Dogs have served as mascots on sailboats, Coast Guard and Navy ships, and square riggers. But how do you know if your dog would make a great companion for coastal sailing?
Look for these water dog characteristics
Does your friend take to the water or not? To find out, engage in a game of fetch with a rubber ball. A great water dog fetches the ball with gusto every time! But if he or she shies away from the game, leave Fido with a friend before you cast off.
If you're in the market for a new canine companion, look over this short list of well seasoned boat dogs:
* Portuguese Water Dog
* English Springer Spaniel
* Golden Retriever
* Labrador Retriever
* Border Collie
* American Water Spaniel
Consider dog buoyancy and health
All dogs are not created equal, which means some swim and some don't. The less body fat, the less buoyancy. A tubby pooch may float like a cork. Dogs bred for water fowl retrieval have more body fat. On the other hand, leaner dogs like the Doberman or boxer often sink like a stone.
Older, overweight dogs or those with health problems could be in trouble if they fall overboard. All dogs experience fatigue after short periods in cold water, high sea waves, or strong currents. Those out of shape or unhealthy, succumb much faster.
How to choose a dog life jacket
The US Coast Guard sets personal flotation device (pfd) standards for humans, but not for canines. Every owner must make their own decision as to whether to carry a life saving device for their dog. Here are three facts based on tests conducted by Boat US:
1. Dog life jackets keep the dog horizontal, without tilting the head back. This position holds the canine in the normal swim position, where the dog lifts the nose to breathe.
2. Most dog flotation jackets fasten at the chest and around the neck. For comfort, look for a vest with chest straps wider than 1".
3. All dog life jackets come with a lifting strap on the back. Work out a recovery method in case your dog falls overboard. You might disconnect the boom vang from the mast and attach the lower snap shackle to the back strap. Make preparations ahead of time to be ready for the unexpected.
Take care in your choice of a canine companion to bring aboard your small cruising sailboat. After all, he or she--like any sailboat crew--will depend on the sailing skipper for their for safety at sea.
Captain John Jamieson shows small boat cruising skippers how to reach their sailing dreams today! Get his popular free report "Ten Top Boat Safety Checks for Cruising Boat Skippers" at http://www.skippertips.com/public/242.cfm.
John offers free reports, videos, tip-of-the-week, and a free ezine with subscription ===> http://www.skippertips.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_N._Jamieson
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Friday, 30 April 2010
Thursday, 29 April 2010
HOME :: Travel-and-Leisure / Sailing Sailing Tactics Revealed: Person Overboard!
Person Overboard! Sailing Rescue Techniques
Most one man-overboard drills usually consist of throwing over a
cushion and returning to pick it up by the strap. A good sized
fireplace log is a better way to do the practice because it is
much more awkward to get aboard. There are four important steps
to retrieving a person who has gone overboard. The first is to
return without delay to a position near the victim. The second
is to maneuver your boat close enough so you connect him or her
to the boat. The third is to get the person aboard, and the
fourth is to see that they are ok. The moment someone goes over
the side, a boat cushion or life preserver should be tossed to
him/her. Make sure to keep him/her in sight, and as the distance
widens, it is increasingly important to maintain visual contact.
Even when you are alone on the boat, keeping the victim in sight
is second only to getting the boat back to him. Everything
becomes more practical as you get in closer proximity to the
person in the water. Here are three methods of rescue.
Method One...This method involves jibing to rescue the person
over board. Only do this in light winds to avoid capsizing.
Remember to stay in constant communication with the victim.
1.When a person falls overboard, immediately yell "Crew
Overboard!" 2.Next, throw a flotation device toward the victim
and keep a close eye on them.3.Jibe the boat. 4.Now quickly head
up to a close-hauled course. 5.Retrieve the person on the
windward side of the boat. Let the mainsail out to stop.
Method Two... If the wind is too strong to jibe the boat, then
tacking in a figure eight is a good way to go. Remember to stay
in constant communication with the victim. 1.When a person falls
overboard, immediately yell "Crew Overboard!" 2.Head on a broad
reach for about 15 to 20 seconds. Keep your eyes on the
victim.3. Then come about and head up. 4.Go beyond the victim
and come about again, proceeding on a broad reach. 5.Head up to
the leeward side of the person and let the mainsail out.
Method Three...The Quick Stop maneuver is a new, widely
recommended method that calls for the boat to go head-to-wind as
soon as a person goes in the water. The jib is backed to further
reduce speed while the continues turning until the wind is abaft
the beam. The course is stabilized on a beam- to broad-reach for
two or three boatlengths, then altered to nearly dead downwind.
If the wind is light, you can tack immediately after the person
falls overboard and leave the jib cleated. Remember to stay in
constant communication with the victim. 1. First,immediately
yell "Person Overboard!" and toss them a flotation device.2.
Keeping an eye on the victim, immediately come about and
backwind the jib by leaving it cleated. 3. Let the mainsail out
so that it luffs and drifts towards the victim. 4.Let the
mainsail all the way out and uncleat the jib. All these methods
are good and each will benefit from practice. Most practice
sessions are held in calm water onclear days, which is rarely
the condition in which a man-overboard emergency will occur, so
think about handling the situation in a storm, or at night, or
in fog. The wise sailor reviews his plans for handling
man-overboard scenarios every time he goes aboard a boat. He
applies his plan to the conditions prevailing whenever he goes
on deck. When a crew member goes in the water there should be no
delay in starting the best retrieval method. Many safety
authorities believe that the victim should be picked up on the
windward side, but I believe that with a sailboat the leeward
side is likely to be both lower and more sheltered, with the
boom readily available as a mounting for the hoisting block. As
the boat drifts to leeward it will drift away from a victim who
is to weather, but will remain close to the victim to leeward.
Watch out, though, to make sure that the boat bouncing in a
seaway does not slam down on top of the swimmer. Resist the
temptation to have someone go in the water to help the victim -
you may lose two people. If the person in the water is unable to
help himself you then may have to send a spare person into the
water to help. In this case make surethere is a line securely
attaching the boat and the would-be rescuer. Plan ahead how you
are going to get this person back aboard. Of course the more you
know about how your boat behaves under differing circumstances,
the better will be your performance in any emergency. Picking up
a mooring under sail, particularly in winds over 30 knots,
teaches you a lot that you can use to save a friend's life. At
all times handle your sails at racing speed. Whenever you can,
practice and think about what you are going to do in a
man-overboard situation. The seconds you save may be important
in an emergency.
Linda Cullum is from Cape Cod, MA, with a second home in Vermont. She is the author of Learn to Sail! with Multimedia! a Sailing training CDROM/DVD which teaches all aspects of Sailing including Knots, Piloting, Rules of the Road, Weather with digital video from Sail Magazine, narration, animation and quizzes.
Click here to visit her site!
Happy Sailing_/)__
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Linda_Cullum
Most one man-overboard drills usually consist of throwing over a
cushion and returning to pick it up by the strap. A good sized
fireplace log is a better way to do the practice because it is
much more awkward to get aboard. There are four important steps
to retrieving a person who has gone overboard. The first is to
return without delay to a position near the victim. The second
is to maneuver your boat close enough so you connect him or her
to the boat. The third is to get the person aboard, and the
fourth is to see that they are ok. The moment someone goes over
the side, a boat cushion or life preserver should be tossed to
him/her. Make sure to keep him/her in sight, and as the distance
widens, it is increasingly important to maintain visual contact.
Even when you are alone on the boat, keeping the victim in sight
is second only to getting the boat back to him. Everything
becomes more practical as you get in closer proximity to the
person in the water. Here are three methods of rescue.
Method One...This method involves jibing to rescue the person
over board. Only do this in light winds to avoid capsizing.
Remember to stay in constant communication with the victim.
1.When a person falls overboard, immediately yell "Crew
Overboard!" 2.Next, throw a flotation device toward the victim
and keep a close eye on them.3.Jibe the boat. 4.Now quickly head
up to a close-hauled course. 5.Retrieve the person on the
windward side of the boat. Let the mainsail out to stop.
Method Two... If the wind is too strong to jibe the boat, then
tacking in a figure eight is a good way to go. Remember to stay
in constant communication with the victim. 1.When a person falls
overboard, immediately yell "Crew Overboard!" 2.Head on a broad
reach for about 15 to 20 seconds. Keep your eyes on the
victim.3. Then come about and head up. 4.Go beyond the victim
and come about again, proceeding on a broad reach. 5.Head up to
the leeward side of the person and let the mainsail out.
Method Three...The Quick Stop maneuver is a new, widely
recommended method that calls for the boat to go head-to-wind as
soon as a person goes in the water. The jib is backed to further
reduce speed while the continues turning until the wind is abaft
the beam. The course is stabilized on a beam- to broad-reach for
two or three boatlengths, then altered to nearly dead downwind.
If the wind is light, you can tack immediately after the person
falls overboard and leave the jib cleated. Remember to stay in
constant communication with the victim. 1. First,immediately
yell "Person Overboard!" and toss them a flotation device.2.
Keeping an eye on the victim, immediately come about and
backwind the jib by leaving it cleated. 3. Let the mainsail out
so that it luffs and drifts towards the victim. 4.Let the
mainsail all the way out and uncleat the jib. All these methods
are good and each will benefit from practice. Most practice
sessions are held in calm water onclear days, which is rarely
the condition in which a man-overboard emergency will occur, so
think about handling the situation in a storm, or at night, or
in fog. The wise sailor reviews his plans for handling
man-overboard scenarios every time he goes aboard a boat. He
applies his plan to the conditions prevailing whenever he goes
on deck. When a crew member goes in the water there should be no
delay in starting the best retrieval method. Many safety
authorities believe that the victim should be picked up on the
windward side, but I believe that with a sailboat the leeward
side is likely to be both lower and more sheltered, with the
boom readily available as a mounting for the hoisting block. As
the boat drifts to leeward it will drift away from a victim who
is to weather, but will remain close to the victim to leeward.
Watch out, though, to make sure that the boat bouncing in a
seaway does not slam down on top of the swimmer. Resist the
temptation to have someone go in the water to help the victim -
you may lose two people. If the person in the water is unable to
help himself you then may have to send a spare person into the
water to help. In this case make surethere is a line securely
attaching the boat and the would-be rescuer. Plan ahead how you
are going to get this person back aboard. Of course the more you
know about how your boat behaves under differing circumstances,
the better will be your performance in any emergency. Picking up
a mooring under sail, particularly in winds over 30 knots,
teaches you a lot that you can use to save a friend's life. At
all times handle your sails at racing speed. Whenever you can,
practice and think about what you are going to do in a
man-overboard situation. The seconds you save may be important
in an emergency.
Linda Cullum is from Cape Cod, MA, with a second home in Vermont. She is the author of Learn to Sail! with Multimedia! a Sailing training CDROM/DVD which teaches all aspects of Sailing including Knots, Piloting, Rules of the Road, Weather with digital video from Sail Magazine, narration, animation and quizzes.
Click here to visit her site!
Happy Sailing_/)__
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Linda_Cullum
Wednesday, 28 April 2010
HOME :: Recreation-and-Sports / Boating What Kind of Yacht Shall I Buy?
What kind of yacht should I buy for cruising?
If you are thinking about buying a yacht, one word will govern all your thoughts - compromise.
As a general rule, if you want speed, you will have to compromise on comfort and perhaps safety. On the other hand, if you want to feel perfectly safe out there, then be prepared for a long time to get to your destination - some cruisers think that four knots is an achievement in their boat.
However, if you are into cruising, that's the lifestyle you want - who wants to get to Tahiti in seven days, when you could take fourteen? Advocates of speed may say that they can outrun oncoming bad weather, but any heavy displacement boat should be able to see off the most violent storms with no trouble.
Unfortunately, most boats at the boat shows are plastic fantastics built for speed and luxury, with a price tag to match, which means that to get the heavy boat you want, you will have to buy an old model. This in itself is no bad thing, as the boat was probably not mass produced, but built by hand by craftsmen. Get a boat that has been heavily overbuilt for its size, and is virtually indestructible. If it is a steel boat, look at the thickness of the steel, if it is a ferro boat, make sure it was built professionally, not by some backyard amateur.
Don't worry too much about the age of the boat, if it's been around for fifty years, it is obviously well built, and will last another fifty.
You will have to compromise on the size of the boat too. Costs come down dramatically with each foot reduction in length, but a bigger boat, say a forty footer will be able to carry a lot more than a thirty foot boat. Unfortunately, boats these days have to carry a lot more than they used to.
For instance, if there is an engine, there will need to be lots of spares, most of them heavy. Then there is the fuel required to use the engine, again a heavy load, depending on the number of gallons required.
You will also need a toolbox to carry all the other spares, things to fix sails, winches, rigging, plumbing etc. If you have a toolbox at home you will know just how heavy it can get.
There's probably a self steering vane hanging off the back, also a couple of solar panels and a liferaft.
Add to all this the food and water for the crew. Water is heavy, and a crew of two will normally use around 25 litres per day. If you have a slow boat, your voyages will take longer, so you will need more water. For a voyage of 24 days, that's 600 litres.
So you see that there is a tremendous amount of weight to be carried around, not to mention the room all this takes up, so why not buy a bigger boat.
Well, a bigger boat will generally be faster and more comfortable, but will cost a lot more in marina fees, outhauling fees and general maintenance costs.
So, buying a boat will always involve compromises, so decide on the things you want, good speed, safety, comfort, low purchase price and maintenance costs, and just accept that you can't get all the things you want in one boat.
Peter Phillips is an internet entrepreneur living in Canberra, Australia
If you would like to read more articles, and perhaps contibute a story of a photo yourself, go to my cruising website:
http://www.internetcruisingclub.com
For all you need to get started in internet marketing:
http://www.money-makingopportunities.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Phillips
If you are thinking about buying a yacht, one word will govern all your thoughts - compromise.
As a general rule, if you want speed, you will have to compromise on comfort and perhaps safety. On the other hand, if you want to feel perfectly safe out there, then be prepared for a long time to get to your destination - some cruisers think that four knots is an achievement in their boat.
However, if you are into cruising, that's the lifestyle you want - who wants to get to Tahiti in seven days, when you could take fourteen? Advocates of speed may say that they can outrun oncoming bad weather, but any heavy displacement boat should be able to see off the most violent storms with no trouble.
Unfortunately, most boats at the boat shows are plastic fantastics built for speed and luxury, with a price tag to match, which means that to get the heavy boat you want, you will have to buy an old model. This in itself is no bad thing, as the boat was probably not mass produced, but built by hand by craftsmen. Get a boat that has been heavily overbuilt for its size, and is virtually indestructible. If it is a steel boat, look at the thickness of the steel, if it is a ferro boat, make sure it was built professionally, not by some backyard amateur.
Don't worry too much about the age of the boat, if it's been around for fifty years, it is obviously well built, and will last another fifty.
You will have to compromise on the size of the boat too. Costs come down dramatically with each foot reduction in length, but a bigger boat, say a forty footer will be able to carry a lot more than a thirty foot boat. Unfortunately, boats these days have to carry a lot more than they used to.
For instance, if there is an engine, there will need to be lots of spares, most of them heavy. Then there is the fuel required to use the engine, again a heavy load, depending on the number of gallons required.
You will also need a toolbox to carry all the other spares, things to fix sails, winches, rigging, plumbing etc. If you have a toolbox at home you will know just how heavy it can get.
There's probably a self steering vane hanging off the back, also a couple of solar panels and a liferaft.
Add to all this the food and water for the crew. Water is heavy, and a crew of two will normally use around 25 litres per day. If you have a slow boat, your voyages will take longer, so you will need more water. For a voyage of 24 days, that's 600 litres.
So you see that there is a tremendous amount of weight to be carried around, not to mention the room all this takes up, so why not buy a bigger boat.
Well, a bigger boat will generally be faster and more comfortable, but will cost a lot more in marina fees, outhauling fees and general maintenance costs.
So, buying a boat will always involve compromises, so decide on the things you want, good speed, safety, comfort, low purchase price and maintenance costs, and just accept that you can't get all the things you want in one boat.
Peter Phillips is an internet entrepreneur living in Canberra, Australia
If you would like to read more articles, and perhaps contibute a story of a photo yourself, go to my cruising website:
http://www.internetcruisingclub.com
For all you need to get started in internet marketing:
http://www.money-makingopportunities.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Phillips
Monday, 26 April 2010
HOME :: Travel-and-Leisure / Sailing Booking Your Family Vacation - Why Not Take The Family Sailing This Year?
Your annual family vacation is something that we all look forward too each year immensely, it may be the only two weeks of the year where you get to spend a full two weeks with your loved ones in a totally relaxed atmosphere away from the stress of your everyday lives. Choosing where to go on your vacation can always be a very difficult decision to make with the world becoming a smaller place due to the developments in air travel as well as the opening up of the travel market due to both the increase in information available to us over the internet as well as the increase in the number of low cost airlines that are now flying to more popular vacation destinations. One problem that you may come across when you come to book your annual family vacation is finding something a little different to do or go to when away. With the above mentioned developments in travel it is easier for more people to get to lesser known destinations that may have been unvisited in the past. So where can you go or what can you do that is a little bit different for a vacation.
Finding a holiday that will keep the whole family amused is always going to be difficult but if you have children that are willing to have an adventure and try something a little different you might want to have a look at maybe booking a sailing holiday.
