Heaving-To Under Spinnaker: A Guide for Storm-Survival on Modern Yachts

by James Kell / / April 02, 2026

Heaving-to under a spinnaker isn't actually possible. But knowing how to transition from a flying kite to a storm-ready boat? That's what separates confident...

Sail Shape Adjustment: How to Read and Correct Draft for Point of Sail

by James Kell / / March 30, 2026

Sail shape adjustment determines whether a boat accelerates, heels excessively, or fights the helm.

For most sailors, the search starts after the boat feels slow....

Using a Chartplotter and Traditional Navigation Together: A Hybrid Approach

by Clara Suggett / IN General / March 26, 2026

Chartplotters make navigation fast, but they can fail at the worst time. Paper charts and compass bearings give you a backup you can trust when the screen stops...

Trimming the Mainsail: Full-Batten vs. Partial-Batten Pros & Cons

by James Kell / / March 23, 2026

Trimming the mainsail feels simple until you sail a boat with a different mainsail. Full batten and partial batten mainsails react differently to wind and trim...

Man-Overboard Recovery: Quick-Action Drills and Best Practices

by James Kell / / March 19, 2026

Ever watched someone drop their phone into the sea and vanish in seconds? Now, picture a person instead. That’s what makes man-overboard (MOB) recovery so...

Balancing Heel and Helm on Keelboats: Crew Positioning, Sail Trim & Keel Management Techniques

by James Kell / / March 16, 2026

Ever had your keelboat lean over and the helm loaded up in seconds? That's a heel feeding weather helm. The boat starts turning into the wind, so you crank the...

Why you can't get your ASA 101-104 in the same week

by James Kell / / February 04, 2026

Why Getting Your ASA 101 to 104 in One Week Is a Bad Idea

We get asked this question all the time: Can I get my ASA 101 to 104 in one week?

Before & After Your Thailand Sailing Course: Hidden Gems, Local Tips, and Where to Stay, Eat & Explore

by James Kell / / January 20, 2026

Thailand is the center of the sailing scene, with calm bays, short passages, and dependable marina services. 

Limestone cliffs rise from clear water. Longtail boats...

Before & After Your Madeira Sailing Course: Hidden Gems, Local Tips, and Where to Stay, Eat & Explore

by James Kell / / January 12, 2026

Planning before & after your Madeira sailing course is part of a great sailing experience. A calm arrival sets the tone, and a few extra days ashore let everything...

Before & After Your Croatia Sailing Course: Hidden Gems, Local Tips, and Where to Stay, Eat & Explore

by James Kell / / January 08, 2026

Croatia offers a mix of steady winds, calm seas, and a coastline filled with character. 

Split places you close to bright island harbors, sheltered bays, and a...

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