Pat Mundus

To be a better mariner, it helps to know how wind is generated. Here’s a primer, plus tips on how to forecast wind conditions.

Any boater worth his salt should know how to make a distress call and what to do when he hears one

This navigational tool has benefits, but never forget it’s the helmsman’s job to stay in the driver’s seat

Master the right knot-tying habits, not for your own pride, but to improve teamwork onboard and ensure the safety of the crew

Even if your boat is equipped with a suite of electronics, know how to use ranges

Confused by all of the weather apps on the horizon? Here’s how to select and customize the app that‘s right for you.

You may be out of your depth if you only rely on a chart to keep you out of the shallows.

It’s your obligation to watch your wake and be courteous to other boat operators.

Boat owners will always argue the value of paper charts versus electronic versions. Pat Mundus discusses the pros and cons of both.

Capt. Pat Mundus offers boat handling tips for a variety of sea conditions.

It’s too easy to take your navigation lights for granted until something fails or gets obscured.

Sobering reasons to review tips for collision avoidance in narrow waterways.

Do you know what to do if there’s a medical emergency onboard? Pat Mundus offers lessons she’s learned from her own experiences running commercial boats.

It’s high-season for hurricanes and fall Nor’easters. Is your boat ready for heavy winds and storms?

No amount of horsepower or gadgetry can compensate for seamanship skills, so it pays to get yours in order.

Running in fog can be challenging. Here’s how to safely handle it the next time the thick stuff rolls in.

There’s nothing like hearing, “Nice job, skipper,” after skillfully docking your boat. Pat Mundus has some tips to make your next docking maneuver a success.

Port and starboard may as well be up and down if you don’t know nautical lingo. Pat Mundus explains the importance of understanding the language of the sea.

Knowing how to properly deploy and set an anchor is the key to a good night’s sleep on the hook.

Maintaining a proper lookout involves constant adjustment based on the prevailing circumstances.

If your vessel has an EPIRB, you’re not alone in an emergency. Distress signals can be received and acted upon within minutes, typically taking less than an hour for your position to be known to within 3 miles. That’s almost a miracle for a $500 purchase.

I’m an Exumas addict. When fall days become a little too cold to get wet here on New York’s eastern Long Island, my mind starts conjuring Bahamian turquoise, and I’m ready to head south.

As boaters, we can stay out of harm’s way by gaining a better understanding of commercial ships.

Consider the captains we’ve sailed with. We still contemplate their qualities, long after parting ways. At least I do.

How well do you know the Rules of the Road? Here’s a situation you might encounter. You are transiting a narrow East Coast river during daylight hours with clear visibility. You see, at a distance, the top of a tug’s wheelhouse heading toward you and know the tug will soon come around the bend. How should you proceed?

Many of us don’t cruise in large trawlers with stabilizers, vast stowage lockers and workshops, yet we do cruise with provisions, spare parts, gear, tools and consumables.

We all think we know what teamwork is, especially in sports or at work. But on board? Why do some crews work like efficient, well-oiled machines, while others succumb to sullen moods, yelling and frustration?

Greenport has always catered to mariners. The village, between New York City and New England on the easterly tip of Long Island’s North Fork, is casual and history-filled. It has stores and services within walking distance of the water, plus a fresh local food scene along the working and recreational harbor.