Channel Information
Captain John served over twenty years in the US Coast Guard as an enlisted navigator, search and rescue skipper, ship driver, and master training specialist. He later directed the seamanship and chart navigation departments at the Chapman School of Seamanship in Florida. He sailed his own boats for 13 years and has crewed aboard sailing yachts on deliveries. He is the author of 'Seamanship Secrets' and the three-book 'Captain John's Sailing Skills Series' and has written for Blue Water Sailing, Good Old Boat, and Sail Universe. Visit www.skippertips.com and sign up for a FREE newsletter.
Recent Videos
Did you know that your GPS can be set to sound an alarm if you get too close to a deadly reef or dangerous wreck? Put the power of this navigation super-tool into play today aboard your sailboat. Watch this sailing video to learn more.
Captain John with 25+ years of experience shows you the no-nonsense...
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When you fall off to a close reach, beam reach, broad reach, or when running before the wind, the mainsheet loses power to pull downward on the boom. What sail trim tool could you use to keep your mainsail leech under control for more speed and balance? Watch this sailing video to learn the answer.
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Did you know that two unique navigation buoys carry special shapes called topmarks that tell you the purpose of that aid? One type of topmark leads you to safety, yet another warns you of deadly rocks, reefs, or other obstructions that could damage your sailboat! Watch this sailing video now.
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If you are tied up at a pier, what three steps can help you undock your small sailboat under complete control? How can you use the power of the rudder, engine, and helm to make this challenge easier? Watch this sailing video to learn the answer.
Captain John with 25+ years of experience shows you the...
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Imagine sailing from your harbor along the coast to a quiet boat anchorage for the night. What navigation lights, shapes and signals should you display aboard your small sailboat? Where should you begin? Watch this sailing video to learn more.
Captain John with 25+ years of experience shows you the...
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How can you make the challenge of docking your sailboat in a blustery wind or strong current smoother and easier? Follow these ten sea-tested tips from the pros to boost your docking confidence sky-high this sailing season!
Captain John with 25+ years of experience shows you the no-nonsense cruising...
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What are the latest danger and obstruction symbols used on electronic charts, and what do their bright colors, tiny dots, and abbreviations tell you? What action should you take to keep your keel clear of these hazards to sailing navigation? Watch this sailing video to learn the answers.
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Do you want to sail faster when cruising, racing, or when out for an afternoon of sailing? Here are three little-known ways to trim your Genoa and mainsail for speed and balance your sailboat for performance. Watch this sailing video to learn more.
Captain John with 25+ years of experience shows you...
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Dock your sailboat like a pro when you use the power of a natural pivot point, propeller thrust, and rudder control. Use these seven boat docking tips to give you 'the edge' in any docking situation. Watch this sailing video to take your docking skills to the next level!
Captain John with 25+ years...
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Imagine sailing in a narrow channel one dark, windy, starless night. Up ahead, you see a ship showing three bright lights of different colors in a vertical line. What do these lights tell you about the vessel, and what action should you take to avoid a collision? Watch this sailing video to learn the...
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Did you know that more than 33% of vessels that flooded and sank were the result of a failed fitting below the waterline? Or that about 70% of these losses occurred while moored! What simple 'first step' could have prevented this disaster? Watch this sailing video now.
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Here's one little-known sailing knot that can whip the end of a frayed line, lash a deck-stowed dinghy or liferaft for cruising, repair a broken tiller or stanchion, and even hold a splint in place on a broken arm or leg! Grab a piece of sailing line and follow these easy steps to tie the mighty constrictor...
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