2015 April 1

Make the most of charter briefing

Paying attention, asking questions sets the stage for a smooth and successful charter

Few things can seem more inconvenient that the briefing all bareboat charters start with. You may be anxious to get off the dock and set sail, but the briefing is no time to let your mind wander. Pay attention, ask the right questions and you'll be on your way with crucial information in no time.

2015 March 1

Deck hatch maintenance

Don’t let a little drip turn into a gusher; fixing hatches isn’t as hard as you think

By Bob Pingel

The time will come when you need to give your deck hatches some attention. Those little drips when it rains or when you have a deck washer passage are your first clues.

2015 February 1

What to do when you've run aground

When your boat goes bump on the bottom, know how to save yourself without making the situation worse

By Don Margraf

In the moments after you realize you have run your boat aground, it’s best to take a deep breath and recite The First Rule of Holes: “When you’re in one, stop digging.” Many of the steps you are inclined to take can make matters worse. You may already doubt your own skills and your decision making. You’ll get a lot of advice, some of it noisy, a lot of it not grounded in experience. Chaos is lurking.

2014 November 1

Rendering assistance at sea

If the time comes when you need to come to the aid of a fellow sailor, know what to do and what not to do

By Brian Adams

Imagine yourself and your crew are spending a relaxing afternoon sailing or you are battling a storm to make it to the next port. Then without warning you find yourself in a position to render assista

2014 October 1

How to start racing

Keeping it simple, casual and fun in a relaxed fleet will make you enjoy your boat even more

By Erin L. Schanen

For many sailors, the world of sailboat racing is completely foreign. It can be an intimidating experience filled with complicated rules, fancy gear and packed starting lines filled with yelling. And

2014 September 1

Saving energy at sea

A solar charging system not only saves money long-term but might allow you to go completely engine-free

By Bob Pingel

Going offshore is all about unplugging, so it’s somewhat ironic that sailin

2014 July 1

Multihull sailing for monohull sailors

Sailing a cat can require forgetting some things and learning a few new tips

By Don Margraf

Whether it's taking the helm for a charter or you're planning to switch to a multihull, there are a few habits that monohull sailors need to change to sail a catamaranBob Grieser/Outsideimages.com