Sailing holidays are becoming more and more popular with families who want to get away from the throngs of holiday makers and tourists that are travelling to more and more of the worlds more exclusive holiday destinations because the prices of holidays and travel has become so much cheaper with the advent of the travel industry on the inter web. A sailing holiday offers you and your family a period of tranquillity away from the crowds as well as a chance to relax for a given period of time, laying on the deck of the boat that will be piloted and crewed by experienced crew or else swimming about in the sea or snorkelling.
Sailing holidays are wonderfully relaxing and will normally involve nothing more strenuous than swimming, sun bathing, eating and drinking. You can plan your route of your sailing holiday with the crew before you set off, taking tips and advice from the experienced crew who will know the local waters inside out as well as any areas of outstanding beauty that you would not want to miss.
In the past sailing holidays have been very expensive and mainly have been set in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean but in the same way that the rest of the travel industry has been blown open so has the sailing holiday with the prices becoming much more affordable to the general market than in the past, as well as the locations becoming more accessible and perhaps less exclusive but still wonderfully pretty.
Turkey is one such destination where sailing holidays are becoming more and more popular with Marmaris being one of the most popular destinations within Turkey. Sailing holidays in turkey are very flexible offering you the choice of 3, 5, 7 or 10 day trips at sea so there is generally a vacation to suit all price brackets and families. Turkey is ideal for sailing, with beautiful crystal clear blue green sea lapping up to stunning white sandy beaches with sheltered coves and bays that are ideal for giving you and your family that affordable tranquillity and relaxation that will be appreciated and remembered for a long time to come.
So if you are looking for a totally relaxing and exclusive holiday that will be enjoyable for the whole family perhaps you should find your sea legs and book your family on a sailing vacation in Turkey this year.
For more info on sailing holidays Turkey and yacht charter Turkey please visit our site -
www.marmaris-mini-cruises.com
Please feel free to republish this article provided a working hyperlink remains to our site
Harwood E Woodpecker.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Harwood_E_Woodpecker
Finding a holiday that will keep the whole family amused is always going to be difficult but if you have children that are willing to have an adventure and try something a little different you might want to have a look at maybe booking a sailing holiday.
Sailing holidays are becoming more and more popular with families who want to get away from the throngs of holiday makers and tourists that are travelling to more and more of the worlds more exclusive holiday destinations because the prices of holidays and travel has become so much cheaper with the advent of the travel industry on the inter web. A sailing holiday offers you and your family a period of tranquillity away from the crowds as well as a chance to relax for a given period of time, laying on the deck of the boat that will be piloted and crewed by experienced crew or else swimming about in the sea or snorkelling.
Sailing holidays are wonderfully relaxing and will normally involve nothing more strenuous than swimming, sun bathing, eating and drinking. You can plan your route of your sailing holiday with the crew before you set off, taking tips and advice from the experienced crew who will know the local waters inside out as well as any areas of outstanding beauty that you would not want to miss.
In the past sailing holidays have been very expensive and mainly have been set in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean but in the same way that the rest of the travel industry has been blown open so has the sailing holiday with the prices becoming much more affordable to the general market than in the past, as well as the locations becoming more accessible and perhaps less exclusive but still wonderfully pretty.
Turkey is one such destination where sailing holidays are becoming more and more popular with Marmaris being one of the most popular destinations within Turkey. Sailing holidays in turkey are very flexible offering you the choice of 3, 5, 7 or 10 day trips at sea so there is generally a vacation to suit all price brackets and families. Turkey is ideal for sailing, with beautiful crystal clear blue green sea lapping up to stunning white sandy beaches with sheltered coves and bays that are ideal for giving you and your family that affordable tranquillity and relaxation that will be appreciated and remembered for a long time to come.
So if you are looking for a totally relaxing and exclusive holiday that will be enjoyable for the whole family perhaps you should find your sea legs and book your family on a sailing vacation in Turkey this year.
For more info on sailing holidays Turkey and yacht charter Turkey please visit our site -
www.marmaris-mini-cruises.com
Please feel free to republish this article provided a working hyperlink remains to our site
Harwood E Woodpecker.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Harwood_E_Woodpecker
HOME :: Travel-and-Leisure / Sailing Mediterranean Sailing Holidays
There are many cruise and sailing options that offer you the wonderful sights and beautiful landscape of the Western Mediterranean Sea. Popular stops include Malta, Italy, Sicily, Tunisia and Spain. Many cruises actually make a stop on the island of Mallorca, the main island of the Balearics, which has a large expat community, but often overlook the other two main islands, including Ibiza and Menorca.
However, cruises weren't quite for me. I felt I wasn't ready for the large cruise ships quite yet and the large crowds that come with it once you hit the shore. And as for which island, I wasn't quite keen on Ibiza, which has more of a late night mentality, with casino's and clubs located throughout. Though it is a stunning island, and there are some private yacht charter trips that go from Ibiza to nearby Formentera within a day, which in fact is quite a relaxing route. One can view Ibiza's coastline and cliffs and get away from the crowd, finding a cove where you can anchor your yacht for the afternoon.
Still, for the best combination of both, Menorca is still my top choice out of the Balearic Islands. Even with more flights available to Menorca from Gatwick this year than previously, it still felt like Menorca had that calmer easy-going feel to it. Gentle, relaxed and tranquil year round, Menorca is the right combination for all types of visitors. From the relaxed sunbathers to the eager deep seas divers and watersport enthusiasts, attracted by the local cuisine and scenic coastline, it has the best of all worlds, but particularly the one where I want to detach from the faster paced life back in the city. And even the nightlife carries a different vibe, such as "The Caves of Xuroi", which is located halfway down the cliffs above the sea of Cala'n Porter, where the dancing goes well into the night.
There are many offers that package holiday villas along with sailing holidays or private yacht charter services in Menorca, however, from experience it works best to perhaps pick and choose from each category individually. With single day excursions barely over a hundred euros per person, independently owned local companies such as Go Nautic can not only provide a good price (even by today's exchange rate standards), but also add the benefit of local experience. It always helps to have someone who knows the nooks and crannies of the coastline and where the best kept secrets are. And of course, a touch of hospitality is always welcome, and having the daily yacht charter excursions include a delicious three course meal, with drinks included was a nice touch. Few yacht charter services offer a catering service of this quality, and if you contact them in advance, one can choose various dishes in their menu.
Should you want it all to yourself though, they also offer weekly charter trips that can take you around the Balearic Islands, which include Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera. Come to think about it, I guess you actually can have it all.
Mark Smith is a travel journalist who explores the far reaches of the earth, by sea of course. From urban delights to remote islands, he reviews the wide range of nautical travel available. This month he looks at Yacht charter holidays and Sailing in Menorca and will be focusing on the top Mediterreanean hotspots through the year.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_J_Smith
However, cruises weren't quite for me. I felt I wasn't ready for the large cruise ships quite yet and the large crowds that come with it once you hit the shore. And as for which island, I wasn't quite keen on Ibiza, which has more of a late night mentality, with casino's and clubs located throughout. Though it is a stunning island, and there are some private yacht charter trips that go from Ibiza to nearby Formentera within a day, which in fact is quite a relaxing route. One can view Ibiza's coastline and cliffs and get away from the crowd, finding a cove where you can anchor your yacht for the afternoon.
Still, for the best combination of both, Menorca is still my top choice out of the Balearic Islands. Even with more flights available to Menorca from Gatwick this year than previously, it still felt like Menorca had that calmer easy-going feel to it. Gentle, relaxed and tranquil year round, Menorca is the right combination for all types of visitors. From the relaxed sunbathers to the eager deep seas divers and watersport enthusiasts, attracted by the local cuisine and scenic coastline, it has the best of all worlds, but particularly the one where I want to detach from the faster paced life back in the city. And even the nightlife carries a different vibe, such as "The Caves of Xuroi", which is located halfway down the cliffs above the sea of Cala'n Porter, where the dancing goes well into the night.
There are many offers that package holiday villas along with sailing holidays or private yacht charter services in Menorca, however, from experience it works best to perhaps pick and choose from each category individually. With single day excursions barely over a hundred euros per person, independently owned local companies such as Go Nautic can not only provide a good price (even by today's exchange rate standards), but also add the benefit of local experience. It always helps to have someone who knows the nooks and crannies of the coastline and where the best kept secrets are. And of course, a touch of hospitality is always welcome, and having the daily yacht charter excursions include a delicious three course meal, with drinks included was a nice touch. Few yacht charter services offer a catering service of this quality, and if you contact them in advance, one can choose various dishes in their menu.
Should you want it all to yourself though, they also offer weekly charter trips that can take you around the Balearic Islands, which include Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera. Come to think about it, I guess you actually can have it all.
Mark Smith is a travel journalist who explores the far reaches of the earth, by sea of course. From urban delights to remote islands, he reviews the wide range of nautical travel available. This month he looks at Yacht charter holidays and Sailing in Menorca and will be focusing on the top Mediterreanean hotspots through the year.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_J_Smith
Saturday, 24 April 2010
HOME :: Travel-and-Leisure / Cruising Fact from Fiction: Catamaran Myths Busted
Everyone knows sailing a catamaran is fun, but some people interested in taking it up hold back due to bias and ill-informed hearsay. Here are some of the more popular catamaran myths I'll cover:
o Dockage Difficulty
o Cats Don't point; Need dagger boards
o Capsizing - Not possible for Cruising Cats
o Cats Don't Seem Popular in Some Locations
o Windage of Flat Windows
o Fly Bridges are too High
Myth #1 - Poor Dockage Availability
Catamarans are synonymous with 'comfort' - especially with regards to extended cruising - because of how much living space they afford above and below decks. However, a catamaran's accommodating 'width' has also been associated with restricted dockage availability. While this may have held some truth in the past, catamarans have seen a tremendous increase in popularity and what marina would choose to ignore that kind of market?
What you'll find is that whether you're coastal cruising or ocean voyaging, you are generally offered berths on the outside of 'T' docks, which doesn't present a problem for catamarans. They can even occupy slips that are often too shallow for other yachts. Additionally, many new marinas often have large slips or alongside tie ups for large power boats that will work equally well for a catamaran. All and all, this just isn't the problem you might think it to be. Our satellite offices alone offer prime dockage in Annapolis, Fort Lauderdale and Tortola, BVI. If you are seriously looking for dock space in your area you will find it, and we can help.
Myth #2 - Sailing Performance - Multihulls don't point; need dagger boards
This myth is thought to stem from older multihulls that didn't upwind very well simply because a lot of them didn't have dagger boards. In general, most cats will point as high, if not higher, than an equivalent cruising monohull. However, if a catamaran is sailed 5 - 10 degrees off of a close-hulled point of sail its boat speed will be higher than an equivalent monohull. For this reason, you'll typically find a catamaran that will be sailed several degrees off the wind and maintain a faster VMG to a point upwind. (See Dennis Connor's 'Stars and Stripes' victory at the America's Cup in San Diego over KZ-1, the world's most radical 90ft. monohull)
Good upwind sailing performance really just comes down to the design of the hull and keel sections. In the past, older first generation hull designs really needed dagger boards to perform well up wind. That is not the case today with third generation hull and keel design cross sections, which are more efficient through the water.
Myth #3 - Catamarans capsize easily
Prospective buyers that have never experienced a cruising catamaran most likely develop their fears of capsizing from watching those little beach cats zip along the shore on one hull. After a while, it is inevitable the sailor will lose control and over it goes.
Cruising catamarans are in a class of their own. The power-to-weight ratio is greatly lower on a catamaran that is 34'+. Here's an example: a Lagoon 380-S2 carries 850 square feet of sail on a boat that weighs 15,344 pounds and is over 21'5 wide. This is a lot different from a beach cat that may only have 400 feet of sail on a 400 pound boat that is only 8' wide.
Most multihulls will not capsize even under intense conditions. A catamaran in extreme conditions will round into the wind, much like a monohull. Thereby in actuality it is not possible for a cruising catamaran to capsize from extreme wind conditions. Any extreme stress to the rig can be easily avoided by simply reefing and slowing down. Catamarans offer a very safe margin for secure offshore family sailing and performance.
Catamaran designs are notorious for their excellent safety record due to their enormous stability, conservative rigs and unsinkable hull from many separate watertight compartments and no heavy ballast.
Myth #4 - Catamarans don't seem popular in some locations
Often we will have prospective catamaran owners from locations in the states that don't often see catamarans in their local area and feel that there may be a reason for this phenomenon. California is one such location. We have seen many catamaran owners from California who desire to do their sailing in other locations and don't keep their yachts in their home waters location.
In general the catamaran market is quite young and the ratio of catamarans to monohulls in more established sailing markets is skewed in favor of monohulls.
Don't let this put you off. Currently there is high demand for catamarans and limited supply-- that protects catamaran owners with very good resale values for well-cared-for late model catamarans.
Myth #5 - Windage of flat windows will slow down the catamaran
Several years ago we used to hear this very often from buyers new to the catamaran market. The fact is that the flat sections of the forward facing or side facing windows have a very marginal effect on performance. Most sailing catamarans' max speed is under 20 Kts, this limits the wind resistant effect that is multiplied with boat speed.
Many older catamaran designs have slanted windows that are curved over the top while the modern designs with flat windows curve around the side and the top, above the flat section.
No one can argue the old style slanted windows don't look sexy. But the situation is akin to some minivan automobile designs in which their large, sloping windows generate excessive heat in the sun, while only creating "acres" of marginally usable dashboard surface.
By comparison, a salon with vertical windows allows you to enjoy more interior volume by maintaining your headroom as you move forward in the salon; they prevent the salon from inferred heating by the sun and have a great panoramic view without the need for sun covers over the windows.
Myth #6 - Fly bridges on catamarans are too high
The 44ft plus range of new 3rd generation catamarans, which entered the market about two years ago, are now being built with fly bridges by leading catamaran manufacturers. We have been asked, "is this a safe place to be in foul weather" or "the fly bridge raises the center of effort too high".
In practice it has been proven that being on the centerline of the yacht and elevated improves safety because of better visibility and you are least likely to be splashed by a wave breaking over the deck. The added feature of a bimini with a clear window adds additional protection from foul weather. In the event of nasty weather the yacht can also be maneuvered from the highly protected interior helm station option.
The fact is that the fly bridge is not just an add-on but is a key feature of a totally new design of catamaran. In-fact the fly bridge, like on the new Lagoon 44 and 500, is a completely integrated design that is incorporated into the coach roof of the salon and flows seamlessly into the hardtop bimini. As a result this design does not affect the lines of the yacht nor does it raise the boom and sail plan any higher than 3ft over an older designed equivalent sized catamaran.
For additional information, please visit http://www.catamarans.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alex_Padilla
o Dockage Difficulty
o Cats Don't point; Need dagger boards
o Capsizing - Not possible for Cruising Cats
o Cats Don't Seem Popular in Some Locations
o Windage of Flat Windows
o Fly Bridges are too High
Myth #1 - Poor Dockage Availability
Catamarans are synonymous with 'comfort' - especially with regards to extended cruising - because of how much living space they afford above and below decks. However, a catamaran's accommodating 'width' has also been associated with restricted dockage availability. While this may have held some truth in the past, catamarans have seen a tremendous increase in popularity and what marina would choose to ignore that kind of market?
What you'll find is that whether you're coastal cruising or ocean voyaging, you are generally offered berths on the outside of 'T' docks, which doesn't present a problem for catamarans. They can even occupy slips that are often too shallow for other yachts. Additionally, many new marinas often have large slips or alongside tie ups for large power boats that will work equally well for a catamaran. All and all, this just isn't the problem you might think it to be. Our satellite offices alone offer prime dockage in Annapolis, Fort Lauderdale and Tortola, BVI. If you are seriously looking for dock space in your area you will find it, and we can help.
Myth #2 - Sailing Performance - Multihulls don't point; need dagger boards
This myth is thought to stem from older multihulls that didn't upwind very well simply because a lot of them didn't have dagger boards. In general, most cats will point as high, if not higher, than an equivalent cruising monohull. However, if a catamaran is sailed 5 - 10 degrees off of a close-hulled point of sail its boat speed will be higher than an equivalent monohull. For this reason, you'll typically find a catamaran that will be sailed several degrees off the wind and maintain a faster VMG to a point upwind. (See Dennis Connor's 'Stars and Stripes' victory at the America's Cup in San Diego over KZ-1, the world's most radical 90ft. monohull)
Good upwind sailing performance really just comes down to the design of the hull and keel sections. In the past, older first generation hull designs really needed dagger boards to perform well up wind. That is not the case today with third generation hull and keel design cross sections, which are more efficient through the water.
Myth #3 - Catamarans capsize easily
Prospective buyers that have never experienced a cruising catamaran most likely develop their fears of capsizing from watching those little beach cats zip along the shore on one hull. After a while, it is inevitable the sailor will lose control and over it goes.
Cruising catamarans are in a class of their own. The power-to-weight ratio is greatly lower on a catamaran that is 34'+. Here's an example: a Lagoon 380-S2 carries 850 square feet of sail on a boat that weighs 15,344 pounds and is over 21'5 wide. This is a lot different from a beach cat that may only have 400 feet of sail on a 400 pound boat that is only 8' wide.
Most multihulls will not capsize even under intense conditions. A catamaran in extreme conditions will round into the wind, much like a monohull. Thereby in actuality it is not possible for a cruising catamaran to capsize from extreme wind conditions. Any extreme stress to the rig can be easily avoided by simply reefing and slowing down. Catamarans offer a very safe margin for secure offshore family sailing and performance.
