NAUTICED SAILING EDUCATION BLOG

The more you learn, the greater is life’s adventure!

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.

“Life [sailing] is not a final. It’s daily pop quizzes.” Each of our sailing courses includes quizzes and tests that you can retake as many times as you’d like.

Who gives way animation for navigation rules

Who Gives Way Port versus Starboard?

December 1, 2022/by Grant Headifen
Close Hauled sailboat

Navigation Practice Exercise

Here is a simple navigation practice exercise to practice sailing (navigating) to a waypoint. The exercise is for you to plan to sailing upwind and to a waypoint with 2 tacks.
March 10, 2022/by Grant Headifen

Navigation: Rate and Direction (Set and Drift) exercises

Here are some Navigation rate and drift with leeway exercises…
April 10, 2019/by Grant Headifen
Fictitious Chart for tides and rule of twelves

Tide Calculation Pop Quiz

Tide Calculation Pop Quiz - here's are a quick few tidal problems for you to solve.
March 22, 2019/by Grant Headifen

Spinnaker Sailing Course

The NauticEd Sail Trim course now includes how to hoist, fly, and douse a spinnaker. Here is an animation embedded into the course so that you can learn the names of the components associated with a spinnaker.
January 11, 2018/by Grant Headifen

Sailing Vector Game

Learn Sailboat Giveway Rules and Cure Boredom at the Same Time.
Here…
December 13, 2016/by Grant Headifen

Set and Drift or Direction and Rate Problem

Just for practice - solve the following problem on the Long Island…
December 6, 2016/by Grant Headifen

Test Question: How to Determine Speed and COG

Try to answer this coastal navigation question:

At 1035 your…
January 22, 2016/by Grant Headifen

Snap Test: How well do you know the rules

Take this fun test and if you like it, - please like us over…
November 16, 2015/by Grant Headifen
Flooding tide from 0.6 m to 4.4 m tide curve.

How to use a Tide Curve problem

Build on your knowledge of tide curves and learn how to advance your skills in properly using them to your advantage.
February 2, 2015/by Grant Headifen
Tide Curve

Can you solve this tidal problem?

In this sailing exercise, you'll be given a tidal problem. See if you have what it takes to solve it, or if you need a little more practice.
January 15, 2015/by Grant Headifen

Anchors aweigh! Learn more with NauticEd’s Anchoring a Sailboat Clinic, also included in the Bareboat Charter Master Bundle.

Sailing to a mooring ball at 60 degrees off the wind

Sailing to a Mooring Ball

Sailing up to a mooring ball is an advanced skill. It will definitely prove your finesse for handling the boat and managing the crew.
September 29, 2024/by Grant Headifen
The Top Causes of Accidents on the Water

Boating’s Deadly Dozen – The Top Causes of Accidents on the Water

Discover the most common causes of accidents on the water and learn how to prevent them. Stay safe while enjoying your time on the water.
June 18, 2024/by Grant Headifen
9 Essential Knots for Sailors

9 Essential Knots Every Sailor Should Know

Unleash your inner sailor with Bill Ibsen's guide to 9 essential knots. From bights to bitter ends, master the art of knot tying.
June 15, 2024/by Bill Ibsen
Catamaran Maneuvering

Maneuvering a Catamaran

How to maneuver a catamaran in a marina with rudders forward and aft of the propellers, including animations on how the Catamaran responds.
May 18, 2023/by Grant Headifen

Anchoring with Lines Ashore – Mediterranean Style

Master anchoring with lines ashore - essential for boat owners and on charter boats, especially the Mediterranean.
November 30, 2022/by Trisha Evelyn
How to tie to a mooring ball

How to Pick Up a Mooring Ball

The principle is simple - motor downwind past your selected mooring ball and back up to it. Run a line from the forward cleat outside the stanchions...
June 8, 2022/by Grant Headifen
Anchoring with Side Waves

Anchoring with side waves

Here is a trick on how to turn your anchored boat to fave the waves instead of facing the wind. It gives you a much smoother experience while anchoring with side waves.
May 7, 2022/by Grant Headifen
Maneuvering Backward

Leaving a Mooring Ball in a Tidal Current

One of our students, Tom, asked the below question after he…
July 26, 2021/by Grant Headifen
Jeanneau Anchored

Anchoring: How much rope or chain should I let out?

Anchoring and getting how much chain and rope right to let out is such an important topic that we thought we'd make this excerpt available for free in open space. Please enjoy how we dive into science and mathematics in these techniques.
October 28, 2020/by Grant Headifen
Bahamas Docking

Mooring, Anchoring, and Docking

Before you leave/approach a dock, pick up a mooring ball, or drop anchor, you must know what the wind and current will be doing to your boat.
March 22, 2020/by Grant Headifen

Anchoring a Sailboat Tip 2

This is a follow on article on request of one of our students…
February 21, 2019/by Grant Headifen
Anchor Scope

How to Pick the Right Spot to Anchor

The seafloor type is a critical factor. Certain anchors hold better in certain bottom types. Look on the chart to find out the seafloor type where you are anchoring...
February 8, 2019/by Grant Headifen
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“Verification is the perfect proof of competence.” Certifications and Resumes are simply good ways of knowing a sailor’s qualified and can actually do what they say they can do. Learn more about Certification & Licensing.

