Sailing Blog

“How do I get experience sailing offshore?” Many Sail Mentor readers are planning to do ambitious things in their sailboats, including crossing Oceans (or at least Seas).  Jumping off into…

When they start out, people are usually intimidated by the process of learning to sail.  It all seems so complicated.  There are all of these ropes all over the place…

I’m excited to present Sail Mentor’s first guest submission.  I reached out to Renée on Cruisers Forum after she shared how excited she was about her first sailing course.  I…

Ernest Shackleton: The ultimate winter sailor The summer sailing season is over for those of us far enough up in the Northern Hemisphere to get a winter.  People are busy…

  A few weeks ago, I received an email from Tim, a subscriber who has a common fear: Another big fear of mine is mechanics. The internal combustion engine and…

As we re-entered Vancouver’s False Creek last weekend, we were greeted by a very sad sight.  A local boat was on the beach after strong overnight winds.  I know this…

After our second time around the islet, we went and got the anchor out.  It was the first time I’d ever heard a racing skipper called for the anchor in…

Deb and T.J. Akey had a dream:  Why not retire onto a sailboat and cruise the Caribbean?  The only small issue was that neither of them had been on a…

Seasickness Sucks! There are no two ways about it.  In fact, I’d strongly recommend not being seasick.  Believe me, I’m an expert.  There are plenty of happy, well-fed fish in…

My 13 month old son explaining to me how the chart plotter works. With a distinctive “Pfffft,†the Killer Whale surfaced ten feet off our port bow.  My 5 year…

There’s an old saying: “One Sailboat is Sailing.  Two Sailboats Are Racing” In other words, sailors tend to have a bit of a competitive streak.  Most will try to out-sail…

Welcome to Sail Mentor!  The purpose of this site is to help you become the confident skipper of your own sailboat, whether you are a complete novice or have been…

One of the most common misconceptions is that buying and maintaining a sailboat is too expensive for most people. I paid $1500 for a 1/3 share in a 40-year-old 26′…

Although some sailors choose to just charter periodically or join a sailing club, most aspire to eventually have a sailboat of their own. With your own sailboat, you can go…

You’ve watched the beautiful sailboats gracing the bay as the sun sets, you’ve read articles about how much fun sailing is, maybe you’ve been out with a friend or paid…

If she can learn to sail, you can too! If you’ve never sailed before, then sailing can seem a bit daunting and a bit confusing. How hard is it to…

One common piece of advice for new or aspiring sailors is to join a racing crew.  This can be a great (and free) way to get out on the water…

The Art of Secure Anchoring: Mastering Techniques for Every Sailboat Skipper Anchoring is not merely a routine task—it’s an essential skill that defines your safety and comfort at sea. Whether…

The Ultimate Compass: Navigating the World’s Most Enchanting Cruising Routes Cruising is not merely a form of travel; it’s an odyssey that weaves together adventure, discovery, and tranquility. Whether you’re…

Mastering Sailboat Racing: Proven Strategies and Techniques for Competitive Success Sailboat racing demands a blend of technical knowledge, strategic decision-making, and precise execution. Whether you’re competing in local regattas or…

The Essential Sailing Fitness Regimen: Training Your Body for Life at Sea Sailing is often romanticized as a leisurely pursuit, but those who know better understand that it demands exceptional…

Navigating Excellence: A Deep Dive Into Essential Sailing Certification Programs Sailing certification programs serve as vital milestones in the journey of maritime exploration, offering structured learning paths from novice to…

The Art and Science of Coastal Navigation: Mastering the Secrets of Safe Sailing Alongshore Capturing the essence of coastal navigation requires an intricate blend of technical skill, environmental awareness, and…

The Art and Challenge of Offshore Sailing: Navigating the Open Ocean Offshore sailing is an exhilarating pursuit that takes sailors beyond the familiar shores and into the vast expanse of…

The Thrill of Sailing Competitions: Navigating the World of Competitive Windsports Sailing competitions have evolved from simple races between fishermen to high-stakes international events that captivate millions worldwide. These contests…

Navigating the Seas: A Deep Dive Into the World of Sailboat Types The vast world of sailing offers countless opportunities, from serene coastal cruises to high-speed ocean races. Understanding the…

The Essential Framework of Sailing Regulations: Understanding Rules That Govern Safe Waters Sailing is not merely an exhilarating sport; it’s a complex activity governed by a labyrinth of rules designed…