Tag: Preparation

How to best prepare for thunderstorms and lightning aboard?

What’s the worst that can happen at sea?

Some of you may have witnessed that surreal moment, which halted all America’s Cup racing on Tuesday.

Following our travels, we’ve often been asked the above question. And that picture perfectly illustrates our answer.

Looking after your inflatable life jacket

Your life jacket can save your life! Good upkeep is essential to ensure its reliability. It will also last longer. Here are a few best practices for routine maintenance and periodic servicing of your life jacket. But let’s start with a reminder of the types of personal flotation devices (PFDs) commonly used. Which type of…

How to prepare for an ocean passage?

What if the hardest part of a long crossing was actually setting off? We’ve all imagined ourselves on a sailboat one day, setting off on an adventure, but very few of us have followed up on the dream.

Have you always dreamed of crossing the English Channel, sailing to the Balearics or making a transatlantic crossing, but never dared to set off?

5 steps to properly launching your boat after winter storage

The fair sailing season is fast approaching. It’s time to put your boat back in the water. Before you cast off, however, make sure your boat is well prepared for future trips. Let’s take a look at the 5 key steps to successfully launch your boat.

We’ll look at the essential tasks to be carried out in each of the main areas: hull preparation, propulsion, electronics, sails and hardware.

This systematic preparation will enable you to enjoy your boat to the full.

The ultimate guide to choosing your first sailboat

Have you caught the sailing bug and now dream of buying your very own sailboat? Selecting the perfect boat can be a daunting task, especially for beginners.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide you with valuable insights and tips to help you choose your first sailing boat, tailored to your needs, preferences, and budget.

Boat maintenance in tropical climates: Tips for smooth sailing

While the tropics are every sailor’s dream, they also bring a set of unique challenges that can put your vessel’s well-being at risk. From the relentless tropical sun to the corrosive effects of saltwater, it’s crucial to understand the nuances of boat maintenance in these lower latitudes.

Preparing your boat for winter: how to prevent problems?

The autumn holidays roll in, daylight saving time ends, and the first gales blow… These are the signs that most of the boats on our coasts are going into hibernation.

Here’s what you need to make sure your boat doesn’t suffer any unnecessary wear and tear over the winter.

5 key steps to a liferaft you can depend on

When sailing offshore, safety is paramount. Having a liferaft on board can make all the difference in case of an emergency: fire, water ingress, etc. But having a liferaft on board is not enough. It’s essential to ensure that it will be in perfect operating condition when you need it.

Let’s take a look at the essential steps you need to take to ensure that everything will work at its best in a critical situation at sea. Starting with protecting and storing your liferaft.

How to make your sails last longer?

Are your sails losing their shape? Is your boat losing speed and heeling more? Do you want to keep your sails as long as possible and maintain their performance level? Do you want to avoid having to buy a new set of sails too soon?

Here are a few tips to help you care for your sails over time. Thanks to these guidelines, you’ll be able to keep your sails for a few more years.

[ Interview ] Romain, sailing around the Mediterranean

With three buddies, Romain sailed around the Mediterranean after graduating. They chose an Océanis 390 which they refitted themselves. He tells us about the work they did, the problems they encountered and how they divided up the tasks. An uncompromising look at what worked and what didn’t, and how to better maintain your boat.