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Thursday, 29 December 2011
Tuesday, 27 December 2011
How Far Can I Sail in a Day?
How far you can sail in 24 hours? If you want to go on a sailing cruise, you need this sailing skill so that you can carry enough food, water, fuel, and sailing gear for your sailing crew. Use these simple sailing tips.
What type of sailboat do you sail?
Sailing speed depends on factors like weight (displacement), type of hull configuration (single or multi-hull), sailing ability of the boat in flat or choppy water, and how well the boat treats her crew (pitching like a bronco, or slicing through the water like a hot knife through butter?). Use this guide to estimate you expected speed over a day to help provision your small sailboat for cruising.
Displacement Cruising Sailboat Speed
Single hull, heavy cruising sailboats "displace" a certain amount of water. Imagine that you picked up a sailboat out of the water and the "water hole" the boat was in did not fill back in with water. The amount of water contained in that hole would about equal the advertised displacement of the sailboat.
For example, If a cruising sailboat has an advertised displacement of 28,000 pounds, then when in the water, she displaces that same amount of water. When sailing, she must push this amount of water out of the way. That creates a lot of friction and restricts the maximum speed that can be achieved.
To figure the maximum theoretical speed of a displacement sailboat, use this formula: 1.34 times the square root of the waterline. Multiply the result by 24 hours. This gives you the theoretical distance a displacement sailboat can cover each day.
First, locate the specifications for your sailboat or any other sailboat you are interested in. Look in the specification sheet, online, or in an advertisement. Here's an example:
Oubound 44 Cruising Sailboat:
LOA 44'9"; DWL 40'3", Beam 13'6";
Draft 6'6"/5'6"; Displacement 28,000 lbs.;
Ballast 10,000 lbs.; Sail Area 1,083 sq, ft.
From the advertisement, you see that this Outbound sailboat has a displacement of 28,000 pounds. Determine her approximate maximum sailing speed with the formula for displacement sailboats. Follow these steps:
Find the square root of the Design Water Line (DWL) 40'03" = 40.25'. Square root of 40.25' = 6.34 x 1.34 = 8.5 knots. Multiply 8.5 X 24 hours = 204 miles per day.
Remember this will always be just theory. Plan for those days when the winds are super light and your speed will be slower than the theoretical displacement speed. On the other hand, you will have days when you run downwind where you will exceed hull speed. The wise skipper will be ultra-conservative in his or her estimates. Some skippers of larger cruising boats would use a conservative estimate--like 150 miles per day--for sailing safety. That way, they can provision the boat with enough food, water, fuel, and sailing supplies for their crew. This covers unexpected events such as extra light or heavy sailing weather or crew emergencies.
Catamaran and Trimaran Sailboat Speed
Multi-hull (more than one hull) sailboats--called catamarans if they have two hulls, or trimarans if they have three hulls--have most of their hulls above the water. These boats are not slowed down as much by friction like their heavier displacement cruising cousins.
Big catamarans and trimarans can often exceed hull speed. Their speed over a sailing day depends on the sailing winds and seas. The sailing skipper may decide to slow the boat down while at sea (reefing or reducing sail) to avoid crew fatigue and boost crew comfort.
As recommended above, be conservative in your estimates--even in super fast cruising sailboats. Just because a boat can go fast all day long does not mean that her crew can. It's a lot of wear and tear on a short-handed sailing crew to sail fast hour after hour. Some sailors of fast cruising boats like to plan for a maximum of 150 nautical miles per day for provisioning and arrival time estimates.
Other Sailing Speed Averages
Dinghy sailboats and small catamarans (i.e. Hobie Cat) skim across the water and have just a small amount of their hull beneath the water. This avoids most of the friction that heavy displacement cruising boats face. But, unlike cruising sailboats, dinghies have no room for lot of provisions--food, fuel, sailing gear, emergency sailing equipment--that you will need for sailing day after day when cruising.
So, unless you are that rare sailor who likes the smallest of accommodations, you will want to reserve sailing dinghies for day sailing trips. Day sailors go out for the day and return in the late afternoon or early evening. Plan you sailing so that you have plenty of time to make it back before darkness (unless you like sailing after dark--nothing quite like it!).
