Do you Know the Difference Between Anchor Designs?
Danforth, plough, claw — the shapes matter less than how they pull. Two rules decide whether an anchor sets or drags, and scope does most of the work.
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How to Can Fish (and some helpful “Catching” Tips!)
Eating fish is healthy and self-caught fish saves money on provisioning, so most cruisers try their luck. Some are real aficionados who fish in a competitive spirit, but most just routinely troll a line on passage. We don’t fish in anchorages because of the risk of ciguatera poisoning (a toxin that accumulates in reef fish…
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Boating at Night Part II: Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark
When sailing at night you get a unique perspective on the world. The stars seem more luminescent and much nearer, the wind seems stronger and you feel as if you are cocooned in your own little world. It is easy to believe in ancient gods and transient beings when you are alone on the deep…
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How to Clean Your Diesel and Keep it Running Clean
Clean your Diesel! Microbial contamination loves diesel fuel. The water at the bottom of the diesel tank serves as a perfect medium for microorganisms.
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Bored of the Same Techniques? Try a Bahamian or a Forked Moor!
.. Or Tip #2 in Surviving a Sailing Relationship. They say that variety is the spice of life and to keep a sailing relationship fresh, you sometimes have to vary your techniques. For example, when was the last time you used a different anchoring technique? In fact, have you ever? Or do you just stick…
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What to do with Garbage and Trash While Cruising?
Shipboard waste is an increasing problem for the cruising sailor. Here’s how we handle our trash and garbage aboard Ganesh, our 43-foot ketch.
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WaterMaker on a Small Boat: It Can’t be Modular Enough!
When you look at the glossy pictures in brochures, the displayed watermaker units are usually mounted on a wall, all parts easily accessible and elegantly connected with short tubes. Watermaker producers seem to assume that all their customers own super-yachts where their product will have its own little cabin, or why else would they screw…
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Sailing at Night Part 1: Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark
Are you afraid of sailing after dark? Many sailors are. They figure that if they fall over the side at night they’ll never be found or that they’ll make a mistake and steer the boat onto the rocks. There is really no need for such fears. With a little practice and some of the newer…
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Top Maintenance Tips for Sport Fishing Boats: Keep Your Vessel Ready for Action
Learn essential maintenance tips for sport fishing boats, including engine upgrades, tower inspections, and prepping for long-distance fishing trips. Ensure your vessel is always ready for the next big catch.
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Tips to Successfully Charter your Boat as Crew or Owner Operators
What is needed to successfully charter a yacht as crew or owner operators? Expert tips and tricks to get started and start making money!
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Use Your Yard Time Wisely – Top Tips for Repairs & Preventative Maintenance
Hauling a boat out of the water and storing it in a safe yard is a great way to protect the vessel against potential storm damage. This idle time is also perfect for repairs and preventative maintenance. To do this most effectively, consider three points: First, plan for repairs by making a list ahead of…
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Zen and the Art of Anchoring…
There’s no need to shout to each other when anchoring or raising the anchor. With some pre-prepared hand signals you can keep the peace.
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Learning and Planning For Hurricane Season
Prior to our Caribbean adventure, we were clueless as to what we should do or where we should go as hurricane season approached. Early in our research, we found we had to make a choice dictated by time constraints, preference, and finances. Most hurricanes evolve in Africa (although not all) and track across the Atlantic…
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Deciphering Sound Signals at Sea for Maneuvering & Warning
Powered vessels underway and in sight of other vessels use sound signals to indicate maneuvers. What do they mean and how are they used?
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Don’t Get Caught Off Guard: A Guide to Essential Boat Hauling in South Florida
Preventative maintenance is key to a smooth boating experience. Ensure your vessel stays shipshape with routine haul-outs for bottom painting, cleaning, and other essential services. This guide explores what you need to know about planning your haul-out in South Florida.
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Navigating Dinghy Dilemmas: Finding the Right Fit
The quest for the perfect dinghy can feel like a wild ride. From material to stowage, propulsion to handling, the search is riddled with challenges. Discover the intricate world of dinghies and learn how to navigate the choppy waters of finding the best fit for your sailing needs.
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How Much does it Cost to go Through the Panama Canal
Allison offers no-nonsense advice on figuring out how much does it cost to go through the Panama Canal. What to do and what not to do
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The History of COLREGs: How Maritime Collision Rules Evolved
Discover the fascinating evolution of maritime collision regulations, from early sailing laws to today’s international COLREGs used by all vessels at sea.
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How to Dodge the Paparazzi
Fortunately, the European silly season has long since passed and our newspapers and magazines are full of real news once again. For over the summer months, barely a day goes by without photographs of so-and-so celebrity on such-a-such superyacht being splashed all over the press. This year was no different. Thanks to the pack of…
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Developing Yacht Crew of the Highest Caliber
In the 2008-09 Volvo Ocean Race, the Swedish flagged Ericsson 4 reeled off 596 miles in 24 hours, a monohull record. And only 18 days after the race’s start. They went on to virtually lap the field, securing the overall win after finishing third in Stockholm on Leg Nine. There was still one leg to…
