Articles in the category "Cruising Tips"

What is a Refit? 

Planning a boat refit for long-term cruising? Learn the top 5 priorities every cruiser should focus on, from hull integrity to rigging, sails, electrical systems, and self-steering. Ensure your boat is safe, reliable, and ready for the open sea.

Chasing the Dream to Circumnavigate

What does it take to sail around the world? For many cruisers, the dream of circumnavigating is where it all began. Whether they find bliss under countless stars far from land or anchored in gin clear Bahamian water waiting for the green flash at sunset, the allure of sailing the world got them there. What’s the next step to chase the ambitious goal to sail around the world?

Secrets of Successful Cruising

Join Julie Cappelli, of Pelagic Cruising Services, as she breaks down tips for mastering the secrets of successful cruising. Learn essential skills from sailing basics to self-sufficiency, and gain insights on boat selection and preparation. And don't miss the opportunity to hear directly from the author, transformed full-time sailor from landlubber, at the Annapolis Sailboat Show October 11, 2024!

Charting Seas and Dreams: Jimmy Cornell’s Lifetime of Sailing Adventure & Essential Voyage Planning Insights

Discover the remarkable life of sailing legend Jimmy Cornell. Explore his adventures, from circumnavigations to remote expeditions, and gain essential voyage planning insights. Join his online class with American Sailing for expert guidance in navigating today's maritime challenges. Enroll online now and embark on your own sailing odyssey.

Taking Your Yacht Abroad For The First Time

Sailing to a foreign country can entail a maze of paperwork and procedures, a stark contrast to the simplicity of air travel. Understanding each destination's unique requirements is paramount and preparation is key when navigating passport control, customs, and regulations demands. Luckily, Noonsite.com is here to offer some guidance on simplifying the intricate process of international sailing.

Dinghies & Their Outboards: A Troubleshooting Guide for Hassle-Free Adventures

A guide to troubleshooting outboard engines on sailboat dinghies. Learn how to address and resolve common issues with your dinghy's outboard motor.

Mastering The Swell Bridle: One Of The Best Kept Secrets For A Rolly Anchorage

Learn how to tackle the challenge of rolly anchorages with this comprehensive guide. Understand the causes, employ a swell bridle effectively, and ensure a peaceful night's rest aboard your vessel amidst unpredictable seas.

Navigating Your First Charter: Essential Tips from ASA 104 Bareboat Cruising Course

When you complete ASA 104 Bareboat Cruising course, you will possess a wealth of knowledge about sailing, and you will have amassed a good deal of experience.  Along with your ASA certification, you will be welcomed as a member of any crew, and you will feel more comfortable any time you are on a sailboat — or any boat.

How To Plan A Short Sailing Cruise

As you gain sailing experience and expand on your sailing education, you will have the desire to get to that next level. Your growing confidence and knowledge now have you set to plan a sailing vacation. Planning a 7-day bareboat charter requires careful consideration of various factors to ensure a smooth and enjoyable sailing vacation. 

Free PDF Download: A Guide to VHF Channels

For coastal cruising sailors, the VHF radio serves as the foremost lifeline. It also plays a crucial role in sharing safety-related information both with fellow vessels and the shoreline. Check out this helpful guide to become proficient with VHF channels and message protocols.

Lexi Fisher’s Journey to Southern Caribbean Cruising Guide

Meet Lexi Fisher, CEO of Chris Doyle Publishing. The Doyle Cruising Guides are a series of popular sailing and cruising guidebooks that provide valuable information and resources for sailors and boaters exploring the Caribbean. These guides are known for their comprehensive and detailed coverage of specific cruising areas, offering a wealth of information on anchorages, marinas, navigation, local customs, regulations, and other practical advice for sailors.

Sailing La Vagabonde: Navigating Life’s Ever-changing Seas

American Sailing interviews Riley and Elayna from Sailing La Vagabonde to talk all things cruising life. Through many evolutions from being militant vegans to becoming parents while living aboard, Riley and Elayna unpack the essentials of mastering the cruising lifestyle. Catch up with them in advance of their premiere launch of the SLV Essential Sail Guide as a class format with live Q&A.

Do I Need An IPC?

If you plan to charter a yacht in Europe, the International Proficiency Certificate offers US-based sailors an equivalent to the ICC, which is a requirement by charter companies. Apply online in minutes and set your sights on a Mediterranean dream vacation!

40 Sailing Tips

Everytime a sailor gets on the water, there are certain steps that must be taken. Whether it's your first sail or the 400th sail, these tips will keep you smart, safe, and ready to have a great day sailing. In celebration of 40 years of educating the world's sailors.

How to Deal With Seasickness While Sailing

Don't let seasickness ruin your ability to enjoy sailing. There are plenty of seasoned sailors who started out with complications from motion sickness and they have since earned their sea legs. There isn't a one-size fits all solution, but most people seem to find their personal combination of actions to keep from missing a day on the water.

Tips for Diving Into the Sailing Season

As you embark on the sailing season, it is always a good idea to be well-prepared. Here are some early-season tips to get you off to a great start with sailing this year, and a helpful link to our reference cards.

Should You Choose A Charter Sailing Vacation? 

A great piece of advice given to me by American Sailing Founder Lenny Shabes, when considering sailing with others. Have six people over for dinner on your boat. 4 for a daysail and 2 for an overnight trip. These are words of wisdom when considering a chartered sailing vacation. How, when, and where you go decide on your sailing vacation