One plan would be to sail upwind or up current, beating or close reaching through most of the day. When it's time to head back, you can then fall off to a comfortable broad reach or run. back to your marina or boat ramp. That way, you avoid a lot of hard tacking against the wind to make it back home.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6741441
What type of sailboat do you sail?
Sailing speed depends on factors like weight (displacement), type of hull configuration (single or multi-hull), sailing ability of the boat in flat or choppy water, and how well the boat treats her crew (pitching like a bronco, or slicing through the water like a hot knife through butter?). Use this guide to estimate you expected speed over a day to help provision your small sailboat for cruising.
Displacement Cruising Sailboat Speed
Single hull, heavy cruising sailboats "displace" a certain amount of water. Imagine that you picked up a sailboat out of the water and the "water hole" the boat was in did not fill back in with water. The amount of water contained in that hole would about equal the advertised displacement of the sailboat.
For example, If a cruising sailboat has an advertised displacement of 28,000 pounds, then when in the water, she displaces that same amount of water. When sailing, she must push this amount of water out of the way. That creates a lot of friction and restricts the maximum speed that can be achieved.
To figure the maximum theoretical speed of a displacement sailboat, use this formula: 1.34 times the square root of the waterline. Multiply the result by 24 hours. This gives you the theoretical distance a displacement sailboat can cover each day.
First, locate the specifications for your sailboat or any other sailboat you are interested in. Look in the specification sheet, online, or in an advertisement. Here's an example:
Oubound 44 Cruising Sailboat:
LOA 44'9"; DWL 40'3", Beam 13'6";
Draft 6'6"/5'6"; Displacement 28,000 lbs.;
Ballast 10,000 lbs.; Sail Area 1,083 sq, ft.
From the advertisement, you see that this Outbound sailboat has a displacement of 28,000 pounds. Determine her approximate maximum sailing speed with the formula for displacement sailboats. Follow these steps:
Find the square root of the Design Water Line (DWL) 40'03" = 40.25'. Square root of 40.25' = 6.34 x 1.34 = 8.5 knots. Multiply 8.5 X 24 hours = 204 miles per day.
Remember this will always be just theory. Plan for those days when the winds are super light and your speed will be slower than the theoretical displacement speed. On the other hand, you will have days when you run downwind where you will exceed hull speed. The wise skipper will be ultra-conservative in his or her estimates. Some skippers of larger cruising boats would use a conservative estimate--like 150 miles per day--for sailing safety. That way, they can provision the boat with enough food, water, fuel, and sailing supplies for their crew. This covers unexpected events such as extra light or heavy sailing weather or crew emergencies.
Catamaran and Trimaran Sailboat Speed
Multi-hull (more than one hull) sailboats--called catamarans if they have two hulls, or trimarans if they have three hulls--have most of their hulls above the water. These boats are not slowed down as much by friction like their heavier displacement cruising cousins.
Big catamarans and trimarans can often exceed hull speed. Their speed over a sailing day depends on the sailing winds and seas. The sailing skipper may decide to slow the boat down while at sea (reefing or reducing sail) to avoid crew fatigue and boost crew comfort.
As recommended above, be conservative in your estimates--even in super fast cruising sailboats. Just because a boat can go fast all day long does not mean that her crew can. It's a lot of wear and tear on a short-handed sailing crew to sail fast hour after hour. Some sailors of fast cruising boats like to plan for a maximum of 150 nautical miles per day for provisioning and arrival time estimates.
Other Sailing Speed Averages
Dinghy sailboats and small catamarans (i.e. Hobie Cat) skim across the water and have just a small amount of their hull beneath the water. This avoids most of the friction that heavy displacement cruising boats face. But, unlike cruising sailboats, dinghies have no room for lot of provisions--food, fuel, sailing gear, emergency sailing equipment--that you will need for sailing day after day when cruising.
