When it is a Sheet. In general terms a rope is not called a rope when on a boat, so what is it called and why does it matter? It matters because communication is important when sailing on any boat where there are two or more people crewing, using the correct terminology is not about…
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Outboard motors have been around for many years, and they are noticeable across the world in one form or another from the most primitive to the ultra-sophisticated and massively powerful. Essentially an outboard motor is a very useful independent propulsion unit that is not an integral part of the boat. Mounted onto the transom, at…
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There is a lot of truth in the old adage for boating people especially. But, what is the tide and what does it mean to you? Experienced boaters and commercial mariners know how to work with the tides, newbie boaters and inexperienced sailors are advised to attend an approved training course to receive guidance about…
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All boats have a hull, from a dinghy to a super-yacht they all have at least one, some are tiny – size of tea tray (Hydrofoils) whereas others are vast. Since man hollowed out a tree trunk in order to paddle to where he wished to go boats have sat in the water with a…
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A Buoy of course! A buoy is a floating object that will perform any of a number of functions, they may be secured in position of floating depending on what their job is. Essentially, they are a warning or advisory marker telling boaters to take note. A sea mark buoy is in place to mark…
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‘Red sails in the sunset’ says the old song and a boat decked out in good looking sail does look good, sails are far more important than just something to amuse the rest of the sailing club, although eye-catching sails are great fun. Sails have been used to propel boats since man first set…
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People often use the old saying, ‘Knowing which way the wind is blowing’ but in fact this is vital information and may not always be as it would seem. Winds are designated based on from where they originate, a wind blowing from the sea in the direction of the shore is an on-shore wind, conversely…
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Boaters are often out of sight, depending on what size of boat you are sailing and where you are. Larger and professionally operated boats take going to sea very seriously and do not put themselves, their passengers and crews, at risk. Should problems happen may be both out of sight and out of mind –…
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We do not wish to be judgmental, but some folks do not appear to know which is right and which is left, just take a drive in any city on the planet and you will see what we mean – left blinker on and the driver turns right, and vice versa. As previously discussed Knowing…
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New boaters may not know what a Marina is, and some ‘old hands’ may wish to share their knowledge with our newbies. Marina owners may wish to have their say too, you are welcome. Boaters are invited to send in your favourites and we may publish them with your name – with your express permission only, for…
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