The more you learn, the greater is life’s adventure!
NauticEd’s Sailing Education Blog includes techniques, tips and tricks from the pros – experienced with teaching over 250,000 sailing courses. Want to learn more? Check out our full selection of online sailing courses, try sailing in Virtual Reality, learn more about sailing certification, 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 Port versus Starboard?
December 1, 2022/by Grant HeadifenNavigation 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 HeadifenNavigation: Rate and Direction (Set and Drift) exercises
Here are some Navigation rate and drift with leeway exercises…
April 10, 2019/by Grant HeadifenTide Calculation Pop Quiz
Tide Calculation Pop Quiz - here's are a quick few tidal problems for you to solve.
March 22, 2019/by Grant HeadifenSpinnaker 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 HeadifenSailing Vector Game
Learn Sailboat Giveway Rules and Cure Boredom at the Same Time.
Here…
December 13, 2016/by Grant HeadifenHere…
Set and Drift or Direction and Rate Problem
Just for practice - solve the following problem on the Long Island…
December 6, 2016/by Grant HeadifenTest Question: How to Determine Speed and COG
Try to answer this coastal navigation question:
At 1035 your…
January 22, 2016/by Grant HeadifenAt 1035 your…
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 HeadifenHow 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 HeadifenCan 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 HeadifenAnchors aweigh! Learn more with NauticEd’s Anchoring a Sailboat Clinic, also included in the Bareboat Charter Master Bundle.
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 HeadifenAnchoring 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 EvelynHow 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 HeadifenAnchoring 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 HeadifenLeaving a Mooring Ball in a Tidal Current
One of our students, Tom, asked the below question after he…
July 26, 2021/by Grant HeadifenAnchoring: 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 HeadifenMooring, 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 HeadifenAnchoring a Sailboat Tip 2
This is a follow on article on request of one of our students…
February 21, 2019/by Grant HeadifenAnchoring a Sailboat Tip
How to Pick the Right Spot to Anchor
The NauticEd Anchoring…
February 8, 2019/by Grant HeadifenThe NauticEd Anchoring…
Types of Anchors
Went for a walk along the dock the other day and took a few pics…
July 3, 2016/by Grant HeadifenMonitoring your Anchor Set
After the anchor has set and adequate rode has been paid out,…
April 7, 2016/by Grant HeadifenAnchoring a Sailboat when Chartering
Anchoring an unfamiliar boat
Most charter boats use all chain…
June 17, 2014/by Grant HeadifenMost charter boats use all chain…
“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.
International Certificate of Competence (ICC)
Do you need the ICC license to sail internationally? Learn what you need to know to obtain your ICC International Certificate of Competence.
April 3, 2023/by Grant HeadifenTop Ten Safe Boating Tips
Top 10 safe boating tips in recognition of safe boating awareness week this June. Learn how to be safe on the water.
May 22, 2022/by Grant HeadifenDo I need a sailing license to sail around the world if I own my own boat?
The sailing license that you typically hear about is for yacht chartering only and only in certain areas of the world like the Mediterranean, Seychelles, and a few others. Learn more here....
April 1, 2022/by Grant HeadifenCatamaran Qualification and Training
How do I Switch to Skippering a Catamaran?
We get this call…
February 3, 2021/by Grant HeadifenWe get this call…
Sailing Certificate Standards
NauticEd has been operating as a premier sailing training body…
January 26, 2021/by Grant HeadifenOn The Water Training Standards
At NauticEd, we treat the word COMPETENCE very seriously. We…
November 25, 2020/by Grant Headifen– Browse All Posts –
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 HeadifenEmpowering Women in Sailing
Instructor Merilee Wright discusses her passion for empowering women to learn to sail and become role models for others.
May 10, 2023/by Trisha EvelynWhat is a flotilla?
Learn about how to join a flotilla and have an incredible sailing vacation.
April 19, 2023/by Trisha EvelynWhat 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 HeadifenHybrid 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 HeadifenInternational Certificate of Competence (ICC)
Do you need the ICC license to sail internationally? Learn what you need to know to obtain your ICC International Certificate of Competence.
April 3, 2023/by Grant HeadifenNauticEd and MarineVerse Launch World’s First Virtual Reality Navigation Rules Course
NauticEd and MarineVerse today jointly announced the launch of the world's first-ever Virtual Reality Navigation Rules Training Course. This fully immersive VR course is designed to make learning navigation rules both enjoyable for users and effective for educators, using gamification techniques to entertain and increase knowledge retention.
March 2, 2023/by Grant HeadifenSail 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 EvelynNauticEd 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 HeadifenLearn 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“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.
