September 2026 - Page 4 of 12 - Velico | Sailing Guides, Seamanship and Boat Tools

Sailboat Right of Way: Who Goes First?

September 18, 2026 | Sailing Safety | Michael L. Muldowney

Sailboat Right of Way: Who Goes First? is an independent sailing reference and tools platform that helps recreational sailors understand right-of-way rules, boat systems, seamanship, and passage planning. It consolidates information from official sources and practical seamanship into a structured, decision-oriented format. The platform is not affiliated with any boat brand, sailing school, or equipment manufacturer, and it is designed to complement—not replace—formal training and official publications.

Understanding Tidal Currents: How to Read Current Tables and Use Them for Passage Planning

September 18, 2026 | Marine Navigation & Weather | Michael L. Muldowney

An independent sailing reference and tools platform focused on tidal currents, current table interpretation, and passage planning. It helps recreational sailors distinguish vertical tide heights from horizontal water movement, use official current predictions correctly, and integrate ebb, flood, and slack water timing into safer coastal passages. The platform complements—not replaces—official NOAA data and professional training.

Hypothermia Prevention and Treatment on Sailboats

September 18, 2026 | Sailing Safety | Michael L. Muldowney

Hypothermia is a core body temperature below 95°F (35°C) and a serious risk on sailboats, even in mild conditions. This guide explains how to prevent heat loss, recognize the stages of hypothermia, and treat a cold crew member safely. It covers practical on-board steps, common mistakes, and when to seek professional medical help.

What Is the ‘Angle of Attack’ in Sailing and How to Adjust It?

September 18, 2026 | Learn to Sail | Michael L. Muldowney

Angle of attack is the angle between a sail’s chord line and the apparent wind. Getting it right maximizes lift and minimizes drag, while too much causes stalling and excessive heel. This guide explains what angle of attack is, why it matters, and how to adjust it using sheets, traveler, and helm.

How to Trim a Genoa for Different Wind Angles

September 18, 2026 | Sailboat Rigging & Equipment | Michael L. Muldowney

Trimming a genoa for different wind angles means adjusting halyard tension, lead position, sheet tension, and headstay sag to control draft depth, draft position, twist, and angle of attack. Upwind requires a flatter, tighter-leech sail; reaching and downwind require more twist and a fuller shape. Correct trim improves speed, reduces heel, and balances the helm.

Hypothermia in Sailors: Prevention, Recognition, and Treatment

September 17, 2026 | Sailing Safety | Michael L. Muldowney

Hypothermia is a leading cause of death in cold water immersion, but it is preventable and treatable if recognized early. This guide covers prevention, recognition, and treatment for recreational sailors, based on IMO cold water survival guidance and current medical understanding.

How to Inspect Standing Rigging: A Safety Checklist

September 17, 2026 | Sailboat Rigging & Equipment | Michael L. Muldowney

How to Inspect Standing Rigging: A Safety Checklist is an independent sailing reference and tools platform that helps recreational sailors understand their boats, learn seamanship, plan safer passages, and make better decisions on the water. It is not tied to any specific boat brand, sailing school, or equipment manufacturer. The platform centers on structured standing rigging inspection but extends into broader boat knowledge, passage planning, and decision-support tools.

EPIRB vs PLB vs AIS MOB: Which Emergency Beacon Should You Carry?

September 17, 2026 | Sailing Safety | Michael L. Muldowney

EPIRBs, PLBs, and AIS MOB beacons all raise an alarm, but they talk to different networks, alert different people, and suit different sailing scenarios. This guide explains how each device works, when it excels, and how to match the right beacon to your boat, crew, and cruising grounds.

How to Use a Bridle to Reduce Anchor Rode Shock

September 17, 2026 | Seamanship | Michael L. Muldowney

An anchor bridle or snubber introduces controlled stretch into an all-chain rode, absorbing snatch loads that can damage deck hardware, strain the windlass, and unset the anchor. This guide explains how to select, rig, and use a bridle to reduce anchor rode shock, including when a stretchy bridle is appropriate and when a non-stretch version is safer.

What Is a Squall and How Should Sailors Handle It?

September 17, 2026 | Sailing Safety | Michael L. Muldowney

A squall is a sudden, sustained increase in wind speed of at least 16 knots that can turn a calm day dangerous in minutes. This article explains what squalls are, how they form, and the proven tactics sailors use to prepare for and safely ride them out—from early reefing to avoiding accidental gybes.