Need to stop your yacht without dropping the anchor? In this video, Duncan Wells explains how to heave-to on a sailing yacht – one of the most useful seamanship techniques every sailor should know. We’ll cover: ⚓ What heaving-to actually means ⚓ Step-by-step guide to stopping your boat using sails and rudder ⚓ When you might want to do it – from taking a break, using the loo, cooking a meal, or just gathering your thoughts ⚓ Which types of boats are best suited for heaving-to ⚓ Safety considerations and practical tips Whether you’re a beginner learning the basics or an experienced sailor refreshing your knowledge, this simple manoeuvre can make your time on the water smoother, safer, and more stress-free. 👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you don’t miss more stress-free sailing tips. #SailingTips #SailingLife #StressFreeSailing #LearnToSail #HeaveTo #SailingSkills #YachtSailing #SailingManeuvers #SailingEducation #CruisingLife #SailingSafety #SailboatLife

What is the Coriolis Effect—and why does it matter to sailors, pilots, and weather forecasters? In this video from Stress-Free Sailing, we break down the Coriolis force in a simple, visual way using a ball and a spinning fairground ride. You'll see how this invisible force, caused by Earth's rotation, makes winds and ocean currents curve rather than move in a straight line. It's a fascinating phenomenon that helps explain global wind patterns, trade winds, and why storms spin in different directions depending on which hemisphere you're in. 🎥 Watch the demonstration and finally make sense of how Coriolis works—no maths degree required! 🧭 Perfect for sailors, students, navigators, and weather nerds alike. #CoriolisEffect #WeatherExplained #SailingTips #Navigation #SailingEducation #StressFreeSailing #FairgroundPhysics #Meteorology #CoriolisForce #SpinningEarth

In this video, we dive into OXO: should you cross the line once (OXO) or twice (OXXO) and should you be adding a locking hitch? We demonstrate both techniques and discuss when and why you might use each — depending on your rope type, conditions, and personal preference. We also take a look at how different ropes behave, including traditional 3-strand and modern slippery braided lines, and whether adding that extra X actually helps or hinders. Whether you're a seasoned sailor, motorboater, or just getting into boating, this is a simple technique that makes all the difference when mooring up. Get it right — and your cleat will hold strong. #MooringTips #CleatHitch #BoatHandling #SailingTips #Motorboating #DockingMadeEasy #SailingLife #BoatingBasics #NauticalKnowHow #StressFreeSailing #oxo

Fitting an MOB Lifesaver to a Spinlock Deckvest 5D Pro Sensor and a Spinlock Deckvest 5D Hammar @StressFreeSailing

How to fit an MOB Lifesaver to - SeaSafe Pro Zip, Kru Sport, Crewsaver 180 Pro, Baltic 150N, Crewsaver Ergofit - lifejackets @StressFreeSailing

In this video, I’ll show you a couple of ways to coil a rope neatly—the sailor’s way and the climber’s way. I’ll also run through a few different ways to finish off the coil, so your ropes stay tidy, easy to carry, and ready for action. #RopeSkills #SailingTips #ClimbingTips #HowToCoilRope #Ropework #BoatingSkills #ClimbingLife #SailingLife #SailingYouTube #StressFreeSailing #KnotTying #OutdoorSkills #MarineTraining #SailingEducation

Berthing your boat on your own doesn’t need to be stressful. In this demo, I show you how to come alongside a pontoon easily using a stern bridle – a simple and effective technique that works for boats with both low and high topsides, modern or traditional. Even if you can’t get right next to the pontoon, this method gives you the control to lasso a cleat, secure your line, and gently bring the boat alongside – all by yourself. You’ll learn in this video: Why a stern bridle gives you superior control and How driving gently against the line will bring the boat in safely This is my preferred technique for berthing bows-in, and with a bit of practice, it can work for anyone, every time. 👍 Slow the boat down, line up the throw, and let the stern bridle do the hard work! Watch, learn, and take the stress out of solo mooring. 📖 More solo sailing tips - @StressFreeSailing 📺 Subscribe for weekly stress-free sailing videos! #SoloSailing #StressFreeSailing #Berthing #Mooring #BoatHandling #SternBridle #DockingTips #YachtBerthing #ComeAlongside #SingleHandedSailing #SailingSkills #YachtHandling #SailingHowTo #RYATraining #learntosail Acoustic Guitar 1 by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Ferry Gliding a Barge to a riverbank.

