Women in sailing: A woman wearing a red jacket, sunglasses and a sun visa preparing to use a winch

Helena Schneider is an experienced solo offshore skipper and sailing instructor, and shares her experience of sailing with mixed crews

Sea Sailing: Good seamanship starts with a boat that is properly secured for sea, so you can focus on the sailing. Credit: Theo Stocker

Loose objects can endanger both crew and yacht in rough weather. Checking your boat is secure before sea sailing should be a regular habit, says Andy du Port

If there was a sudden ingress of water would you abandon ship?

You've discovered water ingress on board after hitting an object in the water. Should you abandon ship or not? James Stevens answers your questions of seamanship