Author Archives: lewisblevins

I was taught that the mainsheet is the principal mainsail control used to steer a sailing vessel. One certainly learns that the position of the boom as determined by the main sheet and thus, the angle of the main sail to the apparent wind, is a principal determinant of the point of sail ranging fromContinue reading “Mainsail Trim: Mainsheet”

Let’s take a look at these photos of my new main sail during first outing after the new sail was installed. What do you notice? I didn’t spot it when sailing but knew something was not right. The sailmaker saw it right away. Subsequent to his instruction I’ve spent some time educating myself about sailContinue reading “Mainsail Trim: Main halyard.”

I must admit that boat electronics and electrical systems are my biggest weaknesses. I studied chemistry in college. I thoroughly enjoyed electricity and magnetism in physics. You’d think I’d have an aptitude for electrical stuff. But….I don’t. Perhaps it’s because I actually fear electricity for a number of different reasons. I don’t believe it isContinue reading “Electrical Matters”

We spent some time motoring and also a little time with the sails up in light winds in the SF Bay today. As we approached Raccoon Straight, two and a half hours after high tide, it was evident based on our progress and confirmed by instrumentation, that we were passing through reasonable ebb tide currentsContinue reading “Curious Waves”

One of the first things you’ll hear of moving to the SF Bay Area is about the microclimates of the various neighborhoods. Take your pick! You may choose to live where it’s 55F or 105F on July 4th….in the midst (or mist) of fog or where the sun shines full most days…..where the wind howlsContinue reading “Microclimes in the SF Bay”

A recent evaluation by a marine electrician to determine whether my boat was over-zinced was followed by a recommendation to update the bonding system of Skiron. The vessel was bonded according to European standards when constructed in Sweden and it was suggested that we bring it to US standards. I must admit, however, that IContinue reading “Bonding System Upgrade”

In an ideal world, one wouldn’t require fenders to protect the sides of a boat. If there were no wind, or moving water, or inertia of a vessel, it would be easy to pull up to the side of a dock, stop in place, tie up and be on your way…..no fenders required to protectContinue reading “Hanging Fenders”

Wind. I could write for hours about it. How it’s generated. Why it comes from where it does. Why it changes. What is meant by backing and veering. About its force. How it interacts with a sailboat. The differences between apparent and relative wind. Points of sail. How it interacts with and changes the surfaceContinue reading “Wind”

I’ve seen a lot of sailboats. I’ve been inside most of them. The most spectacular interior I’ve ever encountered was in a well-appointed Hylas 54. It had the feeling of an Italian hotel. Loved it! I do, however, love the simple pleasures of the interior of Skiron. It seems original with exception of a fewContinue reading “Skiron Interior”

This ocean atlas is a superb work for those interested in planning cruising routes. It shows monthly average winds, currents, storm activity and more for all regions of our globe of interest to cruisers, the Navies of the world, etc.