Yachting Monthly - Expert Sailing News, Boat Reviews, and Practical Tips

Recommendation: Start with a quick, focused pre-sail check: review the latest chart, note the arch coastlines, and assess the potential wind and tide. A 15-minute window now saves hours in slipping conditions later.

On longer passages, keep a visual read of trim and wake: the turn should stay smooth, and you stay close to the wind, ever alert to each gust. steve spots any slipping motion and notes how the crew responds.

lets you compare routes with several radars emitting signals, and theres value in a refresh of the plan again when the wind shifts.

In our boat tests, we pull data from the archipelago charts to assess handling at various length and angles, then turn it into practical tips you can use on deck.

From gear tests to on-the-water guidance, expect precise measurements: how a large bow entry affects stability, what to watch when radar range climbs, and how to plan routes that stay within close margins of safety and keep the crew from going down.

Yachting Monthly

Start by tuning the radar and doppler options before you move, confirm the operating settings, and lock in bearings and ranging for a safe course.

Using arpa, you can draw plots of targets and track them on the earth frame. This setup allows you to assess current and wave angles and to act before a collision appears. Havent the crew checked the routine yet? Do a quick check before departure.

People who pilot the boat and those on deck benefit from a short, clear routine. A medium briefing that covers bearings, plots, and the upcoming leg helps the team stay aligned with the chart. Asked about the best way to brief newcomers, experienced skippers recommend a five-minute practice that uses the same tune on every trip. Able to keep calm, they move with confidence.

Theres a moment when the wind shifts and the pilot must adjust. At catzero, you can move the trim slightly to maintain speed and reduce heel; the display will still keep you onto a safe line if you keep the angles in check.

Here's a compact reference table to guide setup on your boat or in the prep room:

Expert Sailing News, Boat Reviews, and Practical Tips; AIS and true motion

Recommendation: switch AIS and radar to true motion, enable the motion filter, and set the radar to a 0.5° resolution to keep fast targets crisp while clutters fade from the screen. Ensure transmitted AIS data feeds your chartplotter, and keep the interface in operating mode that highlights action towards potential risks. If asked for a quick starter, apply Step 1: turn on true motion and tighten clutter suppression.

In port, processing continues to separate transmitted AIS data from radar echoes. The algorithm compares higher true motion against stationary echoes; this depends on the environment and reduces clutters while calls for action stand out. This processing creates a stable track for each vessel, making it easier to decide what to do next.

Affordable options include a compact computer with a USB AIS receiver and a mid-range radar, delivering reliable readings at 6–8 NM and a 2 Hz update rate. Once configured, this setup transmits clean data and supports higher decision speed in busy harbours. Set it up once and test for a full port approach scenario. Look for a model with good power efficiency and solid shielding to keep noise down, especially when sails are reefed and wind shifts occur.

Radar path and waveguide considerations matter: route the feed line away from power cables, pick a medium-power antenna, and use a shielded cable to cut noise. In a marina environment, 4–6 tracking slots usually cover the main vessels; if you see frequent small boat traffic, increase slots and enable clutter suppression to keep targets legible. Military-grade processors offer extra resistance to interference, but a medium setup from a reputable maker typically meets yacht needs with stable operating temperatures and easy field maintenance.

Article takeaway: enable true motion, verify transmitted data integrity, and tune the range and resolution for the port approach. This article shares tips about AIS and radar tuning in real-world conditions. Settings are determined by conditions and vessel type. With careful processing, your radar and AIS work towards safer decisions, so you can plan action and calls for action with confidence.

AIS for skippers: decoding MMSI, identity, and traffic priorities

Start by ensuring AIS is on, load your MMSI, and the AIS transmits continuously. Use two devices feeding the data when possible to improve reliability; during watches, keep eyes on both displays to catch changes in traffic.

The MMSI is a 9-digit identity code. The first three digits identify the ITU region, the middle digits denote vessel class and service area, and the last three assign a unique ID for your flag state. On screen, the MMSI pairs with the vessel name and call sign, giving you a quick identity check at a glance and helping you confirm who you’re watching.

AIS shows speed, course, and status alongside the vessel’s identity. The MMSI indicates the ship type and flag, and the closest approach data helps you judge risk. When a target is approaching, the centre of the display highlights its vector, distance, and bearing; indicates whether you should slow, alter course, or hold your position. Use CPA to decide early, and treat targets with high closure as higher priority, while always cross-checking with your visual on the eyes and radar.

Choose an intuitive, easy interface so the most important aspect–collision avoidance–remains in sight. The aspect ratio and font size should render CPA, speed, and heading clearly, preferably with color-coded alerts. If multiple targets crowd the screen, use the filters to focus on zones around you and keep critical information available in the middle of your view.

Be aware that signals may be weak in harbour pockets or amid structures. AIS data propagates via a VHF data medium rather than x-band, but many radar integrations echo AIS targets on the screen. When the feed looks inconsistent, verify the traditional inputs and re-sync devices to restore a coherent picture and avoid misreading traffic cues.