Catamaran designs are notorious for their excellent safety record due to their enormous stability, conservative rigs and unsinkable hull from many separate watertight compartments and no heavy ballast.
Myth #4 - Catamarans don't seem popular in some locations
Often we will have prospective catamaran owners from locations in the states that don't often see catamarans in their local area and feel that there may be a reason for this phenomenon. California is one such location. We have seen many catamaran owners from California who desire to do their sailing in other locations and don't keep their yachts in their home waters location.
In general the catamaran market is quite young and the ratio of catamarans to monohulls in more established sailing markets is skewed in favor of monohulls.
Don't let this put you off. Currently there is high demand for catamarans and limited supply-- that protects catamaran owners with very good resale values for well-cared-for late model catamarans.
Myth #5 - Windage of flat windows will slow down the catamaran
Several years ago we used to hear this very often from buyers new to the catamaran market. The fact is that the flat sections of the forward facing or side facing windows have a very marginal effect on performance. Most sailing catamarans' max speed is under 20 Kts, this limits the wind resistant effect that is multiplied with boat speed.
Many older catamaran designs have slanted windows that are curved over the top while the modern designs with flat windows curve around the side and the top, above the flat section.
No one can argue the old style slanted windows don't look sexy. But the situation is akin to some minivan automobile designs in which their large, sloping windows generate excessive heat in the sun, while only creating "acres" of marginally usable dashboard surface.
By comparison, a salon with vertical windows allows you to enjoy more interior volume by maintaining your headroom as you move forward in the salon; they prevent the salon from inferred heating by the sun and have a great panoramic view without the need for sun covers over the windows.
Myth #6 - Fly bridges on catamarans are too high
The 44ft plus range of new 3rd generation catamarans, which entered the market about two years ago, are now being built with fly bridges by leading catamaran manufacturers. We have been asked, "is this a safe place to be in foul weather" or "the fly bridge raises the center of effort too high".
In practice it has been proven that being on the centerline of the yacht and elevated improves safety because of better visibility and you are least likely to be splashed by a wave breaking over the deck. The added feature of a bimini with a clear window adds additional protection from foul weather. In the event of nasty weather the yacht can also be maneuvered from the highly protected interior helm station option.
The fact is that the fly bridge is not just an add-on but is a key feature of a totally new design of catamaran. In-fact the fly bridge, like on the new Lagoon 44 and 500, is a completely integrated design that is incorporated into the coach roof of the salon and flows seamlessly into the hardtop bimini. As a result this design does not affect the lines of the yacht nor does it raise the boom and sail plan any higher than 3ft over an older designed equivalent sized catamaran.
For additional information, please visit http://www.catamarans.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alex_Padilla
HOME :: Travel-and-Leisure / Cruising Catamarans vs Monohulls
Multihull Advantages
Catamarans have been popular for many years in parts of the world such as Australia, France, and South Africa but have not caught attention in North America until recently. Catamaran sales have grown significantly in the past ten years in North America, and the subject of comparing cats and monohulls has become commonplace. Catamarans have been the fastest growing segment of the sailboat market. In the past couple of years the growth of this market has been over 20% per year.
Due to this rising market's popularity the demand is greater than the supply at this moment. Taking this into consideration, catamarans have higher resale values over monohulls. Cats have been selling at prices close to or greater than what the owner originally paid for the vessel. This advent is firing the growth of this industry.
Ocean Handling
Cats have been noticed because of their many benefits over monohulls. First and foremost is their greater stability in rough waters. When it comes to sailing this advantage is definitely noticed. Monohulls tilt to one side while sailing due to their v-shaped hull. Passengers have to deal with the fact that while the boat is sailing they have to tilt to one side the entire time. This creates discomfort when trying to move around the vessel. Catamarans stay consistently level while sailing, allowing for passengers to get around without having to bend and contort to maintain balance.
The extra stability makes it safer for children to run around and play on deck. The elderly can have more of an enjoyable time, because of the lack of physical strain involved in getting around the boat. Catamarans make it easier for novice sailors to get a handle on maneuvering and sailing the vessel.
Cats have excellent load-carrying abilities. This is why they are often used as ferries; they provide a safe and stable platform. When there is added stability and a lack of heeling the chances of someone becoming sea sick is reduced. Passengers will be more inclined to stay off land for greater lengths of time when their comfort levels are high.
Catamarans have the ability of smothering rough water. The environment that is created by having two parallel floats(hulls) causes for air to be trapped between these two apparatuses providing additional lift. This provides an invisible cushion as the vessel passes over wakes and waves.
Speed
Catamarans will take you faster to where you want to go over monohulls. It's not a question about whether you're sailing or under power, catamaran designs are faster overall. The overall speed of a cat compared to a monohull of the same size is about 20% faster. Cats are being designed with smaller keels this indeed improves closed-hull performance. Monohulls are limited by a maximum hull speed; this is not the case for multihulls. The elongated thin hulls of a cat limit a bow wave. The amount of wind at a certain point in time is what will limit your maximum speed while sailing. Monohulls can only travel as fast as their bow wave to stern speed. Catamarans are lighter for their length compared to monohulls. Cats usually have taller masts with bigger sails.
Along with speed, cats are much more maneuverable, especially when it comes to power cats. With the engines on each side of the boat you can move a cat around its central axis.
Capsizing
The chances of capsizing on a cat are less probable than on a monohull. Of course, if your traveling at a high rate of speed you have to be careful, but you still have a little more leeway to be reckless than on a monohull. The problem here is that when you actually capsize a catamaran it is much more difficult to get the vessel back in its proper position.
Spaciousness
Catamarans are wider than monohulls. Given this fact a catamarans interior/deck is much more spacious. A 50ft catamaran has the same room as a 60ft catamaran. In other words, a monohull has the same volume as a 10ft shorter catamaran. Cats give you the benefit of anchoring in shallow waters due to their small draft. This gives the option of having a larger list of areas to anchor in than monohulls.
Since a cat has more room it creates a home like feel. The interior layouts tend to be more private. Heads and showers are separate. The dual hull layout gives way to the advantage of having heads and showers in opposite corners. Catamarans around the 40 foot range provide enough room for queen-sized rectangular beds. You don't have to deal with the discomfort of pointy beds as you see in monohulls of the same size. The greater surface area also creates more storage room, so passengers don't have to leave things behind. The added room can also mean you can pack for longer trips.
The extra room around a cat gives someone the freedom of being able to find a nice quiet spot away from other crew members. A larger foredeck and interior allows an escape for those who like spending time away from other crew members. Most catamarans have larger than normal cockpits with panoramic views. One can sit and relax in the salon and still feel like their outside. The space between the two hulls has multiple functions. This space allows for a net to be placed between the hulls, this can provide an extra lounging area or creates a perfect spot for sunbathing. Also, a dinghy-davit can be placed at the transom, fitting without a problem between the hulls. All of these benefits as compared to monohulls is the reason why catamarans are have also risen in popularity for sailing vacations.
To view the top selling catamarans today please visit http://www.catamarans.com/.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alex_Padilla
Catamarans have been popular for many years in parts of the world such as Australia, France, and South Africa but have not caught attention in North America until recently. Catamaran sales have grown significantly in the past ten years in North America, and the subject of comparing cats and monohulls has become commonplace. Catamarans have been the fastest growing segment of the sailboat market. In the past couple of years the growth of this market has been over 20% per year.
Due to this rising market's popularity the demand is greater than the supply at this moment. Taking this into consideration, catamarans have higher resale values over monohulls. Cats have been selling at prices close to or greater than what the owner originally paid for the vessel. This advent is firing the growth of this industry.
Ocean Handling
Cats have been noticed because of their many benefits over monohulls. First and foremost is their greater stability in rough waters. When it comes to sailing this advantage is definitely noticed. Monohulls tilt to one side while sailing due to their v-shaped hull. Passengers have to deal with the fact that while the boat is sailing they have to tilt to one side the entire time. This creates discomfort when trying to move around the vessel. Catamarans stay consistently level while sailing, allowing for passengers to get around without having to bend and contort to maintain balance.
The extra stability makes it safer for children to run around and play on deck. The elderly can have more of an enjoyable time, because of the lack of physical strain involved in getting around the boat. Catamarans make it easier for novice sailors to get a handle on maneuvering and sailing the vessel.
Cats have excellent load-carrying abilities. This is why they are often used as ferries; they provide a safe and stable platform. When there is added stability and a lack of heeling the chances of someone becoming sea sick is reduced. Passengers will be more inclined to stay off land for greater lengths of time when their comfort levels are high.
Catamarans have the ability of smothering rough water. The environment that is created by having two parallel floats(hulls) causes for air to be trapped between these two apparatuses providing additional lift. This provides an invisible cushion as the vessel passes over wakes and waves.
Speed
Catamarans will take you faster to where you want to go over monohulls. It's not a question about whether you're sailing or under power, catamaran designs are faster overall. The overall speed of a cat compared to a monohull of the same size is about 20% faster. Cats are being designed with smaller keels this indeed improves closed-hull performance. Monohulls are limited by a maximum hull speed; this is not the case for multihulls. The elongated thin hulls of a cat limit a bow wave. The amount of wind at a certain point in time is what will limit your maximum speed while sailing. Monohulls can only travel as fast as their bow wave to stern speed. Catamarans are lighter for their length compared to monohulls. Cats usually have taller masts with bigger sails.
Along with speed, cats are much more maneuverable, especially when it comes to power cats. With the engines on each side of the boat you can move a cat around its central axis.
Capsizing
The chances of capsizing on a cat are less probable than on a monohull. Of course, if your traveling at a high rate of speed you have to be careful, but you still have a little more leeway to be reckless than on a monohull. The problem here is that when you actually capsize a catamaran it is much more difficult to get the vessel back in its proper position.
Spaciousness
Catamarans are wider than monohulls. Given this fact a catamarans interior/deck is much more spacious. A 50ft catamaran has the same room as a 60ft catamaran. In other words, a monohull has the same volume as a 10ft shorter catamaran. Cats give you the benefit of anchoring in shallow waters due to their small draft. This gives the option of having a larger list of areas to anchor in than monohulls.
Since a cat has more room it creates a home like feel. The interior layouts tend to be more private. Heads and showers are separate. The dual hull layout gives way to the advantage of having heads and showers in opposite corners. Catamarans around the 40 foot range provide enough room for queen-sized rectangular beds. You don't have to deal with the discomfort of pointy beds as you see in monohulls of the same size. The greater surface area also creates more storage room, so passengers don't have to leave things behind. The added room can also mean you can pack for longer trips.
The extra room around a cat gives someone the freedom of being able to find a nice quiet spot away from other crew members. A larger foredeck and interior allows an escape for those who like spending time away from other crew members. Most catamarans have larger than normal cockpits with panoramic views. One can sit and relax in the salon and still feel like their outside. The space between the two hulls has multiple functions. This space allows for a net to be placed between the hulls, this can provide an extra lounging area or creates a perfect spot for sunbathing. Also, a dinghy-davit can be placed at the transom, fitting without a problem between the hulls. All of these benefits as compared to monohulls is the reason why catamarans are have also risen in popularity for sailing vacations.
To view the top selling catamarans today please visit http://www.catamarans.com/.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alex_Padilla
Friday, 23 April 2010
HOME :: Travel-and-Leisure / Sailing A Sailing Holiday In Ibiza - An Unforgettable Holiday
Your sailing charter in Ibiza and Formentera could be the most exciting vacation in your life. Ibiza, also known locally as Eivissa, is located along the Mediterranean Sea. It geographically belongs to Spain's Balearic Islands. Adjacent to Ibiza is the island of Formentera. It is the smallest island in Balearic measuring only 9 miles long. The two islands have a gap of three nautical miles from each other. In Spain, Ibiza and Formentera forms the Pine Group of Islands.
The weather condition around Ibiza and Formentera is typically good for sailing especially during the summer season. The summer season is from the month of May to October. During this period, the 2 islands' beaches are warmer particularly on the first stage of May. This is when the sun will totally come out unfolding the islands' beautiful sceneries. This climate is an ideal environment for your sailing holiday in Ibiza and Formentera because the sea is relatively calm. The summer temperature is approximately from 23° to 28° Celsius. From the month of June to September, the islands have small or no rains at all. The hottest months in the summer season, which averages about 30 º Celsius, are from August to September.
On the other hand, Ibiza and Formentera's winter season are from November to April. Usually, the winter temperature will not drop below 0º. There are snows, which makes it difficult to sail clearly. Aside from sailing, the islands' beaches are also affected during the winter season. However, several tourists still come to Ibiza and Formentera during this time of the year.
The island of Ibiza has 4 regions. These include Santa Eulària des Riu, Sant Josep de sa Talaia, Sant Joan de Labritja, and Sant Antoni de Portmany.
Sailing holiday in Ibiza and Formentera through Sant Antoni de Portmany can be an exciting vacation. This place has been a favorite tourist destination particularly by the British. There are several resto bars and nightclubs in this town making it one of Ibiza's most active areas. Aside from this, Sant Antoni de Portmany also has eye-catching beaches.
The region of Sant Joan de Labritja, located on the northern portion of Ibiza, is more serene and relaxing. It is quite because there are only a limited number of tourists who come to this region. However, it has one of the clearest beaches in Spain. Among other things, Sant Joan de Labritja possesses an exceptional type of Mediterranean vegetation.
For more info on yacht charter Mallorca - Ibiza visit D. Browall's website http://www.sboats.com - The Ultimate Guide to a Sailing Holiday.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=D._Browall
The weather condition around Ibiza and Formentera is typically good for sailing especially during the summer season. The summer season is from the month of May to October. During this period, the 2 islands' beaches are warmer particularly on the first stage of May. This is when the sun will totally come out unfolding the islands' beautiful sceneries. This climate is an ideal environment for your sailing holiday in Ibiza and Formentera because the sea is relatively calm. The summer temperature is approximately from 23° to 28° Celsius. From the month of June to September, the islands have small or no rains at all. The hottest months in the summer season, which averages about 30 º Celsius, are from August to September.
On the other hand, Ibiza and Formentera's winter season are from November to April. Usually, the winter temperature will not drop below 0º. There are snows, which makes it difficult to sail clearly. Aside from sailing, the islands' beaches are also affected during the winter season. However, several tourists still come to Ibiza and Formentera during this time of the year.
The island of Ibiza has 4 regions. These include Santa Eulària des Riu, Sant Josep de sa Talaia, Sant Joan de Labritja, and Sant Antoni de Portmany.
Sailing holiday in Ibiza and Formentera through Sant Antoni de Portmany can be an exciting vacation. This place has been a favorite tourist destination particularly by the British. There are several resto bars and nightclubs in this town making it one of Ibiza's most active areas. Aside from this, Sant Antoni de Portmany also has eye-catching beaches.
The region of Sant Joan de Labritja, located on the northern portion of Ibiza, is more serene and relaxing. It is quite because there are only a limited number of tourists who come to this region. However, it has one of the clearest beaches in Spain. Among other things, Sant Joan de Labritja possesses an exceptional type of Mediterranean vegetation.
For more info on yacht charter Mallorca - Ibiza visit D. Browall's website http://www.sboats.com - The Ultimate Guide to a Sailing Holiday.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=D._Browall
HOME :: Travel-and-Leisure / Sailing Sailing Holidays in Turkey: A Mediterranean Paradise Awaits You
If you like sunshine, the smell of the sea air, water sports, Mediterranean cuisine, and a chance to visit important historical sites, then you should set your sites on Turkey. It is here where you can explore one of civilization's great crossroads, choosing from a variety of sailing options.
You don't have to be a sailor to enjoy a sea holiday in Turkey. One of the popular choices of tourists in Turkey is to hire a crewed yacht. On a crewed yacht, a professional crew takes care of the boating and you can turn your attention to snorkeling, soaking in the sun, visiting quaint villages, historical sites and enjoying the dishes prepared by the onboard chef.
If you fancy travelling on a vessel that is reminiscent of a romantic galleon or old pirate ship, then a cruise on a Gulet (or Gullet) is in order. Gulets are traditional wooden and handmade Turkish boats, usually equipped with a crew of three comprising of the captain, the cook, and a sailor. The boats have a motor as well as sails. The route can be fixed , or arranged to the preferences of the group, and the group shares the expenses.
Although Gullets are traditional vessels, the modern touring Gullets are fully equipped with the comfort of the tourist in mind. They usually contain four to ten cabins, equipped with en-suite showers, WCs and hot water facilities. Turkish Gullets also have music systems, navigational, electronic, fishing and diving equipment. Spacious and light sitting-space provided at the back of the boat is one of the distinguishing characteristics and advantages of this type of vessel. Sitting at the large table in this section, you can have your meals under the sunshade, you can get a sun tan or you may watch stars at night.
For those who want more freedom and enjoy doing their own sailing, then the best choice is a "bareboat" vacation. "Bareboating" is the term given to a chartered holiday where you hire a whole vessel for a fixed period. You will be fully responsible for the boat and can sail her yourself, if you have a licensed captain in your group, or hire a professional to do it for you.
Along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts of Turkey there are a number of scenic routes that you can choose from touching a rich array of historical sites including the ancient cities of Pergamon, Ephesus, Miletus, Knidos, Xanthos, Myra, Perge, Aspendos and Side. There are also dozens of other, smaller sites dating back many thousands of years, the remains of which are equally as interesting. If you are on a Gulet cruise with a full crew, then you will benefit from an experienced guide with a deep knowledge of the area.
