Category: sailing knowledge

How To Trim Your Mainsail (off the wind)

Posted by Michael Bandera - July 17, 2018 - sailing knowledge, Sailing Tip

Mainsail Trim for Reaching Sailing off the wind is often more difficult as far as sail trim is involved. It takes more of a feel from the mainsail trimmer than does sailing close hauled. Here is a brief guide to help you with your mainsail adjustments while reaching across the bay. 1. The mainsheet is […]

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How To Store Marine Caulking (Bob Ragolia)

Posted by Michael Bandera - May 17, 2018 - sailing knowledge, Sailing Tip

Marine caulks cure by absorbing moisture from the air. According to 3M, spraying water on most of their marine caulking products will accelerate the curing process. This is especially true with silicone-based caulks. Many of us purchase a small $8 tube of caulk to fill a few screw holes, and then find that the tube […]

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Four Elements of Sail Trim

Posted by Michael Bandera - August 29, 2017 - sailing knowledge, Sailing Tip

The Four Elements of Sail Trim Before we go into the individual adjustments made to your headsail and mainsail for proper sail trim we need to understand the 4 main elements of sail trim. Here is a brief description of each element along with how to control it. I. Draft Depth- belly of the sail. […]

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Teak Maintenance (Bob Ragolia)

Posted by Michael Bandera - May 29, 2017 - sailboat maintenance, sailing knowledge, Sailing Tip

Every year it distresses me to see my fellow sailors painstaking sand their boats teak to bare wood, carefully tape the deck, then apply two or three coats of their favorite teak coating, while sometimes ignoring the manufacturers explicate instructions. A year or two later, all their hard work vanishes, leaving behind the dismal residue […]

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How To Trim Your Mainsail (close hauled)

Posted by Michael Bandera - April 17, 2017 - sailing knowledge, Sailing Tip

Mainsail Trim Close Hauled There are at least 8 adjustments used in controlling the shape and angle of attack on your mainsail. Here is a quick reference guide to trimming your mainsail for upwind performance in medium to light winds. 1. Traveler – controls the angle of attack a) If your sail is overpowered – […]

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Selecting the proper anchor rode for your sailboat

Posted by Michael Bandera - April 12, 2017 - sailing knowledge, Sailing Tip

Now that you have selected the proper anchor for your sailboat it is next essential that we assist you in selecting the proper anchor rode.  Depending on the size and type of your sailboat your choices are either a combination of rope/chain rode or all chain.  On our Catalina 30 sailboat we have a rope/chain […]

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Sailing Knots – Figure 8

Posted by Michael Bandera - August 2, 2014 - sailing knowledge, Sailing Tip

Of all the sailing knots, the figure 8 is the simplest to learn.  That being said it is also one of the most important knots on a sailboat.  The figure 8 or “stopper knot” as many sailors refer to it, is used to prevent a line from slipping through a fairlead.  A stopper knot should be […]

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Selecting The Proper Anchor For Your Sailboat

Posted by Michael Bandera - June 9, 2014 - sailing knowledge

Anchoring is one of the many joys of sailing.  It allows you to visit sheltered coves, explore distant shores, and experience the tranquility of nature.  Many sailors, however, do not enjoy anchoring for a variety of reasons mostly attributed to a lack of knowledge and experience.  My intention is to share some of my experiences […]

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Coast Guard Required Safety Equipment Needed For Sailing

Posted by Michael Bandera - April 28, 2014 - sailing knowledge

Sailing is one of the safest watersports that you can choose for you and your family to participate in.  That being said there are potentially dangerous situations that can arise.  The Coast Guard required safety equipment enables the skipper and crew to be better prepared for these emergencies.  Here is a list of some of the […]

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Sailing Knots- Bowline

Posted by Michael Bandera - January 4, 2013 - sailing knowledge

The bowline is among the most commonly used knots on a sailboat.   At the sailing school it is sometimes referred to as the “king of knots” because of it’s importance to sailors.  It is used by sailors to make a secure loop in the end of a line.  The bowline is also usefull to attach objects, such […]

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