Category: Ocean Sailing
Tidal calculations: why online predictions can be dangerously inaccurate
On shallow estuaries, tidal calculations are vital, but Ken Endean finds errors in online predictions The Gulf of Morbihan has a stepped chart datum because the flood tide begins to rise while the previous ebb is still flowing out. Credit:...
Do you offer a tow or not?
In calm conditions, would you offer a tow to a broken down yacht? James Stevens answers your Questions of Seamanship Would you offer a tow to another yacht in calm conditions? Credit: Graham Snook Do you offer a tow or...
Boat steering failure on a lee shore: one sailor shares his experience
With the pressure of winter storms on the horizon, Pete Nielsen is struggling to make meaningful progress south to Florida, and then the boat steering fails Nasty fronts are common along the US East Coast in November. Heavy weather storm...
Sailing to France: what you need to know
If you are sailing to France, here is what you need to know to avoid immigration and customs headaches for a smooth entry and exit from the country The Cruising Association and the RYA are advising cruisers from the UK...
Boat berthing skills for sailing the Baltic Sea
Berthing your boat while sailing the Baltic Sea requires some forethought, especially if you have never done it before. Rachael Sprot shares her top tips If the rock is steep enough, or the inlet narrow enough, you can moor alongside....
Expert advice: sailing instruments
Yachting Monthly’s expert panel of cruisers gather their top tips and expert advice when it comes to using and understanding sailing instruments Sailing instruments are a key part of our boating experience and have been since before the invention of...
Will a headland provide enough shelter?
You have a tired crew and you plan to anchor for the night. Will the headland provide enough shelter? James Stevens answers your Questions of Seamanship In a southeasterly wind, does this SW-facing bay offer adequate protection? Credit: Alamy Stock...
Night Sailing: A full guide to sailing in the dark
Pete Goss provides an in depth guide to night sailing to help you get the most our of your boat when the sun sets Night sailing is bread and butter to an ocean sailor and often crucial to coastal passage...
Burst coolant hose: ‘I had spares for everything except this’
Edward Vivian experiences a burst coolant hose while sailing from Guernsey to Plymouth in deteriorating conditions No spare hose meant a temporary patch to fix the hose using plumbers putty and amalgamating rubber tape. Credit: Edward Vivian Burst coolant hose:...
Finding crew for ocean passages
Julie and Andy Pag wanted crew to share the watches sailing their Lagoon 410 Cushla Na Mara from the Med to the Caribbean. But how do they find the right people? Finding crew you can trust on long passages isn’t...