The Mediterranean is also renowned for its great cuisine and a cruise holiday in Turkey will give you a chance to get acquainted with Turkish hospitality and the colorful and tasty dishes of this region
Sunshine, the sea, historical sites, sailing, swimming and fine cuisine: add it all up and you have the makings of an unforgettable holiday or vacation.
Gurhan Ebren is the owner of El Paso Travels, a tourism and travel agency specializing in yacht and sailing tours in Turkey, since 1985. Visit http://www.elpasotravel.net to find out more about sailing holidays in Turkey.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gurhan_Ebren
You don't have to be a sailor to enjoy a sea holiday in Turkey. One of the popular choices of tourists in Turkey is to hire a crewed yacht. On a crewed yacht, a professional crew takes care of the boating and you can turn your attention to snorkeling, soaking in the sun, visiting quaint villages, historical sites and enjoying the dishes prepared by the onboard chef.
If you fancy travelling on a vessel that is reminiscent of a romantic galleon or old pirate ship, then a cruise on a Gulet (or Gullet) is in order. Gulets are traditional wooden and handmade Turkish boats, usually equipped with a crew of three comprising of the captain, the cook, and a sailor. The boats have a motor as well as sails. The route can be fixed , or arranged to the preferences of the group, and the group shares the expenses.
Although Gullets are traditional vessels, the modern touring Gullets are fully equipped with the comfort of the tourist in mind. They usually contain four to ten cabins, equipped with en-suite showers, WCs and hot water facilities. Turkish Gullets also have music systems, navigational, electronic, fishing and diving equipment. Spacious and light sitting-space provided at the back of the boat is one of the distinguishing characteristics and advantages of this type of vessel. Sitting at the large table in this section, you can have your meals under the sunshade, you can get a sun tan or you may watch stars at night.
For those who want more freedom and enjoy doing their own sailing, then the best choice is a "bareboat" vacation. "Bareboating" is the term given to a chartered holiday where you hire a whole vessel for a fixed period. You will be fully responsible for the boat and can sail her yourself, if you have a licensed captain in your group, or hire a professional to do it for you.
Along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts of Turkey there are a number of scenic routes that you can choose from touching a rich array of historical sites including the ancient cities of Pergamon, Ephesus, Miletus, Knidos, Xanthos, Myra, Perge, Aspendos and Side. There are also dozens of other, smaller sites dating back many thousands of years, the remains of which are equally as interesting. If you are on a Gulet cruise with a full crew, then you will benefit from an experienced guide with a deep knowledge of the area.
The Mediterranean is also renowned for its great cuisine and a cruise holiday in Turkey will give you a chance to get acquainted with Turkish hospitality and the colorful and tasty dishes of this region
Sunshine, the sea, historical sites, sailing, swimming and fine cuisine: add it all up and you have the makings of an unforgettable holiday or vacation.
Gurhan Ebren is the owner of El Paso Travels, a tourism and travel agency specializing in yacht and sailing tours in Turkey, since 1985. Visit http://www.elpasotravel.net to find out more about sailing holidays in Turkey.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gurhan_Ebren
Thursday, 22 April 2010
HOME :: Recreation-and-Sports / Boating Learn How to Sail
Sailing is a popular and fun activity for any body
The great thing about learning to sail, especially in the UK, is that the coast is so close to us. We are never too far from a sailing adventure! Leaving the land behind us and disappearing into the ocean on a yacht is less of a dream than you may think.
People of all ages are learning to sail. There is no age limit and children as young as 5 can help crew a yacht. Most sailing only requires a small amount of physical strength, meaning it can easily become a passion enjoyed by everybody.
Leaning to sail doesn't have to be expensive. Don't rush out and buy the most expensive clothing and equipment. For your first few times on the water you can borrow or rent anything you may need. Invest in the sport once you've started to sail regularly.
People with disabilities, such as vision impairment, can sail without restriction. Wheelchair users can still participate in the sport but should be more careful in their selection of sailing vessel.
Learning to sail is a wonderful experience and a hobby which will bring you hours of enjoyment. It's not a hard sport to conquer but the potential hazards you'll encounter mean safety is key. We've put together this guide to help you when learning to sail.
Where To Begin?
Contact your local sailing club and offer your services as a novice crew.
Or teach yourself the basics with books or on the internet, and then contact a sailing club.
Book yourself onto a sailing course - these normally last a weekend, although holiday sailing courses can be up to 2 weeks.
You'll find sailing centres anywhere on the coast of the UK, but the heart of sailing has to be the Southampton coast. With its many harbours and exciting sailing around the Isle of Wight, it's an excellent place to learn to sail.
Sailing on the UK coast starts around April and usually finishes in September. Mediterranean sailing lasts a little longer. Look to the Canaries or the Caribbean for winter sailing. You can sail a dinghy in the UK all year round.
Be Safe
Safety on the water is the most important factor to consider when learning to sail.
Avoid crowded harbours and peak hours. Having to keep a safe distance from other vessels will only distract you.
To begin with, go out in low winds. There is no point in sailing for speed straight away. Ensure you can walk before you can run!
Always run through a safety drill before you leave dock.
The chances are you'll learn to sail in a small boat or one with a light boom. Learning to control the boom is essential for smooth sailing and safety.
Swimming
It may sound like simple advice, but if you're going on the water you need to be able to swim. Even the most experienced sailor will find themselves in the water at some point. Being a competent swimmer will ensure you stay calm in a potentially harmful situation.
Vital Equipment
You'll need the following items when learning to sail:
A good set of boat shoes A life jacket or buoyancy aid Signal equipment Brightly coloured clothing suitable for current weather conditions A high factor sun cream
Whatever adventure you're looking for, sailing can offer it. Now you know where to start, just go ahead and do it! We can assure you, you'll never look back.
If you're looking to buy a boat, check out the listings on sailing-boats-for-sale.com. There are thousands of sailing boats for sale ranging from sailing dinghies to sailing yachts. If you have a sailing boat you want to sell, you can also sell it on sailing boats for sale and avoid expensive brokerage fees.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Simon_White
The great thing about learning to sail, especially in the UK, is that the coast is so close to us. We are never too far from a sailing adventure! Leaving the land behind us and disappearing into the ocean on a yacht is less of a dream than you may think.
People of all ages are learning to sail. There is no age limit and children as young as 5 can help crew a yacht. Most sailing only requires a small amount of physical strength, meaning it can easily become a passion enjoyed by everybody.
Leaning to sail doesn't have to be expensive. Don't rush out and buy the most expensive clothing and equipment. For your first few times on the water you can borrow or rent anything you may need. Invest in the sport once you've started to sail regularly.
People with disabilities, such as vision impairment, can sail without restriction. Wheelchair users can still participate in the sport but should be more careful in their selection of sailing vessel.
Learning to sail is a wonderful experience and a hobby which will bring you hours of enjoyment. It's not a hard sport to conquer but the potential hazards you'll encounter mean safety is key. We've put together this guide to help you when learning to sail.
Where To Begin?
Contact your local sailing club and offer your services as a novice crew.
Or teach yourself the basics with books or on the internet, and then contact a sailing club.
Book yourself onto a sailing course - these normally last a weekend, although holiday sailing courses can be up to 2 weeks.
You'll find sailing centres anywhere on the coast of the UK, but the heart of sailing has to be the Southampton coast. With its many harbours and exciting sailing around the Isle of Wight, it's an excellent place to learn to sail.
Sailing on the UK coast starts around April and usually finishes in September. Mediterranean sailing lasts a little longer. Look to the Canaries or the Caribbean for winter sailing. You can sail a dinghy in the UK all year round.
Be Safe
Safety on the water is the most important factor to consider when learning to sail.
Avoid crowded harbours and peak hours. Having to keep a safe distance from other vessels will only distract you.
To begin with, go out in low winds. There is no point in sailing for speed straight away. Ensure you can walk before you can run!
Always run through a safety drill before you leave dock.
The chances are you'll learn to sail in a small boat or one with a light boom. Learning to control the boom is essential for smooth sailing and safety.
Swimming
It may sound like simple advice, but if you're going on the water you need to be able to swim. Even the most experienced sailor will find themselves in the water at some point. Being a competent swimmer will ensure you stay calm in a potentially harmful situation.
Vital Equipment
You'll need the following items when learning to sail:
A good set of boat shoes A life jacket or buoyancy aid Signal equipment Brightly coloured clothing suitable for current weather conditions A high factor sun cream
Whatever adventure you're looking for, sailing can offer it. Now you know where to start, just go ahead and do it! We can assure you, you'll never look back.
If you're looking to buy a boat, check out the listings on sailing-boats-for-sale.com. There are thousands of sailing boats for sale ranging from sailing dinghies to sailing yachts. If you have a sailing boat you want to sell, you can also sell it on sailing boats for sale and avoid expensive brokerage fees.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Simon_White
HOME :: Travel-and-Leisure / Sailing What's Stopping You From Learning to Sail?
Would you like to try sailing but have anxieties that hold you back? Here are some common things that first-time sailors worry about:
Being seasick
The yacht heeling over / capsizing
Spending five days with strangers
The level of comfort on board
Bad weather
Being are too old
Having young children
The cost
People are less seasick on sailing yachts than on motor boats. The keel and sails act as stabilisers so the yacht does not roll in the same way. Sickness is much easier to prevent than to cure so if you think you are susceptible, investigate preventatives including tablets, patches, and armbands.
Yachts are not like dinghies. They are designed so that they do not capsize. When you sail towards the wind they will sail at an angle ('heeled over') but this is quite safe. You should make sure that you are comfortable and well supported in the cockpit as this will give you confidence. You may need to experiment with different places to sit to find the best one for you.
Sailing schools normally run group courses for up to five students. Although these may be strangers at the start of the week you will quickly find that learning together creates a bond. It is very unusual for there to be friction on a sailing course even though you are living in a small space. Sharing a common experience seems to help enable people to get on well even if they are very different.
Most small yachts are not particularly comfortable. They are designed for sailing performance rather than for spacious interiors. Marine toilets are not the nicest things to use either! Don't be discouraged. Most people have no difficulty adapting to living on board for the five days of an RYA sailing course. If you think of sailing as going camping on water you will find that you are pleasantly surprised as yachts are more comfortable than tents!
The weather in the UK is unpredictable. If this concerns you why not start sailing in a warm climate such as Spain or Greece? You will get sunshine most of the year and for your first course it makes no difference whether you learn in tidal or non-tidal waters. Investigate the likely wind and weather conditions in the areas you are interested in and make an informed choice.
You can learn to sail at any age. You may find you are less confident and not as strong as in your youth but one of the wonderful things about sailing is that you can continue to sail into your 90s! Most schools will be happy to take older students but you may need to look around a little for insurance if you are over 70.
There are sailing schools that will happily take families with children. A warm climate is often an advantage as children prefer shorter passages with lots of swimming stops. Find a school that has experience with families and discuss it with them.
The cost of sailing is a major inhibiting factor for many. While it is not a cheap sport it's possible to start sailing on a budget. Many schools offer discounts out of the main summer season, or for last minute bookings. You can also ask at local clubs if anyone would be prepared to take you on as crew.
Don't let any of these factors deter you - you'll never know if you'll enjoy sailing unless you try it!
About the Author
Melody McKay Burton is Director of Aegean Sailing School.
This is an RYA recognised training centre based on the pretty island of Aegina. Although not as well-known as some Greek islands, Aegina (pronounced Ayina) is one of the closest islands to Athens and has an interesting history and a unique charm.
Aegean Sailing School have been offering RYA sailing courses to an international clientele since 2005 and are well known for their friendly, professional service. The school runs a full range of RYA sailing and theory courses throughout the year, and also offers powerboat courses and skippered sailing holidays.
Melody and her husband, George, the School Principal, have lived and sailed in Greece since 2001 (They went for a two year sabbatical and decided to stay!)
Before that they lived and sailed in Argyll in the Scottish Highlands.
Sign up to receive your Free Guide to Choosing a Sailing School on the Aegean Sailing School website http://www.aegeansailingschool.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Melody_McKay_Burton
Being seasick
The yacht heeling over / capsizing
Spending five days with strangers
The level of comfort on board
Bad weather
Being are too old
Having young children
The cost
People are less seasick on sailing yachts than on motor boats. The keel and sails act as stabilisers so the yacht does not roll in the same way. Sickness is much easier to prevent than to cure so if you think you are susceptible, investigate preventatives including tablets, patches, and armbands.
Yachts are not like dinghies. They are designed so that they do not capsize. When you sail towards the wind they will sail at an angle ('heeled over') but this is quite safe. You should make sure that you are comfortable and well supported in the cockpit as this will give you confidence. You may need to experiment with different places to sit to find the best one for you.
Sailing schools normally run group courses for up to five students. Although these may be strangers at the start of the week you will quickly find that learning together creates a bond. It is very unusual for there to be friction on a sailing course even though you are living in a small space. Sharing a common experience seems to help enable people to get on well even if they are very different.
Most small yachts are not particularly comfortable. They are designed for sailing performance rather than for spacious interiors. Marine toilets are not the nicest things to use either! Don't be discouraged. Most people have no difficulty adapting to living on board for the five days of an RYA sailing course. If you think of sailing as going camping on water you will find that you are pleasantly surprised as yachts are more comfortable than tents!
The weather in the UK is unpredictable. If this concerns you why not start sailing in a warm climate such as Spain or Greece? You will get sunshine most of the year and for your first course it makes no difference whether you learn in tidal or non-tidal waters. Investigate the likely wind and weather conditions in the areas you are interested in and make an informed choice.
You can learn to sail at any age. You may find you are less confident and not as strong as in your youth but one of the wonderful things about sailing is that you can continue to sail into your 90s! Most schools will be happy to take older students but you may need to look around a little for insurance if you are over 70.
There are sailing schools that will happily take families with children. A warm climate is often an advantage as children prefer shorter passages with lots of swimming stops. Find a school that has experience with families and discuss it with them.
The cost of sailing is a major inhibiting factor for many. While it is not a cheap sport it's possible to start sailing on a budget. Many schools offer discounts out of the main summer season, or for last minute bookings. You can also ask at local clubs if anyone would be prepared to take you on as crew.
Don't let any of these factors deter you - you'll never know if you'll enjoy sailing unless you try it!
About the Author
Melody McKay Burton is Director of Aegean Sailing School.
This is an RYA recognised training centre based on the pretty island of Aegina. Although not as well-known as some Greek islands, Aegina (pronounced Ayina) is one of the closest islands to Athens and has an interesting history and a unique charm.
Aegean Sailing School have been offering RYA sailing courses to an international clientele since 2005 and are well known for their friendly, professional service. The school runs a full range of RYA sailing and theory courses throughout the year, and also offers powerboat courses and skippered sailing holidays.
Melody and her husband, George, the School Principal, have lived and sailed in Greece since 2001 (They went for a two year sabbatical and decided to stay!)
Before that they lived and sailed in Argyll in the Scottish Highlands.
Sign up to receive your Free Guide to Choosing a Sailing School on the Aegean Sailing School website http://www.aegeansailingschool.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Melody_McKay_Burton
Learn How to Sail - Sailing Terminology
Thinking about starting Sailing or Yachting and Sailing off into the Sunset? Then please read on! You are probably like many people, you would love to sail, but do not know the first thing about sailing and where to start.
I have included in this article an extensive list on sailing terminology to help you with learning how to sail, and inturn helping you through the first basic approaches and giving you the confidence to go forward.
The list is as follows;
AFT
Refers to the back of the boat or Stern
Backstay
A strong wire or rod from the mast top to the stern of boat this stabilizers the mast. Backstays have adjustable tensions to shape mast in changing wind conditions.
Bearing
It is an angular position taken from a fix point back to the boat.
Beaufort Scale
This refers to table of wind speeds.
Bilge
This refers to an area at tahe bottom of the boat to collect water.
Bilge Pump
This is a pump operated manually or electrically to empty the water from the bilge.
Block
This pulley guides line to decrease force necessary to pull on a line.
Boom
A horizontal spar attached to mast at one end and to aft corner, the Clew of a sail at another end.
Buoys
All Buoys float. You will come across three different types, Navigational, Mooring, and Fishing.
Bow
This describes front of your boat.
Bowsprit
This is a spar that extends forward of the hull of a boat.
Centerboard
This is a retractable and flat device on the centerline of your boat extended below a boat to prevent it from moving sideways. This also stabilizes boat movement.
Chart
Used for boat navigation.
Chart Work
This refers to plotting of your course on the chart.
Cleat
A piece of metal or wood shaped like an anvil to hold a mooring line or sheet. Although traditional cleats require a special knot to tie anvil, present-day anvils do not require any.
Clew
Aft corner of a sail that attaches to the boom
Companionway
The entrance to the cabin of a boat
Compass
A device fixed to the boat that you use to sail the boat in a specific direction in 360 degrees. Hand held compasses are portable.
Compass Deviation
This refers to the magnetic deviation caused by the boat that you will need to add or subtract from your course.
Crew
All people engaged in working on a boat.
Deck
The horizontal outside surface of a boat, normally the ceiling of the sailboat while you are in the cabin
Dress Ship
It is decorations on the outside of your boat.
Ensign
A flag flown from stern of boat to identify nationality of the vessel
Flares
Used for distress signaling.
Foot
It is the bottom edge of a sail.
