Buying a cruising sailboat often starts with reading the ad. There’s often some photos, a tempting price, a nice description. Maybe, the boat’s at a location that is not too impossible to reach. Then the imagination starts whirring….. ………and all of a sudden you’re imagining yourself onboard, swinging on anchor…. completely forgetting you have to […]
What to Check Before You Travel to Inspect a Boat Read More »
Dock and Anchor Like a Pro Many docking problems begin before the boat even starts moving. In this short video I demonstrate how to spring a boat off a dock, explain the thinking behind the manoeuvre, and point out a few things to watch for along the way. Good boat handling is rarely about strength
Springing Off Demonstration Read More »
Last week a woman became President of the Boating Industry Association for the first time in its history. Today I am assessing two young women beginning their own maritime pathways. This morning I also saw Marine Rescue Merimbula recognising the women within their own team. Seeing all of those things together feels significant. Not because women have
This Shift Didn’t Happen Overnight Read More »
There is a moment in sailing that does not get much attention. We spend a lot of time preparing to leave. Planning routes, watching weather, organising the boat, thinking through what might happen. Then the lines are cast off, and suddenly the focus shifts. You are no longer preparing; you are doing. It is often
Once the Lines Are Cast Off Read More »
A Story That Began Earlier Some things are not meant to arrive in a straight line. When Noel and I were awarded the Tall Ships Australia and New Zealand Medallion – personal achievement, it was first shared with us over Zoom by Julie Porter co-owner/Skipper SV Rhona H – Hobart’s Oldest and Tallest operating Tall Ship.
The Long Voyage of a Medal Read More »
For many sailors planning their first offshore passage, most preparation focuses on departure. Weather windows, routing, provisioning, safety gear. All essential. But there is a quieter stage of offshore sailing that begins once you are actually underway, and it is rarely described in practical terms. It is the period after the lines are cast off and
The First Hours Offshore: What Matters Most Once You Leave the Harbour Read More »
One of the advantages of learning navigation online is that you can begin immediately. There is no waiting for course packs or materials to arrive in the post. As soon as you enrol in any of our chartwork or navigation courses, you can download and print the AUS252 practice chart and start plotting straight away.
Free Navigation Practice Chart – Start Plotting Now Read More »
If you plan to use a marine VHF or MF/HF radio, the phonetic alphabet is not optional. It is the backbone of clear, reliable communication at sea. Whether you are spelling a vessel name, a call sign, or a waypoint, the phonetic alphabet removes doubt and prevents costly errors. In an emergency, that clarity matters.
Master the Marine Phonetic Alphabet: A Practical Guide for Radio Readiness Read More »
Most boaters have seen it. The tired hull sitting on a mooring that has not moved in months. Lines frayed. Covers torn. The engine long silent. What started as someone’s dream boat slowly becomes a floating liability. These are known as end of life vessels. Boats that are no longer seaworthy, safe, or financially viable
Most boat engine problems do not happen suddenly. They develop slowly through missed servicing, worn components, corrosion, blocked cooling systems, and fuel contamination. Over time, small issues become major failures. Transport for NSW has released an updated outboard motor maintenance checklist as part of its End of Life Vessels program. The goal is simple: help
Boat Engine Maintenance: Essential Checks to Prevent Breakdowns Read More »
