Your Pocket Sailing Instructor Podcast

This episode we talk about anchoring! What, how, when, where... all the ins and outs of making sure the boat stays put, so you can have a great sleep. Chapters00:00 Understanding Different Types of Anchors14:12 Choosing the Right Anchor for Your Needs16:58 Ideal Anchoring Conditions and Bottom Types17:30 Understanding Anchoring Basics27:36 Advanced Anchoring Techniques32:11 Steps to Successfully Anchor Your Boat⁠Head over to sailnelson.com to download your free Episode 1 download!⁠⁠⁠ A cheat sheet of all the different things you can practice, and when, after your first course. Connect with Penny:- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support Penny on Patreon! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about Penny's sailing school!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get in touch!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Take a course! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Penny's sailor resume⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠

Episode 4 of my new series From Passenger to Confident Skipper is all about docking! What equipment you need, how to practice and prepare for all scenarios, what to do with your crew, and more. Learn some expert tips on how to master docking your boat with confidence.  Key TopicsDocking equipment essentialsManeuvering your boat in tight spacesPlanning and communication for docking successChapters00:00 Introduction to Docking Challenges03:34 Essential Equipment for Docking06:46 Maneuvering Techniques for Docking09:30 Common Mistakes and Crew Communication14:44 Setting Up for Successful Docking22:16 Conclusion and Next StepsHead over to sailnelson.com to download your free Episode 1 download!⁠⁠ A cheat sheet of all the different things you can practice, and when, after your first course. Connect with Penny:- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support Penny on Patreon! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about Penny's sailing school!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get in touch!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Take a course! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Penny's sailor resume⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠

One of the biggest shifts in sailing happens when you move from simply operating the boat to making the decisions that keep everyone safe and confident on the water. In this episode of Your Pocket Sailing Instructor, I break down the five key decisions every skipper needs to get right—from weather calls and route planning to docking strategies and knowing when it’s time to turn back. These are the moments that define good seamanship far more than perfect boat handling ever will.I also share real-world examples of how small decisions can quickly become big problems when they’re delayed or ignored. Whether it’s pushing on in changing weather, approaching a marina without a clear plan, or underestimating crew fatigue, the pressure to “just keep going” can lead skippers into situations they didn’t intend to be in. Learning to make calm, early decisions is one of the most valuable skills a sailor can develop.If you’re working toward becoming a more confident skipper, this episode will help you think differently about leadership, preparation, and responsibility on the water. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about building the judgment and awareness that allow you to make smart calls before situations escalate.key topicsSkippers are defined by the decisions they make.The decision to go sailing can be challenging.Understanding timing and routes is crucial for safety.Docking requires careful planning and preparation.Knowing when to turn back is essential for safety.Anchoring safely is vital for overnight trips.Good skippers make decisions early based on observations.Practice decision-making skills at home.Safety of the crew should always be the priority.Every sailing outing is an opportunity to learn. Connect with Penny:- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support Penny on Patreon! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about Penny's sailing school!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get in touch!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Take a course! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Penny's sailor resume⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠

In Episode 2 of our series From Passenger to Confident Skipper, we dig into a frustrating but incredibly common feeling: you’ve spent time on the water, maybe even taken courses, yet that sense of true confidence still hasn’t clicked. Why? This episode breaks down the hidden gaps between knowledge and real-world decision-making, and why simply “getting more experience” isn’t always enough.We explore the subtle factors that hold sailors back—like over-reliance on others, lack of deliberate practice, and not fully understanding the “why” behind key skills. You’ll hear relatable scenarios that many developing sailors face, from second-guessing decisions at the helm to feeling uneasy in changing conditions. If you’ve ever wondered why confidence seems to come easily to others but not to you, this episode will help reframe that thinking.Most importantly, we talk about how to move forward. You’ll learn practical ways to take ownership on the boat, build trust in your decisions, and turn passive experience into active learning. Confidence isn’t something you wait for—it’s something you build, intentionally, one skill and one decision at a time. key topicsBuilding sailing confidencePracticing skills in controlled environmentsHandling crew overboard and emergency situationsHead over to sailnelson.com to download your free Episode 1 download!⁠ A cheat sheet of all the different things you can practice, and when, after your first course. Connect with Penny:- ⁠⁠⁠⁠Support Penny on Patreon! ⁠⁠⁠⁠- ⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about Penny's sailing school!⁠⁠⁠⁠- ⁠⁠⁠⁠Get in touch!⁠⁠⁠⁠- ⁠⁠⁠⁠Take a course! ⁠⁠⁠⁠- ⁠⁠⁠⁠Penny's sailor resume⁠⁠⁠⁠-⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠

