Anleitungen & Geschichten

Hoisting the tender aboard with a tackle

Lifting the tender or the outboard aboard without straining your back is a job for a block-and-tackle: a set of blocks that multiplies the force you apply to the line so a load that would be imposs...

Leading lines aft: control from the cockpit

Leading lines aft means routing halyards, reefing lines and sail controls back to the cockpit so you can hoist, reef and trim without ever leaving the helm. The system is a tidy chain of turning po...

How to rig jacklines on deck

Jacklines are the load-bearing lines that run bow to stern along your deck so you can clip your safety harness to them with a tether and move around the boat without ever unclipping. Rigging them p...

Winterizing the Tender Outboard: Storage and Preservation

A small outboard that is flushed with fresh water, has its fuel dealt with deliberately, gets fresh gearcase oil and is stored upright in a dry place will start in spring. One that is lifted off th...

Protecting the Deck During Winter Layup

Most winter deck damage is not done by the weather directly. It is done by the things owners fit to protect the boat from the weather: a cover that chafes, a line that saws, a batten that holds wat...

Standing Rigging Inspection: What to Check and When to Replace

Standing rigging fails at its terminals far more often than in the middle of a wire, it gives less warning than any other system on the boat, and it is the one component whose failure takes the mas...

10 Essential sailing knots to know

Mastering a selection of essential sailing knots is a fundamental skill for any sailor, whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience. These knots are crucial for a wide range of tas...