Preparing for Cold Weather Sailing
23 Oct

Preparing for Cold Weather Sailing

Eric ColbyNewsletter, Voyaging Skills, Voyaging Tips, Voyaging Tips Newsletter
As the temperatures drop, fair-weather boaters break out the shrinkwrap and put their vessels to sleep for the winter. The heartier among us know that there’s still some great sailing and boating to do, provided one prepares for the elements. Late October and early November are prime times for checking out the leaves on the Atlantic coasts of the U.S. and Canada and on the Great Lakes. The waters are also much less crowded than during a busy summer season. We checked in with Capt. Dasiel Molina of the South Portland Sailing Center in Maine and he gave us guidelines…
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The Benefits of a Dock Boost Transformer
22 Oct

The Benefits of a Dock Boost Transformer

Eric ColbyMarine Electronics, Marine Electronics Newsletter
Pulling into a transient slip at a new marina can sometimes feel like a game of Russian Roulette. When you plug in to the shore power pedestal, will the connection be clean? Will your boat’s electrical system be blown up by a massive surge or will the power sag and try to drain your system. In a freshwater facility, is there current leaching into the water that could lead to an electric-shock drowning incident? For sail and power cruisers, a dock boost transformer could be a worthwhile investment. ASEA Power Systems in Huntington Beach, Calif., makes Dock Boost Transformers that…
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Close Quarters Maneuvering
21 Sep

Close Quarters Maneuvering

Eric ColbyNewsletter, Seamanship & Navigation
When veteran cruiser and sailing instructor Andy Cross is approaching a dock, he already has a plan on how to complete the landing smoothly. “Many times, people who are on the dock want to help and I’ll say, ‘No thank you, we’re good.’” Even for experienced cruisers and sailors, entering a marina or dockage for the first time presents challenges. Any serious athlete talks about making sure he or she has a good foundation and that starts with having the basics covered. Golfers practice before they play a round. Professional baseball players still hit off a tee. Basketball players hoist…
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