So, unless you are that rare sailor who likes the smallest of accommodations, you will want to reserve sailing dinghies for day sailing trips. Day sailors go out for the day and return in the late afternoon or early evening. Plan you sailing so that you have plenty of time to make it back before darkness (unless you like sailing after dark--nothing quite like it!).
One plan would be to sail upwind or up current, beating or close reaching through most of the day. When it's time to head back, you can then fall off to a comfortable broad reach or run. back to your marina or boat ramp. That way, you avoid a lot of hard tacking against the wind to make it back home.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6741441
Thursday, 22 December 2011
Wednesday, 21 December 2011
Monday, 19 December 2011
Tips for Sailing in Greece
Greece is a spectacular choice for a yachting holiday, because of the variety of activities and sites to see on each of the different islands. With a yachting season that extends from early April to November, there is plenty of time to island hop from Aegina to Zakynthos. Below are a few of the popular Greek Islands that are worth adding to your itinerary:
Santorini: A popular Greek island that is well-known for the submerged caldera that remains from one of the biggest volcanic eruption in world history.
Mykonos: A popular, cosmopolitan destination that has traditional Greek architecture, golden beaches, and an active nightlife.
Naxos: From sandy beaches to lush mountainside, this island offers a little bit of everything for everyone.
Paros: This island offers many water sports, such as windsurfing, along with a variety of other activities for families and couples.
Corfu: Rich in culture and beauty, this Ionian island attracts lots of tourists each year.
Lefkada: Attached to the mainland with a floating bridge, this mountainous island is steeped in history.
The yacht charter season runs from April to November, with the high season starting in July and ending in September. Sailing during high season has its benefits - and its drawbacks. You can expect a larger crowd during the summer months, not only on the islands themselves, but in the harbors and open water. However, you will also have full access to museums, mineral baths, taverns, and all other sites on the islands.
Sailing early in the season, however, also has its benefits. It's not quite as crowded, for starters. Plus, the spring rains will produce a burst of flowers and greenery throughout the islands that adds to the stunning scenery. A steady wind blows in the Ionian Sea, which is helpful for sailing yachts, and the days are longer near the summer solstice on June 21st. The water temperatures are already quite warm by June, making for perfect swimming or snorkeling.
Some people prefer to sail the latter portion of yacht charter season, especially those who prefer the dramatic drop in tourists that occurs in early September. The steady Maistro winds are still blowing in the Ionian and the water is still at peak tropical temperatures.
No matter which part of the season you choose for your yacht charter to Greece, you will surely enjoy the traditional Greek cuisine, classic architecture, and stunning natural beauty that is part of the countryside of Greece.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6598779
Santorini: A popular Greek island that is well-known for the submerged caldera that remains from one of the biggest volcanic eruption in world history.
Mykonos: A popular, cosmopolitan destination that has traditional Greek architecture, golden beaches, and an active nightlife.
Naxos: From sandy beaches to lush mountainside, this island offers a little bit of everything for everyone.
Paros: This island offers many water sports, such as windsurfing, along with a variety of other activities for families and couples.
Corfu: Rich in culture and beauty, this Ionian island attracts lots of tourists each year.
Lefkada: Attached to the mainland with a floating bridge, this mountainous island is steeped in history.
The yacht charter season runs from April to November, with the high season starting in July and ending in September. Sailing during high season has its benefits - and its drawbacks. You can expect a larger crowd during the summer months, not only on the islands themselves, but in the harbors and open water. However, you will also have full access to museums, mineral baths, taverns, and all other sites on the islands.
Sailing early in the season, however, also has its benefits. It's not quite as crowded, for starters. Plus, the spring rains will produce a burst of flowers and greenery throughout the islands that adds to the stunning scenery. A steady wind blows in the Ionian Sea, which is helpful for sailing yachts, and the days are longer near the summer solstice on June 21st. The water temperatures are already quite warm by June, making for perfect swimming or snorkeling.
Some people prefer to sail the latter portion of yacht charter season, especially those who prefer the dramatic drop in tourists that occurs in early September. The steady Maistro winds are still blowing in the Ionian and the water is still at peak tropical temperatures.
