Cruising Tips

Parbuckling Dock Lines

by Tom Cunliffe, Posted January 14, 2013

If ever you find yourself with a heavy boat tied to a dock or wall, blowing off so that no amount of heaving will bring her in, you can always use the simple principle of parbuckling on your docklines.

Save Energy Onboard with a 12-Volt Laptop Charger

by Connie McBride, Posted January 8, 2013

For many cruisers with simple electrical needs, a laptop computer can be the biggest power hog onboard. On our Creekmore 34, Eurisko, we need a laptop not only for my writing, but for our three homeschoolers.

Nifty Winch-Handle Holder

by Don Street, Posted December 20, 2012

It’s always nice to have dedicated spots on deck or in the cockpit for stowing winch handles. But the various pre-made molded-plastic or fancy fabric holders out there can be surprisingly costly, when all you really need is a short length of PVC pipe.

Crossing Seas with Kids

by Amy Schaefer, Posted December 19, 2012

What could be more relaxing and peaceful? Until you hear cries of, “Dad! My Barbie shoes went down the bilge!”, “Mom! James is sick again!” or the ever popular “I’m hungry!”

Clearing an Anchor Rode

by David Emsellem, Posted December 6, 2012

Here’s a simple trick I’ve used many times to clear a rope anchor rode caught on a keel. First, I get out my 15lb mushroom dinghy anchor and attach it to the snap shackle...

Compass Mask

by Connie McBride, Posted December 18, 2012

Sunlight is not good for your compass. The liquid inside gets cloudy over time, making it hard to read a heading.

Drain your Rudder

by Bill Bleyer, Posted December 11, 2012

When I bought my first cruising sailboat, I falsely assumed the rudder was watertight. I later learned otherwise when I began seeing rust streaks at the seams.

Don't Over Trim

by Charles J. Doane, Posted November 28, 2012

Next time the wind goes soft, instead of submitting to this self-fulfilling prophesy of slow-going, try opening up the slot between your mainsail and headsail.

Best Stern Anchors

by Peter Nielsen, Posted November 29, 2012

If you’re getting into serious cruising, there will be times when you want to set a stern anchor. Usually this involves emptying fenders, lines and whatnot out of a cockpit locker until you unearth the kedge and its rode.

Voice of Experience: Rudderless in the Slot

by Austin Morris, Posted November 21, 2012

One of the best things about being retired is that it allows me to spend some quality time doing what I really like. One such escape—wife willing—is a month-long stay on my sailboat on San Francisco Bay.