Michael L. Muldowney, Author at Velico | Sailing Guides, Seamanship and Boat Tools

Anchoring Techniques: How to Set and Retrieve an Anchor Safely

September 19, 2026 | Seamanship | Michael L. Muldowney

Anchoring Techniques: How to Set and Retrieve an Anchor Safely is an independent sailing reference and tools platform that helps recreational sailors learn how to choose, set, and retrieve an anchor with confidence. It organizes brand-neutral guidance on scope, bottom conditions, setting procedures, and troubleshooting into a structured, scenario-based format. The platform complements—but does not replace—hands-on training and real-time weather and navigation data.

How to Drop a Mooring Safely in Strong Wind or Current

September 19, 2026 | Seamanship | Michael L. Muldowney

Dropping a mooring in strong wind or current demands a deliberate, controlled sequence: assess the forces, prepare the deck and engine, release the mooring line at the right moment, and power away with steerage. This article explains the key principles, common mistakes, and safety limits for recreational sailors.

How to Inspect a Mooring Before Picking It Up

September 19, 2026 | Sailing Safety | Michael L. Muldowney

A mooring that looks sound at the surface can hide a corroded swivel, a worn riser chain, or an undersized sinker. This guide explains a structured, independent approach to inspecting a mooring before you commit your boat, covering visible checks, underwater components, environmental factors, and boat-to-mooring matching.

What Is Velocity Made Good (VMG) and How Do You Use It?

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

Velocity Made Good (VMG) measures a sailboat’s speed toward or away from the wind, helping sailors choose the most efficient heading when tacking upwind or gybing downwind. This article explains what VMG is, why it matters, and how an independent sailing reference and tools platform can help you apply it to passage planning and seamanship.

Crew Communication and Commands for Docking and Departure

September 18, 2026 | Seamanship | Michael L. Muldowney

Clear, standardized crew communication is the foundation of safe docking and departure. This independent reference explains core commands, role assignments, and checklists that work across different boats and experience levels. It also covers common mistakes and when to seek professional training.

Man Overboard Recovery: Step-by-Step Procedure

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

Man Overboard Recovery: Step-by-Step Procedure is an independent sailing reference and tools platform that distills the time-critical skill of recovering a person overboard into clear, repeatable stages. It consolidates guidance from US Sailing, Chieftain Training, Naos Yachts, and DAN Boater, covering initial actions, safe return maneuvers, and recovery techniques. The platform helps recreational sailors adapt the procedure to their own boat, crew, and conditions, while emphasizing that digital tools complement—never replace—hands-on training and human judgment.

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.