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Seamanship & Safety

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Seamanship

You might be surprised if you don't know squat

When was the last time you piloted without a plotter?
Seamanship

Dead reckoning: old-school navigation

The temptation of sailing to Diamond Rock in a small boat was too great to resist for three young boys.
Seamanship

Huck Finn adventures in the Caribbean

Bow cushion = higher pressure Constricted water flowing aft produces a drop in pressure and lateral attraction toward the bank. Stern suction = lower pressure
Seamanship

Bank effect: It can happen when you least expect it

There’s no shame in flat-water sailing and quite a bit of joy when peaceful spots like this one await at the end of the day.
Seamanship

Thinking of joining the snowbirds? Here’s the skinny on the ICW

Free surface effect may have contributed to the Cougar Ace losing stability during a botched ballast exchange in 10-foot seas.
Seamanship

Liquid dangers: managing free surface effect

Of course, there are times when staying with the boat is your best — perhaps only — option.
Seamanship

Staying with the boat and other safety myths

Choose tools based on your type of boating, but these are items that every toolbox should include.
Seamanship

Tools to keep you and your boat shipshape

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Seamanship

A matter of course: the magnetic compass

AFRAS provides support to search-and-rescue organizations around the globe.
Seamanship

Helping the heroes who help those in distress

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Seamanship

Celestial navigation 101: master the basics first

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Design

BD56: A fast take on the motorsailer

A drogue will slow the boat considerably in heavy weather but allow you to make headway.
Seamanship

Heavy-weather tactics to keep control of the boat

When a front approaches, get your boat and crew prepared. You don’t want to focus on anything but the helm once seas turn rough.
Seamanship

Heavy weather: Out of your boating comfort zone

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Seamanship

Calling the Huckins Sportsman 36 design retro would be superficial

Anchoring is like every other nautical skill — it takes a little practice, a few rules and some common sense — but time off the dock is tremendously rewarding.
Seamanship

Don't let anchoring become a drag on your boating experience

Mark Fitzgerald designed the F28 with comfort in mind.
Seamanship

Mark Fitzgerald raises the bar for center consoles

The sudden onset of fog, and the potential hazards it brings, can change the parameters of a float plan instantly.
Seamanship

Haven't the foggiest? Learn to handle haze

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Seamanship

Safety & Seamanship -- Rules of the Road