Anchoring & Mooring Archives

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.

Med Mooring Learnings Amidst Squawkers, Gawkers, and Midnight Crooners

January 15, 2026/by Bill Ibsen

Learn about Med mooring and the unique challenges it presents in tight marinas, especially in beautiful Aegina, Greece.

Sailing to a Mooring Ball

September 29, 2024/by Grant Headifen

Sailing up to a mooring ball is an advanced skill. It will definitely prove your finesse for handling the boat and managing the crew.

Boating’s Deadly Dozen – The Top Causes of Accidents on the Water

June 18, 2024/by Grant Headifen

Discover the most common causes of accidents on the water and learn how to prevent them. Stay safe while enjoying your time on the water.

9 Essential Knots Every Sailor Should Know

June 15, 2024/by Bill Ibsen

Unleash your inner sailor with Bill Ibsen’s guide to 9 essential knots. From bights to bitter ends, master the art of knot tying.

Maneuvering a Catamaran

May 18, 2023/by Grant Headifen

How to maneuver a catamaran in a marina with rudders forward and aft of the propellers, including animations on how the Catamaran responds.

Anchoring with Lines Ashore – Mediterranean Style

November 30, 2022/by Trisha Evelyn

Master anchoring with lines ashore – essential for boat owners and on charter boats, especially the Mediterranean.

How to Pick Up a Mooring Ball

June 8, 2022/by Grant Headifen

The principle is simple – motor downwind past your selected mooring ball and back up to it. Run a line from the forward cleat outside the stanchions…

Anchoring with side waves

May 7, 2022/by Grant Headifen

Here is a trick on how to turn your anchored boat to fave the waves instead of facing the wind. It gives you a much smoother experience while anchoring with side waves.

Leaving a Mooring Ball in a Tidal Current

July 26, 2021/by Grant Headifen

One of our students, Tom, asked the below question after he viewed our “How to Operate a Dinghy” you tube video. “Thanks Ed, my small boat is docked in a tidal harbour and it can get tricky when tides are running strong. How should I use the outboard/tiller to move away in reverse from the […]