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2016 March 1

How to be a great crewmember

Some of the best team leaders in the sport share tips on how to always get asked to sail again

By Chris Museler
 Finding an opportunity to go racing, whether it be on a Hunter 336 for a weekly beer can series or a professionally crewed TP52, can be daunting. All the way through the ranks, most sailboat teams are tight little units with core groups of regulars. Standing on the dock with a sign, or registering with an online crewfinder are ways to get a spot on a boat. Word-of-mouth helps too. But it’s what you make of those opportunities that will determine your racing career trajectory, no matter how small your aspirations.
2016 January 25

Offshore sail repair

Arm yourself with a proper sail repair kit and a bit of knowledge to keep a passage intact when your sails aren't

By Bob Pingel
Sail repair is a crucial offshore skill, many times it can save a passage. It takes a little planning to build a kit and to study some basic skills, but it is manageable for anyone. 
2015 November 19

Mounting deck hardware

Attaching fittings properly isn't difficult and protects your boat for the long term

By Peter Richardson
 At some point in its life, every boat will need a deck fitting replaced or will develop a leak that must be corrected. And while replacing deck hardware is not a complicated operation, doing it incorrectly can cause serious damage down the road.
2015 October 22

Installing alternate power sources

Solar, wind can power a boat at anchor with system that take up less space than ever

By Bob Pingel
Installing solar and wind power is easily than ever and gives you greater freedom to take your boat off the grid.
2015 September 22

Maintaining a life raft

We go inside a recertification to show what happens and help you decide if a new or used raft is best for you

By David Liscio
The decision on whether to carry a life raft and what kind of life raft that should be can be a challenge for sailors. New six-person, non-commercial life rafts cost at least $1,700. Used life rafts can be a relative bargain, but all rafts need periodic maintenance. The decision on what is right for a boat can hinge on factors as varied as budget to the kind of sailing you do.
2015 August 17

How to fold a sail

Know how to perform this sailing basic correctly for better sets and the admiration of crewmates

By SAILING Magazine
 Folding a sail is a task that sailors do every day, on the dock or on the deck, and while it won’t make or break you as a sailor, knowing how to fold a sail correctly will make your sails last longer, make them easier to set and ingratiate you to the rest of the crew.
2015 July 1

Sailing down wind on a multihull

Find the right balance between angle and speed to make the most of off-the-wind sailing

By Don Margraf
All sailors are used to tacking upwind. And if you think about it, it seems fair that if you have to tack up wind, you should also have to tack down wind. But when your destination is straight down wind, it’s almost irresistible to resist the urge to aim right at it. The problem is that when it’s windy, dead down wind is dangerous, and when it’s light, it’s slow. 
2015 June 1

Optimizing electrical systems

Tweak your boat’s battery bank and wiring to make the most of your power

By Bob Pingel
An unreliable electrical system is seldom dangerous but can be a major inconvenience. The good news is that new, affordable technology and good old solid electrical engineering can combine to make a n
2015 April 1

Make the most of charter briefing

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

By Joan Gilmore
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
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