to 40 degrees off the wind...
October 19, 2023/by Grant Headifen
Sailboat on calm sea under wispy clouds with forested shoreline in the background, perfect for a peaceful sailing trip.

Clouds, Fog, Thunderstorms

Clouds can give a relatively easy and quick look at what might be coming in the future. These clouds then are a good indication of possible changing weather in the next few days.
October 23, 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
Blue spiral notebook with a matching pencil, perfect for jotting down sailing notes and navigational tips.

Using Prop Walk

You can use prop walk to turn your boat in a tight marina by applying forward and reverse gears at appropriate times, leaving the rudder locked to starboard.
May 31, 2024/by Grant Headifen
Sailboat docked at a marina with a neatly coiled rope on the pier under a clear blue sky.

Securing Your Sailboat

It is convenient to have dock lines that are pre-set to the right length with loops on the end and are permanently mounted onto the marina cleats. Now, when you return to the dock you simply slip the loops over your vessel cleats.
October 12, 2023/by Grant Headifen
Diagram depicting a water circuit with components analogous to electrical elements like generator and resistor.

Electrical Measurements

To be prepared and understand electrical power usage on a modern vessel, it is important to learn a few basic terms and concepts.
October 17, 2023/by Grant Headifen
Sailboat demonstrating heaving-to maneuver with labeled parts: backwinded headsail, helm position, and sideways wake.

Sailing Heave To

When you have successfully hove-to (heaved-to), your sailboat will be in a stable situation with the mainsail and headsail still up. Your forward speed will be minimal and...
October 12, 2023/by Grant Headifen
Sailing diagram showing prop walk effect causing boat to veer off desired path due to strong wind and speed factors.

Prop Walk Bests You

There is one situation where you are just going to have to suck it up, admit defeat, and work with the forces of nature.
June 9, 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
Two people in a dinghy on a calm sea with sailboats and green islands in the background under a cloudy sky.

Dinghy on a Bareboat Charter

Several things to note about the dinghy on a Bareboat Charter.
April 11, 2024/by Grant Headifen
Diagram illustrating air flow and force on a sail from NauticEd, a leading sailing education course provider.

Understanding How Airflow Creates Lift

Understanding how Airflow creates lift and the need for smooth airflow when sailing...
August 23, 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
Sailing yacht adjusting sheets: working sheet loosened to move fairlead, lazy sheet cleated amidships over scenic ocean.

High Wind and Gust Management in Sailing

Professional sail trimmers deal with high winds and gusts by managing the traveler and mainsheet simultaneously. The fairlead position...
August 13, 2023/by Grant Headifen

Boat Heading vs Sail Set and Forces on the Sail

The set of your sail depends on your sailing angle to the wind. You're working to maximize the aerodynamic forces on the sail.
August 30, 2023/by Grant Headifen

Electric Devices and Standards

A word of caution whenever using any home AC appliances on a vessel. Generally, these devices will work fine
October 16, 2023/by Grant Headifen

Action by a Give-Way Vessel

The Nav Rule Every vessel which is directed to keep out of the way of another vessel shall...
August 23, 2023/by Grant Headifen

Sailboat Battery Usage

Batteries are a vessel’s major source of power for many essential functions both when in the slip and while sailing.
October 20, 2023/by Grant Headifen

Last updated on December 6th, 2024