Sailing Education Archives

Help Us Make Virtual Reality Docking Better

October 29, 2026/by Grant Headifen

Captain, You Might Need to Improve Your Emotional Intelligence If…

September 15, 2026/by Guest Author

Explore Emotional Intelligence in sailing to understand why crew members may be leaving and how to improve relationships on the water.

Heaving-To: How to Stop a Sailboat Under Sail

August 18, 2026/by Merrill Homann-Charette

Heaving-to is a practical sailing maneuver that allows you to slow the boat while keeping the sails hoisted. Learn how to perform it and when it can improve safety and control on the water.

Choosing the Right Windlass Chain: Chain Types Explained

August 4, 2026/by Merrill Homann-Charette

Choosing the correct windlass chain is essential for safe and reliable anchoring. Learn how the different marine chain types compare in strength, link design, compatibility, and cost.

Experience ≠ Competency

August 4, 2026/by Bill Ibsen

Years on the water don’t automatically make someone a competent sailor. Discover why objective assessments, continuous learning, and practical skills are the real indicators of safe seamanship.

Waterproof Fabric 101: Coated vs. Trilaminate

August 2, 2026/by Merrill Homann-Charette

Learn about the key features of coated vs trilaminate waterproof fabric to choose the best options for your outdoor needs.

How to Mark an Anchor Chain

July 21, 2026/by Merrill Homann-Charette

Discover the most common methods for marking an anchor chain and learn why purpose-built chain markers are often the preferred choice for accurate, reliable anchor deployment.

To hold a sailboat, the anchor must naturally be attached to the vessel. This is accomplished by using “rode,” which is either all chain or a combination of rope (nylon line) and chain. Learn from this interactive animation.

Raising Anchor with a Windlass: Best Practices for Anchor Recovery

July 6, 2026/by Merrill Homann-Charette

Learn the correct sequence for raising an anchor with a windlass, including preparing the boat, recovering the ground tackle, freeing the anchor, and securing it safely for travel.

How Cumulonimbus Clouds Form and Their Dangers

June 23, 2026/by Grant Headifen

How a Cumulonimbus Thunderstorm Builds, Rains, and Moves
Warm, moist air is lifted.
A thunderstorm begins when warm, moist air near the surface is forced upward. This lift may come from surface heating, a cold front, a sea breeze boundary, mountains, or converging winds.