Tired of getting a mouthful of fuel when siphoning? 😬 There’s a better way—and it doesn’t involve sucking on a hose! In this video, I’ll show you a cool trick to transfer fuel (or any liquid) safely and efficiently using just air pressure. No risk of tasting diesel, petrol, or any other nasty stuff ever again! Perfect for boaters but also campers, mechanics, and DIYers who need to move fuel, water, or other liquids between tanks. 🔔 Subscribe for more stress-free boating tips! 👍 Like this video if you found it helpful! Have you tried this method? Got any other fuel transfer hacks? Drop a comment below! ⚡ More helpful videos: 📹 How to Lasso a Cleat (from a boat) https://youtu.be/_IxDhdPrlPc 📹 The Most Useful Knot in the Whole World! https://youtube.com/shorts/O-RBNBT-F9k?feature=share #BoatingTips #FuelSiphon #DIYHacks #MarineMechanics #BoatMaintenance #StressFreeSailing #LifeHacks #SailingTips #SurvivalSkills #DieselEngine #BoatLife

In this step-by-step video, we’ll show you how to swap out your impeller, with expert guidance from Jonathan Parker of Parker Adams Boat Sales. Whether you’re doing routine maintenance or fixing an issue at sea, this simple guide will help you keep your engine running smoothly when you need it most. Want more expert advice on keeping your boat’s engine reliable and stress-free? Check out my book, Stress-Free Engine Maintenance—packed with essential tips, troubleshooting guides, and practical maintenance techniques for sailors and motorboaters alike. Check out: http://stressfreesailing.com/project/stress-free-books/ #BoatMaintenance #EngineCare #MarineDIY #BoatLife #YachtMaintenance #ImpellerReplacement #BoatEngineTips #StressFreeSailing

"The Most Useful Knot in the Whole World!" Get ready to meet the Rustler's Hitch (or Highwayman’s Hitch)—the ultimate quick-release knot that's as clever as it is handy! This knot is the secret weapon for sailors, adventurers, and anyone who loves a little knotty magic in their life. In this video, we’re not teaching you how to tie it (you’ll have to figure that one out!), but we’re showing off a brilliant example of how you can use it in the real world. From tying up your dinghy to looking like a pro at the dock, this knot is as versatile as it gets. Don’t forget to share your favourite knot tricks in the comments below. Happy knotting! ⛵

Learn the technique for stress-free docking as we show you how to lasso a cleat on the dock from your boat. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced sailor, this step-by-step guide will transform your line-handling skills. Discover: ✔️ How to coil your rope ✔️ The ideal rope length ✔️ Splitting coils into two sets ✔️ Pro tips on throwing the line accurately every time This is a must-watch for RYA students, short-handed sailors, and anyone looking to dock with confidence. D #StressFreeSailing #DockingTips #RYASailing #SailingSkills #BoatLife #CleatLassoing #DockingMadeEasy #ShortHandedSailing #BoatingTips #LearnToSail

Explore the world of electronic aids to navigation and how modern technology supports sailors in confidently plotting their course and reaching their destinations. This video unpacks essential tools, from GPS to satellite-based systems, revealing how these resources enhance onboard navigation. Gain a deeper understanding of digital charting options, GPS datums, and the power of overlaying navigational data for a comprehensive view. Whether you're cruising familiar waters or venturing offshore, electronic aids make navigation safer and simpler for every yachtsman. #ElectronicNavigation #MarineNavigation #gps #marinegps #navigation #navigationskills #satellite #Navigation #satellitesworld #yacht #yachting #sailing #sailingnavigation #ais #radar #waypoint #plotting #chartplotting

The new video on our Westview Sailing website. As the books are all called 'Stress-Free' so we now have a website stressfreesailing.com, which will be online shortly and covers everything from the books to Westview Sailing and MOB Lifesavers. Currently stressfreesailing.com is pointing at westviewsailing.co.uk. And this is the video that tells you about the online courses.

0

0

0

0

0

Chatting with Brian B from Southampton VTS I realised that while I had explained the 5 ways a light can show itself I had not covered the class of light - frequency and pattern - and so I have added this to the end of 'Aids to Navigation 1'. It is now comprehensive. I hope you enjoy it. And while you are at it why not subscribe to my Tutorial videos to help you through your RYA exams or join us for our distance learning Day Skipper and Yachtmaster shore-based courses. All available through westviewsailing.co.uk