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Author, sailor, veteran search and rescue skipper, and pro maritime instructor Captain John shows you the no-nonsense cruising skills you need for safer sailing worldwide. Visit his website at https://www.skippertips.com and sign up for his highly popular Sailing Tip of the Week. Discover how to get instant access to hundreds of his sailing articles, videos, FREE e-books, and much more!
Recent Videos
You may think that three-strand sailing line is no longer used aboard sailboats or powerboats, but it remains my favorite anchor and docking line. It’s easier to splice and more forgiving than cored or braided line, and it tends to chafe less than other lines. Watch this sailing video to learn how...
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Have you dreamed of sailing aboard a luxurious sailboat to the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean, Pacific, or other exotic places around the world? You can make your dream come true when you do what I’ve done: volunteer to crew aboard someone else’s yacht. But before you go, make sure you practice...
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Imagine sailing in pea-soup fog, picking your way through an unfamiliar channel, filled with buoys and beacons. Which aids to navigation will you choose to help find your way home? Watch this sailing video to learn the answer.
Captain John is a 20+ year Coast Guard veteran, author, sailor, and professional...
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Master your sailboat’s performance by using your traveler to fine-tune sail trim for blazing speed and power. This often-overlooked athwartship track can dramatically improve your sailing. Here are three easy, often forgotten ways to get the most from your traveler. Watch this sailing video to learn...
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How can you use the secret of natural pivot point to make a sharp turn into a boat slip, avoid a collision with an obstruction or other boat, or turn around in a narrow channel? Watch this video to learn the answer and much more!
Captain John is a 20+ year Coast Guard veteran, author, sailor, and professional...
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Few boat bilge pumps on the market can keep up with water flooding into a boat at a high rate. Before you cast off to go sailing this season, make sure to check the integrity of each ‘sea valve’ that covers holes drilled below your boat’s waterline. This single inspection could save your boat one...
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All sailors need to know how to use a hank-on jib or staysail. If you get caught out in high winds with too much sail up, how can you make the task of lowering a hank-on headsail safer and easier for your sailing crew? Here’s one technique I learned while sailing in the gusty breezes and choppy waters...
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Imagine sailing downwind in a narrow channel, and you need to jibe to bring the wind onto the other side of the stern. What steps will you use to make this challenge safer and easier? Watch this video now. ( Also, see my video on how to use a ‘preventer’ when running downwind: https://youtu.be/31TZMlWOZaQ...
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If you plan to sail along the coast or offshore, you’ll want to prepare your boat and crew for rough winds and seas. How can you use the secrets of course changes, weight distribution, or heaving-to for more safety and comfort at sea? Watch this video to learn the answers!
Captain John is a 20+ year...
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Imagine sailing off the coast or offshore when you hear a Mayday call from another vessel on your radio. You are only two miles from their location, and no one else is closer. Are you required to assist the vessel? What seven steps will you take to help you decide on the safest ‘course of action’?
Captain...
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Did you know that smoke from a diesel engine could signal internal engine damage or a line wrapped around your propeller? Avoid costly damage to your expensive sailing auxiliary. Watch this sailing video to learn more.
Captain John is a 20+ year Coast Guard veteran, author, sailor, and professional...
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If you spot a yellow flashing light ahead of your bow while sailing or motoring at night, what could this mean? What action should you take right now to avoid a deadly collision? Watch this sailing navigation video to learn the answers.
Captain John is a 20+ year Coast Guard veteran, author, sailor,...
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