Back to Basics Part 4: Buoys and Pilotage
In the fourth article in this ‘Back to Basics’ series, Paul Glatzel focuses on the key navigation elements of buoyage and pilotage … Previously, we’ve looked at the subjects of the COLREGs, charts and tides. The final elements of navigation
Back to Basics Part 3: Tides
In the third part of this ‘Back to Basics’ series, Paul Glatzel discusses tides and where we can obtain the essential information needed … Welcome to the third in this ‘Back to Basics’ series of articles. Previously we’ve looked at
Back to Basics Part 2: Interpreting your Charts and Chartplotter
In the second part of this Back to Basics series, Paul Glatzel underlines the importance of understanding and using charts and a chartplotter when afloat … Welcome to the second in this series of Back to Basics articles. Whether you
Back to Basics – Part 1: The ‘COLREGs’
In this series of articles, Paul Glatzel takes us back to what you might call ‘the essentials of boating’. In the pages of PBR we host an amazing array of boats, but there’s no point having a great powerboat
How Savvy Are You?
Paul Glatzel discusses the benefits as we continue to move steadily from paper to electronic charts … Recently the UK Hydrographic Office announced that after 2025 they would no longer produce any paper charts. That date has been pushed back
Ask The Expert – Voyage of Discovery
HMS relates his experience of how his own interest in offshore adventuring began and invites leading RYA powerboat instructor Paul Glatzel to give us his top tips on how to develop those all-important skills that make boating both fun and
Joysticks – Friend Or Foe?
We all love progress don’t we, we love new gadgets, we like the latest phone or option on our vehicles but what about boats? More and more boats are fitted with joystick controls, so what are they – are they
Aye Aye, Skipper! Are You A Good Skipper – Paul Glatzel
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.
Planning a Route
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
Winter Boating
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
What Apps should you use?
One of the questions we get asked most often is what apps do you use, what app do you recommend for weather or tides, what’s the best charting app? In this article we’ll take a run through what I and
Let’s Go Jet Ski
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
Boating Abroad
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,
Safety First
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
Tutorials: Roughed Up
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
Drive It Like A Pro
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
A ‘Distress’-ing Time Afloat
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
To winterise or not – that is the question!
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
Launching and Trailing Made Simple and Safe!
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
Let’s Get Tied Up!
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
Driving Faster and Keeping Safe
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
Buying a Boat
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
Man Overboard!
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
Let’s Go Overseas
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
It’s Getting Rough!
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 …