TUITION

Paul Glatzel considers the vital role played by a good skipper … When we think of a ‘skipper’, we tend to think of commercial boats and a salty old seadog with their flat cap and maybe even a Popeye-type pipe. Read More...

Paul Glatzel offers advice on how best to plan a route before setting out … In our last article we suggested that the winter would be a good time to start planning for next season and perhaps get used to Read More...

It’s that time of year again when our thoughts turn towards dark winter nights and a few months away from boating. But it doesn’t need to be this way, according to Paul Glatzel … For me, the autumn and winter Read More...

Paul Glatzel discusses the pros, and one or two con(cern)s, in tackling the high-adrenalin activity of jet skiing … This is Powerboat and RIB magazine, so why are we discussing jet skis, we hear you ask. Well, apart from the Read More...

With the onset of the new season and adventure planning firmly underway for many, Paul Glatzel focuses on some of the key things to remember when considering boating abroad …  For the last couple of years, for most of us, Read More...

Paul Glatzel stresses the importance of prioritising safety at sea … As a skipper you have a responsibility to ensure that everyone who comes boating with you is safe. You have to ask yourself what is practical and realistic to Read More...

Paul Glatzel discusses some of the strategies that can/should be employed in difficult weather conditions … Knowing how to deal with rougher conditions is a key part of becoming a more experienced ‘advanced-level skipper’. In this article we’ll look at Read More...

In the first of a series of three articles, Paul Glatzel offers advice on the intricacies of slow-speed handling … As the chillier winter days (hopefully) become a distant memory, so all of our thoughts turn to the spring and Read More...

Going afloat should all be focused on having fun, creating great memories and spending relaxing time with those you want to be with. However, very occasionally things go wrong, so knowing what to do is key, as Paul Glatzel explains Read More...

As summer draws to a close, boaters everywhere are faced with the question of whether to keep their boat available for use or winterise it. Paul Glatzel looks at both options … When I first started boating, winters seemed a Read More...

One of the great freedoms of having a small boat is the ability to trail it to new and interesting locations. With that freedom, though, comes some extra challenges, as Paul Glatzel explains. Having trailed and launched boats for over Read More...

Paul Glatzel emphasises the importance of seamanship and focuses on various aspects of getting alongside and tying up. Seamanship is defined as the ‘skill, techniques or practice of handling a boat at sea or in a harbour/marina’ and forms part Read More...

Whatever your engine set-up, pushing the throttle forward and accelerating over glassy seas always feels great. Paul Glatzel reports on the additional challenges and responsibility for the skipper that come with ‘going fast’. In this article we’ll look at the Read More...

Purchasing a boat can be a source of immense pleasure and lead to endless hours of waterborne rewards. But an unwise decision to buy can bring frustration and regret. Paul Glatzel provides some key advice … Every year I get Read More...

Wearing seat belts and installing smoke alarms are among the many things we do to improve safety while hoping we never need to use them in anger. Preparing and practising for a ‘man overboard’ is no different, as Paul Glatzel Read More...

Boating in the UK is great and there are many wonderful places to see and explore, but taking your boat abroad can be an exciting adventure that the whole family will love, as Paul Glatzel opines… If you have a Read More...

Planning on undertaking a passage in really bad weather is foolhardy, but developing your skills to be able to cope with more challenging conditions is a key part of enhancing your capability as a skipper, as Paul Glatzel explains … Read More...

Paul Glatzel ponders the issue of launch and recovery … One of the great advantages of having a smaller boat is the chance to keep it on a trailer and take it to different locations. With trailing comes the need Read More...

Paul Glatzel explains why, in the marine world, as with all things in life, prevention is most definitely better than cure … Carry a decent first-aid kit and include a few big and medium-sized dressings. We all hope that everything Read More...

Putting your boat alongside a pontoon, dock or jetty is one thing, but how do you make the coming away relaxing and simple? Like any boating manoeuvre, it’s down to forethought, planning and understanding the dynamics of what’s happening to Read More...

Putting a powerboat alongside a pontoon, dock wall or jetty can be a really stressful experience and can spoil a fun day on the water. Being good at it, though, is hugely satisfying and makes boating a whole lot more Read More...

Spend enough time on the water and it’s inevitable that you’ll either need a tow yourself or hear of someone else that needs some assistance. Paul Glatzel explains how to act safely and effectively … Like anything we do afloat, Read More...

Paul Glatzel discusses the essential issue of anchoring your boat, and shares some important tips of the trade …  Making the most of your boat is largely about being able to anchor in a secluded bay and chill out, read Read More...

Paul Glatzel discusses the pros and cons of some of the new electronic tools available to boaters … Having fun afloat comes in many forms. For some, it’s anchoring in a deserted bay; for others, it’s taking the kids for Read More...