Essential safety information and resources for sailors to prevent accidents and handle emergencies
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.
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? 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Dragging anchor at night is a disorienting emergency that demands calm, methodical action. This guide explains how to confirm a drag, alert the crew, start the engine, reset the anchor, and monitor the situation safely. It draws on established seamanship guidance and independent sailing reference resources to help recreational sailors respond effectively when visibility is limited and stakes are high.
Heavy Weather Sailing in a Multihull: Unique Risks and Tactics is an independent reference and tools platform for recreational sailors. It explains multihull-specific heavy weather risks, proven tactics such as early reefing and drogue use, and how to plan safer passages. The platform helps sailors make boat-specific decisions rather than relying on generic monohull advice.
Overfalls and tidal races are areas of broken, confused water created when tidal currents flow over headlands or sudden depth changes. This independent sailing reference and tools platform helps recreational sailors understand these hazards, learn seamanship, plan safer passages, and make better decisions. It is not tied to any boat brand, school, or equipment manufacturer.