Home / News / Technique
 
2021 November 1

Splicing three-strand line to chain

A smooth transition from rope anchor rode to chain is a necessity, and in need of frequent inspection

By Bob Pingel
The best way to attach three-strandline to chain is with a thimble and screw-pin shackle. The shackle provides a large, smooth radius for the rope, as well as providing chafe protection. A shackle can
2021 November 1

Reduce the roll

Take some motion out of the ocean for a good night’s sleep at anchor

By Marissa Neely
Every time we post a photo of our boat at anchor we immediately get asked “What’s that off of your spinnaker pole?” The answer is simple: it’s insurance that we will get a good night of sleep.
2021 August 1

Jury-rigging steering

Losing steering is an emergency but good seamanship skills can lead to a fix to get you home

By SAILING Magazine
Losing steering is an emergency, but it’s one that you can prepare for by having a plan tucked away in the back of your head. When a boat loses steering you know it quickly. Sometimes there’s clun
2021 June 1

Understanding sail trim

Proper trimming goes beyond getting the telltales to fly and sheeting until it stops luffing

By Nick Hayes
If music is how we feel math, then sailing is how we live physics. And sail trim, like playing an instrument, is our touchpoint with the medium. In fact, apart from steering a sailboat, which is one o
2021 April 1

Selecting the right propeller for your boat

Choosing the correct propeller will give you the best of all worlds for performance sailing, club racing, motor sailing or motoring

By Geoff Prior
Should you ditch your fixed propeller? If your goal is to sail or motor to your destination more quickly, whether to the anchorage for cocktails or to your first waypoint on a passage, then a folding
2021 March 1

DIY canvas repair

Get the most life out of your canvas work with easy repairs you can do yourself

By Emily Carter
Canvas doesn’t last forever. UV rays, wind and regular wear take their toll on sail covers, biminis, dodgers and more. Replacement is an investment, but there’s a good chance your canvas work can
2021 January 1

Sailing safe on a multihull

The monohull rules don’t necessarily apply to multihulls, so understand the difference before you set sail

By SAILING Magazine
There was a time when multihulls were enough of an oddity that they’d routinely turn some heads as they entered the harbor. Sailors have now embraced the many benefits of multihulls, and more and mo
2020 November 1

Seeing better at night

Night vision devices can be an important tool in safe sailing in the dark

By William J. Cook
Although night-vision technology has been available to sailors for many years, most people find their first purchase a bit daunting. And for good reason: there’s a great deal to know and understand.
2020 October 1

How to polish a hull back to a super shine

Modern marine paints don’t take well to buffing, but polishing with a ceramic coating can bring new life to old paint jobs

By Bob Pingel
Marine paint has come a long way. Modern paints are amazing, they are shiny and colorful, abrasive resistant and survive many years under the punishing rays of the sun. They stand up well, but over ti
2020 September 1

How to charter safely

Chartering has changed in the time of Covid-19, but there are plenty of ways to stay safe onboard

By SAILING Magazine
Like everything else, chartering has changed in the pandemic. Charter companies have adapted to help keep customers and staff safe, but more importantly they have found ways to help sailors feel comfo
2020 August 1

Understanding boat insurance

Navigate the complicated waters of insuring your boat amidst hurricanes, fire and other damage

By David Liscio
When a big storm pounds across a boat-packed harbor, some sailors shrug off the prospect of serious damage or total loss with words like, “Hey, no worries. My boat is insured.” While that may be
2020 June 1

Docking under power

Become a docking master by understanding the mechanics at work in getting a boat in a slip

By Richard Reichelsdorfer
Even the most competent sailor may bristle at pulling into a tight slip with a strong cross breeze. But understanding the mechanics at play in docking a boat make smooth landings far easier.Sailboats
2020 May 1

Delamination repair

Wet core is a recipe for problems, but repairing the problem is often not as hard as you may think

By Richard Reichelsdorfer
Wet core is one of the most common problems you’ll find in boats constructed with a cored-laminate hull or deck, particularly those of a certain age. Although tackling such damage can be a messy job
2020 April 1

Co-owning a boat

Teaming up can be an affordable route to boat ownership so long as you go into it with an agreement and a sense of whether its right for you

By David Liscio
 A growing trend suggests more sailors are opting for joint sailboat ownership. Painted in broad strokes, the concept seems relatively simple: if two people own the boat, it translates to ha
2020 March 1

Steering inspection

Steering problems are serious but many can be avoided with routine maintenance

By SAILING Magazine
Steering problems are almost always serious and can quickly rise to the level of an emergency. But most problems can be avoided with regular inspections and maintenance. Steering systems are extremel
2020 January 1

Adding a staysail

A properly rigged staysail is a great passagemaking tool

By Bob Pingel
Sail selection is key for offshore sailing. You need a combination that provides speed without overburdening the boat and enough flexibility that you don’t have to make frequent sail changes.A fixed
2019 November 1

Weather routing services

Having a weather router dedicated to your passage can offer valuable information and peace of mind

By Erin Carey
Menacing clouds hung low in the sky, and despite it being only 3 p.m., it felt on the verge of nightfall. The radar screen was lit up like a Christmas tree, and we did our best to dodge and weave the
2019 September 1

How to make the most of your charter

Fine-tune your charter to your liking to create the ultimate sailor’s vacation

By Erin L. Schanen
The charter business was born 50 years ago in the British Virgin Islands with six 35-foot sailboats and a dream by Charlie and Ginny Cary to help people go sailing in one of the best cruising grounds
2019 August 2

Inflatable life jacket maintenance

By SAILING Magazine
The following multi-tiered approach to maintenance stems from recommendations from manufacturers and the U.S. Coast Guard, and covers both hydrostatic (pressure sensing) and bobbin type (water soluble
2019 August 1

Improve your chances for survival when you go overboard

What the person in the water does is just as important as what a boat’s crew does in a man overboard situation

By Ralph Naranjo
Sailors know that when a person goes overboard the crew must go immediately into recovery mode. Man overboard procedures are studied and practiced. But what happens if you are the person in the water?
« Prev 12345678 Next »

Perry on Design

  • Tanton No. 309

    This rugged pilothouse cutter can handle the rough stuff in comfort

  • Full Circle 30

    This small oceangoing cruiser can be built by DIY builders

  • Dragonfly 40

    This folding trimaran for fun cruising offers plenty of options

Advertisement
Advertisement