Empowering Women in Sailing
Instructor Merilee Wright discusses her passion for empowering women to learn to sail and become role models for others.
May 10, 2023/by Trisha EvelynWhat is a flotilla?
Learn about how to join a flotilla and have an incredible sailing vacation.
April 19, 2023/by Trisha EvelynSail 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 EvelynHow 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 EvelynMost Important Sailing Knots
These 8 sailing knots are the first ones you should master as you learn how to sail. Practice these (and then a couple of extras) to continue your online sailing education journey.
December 21, 2022/by Trisha EvelynThe Chicken Gybe (Jibe)
Sometimes in sailing it’s smart to stay safe and not take the dare. The safe maneuver is called the chicken gybe (jibe).
November 18, 2022/by Grant HeadifenWhat is Sail Twist and how to use it
Managing sail twist can increase the performance, speed, and control of the sails. What is Sail Twist and how to use it...
October 18, 2022/by D HendersonA Stopper Knot in Time Saves…
For a beginner or advanced sailor, a properly tied stopper knot will always keep your line accessible and in its proper place.
October 5, 2022/by Grant HeadifenVirtual Reality Relaxed Training (because real sailing can be scary)
Sailing doesn’t need to be scary. It’s simply a skill that you can master. Not just learn. Master. Sure, you need to take some courses and practice, but every single concept you learn, every single time you practice, you are building a depth of knowledge that slowly chips away at fear. Plus, now you can practice with a virtual reality sailing course!
October 4, 2022/by Trisha EvelynVirtual Reality Sailing Training
NauticEd Creates Partnership to Launch VR Sailing Training. Learn more about NauticEd's Virtual Reality Sailing Training.
September 25, 2022/by Grant HeadifenBasic Sailing Terms for the New Sailor
Nautical language has a long and storied history, with many basic sailing terms that can completely confuse the newcomer.
September 23, 2022/by Trisha EvelynWhat is apparent wind?
Both the speed and angle of apparent wind can vary depending on your velocity, which has important implications for sailing. What is apparent wind?
September 5, 2022/by Trisha EvelynManeuvering 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.
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 HeadifenWhat 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 HeadifenHybrid 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 HeadifenManeuvering 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 HeadifenLeaving a Mooring Ball in a Tidal Current
One of our students, Tom, asked the below question after he…
July 26, 2021/by Grant HeadifenWhat 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 HeadifenMooring, 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 HeadifenHow to Spring into a Tight Space on a Dock
Maneuvering your gorgeous sailboat under power in the marina…
January 27, 2017/by Grant HeadifenWho Gives Way, Adrift Powerboat or Sailboat under power?
If you like this post, please LIKE it on facebook. Thanks - it…
April 29, 2016/by Grant HeadifenHow to Turn Your Sailboat in a Tight Marina
Turning your boat in a tight marina can be intimidating if you…
August 26, 2015/by Grant HeadifenAngular Momentum When Backing into a Slip
Backing into a slip is indeed an art form. But once you learn…
August 24, 2015/by Grant HeadifenHigh Wind Docking Maneuvers
How to back your sailboat into a slip with a high cross wind…
August 22, 2015/by Grant HeadifenRemember 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.
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 HeadifenLearn 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 HeadifenWho Gives Way Port versus Starboard?
December 1, 2022/by Grant HeadifenHow 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 HeadifenSea 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 HeadifenWhat is apparent wind?
Both the speed and angle of apparent wind can vary depending on your velocity, which has important implications for sailing. What is apparent wind?
September 5, 2022/by Trisha EvelynSailing Basics: How to use a VHF Radio
Your VHF radio is your best way to communicate with other boats on the water, with marinas, and with the coast guard, if necessary. Learning to use it, however, is a little like learning a new language.
August 6, 2022/by Trisha EvelynNavigation 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 HeadifenPredicting the Wind and Weather
NauticEd International Sailing Education forms a strategic partnership…
December 18, 2020/by Grant HeadifenNauticEd talks to hot new sailing app savvy navvy
Talk about NauticEd disrupting the Sailing Education industry,…
May 3, 2019/by Grant HeadifenNavigation: Rate and Direction (Set and Drift) exercises
Here are some Navigation rate and drift with leeway exercises…
April 10, 2019/by Grant HeadifenTide 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 Home » Sailing Education Blog
Last updated on April 18th, 2023
NauticEd is a fully recognized education and certification platform for sailing students combining online and on-the-water real instruction (and now VR). NauticEd offers +24 online courses, a free sailor's toolkit that includes 2 free courses, and six ranks of certification – all integrated into NauticEd’s proprietary platform. The USCG and NASBLA recognize NauticEd as having met the established American National Standards. Learn more at www.nauticed.org.
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