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Hi! We are Chris and Tom. We're building the best way to capture, relive and share sailing. On this blog we will share our journey and how other sailors are using the platform.

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  • How to Join a Sailing Crew With No Experience

    Oct 23, 2026

    Find Sailing Crew

    How to Join a Sailing Crew With No Experience

    You can join a sailing crew with zero experience. Plenty of skippers want enthusiastic beginners, as long as you're honest, fit enough, and willing to follow instructions....

  • How to Find Sailing Crew

    Oct 15, 2026

    Find Sailing Crew

    How to Find Sailing Crew

    Sailors who find crew fastest are specific about what they offer, use more than one channel and reply within a day. Here is how to do it....

  • How Sailors Anchor in Real Conditions (Step by Step)

    Oct 9, 2026

    Anchoring & Docking

    How Sailors Anchor in Real Conditions (Step by Step)

    Sailors anchor in real conditions by choosing the right spot, laying proper scope, setting the anchor by backing down, and confirming it's holding. Here's the process step by step....

  • Early Signs of Weather Changes Sailors Notice at Sea

    Sep 30, 2026

    Weather and Wind

    Early Signs of Weather Changes Sailors Notice at Sea

    Sailors notice weather changing through a falling barometer, shifting clouds, wind lulls, and swell direction, often hours before the system itself arrives. Here's what to watch for....

  • Sloop vs Ketch: Which Rig Is Better for Cruising?

    Sep 24, 2026

    Types of Sailboats

    Sloop vs Ketch: Which Rig Is Better for Cruising?

    A sloop is simpler and points higher, but a ketch can be easier to balance and reduce sail on larger boats. Here's how the two rigs actually compare for cruising....

  • How Often Do Sailors Actually Repair Their Boats?

    Sep 15, 2026

    Maintenance & Equipment

    How Often Do Sailors Actually Repair Their Boats?

    Sailors fix small things constantly and tackle bigger jobs, haul-outs, engine service, rigging, sails, on a fairly predictable rhythm. Here's how often, and why....

  • What's the Best Sailboat for Your First Sailing Holiday?

    Sep 7, 2026

    Types of Sailboats

    What's the Best Sailboat for Your First Sailing Holiday?

    The best sailboat for a first sailing holiday is a crewed catamaran or monohull, 35 to 45 feet, in a sheltered destination. Here's how to choose....

  • How Sailors Actually Navigate Without Constantly Looking at GPS

    Sep 1, 2026

    Navigation

    How Sailors Actually Navigate Without Constantly Looking at GPS

    Sailors navigate without constantly checking GPS by using transits, dead reckoning, and a passage plan built before departure. Here's how it actually works....

  • How Big Does a Sailboat Need to Be for a Family?

    Aug 21, 2026

    Types of Sailboats

    How Big Does a Sailboat Need to Be for a Family?

    Most families do well on a 35 to 42 foot sailboat with two to four cabins. See how to size a family sailboat by group, not just by length....

  • Can Beginners Sail a Catamaran?

    Aug 17, 2026

    Types of Sailboats

    Can Beginners Sail a Catamaran?

    Yes, beginners can sail a catamaran, and many find it easier than a monohull. See what makes catamarans beginner-friendly, and where monohulls teach faster....

  • GPS and Compass in Practice: How Sailors Really Navigate

    Aug 11, 2026

    Navigation

    GPS and Compass in Practice: How Sailors Really Navigate

    Real sailors use GPS and compass together, not one instead of the other. Learn how variation, deviation, and the four methods of navigation work in practice....

  • What First-Time Sailors Should Know Before Their First Trip

    Aug 4, 2026

    Learn to Sail

    What First-Time Sailors Should Know Before Their First Trip

    Everything first-time sailors need to know before their first trip: what to pack, how to avoid seasickness, safety basics, and what to expect on the water....

  • Catamaran vs Monohull: How Usage Patterns Actually Differ

    Jul 28, 2026

    Types of Sailboats

    Catamaran vs Monohull: How Usage Patterns Actually Differ

    Catamarans dominate charter fleets and family cruising, while monohulls remain the choice for sailing feel and upwind performance. See how usage actually differs....

