Sailing Education Archives

Navigation Tools

October 25, 2023/by Grant Headifen

No matter the chart in use, the navigator’s work largely involves the determination of direction and distances. The most useful tools for actual chart work are…

We all make Mistakes. It’s what you do about them that counts

October 24, 2023/by Grant Headifen

The lesson here is clear: To excel in sailing, one must remain at the top of their game. My mishap could have been prevented if I had been regularly practicing docking maneuvers in various scenarios and wind conditions…

Rigging

October 24, 2023/by Grant Headifen

At boat shows, we see folks huddled down in the vessel’s salon oohing and aahing at the leather cushions to sit on, and at the electronic gadgets for navigation and entertainment.

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?

Towing

October 24, 2023/by Grant Headifen

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

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.

Crew Safety Briefing

October 24, 2023/by Grant Headifen

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

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).

Sailboat Solar Power

October 24, 2023/by Grant Headifen

Solar panels produce DC power and are used to charge the batteries. A relatively small solar panel such as 1 square foot (0.1 m2) can produce about 1½ amps at…