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NauticEd’s Sailing Education Blog includes techniques, tips, and tricks from the pros. Want to learn more? Check out our full selection of online sailing courses, try sailing in Virtual Reality, learn more about sailing certification, search any topic in the boating knowledge base, and get started with your free sailor toolkit.

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Popular Education.

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December 11, 2024

Is a beam reach relative to true wind or apparent wind

October 5, 2024

How to Trim the Mainsail – Traveler or Mainsheet?

June 15, 2024

9 Essential Knots Every Sailor Should Know

May 15, 2024

Mediterranean Mooring Techniques

May 13, 2024

Planning to use springlines when docking

Latest Education.

Truck expertly backs boat trailer into water at launch ramp, showcasing effective maneuvering skills for boaters.

She Drives: Backing Up a Boat Trailer With Confidence You’re More Capable Than You Think

February 9, 2026

Learn the tips for backing up a boat trailer with confidence and ease, overcoming the intimidation that comes with it.

AIS data flow delay diagram highlighting potential failure points in maritime communication: ship, satellite, internet.

AIS Safety vs Internet AIS: The Critical Difference Sailors Miss

January 25, 2026

AIS is one of today’s best safety tools—and one of the most misunderstood. AIS targets on your chartplotter aren’t the same as the ones in phone apps, and that difference matters. In this article, I break down how AIS really works, why some targets vanish, how vessels end up online, and the key distinction between AIS as an onboard safety system vs. an internet tracking tool.

Sailors wearing Musto and Gill jackets steering sailboats on open water.

Why Your Gear Should Match Forecast Conditions

January 21, 2026

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.

Bustling Mediterranean harbor scene with moored sailboats, tourists, and coastal charm under a sunny sky.

Med Mooring Learnings Amidst Squawkers, Gawkers, and Midnight Crooners

January 15, 2026

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

Sailing boat heels with mast head pull technique on water.

Mast Head pull heeling versus wind heeling

January 3, 2026

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.

Grant steering sailboat, EDU-4 Approved Instructor: What is an EDU-4 Instructor? Why Should You Ask For One?

What is an American National Standards EDU-4 Instructor

December 20, 2025

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.

Illustration of keel vortex and drag comparison: Fin Keel vs Full Keel, analyzing performance differences.

Fin Keel versus a Full Keel Efficiency

December 13, 2025

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.

Infographic of SEA Learning Path: Study, Execute, Automate. Displays brain power percentages for each stage.

Are You Really Ready for an Assessment?

December 11, 2025

Before you ask an instructor for an assessment or certification sign-off, it helps to understand how learning actually works on the water. At NauticEd, we developed the S-E-A Learning Path.

Sailors in orange gear navigate a yacht through rough seas, waves splashing, under a cloudy sky at sunset.

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

October 22, 2025

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

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Certification and Licensing.

Navigating the world of sailing certifications and licenses can feel as complex as plotting a course through uncharted waters. Whether you’re a beginner preparing to skipper your first yacht or an experienced sailor looking to expand your horizons, understanding the requirements for certifications and licenses is essential. Also learn more at NauticEd Sailing Certification.

Meet the Instructor.

Reading about the motivations and backgrounds of sailing instructors can inspire sailors by showing how every expert was once a beginner. Their stories offer unique lessons and provide ideas for personal growth, whether you’re pursuing cruising, racing, or teaching. Instructors often share insights from diverse experiences, broadening perspectives. Their journeys also serve as reminders of the camaraderie and adventure that make sailing so special.