Forestay
This is a stay made of strong metal rod, wire, or line running from top of mast to bow of your boat. This stabilizes the mast and is used to attach the headsail. This is same as head stay.
Fractional Rig
It is a sailboat, whose forestay attaches to mast little below mast top. If forestay is at top of a mast, it is a 'masthead rig'.
Furl
This refers to taking down of sails. You can use a furling device to roll the sail away or reef part of the sail away and lower the sail.
Galley
This is the food preparation kitchen area below decks.
Genoa
It is a large sail that is flown forward of a mast with the clew of sail being much further aft than the mast. This is same as 'jenny'.
Halyard
This is a line used to haul things up and down a mast. The most common usage of a halyard is for raising and lowering sails.
Hatch
It is an opening in the deck of your boat, normally used for letting sunlight into the cabin and providing necessary ventilation. This opening can be tightly sealed to prevent any water seeping into cabin.
Head
This refers to top corner of the sail. Additionally, it also refers to bathroom on a sailboat.
Holding Tank
This refers to the tank that holds the sewerage waste.
Hull
It is the main structural outer skin of a boat. Modern sailboats have fiberglass GRP hulls.
Instruments
This refers to electronic units on the boat that show wind direction and speed, depth of water under boat and course.
Inboard
This refers to an engine fixed with the hull of a boat.
Jib
This refers to sail that goes forward of a mast. This is normally smaller than a Genoa.
Jib Sheet
This line controls the setting of jib and sail shape. It attaches to clew of jib with the other end being within cockpit of a boat. This helps in easy control.
Keel
The part of a boat's hull extending below waterline to counterbalance the wind action over the sailboat. This is normally shaped like a fin. It helps your sailboat cut through water and prevent any instance of tipping over.
Ketch
This refers to a sailboat with two masts see diagram page 25.
Knot
This refers to 'nautical mile per hour'. This is the standard measuring unit for speed on a boat with one Knot being equal to 1.15 miles per hour.
Leech
This is aft edge of a sail. It runs from mast top to end of boom.
Leeway
This refers to the angle between the boats heading and the direction she is moving through the water.
Luff
This indicates forward edge of a sail.
Magnetic
This refers to Magnetic North.
Main Sail
This is the sail located aft of mast on a sloop.
Mainsheet
This line controls how far out the main sail goes.
Mast
This refers to vertical spars on boats. Mast provides essential support system for your sailboat.
Mast Step
This supports bottom of the mast.
Mizzen
The smaller sail supported by its own mast
Outhaul
A control line used to help control flatness of mainsail.
Painter
This is the bowline on a dinghy.
Parallel Rule
Used for charting your course.
Pilot Book
This refers to a publication to supplement chart work and passage planning with reference to local area knowledge.
Port Hole
This refers to a window in either cabin top or the hull.
Rig
This refers to mast, spreaders, and stays used to support sails.
Roller Furler
A device used to roll up a sail for reefing down the sail and storage.
Reef
This refers to reducing the sail area.
Schooner
This refers to configuration of sails on a sailboat.
Shroud
The side stays on each side of mast to prevent sideways motion of mast relative to the boat and prevent bowing of mast under load from sails.
Sloop
A sailboat with only one mast
Spar
A rigid pole like for spinnaker poles, booms, and bowsprits for supporting sails on a sailboat.
Spinnaker
A large sail flown from bow of a boat connected to boat at the sails' three corners wrapping around but clear of the forestay.
Spreader
It is the horizontal structural, support for the mast.
Stanchion
It is the vertical handrail post, around the edge of a boat.
Steering
This refers to maneuvering a boat with a rudder using either a tiller or wheel.
Tack
Refers to, turning the boat, with the wind crossing the bow.
Variation
This is the angular difference between the true and magnetic meridians.
Vang
A hydraulic device that controls angle between mast and boom to help shape mainsail
Windex
Device fixed at the top of the mast showing wind direction.
Yawl
The manner in which a sailboat is rigged.
-------------------
If you are serious about learning this great sport, and lets not forget for some of you it might turn out to become a new career. then the correct route is important for you to follow.
The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) based in the UK has just published its 2009 sail cruising courses. The first in the list is "Start Yachting" no pre-course experience or knowledge is required, the course content is; Steering a yacht, sail handling, rope work, and safety on board, the course duration is 2 days.
The second on the list is "Competent Crew" again, no pre-course or knowledge or experience is required, the course content is; Basic seamanship and helmsmanship and the course duration is 5 days.
All the course beyond that, do ask for previous experience and knowledge, so being to able to pick up the sailing terminology as part of the learning process would be a great start.
I hope this helps in getting involved with what is one of the Best Sports in the World.
Happy Sailing.
http://www.learntosailnow.com
http://learntosailnow.blogspot.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Clive_Peterson
I have included in this article an extensive list on sailing terminology to help you with learning how to sail, and inturn helping you through the first basic approaches and giving you the confidence to go forward.
The list is as follows;
AFT
Refers to the back of the boat or Stern
Backstay
A strong wire or rod from the mast top to the stern of boat this stabilizers the mast. Backstays have adjustable tensions to shape mast in changing wind conditions.
Bearing
It is an angular position taken from a fix point back to the boat.
Beaufort Scale
This refers to table of wind speeds.
Bilge
This refers to an area at tahe bottom of the boat to collect water.
Bilge Pump
This is a pump operated manually or electrically to empty the water from the bilge.
Block
This pulley guides line to decrease force necessary to pull on a line.
Boom
A horizontal spar attached to mast at one end and to aft corner, the Clew of a sail at another end.
Buoys
All Buoys float. You will come across three different types, Navigational, Mooring, and Fishing.
Bow
This describes front of your boat.
Bowsprit
This is a spar that extends forward of the hull of a boat.
Centerboard
This is a retractable and flat device on the centerline of your boat extended below a boat to prevent it from moving sideways. This also stabilizes boat movement.
Chart
Used for boat navigation.
Chart Work
This refers to plotting of your course on the chart.
Cleat
A piece of metal or wood shaped like an anvil to hold a mooring line or sheet. Although traditional cleats require a special knot to tie anvil, present-day anvils do not require any.
Clew
Aft corner of a sail that attaches to the boom
Companionway
The entrance to the cabin of a boat
Compass
A device fixed to the boat that you use to sail the boat in a specific direction in 360 degrees. Hand held compasses are portable.
Compass Deviation
This refers to the magnetic deviation caused by the boat that you will need to add or subtract from your course.
Crew
All people engaged in working on a boat.
Deck
The horizontal outside surface of a boat, normally the ceiling of the sailboat while you are in the cabin
Dress Ship
It is decorations on the outside of your boat.
Ensign
A flag flown from stern of boat to identify nationality of the vessel
Flares
Used for distress signaling.
Foot
It is the bottom edge of a sail.
Forestay
This is a stay made of strong metal rod, wire, or line running from top of mast to bow of your boat. This stabilizes the mast and is used to attach the headsail. This is same as head stay.
Fractional Rig
It is a sailboat, whose forestay attaches to mast little below mast top. If forestay is at top of a mast, it is a 'masthead rig'.
Furl
This refers to taking down of sails. You can use a furling device to roll the sail away or reef part of the sail away and lower the sail.
Galley
This is the food preparation kitchen area below decks.
Genoa
It is a large sail that is flown forward of a mast with the clew of sail being much further aft than the mast. This is same as 'jenny'.
Halyard
This is a line used to haul things up and down a mast. The most common usage of a halyard is for raising and lowering sails.
Hatch
It is an opening in the deck of your boat, normally used for letting sunlight into the cabin and providing necessary ventilation. This opening can be tightly sealed to prevent any water seeping into cabin.
Head
This refers to top corner of the sail. Additionally, it also refers to bathroom on a sailboat.
Holding Tank
This refers to the tank that holds the sewerage waste.
Hull
It is the main structural outer skin of a boat. Modern sailboats have fiberglass GRP hulls.
Instruments
This refers to electronic units on the boat that show wind direction and speed, depth of water under boat and course.
Inboard
This refers to an engine fixed with the hull of a boat.
Jib
This refers to sail that goes forward of a mast. This is normally smaller than a Genoa.
Jib Sheet
This line controls the setting of jib and sail shape. It attaches to clew of jib with the other end being within cockpit of a boat. This helps in easy control.
Keel
The part of a boat's hull extending below waterline to counterbalance the wind action over the sailboat. This is normally shaped like a fin. It helps your sailboat cut through water and prevent any instance of tipping over.
Ketch
This refers to a sailboat with two masts see diagram page 25.
Knot
This refers to 'nautical mile per hour'. This is the standard measuring unit for speed on a boat with one Knot being equal to 1.15 miles per hour.
Leech
This is aft edge of a sail. It runs from mast top to end of boom.
Leeway
This refers to the angle between the boats heading and the direction she is moving through the water.
Luff
This indicates forward edge of a sail.
Magnetic
This refers to Magnetic North.
Main Sail
This is the sail located aft of mast on a sloop.
Mainsheet
This line controls how far out the main sail goes.
Mast
This refers to vertical spars on boats. Mast provides essential support system for your sailboat.
Mast Step
This supports bottom of the mast.
Mizzen
The smaller sail supported by its own mast
Outhaul
A control line used to help control flatness of mainsail.
Painter
This is the bowline on a dinghy.
Parallel Rule
Used for charting your course.
Pilot Book
This refers to a publication to supplement chart work and passage planning with reference to local area knowledge.
Port Hole
This refers to a window in either cabin top or the hull.
Rig
This refers to mast, spreaders, and stays used to support sails.
Roller Furler
A device used to roll up a sail for reefing down the sail and storage.
Reef
This refers to reducing the sail area.
Schooner
This refers to configuration of sails on a sailboat.
Shroud
The side stays on each side of mast to prevent sideways motion of mast relative to the boat and prevent bowing of mast under load from sails.
Sloop
A sailboat with only one mast
Spar
A rigid pole like for spinnaker poles, booms, and bowsprits for supporting sails on a sailboat.
Spinnaker
A large sail flown from bow of a boat connected to boat at the sails' three corners wrapping around but clear of the forestay.
Spreader
It is the horizontal structural, support for the mast.
Stanchion
It is the vertical handrail post, around the edge of a boat.
Steering
This refers to maneuvering a boat with a rudder using either a tiller or wheel.
Tack
Refers to, turning the boat, with the wind crossing the bow.
Variation
This is the angular difference between the true and magnetic meridians.
Vang
A hydraulic device that controls angle between mast and boom to help shape mainsail
Windex
Device fixed at the top of the mast showing wind direction.
Yawl
The manner in which a sailboat is rigged.
-------------------
If you are serious about learning this great sport, and lets not forget for some of you it might turn out to become a new career. then the correct route is important for you to follow.
The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) based in the UK has just published its 2009 sail cruising courses. The first in the list is "Start Yachting" no pre-course experience or knowledge is required, the course content is; Steering a yacht, sail handling, rope work, and safety on board, the course duration is 2 days.
The second on the list is "Competent Crew" again, no pre-course or knowledge or experience is required, the course content is; Basic seamanship and helmsmanship and the course duration is 5 days.
All the course beyond that, do ask for previous experience and knowledge, so being to able to pick up the sailing terminology as part of the learning process would be a great start.
I hope this helps in getting involved with what is one of the Best Sports in the World.
Happy Sailing.
http://www.learntosailnow.com
http://learntosailnow.blogspot.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Clive_Peterson
Wednesday, 21 April 2010
HOME :: Travel-and-Leisure / Sailing Learn How to Sail - Sailing on a Budget
When embarking out learning how to sail there is always the inevitable how much will it cost? The answer is never going to be clear but here are some tips to help in the process. Listing out the topics from the start of the learning to sail process to actually sailing in a boat owned by you or by others, can help. Here are some helpful starting points.
Acquiring information
Find out firstly all you can about sailing from sailing magazines, e books, and hard back books, getting to know the basics can save you money in the long run and can help to put the broader picture together for you.
Training Courses
To obtain qualifications in sailing and become competent in the sport you will have to include in your budget money for the varying course available from the approved sail training schools. This information is readily available from the various sailing bodies such as RYA (Royal Yachting Association) in the UK. When preparing your training budget do not forget to include your time, as some of the courses can be up to two weeks in duration.
Sailing Clubs
To start with one of the most cost effective ways to actually get out on the water and learn the practical side to sailing is to join a sailing club. Sailing clubs generally have a small fleet of dinghies that have been purchased for the club from the membership fees paid by the clubs members. The boat maintenance is cost effectively undertaken by the club members and used as another part of the learning to sail process. Some sailing clubs also have qualified tutors so some of your sailing qualification budget can be ascertained here.
Yacht Crewing
When you get a little further down the line and wanting to venture out on a larger yacht it is worth getting involved with a local yacht marina. Lots of people own there own yachts but are always looking round for suitable crew when they are short handed. You have now obtained your basic sailing knowledge and probably some qualifications from your involvement with the sailing club, so you would be viewed most favourably by the yacht owner a suitable crew. This could be to help them in a yacht race or on a day sailing cruise and even to a long haul passage and do not forget this is not costing you anything.
Yacht Ownership
You are know possibly in a position where you would like to own your own yacht and have more sailing flexibility but you with a restricted budget. One of the ways to combat this is to consider a yacht sharing ownership scheme. This has become very popular in recent years as not only are you sharing the yacht purchase but also sharing the mooring fees, maintenance and insurance costs associated with owning a yacht.
Yachting Careers
If you do not fancy the above but you are now so passionate about sailing, then you may want to consider taking on a sailing career. There are lots of opportunities out there for crewing, and skippering of yachts either by yacht owners or agencies depending on the qualifications you have obtained. Now your sailing budget is in return as you are now getting paid for something you really love doing!
Happy Sailing Clive Peterson
Further sailing tips and useful information can be found on my web site;
http://www.learntosailnow.com
You may want to purchase my e book "The Complete Guide to Learning How To Sail"
Great Sailing.
Clive Peterson
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Clive_Peterson
Acquiring information
Find out firstly all you can about sailing from sailing magazines, e books, and hard back books, getting to know the basics can save you money in the long run and can help to put the broader picture together for you.
Training Courses
To obtain qualifications in sailing and become competent in the sport you will have to include in your budget money for the varying course available from the approved sail training schools. This information is readily available from the various sailing bodies such as RYA (Royal Yachting Association) in the UK. When preparing your training budget do not forget to include your time, as some of the courses can be up to two weeks in duration.
Sailing Clubs
To start with one of the most cost effective ways to actually get out on the water and learn the practical side to sailing is to join a sailing club. Sailing clubs generally have a small fleet of dinghies that have been purchased for the club from the membership fees paid by the clubs members. The boat maintenance is cost effectively undertaken by the club members and used as another part of the learning to sail process. Some sailing clubs also have qualified tutors so some of your sailing qualification budget can be ascertained here.
Yacht Crewing
When you get a little further down the line and wanting to venture out on a larger yacht it is worth getting involved with a local yacht marina. Lots of people own there own yachts but are always looking round for suitable crew when they are short handed. You have now obtained your basic sailing knowledge and probably some qualifications from your involvement with the sailing club, so you would be viewed most favourably by the yacht owner a suitable crew. This could be to help them in a yacht race or on a day sailing cruise and even to a long haul passage and do not forget this is not costing you anything.
Yacht Ownership
You are know possibly in a position where you would like to own your own yacht and have more sailing flexibility but you with a restricted budget. One of the ways to combat this is to consider a yacht sharing ownership scheme. This has become very popular in recent years as not only are you sharing the yacht purchase but also sharing the mooring fees, maintenance and insurance costs associated with owning a yacht.
Yachting Careers
If you do not fancy the above but you are now so passionate about sailing, then you may want to consider taking on a sailing career. There are lots of opportunities out there for crewing, and skippering of yachts either by yacht owners or agencies depending on the qualifications you have obtained. Now your sailing budget is in return as you are now getting paid for something you really love doing!
Happy Sailing Clive Peterson
Further sailing tips and useful information can be found on my web site;
http://www.learntosailnow.com
You may want to purchase my e book "The Complete Guide to Learning How To Sail"
Great Sailing.
Clive Peterson
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Clive_Peterson
Tuesday, 20 April 2010
HOME :: Recreation-and-Sports / Boating Sailing Theory - Understand How a Sail Works
A sail can be likened to a wing in the way it works. When a wing moves forward, some air passes below the wing and some above. Due to a phenomenon known as the Coanda effect, air will tend to follow an adjacent surface that curves away from the flow as long as the curvature of the surface is not too great. When moving air changes direction, a force is generated.
A wing has a relatively flat bottom face, and a more rounded top surface. Since the wing has different shapes along its top and bottom faces, the air has to travel different distances, and thus at different speeds, across these faces. The faster moving air across the top face causes a region of low pressure, creating the lift that the wing needs.
A sail works in a similar fashion. As wind enters the front of the sail, it is split, with some passing along the windward side of the sail, and some to the leeward side. The wind passing to the leeward side is forced to travel a longer distance, and therefore has to travel faster, creating a low pressure region.
Similarly to the lift created in a wing, the low pressure created by changing the direction of the wind causes a force to be exerted on the sail. It is this force which is used to move the boat.
However, to utilise the force of the wind most efficiently, the sail has to harness the wind's power efficiently. And to accomplish this wind has to deviate in direction over a sail's surface as smoothly as possible. To generate the lift required, wind passing over both sides of the sail has to follow the curved profile of the sail surface. This is achieved with the correct amount of curve in the sail, and having the correct angle of the sail to the breeze.