No matter which part of the season you choose for your yacht charter to Greece, you will surely enjoy the traditional Greek cuisine, classic architecture, and stunning natural beauty that is part of the countryside of Greece.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6598779
Thursday, 15 December 2011
Monday, 12 December 2011
Tacktick by Suunto - Wireless, Solar-Powered Instruments for Your Boats
Wire never goes well with water, but the sun does. This is why wireless, solar-powered navigational instruments are the best for your boats and yachts. Tacktick, the world leader in wireless marine electronics offers a wide range of instruments that uses Micronet technology, which enables each unit to run solely by solar power.
Their high-precision products are made for cruising, racing, keel and sports boats, and dinghies. For cruising, their line range from the basic Entry Level Wireless Wind System to the all-in-one Speed Wind Depth NMEA System. The Entry Level Wind system is recommended for yachts 35ft or under. Your boat's battery will power the display, but the wind speed and direction information is delivered by the wind transmitter that sends data from the top of your mast wirelessly. Absolutely self-powering and no wires will be trailing down the mast. The Speed Wind Depth NMEA System includes both analogue and dual digital displays, an NMEA interface for linking to other systems, wind transmitter, depth transducer, hull transmitter, speed and depth transducer.
If you are a racing enthusiast, the Race Master System by will provide you easily with the essential data including compass heading, boat speed, depth, wind shift indicator, line bias and race timer. It is submersible to 10 meters, shock resistant and lightweight. It can be customized to add wind and GPS information.
Another recommended Tacktick instrument is the Remote Display & Control. While it can function as a remote control for your Micronet displays, it is also an independent, wireless, palm-sized display for all the data in your system. Great for your racing team, since you can add as many handsets as you need for crew members.
The brand also offers the Micro Compass, which would also be great for racing, especially on dinghies and other similar sports boats. It gives all critical information including small wind shifts that you need to win the race. Sailors love the Micro Compass, because its tactical scale gives you clear stable figures corresponding on port and starboard tack.
Wiring failures have been a frequent problem in marine vehicles for a long time. This innovator of wireless solar-powered marine technology has made a huge difference in marine industry and sports. About two years ago, it joined forces with another big name in the field, Suunto, which is a leading manufacturer of marine compasses and sports precision instruments. With this team-up, you should, indeed, brace yourself for more exciting marine gear soon.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6341200
Their high-precision products are made for cruising, racing, keel and sports boats, and dinghies. For cruising, their line range from the basic Entry Level Wireless Wind System to the all-in-one Speed Wind Depth NMEA System. The Entry Level Wind system is recommended for yachts 35ft or under. Your boat's battery will power the display, but the wind speed and direction information is delivered by the wind transmitter that sends data from the top of your mast wirelessly. Absolutely self-powering and no wires will be trailing down the mast. The Speed Wind Depth NMEA System includes both analogue and dual digital displays, an NMEA interface for linking to other systems, wind transmitter, depth transducer, hull transmitter, speed and depth transducer.
If you are a racing enthusiast, the Race Master System by will provide you easily with the essential data including compass heading, boat speed, depth, wind shift indicator, line bias and race timer. It is submersible to 10 meters, shock resistant and lightweight. It can be customized to add wind and GPS information.
Another recommended Tacktick instrument is the Remote Display & Control. While it can function as a remote control for your Micronet displays, it is also an independent, wireless, palm-sized display for all the data in your system. Great for your racing team, since you can add as many handsets as you need for crew members.
The brand also offers the Micro Compass, which would also be great for racing, especially on dinghies and other similar sports boats. It gives all critical information including small wind shifts that you need to win the race. Sailors love the Micro Compass, because its tactical scale gives you clear stable figures corresponding on port and starboard tack.
Wiring failures have been a frequent problem in marine vehicles for a long time. This innovator of wireless solar-powered marine technology has made a huge difference in marine industry and sports. About two years ago, it joined forces with another big name in the field, Suunto, which is a leading manufacturer of marine compasses and sports precision instruments. With this team-up, you should, indeed, brace yourself for more exciting marine gear soon.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6341200
Prepare Your Dinghy for the Start of the Season
Whilst dinghies may be smaller than many of the craft that take to the water at the start of the season, they need just as much attention when it comes to repair and maintenance. If you're negligent in giving your dinghy the 'once over', you may suffer consequences later on with costly repair bills, the inconvenience and hassle of having to put things right and the prospect of an insurance claim - which may not be covered if poor maintenance has caused the damage.
