“While electronics enhance navigation, sailors still need to know the basics—charts, compass, and reading the wind.”
Click to read “Modern Sailing Navigation: High-Tech, Meet Tradition” from Cruising World, written by Gary Jobson.
General
FIVE CRITICAL Lessons to Learn BEFORE you Set Sail
“Dream of sailing off into the sunset? Living on a sailboat can be an exciting life but also hard. Here are five lessons I’ve learned along the way to help you be successful in quiting land life and living on a sailboat.”
Click to watch “FIVE CRITICAL Lessons to Learn BEFORE you Set Sail” from Lady K Sailing.
Safe Navigation: The Balance Between Technology and Skill
“In the past, route planning was inevitably a manual process involving paper charts, subject to errors caused by using charts of different scales and updates that were not always timely. Today, digital tools offer ever-increasing precision, speed, and flexibility. Vector electronic cartography does not only clearly and dynamically displays all relevant planning information, but also allows users to interact with the data and receive updates more frequently. This has gradually transformed planning from a complex and “specialist” task into a faster process accessible to an increasing number of users.”
Click to read “Safe Navigation: The Balance Between Technology and Skill” from Aqua Map.
The Safety Equipment You Really Need for Your Boat
The Safety Equipment You Really Need for Your Boat
The USCG requires the minimum, so augment its list.
“A whistle is the bare minimum of what you should have on your lifejacket to attract attention. A handheld waterproof VHF radio is just one of many items you should seriously consider adding to your PFD.”
Click to read “The Safety Equipment You Really Need for Your Boat” from Soundings, written by Mario Vittone.
Into The Mist – Boating in Fog: Navigation Tips for Safe Foggy Cruising
“Handling a boat in fog presents a distinct set of challenges, even for the most seasoned mariners. Regardless of how experienced you are, fog is the one element of weather that is too often underestimated.”
Click to read “Into the Mist – Boating in Fog: Navigation Tips for Safe Foggy Cruising” from Passagemaker, written by Bob Arrington.
ASA Certification: Are Sailing Courses Really Worth It?
“Learning how to sail can be a bit of a learning curve so it’s no surprise that a lot of people would prefer to take a course, and when you start learning about the courses that are available it won’t take long before you find ASA certifications. In North America ASA is the standard.”
Click to watch “ASA Certification: Are Sailing Courses Really Worth It?” from Practical Sailor.