Cannes Yachting Festival, The Blog
For sailboat and motorboat enthusiasts.
Understanding the fundamentals of marine engineering
Acquiring a sound understanding of basic marine engineering involves comprehending the system—namely the engine—that generates, transmits or transforms motion. It also requires an appreciation of...
What is a yard?
A sailing vessel, a mast, a sail, a line, a yard… On board a ship, the yard is a spar belonging to the wider family of rigging components, which includes wires, ropes, head fittings, blocks and...
Why choose a ketch?
Definition of a ketch The term ketch is derived from the English word “catch”, referring to fishing catches. Historically, a ketch was a two-masted fishing vessel or cargo ship, often square-rigged....
How to trim the mainsail
For effective sailing, the mainsail must be correctly trimmed. This is the fundamental condition for achieving optimal performance in terms of balance and power, regardless of sea state, wind...
What are the different types of schooners?
Origin and terminology This rig type was developed in the 16th century by Dutch sailors under the name “Schoener”, which later gave rise to the English term schooner. The French term goélette likely...
Buying a yacht: which are the best builders and brands?
Purchasing a yacht is a significant decision that requires careful consideration and a thorough understanding of the various options available. Among these, the shipyard and brand represent critical...
How to tune shrouds (standing rigging) ?
“Shroud tuning: the process of adjusting or consolidating mast settings using the shrouds.” While the definition appears straightforward, its practical application is considerably more complex. A...
Glossary of naval architecture terms
Naval architecture: the art of structures that navigate Naval architecture may be defined as the discipline concerned with the design of structures intended to operate on and beneath the water. The...
What is a spar used for?
Spar afloat: definition At sea, maritime buoyage systems—ensuring the safety of vessels and navigation—are governed by the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse...
What is a capstan used for?
The capstan: then Historically, the capstan was a wooden drum with a vertical axis into which capstan bars were inserted, around which a rope was wound. These bars—removable levers used to rotate...
Backstay or running backstays: which should you choose?
Definition of the backstay On a Bermuda-rigged sailing yacht, the backstay is a cable running between the masthead and the stern (via a chainplate secured to the deck structure). In its single...
How to repair a torn sail
A cruise is, by definition, a voyage—and like any voyage, it requires thorough preparation before departure. While you may not be embarking on a circumnavigation or contemplating a passage to...