British Virgin Islands Catamaran Trip December 27 to January 2nd Starting at $3600 Per Couple in one Cabin Set Sail for Paradise – BVI Catamaran Sailing, December 2025  Why spend December in the cold when you could be island-hopping through crystal-clear Caribbean waters? This year, our Annual Catamaran Winter Getaway is heading to the British Virgin Islands – and you’re invited!  Dates: Third Week of December 2025  Starting Point: Nanny Cay Marina, Tortola, BVI Whether you’re looking for the ultimate vacation or want to learn to sail on a catamaran with ASA certification (ASA 103, ASA 104, or ASA 114 available for an additional fee), this trip is for you. What’s Included: US Coast Guard–Licensed Captain and…

Planning to cross the Canadian border by boat? Here's a step-by-step guide to help ensure a smooth and lawful entry into Canadian waters: 1. Before You Depart Understand CBSA Reporting Requirements:Requirements vary depending on your nationality, travel itinerary, and the number of people onboard. Review the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) website for up-to-date details. Identification for All Passengers:Every person onboard must carry valid identification. U.S. citizens need a passport or NEXUS card for themselves and for any children aged 16 and older; children under 16 must have a birth certificate. CANPASS authorization is also accepted. Ensure Admissibility:Foreign nationals must meet the entry criteria under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Know What…

What is IPC The International Proficiency Certificate (IPC) is a certification designed to demonstrate competence in sailing when chartering in certain international waters, particularly within the European Union (EU). It serves as a proof of bareboat charter competency and is recognized in over 30 countries.  How to Obtain IPC American Sailing Association (ASA): Offers the IPC to individuals who have completed ASA 101, 103, and 104 courses at an affiliated school.  To obtain the International Proficiency Certificate (IPC)—a certification often required for chartering sailboats in certain international waters, especially within the European Union—you must first complete ASA 104 (Bareboat Cruising). ASA 104 requires prior certification in ASA 101 (Basic Keelboat Sailing) and ASA 103 (Coastal Cruising). You Can Join…

How Your Sailboat sails in apparent wind. When you're out sailing, you'll encounter three different types of wind. Let’s start by looking at the first scenario. Imagine you’re on the water on a perfectly calm day—there’s no wind at all—and you’re simply motoring along. As your boat moves through the water, it generates what’s called boat wind. This is the wind that’s created by the motion of the boat itself. It always comes from straight ahead, directly along the centerline, and it’s the breeze you feel on your face when you’re underway under power. Now let’s introduce the second type of wind: true wind. This is the actual wind that exists in the…

Master the Signals: What Does Three Short Blasts Mean on the Water? Navigating Lake St. Clair on a busy Saturday requires more than just a steady hand on the tiller—it requires clear communication. While we often rely on sight, sound signals are the "voice" of your vessel. One of the most common sounds you’ll hear (or need to use) near the docks or in tight quarters is three short blasts. Here is everything you need to know about this essential maneuver according to the COLREGs (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea). What "Three Short Blasts" Actually Means In the world of maritime navigation, three short blasts (each about one second in duration)…

The "traveler" on a sailboat is a crucial piece of sailing hardware that plays a significant role in controlling the mainsheet and, consequently, the mainsail's position and angle of attack.  Here's a breakdown of its role: 1. Adjusting the Mainsail's Angle of Attack: The traveler allows the mainsheet block (where the mainsheet attaches to the boom) to move side-to-side across the boat. By moving the traveler car to windward or leeward, the sailor can effectively change the position of the boom and the mainsail's angle to the wind, influencing the amount of power and the boat's pointing ability. In light air, the traveler is often pulled up to windward to keep the boom on…