Sailing tips

Knowledge and expert advice for our sailors.

International Yacht Training eLearning

April 2, 2022

Links to IYT eLearning and help with registering as an IYT student.

Diesel engines – understanding and maintaining

April 1, 2022

Learn about marine diesel engines. Understand diesel engines by considering the similar functions of the engine and a human body:
1. Fuel system – food. 2. Electrical – brain. 3. Cooling system – hydration, sweating. 4. Lubricating system – blood stream. 5. Air – breathing. 6. Transmission – movement.

Want to Feel Better? Go Sailing

October 22, 2021

As well as instinctively knowing that sailing is good for you, and it just feels right, there is scientific evidence to justify your next trip; it has been proven that being on the water, getting out in nature and going sailing is good for you.

Simple Swing Mooring Success

March 30, 2021

Picking up a mooring buoy can be daunting at first. These simple guidelines on how to plan and approach the buoy should ensure success.

Anchoring successfully

December 15, 2020

This tip focuses on what you need to know to successfully anchor. What you need to know to have the anchor hold for your desired amount of time. The keys to success are making good decisions when selecting your anchorage, understanding the process for setting the anchor and an awareness of anchoring etiquette

What’s not in the brochure

August 4, 2020

The story of our first off-shore passage. The preparation, the experience and the lessons. First published in Boating New Zealand 2007, included for our sailors dreaming of casting-off for a tropical paradise.

Five survival tips for your first family offshore experience

August 4, 2020

5 easy tips if you are planning to take your family off-shore.

Trip Report (TR)

July 1, 2020

Great Escape sailors are required to file a trip report with Russell Radio (VHF Channel 63) when they depart and close off their trip report at the end of the day when they are safely anchored or have returned to the Great Escape Base.

Basics of sail trim

June 18, 2020

Fundamental guidelines to trim “change” the sails to reflect the boat’s angle to the wind (point of sail). What to look for with your “tell tales” and how to get back to ideal trim.

What to wear

June 10, 2020

You don’t need fancy gear to go sailing. Comfortable clothes you can move in and layers to cater for changing conditions work best. A good jacket and waterproof trousers are also useful to protect from wind and rain.