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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
How can navigation lights on a boat or ship tell you the distance to the vessel or help you determine the risk of collision? Know these 'Nav-Rule' secrets to gain the edge when sailing anywhere in the world. Watch this sailing video to learn more. (Click here to download the NavRules (see Rule 21): https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/navigation-rules-amalgamated
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How can the skipper master the art of backing a sailboat in a straight line, use the power of feathering to make a tight turn into a slip, or determine ‘drift rate’ before you approach a fuel pier? Watch this video to learn those answers!
Captain John is a 20+ year Coast Guard veteran, author, sailor,...
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Last week, I showed you how to find the direction, or ‘set’, of the current (click here: https://youtu.be/bIW3Fvdv4Nc?si=pjlV4aIxyDdbc_T1 if you have not watched that video yet). This week, I will show you the second part of the current formula, which is how to find the speed, or ‘drift’, of...
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The first step to find how the tidal current is setting you is to determine the direction, or set, of the current. All other calculations can wait, but if you do not know the current direction within two to three degrees, you could be set onto the rocks in no time! Watch this sailing video now. (Coming...
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Can you glance at a nautical or electronic chart and locate restricted or prohibited areas in five seconds or less? Protect your small sailboat and her crew from these dangers. Watch this sailing video to boost your sailing navigation skills sky high!
Captain John is a 20+ year Coast Guard veteran,...
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Imagine you need to navigate through a windy passage with swift currents surrounded by rocks on both sides. What super-simple backup navigation system will empower you to do this? 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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What sail trim technique can help flatten the mainsail in gusty breezes or add fullness to your mainsail in super-light wind conditions? Unlock the secret of how mainsail leech twist helps drive your boat upwind for blazing speed.
Captain John is a 20+ year Coast Guard veteran, author, sailor, and professional...
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Sail long enough, and you will encounter twists and turns in a channel. If you cannot see around a bend, you are required by international law to warn another mariner on the other side. They are also required to respond with a whistle signal. Do not trust that your AIS, radar, or even radio will be able...
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Rocks can ruin your sailing day or cruising plans in the blink of an eye. Run aground on a rocky reef, and you could damage your expensive hull, keel, rudder, or propeller. Watch this sailing video to learn how to avoid these deadly dangers.
Captain John is a 20+ year Coast Guard veteran, author, sailor,...
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Will your boat anchor hold you safe and sound in the cove or harbor you've chosen? What five factors do you need to use each time before you lower the hook? Watch this sailing video to find the answer.
Captain John is a 20+ year Coast Guard veteran, author, sailor, and professional boating instructor...
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When sailing to windward or when on a reaching course, you will be set downwind. Fail to take this sideslip motion, called leeway, into account, and you could run hard aground! Watch this sailing video to learn more.
Captain John is a 20+ year Coast Guard veteran, author, sailor, and professional boating...
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What sailing knot could you use when you need the absolute ultimate in security to make two short lines into one longer line? Take the challenge now. Watch this sailing video to learn how to tie this super sailing ‘bend’ knot.
Captain John is a 20+ year Coast Guard veteran, author, sailor, and professional...
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