Sailing Education Archives

Why Your Gear Should Match Forecast Conditions

January 21, 2026/by Merrill Homann-Charette

Choosing foul weather gear isn’t about brands – it’s about conditions. Learn how competent boaters select inshore, coastal, or offshore protection to stay safe and effective on the water.

Med Mooring Learnings Amidst Squawkers, Gawkers, and Midnight Crooners

January 15, 2026/by Bill Ibsen

Learn about Med mooring and the unique challenges it presents in tight marinas, especially in beautiful Aegina, Greece.

Mast Head pull heeling versus wind heeling

January 3, 2026/by Grant Headifen

Takeaways: Standing rigging isn’t the place to economize—it’s a load-management system. Use stretchy docklines for masthead pulls, avoid shock loads, and apply smooth, steady pressure. Snatch loads break rigs.

What is an American National Standards EDU-4 Instructor

December 20, 2025/by Grant Headifen

EDU-4 is the American National Standard that describes what high-quality on-water instruction must look like: clear objectives, structured lessons, appropriate safety and student ratios, objective assessment, and continuous improvement. NauticEd requires its instructors to follow these principles in every training session.

Fin Keel versus a Full Keel Efficiency

December 13, 2025/by Grant Headifen

Basic Newtonian physics says keel force scales with water density, area, and velocity squared. So if a fin keel and full keel had the same area, shouldn’t they perform the same? And since full keels often have more area, it seems like they should do better—not worse.

Layering Systems for Offshore Sailing: A Guide to Staying Comfortable in Harsh Conditions

October 22, 2025/by Guest Author

Stay dry, warm, and ready for anything offshore. Build your perfect sailing layering system with Mustang Survival’s pro-grade marine clothing.

How to Dock a Catamaran on a T-Head (Complete Guide)

October 14, 2025/by Grant Headifen

Docking a catamaran on a T-head doesn’t have to be stressful. In this step-by-step video + transcript, Grant Headifen demonstrates five real-world approaches—45° drive-in, ferry-glide (crab), tailwind back-in, wind-on, and wind-off—showing throttle work, line order, and pro tips for clean, controlled landings.