To get the most amount of force moving the boat forwards, you need to deflect as much wind as possible around the sail. Upwind sailing can be a real challenge, and is an aspect of sailing that takes a lot of practice and patience to develop. Some may initially find it a little difficult to grasp the concept of upwind sailing, but with the aid of vectors the process can be explained a little easier.
When wind enters the sail, it is forced to curve around the belly of the sail. This curve in the sail can be represented by a force acting at 90° to the sail. This force is made up of 2 components - 1 acting sideways on the boat, and another pushing the boat forwards. By using a fin, we minimise the amount of sideways slippage, and maximise forward motion.
Reaching is a comfortable and enjoyable angle of sailing for many sailors. In the right conditions and with a good setup you can get a dinghy up on the plane and moving across the water quickly.
Reaching is basically an extension of upwind sailing. The wind is coming from roughly 90° to the boat, the sail is eased out to create a nice flow of air over both sides of the sail, meaning that the forwards force is increased, and hence the boat can potentially go faster.
Due to the fact that the sideways force is now smaller relative to the forwards force, sideways slippage will be reduced. Some sailors opt to raise the fin about 1/2 way to create less drag through the water, and hence go faster.
Sailing downwind or running is basically when you are sailing in the same direction as the wind is blowing. The wind is coming from behind the boat, the sail is eased almost all the way out, meaning that the forwards force is maximised. One problem with downwind sailing is that, since you are travelling with the wind, the wind across the deck, and hence the wind that is being caught by the sail, is less. Another issue is that since all the forces are (almost) in alignment, the boat can tend to become unbalanced, and it can roll over on top of you.
Due to the fact that the sideways force is now minimal relative to the forwards force, sideways slippage will be reduced even more. Some sailors raise the fin as high as possible without interfering with the boom to create less drag through the water, and hence go faster.
The more you pull the sail in, the smaller angle will become, which will result in a smaller force pushing you forwards. The smaller the forward force pushing the boat, the slower the boat goes. Conversely, the more you let the sail out (basically up until the point before it starts to flap in the breeze), the greater the force forwards, and the faster the boat can potentially go.
The fin acts in a similar fashion to the tyres on a car. They both minimise sideways movement and allow easy forward movement. For example, if you push a car on an angle, it will resist moving diagonally, and instead will only move in a forward direction.
For this reason the fin should be all the way down to minimise sideways slippage.
Thanks for reading my article. If you would like some more handy tips and advice, complete with diagrams, photos and videos, please check out my http://www.LaserSailingTips.com website.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brendan_Hones
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Labels: Sailing Theory understand how a sail works
HOME :: Travel-and-Leisure / Sailing Sailing and Diving in the British Virgin Islands
The British Virgin Islands
Probably our best trip ever... from the moment we landed on Beef Island to being picked up by our wonderful friends, Steuart and Fran and whisked away to their 57 foot Catamaran. The British Virgin Islands are such a civilized place to dive.
The first morning we headed off for The Chimneys. And what a re-introduction to diving it was, after a nine month hiatus.
We anchored the boat and slowly entered the water to descend to forty-five feet and head towards a spectacular site called The Chimneys which is, as you guessed it, a chimney-like vent which starts at forty-five feet in a large cavern and ends at the surface as you make you way through a small but comfortable opening ten feet below the surface. The light pierces it and forms a spectacular spotlight effect when you are at the base of the vent. Just Wonderful.
After snorkeling around a while, we also discovered that you could swim through the rocky outcrops above the water and within one of them was a hollow area which was just great as well. A deep pool surrounded by rock and coral engulfs you while inside, but you had better be a fairly strong and confident swimmer.
Later, we lifted anchor and headed off towards The Bitter End Yacht club and anchored off a small island just west of the club for the night.
The next morning, we set sail around the tip of the island and while we had plans to head to Anegeda, we chose to tack off towards the Baths on Virgin Gorda, a simply spectacular spot which is featured on this page to the right.
The Baths are truly amazing. Boulders the size of apartment buildings are leaned up against each other and in the center form a walkway which is incredible as you wander your way through 100 ton boulders perched inches above your head.
Our next stop was the world famous Wreck of The Rhone. Widely regarded as one of the best wreck dives in the Caribbean, the two halves can be dived separately. The Bow lies in 60 ft - 90 feet - divers can swim inside the ships hold and see coral encrustations along with many fish. Diving inside a wreck that has great ambient light is always fun On our first dive, Yim and Fran stayed above the wreck and followed our bubbles through the dive.
Lobsters and crabs apparently often hide inside the wreck. And I mean crabs. I found one that had at least a four foot span.
Outside of the wreck, the foremast and crows nest can be seen along with the boilers, condenser, wrenches and winch.
The stern, often done as the second dive (15 ft-60 ft), shelters lobsters and octopus hiding in the metal work of the boiler gear box housing, the rudder and the propeller. Many fish varieties including Barracuda, Southern Stingrays, Eagle Rays and Turtles live in this National Park area.
We swam through the open area beside the propeller... it's a great spot to boost a divers confidence in safe conditions.
After leaving The Rhone, we headed down to Peter Island and anchored in a deserted bay for the evenings, snorkeled around watching the rays search for food ten feet down and came on board for some yummy rum drinks.
Next morning, we headed off to the Peter Island Resort and were wowed... Wow. Visit it if you are in the area at least for breakfast.
Then, off to the Caves. Located on the southwest side of Norman Islands, these really are Treasure Caves.
You can swim right inside them and with a flashlight, can easily enjoy the huge colonies of anemones attached to the surface of the openings. It's a great mornings snorkel trip.
Then out to The Indians.
Three rocky outcrops which reportedly rise 55 feet above the water and 55 feet below. Whether that be accurate or not, this is one great dive and once is not enough. Fran led us on this trip through an underwater garden the likes which are rare today on any dive before heading us back to the base of The Indians.
Swimming along at the base of these slabs of rock closely will reward you with dozens of different soft corals clinging to the surface before you come to a short wide tunnel which we easily swam through and entered another small world.
It's just a really cool spot. Little caves to enter, tons of fish, huge rocks anchored all around you and beautiful soft coral.
And a maximum bottom depth of 55 feet. What else could you ask for?
To view the photographic edition of this story, go to [http://www.oceansedge.com]
----------------
Steve Roper is a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer with multiple speciality certifications, including Underwater Naturalist, Photography, Advanced Navigation, Night, Deep and Drift Diving, Nitrox and Tri-Gas Mix (for details on Nitrox and Tri-Gas, see techie stuff). He has been diving for well over 20 years.
His travels have taken him from Montreal throughout the entire Caribbean, both coasts of the United States, Vancouver Island, the Pacific Northwest ,much of Central America and more recently, Fiji.
With well over 2,000 dives in his log book, Steve has the experience to comfortably introduce new divers into the aquatic realm. He has taught all ages ranging from 12 to 76, ranging in certifications from Open Water to Divemaster and works well with all, conveying his natural love for the water easily.
Visit his web site at [http://www.oceansedge.com].
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stephen_Roper
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Labels: Sailing and Diving in the British Virgin Islands
HOME :: Travel-and-Leisure / Sailing Sailing The Labrador - An Expediton of a Lifetime
We're aboard the good ship Wanderbird, anchored snugly in in Shoal Bay on the south central coast of Labrador. The wind is blasting over the vessel at 50-55 knots and, much to my relief, the anchor is securely set. It is 4 pm and the clouds are speeding by close overhead. The worst of the wind should be over before darkness which will be somewhere around 11 tonight. I am on watch here in the wheel house as the seventeen other adventurers relax below. We are seven days into our 12 day coastal Labrador Expedition aboard the vessel Wanderbird.
Yesterday, as we sailed in close proximity to an iceberg that dwarfed our vessel, Karen and I hugged. We had just began to fully enjoy the culmination of the four years of hard work since we had started the conversion our North Sea fishing trawler to an expedition vessel suitable for cruising the remote coast of Labrador. We built upon the already sturdy hull to create this most unique small passenger expedition trawler, the Wanderbird. Twelve guests from England, Switzerland and the United States joined us in St. Anthony, Newfoundland to join us on our first Labrador charter. We all had planned on an adventure of a lifetime and we have not been disappointed! As we sailed from St. Anthony harbour we received word that a pod of Orca or Killer Whales were in the vicinity. The six foot tall dorsal fin of the Orca was soon sited and we all logged our first viewing of this king of the food chain. We motor sailed at 7 knots on a northerly course to clear Cape Bauld and then set a course that brought us across the Strait of Belle Isle to Labrador. I have to say that I have NEVER seen such a display of wildlife as was presented to our fine ship's company aboard the Wanderbird.
During the five hour, 35 nautical mile crossing, we sited no fewer than seventy five humpback and finback whale accompanied by hundreds of white beaked dolphins and thousands of pelagic sea birds of countless varieties. We all agreed that this most remarkable spectacle was the ultimate definition of the term "Teeming with life". Our wonderful dolphin escorts never left our side as we sighted land and toasted our own arrival to this most beautiful and wild place, The Labrador!
The first harbour that we entered was Henley Harbour in Temple Bay on the South Eastern Coast. We all stared mouths agape as our sturdy ship weaved among the rocks to enter this long deserted fishing outport. Henley Harbour was defended by an English fort built in 1766. A graveyard and remains of the fort were visible on the outskirts of a quaint and decaying village that was totally abandoned in 1995. After a fine afternoon of hiking, exploring and stocking our fresh berry supply, we returned to our floating home for another of the mouth watering feasts that we would enjoy throughout the entire voyage. After breakfast the following morning we got underway headed North. After an hour of working along the magnificent coast, our bow lookout shouted "Iceberg ahead" and we all rushed to the starboard side to view another first. The shimmering gargantuan appeared in brilliant blue/white at a distance of 5 miles. Having never seen one of these giants before, we had trouble actually gauging the size of the behemoth until we were close enough to see that it towered over our sixty foot mainmast and reduced the 150 ton Wanderbird to the proportions of a toy boat as we stood along side at a respectful distance. WOW, all this in our first twenty four hours in Labrador!
During the time that I have been writing this brief, the wind has already diminished and the sun is beginning to peak through the speeding grey clouds. The weather here in Labrador is described wonderfully in this paragraph of the Labradorians by Lynne D. Fitzhugh." Labrador's is among the most lethal climates on the continent not because it is the most harsh, but because it is so utterly disarming. The balmy southwest breeze that glorifies a summer morning can slam around in a heartbeat - dark shadows racing across the limpid sea like chills, stripping the skin from the flattened water and hurling it against the land so hard it makes the ledges flute and scream. Within minutes waves are leaping and foaming like a pack of mad wolves on the deepening swells. In October 1885, one of the many gales to hit The Labrador that fall claimed sixty-four vessels and three hundred souls in about an hour." "Weather in Labrador is dramatic, capricious, and omnipotent, ruling the lives of residents like a band of outlaw gods. Temperatures in a single day can span sixty degrees, wind spins a full 360 and weather switch in minutes from the thickest fog to brilliant sun to driving rain. But there is a terrible beauty in such unfettered wildness - and the sky shows are spectacular: lenticular clouds that drift in from the great bergs like a fleet of space ships: white ice fog that rolls over islands and hills like a heavy blanket, keeping the shapes of the land beneath; evening landscapes chiming with larks and stagelit by the lingering golden dusks of Northern summer: double rainbows radiant against the dark back of a retreating storm: burnished sunsets in four acts; Northern lights that begin as gently flowing curtains and end in storms of pulsating energy fierce as the trumpets of the apocalypse."
The Wanderbird is perfectly suited for comfortable cruising in locations such as this. We are completely self-sufficient for up to a month without having to re-provision and our fuel supply provides us with an operating range of six thousand miles. The safety equipment aboard is second to none and daily safety drills keep us prepared. Tonight we will be having a survival suit demonstration in the form of a fun ship board competition to see who can get into their suit the fastest. This incredible voyage has been presented with one wonderful spectacle after another and tomorrow we will regretfully begin our southerly trip back down the coast towards our return to civilisation. It's hard to believe that we have not seen another person in almost a week. Our "Little Cod" wood stove in the coach house has been burning regularly with each and every northerly breeze that brings us forty plus degree temperatures directly from the Arctic. It's amazing that when the winds turn southerly that the temperature rises up into the seventies! We will soon be headed back to our wonderful new homeport in Belfast, Maine to share pictures and stories of this remarkable expedition. A look at the ship's log shows that we will have travelled almost four thousand nautical miles by the time we return to Belfast! We have all found that our initial fears about staying "out of touch" with news, television and radio has turned to a calm contentment, as we fully immersed ourselves in the natural surroundings and the fellowship that can only be shared between voyagers on adventures such as this. The solitude, scale and wildness of Labrador cannot be described. Karen and I are hooked! Labrador has touched us very deeply and we have decided to return again next August for three more expeditions. Six of our twelve guests have already agreed to join us.
Capts.
Rick and Karen Miles own and operate the ecology expedition vessel WANDERBIRD sailing world wide from Belfast, Maine. http://www.wanderbirdcruises.com 1 866 SEA BIRD
http://www.wanderbirdcruises.com Capts. Rick and Karen Miles 1 866 732 2473
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Labels: Sailing The Labrador an expedition of a life time
HOME :: Recreation-and-Sports / Boating Sailboat Racing - On the Regatta Road
There are two kinds of sailors, cruisers and racers. And there are two kinds of sailboat racers. There are club racers, who keep a boat at a club and go out to race around buoys once or twice a week for as long as the sailing season lasts in their home locale. Then there are regatta racers, who drive all over the interstate highway system, in a car packed to the rafters with clothing, food, cooking gear, sailing gear, and possibly an ample supply of rum, towing a boat with a fully loaded trailer. Of course, there are some wealthy sailors who fly around to regattas in private jets, stay in fine hotels, and pay someone to get the boat to the dock. The rest fend for themselves.
Sailors in the latter category often drive straight through to their destination, sometimes 40 or more hours, rotating drivers to save the expense of a hotel room en route. For lodging near the regatta, options include staying in private homes, renting a house or condo by the week, and staying in hotels. It is sometimes difficult to find a reasonably priced hotel near a regatta location, but shop around, and insist on a room with a refrigerator. If there is space in your vehicle, pack a slow cooker. Making beef stew in a hotel room is a memorable event, and creates a whole new aroma experience inside and outside the room. Bring a box of kitchen tools including a cutting board, a sharp knife, a couple of coffee mugs if you dislike drinking from Styrofoam, salt and pepper, dish soap, artificial sweetener, microwave popcorn and whatever else is important to you. Keep a list of everything that belongs in the box, so that you do not forget anything when preparing for the trip.
Bring Your Own Lunch, Yes or No?
Regatta organizers often provide lunch on race days to the sailors, but it's usually box lunches meant to be eaten on the water, in the boat, between races. If members of your team have dietary restrictions or sensitive digestive systems, you will want to bring your own lunches, hence the need for refrigeration. Pack sandwiches in a soft-sided cooler, chips and cookies in a separate bag. Many racing sailboats in the smaller classes have no cabin for onboard lunch preparation, nor is there an ice chest or a head (toilet)!
Boat Stuff
Your first few journeys to out-of-town regattas will involve many trips to the marine supply store or chandlery. After a few regattas, your traveling rig will be stocked with many common spare parts, boat washing equipment, solvents, tapes, tools, new and used rope and bungee cords. Be cautious about letting your competitors know that you are so well equipped, or they will find it easier to borrow your stuff than to make a trip to the chandlery themselves! On race day, in particular, know how helpful you are willing to be. "Do unto others" is a good rule to follow. If a competitor breaks something at the last moment, and you know that the same thing could have happened to you, it would be a sportsmanlike act to offer assistance.
Medical
And last but certainly not least, people get hurt on boats. You should have basic first aid supplies on board. In addition, each sailor should bring any prescription drugs they are taking, and the team supply box should include bandages in many sizes, antiseptic and antibiotic ointment, and medications for pain, indigestion, diarrhea, sinus congestion and cough. Everyone on the boat needs polarized sunglasses, a hat with a brim, and sunscreen. Don't forget lip balm with sunscreen. Sunburned lips are very painful. Insect repellent and insect bite treatment may also be needed.
Well, that's a start. It may seem that you are taking everything but the kitchen sink, and typically there are stores at your destination that have whatever you may need. But you are there to accomplish a goal, and that is to race and win. Every trip to the store is an inconvenience and a distraction, not to mention the expense of having to buy something like that darned cutting board, knowing that you have several of the same item at home and do not need to own another one.
Carmella Zagone Foster is an avid sailboat racer who lives in Minnesota. Driven by a passion for living near or on the water, Carmella founded Deephaven Direct, a source for nautical themed items to put you in an "at the lake" state of mind.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carmella_Zagone_Foster
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Labels: Sailboat Racing - On the regatta road
HOME :: Travel-and-Leisure / Sailing Which Sailing Course Should I Take?
Sailing has been a hugely popular pastime, as well as method of travelling, exploring and invading, for many centuries. Today it continues to thrive, with interest being sustained by the promise of escapism from the hurly burly of modern life.
But if you're just starting out and are looking to find your sea legs, what is the best course to take? Where should you start? Well the good news is, particularly for those living in coastal areas, that there is no shortage of sailing schools offering professionally run courses designed to take you from beginner to seasoned sailor.
