Man Overboard Rescue Procedure

Written by Peter Isler, with additional contributions by Chuck Hawley and Michael Jacobs "Man Overboard" is probably the third most famous nautical hail, after "Land Ho" and "Thar She Blows," but it is by far the most serious and potentially life threatening of the three. Man Overboard Rescue Procedure Although we should keep in mind…Read More

Developing Youth Sailors: What parents can do to build a strong foundation

By: Jessica M. Mohler, Psy.D., CC-AASPClinical and Sport PsychologistUnited States Naval AcademyJessica Mohler is a clinical and sports psychologist, and a sailing mom too. In this article, Mohler provides an interesting outlook on parenting youth athletes from a sailing perspective and makes recommendations that will help you build a strong foundation for your youth sailor.I…Read More

Race to Knowledge with Atlantic Cup’s Education Guides

Learn about the fun and excitement of sailing, safety at sea and the environment by downloading the education guides from the Atlantic Cup, presented by 11th Hour Racing. Explore water, land, and sea and how they interact while gaining respect for the for the world around us and learn more from Atlantic Cup Kids.Read More

Outboard Motor Maintenance

By: Lynn Lynch, St. Francis Yacht Club Manager, San Francisco, CA Learn about outboard motor maintenance that every sailor should know, from spark plugs, to oil and filters, to gaskets, to batteries, along with the suggested tools you’ll need as well. Outboard MaintenanceRead More

Dave Perry’s Racing Rules: Quiz 23

Quiz 23 Boats W (a windward boat) and L (a leeward boat) are reaching towards the gybe mark. L becomes overlapped with W from clear astern. They are both sailing proper courses and are on a collision course. As they near each other, W hails, “You came from clear astern and I’m on my proper…Read More

Speed & Smarts: In light air, go for better pressure

by David Dellenbaugh When you’re racing in light air, a three-knot increase in wind velocity might improve your boat speed by 30% or 40% (and you will point higher, too). But in heavy air, the same wind increase might improve your speed only 5% to 10% (and it probably won’t help your pointing). What this…Read More

Distance Racing Fundamentals

By: Bill Gladstone, Director of North U and author of the North U Racing Trim, North U Racing Tactics, and North U Cruising and Seamanship books and discs. When racing distances, there are several tactics to keep in mind: aim toward the finish line; sail fast and hard; keep your eye on the weather and; practice at…Read More

Tacking Tips Part II – The Acceleration

The Acceleration A proper turn is just the first part of a tack. Part II – The Acceleration will complete the tack. As noted before, all the losses from tacking accrue during this critical second phase. Typically, (on keelboats) losses are between one and two boat lengths. Our goal is to minimize losses. Coming out…Read More

Trim for Waves

By: Bill Gladstone, Director of North U and author of the North U Racing Trim, North U Racing Tactics, and North U Cruising and Seamanship books and discs.  Each sail has three sources of power: angle of attack, depth, and twist. Proper trim means sailing at full power and with the proper mix of power. For a…Read More

When to Split Tacks

By: Bill Gladstone, Director of North U and author of the North U Racing Trim, North U Racing Tactics, and North U Cruising and Seamanship books and discs.  When to Split Tacks: You know the old adage: “Can’t catch ‘em if we follow ‘em.” So, when you are behind you’ve got to split tacks to catch…Read More