In order to help you keep your dinghy and trailer in prime condition and so avoid future problems, Towergate Insurance - one of the UK's leading dinghy insurance providers - offers some tips.
Rigging - a common claim is the mast coming down due to rigging failure. Although there's no formal requirement to undertake rigging checks, it's worthwhile doing so. Look out for signs of corrosion on the blocks, pulleys, shackles, hooks, clamcleats etc, plus replace any sheets, control lines, halyards and wires that look worn or frayed.
Try not to put rigging away soaking wet and regularly pay attention to blocks. Look out for slow-running sheaves, shackle elongation, extreme rust, metal stretching and stress cracks in the metal or plastic cheeks. Cleaning your block thoroughly will prevent most problems. Avoid leaving blocks damp with saltwater. Lubricants such as Teflon or dry silicone are good at keeping dirt out of the mechanical workings.
Consider what the dinghy will be used for and change the rigging accordingly - for example, the demands of sea racing differ to lake cruising. If a dinghy is raced hard, the standing rigging may need changing after two seasons (level of wear will dictate).
Sails - do they have any tears or nicks? Because of the lightweight nature of Spinnaker sails they easily tear and a small hole can become a larger problem if ignored. Check thoroughly and patch if necessary.
Hull - are there any scratches, grazes or dents? It could make the difference between the boat being watertight or not. Repair where required and also put the rudder and centre-plate through their paces.
On the move - are you reliant on your trailer getting you from A to B? Despite their importance, trailers are often overlooked during a pre-season check. Are the bearings lubricated with waterproof grease? Does the ball-hitch work (locks down the tow bar) and is the breakaway cable in place (keeping the trailer attached to the vehicle if the ball-hitch fails)? Trailers have been known to detach themselves from their vehicles leaving dinghies careering across lanes of oncoming traffic.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6030814
In order to help you keep your dinghy and trailer in prime condition and so avoid future problems, Towergate Insurance - one of the UK's leading dinghy insurance providers - offers some tips.
Rigging - a common claim is the mast coming down due to rigging failure. Although there's no formal requirement to undertake rigging checks, it's worthwhile doing so. Look out for signs of corrosion on the blocks, pulleys, shackles, hooks, clamcleats etc, plus replace any sheets, control lines, halyards and wires that look worn or frayed.
Try not to put rigging away soaking wet and regularly pay attention to blocks. Look out for slow-running sheaves, shackle elongation, extreme rust, metal stretching and stress cracks in the metal or plastic cheeks. Cleaning your block thoroughly will prevent most problems. Avoid leaving blocks damp with saltwater. Lubricants such as Teflon or dry silicone are good at keeping dirt out of the mechanical workings.
Consider what the dinghy will be used for and change the rigging accordingly - for example, the demands of sea racing differ to lake cruising. If a dinghy is raced hard, the standing rigging may need changing after two seasons (level of wear will dictate).
Sails - do they have any tears or nicks? Because of the lightweight nature of Spinnaker sails they easily tear and a small hole can become a larger problem if ignored. Check thoroughly and patch if necessary.
Hull - are there any scratches, grazes or dents? It could make the difference between the boat being watertight or not. Repair where required and also put the rudder and centre-plate through their paces.
On the move - are you reliant on your trailer getting you from A to B? Despite their importance, trailers are often overlooked during a pre-season check. Are the bearings lubricated with waterproof grease? Does the ball-hitch work (locks down the tow bar) and is the breakaway cable in place (keeping the trailer attached to the vehicle if the ball-hitch fails)? Trailers have been known to detach themselves from their vehicles leaving dinghies careering across lanes of oncoming traffic.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6030814
Thursday, 8 December 2011
Monday, 5 December 2011
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