Don't compromise on competency

Bareboat Yacht Charter Competency

Being competent on a yacht charter is paramount. BUT how do you know you're competent, what is competence and how do you measure competence. NauticEd uses the American National Standards which is prescribed by the US Coast Guard.
August 12, 2024/by Grant Headifen

How to Get Started in Sailing

Learn how to get started in sailing. Gain the knowledge, skills, and experience to become a competent sailor.
August 6, 2024/by Grant Headifen
how to qualify to skipper a boat on a sailing vacation

How to qualify to skipper a boat on a sailing vacation

If you want to qualify to skipper a boat on a sailing vacation, you're going to need to be competent. Don't focus on the certification first - that will come once you are competent. Here is a plan towards competence that will make sure you are not only qualified but knowledgeable, safe, and experienced.
July 3, 2024/by Grant Headifen
Satori Sailing courses, classes, and vacation in Marblehead Massachusetts

New England North Shore Sailing Courses and Vacation

Take a vacation to New England and get skipper or bareboat certified, or just charter a day-sail, with Satori Sailing on the famous New England North Shore.
June 22, 2024/by Grant Headifen
Pirate facts and quotes - a pirate ship anchored off the beach.

Pirate Facts & Quotes

A collection of our favorite pirate and seafaring quotes. And, we added a wee bit of pirate history to help put the pirate quotes in context.
January 15, 2024/by Grant Headifen
Catamaran training

Catamaran Sailing Training in Houston Texas

Each of these programs is not just a course; it's an adventure and a stepping stone to mastering the art of catamaran sailing. Whether you're a beginner, a seasoned sailor, or an instructor, these courses are designed to enhance your skills and confidence on the water. Don't miss the chance to set sail on this exciting journey. Register now and make 2024 the year you conquer the waves on a catamaran!
January 2, 2024/by Grant Headifen
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– Browse All Posts –

Upper telltales trim

How to Trim the Mainsail – Traveler or Mainsheet?

The traveler and the mainsheet work dynamically together. Sail like a pro by properly trimming the mainsail using the mainsheet and traveler.
October 5, 2024/by Grant Headifen
Sailing to a mooring ball at 60 degrees off the wind

Sailing to a Mooring Ball

Sailing up to a mooring ball is an advanced skill. It will definitely prove your finesse for handling the boat and managing the crew.
September 29, 2024/by Grant Headifen
Find the boats that cannot trim their sails

Where are the Wallys

Find the Wally and his friends who can't trim the sails.
September 19, 2024/by Grant Headifen
Navigation Rules Podcast

Navigation Rules of the Ocean Made Easy

A podcast with summary and transcript of the rules of navigation of the oceans. Learn the navigation rules.
August 19, 2024/by Grant Headifen
Don't compromise on competency

Bareboat Yacht Charter Competency

Being competent on a yacht charter is paramount. BUT how do you know you're competent, what is competence and how do you measure competence. NauticEd uses the American National Standards which is prescribed by the US Coast Guard.
August 12, 2024/by Grant Headifen
Sailing at night tactics and tips

Sailing at Night – Night Sailing Tips from an Experienced Delivery Captain

Learn essential night sailing tips in this podcast and article from an experienced delivery captain. Ensure safety and gain valuable insights for sailing at night.
August 7, 2024/by Grant Headifen

How to Get Started in Sailing

Learn how to get started in sailing. Gain the knowledge, skills, and experience to become a competent sailor.
August 6, 2024/by Grant Headifen

Ferrying Docking Technique

Ferrying is a docking technique whereby you can maneuver your boat in high wind and current easily.
August 4, 2024/by Grant Headifen
how to qualify to skipper a boat on a sailing vacation

How to qualify to skipper a boat on a sailing vacation

If you want to qualify to skipper a boat on a sailing vacation, you're going to need to be competent. Don't focus on the certification first - that will come once you are competent. Here is a plan towards competence that will make sure you are not only qualified but knowledgeable, safe, and experienced.
July 3, 2024/by Grant Headifen
Sailing emotional intelligence support group on a boat

TAKE THE FRIGGIN WHEEL! Free Sailing Emotional Intelligence Podcast

Unlock the power of emotional intelligence in sailing with our podcast. Learn to be a strong leader and create a wow factor with your crew.
June 24, 2024/by Grant Headifen

“As the wind, so the sails.” To learn more, try out NauticEd’s Free Basic Sail Trim Course, or go in depth with our Skipper Course or Sail Trim Clinic.

