Sailing Education Archives

The Nautical Chart on a Charter

April 5, 2024/by Grant Headifen

Even though most sailboat charters are within island groups where the next landfall is typically within sight, every boat should be equipped with complete large-scale charts of the area.

Bilge Pumps on a Charter Boat

April 5, 2024/by Grant Headifen

Boats have two types of pumps to empty bilge water; electronic and manually operated.

The Deck – Getting Familiar with a Charter Boat

April 5, 2024/by Grant Headifen

Gaining knowledge about the boat, its systems, and its equipment is a great starting point for any sailing adventure.

The Engine – Getting Familiar with a Charter Boat

April 4, 2024/by Grant Headifen

While this is a sailing boat propelled by the wind and mostly without the need for burning fossil fuels the most devastating breakdown besides hull failure is the engine.

The Fuel System – Getting Familiar with a Charter Boat

April 4, 2024/by Grant Headifen

While it is reasonably rare to have a fuel problem on a charter it can certainly happen and you should be prepared to apply the (sometimes simple) solution below.

Starting the Engine – Getting Familiar with a Charter Boat

April 4, 2024/by Grant Headifen

Regarding the starting procedure, we’re assuming that since you’re actually commanding a sailboat you pretty much know how to turn the key and all the other safety precautions.

How to Book a Sailing Charter

April 4, 2024/by Grant Headifen

There are a few things you need to know about booking a charter.

The Types of Sailing Charters

April 4, 2024/by Grant Headifen

There are two types of sailing charters; captained and bareboat. The captained charters have a professional captain on board to navigate and operate the vessel, and usually…

Plumbing and Tankage – Getting Familiar with a Charter Boat

April 4, 2024/by Grant Headifen

A diaphragm pump below directs flow from the water tank(s) to various faucets throughout the boat. You’ll always begin a charter with full water tanks but understand that water conservation is still required.

Seacocks – Getting Familiar with a Charter Boat

April 4, 2024/by Grant Headifen

Seacocks are designed to let water flow out of the hull safely. They are not one-way valves so any loose clamps around the seacock itself create leaks around the hoses and can allow water to enter into the boat. This is usually bad – right?