Author Archives: Don Gilzean

I Am Responsible For My Own Safety

Posted on November 21, 2016 by Don Gilzean

Over the time I have been sailing, I have come to the realization I am responsible for my own safety, and that of others I sail with, whether I am skipper or crew.  As crew, if that sounds egotistical, I … Continue reading →

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How Well Do You Know the Boat?

Posted on November 7, 2016 by Don Gilzean

This isn’t so much a tip, as it is a challenge. Which boat were you on most recently? Get a couple of blank pieces of paper and a pencil.   Now, draw the boat. I don’t mean an artistic rendering … Continue reading →

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What’s in a Small Craft Advisory?

Posted on October 31, 2016 by Don Gilzean

Did you know there isn’t a “standard” definition of a Small Craft Advisory (SCA)?  The criteria used to issue a small craft advisory is dependent upon geographical location and may include wind, wave, and/or ice conditions.  According to NOAA’s National Weather Service, in … Continue reading →

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Some Interesting Weather Links

Posted on August 29, 2016 by Don Gilzean

…SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 3 PM PDT THIS AFTERNOON THROUGH THIS EVENING… .TODAY…SW WINDS 10 TO 20 KT…INCREASING TO 15 TO 25 KT IN THE AFTERNOON. .TONIGHT…SW WINDS 15 TO 25 KT DECREASING TO 10 TO 20 KT … Continue reading →

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Flake Your Main – The Right Time and Place

Posted on July 25, 2016 by Don Gilzean

Ask three sailors for the proper time and place to flake a main, and you are liable to get a confusing array of answers.  Even sailing instructors vary on the process and timing, however, basically there are two options.  1) flake … Continue reading →

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Control Your Jib Sheets

Posted on June 20, 2016 by Don Gilzean

Summer is here!  Our typical summer wind patterns are filling in, with their associated positive and negative sides.  To the positive, the sailing has been phenomenal!  If you haven’t gotten out on the water, GO! Here is a big negative.  … Continue reading →

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Am I Ready for the Next Class

Posted on May 29, 2016 by Don Gilzean

As an instructor, I hear this question quite often.  Unfortunately, there is no easy answer, because each of us is different.  We sail different amounts and do different exercises while sailing.  We learn at different speeds, and we have different … Continue reading →

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A Captain’s Responsibilty

Posted on March 14, 2016 by Don Gilzean

“I can handle anything that happens!” Have you ever gotten a chill from something someone has said.  I heard this statement this morning, and I can honestly say the statement scared me more than I could have imagined.  The statement was … Continue reading →

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Fairway Turns – Plan Ahead

Posted on February 1, 2016 by Don Gilzean

If you didn’t think about it 10 minutes ago you waited too long! When it comes to fairway turns, you never get to select the timing, therefore, always be ready.  I had this reinforced in a Basic Coastal Cruising class … Continue reading →

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“Laws” of Close Quarters Boat Handling

Posted on January 25, 2016 by Don Gilzean

We all recognize there are “laws of nature.”   Things like “what goes up, must come down.” Or, “spring follows winter.”  While watching a great number of docking maneuvers the past 10 years I have come to the conclusion there are also Laws of … Continue reading →

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