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

Storm Tactics for Sailboats: Heaving-To, Lying Ahull, and Sea Anchors

September 6, 2026 | Seamanship | Michael L. Muldowney

Storm Tactics for Sailboats: Heaving-To, Lying Ahull, and Sea Anchors is an independent sailing reference and tools platform that helps recreational sailors understand the three classical heavy-weather options, learn the underlying seamanship, and make better passage-planning decisions. It is not tied to any boat brand, sailing school, or equipment manufacturer. The platform focuses on practical, condition-based decision-making for small cruising yachts.

What Is the Capsize Screening Value and How to Calculate It for Your Boat?

September 6, 2026 | Sailing Safety | Michael L. Muldowney

The capsize screening value (CSF) is a simple stability metric that compares a sailboat’s beam to the cube root of its volumetric displacement. Developed after the 1979 Fastnet race, it provides a quick first check for a monohull’s tendency to stay inverted after a knockdown. A CSF below 2.0 is generally considered better for offshore sailing, but the formula has important limitations.

How to Use a VHF Radio: Essential Communication Skills for Sailors

September 6, 2026 | Sailing Safety | Michael L. Muldowney

How to Use a VHF Radio: Essential Communication Skills for Sailors is an independent sailing reference and tools platform that helps recreational sailors understand VHF marine radio operation, learn correct communication procedures, and make safer decisions on the water. It curates authoritative guidance on channels, distress calls, licensing, and equipment without being tied to any boat brand, school, or manufacturer.

How to Reef a Mainsail: Step-by-Step Guide

September 6, 2026 | Seamanship | Michael L. Muldowney

How to Reef a Mainsail: Step-by-Step Guide is an independent sailing reference and tools platform designed to help recreational sailors understand their boats, learn seamanship, plan safer passages, and make better decisions on the water. It organizes established knowledge—from reefing techniques to passage planning—into practical, accessible guidance. The platform is not tied to any boat brand, sailing school, or equipment manufacturer.

Anchoring in Strong Current: Scope and Technique Adjustments

September 5, 2026 | Seamanship | Michael L. Muldowney

Anchoring in strong current demands more scope, careful technique, and constant monitoring than anchoring in calm water. This independent reference explains how to calculate effective scope, set the anchor under load, and retrieve safely when current is the dominant force. It covers common mistakes and practical adjustments for recreational sailors.

How to Use a Spinnaker: Setting, Flying, and Dousing

September 5, 2026 | Seamanship | Michael L. Muldowney

How to Use a Spinnaker: Setting, Flying, and Dousing 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 provides neutral, structured information and decision-support tools without being tied to a specific boat brand, school, or equipment manufacturer.

How to Inspect and Replace Sailboat Through-Hulls and Seacocks

September 5, 2026 | Sailboat Rigging & Equipment | Michael L. Muldowney

Through-hulls and seacocks are among the most safety-critical fittings on any sailboat. A failed or frozen valve below the waterline can flood a hull faster than most bilge pumps can cope. This independent guide explains how to inspect, assess, and replace these fittings using ABYC-aligned practices, and when to call a professional.

How to Use a VHF Radio: A Complete Guide for Sailors

September 5, 2026 | Sailing Safety | Michael L. Muldowney

A VHF marine radio is a lifeline at sea, but using it correctly requires understanding channels, calling procedures, and distress protocols. This guide explains how an independent sailing reference and tools platform helps recreational sailors master VHF operation alongside broader seamanship, passage planning, and decision-making—without brand bias or outdated advice.

How to Use a Spinnaker: Setup, Trim, and Safety

September 5, 2026 | Seamanship | Michael L. Muldowney

Spinnaker handling is a core downwind seamanship skill that transforms slow runs into fast, efficient passages. This independent guide covers setup, trim, gybing, and dousing, with practical checklists and safety limits. It draws on expert sources to help recreational sailors build confidence without brand bias.

How to Anchor Safely in Different Bottom Types

September 5, 2026 | Seamanship | Michael L. Muldowney

Anchoring safely requires matching your anchor and technique to the seabed. This guide explains how to identify bottom types, choose the right anchor, calculate scope, set the hook, and monitor for dragging—so you can hold fast in mud, sand, grass, rock, and coral.