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Really Useful Sailing Tips – Helmsmanship Keeping the boat on the right course and under control is the Helmsman’s job. A few pointers follow as to how to be a good helmsman. Tip 1  – Helmsman communication
 The helmsman has the feel and performance of the yacht in his hands. The ‘helm’ can often feel if a yacht is…

Really Useful Sailing Tips – Crew Work Crew co-ordination and harmonious team work is imperative to successful and enjoyable sailing. Tip 1 – Crew training
 Make sure each crew member is assigned a task and is ready and prepared in position in the right part of the yacht before each manoeuvre. Talk through each manoeuvre before it happens to…

Really Useful Sailing Tips – Sail Trim Even if you are only cruising, trimming the sails correctly will make your boat speed more efficient, reduce leeway and generally give a more comfortable ride. Here are some valuable sail trim tips. Tip 1 – General Sail Trim
 Powering up your sails is all about angle of attack. At zero angle…

Really Useful Sailing Tips – Passage Planning & Navigation When off out on the water, whether for a day or for an extended period, a passage plan is always advisable to ensure you get where you want to go, when you want to get there, and in one piece! Below are just a few considerations when planning your trip….

Safety at Sea Safety on board is one of the most important things to think about when equipping a boat for sea – especially if you are trying to persuade others to come with you! It’s imperative to carry a comprehensive selection of safety equipment on board your yacht, even if you are only going a few miles offshore. The…

Discounted London Boat Show 2017 Tickets FlexiSail’s preparations for the London Boat Show 2017 are in full swing! We will have a completely new look for our stand this year which will feature a Jeanneau 389 lifting keel and more space to relax and chat. If you are coming we would love to see you on our stand A084…

Really Useful Sailing Tips – Anchoring and Berthing Once you have left your berth or mooring you will, at some point, have to get back into it or another one! This can sometimes be the most nerve-racking part of a trip, so we have put together our top tips for mooring, berthing and anchoring to ensure a smooth arrival. Tip…

Really Useful Sailing Tips – Voyage Preparation The old adage ‘fail to prepare, prepare to fail’ is never more true than when you go out sailing! Preparation is key for a fun and safe voyage. To ensure that you get the most out of your time on the water without encountering any ‘stormy waters’, we have put together top…

The Art of the Sailor When Captain Cook returned from his expedition to Tahiti in 1771, many of his crew, including the renowned naturalist Sir Joseph Banks, returned with tattoos having seen the body art of the indigenous people. By the 19th century tattooing had spread to British society but was still mainly associated with sailors. Sailors, in fact,…

Recently  the    organisers    of    the    Volvo    Ocean    Race    made    an    announcement    which    made    me,    as    a    female    sailor,    very    happy.    The    next    edition    of    the   race    will    see    several    rule    changes    including    the    number    of    sailors    on    each    crew.    All-­‐male    crews    will    be    limited    to    seven    whereas    mixed    gender   teams    will    be    able    to    compete    with    more  …