Sailing Basics
A Sail Number Is a Useful Detail to Copy Carefully
Keep a sail number legible in a boat observation note, including letters and uncertainty, without treating a photograph as proof of ownership.
Explore the almanac
The journal
Sailing Basics
A Sail Has Three Edges Worth Finding on a Simple Diagram
Find the luff, leech and foot on a simple triangular sail diagram, and keep sail labels separate from instructions for handling a real boat.
Sailing Basics
The Bow in a Photograph Is Not Always on Your Left
Read a boat photograph by finding its bow and stern first, then describe its orientation without confusing the image with the boat itself.
Coastal Knowledge
Which North Does the Number Use? Read the Reference Beside a Bearing
A direction needs its reference as well as a number. Learn why true and magnetic north should remain visible in sailing notes instead of copying a bare bearing.
Afloat & Ashore
The Harbour Map and Your View from Shore Face Different Ways
Compare a harbour map with a shore-side sketch by recording your viewing direction first. A small exercise helps explain why landmarks can appear in a different order.
Coastal Knowledge
A Light List Has More to Say Than the Name of a Lighthouse
Learn how to study a light-list entry by keeping its name, characteristic, position and remarks together, without treating a picturesque tower as the whole record.
Coastal Knowledge
Wind and Gusts: Read Both Numbers Before Closing the Forecast
A wind forecast can show an average and a gust figure. Learn what each describes and keep their timing, units and definitions in your sailing notes.
Sailing Basics
Beam, Draft and Freeboard Measure Different Parts of a Boat
Read three common boat dimensions without confusing width, depth below the waterline and height above it. Keep definitions beside the measurement.