Posts

Starlink Internet Review- My experience, slow and unreliable

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 With the promise of download speeds of 50 - 150Mbps I was very interested in trying out Starlink. I was mostly interested on it as a way to get high speed internet on a cruising sailboat and I have seen several posts that show people claiming to get reasonable results with Starlink. So some time back I registered to get notified of service in my area (currently living outside Ottawa, Ontario, Canada). The Starlink service has been been available in my area for some time, but the set-up costs were very expensive, running close to $800 (CDN) A couple of weeks back I got an email from Starlink informing me that the prices had dropped by 50%, service costs also dropped to $140/month for residential and $170/month for roaming (All CDN). This was enough to push me over the edge, and give it a try. I thought that if I could get it working well on land, it would be a viable option for a cruising sailboat. So I purchased the roaming option. Within two weeks the package arrived...... The unboxi

Some Good Sailing Training Videos

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Sail Trim Tacking and Jibing Furling the Genoa DockingSailing  Training Videos Docking Technique Docking Basics Effect of wind when docking   Docking in gusty winds - What would you do? Anchoring Sailing  Training Videos How to Anchor Mooring Sailing  Training Videos Picking-up a mooring buoy   Man Over Board Sailing  Training Videos MOB Procedure Catamaran Sailing  Training Videos Yachting World Catamaran Basics: How to sail a Catamaran - Igor Stropnick How to sail a Catamaran 2 - Igor Stropnick How to sail a Catamaran 3- Igor Stropnick Catamaran Sail Trim Basics with Americas Cup Sailor Sam Newton | Tack, Gybe & Code Zero use Catamaran Docking Stern-to twin-engine crosswind cheat Catamaran Leaving the dock against the wind Catamaran leaving the dock safely - Yacht World Catamaran Docking Advanced - Igor Stropnick Catamaran MEDITERRANEAN MOORING | Using an Anchor or Mooring Block   Offshore Sailing  Training Videos

Basic Sailing Course

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  The following is a series of videos that cover the material required for the following courses: Sail Canada  - Basic Cruising Standard American Sailing -  ASA 101 Basic Keelboat Sailing   There is significant overlap between the two standards, here will cover the superset of the components found in each. This is NOT intended as a replacement for training with a certified instructor. Before you set out on the water you should always take on the water training with a certified instructor. You may use this material as preparation for taking the course with a certified training school. With this material you will be able to ace your written test  this, allowing you to maximize the benefits from your hands on training. Sections: Sailing Terms and Definitions Parts of a boat Standing Rigging Running Rigging Points of Sail Gear and Equipment Safety  Rules of the Road and Regulations Weather Duties of the Skipper and Crew Seamanship

The Cruising Lifestyle - Is it for you?

  Sailboat cruising is a unique lifestyle that combines the freedom of the open water with the simplicity of living off the grid. It is a way of life that is becoming increasingly popular among those who want to escape the stresses of modern life and experience the beauty of the natural world. It is all about freedom, it allows you to set your own schedule and explore new places at your own pace. You can sail to remote islands, anchor in secluded bays, and experience the tranquility of the sea. It is a way to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with nature. But, in many coastal towns, villages or cities you can also tie up in a marina in the heart of the city. Sailboat cruising is also a great way to simplify your life. When you live on a sailboat, you learn to live with less. You have to be mindful of the space and resources you have, and this forces you to declutter and simplify your life. This can be a liberating experience and can help you focus on

Online Sailing Resources

 Here are some online sailing courses currently available: Sail Canada ( https://www.sailing.ca. ) - Sail Canada is the national governing body for sailing in Canada, and they offer a range of sailing courses for all levels of experience. These courses are designed to prepare students for both recreational and competitive sailing. SailNet ( https://www.sailnet.com/ ) - SailNet is an online sailing community that offers a variety of sailing courses for all levels of experience. These courses are designed to teach students the skills they need to sail safely and confidently. International Sailing School ( https://www.internationalsailingschool.com/ ) - The International Sailing School is a leading provider of sailing courses for all levels of experience. These courses are designed to teach students the skills they need to sail safely and confidently. National Sailing School ( https://www.nationalsailingschool.com/ ) - The National Sailing School is a leading provider of sailing courses f

Other Blogs and videos about Cruising the Gulf Islands

 Here are some other blogs that you may find interesting: Gulf Islands Guide: This blog is a comprehensive guide to cruising the Gulf Islands of British Columbia. It includes information on destinations, anchorages, marinas, and activities, as well as tips for navigating the islands. You can find it at https://gulfislandsguide.com/ . Sailing the Gulf Islands: This blog is written by a couple who have been sailing the Gulf Islands for many years. They share their experiences and insights, as well as recommendations for destinations, anchorages, and activities. You can find it at https://sailingthegulfislands.com/ . Gulf Island Cruising: This blog is a resource for those planning a cruising trip to the Gulf Islands. It includes information on destinations, anchorages, marinas, and activities, as well as tips for navigating the islands. You can find it at https://www.gulfislandcruising.com/ . Gulf Islands Cruising: This blog is written by a couple who have been cruising the Gulf Islands f

Vancouver Marinas

Vancouver, British Columbia has some excellent marinas right in the heart of the city, they offer a wide range of facilities and services for boaters. Here are the top marinas in and around Vancouver: Granville Island Marina: Located in the heart of Granville Island, this marina offers over 900 slips for boats up to 50 feet in length. It has a fuel dock, pump-out station, laundry facilities, and a well-stocked marine store. Transient moorage is available on a first-come, first-served basis. https://www.granvilleislandmarina.com/ False Creek Harbour Authority: Located in the heart of downtown Vancouver, this marina offers over 400 slips for boats up to 50 feet in length. It has a fuel dock, pump-out station, showers, and laundry facilities. Transient moorage is available on a first-come, first-served basis. https://www.fcmc.ca/ Horseshoe Bay Marina: Located in the beautiful village of Horseshoe Bay, this marina offers over 300 slips for boats up to 60 feet in length. It has a fuel dock,