In some older or budget units you may see a catzero label during start-up; disable this option for live navigation to avoid propagating dummy data. Use the controls to tailor targets, set CPA thresholds, and keep the interface focused on approaching vessels rather than every distant ping. Maintain discipline with alerts, and don’t overload your decisions with streaming chatter from too many contacts.

Keep listening on VHF and trust AIS cues, but remember: the system gives you a fast, data-backed hint, not a substitute for good seamanship. The combined feed–MMSI identity, vessel data, and CPA indicators–helps you gauge risk, plan a safe pass, and stay out of the strongest wake, giving you a clear, practical edge during busy moments at sea.

Interpreting AIS data on chart plotters: practical display settings and filters

Set a near-range AIS filter of 8–12 NM and enable velocity-based color coding on your primary chart display; this monitor helps sailors pick out risk early and better plan course changes. If youre unsure, start with a two-tone scheme: red for targets moving above 6 knots and amber for slower traffic. The real-time data sees targets update continuously as you sail.

In this article, configure filters to keep the screen readable: show ships within 20 NM, prioritizing those with valid velocity vectors. Keep smaller targets off the main layer unless they come within 5–6 NM or alter your course. Treat detection quality as a signal; targets with stale data get muted. Pitfalls arise when you over-filter and miss a slow craft or flood the plot with clutter. If a target’s course is diverging from yours, raise an alert and verify with radar.

Choose a display approach that fits your medium and devices. Use a medium-contrast palette that preserves color differentiation in sun glare; place AIS targets on a dedicated layer and keep land features on another. For a busy harbor, split the screen: left pane for AIS, right pane for radar overlay. Use larger symbols for high-risk vessels and smaller ones for distant traffic; adjust symbol size based on ranges you monitor. In moderate wave conditions, reception can fluctuate, so keep thresholds flexible. Before you head out, save and test the profile across displays.

Ambitious sailors can tailor filters for long passages: add a second layer to track potential collision courses within 30–40 NM, and display velocity vectors for each target. Rely on detection to catch real risks while keeping routine traffic readable. For semi-submerged devices and other marks, keep them on a separate layer unless youre actively tracking them. When you see a target with a diverging path, adjust your course and re-check with radar and visual cues. This approach helps people stay aware and the setup becomes reliable again after a firmware update or service reset.

True motion explained: how relative motion differs from wind and current for course prediction

Recommendation: Treat true motion as the vector sum of velocity through water, water movement (current), and wind-induced leeway, then overlay these vectors on your chart to predict the ground track with clear accuracy.

Relate the three elements this way: velocity through water is the yacht’s single, through-water speed and direction; current adds a separate vector of water motion over the seabed; wind adds a drift component that shifts the hull’s path. In maritime practice, these vectors are drawn as separate arrows and then combined to form the true motion. The difference between relative motion (the boat’s movement through water) and the ground track becomes obvious once you compare the bottom-referenced current with the wind’s effect on the hull. When you display these components side by side, you can see how overlaying the current and leeway changes the predicted course for yachts and commercial traffic alike.

How to measure and combine: set velocity through water (Vtw) from the boat log or speed through water sensor, capture current velocity (Vcw) from local gauges or reference data, and estimate wind drift (Vwind) from weather models or onboard observations. Where data are available, use a single, consistent reference frame (earth-fixed) and draw all vectors on the same chart. Measures from a waves-and-rain environment can affect readings, so compare multiple sources and choose the most reliable for the moment. In cluttered charts, simplify by plotting primary vectors first, then layer secondary effects to maintain accuracy without distraction.

Practical example: a 6-knot yacht moves through water (Vtw = 6 kn north). A current of 2 kn runs east (Vcw = 2 kn east). Wind drift adds 1.5 kn east (Vwind = 1.5 kn east). The resulting true motion (ground track) has components: east = 3.5 kn, north = 6 kn. Ground speed ≈ sqrt(6^2 + 3.5^2) ≈ 7.0 kn, and the heading shifts about 30 degrees toward the east relative to true north. When you draw this, you see the path clearly and can adjust your plan before approaching a crowded shipping lane or a tanker route.

Applications and caveats: use displayed, displayed, and reference data where available to reduce drift in forecast. Knowledge from observation, local knowledge, and published measures improves accuracy, especially when waves and current interact with rain squalls. For offshore courses, overlaying wind and current with true motion helps plan safe, efficient legs for both yachts and commercial vessels. If you encounter a cluttered chart, re-draw with a tighter vector set and gradually add less critical effects to maintain a reliable bottom line for your plan.

Boat reviews you can trust: evaluating hulls, rigs, and onboard systems

Start with a four-point hull integrity check and obtain an exact reading from a calibrated gauge; this concrete step sets a reliable baseline before you assess any equipment or performance claims.

