Mounting a Wireless Masthead Anemometer – Because I Rarely Look Up at the Burgee

One thing I’ve discovered while learning to sail on the River Thames is that sailors are supposed to constantly glance up at the burgee or wind indicator at the top of the mast. Apparently this tells you everything about the wind direction and how well your sails are set.

There is just one small problem.

I rarely remember to look up, and we have a masthead float.

Instead, I tend to look where the boat is going, where the bank is, where the next buoy is, and occasionally where my helm is sitting to make sure we haven’t capsized yet. The result is that the burgee can flap around heroically above my head while I remain blissfully unaware of what it is trying to tell me.

So I started thinking about a slightly more tech-friendly solution.

The Idea

The plan is to mount a small wireless wind anemometer on top of the masthead float and place a digital display at the foot of the mast. That way, instead of craning my neck like an owl every few seconds, I can simply glance down and see:

• Wind speed

• Wind direction

• Gust changes

This is essentially bringing the sort of instruments you see on yachts down to a simple dinghy scale.

Why the Masthead?

The top of the mast is actually the best place to measure wind because:

• The airflow is cleaner and less disturbed by sails

• It represents the true wind direction more accurately

• The sensor is away from crew movement

In my case the masthead float provides a convenient mounting point and also helps keep the boat from turning turtle if we capsize — something that beginner sailors (like me) try quite hard to avoid.

Wireless Makes It Easy

Older systems required wires running down the mast, which is fine on a yacht but a nuisance on a dinghy that is regularly rigged and de-rigged.

Modern wireless sensors solve this problem:

• Sensor powered by small solar panel and battery

• Signal sent wirelessly to a cockpit display

• No cables to disconnect when lowering the mast

For a training boat like our RS Toura, simplicity is everything.

What It Helps With

Having a digital wind display is surprisingly useful for learning:

1️⃣ Understanding gusts
You start to see exactly when the wind jumps from 6 knots to 12 knots.

2️⃣ Sail trim learning
You can correlate boat speed and sail position with wind strength.

3️⃣ Teaching beginners
Instead of saying “it feels windy” you can say “we’re sailing in about 10 knots”.

It turns sailing from guesswork into something a bit more measurable and scientific — which appeals to the science teacher in me.

Will I Still Look at the Burgee?

Probably… No is the real answer - it will be a waste of time fitting one.

So until that good habit forms, having a digital wind display at eye level might just stop me sailing along happily while the burgee is desperately pointing the other way.

And if it encourages a few more data-driven sailors on the Thames, then the experiment will have been worth it.

 

Best Translator App to Use When Abroad

(It sounds odd for sailing… until the moment you enter a foreign port!)

Google Translate is one of those apps most sailors never think about packing… until the moment they tie up in a harbour where nobody speaks English.

When you’re sailing locally on the River Thames, life is easy. Everyone speaks the same language, and the most complicated conversation usually involves where the tea and biscuits are stored on the committee boat. But the moment you arrive in a foreign marina—perhaps in Croatia, Greece, or Italy—the situation can change rather quickly.

Suddenly you need to ask things like:

• “Where is the fuel pontoon?”

• “Is there space for a 14-metre yacht tonight?”

• “Where can we buy fresh water?”

• “Can we get electricity on the berth?”

That’s when a translation app becomes one of the most useful bits of kit on board.

Why Google Translate Works So Well

The reason many travellers rely on Google Translate is that it works in several very practical ways:

1️⃣ Text translation
Type a phrase and instantly show it in the local language.

2️⃣ Voice translation
Speak into the phone and let the app translate your question aloud.

3️⃣ Camera translation
Point the camera at a menu, noticeboard, or harbour instructions and the app translates the text instantly.

4️⃣ Offline language packs
Download the language before you travel so it works even when there is no mobile signal in the marina.

For sailors, that last point is particularly important—marinas and harbours don’t always have great internet connections.

