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.
Discover
Alternative Seasickness Remedies
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.
Sailing Quotes
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.
HMS Victory Shipwreck
HMS Victory 1737
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.
The Challenger Deep
“…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
The Mary Celeste
The Mary Celeste: One of the Greatest Maritime Mysteries
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.
Oilies or Oilskins
Sailing Oilskins: The Essential Waterproof Gear for Life at Sea
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.
The Kraken
The Kraken: Myth, Monster, or Misunderstood Squid?
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?
HMS Bounty
HMS Bounty: History Beyond the Famous Mutiny
HMS Bounty is best known for the infamous mutiny of 1789, but the story of the ship itself, from its origins to its final fate, is just as compelling.
Mutiny!
Mutiny: What It Means and How to Avoid It
Mutiny is one of the most feared situations for any ship’s captain. Throughout history, there have been many stories of sailors committing mutiny, often leading to dramatic, and sometimes life-changing, consequences.
Before jumping to those extremes, it’s worth understanding what mutiny actually is and how it arises.