I am staring an 8-episode series called "From Passenger to Confident Skipper". Each episode will focus on a different aspect of your voyage to becoming the most competent skipper you can be!This episode guides new sailors through the essential steps after completing a sailing course, emphasizing practical experience, skill repetition, and creating a safe learning environment to build confidence and competence on the water.Key Topics I will Discuss:Post-course sailing practiceCreating controlled environments for skill developmentImportance of repetition and routine in sailingExposing yourself to different boats and conditionsBuilding confidence and decision-making skillsHead over to sailnelson.com to download your free Episode 1 download! A cheat sheet of all the different things you can practice, and when, after your first course. Connect with Penny:- ⁠⁠⁠Support Penny on Patreon! ⁠⁠⁠- ⁠⁠⁠Learn more about Penny's sailing school!⁠⁠⁠- ⁠⁠⁠Get in touch!⁠⁠⁠- ⁠⁠⁠Take a course! ⁠⁠⁠- ⁠⁠⁠Penny's sailor resume⁠⁠⁠-⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠

I am SO excited to introduce you all to Sailties! This is an awesome app for sailors where we can log our trips, exchange information, create a sailor resume, look for adventures to join, and so much more! Today I'm interviewing the co-founders Chris and Tom. They will outline all of the incredible benefits that this app includes. I am very excited about how this app is going to modernize my own record keeping and will help me avoid having so many logbooks! I also love the engagement that it creates between sailors and it is SO much better than trolling Facebook and other forums trying to find competent people to sail with. Thank you so much Chris and Tom for creating this awesome product!Download SailTies now!SailTies Official WebsiteSailTies App on App StoreSailTies on Google PlayChapters00:00 Introduction to SailTies and Founders' Background03:38 Prototyping and Feedback Process06:00 User Experience and App Features08:52 Future Developments and Enhancements11:29 Safety Features and Community Engagement14:17 Bridging the Experience Gap in Sailing16:49 Reception and Growth of SailTies19:17 Community Impact and User Feedback23:58 Team Dynamics and Marketing Challenges25:34 Partnerships and User Engagement28:33 Finding the Right Crew and Personality Fit

In this conversation, Graham shares his journey into sailing and boat ownership, detailing his experiences with purchasing his first boat, Ringo, and the lessons learned along the way. He discusses the importance of research in selecting the right boat, the renovations and upgrades he undertook, and his future considerations for boat shopping. The conversation highlights the challenges and joys of sailing, as well as the practical aspects of boat maintenance and ownership.Keu TakeawaysGraham started sailing in 2017 and became an instructor.His first boat purchase was impulsive and not well-researched.Ringo, a CNC 25, was chosen for its sailing performance and comfort.Researching boat models and their issues is crucial before buying.Renovations on Ringo included addressing blisters and upgrading rigging.Graham learned a lot about boat maintenance through hands-on experience.Future boat shopping will focus on comfort and readiness for cruising.Non-negotiables for the next boat include a dry head and separate shower.Budget and intended use are key factors in the boat buying process.Sailing experiences have shaped Graham's wishlist for his next boat.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Sailing and Boat Ownership05:55 Renovations and Upgrades on Ringo11:57 Future Boat Shopping Considerations19:45 Sailing Experiences and Boat Performance26:55 Researching and Selecting a New Boat34:06 Lessons Learned from Boat OwnershipConnect with Penny!- ⁠⁠Support Penny on Patreon! ⁠⁠- ⁠⁠Learn more about Penny's sailing school!⁠⁠- ⁠⁠Get in touch!⁠⁠- ⁠⁠Take a course! ⁠⁠- ⁠⁠Penny's sailor resume⁠⁠-⁠⁠ Instagram⁠