RYA accreditation is the recognised standard for sailors of all levels. So when you're looking for a sailing school, you should always look for those that are able to offer a full range of RYA courses. There are five unique practical levels currently available, which are:
RYA Start Yachting
This is very much the introductory course for those who are new to yachting. It takes participants through the fundamentals of seafaring and the boat itself. This will include an insight into the various parts of a yacht, how to steer it and what you should be keeping a lookout for. This generally takes two days and will allow you to move on to the next level.
RYA Competent Crew
This five day course is a slightly more comprehensive version of the RYA Start Yachting induction. This is also a great place for novices to start, particularly if you have a little previous experience or are looking to learn as quickly as possible. There are a good deal more tasks involved in the completion of this practical segment. You'll learn the fundamentals of sailing, including dealing with ropes, maximising your sail usage and mooring techniques; teaching you everything you'll need to know to form part of a yacht's crew.
RYA Day Skipper
As the next level up, you will ordinarily have to complete the Competent Crew and theory tests before being able to start the Day Skipper course. Once again, it's a five day teaching process where you'll get some real hands on experience of piloting a yacht and dealing with the complete maintenance and safety of the vessel at sea.
RYA Coastal Skipper
Whilst the two previously mentioned courses can be completed over a couple of weekends if necessary, the RYA Coastal Skipper course must be done over the course of five consecutive days. It involves a far more intensive training, including the first introduction to sailing overnight. It refines the skills developed in the earlier courses for use in the more confined coastal waters.
The Coastal Skipper course can then be followed up by a RYA/MCA exam, which will result, pending successful completion, in a Certificate of Competence from the aforementioned governing bodies.
RYA Yachtmaster Offshore
Last but by no means least is the MCA/RYA Yachtmaster Offshore exam. This is the very pinnacle of seamanship and is only available to those with significant experience; including 50 days seatime, five spent as skipper, five journeys over 60 nautical miles including two overnight and the same number as skipper. As the highest attainable qualification there are a number of courses dedicated to helping you to develop the skills needed to succeed at this level.
So when you're plotting out which course you want to take, make sure you pick one that suits your standard and experience. RYA provides the most widely accepted definitive yachting standard for competence on the water. Their exams and training provide the starting point for anyone looking to get into and enjoy yachting.
Derek Rogers is a freelance writer who represents a number of UK businesses. For the very best in RYA Day Skipper Courses he recommends Southampton and London based Sailing School First Class Sailing.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Derek_Rogers
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Labels: Which sailing course should I take?
HOME :: Recreation-and-Sports / Boating Sailing For Beginners
One of the most wonderful sensations in this world is to be propelled along by the wind in a boat. It has that magical sense of achievement which some say is even better than flying.
Anyone can buy, hire or borrow a sail boat to make it onto the water. There are also thousands of boating clubs around the world where members are searching for crew. A small yacht provides a stable platform to gain experience on the water. A dinghy can be a wet and sometimes very active experience. I feel the time to start dinghy sailing is as a young child under the guidance of a sailing club or qualified instructor.
I hope that my 35 years of practical sailing experience qualifies me to pass on some of my knowledge to help you "get started". To make it possible to raise the sails, the standard sailboat requires a mast and a boom. These are essential to support a mainsail and a foresail. If you are sailing a yacht, I will assume that this is already on the water either on a mooring or at a wharf. The sails can be raised reasonably safely while a boat is attached to a swing mooring. If a sailboat has a motor, it may be safest to motor out into clear water away from moored craft. I consider this to be essential for "starters".
The general principle for raising and securing a mast is to secure the front wire or forestay which should already be attached to the top of the mast. The first step is to attach it to a tang or eye provided at the bow or front of the boat with a D-shackle. In a well prepared sailboat these should be left attached to the end of the stays at all times.
The port and starboard stays should then be attached to the eyes provided on each side of the boat. The backstay should then be attached to its tang at the stern. After all of the stays have been attached, rigging screws, called turnbuckles are then adjusted so that the mast is vertical.
The port and starboard stays should then be attached to the eyes provided on each side of the boat. The backstay should then be attached to its tang at the stern. After all of the stays have been attached, rigging screws, called turnbuckles are then adjusted so that the mast is vertical. It is important to adjust the turnbuckles so that the mast does not move about. Failure to adjust the mast correctly can be dangerous and may cause the stays to stretch unnecessarily and reduce their life-span.
Some dinghies have "un-stayed" masts where a sleeve is provided in the luff or front of the mainsail and the mast simply slides inside of it. The mast is then inserted into a hole or pocket which is moulded into the deck of the boat which supports it. With this system a fore-sail is often not used. Setting up is always much easier with two people.
The boom is attached to the mast at a slight distance from the deck. It is usually attached by a joint called a goose-neck. This allows for the movement of the boom and adjustment of the mainsail on any plane. The mainsail should be attached to the boom. It is often inserted into a track on the boom with metal or plastic slides or with a rope, called a boltrope, which is attached into the bottom edge and luff or front edge of the sail. The boom should be allowed to swing free while raising the mainsail, or else the wind can cause the boat to sail and heel over while completing this procedure. Crew should be careful of the affects of an unrestrained boom.
The mainsail is most easily raised with the boat pointing directly into the wind. A crew member is required to man the helm, i.e. the tiller or wheel, to maintain the direction of the boat into the wind. Once again, the boom should not be sheeted in with the mainsheet or cleat. When the boat is pointed into the wind the crew is then able to reach the boom to insert the mainsail. The mainsail luff slugs or boltrope should then be inserted into the track on the mast. The main halyard is then attached with a D-shackle. This is then hauled to raise the mainsail. This will require careful "feeding" of the boltrope or slugs while hauling on the halyard. When the mainsail reaches the top of the track, the halyard will then be tied off on its dedicated cleat. On a yacht a winch is used to assist in raising the mainsail. When this is complete, the sheet is placed on a cleat or held using a jammer.
It is standard on a yacht these days to have the mainsail fixed to the boom on a reasonably permanent basis. This is then covered with a boom bag, which is a dedicated cover. A foresail or jib is usually attached to a sailing dinghy's forestay with special hooks called piston-hanks. Some racing yachts also have a special aluminium section attached to the forestay into which the sail can be fed.
The jib sheets are then attached to the rear end or clew of the sail, using a knot called a bowline. Yachts of today often have the jib or genoa permanently attached to the forestay with a roller-furler. All that is required to unfurl the sail is to pull on a sheet. At the conclusion of a sail another sheet rolls it around the forestay ready for the next outing. This allows for easy storage, speed and ease of setting up the sails.
Once the sails are set, all that is required is to decide the direction in which to sail and set the sails accordingly. You may be surprised to know that a sailboat cannot proceed to a location directly like a powerboat. It is very possible to reach the destination, but not necessarily in a straight line. I will describe how to set the sails to ultimately reach your desired destination.
There are three broad ways that one can head towards a destination. They are:
• sailing towards or climbing on the wind
• reaching across the wind and
• running before the wind.
To climb on the wind towards a destination, it is often necessary to tack across the wind. To complete this, the mainsail, which is the sail attached to the mast, generally does not require any adjustment. The foremost sail, called the jib or genoa, if it is a large area foresail, needs to be hauled around the mast as the boat passes through the eye of the wind. The sails can also be set on the other side of the boat (starboard side). To change the sails from the starboard to port side when running with the wind from behind is called gibing. This is generally unsafe in wind strengths more than light, unless the crew is very experienced.
I have written a brief introduction to this brilliant sport. It is now up to you to make the choices of how you wish to proceed on this most exciting journey.
Wazza Dyson. Visit my storefront at: http://www.shop.wazzadyson.com to read my full "must have" e-book: Sailing for Starters: First Boating Steps. It includes numerous diagrams and photos to help you get started.
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HOME :: Travel-and-Leisure / Sailing Guide To a Sailing Charter In The UK
The United Kingdom is a country consists of Northern Ireland, Scotland, and England. There are also tiny islands that enclose the country. Aside from the land border, UK is also surrounded with different bodies of water, including the North Sea, Atlantic Ocean, English Channel, and the Irish Sea. Sailing in the United Kingdom, therefore, is never a problem.
So where do you exactly start? The most popular cruising areas are the Solent and Isle of Wight, the South West counties of Devon and Cornwall, East Anglia and the West coast of Scotland. Most sailing charters are available at the South coast. For the experienced sailor the Channel Islands is within cruising distance and Cherbourg in France is only 65 miles away from the Isle of Wight.
You can also start your sailing in Ireland, around the Magic Isle. A leisurely sail in the yacht or cruise ship can take you along the fantastic cities of Dublin and Donegal. Both are widely renowned for their restaurants filled with delectable seafood. Port calls are excellent in Guinness and Cork. Of course, there are still smaller harbors which are good if you want some closer contact with the Irish locals.
When you're sailing in the UK, you should never get to miss to experience the boating environment of Scotland. Feel the cleanliness of its air and water, fantastic amenities, heartfelt welcome from the Scots, and the melodramatic sceneries of its coastlines. Unlike the usual hustle and bustle activity of modern England, you can enjoy natural freedom among the almost-empty sea and land of Scotland. The area of Outer Hebrides is home to archaeological and historical ruins that tell amazing Scottish stories.
Sailing in the West Wales, on the other hand, means enjoying the sunniest parts of Great Britain. You can also have fun with two days of sailing sessions in wayfarers. Experts can teach you the proper techniques in rigging a boat before you can have fun and solitude cruising through the protected waters. At the end of your sailing days, you can relax or unwind in any of their B&B accommodations. Meanwhile, let the sand of Gower Peninsula tickle your toes. A part of this area can be accessed by car, yet for the best seaside experience, learn to cruise your boat in this remote and peaceful British isle.
The coastlines of Norfolk and Suffolk stretch to 402 kilometers or 250 miles. Situated in the eastern part of England, they offer one of the most popular and best locations for sailing across UK. The world-acclaimed Burnham Week, the longest-running yacht regatta, is held in these areas every year.
The UK is renowned for its strong monarchy, shopping centers, galleries, and museums. Yet across the mountains and into the seas, you will discover that the country goes beyond modernism. Try sailing in the UK to understand what it means.
D. Browall writes for http://www.sboats.com - The Worlds Largest, Most Comprehensive Directory of Companies Offering Sailing Charters. Find more information on yacht charter UK
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HOME :: Recreation-and-Sports / Boating Sailing Theory - Understand How a Sail Works
A sail can be likened to a wing in the way it works. When a wing moves forward, some air passes below the wing and some above. Due to a phenomenon known as the Coanda effect, air will tend to follow an adjacent surface that curves away from the flow as long as the curvature of the surface is not too great. When moving air changes direction, a force is generated.
A wing has a relatively flat bottom face, and a more rounded top surface. Since the wing has different shapes along its top and bottom faces, the air has to travel different distances, and thus at different speeds, across these faces. The faster moving air across the top face causes a region of low pressure, creating the lift that the wing needs.
A sail works in a similar fashion. As wind enters the front of the sail, it is split, with some passing along the windward side of the sail, and some to the leeward side. The wind passing to the leeward side is forced to travel a longer distance, and therefore has to travel faster, creating a low pressure region.
Similarly to the lift created in a wing, the low pressure created by changing the direction of the wind causes a force to be exerted on the sail. It is this force which is used to move the boat.
However, to utilise the force of the wind most efficiently, the sail has to harness the wind's power efficiently. And to accomplish this wind has to deviate in direction over a sail's surface as smoothly as possible. To generate the lift required, wind passing over both sides of the sail has to follow the curved profile of the sail surface. This is achieved with the correct amount of curve in the sail, and having the correct angle of the sail to the breeze.
To get the most amount of force moving the boat forwards, you need to deflect as much wind as possible around the sail. Upwind sailing can be a real challenge, and is an aspect of sailing that takes a lot of practice and patience to develop. Some may initially find it a little difficult to grasp the concept of upwind sailing, but with the aid of vectors the process can be explained a little easier.
When wind enters the sail, it is forced to curve around the belly of the sail. This curve in the sail can be represented by a force acting at 90° to the sail. This force is made up of 2 components - 1 acting sideways on the boat, and another pushing the boat forwards. By using a fin, we minimise the amount of sideways slippage, and maximise forward motion.
Reaching is a comfortable and enjoyable angle of sailing for many sailors. In the right conditions and with a good setup you can get a dinghy up on the plane and moving across the water quickly.
Reaching is basically an extension of upwind sailing. The wind is coming from roughly 90° to the boat, the sail is eased out to create a nice flow of air over both sides of the sail, meaning that the forwards force is increased, and hence the boat can potentially go faster.
Due to the fact that the sideways force is now smaller relative to the forwards force, sideways slippage will be reduced. Some sailors opt to raise the fin about 1/2 way to create less drag through the water, and hence go faster.
Sailing downwind or running is basically when you are sailing in the same direction as the wind is blowing. The wind is coming from behind the boat, the sail is eased almost all the way out, meaning that the forwards force is maximised. One problem with downwind sailing is that, since you are travelling with the wind, the wind across the deck, and hence the wind that is being caught by the sail, is less. Another issue is that since all the forces are (almost) in alignment, the boat can tend to become unbalanced, and it can roll over on top of you.
Due to the fact that the sideways force is now minimal relative to the forwards force, sideways slippage will be reduced even more. Some sailors raise the fin as high as possible without interfering with the boom to create less drag through the water, and hence go faster.
The more you pull the sail in, the smaller angle will become, which will result in a smaller force pushing you forwards. The smaller the forward force pushing the boat, the slower the boat goes. Conversely, the more you let the sail out (basically up until the point before it starts to flap in the breeze), the greater the force forwards, and the faster the boat can potentially go.
The fin acts in a similar fashion to the tyres on a car. They both minimise sideways movement and allow easy forward movement. For example, if you push a car on an angle, it will resist moving diagonally, and instead will only move in a forward direction.
For this reason the fin should be all the way down to minimise sideways slippage.
Thanks for reading my article. If you would like some more handy tips and advice, complete with diagrams, photos and videos, please check out my http://www.LaserSailingTips.com website.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brendan_Hones
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HOME :: Travel-and-Leisure / Sailing Sailing and Diving in the British Virgin Islands
The British Virgin Islands
Probably our best trip ever... from the moment we landed on Beef Island to being picked up by our wonderful friends, Steuart and Fran and whisked away to their 57 foot Catamaran. The British Virgin Islands are such a civilized place to dive.
The first morning we headed off for The Chimneys. And what a re-introduction to diving it was, after a nine month hiatus.
We anchored the boat and slowly entered the water to descend to forty-five feet and head towards a spectacular site called The Chimneys which is, as you guessed it, a chimney-like vent which starts at forty-five feet in a large cavern and ends at the surface as you make you way through a small but comfortable opening ten feet below the surface. The light pierces it and forms a spectacular spotlight effect when you are at the base of the vent. Just Wonderful.
After snorkeling around a while, we also discovered that you could swim through the rocky outcrops above the water and within one of them was a hollow area which was just great as well. A deep pool surrounded by rock and coral engulfs you while inside, but you had better be a fairly strong and confident swimmer.
Later, we lifted anchor and headed off towards The Bitter End Yacht club and anchored off a small island just west of the club for the night.
The next morning, we set sail around the tip of the island and while we had plans to head to Anegeda, we chose to tack off towards the Baths on Virgin Gorda, a simply spectacular spot which is featured on this page to the right.
The Baths are truly amazing. Boulders the size of apartment buildings are leaned up against each other and in the center form a walkway which is incredible as you wander your way through 100 ton boulders perched inches above your head.
Our next stop was the world famous Wreck of The Rhone. Widely regarded as one of the best wreck dives in the Caribbean, the two halves can be dived separately. The Bow lies in 60 ft - 90 feet - divers can swim inside the ships hold and see coral encrustations along with many fish. Diving inside a wreck that has great ambient light is always fun On our first dive, Yim and Fran stayed above the wreck and followed our bubbles through the dive.
Lobsters and crabs apparently often hide inside the wreck. And I mean crabs. I found one that had at least a four foot span.
Outside of the wreck, the foremast and crows nest can be seen along with the boilers, condenser, wrenches and winch.
The stern, often done as the second dive (15 ft-60 ft), shelters lobsters and octopus hiding in the metal work of the boiler gear box housing, the rudder and the propeller. Many fish varieties including Barracuda, Southern Stingrays, Eagle Rays and Turtles live in this National Park area.
We swam through the open area beside the propeller... it's a great spot to boost a divers confidence in safe conditions.
After leaving The Rhone, we headed down to Peter Island and anchored in a deserted bay for the evenings, snorkeled around watching the rays search for food ten feet down and came on board for some yummy rum drinks.
Next morning, we headed off to the Peter Island Resort and were wowed... Wow. Visit it if you are in the area at least for breakfast.
Then, off to the Caves. Located on the southwest side of Norman Islands, these really are Treasure Caves.
You can swim right inside them and with a flashlight, can easily enjoy the huge colonies of anemones attached to the surface of the openings. It's a great mornings snorkel trip.
Then out to The Indians.
Three rocky outcrops which reportedly rise 55 feet above the water and 55 feet below. Whether that be accurate or not, this is one great dive and once is not enough. Fran led us on this trip through an underwater garden the likes which are rare today on any dive before heading us back to the base of The Indians.
Swimming along at the base of these slabs of rock closely will reward you with dozens of different soft corals clinging to the surface before you come to a short wide tunnel which we easily swam through and entered another small world.
