Pat Mundus
A Graceful Entrance
Docking is one of the most important seamanship skills and can be incredibly challenging in certain marinas and conditions; practice will help your crew prepare.
Are You Prepared for a Man-Overboard?
You need to have a plan and then you must practice, again and again and again
High and Dry
A soft grounding may be embarrassing, but it’s not the end of the world if you respond correctly
Play by the Rules
They are not light reading, but an occasional review of the Rules of the Road will keep you proficient
Living History
A dazzling fleet of classic yachts convene in Rhode Island for the Herreshoff Marine Museum Golden Jubilee
When lt Blows
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.
Call of Duty
Any boater worth his salt should know how to make a distress call and what to do when he hears one
Are You on Autopilot?
This navigational tool has benefits, but never forget it’s the helmsman’s job to stay in the driver’s seat
Tie One On
Master the right knot-tying habits, not for your own pride, but to improve teamwork onboard and ensure the safety of the crew
The Art of Navigation
Even if your boat is equipped with a suite of electronics, know how to use ranges
Tools for Forecasting
Confused by all of the weather apps on the horizon? Here’s how to select and customize the app that‘s right for you.
A Deep Subject
You may be out of your depth if you only rely on a chart to keep you out of the shallows.
Do Mind Your Wake
It’s your obligation to watch your wake and be courteous to other boat operators.
To Each His Own
Boat owners will always argue the value of paper charts versus electronic versions. Pat Mundus discusses the pros and cons of both.
In the Dark About Lights?
It’s too easy to take your navigation lights for granted until something fails or gets obscured.
Too Close for Comfort
Sobering reasons to review tips for collision avoidance in narrow waterways.
Storm Strategy
It’s high-season for hurricanes and fall Nor’easters. Is your boat ready for heavy winds and storms?
Play It Smart
No amount of horsepower or gadgetry can compensate for seamanship skills, so it pays to get yours in order.
Running In Fog
Running in fog can be challenging. Here’s how to safely handle it the next time the thick stuff rolls in.
Common Sense Docking
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.
Language of the Sea
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.
Commonsense Anchoring
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 By All Means
Maintaining a proper lookout involves constant adjustment based on the prevailing circumstances.
Don’t Wait For An Emergency To Learn How To Use Your EPIRB
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.
The Exumas Addict
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.
The Importance Of Rule 5 And Situational Awareness
As boaters, we can stay out of harm’s way by gaining a better understanding of commercial ships.
What Makes A Good Captain?
Consider the captains we’ve sailed with. We still contemplate their qualities, long after parting ways. At least I do.
A COLREGS Refresher: Know The Rules Of The Road
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?
Preparing For Passage: Pack, Lash And Stow
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.
Teamwork creates harmony and effectiveness on board
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?
Local knowledge: Greenport, New York
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.