In this episode of Your Pocket Sailing Instructor, Coach Penny discusses essential considerations for buying a boat. She emphasizes the importance of understanding your boating environment, choosing the right size and type of boat, and the significance of insurance and budget. Penny also covers how to evaluate a boat's condition and the importance of test driving before making a purchase. The episode concludes with a recap of key points and encouragement to enjoy the sailing journey.TakeawaysConsider where you will be boating and the type of boating you will do.The size of the boat should match your sailing needs.Marinas may have long wait lists for boat slips.Insurance requirements can vary significantly by marina.Evaluate the condition of the boat before purchasing.Test drive the boat to understand its handling.Look for any major issues during the boat survey.Collect insurance quotes early in the buying process.Consider the amenities available at your marina.Enjoy the process of finding the right boat.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Buying a Boat02:57 Understanding Your Boating Environment05:47 Choosing the Right Boat Size and Type08:58 Insurance and Budget Considerations12:01 Evaluating Boat Condition and Maintenance14:51 Test Driving Your Potential Boat28:55 Recap and Final ThoughtsConnect with Penny!- ⁠Support Penny on Patreon! ⁠- ⁠Learn more about Penny's sailing school!⁠- ⁠Get in touch!⁠- ⁠Take a course! ⁠- ⁠Penny's sailor resume⁠-⁠ Instagram⁠

In this episode of Your Pocket Sailing Instructor, Penny discusses the essential sailing equipment known as winches. She provides a historical overview of winches, explaining their evolution and significance in sailing. The conversation covers different types of winches, including self-tailing and non-self-tailing options, and offers insights on how to choose the right winch for your boat. Penny shares her personal experiences and tips for operating winches effectively, making this episode a valuable resource for both novice and experienced sailors. takeawaysWinches are crucial for controlling sails on a boat.The evolution of winches has significantly improved sailing efficiency.Self-tailing winches allow for easier sail management.Understanding winch types is essential for boat maintenance.Choosing the right winch size is important for performance.Historical context enriches our understanding of sailing equipment.Electric winches provide convenience on larger boats.Durability and material quality are key factors in winch selection.Proper operation of winches enhances sailing safety.Upgrading winches can improve overall sailing experience.Connect with Penny!- ⁠Support Penny on Patreon! ⁠- ⁠Learn more about Penny's sailing school!⁠- ⁠Get in touch!⁠- ⁠Take a course! ⁠- ⁠Penny's sailor resume⁠-⁠ Instagram

In this episode of 'Your Pocket Sailing Instructor,' Coach Penny Caldwell dives into the exciting world of boat show season, emphasizing the importance of taking advantage of sales and upgrades for your boat. She discusses the typical timing of boat shows in North America, which generally occur from January to March, and highlights the various items that can be upgraded or purchased at discounted prices during this period. Penny shares her personal experiences and recommendations for big-ticket items such as self-tailing winches, electronics, inflatable PFDs, and solar setups, all of which can significantly enhance the sailing experience.Penny also touches on frequently replaced items like first aid supplies, running rigging, and spare parts, encouraging listeners to check their inventory and replace any outdated or worn-out gear. She concludes with a discussion on comfort items that can make sailing more enjoyable, such as sailing gloves and innovative products like toques with built-in headlamps. Overall, this episode serves as a comprehensive guide for sailors looking to upgrade their equipment and make the most of the boat show season.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Boat Show Season02:37 Big Ticket Items to Consider06:17 Electronics and Safety Gear Upgrades09:30 Dinghies and Solar Power Solutions11:48 Foul Weather Gear Essentials14:08 Frequently Replaced Items18:46 Comfort Items for a Better Sailing ExperienceConnect with Penny!- Support Penny on Patreon! - Learn more about Penny's sailing school!- Get in touch!- Take a course! - Penny's sailor resume- Instagram

