A Rubicon 3 Guide to Seamanship and Safety
Good seamanship is about skill, awareness, and good decision-making. At Rubicon 3, we sail hard and teach practical skills that make a real difference at sea. The Rubicon 3 Guide to Seamanship and Safety shares the knowledge every sailor needs to handle a yacht with confidence.
When you’re sailing offshore with Rubicon 3, whether carving a path through the high latitudes or island-hopping in the Caribbean, life on deck is where it all happens. The open deck of a yacht isn’t just a place to trim sails and take in the view—it’s an ever-changing, dynamic workspace where confidence, competence, and seamanship are put to the test. Understanding its layout and how to move efficiently can make all the difference between a smooth passage and an avoidable mishap.
The Cockpit: Command Centre at Sea
The cockpit is the nerve centre of any sailing yacht, where the helm steers the course and the crew works the lines. In our Clipper 60s, space is at a premium, and efficient teamwork is key. Every sailor, from novice to expert, quickly learns that winch handling, sail trimming, and communication must be seamless.
On many cruising yachts, the mainsheet is positioned on the coachroof, freeing up cockpit space but requiring a bit more muscle when trimming. Others, such as performance yachts, may have a traveller that runs across the cockpit—making mainsail handling more responsive but also increasing the risk of accidental trips or collisions when gybing. Knowing where to position yourself—and keeping clear when not actively involved—is an essential habit to build.
In addition to sail handling, the cockpit serves as the primary area for passage planning, debriefs, and relaxation. It’s often the only truly sheltered spot on deck, particularly in harsh conditions, where a sprayhood or bimini provides respite from the wind and waves. But that shelter can come at a cost—obstructed visibility, limited movement, and extra constraints on sail handling. Experienced sailors know how to balance comfort with efficiency, keeping movement smooth and coordinated, particularly in challenging sea states.
Expert Tip: Use colour-coded sheets to differentiate control lines quickly, reducing confusion and errors, especially in urgent situations.
Tiller or Wheel? The Great Debate
For those used to smaller boats, a tiller offers direct, instinctive steering—perfect for feeling every twitch of the rudder. But on larger yachts, such as those in the Rubicon 3 fleet, a wheel takes over, linked via cables, chains, or hydraulic systems. The advantage? Less effort is required, especially in heavy weather. The downside? Less immediate feedback and more potential for mechanical failure—hence why we always have an emergency tiller ready to go.
A well-maintained steering system is crucial for safe passage-making. Wheel-driven yachts require regular checks on cables, quadrants, and hydraulic lines, ensuring no signs of wear or slack develop mid-voyage. Crews that rely solely on electronic autopilot without understanding the fundamentals of manual steering risk being caught unprepared should a failure occur. Seamanship is about expecting the unexpected and having the skills to adapt—whether that means switching to emergency steering or steering with sails alone.
Expert Tip: Regularly lubricate steering cables and check for chafing to prevent steering issues mid-passage.
Side Decks and Foredeck: Moving with Confidence
Stepping out of the cockpit and onto the deck requires careful footwork. Whether reefing a mainsail, changing a headsail, or mooring, it’s all about moving efficiently and staying safe. On a Rubicon 3 voyage, we teach every crew member the ‘one hand for the ship’ rule—always keeping a firm grip while moving along the deck, particularly in rough seas.
Jackstays run the length of the deck, providing a crucial lifeline for clipping on when conditions demand it. Guardrails and stanchions offer another layer of security, but they’re no substitute for good seamanship—on an offshore passage, an overboard scenario is the last thing anyone wants.
The foredeck, often the busiest spot during sail changes, requires particular attention. Whether hoisting, dropping, or furling sails, working forward of the mast exposes crew to motion, spray, and unexpected heel. A good stance, solid handholds, and proper use of safety tethers make all the difference. More experienced sailors know that proper foot placement—keeping weight low and braced—prevents slips, even in sudden gusts.
Expert Tip: Use non-slip deck shoes with soft rubber soles to maximise grip and reduce the risk of slipping, particularly in wet conditions.
The Coachroof: More Than Just a Cabin Top
Beyond giving headroom below deck, the coachroof provides a natural barrier against breaking seas and a foothold when heeling. It’s a convenient spot to perch while reefing or managing halyards, but be mindful—standing here in heavy weather can be precarious.
A good habit when working around the coachroof is to close the companionway hatch to prevent an unfortunate (and very wet) misstep below deck. At night, especially when rafted up in harbour, extra caution is needed—falling through an open hatch is a rite of passage no one wants to experience.
Coachroofs also serve a functional role in line management. Many yachts route halyards and reefing lines aft to clutches and winches near the companionway, simplifying solo or short-handed sailing. This setup reduces the need for constant movement forward, allowing safer operation in foul weather. Understanding these setups—where lines lead, how friction impacts trim, and how best to manage halyard tensions—is a fundamental skill we reinforce on every Rubicon 3 trip.
Expert Tip: Regularly check halyard clutches for wear and ensure they hold under load to prevent unexpected line slippage.
Anchoring and Mooring: A Team Effort
Mooring and anchoring operations are among the most vital—and often overlooked—aspects of life on deck. Unlike coastal cruising where a marina is always an option, offshore sailing demands self-sufficiency.
Many modern cruising yachts use furling headsails, but on a Rubicon 3 passage, you’ll use a hank-on headsail system, requiring a trip forward to hoist or drop the sail manually. Whether handling a bridle for mooring or managing an electric windlass for anchoring, precision and teamwork are key. A solid understanding of deck hardware – cleats, fairleads, bow rollers – goes a long way in making the process smooth and efficient.
Anchoring technique varies with conditions. A good set involves careful scope calculation, proper snubbing, and continual assessment of holding. In deep-water anchorages, chain length becomes a factor, requiring forward planning. Knowing how to ‘back down’ to test a set is essential knowledge that we ensure every crew member understands.
Expert Tip: Always inspect the anchor rode for chafing before deployment and ensure shackles are properly seized to prevent loss.
Conclusion: Seamanship Starts on Deck
Seamanship is learned through practice. Join a Rubicon 3 voyage to refine your skills and gain real world skills taught by the experts.