  • How Sailors Really Steer a Boat

    Jul 9, 2026

    Learn to Sail

    How Sailors Really Steer a Boat

    Most beginners think steering a sailboat means turning a wheel. Real sailors know it means reading weather helm, balancing the sails, and using the rudder as little as possible. Here's...

  • Sensar Marine Integration - Turn Your Boat Monitor Into an Automatic Voyage Logbook

    Jul 8, 2026

    Sailing News

    Sensar Marine Integration - Turn Your Boat Monitor Into an Automatic Voyage Logbook

    Connect your Sensar Marine boat monitor to SailTies to log every voyage automatically. Here's what the integration is, why you need it, and how to set it up....

  • The Main Sailboat Types We See Logged by Real Sailors

    Jun 30, 2026

    Types of Sailboats

    The Main Sailboat Types We See Logged by Real Sailors

    A clear guide to sailboat types: sloop, cutter, ketch, monohull, catamaran and more, explaining how each rig and hull shapes performance and comfort....

  • Learning to Sail: What Sailing Schools Teach vs. Real Practice

    Jun 10, 2026

    Learn to Sail

    Learning to Sail: What Sailing Schools Teach vs. Real Practice

    Sailing school gives you the foundation. But certification and confidence are two different things. Here's what ASA and RYA courses actually cover, where the gaps are, and how to close...

  • Use SailTies on SailProof: The Ultimate Tablet for Modern Sailors

    Jun 8, 2026

    Sailing News

    Use SailTies on SailProof: The Ultimate Tablet for Modern Sailors

    Learn how SailProof's marine tablets are transforming navigation at sea. Built for harsh marine environments and trusted by professional sailors, SailProof combines rugged hardware with SailTies' digital sailing logbook to...

  • The Sailing Knots Beginners Actually Use on Real Trips

    May 21, 2026

    Learn to Sail

    The Sailing Knots Beginners Actually Use on Real Trips

    Most beginners need only five knots to sail confidently: the bowline, cleat hitch, figure-eight stopper, clove hitch, and round turn with two half hitches. Practice these well to tie reliably,...

  • Do You Need a Licence to Sail?

    May 7, 2026

    Learn to Sail

    Do You Need a Licence to Sail?

    If you are getting into sailing, one of the first questions is whether you need a licence. The answer depends on where you sail, whether your boat has a motor,...

  • How Long Does It Take to Learn to Sail? A Realistic Beginner’s Timeline

    Apr 29, 2026

    Learn to Sail

    How Long Does It Take to Learn to Sail? A Realistic Beginner’s Timeline

    A realistic timeline of how long it takes to learn sailing, from your first day on the water to building confidence, skills, and skipper-level decision-making over time....

  • How People Actually Learn to Sail

    Feb 23, 2026

    Learn to Sail

    How People Actually Learn to Sail

    Learn how people really learn to sail short intro sessions, a basic course, regular crewing, focused practice, and simple trip planning that takes you from total beginner to confident skipper....

  • Tacking vs Gybing Explained With Real Sailing Routes and Examples

    Feb 20, 2026

    Sailing Basics

    Tacking vs Gybing Explained With Real Sailing Routes and Examples

    See what tacking and gybing really look like on the water. Learn how sailboats route upwind and downwind, avoid mistakes, and sail safer with clear visuals....

  • Can You Sail Against the Wind? How It Really Works

    Feb 16, 2026

    Sailing Basics

    Can You Sail Against the Wind? How It Really Works

    Can you sail against the wind? Yes, but not in a straight line. Learn how tacking, sail trim and apparent wind let sailboats beat upwind safely and efficiently....

  • What Wind Conditions Beginners Actually Sail In

    Feb 9, 2026

    Sailing Basics

    What Wind Conditions Beginners Actually Sail In

    Discover safe wind conditions for beginner sailors from calm breezes to 18 knots, and tips for confident, gradual progression on the water....

  • Windward vs leeward: What they mean, why they matter, and who gives way

    Feb 3, 2026

    Sailing Basics

    Windward vs leeward: What they mean, why they matter, and who gives way

    Learn the difference between windward and leeward, how to identify each on a sailboat, how they affect trim and maneuvers, and who has right of way under Rule 12....

