Boating language can be confusing until you know what it really means — and that can lead to unintended consequences when it matters most. In this episode, Neil explores the quirky world of nautical terminology, from “make fast” and “spring lines” to “all hands on deck” and “pan pan.” We highlight some of the terms most commonly misunderstood, share ways to include simple explanations when using them, and offer ideas to help you set up clear, effective briefings that bridge the gap between what’s said by the skipper and what’s heard by the crew.

The course we mentioned in the episode is the Online Skipper Course. Click here to enrol in this course.

In this episode, Neil shares a practical approach to turning long-held boating ambitions into achievable plans. He explores how to decide whether to tackle each destination as an owner or crew, on your own boat or a charter, and how to structure your list in a realistic order so you give yourself the best chance to experience them all.

This episode explores the often-overlooked skill of line-of-sight navigation — using what you can see to stay aware of your surroundings and make confident decisions on the water.

Neil shares how visual references, such as headlands, islands, and transits, remain just as relevant today, even with modern chart plotters and GNSS. It’s a reminder that keeping your head up and eyes out of the boat adds a vital layer of situational awareness that technology can’t replace.