Real Situations Where It Helps Sailors

Even if most harbourmasters speak some English, there are always moments when translation helps:

⚓ Understanding harbour rules
⚓ Reading weather notices
⚓ Ordering food in a harbour restaurant
⚓ Asking for spare parts or tools
⚓ Talking to local fishermen or boat owners

And sometimes it’s simply polite. Making the effort to speak a few words of the local language—even if your phone is helping you—often leads to much friendlier conversations.

My Plan for Croatia

As I prepare for my Competent Crew sailing trip in Croatia, this is one of the apps I will definitely have installed on my iPad and phone.

It may not seem like sailing equipment… but when you arrive in a harbour after a long passage and need to ask where to moor, it suddenly becomes one of the most useful tools on board.

And if nothing else, it may help ensure the most important question of the evening is understood perfectly:

“Where is the nearest restaurant?”

5 Free Apps for Sailing with an iPad in the Adriatic

When sailing on a yacht in the Adriatic this spring as part of the RYA Competent Crew course, I will definitely be taking an iPad with me. While traditional navigation using paper charts and a compass is still essential, modern sailing apps can add a huge amount of useful information.

The good news is that many of the most useful sailing apps are free, or at least have a free version that is perfectly adequate for most cruising sailors. 

Here are five excellent free apps that are well worth installing before you leave the marina.

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1. Navionics Boating

The Navionics Boating app is one of the most popular navigation apps used by sailors around the world.

The free version allows you to:

• View marine charts

• Plan routes between harbours

• Identify navigation markers and hazards

• Check harbour information

For serious navigation you would normally subscribe to the detailed chart package, but even the free version is extremely useful for planning routes or checking positions quickly.

Many sailors now use Navionics on an iPad mounted near the helm as a low-cost chartplotter.

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2. Windy

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Weather matters enormously when sailing, particularly in places like the Adriatic where conditions can change rapidly.

The Windy app is widely used by sailors, pilots and meteorologists because it provides beautiful animated weather maps.

It can show:

• Wind speed and direction

• Rain and storms

• Wave height

• Temperature and pressure systems

It is particularly useful for spotting incoming weather systems before they reach you.

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3. PredictWind

The PredictWind app is designed specifically for sailors.

Even the free version provides:

• Detailed wind forecasts

• Multiple forecast models

• Coastal weather predictions

• Local wind direction changes

The Adriatic can produce localised winds such as the Bora and the Sirocco, and PredictWind helps you understand when these may appear.

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4. MarineTraffic

4The MarineTraffic app shows ships around the world using AIS tracking data.

This allows you to see:

• Large ships near your location

• Their course and speed

• Where they are heading

• Port arrival information

In busy areas or narrow channels this can be extremely helpful in understanding what other vessels are doing around you.

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5. Anchor Alarm (Anchor Watch)

A final very useful safety tool is an anchor alarm app, such as Anchor Alarm.

When anchored overnight, the app uses the iPad’s GPS to ensure your boat remains inside a safe swinging circle.

If the boat drifts outside that circle, the alarm sounds.

This can give enormous peace of mind when anchored in unfamiliar bays.

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A Final Thought

Sailing apps are fantastic tools, but they should never replace traditional navigation skills.

When I head to Croatia for the Competent Crew course, I will still be using:

• Paper charts

• A hand bearing compass

• Tidal information

• Good seamanship

But having an iPad with a few well-chosen apps can provide an extra layer of safety, awareness, and convenience.

And the best part?
Most of the useful ones are completely free.

 After the jacket, what other essentials do I need for a holiday in the Adriatic?

For many sailors heading to the Adriatic for the first time—especially those doing RYA Competent Crew—there’s a moment about halfway through the week when someone says:

"I really wish I had brought one of those.

So I asked around and this what the experienced sailor said.

Here are 10 things Competent Crew students often realise they should have packed once they are already out sailing around the Croatian islands.

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1. Sailing Gloves

Almost everyone underestimates how much rope handling there is on a yacht.

After a few days of:

• hauling halyards

• trimming sheets

• handling mooring lines

hands can get quite sore.

