Though tricky at times, docking and undocking is an essential part of being afloat. It is also the most public show of your boat handling skills, with who knows who potentially watching you either comfortably slip onto the dock with barely an error – or making an absolute tit of yourself as you smash about […]
Charter holidays are a lot of fun, and a great way to explore some of the most beautiful places in the world. You may wish to sail on the Aegean, Ionian or Caribbean during a two week summer holiday, and charter companies around the world will be able to supply you a boat to suit […]
All clubs thrive or die by the input of their membership. Last week, for the first family fun race of the season, no one had volunteered as a race official at my club. With 15 sailors turning up, the perfect mix of sun and winds, there could have been some very disappointed sailors until the […]
Looking at a 50ft ‘gin palace’ with huge engines designed to waft the millionaire owner at 30 knots up the Channel and beyond, you’d be surprised to know you don’t actually need any qualifications to skipper it in the UK. Nor do you need to have a license to bomb around on a jet ski. […]
Powerboats can be a lot of fun but becoming a competent driver requires a considerable amount of training. Manoeuvres in the water are far more complex than on land and the traffic is a great deal more varied. Learning to control a powerboat is not only a matter of building on existing experience; it is […]
Safety when out on the water is paramount for anyone out boating, but those using motorboats need to take particular care. The vessels they use are exceptionally powerful – even if they are relatively small in size – and situations can quickly develop if they are not operated in a safe fashion. As a result, […]
Learning to sail is a story of steady progression from a complete novice to an experienced sailor and it all comes with practice. It begins with learning the very basics, from knowing which parts of a boat are which, to the laws and regulations that govern sailing. Aspects such as first aid and survival at […]
Teamwork when at sea can be the difference between winning and losing in big events, while it can also have a dramatic impact on whether people enjoy sailing. Many sailing courses place an emphasis on team work as it can enhance the experience of all of those taking part. The best sailors are those that […]
Although sailing is one of the most supreme leisure activities of our time, it also offers ample opportunities for turning your love of life on the water in to a potential career. There are training options for a range of skillsets – so pick the right course and you’ll position you well for your ideal […]
Motorboats are an exciting class of vessel that offer you the chance to quickly get yourself out on the water and skimming the open waves. Whether you’ve sailed for many years or are new to all things nautical, our beginner’s guide to motorboating will help you get your bearings. You’ll be well prepared to take […]