Sailboat Blog

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May 22, 2025

The Sailor's Guide to the Lazy Jack System

Managing your mainsail is easier with a lazy jack system, offering smoother drops and controlled reefing.

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May 22, 2025

The Case for In-Mast Furling and Reefing Systems on Cruising Sailboats

Many cruising sailors are wary of in-mast furling systems, claiming that they're prone to jamming. This experienced offshore sailor shows us exactly to how to avoid this problem

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May 22, 2025

How to Reef the Mainsail of a Sailboat

Mastering mainsail reefing is essential for every sailor seeking safety and control in changing winds. Discover how to reef using slab, in-boom, and in-mast systems.

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May 19, 2025

Tips for a Tradewinds Sailing Passage across an Ocean

Tradewinds sailing across an ocean is the stuff of dreams for most offshore sailors, but how does the reality of it stack up against expectations?

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May 16, 2025

Dreaming Of Sailing the Ocean? Why Not Turn It Into Reality?

What one cruising couple learned about sailing the ocean from their first Atlantic crossing. The downwind rig, self-steering, navigation, watchkeeping, electrical energy requirements and more

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May 16, 2025

Sailboat Spares and Equipment for Long Distance Cruising

Description: Here's a useful checklist of sailboat spares and equipment for a sailboat setting out on a long distance offshore passage. You can't carry too much; but you can't carry everything

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May 15, 2025

Watch Keeping on an Ocean Passage

Traditionally, watch keeping involved just a keen pair of eyes on deck but now additional help is at hand...

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May 15, 2025

Sailboat Flag Etiquette

Sailboat flag etiquette is a combination of law and maritime tradition. It is a way of showing respect, courtesy and recognition to other vessels, countries and organizations. Here's what you need to know...

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May 15, 2025

Offshore Passage Making: A Sailor's Essential Guide

Does the allure of the open ocean call to you? If so, the tips and advice within this Guide to Offshore Passage Making will make essential reading...

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May 11, 2025

Single handed Sailing: Is it for You?

Explore the thrill and challenges of single handed sailing! Discover essential tips for solo sailors, from safety gear to navigation skills. Ready to set sail solo?

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May 03, 2025

Nautical Terms and Phrases

Set sail on a journey through everyday expressions with deep maritime roots. Discover how the language of the sea has shaped the way we speak today!

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Apr 30, 2025

Tayana 48 DS Sailboat Specs & Key Performance Indicators

The Tayana 48 DS sailboat specs and KPIs set out here say a lot about how this centre-cockpit cutter is likely to behave in a seaway...

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Apr 29, 2025

The Hunter 466 Sailboat

The Hunter 466 sailboat specs and KPIs set out here tell us much about how this B&R rigged sailboat is likely to behave in a seaway...

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Apr 24, 2025

Which Type of Boat Fridge Is The Most Efficient?

The top opening boat fridge is reputed to be more efficient than the front opening type, but that may not be the case - and here, amongst other boat refrigeration considerations, is why

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Apr 19, 2025

Multihull Autopilot Selection is Not Straightforward

Whether its for a catamaran or a trimaran, tiller or wheel steered, a multi hull autopilot must be endowed with specific performance characteristics...

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