docs: update CONTRIBUTING with branching strategy

- Add branching workflow: main -> dev -> feature/*
- Document that PRs should target dev branch
- Add release workflow documentation

CONTRIBUTING.md

@@ -2,11 +2,63 @@
 
 Thanks for your interest in Vessel.
 
-- Issues and pull requests are handled on GitHub:
-  https://github.com/VikingOwl91/vessel
+### Where to Contribute
 
-- Keep changes focused and small.
-- UI and UX improvements are welcome.
-- Vessel intentionally avoids becoming a platform.
+- **Issues**: Open on GitHub at https://github.com/VikingOwl91/vessel
+- **Pull Requests**: Submit via GitHub (for external contributors) or Gitea (for maintainers)
 
-If you’re unsure whether something fits, open an issue first.
+### Branching Strategy
+
+```
+main          (protected - releases only)
+  └── dev     (default development branch)
+       └── feature/your-feature
+       └── fix/bug-description
+```
+
+- **main**: Production releases only. No direct pushes allowed.
+- **dev**: Active development. All changes merge here first.
+- **feature/***: New features, branch from `dev`
+- **fix/***: Bug fixes, branch from `dev`
+
+### Workflow
+
+1. **Fork** the repository (external contributors)
+2. **Clone** and switch to dev:
+   ```bash
+   git clone https://github.com/VikingOwl91/vessel.git
+   cd vessel
+   git checkout dev
+   ```
+3. **Create a feature branch**:
+   ```bash
+   git checkout -b feature/your-feature
+   ```
+4. **Make changes** with clear, focused commits
+5. **Test** your changes
+6. **Push** and create a PR targeting `dev`:
+   ```bash
+   git push -u origin feature/your-feature
+   ```
+7. Open a PR from your branch to `dev`
+
+### Commit Messages
+
+Follow conventional commits:
+- `feat:` New features
+- `fix:` Bug fixes
+- `docs:` Documentation changes
+- `refactor:` Code refactoring
+- `test:` Adding tests
+- `chore:` Maintenance tasks
+
+### Guidelines
+
+- Keep changes focused and small
+- UI and UX improvements are welcome
+- Vessel intentionally avoids becoming a platform
+- If unsure whether something fits, open an issue first
+
+### Development Setup
+
+See the [Development Wiki](https://github.com/VikingOwl91/vessel/wiki/Development) for detailed setup instructions.