In a recent feature in Yachting World, my friend and highly respected yachting journalist Ed Gorman wrote a revealing article about sailing single-handed. There were many good lessons in his…
navigation
Navigation briefing: Top tips for planning an Eastbound Atlantic crossing
The positions of the jet stream and the Azores High control the weather on the eastbound route: they’re not independent features and as the jet stream and attendant low pressure…
Tidal streams: How to predict them and use them to your advantage
Whether racing or cruising, our first thoughts are always: ‘What is the tide doing?’ When I grew up sailing in Scotland, leaving anchorages before dawn to catch a tide was…
Iconic Fastnet headlands that can make or break your race – and how to round them
There are three major headlands on the Rolex Fastnet Race route that are key to the success or otherwise of your race. Navigator Ian Moore looks at how to tackle these vital…
Back to basics: Offshore sailing by celestial navigation alone
I have tattoos of a rooster and a pig on my feet. They’re meant to protect me from sinking. I have a nautical star on my forearm, so I can…
5 tips: Fastnet navigation – make the right navigational calls in this offshore classic
The biennial Rolex Fastnet Race has developed into a multi-faceted competition with a burgeoning double-handed class as well as fully crewed yachts. This year the fleet numbers 390 and includes multihulls,…
Google Earth navigation: how to sail off the chart with confidence using satellite imagery
Cruising in remote tropical regions can be challenging, especially where there are no charts suitable for pilotage. Often the charts that do exist are old and inaccurate. To make matters…