Boating Knowledge Archives

Spinning Propeller

October 13, 2023/by Grant Headifen

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…

Sailors are forever measuring stuff. This brings us to the subject of navigation units. As we all remember from the good ol’ school days, measurement is the process of comparing something with an established standard.

Sailboat Inverters

October 13, 2023/by Grant Headifen

Sailboat Inverters are devices used to convert 12-volt DC battery electricity to AC 110-volt or 220-volt electricity. Special electronics in

Sea Anchor

October 13, 2023/by Grant Headifen

Finally, there is something called a “sea anchor.” These can be a variety of devices used to slow down a vessel caught in high winds and turbulent seas.

Vessel Lights and Shapes

October 12, 2023/by Grant Headifen

Nighttime can be a beautiful time to sail. However, night vision is not the same as day vision and so rules have been established to ensure safety.

Sail Trim

October 12, 2023/by Grant Headifen

While setting the sails to general rules of thumb will get you really close to a good sail set,

Reefing the Sails

October 12, 2023/by Grant Headifen

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.

Sailing Heave To

October 12, 2023/by Grant Headifen

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…

Holding a Straight Course in Sailing

October 12, 2023/by Grant Headifen

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.

Securing Your Sailboat

October 12, 2023/by Grant Headifen

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.