SAILMENTOR
Learn the ropes — sailing skills, seamanship, and the calculators every sailor needs.
From sizing up your hull speed and sail area to resolving the true wind, setting the right anchor scope, reading the tide, and measuring the miles ahead, SailMentor pairs free hands-on sailing calculators with practical seamanship guides and a richly illustrated museum. Learn the ropes, sail further.
Sailing Tools & Calculators
Free tools for every passage — hull speed calculator, sail area calculator, true wind calculator, anchor scope calculator, tide height calculator, and sailing distance calculator.
⛵ Hull Speed Calculator
Find a displacement hull's theoretical top speed from its waterline length — hull speed in knots, mph, and km/h, using the classic 1.34 × √LWL rule
🌊 Sail Area Calculator
Work out mainsail and foretriangle area from your P, E, I, and J rig dimensions, then the total sail area and the sail-area/displacement ratio that gauges a boat's power
💨 True Wind Calculator
Turn the apparent wind on deck into the true wind over the water from your boat speed and apparent wind angle — true wind speed in knots and angle in degrees
⚓ Anchor Scope Calculator
How much rode to pay out for a secure hold: enter water depth, bow-roller height, and tidal rise, pick your scope ratio, and get the rode length in feet and metres
🌊 Tide Height Calculator
Estimate the water level between high and low water with the sailor's rule of twelfths — enter the two heights and the hours into the tide to see how far it has fallen
🧭 Sailing Distance Calculator
Measure a great-circle passage between two waypoints in nautical miles, kilometres, and statute miles, then estimate passage time from your average boat speed
Ships & Seamanship Museum
Step into an immersive museum of the world of sail — the sailboats and rigs that catch the wind alongside the legendary ships of the age of sail, the gear and craft of seamanship and navigation, and the winds, weather, and great races that test every sailor, each in its own gallery, so you can get to know the stories behind every vessel and skill: how each one came to be, what makes it matter, and the part it plays in the enduring art of sailing.
Tour the museum →From the Journal
Fresh guides on sailing basics, seamanship, navigation, anchoring, weather, and boat maintenance, plus practical tips for trimming sails, reading the tide, and making the most of every passage.
Advanced Anchoring Techniques Techniques and Methods
The Art of Secure Anchoring: Mastering Techniques for Every Sailboat Skipper Anchoring is not merely a routine task—it’s an essential skill that defines your safety and comfort at sea. Whether…
The Ultimate Compass: Navigating the World’s Most Enchanting Cruising Routes
The Ultimate Compass: Navigating the World’s Most Enchanting Cruising Routes Cruising is not merely a form of travel; it’s an odyssey that weaves together adventure, discovery, and tranquility. Whether you’re…
Sailboat Racing Tips: Practical Applications and Benefits
Mastering Sailboat Racing: Proven Strategies and Techniques for Competitive Success Sailboat racing demands a blend of technical knowledge, strategic decision-making, and precise execution. Whether you’re competing in local regattas or…
The Essential Sailing Fitness Regimen: Training Your Body for Life at Sea
The Essential Sailing Fitness Regimen: Training Your Body for Life at Sea Sailing is often romanticized as a leisurely pursuit, but those who know better understand that it demands exceptional…
Understanding the Core Framework of Sailing Certifications
Navigating Excellence: A Deep Dive Into Essential Sailing Certification Programs Sailing certification programs serve as vital milestones in the journey of maritime exploration, offering structured learning paths from novice to…
The Art and Science of Coastal Navigation: Mastering the Secrets of Safe Sailing Alongshore
The Art and Science of Coastal Navigation: Mastering the Secrets of Safe Sailing Alongshore Capturing the essence of coastal navigation requires an intricate blend of technical skill, environmental awareness, and…
Keep Learning
Practical know-how on rigging, sail trim, and anchoring, plain-language explainers on hull speed, true wind, and the rule of twelfths, and seasoned tips for new sailors and seasoned skippers alike — everything you need to dig deeper and sail further.
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