  • Points of Sail Explained - Simple Sailing Guide for Beginners

    Feb 2, 2026

    Sailing Basics

    Points of Sail Explained - Simple Sailing Guide for Beginners

    Learn the points of sail in a clear, beginner-friendly way. Understand upwind, beam reach, broad reach and running so you can trim your sails with confidence....

  • Cost to Own a Sailboat in 2026: Full Breakdown & Real Numbers

    Dec 12, 2025

    Sailing Costs

    Cost to Own a Sailboat in 2026: Full Breakdown & Real Numbers

    Discover the true cost to own a sailboat in 2026. From mooring fees to maintenance, insurance, and hidden expenses—here’s the full breakdown for every type of sailor....

  • Sailing vs Yachting: Key Differences Explained

    Dec 8, 2025

    Sailing Basics

    Sailing vs Yachting: Key Differences Explained

    Learn the key differences between sailing and yachting. Compare propulsion, cost, skill level, comfort, speed, and travel limits to choose the right vessel for your goals....

  • Main Parts of a Sailboat: Simple Guide for Beginners

    Dec 8, 2025

    Sailing Basics

    Main Parts of a Sailboat: Simple Guide for Beginners

    Learn the essential parts of a sailboat, including the hull, rigging, sails, and steering. Clear terms and quick explanations for new sailors....

  • RYA SafeTrx vessel tracking safety app is closing, What you must do now

    Dec 2, 2025

    Sailing News

    RYA SafeTrx vessel tracking safety app is closing, What you must do now

    The RYA SafeTrx vessel tracking, safety, and communications platform will shut down soon. This news, confirmed by the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) and HM Coastguard, means you must secure a...

  • How a Sailboat Works: Sail, Keel, and Tacking Guide

    Nov 29, 2025

    Sailing Basics

    How a Sailboat Works: Sail, Keel, and Tacking Guide

    Learn the simple physics of how a sailboat works. Expert guide explains how the sail creates lift, how the keel works, and the secret to sailing against the wind (tacking)...

  • What Is Sailing? Learn How It Works, Where to Start, and Why It's Worth Trying

    Nov 22, 2025

    Sailing Basics

    What Is Sailing? Learn How It Works, Where to Start, and Why It's Worth Trying

    What is sailing? It’s the art of using wind to move a boat. Learn how sailing works, where to start, what gear you need, and why it’s a rewarding hobby...

  • How to Plan a Sailing Route: A Practical Guide for Safe and Enjoyable Voyages

    Nov 11, 2025

    Navigation

    How to Plan a Sailing Route: A Practical Guide for Safe and Enjoyable Voyages

    A guide walking through the essential steps of sailing route planning....

  • Sailing Qualifications Guide 2026 - Certifications Explained

    Nov 7, 2025

    Learn to Sail

    Sailing Qualifications Guide 2026 - Certifications Explained

    Discover top sailing qualifications, how to get certified, and why they matter for charters, crews, and international sailing...

  • How to Write a Sailing Resume (With Example & Free Template)

    Nov 1, 2025

    Learn to Sail

    How to Write a Sailing Resume (With Example & Free Template)

    Discover top sailing qualifications, how to get certified, and why they matter for charters, crews, and international sailing...

  • One Woman's Path on Becoming a Sailor

    Oct 31, 2025

    Sailing Life

    One Woman's Path on Becoming a Sailor

    When my husband suggested that we try out sailing, my initial reaction was, “Are you insane? I’ve never stepped foot on a sailboat in my life.” That was quickly followed...

  • Sailing for Beginners - The Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Started

    Oct 20, 2025

    Learn to Sail

    Sailing for Beginners - The Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Started

    A comprehensive guide to sailing for beginners, covering everything from choosing the right boat to mastering sailing techniques....

  • What Is a Sailor’s Logbook? A Modern Guide with SailTies (2026)

    Oct 13, 2025

    Sailing Basics

    What Is a Sailor’s Logbook? A Modern Guide with SailTies (2026)

    A comprehensive guide to what is a sailor's logbook, covering everything from choosing the right boat to mastering sailing techniques....

  • RYA Northern Ireland recommends SailTies logbook app

    Sep 24, 2024

    Sailing News

    RYA Northern Ireland recommends SailTies logbook app

    RYA Northern Ireland recommends SailTies, to make it easier for boaters to keep track of miles logged, alongside digital copies of their certificates, vessel history and voyage routes. Combined with...

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