Sailing Classes / Sailing Terms

How to Trim Mainsail to Make your Sailboat Go Faster!

When we look to trimming our mainsail, we really do need to understand the principles of sail twist and why sail twist is so important. As your boat sails along, the wind hitting the top of the sail is a little bit stronger than the wind hitting the bottom of the sail. For this reason, the top of the sail needs to be slightly looser than the bottom. This is where sail twist comes in. By using the mainsheet, the traveller, and the vang, depending on the point of sail, we can get air to move smoothly and drive the boat across all points of that mainsail. This will lead you to have…

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March 11, 2022
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Sailing Classes / Sailing Education

Wind Speed and Direction at Lake St. Clair

What is the wind like on Lake St. Clair Anyone who has learned to sail understands at least the basics about why you need to be constantly aware of wind speed and direction when sailing. With no wind, it is hard to sail. High wind will be dangerous to sail. Racers also need to know the wind direction to be able to plan for point of sail ahead of time. Sailors need to detect wind constantly because sails are trimmed and adjusted for maximum efficiency and speed according to both wind speed and direction. Wind forecast for Lake St Clair provided by windfinder.com Experienced sailors learn to read the wind in a more sophisticated manner…

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July 14, 2021
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Aids of Navigation

Special Marks

Special Marks for Navigation Aids: Understanding Yellow Marks on the Water When navigating coastal and inland waterways, boaters rely on a standardized system of navigation aids to ensure safe passage. One important but often misunderstood part of this system is yellow special marks. Unlike red and green lateral markers that guide vessels through channels, yellow marks serve a different purpose: they highlight special areas or features on the water. What Are Yellow Special Marks? Yellow marks, officially known as Special Marks, are part of the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) buoyage system. Their primary role is to draw attention to a specific area, condition, or activity, rather…

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May 9, 2021
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Sailing Classes

Light List

LIGHT LIST (2021 ANNUAL PUBLICATION) https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=lightLists

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May 9, 2021
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Aids of Navigation

Regulatory Marks

Regulatory Marks: What Every Sailor on Lake St. Clair Needs to Know Regulatory marks are essential navigational aids designed to help sailors safely navigate oceans, seas, and inland waterways such as Lake St. Clair. These marks provide critical information about restrictions, hazards, and rules that boaters must follow to ensure safe and responsible navigation. What Are Regulatory Marks? Regulatory marks are white “can” buoys marked with orange symbols and, in many cases, black lettering. Unlike lateral markers that guide direction, regulatory marks are intended to warn, inform, or regulate boater behavior. When approaching one of these buoys, sailors should slow down, read the message carefully, and comply with the instructions shown. Common Types…

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May 9, 2021
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Sailing Classes / Sailing Courses / Sailing Lessons

Required Safety Equipment

Life JacketsA properly fitting and serviceable jacket for every person on board. Fire ExtinguisherIt must be a Coast Guard-approved B1 model. ThrowableBoats over 16 feet must carry a throwable device. Signaling DeviceA bell, whistle, or horn to warn other boaters. Visual Distress SignalPhoto of a hand flare For boats under 16 feet, this is required only at night; for boats over 16 feet, this is required both day and night. Different rules apply on small bodies of water, but it’s always wise to carry them.

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May 9, 2021
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Colregs / Sailing Classes

Aground Vessels: How to Recognize the Signals on Lake St. Clair

Aground Vessels: How to Recognize the Signals on Lake St. Clair When sailing on Lake St. Clair, understanding navigation signals is essential for safety and confident seamanship. One important situation every sailor should recognize is an aground vessel. The attached image illustrates the correct day shapes and night lights displayed by large vessels that are aground, and knowing what these signals mean can help you avoid danger on the water. What Does “Aground” Mean? A vessel is considered aground when it is stuck on the bottom and unable to maneuver as intended. This may happen in shallow areas, channels, or near shoals. On Lake St. Clair, where water depths can change quickly, recognizing…

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May 9, 2021
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Colregs / Sailing Classes

Anchoring

Anchoring Lights (Colreg) Colreg rules. Lights during anchoring. Vessel of less than 50 m in length at anchor from sunset to sunrise and from sunrise to sunset in restricted visibility Anchored vessel, longer than 50 mDay sign (1 black sphere)Abeam, port sideAheadAsternAnchored vessel, shorter than 50 mDay sign (1 black sphere)Abeam, port sideAheadAsternAnchored sailing boatDay sign (1 black sphere)Abeam, port sideAheadAstern

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May 9, 2021
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Colregs / Sailing Classes

Sailing And Motoring

Sailing and Motoring A vessel proceeding under sail which has her engine running shall exhibit forward where it can best be seen a conical shape, apex downwards.She shall exibit lights according to a power-driven vessel. Sailing and motoringDay signAbeam, port sideAheadAstern

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May 9, 2021
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