Fingerless sailing gloves quickly become one of the most appreciated bits of kit.

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2. A Small Head Torch

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Cabins on yachts are surprisingly dark at night.

A head torch is useful for:

• finding gear in your bag

• night watches

• moving around the boat without waking everyone up

Choose one with a red light mode to preserve night vision.

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3. Polarised Sunglasses

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Sunlight reflecting off the sea can be intense.

Polarised sunglasses:

• reduce glare

• help you see wind patterns on the water

• make long hours on deck far more comfortable.

A retaining strap is wise—many sunglasses now live permanently at the bottom of the Adriatic.

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4. Non-Slip Deck Shoes

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Good deck shoes provide:

• grip on wet surfaces

• stability when the boat heels

• protection for toes

They must have non-marking soles, otherwise skippers may not be impressed.

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5. A Waterproof Dry Bag

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Yachts are damp environments.

A small dry bag protects:

• phones

• wallets

• passports

• spare clothes

One wave over the bow can soak everything.

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6. A Reusable Water Bottle

Sailing is surprisingly dehydrating.

Between:

• wind

• sun

• salt air

you drink far more water than expected. A large reusable bottle is essential.

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7. A Warm Mid-Layer

Even in the Adriatic, evenings can be chilly.

A fleece or lightweight insulated jacket works perfectly under your sailing jacket when the wind picks up.

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8. Seasickness Tablets

Even experienced sailors occasionally get caught out by motion sickness.

The Adriatic is often calm—but when the Bora or Jugo winds arrive, things can get lively.

Better to have tablets and not need them.

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9. A Soft Bag (Not a Suitcase)

Cabins on yachts are small.

Hard suitcases are awkward to store.
Most sailing schools recommend a soft duffel bag.

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10. A Notebook

This surprises people—but many Competent Crew students like to record:

• knots they learned

• navigation notes

• sailing terms

• harbour names

It also makes a great logbook of the trip.

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⚓ Final Thought

The funny thing about sailing holidays is that you quickly realise the essentials are actually quite simple:

• stay dry

• stay warm

• protect your hands and eyes

• keep your gear organised

Everything else is just part of the adventure.

 

Choosing the Right Sailing Gear – River Thames vs the Adriatic

One of the questions I often get asked by new sailors is: “What sailing gear should I buy?” The answer, rather unhelpfully, is usually “it depends where you’re sailing.” The kit that works perfectly on the River Thames in Bourne End is not necessarily the same gear you’d want when sailing on the open sea.

Most of my sailing so far has been on the River Thames at Upper Thames Sailing Club, learning in our RS Toura. River sailing has its own character. The water is relatively sheltered, the wind is often gusty as it funnels between trees and houses, and if you capsize you are rarely far from the bank—or a helpful safety boat. Because of this, the clothing I typically wear is fairly straightforward: a buoyancy aid, sailing gloves, wetsuit or drysuit depending on the season, and good grippy sailing boots. Comfort and flexibility matter more than extreme weather protection.

However, this April I’ll be sailing somewhere very different — the Adriatic coast of Croatia while working towards my Competent Crew qualification. Sea sailing brings a completely different set of considerations. The wind can be stronger and steadier, the distances between harbours much larger, and the weather can change quickly. You might be on deck for hours rather than the short bursts of activity typical in dinghy sailing on the Thames.

For coastal sailing, clothing becomes much more about layering and protection from spray and wind. Offshore-style waterproof jacket and salopettes suddenly make sense, along with thermal layers, proper deck shoes, and perhaps a warmer hat for early mornings. Even in the Mediterranean in April, the wind over the water can make things feel surprisingly chilly.

What I’m discovering is that sailing kit isn’t really about buying everything at once. It’s about buying the right gear for the sailing you actually do. Start with the basics for your local waters, then gradually add specialist equipment as your sailing adventures expand.

Of course, sailors have a well-known solution to this problem:
any excuse to buy more sailing kit!