Upper telltales trim

How to Trim the Mainsail – Traveler or Mainsheet?

The traveler and the mainsheet work dynamically together. Sail like a pro by properly trimming the mainsail using the mainsheet and traveler.
October 5, 2024/by Grant Headifen
Sailing at night tactics and tips

Sailing at Night – Night Sailing Tips from an Experienced Delivery Captain

Learn essential night sailing tips in this podcast and article from an experienced delivery captain. Ensure safety and gain valuable insights for sailing at night.
August 7, 2024/by Grant Headifen

How to Get Started in Sailing

Learn how to get started in sailing. Gain the knowledge, skills, and experience to become a competent sailor.
August 6, 2024/by Grant Headifen
The Top Causes of Accidents on the Water

Boating’s Deadly Dozen – The Top Causes of Accidents on the Water

Discover the most common causes of accidents on the water and learn how to prevent them. Stay safe while enjoying your time on the water.
June 18, 2024/by Grant Headifen
9 Essential Knots for Sailors

9 Essential Knots Every Sailor Should Know

Unleash your inner sailor with Bill Ibsen's guide to 9 essential knots. From bights to bitter ends, master the art of knot tying.
June 15, 2024/by Bill Ibsen
Accelerate your sailing learning

Accelerate your Sailing with Virtual Reality

Accelerated Learning with VR. Virtual Reality training in every physical field is proving to be more effective as well as faster learning. Learning sailing is particularly relevant for VR.
October 25, 2023/by Grant Headifen
Why doesn't a sailboat over

Angle of heel on a sailboat

Heeling over or “heeling” on a sailboat is when it leans over. Learn what angle of heel on a sailboat is acceptable...
October 9, 2023/by Grant Headifen
Maneuvering a Dual Rudder Catamaran - What is a Sailing Vacation

Dual Rudder: Maneuvering Under Power

When a monohull sailboat has dual rudders, it will act differently than with a single rudder, so knowing what these differences are and how to manage them will save you a lot of headaches (and will keep you safer).
June 24, 2023/by Trisha Evelyn

Empowering Women in Sailing

Instructor Merilee Wright discusses her passion for empowering women to learn to sail and become role models for others.
June 10, 2023/by Trisha Evelyn

What is a flotilla?

Learn about how to join a flotilla and have an incredible sailing vacation.
April 19, 2023/by Trisha Evelyn

Sail Trim – How do sails work?

Learn how to raise or unfurl sails in this brief glimpse into one of our introductory sailing courses.
March 2, 2023/by Trisha Evelyn

How to Raise or Unfurl Sails

Learn how to raise or unfurl sails in this brief glimpse into one of our introductory sailing courses.
January 12, 2023/by Trisha Evelyn
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Maneuvering under power (“Sorry for what I said while docking…”) is often dreaded by sailors! But we make it easy with the Maneuvering Under Power Clinic, also included in our Skipper Bundle of courses.

The Top Causes of Accidents on the Water

Boating’s Deadly Dozen – The Top Causes of Accidents on the Water

Discover the most common causes of accidents on the water and learn how to prevent them. Stay safe while enjoying your time on the water.
June 18, 2024/by Grant Headifen
Tight Marina

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

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...
October 24, 2023/by Grant Headifen
Maneuvering a Dual Rudder Catamaran - What is a Sailing Vacation

Dual Rudder: Maneuvering Under Power

When a monohull sailboat has dual rudders, it will act differently than with a single rudder, so knowing what these differences are and how to manage them will save you a lot of headaches (and will keep you safer).
June 24, 2023/by Trisha Evelyn
Marina with all docking scenarios

Learn How to Maneuver in a Marina like an Expert

Become an expert at maneuvering and docking your sailboat in a marina. Learn over 360 fundamental docking scenarios with no fear of mistakes. The MarineVerse/NauticEd Virtual Reality App on meta quest contains a Maneuvering and Docking a Sailboat Under Power experiential training course whereby the physics is essentially identical to a real situation.
June 20, 2023/by Grant Headifen
Catamaran Maneuvering

Maneuvering a Catamaran

How to maneuver a catamaran in a marina with rudders forward and aft of the propellers, including animations on how the Catamaran responds.
May 18, 2023/by Grant Headifen
Propwalk

What is Propwalk on a Sailboat?

