Sailing Education Archives

Using Spring Lines for Docking

October 24, 2023/by Grant Headifen

A spring line is just a dockline that is placed strategically from the boat to the dock to help maneuver and turn the boat in place – get it safely into the dock or safely away.

Sailing and Wind Forces

October 24, 2023/by Grant Headifen

A sailboat moves in upwind and downwind directions. Downwind is intuitive; it just gets blown downwind. But just how does a sailboat move into the wind?

Non-Electronic Communications

October 24, 2023/by Grant Headifen

Sailing has been around for thousands of years. Electronic Communications has been around for less than 100 years (not counting the telegraph).

Lights on ATONS

October 24, 2023/by Grant Headifen

Lights are installed on some ATONS. The lights are usually alternating on and off on some consistent interval to distinguish one ATON from another.

The Nautical Chart

October 24, 2023/by Grant Headifen

Safely maneuvering a vessel while using positions derived from various coastal and near coastal sources is called coastal navigation.

Anchoring is not simply throwing a “hook” and letting out a line. However, after watching some sailors, this seems to be their theory. Successful anchoring requires a plan considering all the factors.

Crew Safety Briefing

October 24, 2023/by Grant Headifen

You can avoid many emergencies by conducting a proper safety briefing before leaving the dock.

Towing

October 24, 2023/by Grant Headifen

The following diagram shows how you can tow another vessel. Form a “bridle” from the rear cleats…

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.

Sailboat Generator or Large Battery Bank?

October 23, 2023/by Grant Headifen

Dedicated electric generators on board sailboats are usually only reserved for large sailboats because of their weight and size. Unless there is a desire for large amounts of electricity…