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Situational Awareness

Pilots know exactly what this phrase means. For everyone else, the concept becomes clear with practice – lots of it. True situational awareness eventually becomes intuitive, but it starts as a conscious effort.

Sailing Lingo Decoded

Every community has its own language, and sailing is no different. Step aboard a sailboat, and you might suddenly feel like you’ve stumbled into a secret society with its own code. “Ease the sheets!” someone might shout. “Mind the boom!” another warns. You nod along, pretending to understand, while quietly wondering why ropes are called lines and the bathroom is a head.

Why You Should Know & Love Your Fluxgate Compass!

Your GPS may tell you where you’re going, but only a properly calibrated fluxgate compass knows where your boat is pointing. From autopilot accuracy to radar overlays, this humble instrument underpins nearly every critical navigation function. Learn why heading data matters, how to spot calibration issues, and the simple steps to keep your system reliable. Ignore it, and even the best electronics can steer you wrong.

Your Dinghy Is a Boat

Your dinghy isn’t just a tender, it’s your second boat. Cruisers Jean Levine and Jeff Grossman share hard earned lessons, safety tips, and must have gear to keep your dinghy reliable, safe, and drama free.

Smooth Sailing Starts Ashore

Before you chase the horizon, take the time to inspect the boat that’ll carry you there. A smooth sail starts with smart preparation – topside, below deck, and in every system in between.

Prepare to Cross an Ocean

You might join a finely tuned crew with a seasoned skipper – or a boat making its first big leap. Either way, preparation is critical. Success offshore starts long before you leave the dock.

Wind vs. Wifi

There’s an old saying passed down through seasoned skippers: You don’t really know sailing until something goes wrong. No matter how many hours you spend watching videos or reading manuals, nothing prepares you quite like the sudden slap of wind, the crunch of a bad tack, or when your rigging breaks in the middle of a daysail.

Swimming with Outboards

When a 25HP Yamaha slipped into 16 feet of Caribbean water, a simple sail day turned into an unexpected recovery mission. What followed was a crash course in corrosion control, mechanical triage, and lessons in complacency. With quick thinking, fresh water, and a lot of patience, the engine was revived, starting on the first pull. This salty tale proves even sunken gear can be saved if you act fast, stay calm, and never underestimate the power of preparation.

Seasickness Prevention 101

Seasickness is a form of motion sickness triggered when the brain receives conflicting messages from the eyes, inner ears, and sensory nerves. While your body may be on a stable deck, your inner ears feel the rise and fall of the waves, and the disconnect can send your system into a tailspin.

How to Sail The West Coast of Vancouver Island

Hidden coves, towering cliffs, and untamed seas promise adventure to those bold enough to seek it.

Cooking at Sea: How to Manage the Motion of the Ocean

Explore the essential skills to manage cooking in motion, keeping things efficient, safe, and delicious with Gio and Julie Cappelli.

What is a Refit?

Planning a boat refit for long-term cruising? Learn the top 5 priorities every cruiser should focus on, from hull integrity to rigging, sails, electrical systems, and self-steering. Ensure your boat is safe, reliable, and ready for the open sea.

Chasing the Dream to Circumnavigate

What does it take to sail around the world? For many cruisers, the dream of circumnavigating is where it all began. Whether they find bliss under countless stars far from land or anchored in gin clear Bahamian water waiting for the green flash at sunset, the allure of sailing the world got them there. What’s the next step to chase the ambitious goal to sail around the world?

Cruise with Confidence

Through over 20 years of mentoring and preparing sailors for the cruising lifestyle, Lisa and Andy Batchelor have developed sound advice for the aspiring cruiser. From discovering your “why” to planning, stress management, and education, the Batchelors set the stage for smooth seas.

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Secrets of Successful Cruising

Join Julie Cappelli, of Pelagic Cruising Services, as she breaks down tips for mastering the secrets of successful cruising. Learn essential skills from sailing basics to self-sufficiency, and gain insights on boat selection and preparation. And don't miss the opportunity to hear directly from the author, transformed full-time sailor from landlubber, at the Annapolis Sailboat Show October 11, 2024!

Charting Seas and Dreams: Jimmy Cornell’s Lifetime of Sailing Adventure & Essential Voyage Planning Insights

Discover the remarkable life of sailing legend Jimmy Cornell. Explore his adventures, from circumnavigations to remote expeditions, and gain essential voyage planning insights. Join his online class with American Sailing for expert guidance in navigating today's maritime challenges. Enroll online now and embark on your own sailing odyssey.

Taking Your Yacht Abroad For The First Time

Sailing to a foreign country can entail a maze of paperwork and procedures, a stark contrast to the simplicity of air travel. Understanding each destination's unique requirements is paramount and preparation is key when navigating passport control, customs, and regulations demands. Luckily, Noonsite.com is here to offer some guidance on simplifying the intricate process of international sailing.

Dinghies & Their Outboards: A Troubleshooting Guide for Hassle-Free Adventures

A guide to troubleshooting outboard engines on sailboat dinghies. Learn how to address and resolve common issues with your dinghy's outboard motor.