If you are anything like me, you want to have the best sailing gear on your person--before you step aboard your cruising sailboat or racing sailboat. If you want to learn to sail like a pro, follow these easy tips. There are seven super important "must have" pieces of sailing gear you need before you step foot on any sail or power boat anywhere in the world.

When you first learn how to sail, you had a lot of sailing crew to help you out. Tricky maneuvers like tacking or jibing were a snap. But what happens when you have to tack up a narrow channel all by yourself--singlehanded? If you want to learn to sail like a sailor, you'll want to practice maneuvers like this under sail! Follow these five easy steps on your way to master the art of short-handed sailing...

Steve Colgate says that "To sail well is to have complete control over the sailboat at all times." Now, that's one phrase that pretty well sums it all up in a nutshell. In my mind "...complete control over the sailboat at all times" sets apart the sailor who knows the ropes and those that still have a lot to learn. And by the way, we aren't talking about engines here--but sails alone. So keep that noisy, stinky engine off and practice these five easy exercises aboard your sailboat to wow your friends and elevate your sailing skills like never before!

If you are anything like me, docking a boat can get a bit dicey with a howling, 15-20 knot wind blowing onto a dock, pier, seawall, or into your boat slip. So how do you best control your boat? One little-known method gives you a lot more control that the old method. Here are five steps that put you in command

If you are anything like me, nothing beats the camaraderie of being with other cruising folks, sharing good sea stories, food, and drink. And not many things are more fun than nesting--or tying up alongside each other at anchor. But you need to know how to do this special boat anchoring technique for sailings safety. Follow these steps.