Your Pocket Sailing Instructor Podcast

I'm unfortunately going to take a break from the podcast for a bit... life has gotten a bit unruly and I need to reclaim some time! I'll be back though. Thank you for your support and for listening over the years! Fair winds...

Bonus episode created with Google Notebook LM.

Have an exciting trip in mind? This week I'm talking about creating an itinerary plan. How do I do it? What are the steps? Where should you spend the money and where can you save?

This week I'm talking about a Mayday call we overheard while in Desolation Sound this past summer...

Happy New Year and here's to 2025!

This week my friend Bob sent me a new tool called Google NotebookLM. I plopped my sailnelson.com website address into their system and within 5 minutes they sent out a 15 min podcast episode! It even has 2 presenters, loads of information from the website... I was a bit shocked. Have a listen and let me know what you think!

I'm back! FINALLY! Excited to be bringing a new episode to you! From a new house, new studio, and a new podcasting software! Yikes.

This week I'm digging into Winterizing as we have two boats to winterize this year: one in the water, and one on the hard! I talk a bit about the differences. Here you go!

This week I'm giving you some Spring maintenance/check ideas and chatting about a shake down sail to get yourself set up for success! Spring Maintenance Checklist available for free download at sailnelson.com/podcast! Episode #51.

This week I am answering a question that I get asked A LOT! How to get more experience in between courses. Not an easy task sometimes! Thanks for the question Ell, and please let me know what kind of sailing groups you guys have found to be useful!

Enjoy!

Finishing up our tender discussions and talking a bit more about how I am selecting my tender.

This week I'm diving into a Spindrift project and researching new tenders. My last one met an unfortunate, and unexpected, end. Enjoy!

This week I have an interview with my friend and instructor Graham! Graham came to Croatia with me in 2022 and loved it so much that he returned in 2023. He's here to share some of his chartering tips and tricks! Enjoy!

Are you looking for something unique to gift the sailor in your life? I've pulled together a list of some unique experiences to think about!

1. Sunset Sailing Cruise: Gift a serene evening sailing experience, allowing the sailor to enjoy the beauty of a sunset over the water.
2. Private Sailing Lesson: Arrange for a personalized sailing lesson with a professional instructor to help improve skills and confidence on the water.
3. Weekend Sailing Getaway: Provide a weekend getaway aboard a chartered sailboat, offering the sailor a chance to explore new waters and destinations.
4. Racing Regatta Participation: Enroll the sailor in a local sailing regatta or race, providing an exhilarating and competitive experience on the water.
5. Sailing Expedition Adventure: Gift an adventurous sailing expedition, perhaps to explore remote islands, coastal regions, or offshore destinations.
6. Navigation and Seamanship Course: Enroll the sailor in a comprehensive course focused on navigation, seamanship, and maritime skills to enhance their knowledge.
7. Sailing Vacation Package: Surprise the sailor with a pre-arranged sailing vacation package to a sought-after sailing destination, complete with accommodations and boat rental.
8. Historical Tall Ship Cruise: Offer an unforgettable experience aboard a historic tall ship, allowing the sailor to appreciate the romance and tradition of sailing.
9. Marine Wildlife Watching Tour: Arrange a marine wildlife watching tour, providing the opportunity to observe and learn about local sea life while sailing.
10. Sailing Equipment Upgrade: Gift a voucher for a professional boat upgrade, such as new sails, navigation equipment, or safety gear, enhancing the sailor's sailing experience.

This week I am providing you with a personalized playlist depending on where you are in your sailing journey. For those of you who are new to the podcast, welcome aboard and this will give you an idea on what to listen to! For those of you who have been around awhile, thank you, and this is a great playlist to review past episodes and important info. Enjoy!

Please consider supporting me on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/yourpocketsailinginstructor! For as little as $3/month it really helps!

Well, I have a dirty secret to share this week... Ugh. Enjoy!

Don't forget to check out my Patreon page a patreon.com/yourpocketsailinginstructor ! Thanks for the ongoing support!

This week I am discussing crew dynamics (again) and some conflict resolution ideas. Ideally you avoid these conflicts form the beginning, but we all know that doesn't always happen!

