What Are Sextants?
Sextants are traditional navigation instruments used by sailors to determine their position at sea. Long before GPS, sextants allowed navigators to calculate latitude and longitude using the Sun, Moon, stars, and the horizon.
Originally published in 2014. Updated in 2026 with revised information and additional guidance.
Following on from our article Seasickness Remedies, here are some alternative seasickness remedies if you prefer a more natural approach to preventing nausea while at sea.
Many sailors look for natural seasickness remedies before turning to medication, especially for shorter trips or when sailing regularly.
There are countless sailing quotes from writers, sailors, and adventurers across the centuries. Some inspire, some amuse, and others capture the magic of life at sea. Here are just a few of our favourites.
When people hear the name HMS Victory, their thoughts usually turn to Nelson and the Battle of Trafalgar. However, long before that famous ship sailed, there was another, the HMS Victory shipwreck of 1744.
“…we have better maps of the surface of Mars and the moon than we do the bottom of the ocean. We know very, very little about most of the ocean.” – Gene Feldman
Sea quotes capture the timeless pull of the ocean, from the thrill of sailing under open skies to the quiet moments drifting on calm waters. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor, a dreamer of distant horizons, or simply someone who feels drawn to the sea, these sea quotes reflect the beauty, challenge, and freedom of life on the water.
The Mary Celeste became famous as the centre of one of the greatest mysteries in maritime history.
On 5 December 1872, the merchant brigantine was discovered adrift in the Atlantic Ocean, completely deserted.
Sailing oilskins, often called oilies, are an essential part of any sailor’s kit. Designed to keep you dry in heavy rain, spray, and strong winds, they remain one of the most reliable forms of protection against the elements.
Blistering Barnacles! The bane of many a seafarer, the humble barnacle may be small, but its impact is anything but.
Discover the truth behind the legendary Kraken, the sea monster of Norse mythology that inspired sailors’ tales, scientific curiosity, and Tennyson’s poetry. Was it real, or just a myth born from the giant squid?