Hulls

• Material and construction: note whether the hull is laminated fiberglass, epoxy-infused composite, or carbon, and verify resin saturation. Look for blistering, core rot, or signs of water intrusion that could weaken stiffness over years.
• Keel and penetrations: inspect keel bolts, fairings, and fittings for corrosion or movement; if bolts show any play, plan a professional survey before taking the boat on long passages.
• Surface and fairing: run a close visual along the hull with a dull edge to detect micro-cracks or wave-damage that could worsen under load; use a damp cloth to reveal moisture beneath paint in a rain shower test.
• Movement check: with the boat on a calm mooring, press lightly around keel zones to sense any slipping or creaking; suspicious movement makes a deeper dive essential.
• Waterline and osmosis: while anchored, measure osmosis indicators with a moisture meter and compare against manufacturer specs; returning readings can guide repairs before damage compounds.
• Overall visibility: a cluttered deck and exposed hardware can hide hull issues; keep a tidy sightline so you don’t miss a small crack that matters.

Rigs

• Age and wear: stand rigging beyond 10–12 years or halyards and sheets showing fray; plan a replacement window to avoid fatigue during approaching squalls.
• Standing rigging: check shroud and stay terminations, tangs, and chainplates for corrosion or cracking; verify tension with a calibrated gauge and compare to the mast manufacturer’s spec.
• Running rigging: inspect sheets and halyards for flattened strands or core wear; replace worn lines before they fail under load.
• Alignment and rake: ensure mast is plumb and cable runs are clean; a misaligned rig creates uneven load and can lead to fatigue, especially in heavy weather.
• Hardware and attachments: verify winches function smoothly, blocks swivel freely, and fittings aren’t seized by salt; liking a well-organized cockpit makes handling easier and safer during heavy weather.
• Safety checks: test ballast and check for signs of previous reefing or load stress; better to address hidden issues now than during a gale at sea.

Onboard systems

• Electrical and battery bank: map the capacity, age, and state of charge. Run a full-system test including shore power, inverter, and battery monitoring; a failure here can end trips mid-voyage.
• Navigation and data: verify that core displays (including Raymarine gear) transmit radar, chart info, and autopilot commands reliably; ensure software is up to date and licenses are valid.
• Communication: check VHF, AIS, and satellite options; broadband connectivity should be stable enough for weather downloads and email when offshore.
• Sensors and weather: test wind, speed, and Doppler radar if equipped; confirm data feeds are timely and not cluttered with erroneous objects that create false readings.
• Bilge and pumps: run all pumps in turn, including automatic float switches, and confirm audible alarms function; verify water ingress sensors trigger correctly and that pumps can handle the expected load.
• Safety gear and manuals: confirm extinguishers, life jackets, and flares are current; keep manuals accessible and organized to shorten response time during an incident.

Practical takeaways

• Focus on observable, verifiable data: exact measurements, documented tests, and manufacturer specs guide trustworthy conclusions.
• Compare multiple sources: owner notes, broker reports, and independent surveys; according to the findings, you can calibrate expectations and budget more accurately.
• Ask for live demonstrations: radar and transmits can be shown in real time; if electronics appear overly cluttered, request a tidier layout or a dedicated panel to improve readability.
• Assess usability under stress: how fast can you locate controls during rain or when the dash is slick? A simple, useful setup reduces risk and makes real-world handling much easier.
• Keep a practical, blue-water mindset: values like reliability, redundancy, and ease of maintenance matter far more than flashy features.

Bottom line

Trust grows when you separate boastful claims from tested performance. A thorough, data-driven evaluation of hulls, rigs, and onboard systems creates clarity, reduces risk, and returns a well-founded decision for any voyage.

Pre-sail readiness: safety gear, weather tools, and crew briefings

Check life jackets, harnesses, and the throwable buoy before you cast off, and confirm each crew member knows where to don gear quickly. Inspect the fire extinguisher(s) and flares, test the VHF handset, and verify the first-aid kit and waterproof signaling device are within reach. Test the onoff switch for electronics to confirm power is stable, then use a concise safety checklist completed within 10 minutes of departure to avoid unnerving delays.

Keep the boat's safety equipment organized: lifelines, jackstays, a spare paddle, throw bag, and a fully charged handheld VHF. Review potential fall-astern, man-overboard, and fire scenarios, and run a 60-second drill with all hands. Even with affordable gear, ensure every item is in working order and accessible where quick response matters.

The weather and navigation kit transmits current conditions and forecasts; if you rely on raymarine displays, confirm the unit is receiving doppler radar data and updated wind and wave predictions. Check the masthead height and antenna height to ensure the radar shows approaching vessels clearly on waterways. Set horizon alerts for squalls and plan an adjusted bearing to avoid diverging traffic in lanes. Keep knowledge of local rules to anticipate right-of-way and fishing activity near bends. Choose a path where visibility matters, and if conditions worsen, have an affordable backup plan (e.g., shorter legs or a safe harbor) ready on deck.

Run a tight crew briefing that assigns watches, tasks, and hand signals; practice a brief MOB drill so it becomes automatic. Mainly, the briefing focuses on safety first, giving everyone a clear sense of their role and how to detect and report changes. One crewmate monitors weather updates, another handles the boat's lines and fenders, and a third watches for traffic on the horizon. Confirm the motor responds smoothly to throttle input, and rehearse adjusting speed to keep boats on your right in busy channels.