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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
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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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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