Setting the scene A ship leaves New York, USA, bound for Brest, France. Assuming it takes the shortest route, what will be its departure course? If it is sailing at 15 knots, how long will it take to reach Brest? The coordinates of the two ports are known (below). City...
Last season took its toll on one end of a mooring line on Jean-du-Sud. A repair was in order. I took advantage of the repair to make a short video on how to repair it. I show how to tie a backsplice and a crown knot. I’ll show you how...
This short text describes two particular cases of navigation lights that have come to my attention in recent days. Both are in situations of reduced visibility, or at night. I found the examples interesting because they reveal parts of the navigation lights conventions that are less well known. Three red...
Navigation is about getting from point A to point B in a safe and fun manner. 8 fundamental concepts of arithmetic are required to do so. Read them here.
Here are 22 knots for practical use in a maritime context. Each knot is a variant of 9 basic knots. So, in terms of learning, you can start by concentrating on these basic knots and then learn the variants. In terms of assessment, the first five basic knots are part...
To claim the title of Master, you need more than being in charge of a boat. You need to pass exams, accumulate sea time and seek training. This text explores how to become one, but also nuances the various titles of “Master”. For example, a “Master 60” does not have...
Here are four advanced coastal navigation techniques. The first of the four is of practical use. The last three would require a lot of on-board systems to be broken to make them a real-life use case. On the other hand, some of them can be found in the RYA or...
How do you make sailing a living? There are four main approaches. You can teach sailing, you can deliver bouts, you can work as a sideline or you can cruise. This short post explores each of these activities from both a commercial and a regulatory point of view. Teaching sailing...
The passage between Gaspé and Nova Scotia is relatively easy via the Magdalen Islands. If you’re keen to gain offshore experience, this is an excellent passage. You must learn how to sail without landmarks… and at night. Gaspé, the Islands and Chéticamp Jean-du-Sud ‘s stay in Gaspé was a compromise...
With Bastian Raulier and Zac Harie. Fancy a sailboat cruise on the river? Tired of high marina fees? Want to get away without (too) many neighbors? Here are fifteen anchorages, illustrated in a summary map at the end of the text, to help you plan your stops and nights on...
