Safety Articles

Learn about the risks and proper disposal methods for expired marine flares, including legal options, environmental considerations, and safer alternatives like electronic flares.

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.

Embarking on a passage can feel daunting, but for Jamie, Behan, and the kids of Sailing Totem it’s part of the adventure. However, they admit, their journey isn’t without challenges, from navigating treacherous winds to strategizing against powerful currents. In their upcoming online classes: Passage Planning Fundamentals and Proactive Safety Tips For Sailors, they will share invaluable insights and guidance

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

American Sailing sat down with Nigel Calder, author of the best-selling ‘Boatowners Mechanical and Electrical Manual’ and co-founder of BoatHowTo.com before the two-part online class series, Trouble Free & Optimized Electric Systems and Diesel Engine Fundamentals.

Dive into the essentials of boat maintenance with American Sailing’s upcoming online class hosts and experts Jan Athenstadt and Nigel Calder. Learn from their vast experience in engine maintenance and electrical systems while gaining practical advice and tips based on firsthand accounts.

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.

“Heaving-to” is a classic technique employed to endure severe weather conditions while at sea. Heaving-to is an essential skill for all mariners, as it proves valuable in various situations. This maneuver allows you to delay your arrival at a port until more favorable light or tide conditions prevail or simply “park” the boat while attending to necessary repairs.

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.