I hope you find some useful tips and please remember to like, share and subscribe to keep up to date on my episodes! Don't forget to check out PATREON as well https://www.patreon.com/yourpocketsailinginstructor

Penny

Are you looking to explore the world of solo sailing? I highly recommend it!! There are many benefits of solo sailing including: flexibility, adventure, problem-solving, personal satisfaction, etc.

There are also several areas where you should focus your efforts to make sure your sail goes off without a hitch: planning, skill acquisition (especially reefing and docking), safety equipment upgrades, etc.

This week I am trying out a few new things including a video podcast. Yikes.

Today I am giving you some tools, skills and books to check out to kick off 2024 on the right foot. Here are a couple book recommendations, an essential knot recommendation, sail trim thoughts and docking maneuver to master. Enjoy!

Alright we are finally wrapping up our Sail Series!! Talking about types of fabrics used for sails as well as different cuts that your sailmaker may suggest depending on your sailing goals. Enjoy!

This week I am talking about my process to find a match made in heaven! Finding the right sailmaker can go a long way. I have seen many sailors spend a lot of money and end up with so-so sails. Not good!

coming soon!

This week I am diving into all things sails! I talk about:

- different foresails

- sail parts

- typical wear spots

- basic checks to perform regularly

- best practices to help keep your sails in good working order

Will continue with more info next week too! Enjoy!

I have been MIA for a little bit as Spindrift has been keeping me on my toes! I fix one thing, and 5 more break requiring my attention. I have not been following my own advice and I have been caught up in the weeds! No more I say!

So this week I sat down, wrote a list, and came up with my strategy. This is nothing new for me as I am a list queen. But thought I would share some of the thoughts around creating some resilience in the world of boat maintenance...

1. prioritize

2. brainstorm solutions

3. dooms day planning

4. adapt & fix

5. reflect, review and appreciate

See you next week!

Coming soon!

Coming soon

Coming soon

This week we are talking about wind indicators and some of my tips to help you make sure you don't have a bad neck by the end of your sail!

Sail Nelson: https://sailnelson.com/

Sorry I have been MIA. Life happened ;-) Found a fuel leak on the boat, then had a bunch of courses to teach, and then a much-needed family vacation. I am back now though and looking forward to bringing you more episodes! All the best,

P

Coming soon!

Today we are looking at the 4 approved types of flares in Canada:

A) Parachute Flare

B) Multi-Star Flare

C) Hand-Held Flare

D) Smoke Flare

Remember that these are approved for 4 years from the manufacture date!

This week I am chatting about keel types:

- Full Keel

- Fin Keel -- bulb keel & wing keel

- Bilge Keel

Why would you select a certain keel, drawbacks and advantages of each, and maintenance...

Show notes available at sailnelson.com/podcast!

Today I am talking about spring maintenance! And yes, it is a LONG list! Here are some of the things I'll be sharing:

- engine checks

- standing rigging checks

- running rigging checks

- sail check

- safety gear checks

And much more! Head on over to sailnelson.com to join my email list so you don't miss any freebies and the spring checklist!

Kinda appropriate that this is my 50th episode! Talking about when I brought Spindrift to Nelson and the ceremony I performed to greet her. Here are the specific descriptions you'll need:

- Boat Purging Ceremony: “Oh mighty and great ruler of the seas and oceans, to whom all ships and we who venture upon your vast domain are required to pay homage, I implore you in your graciousness to expunge for all time from your records and recollection the name (mention the old boat name), which has ceased to be an entity in your kingdom. As proof thereof, we submit this ingot bearing her name, to be corrupted through your powers and forever be purged from the sea. In grateful acknowledgement of your munificence and dispensation, we offer these libations to your majesty and your court.” - Boat Renaming Ceremony:

“Oh mighty and great ruler of the seas and oceans, to whom all ships and we who venture upon your vast domain are required to pay homage, I implore you in your graciousness to take unto your records and recollection this worthy vessel hereafter and for all time known as (your new boat name), guarding her with your mighty arm and trident and ensuring her of safe and rapid passage throughout her journeys within your realm.

In appreciation of your munificence, dispensation, and in honor of your greatness, we offer these libations to your majesty and your court.”

- Offering to the four winds:

Face north, throw some champagne out of your flute in that direction and say:

“Great Boreas, exalted ruler of the North Wind, grant us permission to use your mighty powers in the pursuit of our lawful endeavors, ever sparing us the overwhelming scourge of your frigid breath.”

