Cruising Resources
Sailing to South Africa? Learn About The Mozambique Channel
When sailing to South Africa and going down the Mozambique channel there are a few important factors to consider. One is the Agulhas current running north to south and the other is the two prevailing wind directions. Combined, with polar fronts peeling off from the lower latitudes, sailors need to be prepared for short weather windows, dangerous seas and very limited safe havens. Read this useful guidance report from Vince Nel, Director of OSASA.
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Guinea Bissau, Bijagos Archipelago: An Unknown Paradise
Why rush to cross the Atlantic for the Caribbean, say Knut Kähler and Bianka Martens of SV Habiby, when there is so much to see on the eastern side? Having sailed from the Canaries to Cape Verdes, they spent time exploring West Africa. After Senegal and Gambia, the highlight was Guinea Bissau – a former Portuguese colony – that they say, despite the tricky navigation, was an “unknown paradise”.
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Portugal, Peniche: Yacht Sinks after Orca Interaction
Five people have been rescued, three of them children, after their yacht sank following an interaction with Orca off the coast of Portugal, near Peniche, according to local news reports.
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EU Confirms October 12 Start Date for New Entry/Exit System
Non-EU sailors need to be aware that EES begins on 12 October. The 29 European countries using the EES will gradually introduce the new data collection system at their external border crossing points, with full implementation by 10 April 2026. Find out what you need to know.
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Fiji, Kadavu Group: Know the Rules When Swimming with Manta Rays
Crew on yachts visiting popular Manta Ray feeding areas and cleaning stations around Ono Island – in the Kadavu Group of Southern Fiji – are being asked to familiarise themselves with the rules and regulations concerning interacting and swimming with Manta Rays. The protection of this incredible Manta Ray habitat is of the utmost importance and cruisers must respect the regulations and guidance.
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South Pacific Crossing: Dealing with “The Dangerous Middle”
Crossing the South Pacific on the Coconut Milk Run takes cruisers through an area known as the “Dangerous Middle” – a zone of unstable weather, characterized by erratic trade winds, frequent low-pressure systems, and convergence zone activity. After leaving the Cook Islands and heading westwards towards Fiji, Jim and Pam Yares aboard SV Roam report on a passage that found them dealing with wind and waves that formed a “lumpy gravy” sea state.
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Comment on Fiji
Note to clarify recent experience regarding 48 hours notice for arrival requirements. Recent incidents of smuggling of band substances and arms aboard cruising yachts has increased the rigour and precise application of official regulations of the advance arrival notification for cruising boats...
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New Zealand: Understanding Biofouling Requirements
Cruisers heading to New Zealand to escape the South Pacific Cyclone season or as part of their round the world adventure are being advised to make sure they are fully conversant with the Ministry of Primary Industry’s strict biofouling inspection requirements, so they do not have any clearance issues on arrival.
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Choosing the Right Flying Sail Sheets and Control Lines
There’s nothing better than downwind sailing with a spinnaker, cruising chute or other light weight flying sail. But when it comes to choosing the right sheets and control lines for these flying sails, there are a number key performance factors to consider as outlined in this report from Jimmy Green Marine.
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Electronic Navigation Systems – Guidance for Safe Use on Leisure Vessels
The Royal Institute of Navigation (RIN) Small Craft Group has published an updated edition of its Electronic Navigation Systems – Guidance for Safe Use on Leisure Vessels booklet, which includes the latest developments in navigation technology, user feedback from across the leisure marine sector as well as a new section on astronavigation as a vital backup to electronic methods.
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