Checking the exhaust on your boat is like checking the air in your car tires. You have to have water coming out of your exhaust for your engine to run smoothly. A lack of water will cause hoses to swell and the engine to get hot or overheat. Follow these 4 steps to monitor your engine's health through the exhaust. 1. When you start the engine and the water is cool, meter the water flow by holding a two gallon bucket under the exhaust. 2. Measure the amount of time needed t

A great afternoon sail in Nantucket Harbor started with a light wind. We gently glided, protected from the Atlantic’s waves, and launched a big, red spinnaker. As the wind continued to drop, we employed our light wind strategies. How many of these do you use to keep your boat moving in light winds? 1. "WHISPER" ~ move very slowly and gradually (In light winds, abrupt weight changes can literally knock the wind right out of your sails and may cause your boat to drop lower i

Transmission fluid 1, 2, 3 For engines with transmission fluid, a quarterly check, or more if used often, is recommended prevention. For hydraulic transmissions, start by running the engine for a few minutes and then shut it down. Check these 3 indicators: 1. fluid level - how has it changed? 2. viscosity - with a dab of oil between your pointer and thumb, pull fingers apart and look at the shape. An hour glass shape means your oil is good. 3. color - pink is good, maple sy

Building new partnerships, teach2sail traveled inland to Sant Joan de Vilatorrada, Manresa Spain, to work with CLIL Catalonia's high level English language students. Tailoring the presentation to do more than bring aboard a new generation of sailors, this group of young adults and adults was encouraged to dream big and ACHIEVE that which seems impossible! "Where do you want to go with your English skills" was the opening question. "I want to be a translator," "I want to trav