So what should I buy for the Adriatic in Early Spring? I asked at the club and these are the answers and recommendations I got.

For sailing the Adriatic in April, you want something in the “coastal/offshore” category, not just a light inshore jacket. Even in the Mediterranean the wind over the water can feel surprisingly cold, and spray on a yacht can soak ordinary waterproofs very quickly.

Here are three excellent jackets sailors commonly use for coastal cruising, including RYA courses and flotilla sailing. Prices correct as of 9th March 2026

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1️⃣ Gill OS2 Offshore Jacket (Excellent all-round choice)

Gill Men's OS2 Offshore Jacket

£249.95

•

Marine Super Store + others

Gill Men's OS2 Offshore Jacket

£221.99

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Marine Supplies Direct + others

Gill OS2 Men's Offshore Sailing Jacket 2026

£264.95

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Pirates Cave Chandlery

Why sailors like it

• Designed specifically for offshore and coastal sailing

• Very good waterproof and breathable fabric

• High fleece-lined collar to protect from spray

• Adjustable storm hood and double cuffs

• Reflective panels for safety

The OS2 is widely regarded as a “sweet spot” jacket for cruising sailors—serious weather protection without the extreme price of full ocean-racing gear. It’s often recommended as a go-to coastal jacket.

💰 Typical price: £220–£260

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2️⃣ Helly Hansen Skagen Offshore Jacket (Very popular for yacht courses)

Helly Hansen Men's Skagen Offshore Sailing Jacket

£259.95

•

Marine Super Store + others

Helly Hansen Men's Skagen Offshore Sailing Jacket

£259.95

•

Marine Super Store + others

Helly Hansen Men’s Skagen Sailing Jacket

£375.00

•

Morgan Marine

Why it’s excellent

• Helly Tech waterproof breathable fabric

• Double cuffs to stop water running down sleeves

• Very protective hood and high collar

• Comfortable and durable

Many sailors like Helly Hansen gear because it’s hard-wearing and comfortable on longer passages.

💰 Typical price: £250–£300

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3️⃣ Musto BR2 Offshore Jacket (Premium mid-range option)

Musto Men's BR2 Offshore 2.0 Jacket

£299.95

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Hollands Country Clothing + others

Musto BR2 Offshore Jacket 2.0 Mens

£227.79

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Varuste.net

Musto Men's BR2 Offshore Jacket 2.0

£260.00

•

Marine Supplies Direct

Why Musto is famous

• Excellent waterproof rating

• Double storm flap and high collar

• Very durable construction

• Often used by serious cruisers

Musto jackets are among the best-known sailing waterproofs and offer strong protection for coastal sailing with good freedom of movement.

💰 Typical price: £260–£320

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You don’t need full ocean-racing gear, but you do want proper sailing waterproofs rather than a hiking jacket.

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One tip many first-time yacht sailors miss

Bring layers under the jacket:

• merino or thermal base layer

• fleece mid-layer

• sailing jacket outer layer

April evenings on deck can feel surprisingly chilly.

In the next few days you will see the choice I made.

 Last Minute Checks on the Boat Before Your First Spring Sail

After a long winter ashore, the first sail of spring is always exciting. The sun appears, the wind looks promising, and suddenly the boat park comes alive again. But before rushing down the slipway with enthusiasm and optimism, it is worth taking a few minutes to give the boat a proper once-over.

Winter has a habit of quietly damaging things. Ropes stiffen, fittings loosen, sails develop mysterious creases, and spiders move in as if they’ve signed a long-term lease on your cockpit.

What applies to small dinghies also applies to larger boats.

1. Check the Hull and Foils

Start with the basics. Walk around the hull and look for any cracks, dents, or damage that may have appeared over winter. Even small problems can become large ones once the boat is bouncing over spring waves.

Check:

• The rudder and tiller fittings

• The centreboard or daggerboard for smooth movement

• Drain bungs (you would be surprised how many people forget these!)

If the centreboard refuses to move, it usually means either sand, mud, or last autumn’s river weed has set like concrete.

