Author Archives: TW-Matt

Sailing ABC – A is for Anchor – Anchoring, III

Posted on April 7, 2014 by TW-Matt

Sailing ABC  by Marianne Wheeler A is for Anchor – Anchoring, III Most anchors are made of strong steel (so they don’t float) and have points called flukes that dig into the bottom or grab onto rocks. They also have … Continue reading →

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Sailing ABC – A is for Anchor – Anchoring, II

Posted on March 24, 2014 by TW-Matt

Sailing ABC  by Marianne Wheeler A is for Anchor – Anchoring, II The books written about anchors and anchoring would probably fill the hold of the Golden Hinde. There are many different kinds of anchors. All are heavy and increase … Continue reading →

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Boat Handling Under Power – Part 2

Posted on June 25, 2013 by TW-Matt

Hopefully, by now you have done the boat exercises in Part 1.  If so, you know the “advance” and “transfer” associated with your favorite boat. You may have noticed that advance and transfer is different while turning to starboard than … Continue reading →

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Skipper’s Tip – Observation

Posted on April 8, 2013 by TW-Matt

Notice the physical manifestations of the numbers you find in your tide book and weather forecast. Is the flag blowing lazily or vigorously? Did your barometer fall and rise again as the weather front came through? Did you see “mackerel … Continue reading →

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ADVENTURES IN BOCAS DEL TORO, PANAMA

Posted on March 26, 2013 by TW-Matt

ADVENTURES IN BOCAS DEL TORO, PANAMA by Renee Vinyard I am excited to write about my cruise aboard the “Finisterre” with TW instructor Mike Heath and his wife Kay.  I flew to Panama City (PC) with my friend Tom in … Continue reading →

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Skipper’s Tip – Boat Handling Under Power (Part I)

Posted on March 18, 2013 by TW-Matt

– By Tradewinds instructor Don Gilzean I think the single most embarrassing time I ever experienced (yes, I have had a few) on a sailboat was turning a 27’ boat sideways in a slip at Angel Island.  I was brand … Continue reading →

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Skipper’s Tip – Planning a nice evening out?

Posted on February 25, 2013 by TW-Matt

By Tony Johnson If you’re planning to anchor overnight somewhere, consider doing so on a full moon. A lovely location for this is China Camp where you can see both the sun setting and the moon rising. You do know, … Continue reading →

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Bozburun Peninsula, Turkey

Posted on October 16, 2012 by TW-Matt

By Tradewinds Member Ernie G. For my 50th birthday, my wife cooked up the idea of chartering in the blue waters of the Mediterranean, on the Turkish coast. We made it an extended family plan, with my father and stepmother, … Continue reading →

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Advanced Coastal Cruising

Posted on July 1, 2012 by TW-Matt

– Advanced Coastal Cruising class (ASA 106), June 22 – 24, 2012, by Brad Call On Friday morning I met my instructor, Bill Yawn and my two fellow students, Mary Ann Paulazzo and Daniel Merle. Bill is a long time instructor … Continue reading →

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Ambassador 111

Posted on June 12, 2012 by TW-Matt

Hallelujah! I have arrived, without any incident or drama at the finish. Tied to the doc at 1pm. The weather yesterday and last night was very cooperative, still some lumpy seas, but good winds, so I made good progress. Everyone … Continue reading →

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