The best blogs and forums for sailors and navigators

Whether you are a novice yachtsman, an experienced sailor or a maritime professional, you need reliable sources to progress, stay informed and exchange ideas with other enthusiasts. The internet is full of platforms rich in technical content, sailing stories and community support. In this article, we have selected the best blogs and forums for sailors and navigators to guide you to the most relevant, inspiring and useful resources.

1. The best forums for sailors to exchange ideas

On the French side:

Hisse et Oh – The leading French-speaking community

Essential for French boaters, Hisse et Oh brings together thousands of discussions on technique, safety, weather, regulations, equipment and even travel plans. A wealth of practical information.

Mers et Bateaux Forum – General boating forum

A French-language forum associated with the Mers et Bateaux website, offering spaces for discussion about boating, advice, and technical discussions for recreational boaters, whether they sail in the Mediterranean Sea, the Atlantic Ocean, the English Channel, or inland waters.

ForumVoile – The forum for French-speaking sailors and boaters

More relaxed and friendly, ForumVoile offers educational discussions on sailing, mechanics, waterways, recreational boating challenges and even choosing a boat.

STW – Sail The World

French-speaking community with forums on various topics. In addition to its blog, STW offers forums covering a wide range of topics related to sailing, stopovers, travel planning and life on board.

Tribord Tribord – French-language sailing and boating forum

Tribord Tribord is a long-standing French-language forum dedicated to sailing and boating. It brings together amateur and experienced sailors for technical discussions, feedback on experiences at sea, sailing preparation and life on board.

Boat Forum – General community for boating enthusiasts

The Boat Forum is a discussion forum dedicated to all types of boating: pleasure boating, motorboats, sailing, maintenance, mechanics and equipment. Accessible and varied, it allows novice boaters and more experienced sailors alike to find practical advice, user reviews and solutions to common boating issues.

Internationally:

YBW Forum (Yachting World / Yachting Monthly)

The YBW forum is one of the oldest and most respected in the United Kingdom. It brings together a large community of recreational boaters, offshore sailors and experienced mariners. Discussions cover navigation, weather, regulations, marine mechanics, equipment and feedback on cruising experiences.

Cruisers Forum – The international forum for cruise ship passengers

Cruisers Forum is a very active forum where sailors from all walks of life can discuss itineraries, repairs, life on board, weather conditions and preparations for long voyages. It is an essential resource for offshore projects.

Sailboat Owners – For sailing boat owners

This technical forum supports owners in all aspects related to their sailing boats: maintenance, mechanics, DIY, modifications, choice of equipment.

2. Essential media and blogs for inspiration and improvement in sailing

On the French side:

Seas and Navy – Maritime and nautical news

Mer et Marine is a leading French media outlet covering both the professional maritime sector (maritime transport, ports, shipyards, defence) and water sports and recreational boating. Its articles offer reliable analysis, in-depth reports and regular updates on developments in the maritime world.

STW – Sail The World

French-speaking community with blog, technical articles, travel reports, feedback, preparation advice and stopover logbook. A space focused on deep-sea sailing and long-distance travel.

ActuNautique – French boating news

A website entirely dedicated to French boating: shipyard news, maritime regulations, innovations, events, yachting.

Bateaux.com – The online magazine for yachting enthusiasts

A comprehensive online magazine covering yachting, boats, regulations, reviews, mechanical tips and nautical news.

Internationally:

Sail-World – International boating news

Sail-World offers articles, analyses and news briefs from around the world on sailing, racing and nautical innovations. It is a reference for sailors wishing to keep up with major trends in the industry.

Scuttlebutt Sailing News – Analyses and expert opinions

Founded in 1997, this website combines news, debates and opinion pieces on sailing. A reliable and comprehensive resource for professional sailors and regatta enthusiasts.

Conclusion

The best blogs and forums for sailors and navigators provide invaluable support for improving your skills, finding technical answers, keeping up with nautical news and drawing inspiration from the global maritime community. Whether you are preparing for your first sea voyage or a transatlantic crossing, these resources will help you sail with greater peace of mind, equip yourself better and join a community rich in sharing, where you can continue to learn.