2. Inspect All the Running Rigging

Next come the ropes. Lines that looked perfectly healthy in October can look rather tired by March.

Pay particular attention to:

• Halyards

• Sheets

• Downhaul / Cunningham

• Outhaul

• Any control lines

Look for fraying, stiffness, or knots that have mysteriously tightened themselves over winter. If a rope looks suspicious, replace it now rather than discovering its weakness halfway up the river.

3. Check the Standing Rigging

The mast and its supports deserve a careful inspection.

Look for:

• Loose shroud pins

• Bent split rings

• Corrosion around fittings

• Cracks around mast steps or chain plates

A five-second check on shore can prevent a very dramatic dismasting later.

4. Examine the Sails

Unroll the sails and check them carefully.

Look for:

• Tears or worn stitching

• Battens that have disappeared (they sometimes do)

• Stiff bolt ropes or luff sleeves

Spring breezes can be surprisingly fresh, so it’s best to know the sails are ready before hoisting them.

5. Safety Equipment

Before launching, make sure the essential safety items are actually in the boat.

This includes:

• Buoyancy aids

• Bailer or pump

• Painter line

• Paddle

• Righting line if fitted

You will only notice a missing bailer after the first enthusiastic wave lands in the cockpit.

6. Electronics and Extras

If you use gadgets—action cameras, GPS units, or mast-top wind sensors—check batteries and mounts.

Spring is also when many sailors suddenly discover that their camera batteries are still sitting on charge at home.

The Final Check

Finally, stand back and ask yourself one simple question:

“If something fails today, what is most likely to break?”

If the answer is anything structural, fix it now.

Because the golden rule of sailing preparation is simple:

Problems found in the boat park are minor.
Problems discovered halfway up the river are adventures.

 

Sailing Term of the Week: The Transom

If you stand behind almost any boat, from a tiny dinghy to a large yacht, you’ll probably be looking straight at the transom.

In simple terms, the transom is the flat (or sometimes slightly curved) surface that forms the very back of the boat. On many dinghies it’s the vertical panel where the rudder is attached and where the boat effectively ends.

You can explore the technical definition here:
https://pmrsailing.uk/sailing-lessons/sailing-terms-list/Transom.html

Why the Transom Matters

The transom might look like just another bit of boat, but it actually plays several important roles.

First, it’s usually where the rudder fittings (gudgeons and pintles) are mounted. Without the transom, the rudder would have nowhere sensible to attach.

Second, the shape of the transom affects how the boat moves through the water. Modern racing dinghies often have wide, flat transoms which allow them to plane more easily when sailing fast.

Third, it’s where a lot of practical things happen. On some boats you’ll find:

• The outboard motor mount

• Drain bungs

• Towing eyes

• The occasional exhausted crew member hanging over it after an enthusiastic gybe.

Open vs Closed Transoms

Older boats often had closed transoms – a solid back panel that kept water out.

Many modern dinghies have open transoms or cut-aways. These allow water to drain quickly if the boat gets swamped or after a capsize.

This is particularly useful for training boats and racing dinghies where getting rid of water quickly can make the difference between sailing away confidently or sitting there with a floating swimming pool in the cockpit.

Transoms and River Sailing

On rivers like the Thames, the transom also tells you quite a lot about the design philosophy of the boat.

Traditional Thames racing boats such as A-Raters and B-Raters have elegant narrow sterns with beautifully shaped transoms designed to reduce drag.

Modern training dinghies like our RS Toura have broader sterns and wider transoms, helping stability and making it easier for beginners learning the ropes.

Both designs work brilliantly — they’re simply optimised for different kinds of sailing.

A Final Thought

When you’re learning to sail, you quickly discover that every part of the boat has a name. At first it can feel like learning a new language.

But once you know the basic parts — bow, stern, mast, boom, rudder and transom — everything starts to make sense.

And the next time someone shouts from another boat:

“Watch your transom!”

You’ll at least know which bit of the boat they’re talking about.