Face west, repeating the champagne pour and toss while saying:

“Great Zephyrus, exalted ruler of the West Wind, grant us permission to use your mighty powers in the pursuit of our lawful endeavors, ever sparing us the overwhelming scourge of your wild breath.”

Face east, repeating the champagne toss while saying:

“Great Eurus, exalted ruler of the East Wind, grant us permission to use your mighty powers in the pursuit of our lawful endeavors, ever sparing us the overwhelming scourge of your mighty breath.”

Face south, pouring the champagne and tossing it while reciting, you guessed it:

“Great Notus, exalted ruler of the South Wind, grant us permission to use your mighty powers in the pursuit of our lawful endeavors, ever sparing us the overwhelming scourge of your scalding breath.”

Spindrift's Poem:

"Do not keep me tied to this mooring,

My lines strain to be free.

The water whispers at my hull,

I want to sail away with thee.

Let's cast off on a great adventure,

There is so much for us to see.

Let's feel the winds at our back and the sun in our faces.

Please cast my lines free.

Let's cast off and explore some place new,

I need to heel and sail away with you."

Happy renaming!!

Coming soon!

Alright, we have all been there! You're heading into the dock, speed is great, wind is great, crew are ready,... suddenly a boat starts leaving their slip right in front of you, your crew move aft to tell you only to drop the boat hook in the water, your other crew tries to grab the boat hook and drops the roving fender, and everyone on shore is watching. Yup. We have ALL been there! The lovely trials of docking...

The basic equipment that you need for docking is not complicated, however if you don't take care of it, or check on it regularly, you could find your boat trying to leave without you!

• bow line
• stern line
• spring lines x 2
• fenders x 3+
• snubbers x 2
• bow chocks
• t-cleats

Checking Your Equipment

• dock lines: checking for chaffing, wear, pulled strands, knots
• fenders: checking for wear, holes, grime rubbing on paint, inflation
• snubbers: checking for breakdown, check line for wear
• chocks & cleats: checking to make sure nothing is rubbing on hull, through fiberglass, etc.

There are many different types of docks and many different ways to dock a boat. I am going to discuss the basic principles that can be used for all types of docks to limit boat movement within the slip.

Some things to keep in mind:

• check on your boat regularly as lines may freeze, loosen, wear down, etc.
• do not tie your dock lines too tight. It is important to let the boat move around a bit in the slip as the wind and water move. This will make sure that the weight load remains on your dock lines and not your cleats.
• readjust your fenders as needed. Sometimes they end up on top of the dock and really don't do much for your hull. Usually they are places at the beam of the boat (widest part).

The key to successful docking is... 

head over to sailnelson.com to find out!

A few more notes about anchoring... show notes coming soon! 

This week I am talking all about being a good boating neighbour! How to be a safe, and non-jerky, boater! There are a few unwritten rules to keep in mind about boating and how others expect you to conduct yourself while on the water.

At the marina

• be aware of any marina rules around parking, washroom/shower use, boat launch access, etc.
• return any carts to their location after use
• take all garbage and recycling with you when you leave
• make sure you are using the right slip
• keep shore power cables and dock lines organized
• no swimming! it is very dangerous to swim in marinas, not to mention pretty gross

At the dock

• be organized and ready at the fuel dock
• be aware of others at the boat launch
• be aware of families and others in the area if smoking, drinking, listening to music, etc.
• be a good neighbour and keep garbage, spills, dinghies, on your side of the slip
• clean up after yourself

At anchor

• be mindful of neighbours and being loud
• remember that noise and music travel FAR on water
• slow down when approaching anchorage or when boating around anchorage
• watch others rode and anchor placement
• watch others swing room - first come first served
• make sure you have your anchor light on as required to assist those entering the anchorage in the dark

On someone else's boat...

• ask about boat rules - shoes, wet clothing, etc.
• when rafted to another boat, make sure everyone has figure out how to move between the boats (some people use the cockpit, others go from shrouds to bow to shrouds...
• find out what the duties or expectations are (cooking, cleaning, drinking, smoking onboard, etc)
• help out wherever you can!

In the end, take the high road! Not everyone knows or bothers to follow these simple rules on boating etiquette. We haven't even touched on the Collision Regulations and who has right of way over who. That's a whole other kettle of fish! For today, just work on being a good neighbour!