What is propwalk? You want your new sailboat to go backwards but you keep going sideways. Welcome to propwalk.
April 11, 2023/by Grant Headifen
Diesel Electric Hybrid for marine use

Hybrid Propulsion Systems for Sailboats

We discuss the advantages of the diesel-electric hybrid solution for sailboats and why now, more than ever, is the time to install such a system on your new or used vessel.
April 5, 2023/by Grant Headifen
Maneuvering a Sailboat out of a tight slip example

Maneuvering a Sailboat out of a Tight Slip

Maneuvering a Sailboat out of a tight slip does not need to be stressful or embarrassing. Learn how to use your spring line in challenging crosswinds.
February 17, 2022/by Grant Headifen
Maneuvering Backward

Leaving a Mooring Ball in a Tidal Current

One of our students, Tom, asked the below question after he…
July 26, 2021/by Grant Headifen
Propeller Spiral

What is a right-hand screw propeller or left-hand screw propeller?

What is a right hand screw propeller or left hand screw propeller?
March 24, 2020/by Grant Headifen
Bahamas Docking

Mooring, Anchoring, and Docking

Before you leave/approach a dock, pick up a mooring ball, or drop anchor, you must know what the wind and current will be doing to your boat.
March 22, 2020/by Grant Headifen

How to Spring into a Tight Space on a Dock

Maneuvering your gorgeous sailboat under power in the marina…
January 27, 2017/by Grant Headifen
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Remember that “The winds and waves are always on the side of the ablest navigators” and “The good seaman weathers the storm he cannot avoid and avoids the storm he cannot weather” – which is why we offer many best-in-class courses including Coastal Navigation, Electronic Navigation, Weather and Storm Tactics.

Find the boats that cannot trim their sails

Where are the Wallys

Find the Wally and his friends who can't trim the sails.
September 19, 2024/by Grant Headifen
Navigation Rules Podcast

Navigation Rules of the Ocean Made Easy

A podcast with summary and transcript of the rules of navigation of the oceans. Learn the navigation rules.
August 19, 2024/by Grant Headifen
The Top Causes of Accidents on the Water

Boating’s Deadly Dozen – The Top Causes of Accidents on the Water

Discover the most common causes of accidents on the water and learn how to prevent them. Stay safe while enjoying your time on the water.
June 18, 2024/by Grant Headifen
SailTies and NauticEd

NauticEd uses the SailTies GPS Tracking App

The strengthened partnership between NauticEd and SailTies is a testament to their commitment to advancing sailing education and experience tracking. By focusing on what each does best—NauticEd in creating competent sailors through education and SailTies in tracking and sharing sailing adventures—this collaboration is setting new standards in the sailing community. Sailors can now enjoy the best of both worlds: an educational platform that builds competence and a tracking app that validates and shares their seafaring experiences with the world.
March 29, 2024/by Grant Headifen
Polar Plots Explained

Polar Plots and True vs Apparent Wind Triangle – all explained

Learn to use polar plot diagrams to generate a true wind / apparent wind/ boat speed triangle. Understand how a decrease in true wind velocity is not a knock and an increase is not a permanent lift with our simple explanation.
December 30, 2023/by Grant Headifen
Sailing Superstitions no women on board

Top 10 Sailing Superstitions

Sailors have long believed that certain things can bring good or bad luck on a voyage. And many still believe these sailing superstitions!
October 13, 2023/by Grant Headifen
Where have you been

How to and Why Authenticate a Boating Logbook

Whenever you are out on the water sailing, the SailTies app will create a GPS real-time track of your every movement and display it on a map. You can see every tack, gybe, knock, and lift. The guys at SailTies did such an amazing job of creating a user-friendly app for GPS tracking that we decided to hook up with them and allow their data to directly feed right into the student NauticEd logbook.
August 31, 2023/by Grant Headifen
Capture your whole voyage in one place. With SailTies you can capture a rich memory of your voyage, that’s saved in one place for easy access.

NauticEd and SailTies Partner to Authenticate Sailing Logbooks with GPS Tracking and Sharing

NauticEd and SailTies Partner to Authenticate Sailing Logbooks with GPS Tracking and Sharing, a powerful integration for users and charterer companies.
February 28, 2023/by Grant Headifen
Learn Lateral and Cardinal marks and navigational rules in Virtual Reality

Learn Lateral Marks in Virtual Reality

Learn Lateral Marks in virtual reality. Grant gives an example of the lateral marks combined with Cardinal Marks in VR.
January 27, 2023/by Grant Headifen
Who gives way animation for navigation rules

Who Gives Way Port versus Starboard?

December 1, 2022/by Grant Headifen
Polar Plot

How do Polar Plots Work on a Sailboat?

The polar plot on a sailboat shows the speed the sailboat goes at a specific angle to the wind at a specific wind speed. Read this article to understand how they work and how to read a polar plot.
November 23, 2022/by Grant Headifen
My Sea Monster

Sea Monster Story: Katabatic Winds

Well actually not so terrifying and not REALLY a sea monster BUT ... We spent about 20 minutes starring at the effect of katabatic winds blasting down the valleys and exploding into the water.
September 26, 2022/by Grant Headifen
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Last updated on October 29th, 2023