A sailing blog filled with lessons,tips and stories taught by qualified instructors.
Sailor Cull's Articles
November 16, 2010 by Sailor Cull
After all the troubles with the Speedwell were over, the Mayflower finally set off alone, on September 6, 1620.  The weather was good, and the wind remained near perfect for many days. Most all the passengers became very sea-sick.  It was not long after that they lost their good wind, and the Atlantic storms hit them in full force.  Powerful cross-winds and extremely high seas tossed the 180-ton Mayflower violently.  The upper deck started leaking badly, keeping the passenger...
November 15, 2010 by Sailor Cull
When the Pilgrims reached Delftshaven, Holland, they found everything was ready for them to go the next morning. The Speedwell was to take them into Southampton, England, where the Mayflower was waiting to receive them. When the Pilgrims reached Delftshaven, Holland, they found everything was ready for them to go the next morning. The Speedwell was to take them into Southampton, England, where the Mayflower was waiting to receive them. After twelve years of living with their friends and fello...
November 15, 2010 by Sailor Cull
When the Pilgrims reached Delftshaven, Holland, they found everything was ready for them to go the next morning. The Speedwell was to take them into Southampton, England, where the Mayflower was waiting to receive them. When the Pilgrims reached Delftshaven, Holland, they found everything was ready for them to go the next morning. The Speedwell was to take them into Southampton, England, where the Mayflower was waiting to receive them. After twelve years of living with their friends and fello...
June 12, 2010 by Sailor Cull
 Crazy, courageous, or something else, teens are casting off on a global sailing adventure.  With the most recent circumstance of Abby Sunderland, teen world circumnavigation is getting lots of press.  But this is not something new with the likes of Robin Lee Graham , who as a teenager set out to sail around the world alone, of 1965, and Tania Aebi who embarked on the same venture at 18 years of age in May, 1985.  Both achieved their goals and have e...
November 22, 2009 by Sailor Cull
When the Pilgrims reached Delftshaven, Holland, they found everything was ready for them to go the next morning. The Speedwell was to take them into Southampton, England, where the Mayflower was waiting to receive them. After twelve years of living with their friends and fellow Separatists in Leyden, there was just one night left before they would have to say their final goodbyes. In many cases husbands were leaving behind wives and children. Bradford writes about this very emotional night and t...
November 17, 2009 by Sailor Cull
In 1609, Holland had signed a truce with its former war adversary, Spain. The truce was negotiated to last twelve years. English troops which had been stationed in Holland during that time to protect them from the Spanish were withdrawn. Among these troops was most likely a 25 year old soldier by the name of Myles Standish, who would make acquaintance with the Separatists, and eleven years later would become their military captain, leader, and one of the most prominent citizens of the Plymout...
November 11, 2009 by Sailor Cull
True facts about the Mayflower Pilgrims. This history starts in Holland where the Pilgrims were living, having left England. In 1609, Holland had signed a truce with its former war adversary, Spain. The truce was negotiated to last twelve years. English troops which had been stationed in Holland during that time to protect them from the Spanish were withdrawn. Among these troops was most likely a 25 year old soldier by the name of Myles Standish, who would make acquaintance with the...
May 2, 2008 by Sailor Cull
  Welcome aboard to my Sailing Tips Blog! Today we have MULTIHULLS Part 2: The Disadvantages , and Sailing Terms . Please feel free to comment on anything here and visit our Web Site for a free Rules of the Road download! Disadvantages -- In serious wind and seas, a monohull sailor can, if absolutely exhausted and no longer able to steer, strike all sail, lock all hatches, and go below to wait it out and hope for the best. A well-found boat will most likely allow this....
April 3, 2008 by Sailor Cull
Welcome aboard to my Sailing Tips Blog! Today we have MULTIHULLS- Catamarans andTrimarans. Please feel free to comment on anything here and visit our Web Site for a free Rules of the Road download! History -The catamaran is one of the oldest types of craft known. The word Catamaran has its origin in Malayan language -- Catu (to tie) and Maran ( log).  Early Polynesians would lash two large canoes together and sail a whole village's worth people from one village to another,...
March 19, 2008 by Sailor Cull
Welcome aboard to my Sailing Tips Blog! Today we have Running Aground! and Sailing Terms . Please feel free to comment on anything here and visit our Web for a free Rules of the Road download! Site RUNNING AGROUND AND GETTING OFF In every sailor's life lurks the inevitability of an eventual grounding. If you're a sailor and you haven't yet run aground, chances are very good that one day you will. What to do When You Run Aground DON'T PANIC -- doing the wrong ...
March 4, 2008 by Sailor Cull
  Person Overboard!  Sailing Rescue Techniques      Most one man-overboard drills usually consist of throwing over a cushion and returningto pick it up by the strap.  A good sized fireplace log is a better way to do the practice because it is much more awkward to get aboard.    There are four important steps to retrieving a person who has gone overboard. The first is to return withoutdelay to a position near the victim. The second is to maneu...
February 28, 2008 by Sailor Cull
The Right of Way rules do not technically come into effect between boats until there is the possibility of collision. Sailboats should never get so close to each other so that a risk of collision exists. vessels should pass portside to portside and as far to starboard as water depth permits. When two sailboats meet there are three rules to follow: 1. The boat on the port tack gives way to the boat on the starboard tack. 2. When on the same tack, the windward boat gives way to the leeward ...
December 16, 2007 by Sailor Cull
Person Overboard! Rescue Technique from Sailor Cull Most one man-overboard drills usually consist of throwing over a cushion and returningto pick it up by the strap. A good sized fireplace log is a better way to do the practice because it is much more awkward to get aboard. There are four important steps to retrieving a person who has gone overboard. The first is to return withoutdelay to a position near the victim. The second is to maneuver your boat close enough so y...
November 23, 2007 by Sailor Cull
Welcome aboard to my Sailing Tips Blog! Today we have True and Apparent Wind, Wind Direction and Sailing Terms . Please feel free to comment on anything here and visit our Web Site for a free Rules of the Road download! True and Apparent Wind The wind hitting a still object is called the True Wind . This wind can cause the object to move,creating what is known as the Apparent Wind. For example, if you light a candle, hold it in front of you and start walking, you'll...
November 17, 2007 by Sailor Cull
RUNNING AGROUND AND GETTING OFF In every sailor's life lurks the inevitability of an eventual grounding. If you're a sailor and you haven't yet run aground, chances are very good that one day you will. What to do When You Run Aground DON'T PANIC -- doing the wrong thing can put you on harder. Now that you're on the bottom, take a minute to evaluate the situation. Check the bilge to be sure that you haven't holed the boat and aren't taking on water. What is the nat...