Category Archives: Skipper’s Tip

Pre-departure Training for Non-Sailors

Quite often I am asked what skills should be taught to a non-sailor before leaving the dock for their first sail.  I am sure each skipper has a different list, however, here are a few of the things I personally … Continue reading

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Captain & Crew: A Nautical Relation(ship)! – By Tradewinds member Katie S.

As a member of Tradewinds Sailing Club for 4 years I have “grown up” in this club. I have served as crew and skipper. From day one being a skipper was my goal. Sailing out the Golden Gate Bridge and … Continue reading

Posted in Chartering, Skipper's Tip | 1 Comment

Sound Signals

With VHF radios as common as they are, you don’t hear sound signals on boats very much anymore.  When you do hear one, it always seems to come as a shock, and sadly, it’s far to easy to have no clue … Continue reading

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Reef Early … Reef Often … Reef Deep

Summer is here!!  I know, the first day of summer is officially June 21, and we aren’t there yet, however, this week the San Francisco summer weather pattern seems to have established itself over the bay.  Here are few tips … Continue reading

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Stay Safe on Deck – Part Deux

I’ve never had an opportunity to re-visit a topic this quickly, however I think a second visit might be needed in this case!  In the last one week, two different people I know have ended up in the water.  One … Continue reading

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Your First Few Sails

Too often, the tips you read are directed towards experienced sailors trying to improve on their sailing skills.  It seems like tip writer’s forget about the new sailor.  Here are a few thoughts to consider during those first few very important … Continue reading

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Using a Kellet

There’s a word you don’t see every day. So, what is it? A kellet is a 15 to 25 pound weight, which you “hang” from the anchor rode. Often, it’s referred to as a sentinel, although technically, that is the … Continue reading

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Know Your Depths

We had an opportunity recently to check depths in the mooring field at Ayala Cove and the docks at Sam’s Anchor Cafe. The results were surprising! At a zero tide: Depths on the west and southwest sides of the mooring … Continue reading

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What’s in a Gust

A few days ago I was checking the weather forecast for that day on San Francisco Bay.  It was a pretty mild wind forecast for late August, winds from the SW at 15 with gusts to 25, however it got … Continue reading

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Capt. Craig’s Top Ten Scariest Advanced Coastal Cruising Stories

September 2013 Introduction: So… why I am sharing these stories? As we turn more instructors and members loose to sail “outside the gate”, I think it is important to share some important hard-earned lessons about sailing in the Gulf of … Continue reading

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