-
Recent Posts
Recent Comments
Links
Category Archives: General
“Laws” of Close Quarters Boat Handling
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
Leeward Docking at the Pump Out Station
Earlier, we looked at the D dock Pontoon Pump Station Bowen Basin. In this installment, we explore docking to leeward of the same dock. The choice of going to windward or leeward is entirely the skipper’s. Docking to windward is … Continue reading
Posted in General
2 Comments
Windward Docking at the Pump Out Station
Observing the “D” dock pump out station is quite educational; sometimes its down right humorous. There are only two sides to the dock, which pretty much limits the number of docking options. The north side of the dock (typically the leeward side) is … Continue reading
Posted in General, Skipper's Tip
3 Comments
Don’t Sail to a Timeline
Sailing to a specific time schedule can be dangerous. Trying to “get there” at a specific time, or wanting to trim 20 minutes off your sailing ETA may create a situation where you put yourself at risk. While returning from Drakes Bay … Continue reading
Posted in General, Skipper's Tip
Leave a comment
Have a Fender at the Ready
Someone asked me once where I get the ideas for the skipper’s tips. My answer was, “watching the docks.” If you watch, it doesn’t take long to see something tip worthy. On any Saturday you will see at least one instance were … Continue reading
Posted in General
Leave a comment
Have You Heard From My Husband?
Kind of a strange way to start a conversation, however, that’s just what happened the other day. It seems a club member was missing. He had left the house the previous morning for a day sail. He called in that … Continue reading
Staying warm on over-nights!
I recently received an email question from a member who was planning on taking guests out over night during a cold spell. The Q&A seemed blog worthy, so here it is with minor editing to protect the guilty! Hi Matt, … Continue reading
Chartering in Greece – By Lee Jones
Matt, My partner Dena and I took courses at Tradewinds this past summer, to prepare for a bareboat charter in Greece in September. Dena took the Basic Keelboat to increase her comfort level as first mate. I took exams for … Continue reading
Posted in General
Leave a comment
Know Your Knots – or Have the App!
-By Tradewinds Member Tim G. Hey Matt Had a great day sailing on Wind Song on Sunday. Setting out from the dock, we knew we would be putting in the 2nd reef right away due to the projected gusty winds. … Continue reading
Posted in General, Skipper's Tip
Leave a comment
Major Difficulties Start with Small Errors
I am always amazed at how often a small error committed on a sailboat results in major difficulties. A couple of weeks ago, while crewing for another skipper, I was assigned the task of releasing the bow line in preparation for departure. … Continue reading
Posted in General
Leave a comment