SummaryIn this episode of Your Pocket Sailing Instructor, Penny Caldwell discusses the Intermediate Cruising Course, also known as ASA 104. She outlines the prerequisites for the course, including prior sailing experience and necessary certifications. The course focuses on real-life navigation skills, managing a crew, and enhancing sailing abilities beyond the basics. Penny emphasizes the importance of preparation and understanding crew dynamics to ensure a successful sailing experience. She also encourages listeners to immerse themselves in sailing culture to gain additional knowledge and skills.TakeawaysThe Intermediate Cruising Course prepares you for chartering.Prerequisites include basic sailing and navigation courses.Real-life navigation experience is crucial for success.Understanding crew dynamics is essential for a smooth trip.You should have prior sailing experience before taking the course.The course focuses on practical skills and real-time decision making.Effective provisioning and meal planning are part of the course.Communication of expectations with the crew is vital.Immersing yourself in sailing culture enhances learning.The course is designed for those ready to take on more responsibility.Connect with Penny!- ⁠Support Penny on Patreon! ⁠- ⁠Learn more about Penny's sailing school!⁠- ⁠Get in touch!⁠- ⁠Take a course! ⁠- ⁠Penny's sailor resume⁠-⁠ Instagram⁠

This past summer I was lucky enough to take my grandparents, mom and daughter on a sailing trip! It was VERY special to be able to share this experience with 4 generations on the boat...In this episode I talk about my preparation, things to think about, where we went, why we went there and some highlights of the trip along the way. Filled my bucket!! Connect with Penny!- ⁠⁠Support Penny on Patreon! ⁠⁠- ⁠⁠Learn more about Penny's sailing school!⁠⁠- ⁠⁠Get in touch!⁠⁠- ⁠⁠Take a course! ⁠⁠- ⁠⁠Penny's sailor resume⁠⁠-⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠

Are you behind on your gifts this year? Not quite sure what to get your sailor? I've got you covered with a list of small to big gift ideas!Connect with Penny!- ⁠⁠Support Penny on Patreon! ⁠⁠- ⁠⁠Learn more about Penny's sailing school!⁠⁠- ⁠⁠Get in touch!⁠⁠- ⁠⁠Take a course! ⁠⁠- ⁠⁠Penny's sailor resume⁠⁠-⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠

SummaryIn this episode, Coach Penny shares her recent sailing adventure in Croatia, reflecting on her experiences from a previous trip and the differences in crew dynamics, boat choice, and anchoring strategies. She discusses the benefits of sailing on a catamaran, the importance of provisioning, and the beautiful anchorages she discovered. Penny also touches on the changing weather conditions and her future sailing plans, emphasizing the joy of relaxation and camaraderie during the trip.TakeawaysPenny returned to Croatia for a more relaxed sailing experience.She chose a Lagoon 42 catamaran for more space and comfort.Provisioning boxes made meal planning easier and more efficient.Having experienced sailors on board allowed for a more enjoyable trip.The catamaran handled well in strong winds, reaching impressive speeds.Penny preferred anchoring in quieter locations away from crowds.Weather changes impacted the trip, signaling the end of the sailing season.The trip was a refreshing break from her usual coaching responsibilities.Penny plans to explore other sailing destinations in the future.She looks forward to sharing more adventures from her summer travels.Connect with Penny!- ⁠⁠Support Penny on Patreon! ⁠⁠- ⁠⁠Learn more about Penny's sailing school!⁠⁠- ⁠⁠Get in touch!⁠⁠- ⁠⁠Take a course! ⁠⁠- ⁠⁠Penny's sailor resume⁠⁠-⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠

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! Connect with Penny!- ⁠⁠⁠Support Penny on Patreon! ⁠⁠⁠- ⁠⁠⁠Learn more about Penny's sailing school!⁠⁠⁠- ⁠⁠⁠Get in touch!⁠⁠⁠- ⁠⁠⁠Take a course! ⁠⁠⁠- ⁠⁠⁠Penny's sailor resume⁠⁠⁠-⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠

I am WAY behind on my shopping this year, so thought I'd help put together some last minute ideas for you as well! Happy Holidays and looking forward to seeing you in 2025! Audio does not seem to be great this time around again. Still sorting out this new recording software they are making me use... sorry!Connect with Penny!- ⁠⁠⁠Support Penny on Patreon! ⁠⁠⁠- ⁠⁠⁠Learn more about Penny's sailing school!⁠⁠⁠- ⁠⁠⁠Get in touch!⁠⁠⁠- ⁠⁠⁠Take a course! ⁠⁠⁠- ⁠⁠⁠Penny's sailor resume⁠⁠⁠-⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠

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 am digging into standing rigging checks thanks to a Patron! For those of you looking to offer some support, head on over to Your Pocket Sailing Instructor Podcast - Penny Caldwell | creating awesome podcast episodes, useful checklists, & free dow | Patreonto check it out!

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!

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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!

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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/

It is the time of year when I see many boats not moving, some boats breaking free from their moorings, others being inhabited by wildlife... so many boats that are left unattended and languishing. So, I decided to put together some ideas and recommendations for what to do if it is time to decommission your boat. Sails: these can be donated to another boat, repurposed as shade cloth, repurposed as tarps, upcycled into trendy bags (AfterSails, ReSails, etc.). Hardware: remove your old hardware and either sell it, or donate it to other sailors. Many people are looking for spare parts which include cleats, pulleys, fairleads, etc. You'd be surprised what someone else might be needing! Rope: remove all of your lines and repurpose them around the house, garden, cottage, etc. Worst case, put them out in a free bin for someone to pick up. Engine & Fuel Tank: remove and donate or repurpose on another boat. Electronics & VHF: remove and pass along or sell to another boater. Propane Tank: remove and use elsewhere. Interior Cushions: remove and cut down to fit outdoor lawn chairs, or anywhere else you would like some new cushions. Alternatively, there may be another boat owner looking for some cushions, so pass them along. Other Interior Items: many items can be repurposed for other outdoor activities like hiking, biking or camping. Mast: repurpose your mast as a unique flagpole. Boom: repurpose the boom by mounting it in the garage and using it for hanging storage. Standing Rigging Wire: can be repurposed as a clothesline or for hanging outdoor curtains off a deck. Hull: here is an article I found with some fun things to do with smaller boat hulls. Ports: remove old ports and use them as new windows for cold frames, garage, other small projects. Galley Sink: repurpose as an outdoor garden sink. Head: repurpose or pass along to another boater. Check out sailnelson.com for more info! Penny

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!

This week we are having a chat about boom vangs. I am often surprised at how many of my students purchase boats that do not have on rigged up! They are an essential part of trimming your sail and can be key when sailing in heavy weather. Some of the marine stores will have boom vang kits that you can purchase, so it is ready to be attached at the base of the mast and up on your boom quickly. Easy to rig up and will help you sail more efficiently. Here are some useful links for you… Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/sailnelsonbc/⁠⁠ Spotify: ⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/penny717⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/sailnelson2

So this week we are talking about different types of shackles and their common uses. Also, what to look for when they start to wear down... - screw pin shackle - keyhole shackle - snap shackle - soft shackle Here are some useful links for you… Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/sailnelsonbc/⁠ Spotify: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/penny717⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/sailnelson2

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!

This week I am discussing cleats! What are they, where to find them, which ones to upgrade, etc. I talk about: - Horn Cleats - Cam Cleats - Clam Cleats - Jam Cleats - Clutches Here are some useful links for you… Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/sailnelsonbc/⁠ Spotify: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/penny717⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/sailnelson2

Today I am talking all about blocks! What the heck is a block you say? It is a pulley, in sailing lingo ;-) There are many types and I'll walk you through them all! Enjoy! Remember to like, share and follow this podcast so you never miss an episode! Here are some useful links for you… Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sailnelsonbc/ Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/penny717 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sailnelson2