Sailing Education Archives

Standing Rigging

October 23, 2023/by Grant Headifen

To keep the mast from toppling over, an array of rods, cables, ropes (lines), and wires are attached at various spots on the mast and run down to the bow, stern, and sides of the vessel.

Clouds, Fog, Thunderstorms

October 23, 2023/by Grant Headifen

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.

Running Aground

October 23, 2023/by Grant Headifen

In the information age, running aground is usually caused by an amateur mistake, and besides the potential damage, it is also highly embarrassing.

Bilge Pumps

October 23, 2023/by Grant Headifen

An emergency bilge pump(s) is a very significant electrical device on any vessel. This pump is used to pump out water that may collect, for whatever reason, in the bilge.

The procedure for tying to a mooring is theoretically very easy. You simply motor up and using a boat hook, grab the float and attach to it to your boat. It sounds simple but you will see many dismal failures when watching others try it.

Sailboat Diesel Engine Fluids

October 22, 2023/by Grant Headifen

Diesel engines make use of a variety of fluids, including raw and coolant water, diesel fuel, and lubricating oil. A problem in the flow of any one of these fluids can cause problems…

Raising the Alarm in Emergencies

October 22, 2023/by Grant Headifen

A comprehensive list of how and the equipment used to raise the alarm in sailing emergencies

Sailboat Diesel Water Systems

October 22, 2023/by Grant Headifen

Diesel engines run hot because of high compression and therefore need to be cooled. Fortunately, ample cooling is readily available from the water the vessel is sailing in.

Electronic Communications

October 22, 2023/by Grant Headifen

Nowadays, gigabytes of data can be sent in a second as a digital signal. It is all a complete Wow!

Wind

October 22, 2023/by Grant Headifen

Winds can be gentle, hardly felt, like zephyrs flitting about in a local area, or they can be vast movements of air moving swiftly across oceans and continents at low and high altitudes.