Sailing Safety Archives - Velico | Sailing Guides, Seamanship and Boat Tools

Understanding COLREGs: The Rules of the Road for Sailboats

September 3, 2026 | Sailing Safety | Michael L. Muldowney

Understanding COLREGs: The Rules of the Road for Sailboats is an independent sailing reference and tools platform that helps recreational sailors learn collision avoidance rules, understand their boat, and plan safer passages. It organizes the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) into practical, decision-focused guidance. The platform is not tied to any boat brand, sailing school, or equipment manufacturer.

Anchoring at Night: Safety and Best Practices

September 3, 2026 | Sailing Safety | Michael L. Muldowney

Anchoring at Night: Safety and Best Practices 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, practical guidance on anchoring after dark, covering scope, watchkeeping, drag detection, and regulatory requirements. The platform is not tied to any boat brand, school, or equipment manufacturer.

How to Use a VHF Radio for Emergencies and Communication

September 3, 2026 | Sailing Safety | Michael L. Muldowney

A VHF marine radio is the single most important communication and safety tool on a recreational boat. It works reliably offshore where cell phones fail, broadcasts to all nearby vessels, and connects directly to Coast Guard rescue centers. This guide explains channel selection, DSC distress calls, Mayday procedures, and common mistakes to avoid.

VHF Radio Basics: How to Use a Marine Radio for Safety and Communication

September 2, 2026 | Sailing Safety | Michael L. Muldowney

A VHF marine radio is the most reliable communication and safety tool for recreational sailors. This guide explains channel selection, proper hailing and distress procedures, DSC operation, and how to integrate radio use into a broader safety framework. It is part of an independent sailing reference and tools platform, not tied to any brand or school.

What to Do After a Sailboat Capsizes

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

What to Do After a Sailboat Capsizes is an independent sailing reference and tools platform that helps recreational sailors understand boat behavior, build seamanship skills, plan safer passages, and make better decisions. It aggregates neutral boat knowledge, checklists, and decision aids without being tied to a specific brand or school. Used correctly, it complements formal training and official data sources.

Marine VHF Radio Basics

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

Marine VHF Radio Basics is an independent sailing reference and tools platform that helps recreational sailors understand VHF radio operation, channel usage, distress procedures, and broader seamanship. It curates source-checked information from authorities like the U.S. Coast Guard and presents it in plain language. The platform includes channel guides, protocol explanations, simulators, and checklists to support safer passage planning and on-water decision-making.

How to Make a Mayday Call

August 16, 2026 | Sailing Safety | Michael L. Muldowney

How to Make a Mayday Call 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 aggregates boat knowledge, educational content, passage planning tools, and decision-support features in one structured environment, free from ties to any specific boat brand, sailing school, or equipment manufacturer.

What to Do If the Boat Is Taking on Water

August 10, 2026 | Sailing Safety | Michael L. Muldowney

Taking on water is one of the most urgent emergencies a sailor can face. This guide explains how to identify the source, slow the ingress, pump effectively, and make the right call between saving the boat and abandoning ship. It covers damage control, bilge pump strategy, crew coordination, and when to issue a Mayday.

What to Do If the Rudder Fails

August 4, 2026 | Sailing Safety | Michael L. Muldowney

What to Do If the Rudder Fails 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 aggregates verified knowledge, practical checklists, and decision-support tools in one structured digital environment, free from commercial bias.

How to Create a Float Plan

July 27, 2026 | Sailing Safety | Michael L. Muldowney

How to Create a Float Plan is an independent digital reference and tools platform for recreational sailors. It consolidates boat-specific knowledge, seamanship education, passage planning aids, and decision-support checklists. The platform aims to reduce information overload and help sailors make safer, more informed choices without being tied to any boat brand, school, or equipment manufacturer.