We dedicated a weekend late in the sailing season to finally getting ashore at Block Island. It was a great change of pace and I had a lot of fun making this video! Please enjoy:
Thailand Bareboat Charter Advice
…and suggestions… This article is about bareboat cruising in Thailand; specifically discussing destinations and preparing for the challenges. But first here’s why Thailand should be on your short list of bareboat charter destinations: Thailand, specifically Phang Nga (fang-na) Bay, is considered a challenging Bareboat charter destination. This isn’t because the wind howls; instead it is […]
Customizing your Chartplotter with Local Knowledge
Step by step instructional video for customizing a chart with local knowledge and then loading it onto a smartphone chartplotter app. Using only free software! Download Links Image Customization: Preview on OSX (builtin app) GIMP Maptiler File Management “Downloads” App (builtin on many Android devices) X-Plore File Manager SailGrib Weather Routing Free
Bareboat Charter Checklists
The amount of information you have to remember during a bareboat charter is expansive; on your first bareboat charter remembering everything is downright overwhelming. I’ve created several checklists to assist bareboat skippers in keeping track of everything. Scroll down to check out the checklists… Checkout Checklist Bareboat charters begin with two briefings: the chart briefing […]
How to Fly with an Inflatable PFD
The first time I flew with my inflatable PFD my head was swirling with the rumors of difficulties flying with CO2 cartridges. After a few conversations with TSA agents and coaching some friends through the same I know the drill and I don’t give it a second thought. With these three simple steps you can […]
Offshore Weather Routing using GRIBs and Polars
In this video I demonstrate how I use my favorite weather routing app, SailGrib WR, to plan as well as set expectations for offshore passages. I discuss some advantages and limitations of weather routing software and show you exactly how I use SailGrib for offshore passagemaking. Please let me know if you have any lead […]
Sailing Charter Crew FAQ
This is the information I send to my friends who are coming along on bareboat sailing charters. I try to get them this information more than a month before they leave for the trip so that if they need to buy anything they’ve got long enough lead time to go shopping without a big rush. […]
Headsail Furling Gear Troubleshooting
These days furling headsails are standard equipment on sailing yachts. Most of the time they make foresail handling a breeze: setting, reefing and dousing the headsail is accomplished from the comfort and relative safety of the cockpit. But as reliable as modern furlers have become they’re not bulletproof: they’re subject to wear and tear like […]