Ken Endean

Ken Endean, a sailing instructor at the age of 20, spent the next 34 years in the construction industry but also cruised extensively in home waters between Scotland and Biscay.

He has been a regular contributor to Yachting Monthly and Practical Boat Owner‘s cruising and pilotage columns since 1977 and is the author of Adlard Coles Nautical’s Channel Havens, a popular guide to the South Coast.

Raz de Sein: pilotage advice for cruising sailors

January 23, 2023

The Raz de Sein has a bad reputation but is sometimes friendly. Ken Endean explains why, and how, to conquer this Breton passage

Tidal calculations: why online predictions can be dangerously inaccurate

November 4, 2022

On shallow estuaries, tidal calculations are vital, but Ken Endean finds errors in online predictions

Storm tactics at anchor: Storm Evert was approaching, with wind filling in from SSE - coming around the south of Bryher. Credit: Ken Endean

Storm tactics at anchor: Surviving gales in Scilly

December 15, 2021

Ken Endean shelters from Storm Evert on the Isles of Scilly and reflects on storm tactics at anchor and on moorings

It is important to regularly check for water in your petrol

Why you should check for water in your petrol

September 18, 2021

Petrol in tanks, whether for your yacht or tender, can go off. Ken Endean suggests an annual precaution

Tean Sound off St Martin is sheltered from west and east but anchoring room is obstructed by moorings

Isles of Scilly in an east wind: a pilotage guide

September 17, 2021

East winds give Ken Endean a chance to explore unfrequented parts of one of Britain’s prettiest archipelagos - the Isles of Scilly

‘Towing risks damage, so plan the process carefully’

April 28, 2021

Ken Endean advises 'Consider, Communicate and Connect' when towing, particularly when under sail, and reflects on lessons learned from six incidents

Eyeball pilotage is essential when sailing in areas like the Channel Islands

Eyeball pilotage skills for coast crawling

April 5, 2021

Getting close in to the coast to explore a tidal channel or find a snug anchorage is rewarding but close attention must be paid to the visual clues, says Ken…

How to sail to France from the UK

August 21, 2020

For home-waters sailors who are considering a holiday cruise to France, Ken Endean looks at the options for making a dash across the English Channel

Wave patterns. A tides flowing both ways

How to interpret wave patterns for comfortable sailing

May 8, 2020

Ken Endean explains how to read the water to find fair tides and avoid rough water

Tricky rivers: Tactics to get upstream and back again

April 9, 2020

The UK’s wealth of quiet rivers provide peaceful sailing conditions and unique challenges, as Ken Endean discovered