Sailing Education Archives

Diesel Fuel

October 18, 2023/by Grant Headifen

The search, discovery, refinement and resource control of fuel has a rich and very sordid history. But just like…

Sailboat Running Rigging

October 18, 2023/by Grant Headifen

A sailboat’s running rigging consists of those items controlling the sails and helping the sails to capture the wind’s energy.

Electrical Measurements

October 17, 2023/by Grant Headifen

To be prepared and understand electrical power usage on a modern vessel, it is important to learn a few basic terms and concepts.

Starting the Diesel Engine

October 17, 2023/by Grant Headifen

Prior to starting the diesel engine: Become familiar with how and when a vessel’s transmission gear shift…

Dock Line Release

October 17, 2023/by Grant Headifen

Have a dock line untying plan based on the wind and the current direction and then communicate this to the crew. Depending on which is stronger…

Personal Flotation Devices

October 17, 2023/by Grant Headifen

The terms “life jacket” and “PFD” are interchangeable, with the latter used in the USA and the former used in most of the rest of the world.

Weighing Anchor

October 17, 2023/by Grant Headifen

“Weighing the anchor” simply means raising it. If raising the anchor is to be done by hand…

Propeller Entanglement

October 17, 2023/by Grant Headifen

If there is a sudden slowing or stopping of the engine while motoring it is possible that you have picked up some floating line, hopefully not from your vessel.

Dinghy Safety!

October 17, 2023/by Grant Headifen

When it comes to dinghy operations, the following is a dangerous attitude: “It’s only a short distance ashore—jump in…

Dressing appropriately for weather conditions is an important but often overlooked topic. Weather in the marina may be considerably different from weather beyond the marina and conditions can drastically change during your venture.