Always try to steer through a tack rather than just shoving the helm over and hoping for the best. If you go about too sharply the jib-sheet handlers will have a tough job winding in the genoa. Life …
KEEP ON TRACK
For close piloting inshore, it is important to steer down a straight track from one navigation mark to the next. Merely ‘aiming’ the boat will not be enough if there is any cross-set. As soon as you …
HANG ONTO YOUR RUDDER
It is unusual for a modern yacht to lie a’hull in a storm, but if this should ever be your lot, lash your helm amidships. If you lash the tiller to leeward and the boat gathers way after being knocked …
DON’T BE TOO QUICK TO BELIEVE
When dealing with a daymark in an area strange to you, it pays to resist the temptation to leap to conclusions. Sometimes its identity will be obvious beyond any reasonable doubt, but if you have even …
IDENTIFYING A COLLISION RISK
Out at sea, collision risk is checked by ascertaining whether or not the vessel in question is maintaining a steady bearing relative to you. Initially, this is spotted by keeping your head still and …
Climb up for a better look
When you are looking for a buoy or a beacon at long range, don’t stay sitting in the cockpit. Your height of eye down there is so low that you won’t see your target until you are far closer than you …