It's just a really cool spot. Little caves to enter, tons of fish, huge rocks anchored all around you and beautiful soft coral.
And a maximum bottom depth of 55 feet. What else could you ask for?
To view the photographic edition of this story, go to [http://www.oceansedge.com]
----------------
Steve Roper is a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer with multiple speciality certifications, including Underwater Naturalist, Photography, Advanced Navigation, Night, Deep and Drift Diving, Nitrox and Tri-Gas Mix (for details on Nitrox and Tri-Gas, see techie stuff). He has been diving for well over 20 years.
His travels have taken him from Montreal throughout the entire Caribbean, both coasts of the United States, Vancouver Island, the Pacific Northwest ,much of Central America and more recently, Fiji.
With well over 2,000 dives in his log book, Steve has the experience to comfortably introduce new divers into the aquatic realm. He has taught all ages ranging from 12 to 76, ranging in certifications from Open Water to Divemaster and works well with all, conveying his natural love for the water easily.
Visit his web site at [http://www.oceansedge.com].
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HOME :: Travel-and-Leisure / Sailing Sailing The Labrador - An Expediton of a Lifetime
We're aboard the good ship Wanderbird, anchored snugly in in Shoal Bay on the south central coast of Labrador. The wind is blasting over the vessel at 50-55 knots and, much to my relief, the anchor is securely set. It is 4 pm and the clouds are speeding by close overhead. The worst of the wind should be over before darkness which will be somewhere around 11 tonight. I am on watch here in the wheel house as the seventeen other adventurers relax below. We are seven days into our 12 day coastal Labrador Expedition aboard the vessel Wanderbird.
Yesterday, as we sailed in close proximity to an iceberg that dwarfed our vessel, Karen and I hugged. We had just began to fully enjoy the culmination of the four years of hard work since we had started the conversion our North Sea fishing trawler to an expedition vessel suitable for cruising the remote coast of Labrador. We built upon the already sturdy hull to create this most unique small passenger expedition trawler, the Wanderbird. Twelve guests from England, Switzerland and the United States joined us in St. Anthony, Newfoundland to join us on our first Labrador charter. We all had planned on an adventure of a lifetime and we have not been disappointed! As we sailed from St. Anthony harbour we received word that a pod of Orca or Killer Whales were in the vicinity. The six foot tall dorsal fin of the Orca was soon sited and we all logged our first viewing of this king of the food chain. We motor sailed at 7 knots on a northerly course to clear Cape Bauld and then set a course that brought us across the Strait of Belle Isle to Labrador. I have to say that I have NEVER seen such a display of wildlife as was presented to our fine ship's company aboard the Wanderbird.
During the five hour, 35 nautical mile crossing, we sited no fewer than seventy five humpback and finback whale accompanied by hundreds of white beaked dolphins and thousands of pelagic sea birds of countless varieties. We all agreed that this most remarkable spectacle was the ultimate definition of the term "Teeming with life". Our wonderful dolphin escorts never left our side as we sighted land and toasted our own arrival to this most beautiful and wild place, The Labrador!
The first harbour that we entered was Henley Harbour in Temple Bay on the South Eastern Coast. We all stared mouths agape as our sturdy ship weaved among the rocks to enter this long deserted fishing outport. Henley Harbour was defended by an English fort built in 1766. A graveyard and remains of the fort were visible on the outskirts of a quaint and decaying village that was totally abandoned in 1995. After a fine afternoon of hiking, exploring and stocking our fresh berry supply, we returned to our floating home for another of the mouth watering feasts that we would enjoy throughout the entire voyage. After breakfast the following morning we got underway headed North. After an hour of working along the magnificent coast, our bow lookout shouted "Iceberg ahead" and we all rushed to the starboard side to view another first. The shimmering gargantuan appeared in brilliant blue/white at a distance of 5 miles. Having never seen one of these giants before, we had trouble actually gauging the size of the behemoth until we were close enough to see that it towered over our sixty foot mainmast and reduced the 150 ton Wanderbird to the proportions of a toy boat as we stood along side at a respectful distance. WOW, all this in our first twenty four hours in Labrador!
During the time that I have been writing this brief, the wind has already diminished and the sun is beginning to peak through the speeding grey clouds. The weather here in Labrador is described wonderfully in this paragraph of the Labradorians by Lynne D. Fitzhugh." Labrador's is among the most lethal climates on the continent not because it is the most harsh, but because it is so utterly disarming. The balmy southwest breeze that glorifies a summer morning can slam around in a heartbeat - dark shadows racing across the limpid sea like chills, stripping the skin from the flattened water and hurling it against the land so hard it makes the ledges flute and scream. Within minutes waves are leaping and foaming like a pack of mad wolves on the deepening swells. In October 1885, one of the many gales to hit The Labrador that fall claimed sixty-four vessels and three hundred souls in about an hour." "Weather in Labrador is dramatic, capricious, and omnipotent, ruling the lives of residents like a band of outlaw gods. Temperatures in a single day can span sixty degrees, wind spins a full 360 and weather switch in minutes from the thickest fog to brilliant sun to driving rain. But there is a terrible beauty in such unfettered wildness - and the sky shows are spectacular: lenticular clouds that drift in from the great bergs like a fleet of space ships: white ice fog that rolls over islands and hills like a heavy blanket, keeping the shapes of the land beneath; evening landscapes chiming with larks and stagelit by the lingering golden dusks of Northern summer: double rainbows radiant against the dark back of a retreating storm: burnished sunsets in four acts; Northern lights that begin as gently flowing curtains and end in storms of pulsating energy fierce as the trumpets of the apocalypse."
The Wanderbird is perfectly suited for comfortable cruising in locations such as this. We are completely self-sufficient for up to a month without having to re-provision and our fuel supply provides us with an operating range of six thousand miles. The safety equipment aboard is second to none and daily safety drills keep us prepared. Tonight we will be having a survival suit demonstration in the form of a fun ship board competition to see who can get into their suit the fastest. This incredible voyage has been presented with one wonderful spectacle after another and tomorrow we will regretfully begin our southerly trip back down the coast towards our return to civilisation. It's hard to believe that we have not seen another person in almost a week. Our "Little Cod" wood stove in the coach house has been burning regularly with each and every northerly breeze that brings us forty plus degree temperatures directly from the Arctic. It's amazing that when the winds turn southerly that the temperature rises up into the seventies! We will soon be headed back to our wonderful new homeport in Belfast, Maine to share pictures and stories of this remarkable expedition. A look at the ship's log shows that we will have travelled almost four thousand nautical miles by the time we return to Belfast! We have all found that our initial fears about staying "out of touch" with news, television and radio has turned to a calm contentment, as we fully immersed ourselves in the natural surroundings and the fellowship that can only be shared between voyagers on adventures such as this. The solitude, scale and wildness of Labrador cannot be described. Karen and I are hooked! Labrador has touched us very deeply and we have decided to return again next August for three more expeditions. Six of our twelve guests have already agreed to join us.
Capts.
Rick and Karen Miles own and operate the ecology expedition vessel WANDERBIRD sailing world wide from Belfast, Maine. http://www.wanderbirdcruises.com 1 866 SEA BIRD
http://www.wanderbirdcruises.com Capts. Rick and Karen Miles 1 866 732 2473
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HOME :: Recreation-and-Sports / Boating Sailboat Racing - On the Regatta Road
There are two kinds of sailors, cruisers and racers. And there are two kinds of sailboat racers. There are club racers, who keep a boat at a club and go out to race around buoys once or twice a week for as long as the sailing season lasts in their home locale. Then there are regatta racers, who drive all over the interstate highway system, in a car packed to the rafters with clothing, food, cooking gear, sailing gear, and possibly an ample supply of rum, towing a boat with a fully loaded trailer. Of course, there are some wealthy sailors who fly around to regattas in private jets, stay in fine hotels, and pay someone to get the boat to the dock. The rest fend for themselves.
Sailors in the latter category often drive straight through to their destination, sometimes 40 or more hours, rotating drivers to save the expense of a hotel room en route. For lodging near the regatta, options include staying in private homes, renting a house or condo by the week, and staying in hotels. It is sometimes difficult to find a reasonably priced hotel near a regatta location, but shop around, and insist on a room with a refrigerator. If there is space in your vehicle, pack a slow cooker. Making beef stew in a hotel room is a memorable event, and creates a whole new aroma experience inside and outside the room. Bring a box of kitchen tools including a cutting board, a sharp knife, a couple of coffee mugs if you dislike drinking from Styrofoam, salt and pepper, dish soap, artificial sweetener, microwave popcorn and whatever else is important to you. Keep a list of everything that belongs in the box, so that you do not forget anything when preparing for the trip.
Bring Your Own Lunch, Yes or No?
Regatta organizers often provide lunch on race days to the sailors, but it's usually box lunches meant to be eaten on the water, in the boat, between races. If members of your team have dietary restrictions or sensitive digestive systems, you will want to bring your own lunches, hence the need for refrigeration. Pack sandwiches in a soft-sided cooler, chips and cookies in a separate bag. Many racing sailboats in the smaller classes have no cabin for onboard lunch preparation, nor is there an ice chest or a head (toilet)!
Boat Stuff
Your first few journeys to out-of-town regattas will involve many trips to the marine supply store or chandlery. After a few regattas, your traveling rig will be stocked with many common spare parts, boat washing equipment, solvents, tapes, tools, new and used rope and bungee cords. Be cautious about letting your competitors know that you are so well equipped, or they will find it easier to borrow your stuff than to make a trip to the chandlery themselves! On race day, in particular, know how helpful you are willing to be. "Do unto others" is a good rule to follow. If a competitor breaks something at the last moment, and you know that the same thing could have happened to you, it would be a sportsmanlike act to offer assistance.
Medical
And last but certainly not least, people get hurt on boats. You should have basic first aid supplies on board. In addition, each sailor should bring any prescription drugs they are taking, and the team supply box should include bandages in many sizes, antiseptic and antibiotic ointment, and medications for pain, indigestion, diarrhea, sinus congestion and cough. Everyone on the boat needs polarized sunglasses, a hat with a brim, and sunscreen. Don't forget lip balm with sunscreen. Sunburned lips are very painful. Insect repellent and insect bite treatment may also be needed.
Well, that's a start. It may seem that you are taking everything but the kitchen sink, and typically there are stores at your destination that have whatever you may need. But you are there to accomplish a goal, and that is to race and win. Every trip to the store is an inconvenience and a distraction, not to mention the expense of having to buy something like that darned cutting board, knowing that you have several of the same item at home and do not need to own another one.
Carmella Zagone Foster is an avid sailboat racer who lives in Minnesota. Driven by a passion for living near or on the water, Carmella founded Deephaven Direct, a source for nautical themed items to put you in an "at the lake" state of mind.
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HOME :: Travel-and-Leisure / Sailing Which Sailing Course Should I Take?
Sailing has been a hugely popular pastime, as well as method of travelling, exploring and invading, for many centuries. Today it continues to thrive, with interest being sustained by the promise of escapism from the hurly burly of modern life.
But if you're just starting out and are looking to find your sea legs, what is the best course to take? Where should you start? Well the good news is, particularly for those living in coastal areas, that there is no shortage of sailing schools offering professionally run courses designed to take you from beginner to seasoned sailor.
RYA accreditation is the recognised standard for sailors of all levels. So when you're looking for a sailing school, you should always look for those that are able to offer a full range of RYA courses. There are five unique practical levels currently available, which are:
RYA Start Yachting
This is very much the introductory course for those who are new to yachting. It takes participants through the fundamentals of seafaring and the boat itself. This will include an insight into the various parts of a yacht, how to steer it and what you should be keeping a lookout for. This generally takes two days and will allow you to move on to the next level.
RYA Competent Crew
This five day course is a slightly more comprehensive version of the RYA Start Yachting induction. This is also a great place for novices to start, particularly if you have a little previous experience or are looking to learn as quickly as possible. There are a good deal more tasks involved in the completion of this practical segment. You'll learn the fundamentals of sailing, including dealing with ropes, maximising your sail usage and mooring techniques; teaching you everything you'll need to know to form part of a yacht's crew.
RYA Day Skipper
As the next level up, you will ordinarily have to complete the Competent Crew and theory tests before being able to start the Day Skipper course. Once again, it's a five day teaching process where you'll get some real hands on experience of piloting a yacht and dealing with the complete maintenance and safety of the vessel at sea.
RYA Coastal Skipper
Whilst the two previously mentioned courses can be completed over a couple of weekends if necessary, the RYA Coastal Skipper course must be done over the course of five consecutive days. It involves a far more intensive training, including the first introduction to sailing overnight. It refines the skills developed in the earlier courses for use in the more confined coastal waters.
The Coastal Skipper course can then be followed up by a RYA/MCA exam, which will result, pending successful completion, in a Certificate of Competence from the aforementioned governing bodies.
RYA Yachtmaster Offshore
Last but by no means least is the MCA/RYA Yachtmaster Offshore exam. This is the very pinnacle of seamanship and is only available to those with significant experience; including 50 days seatime, five spent as skipper, five journeys over 60 nautical miles including two overnight and the same number as skipper. As the highest attainable qualification there are a number of courses dedicated to helping you to develop the skills needed to succeed at this level.
So when you're plotting out which course you want to take, make sure you pick one that suits your standard and experience. RYA provides the most widely accepted definitive yachting standard for competence on the water. Their exams and training provide the starting point for anyone looking to get into and enjoy yachting.
Derek Rogers is a freelance writer who represents a number of UK businesses. For the very best in RYA Day Skipper Courses he recommends Southampton and London based Sailing School First Class Sailing.
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HOME :: Recreation-and-Sports / Boating Sailing For Beginners
One of the most wonderful sensations in this world is to be propelled along by the wind in a boat. It has that magical sense of achievement which some say is even better than flying.
Anyone can buy, hire or borrow a sail boat to make it onto the water. There are also thousands of boating clubs around the world where members are searching for crew. A small yacht provides a stable platform to gain experience on the water. A dinghy can be a wet and sometimes very active experience. I feel the time to start dinghy sailing is as a young child under the guidance of a sailing club or qualified instructor.
I hope that my 35 years of practical sailing experience qualifies me to pass on some of my knowledge to help you "get started". To make it possible to raise the sails, the standard sailboat requires a mast and a boom. These are essential to support a mainsail and a foresail. If you are sailing a yacht, I will assume that this is already on the water either on a mooring or at a wharf. The sails can be raised reasonably safely while a boat is attached to a swing mooring. If a sailboat has a motor, it may be safest to motor out into clear water away from moored craft. I consider this to be essential for "starters".
The general principle for raising and securing a mast is to secure the front wire or forestay which should already be attached to the top of the mast. The first step is to attach it to a tang or eye provided at the bow or front of the boat with a D-shackle. In a well prepared sailboat these should be left attached to the end of the stays at all times.
The port and starboard stays should then be attached to the eyes provided on each side of the boat. The backstay should then be attached to its tang at the stern. After all of the stays have been attached, rigging screws, called turnbuckles are then adjusted so that the mast is vertical.
The port and starboard stays should then be attached to the eyes provided on each side of the boat. The backstay should then be attached to its tang at the stern. After all of the stays have been attached, rigging screws, called turnbuckles are then adjusted so that the mast is vertical. It is important to adjust the turnbuckles so that the mast does not move about. Failure to adjust the mast correctly can be dangerous and may cause the stays to stretch unnecessarily and reduce their life-span.
Some dinghies have "un-stayed" masts where a sleeve is provided in the luff or front of the mainsail and the mast simply slides inside of it. The mast is then inserted into a hole or pocket which is moulded into the deck of the boat which supports it. With this system a fore-sail is often not used. Setting up is always much easier with two people.
The boom is attached to the mast at a slight distance from the deck. It is usually attached by a joint called a goose-neck. This allows for the movement of the boom and adjustment of the mainsail on any plane. The mainsail should be attached to the boom. It is often inserted into a track on the boom with metal or plastic slides or with a rope, called a boltrope, which is attached into the bottom edge and luff or front edge of the sail. The boom should be allowed to swing free while raising the mainsail, or else the wind can cause the boat to sail and heel over while completing this procedure. Crew should be careful of the affects of an unrestrained boom.
The mainsail is most easily raised with the boat pointing directly into the wind. A crew member is required to man the helm, i.e. the tiller or wheel, to maintain the direction of the boat into the wind. Once again, the boom should not be sheeted in with the mainsheet or cleat. When the boat is pointed into the wind the crew is then able to reach the boom to insert the mainsail. The mainsail luff slugs or boltrope should then be inserted into the track on the mast. The main halyard is then attached with a D-shackle. This is then hauled to raise the mainsail. This will require careful "feeding" of the boltrope or slugs while hauling on the halyard. When the mainsail reaches the top of the track, the halyard will then be tied off on its dedicated cleat. On a yacht a winch is used to assist in raising the mainsail. When this is complete, the sheet is placed on a cleat or held using a jammer.
It is standard on a yacht these days to have the mainsail fixed to the boom on a reasonably permanent basis. This is then covered with a boom bag, which is a dedicated cover. A foresail or jib is usually attached to a sailing dinghy's forestay with special hooks called piston-hanks. Some racing yachts also have a special aluminium section attached to the forestay into which the sail can be fed.
The jib sheets are then attached to the rear end or clew of the sail, using a knot called a bowline. Yachts of today often have the jib or genoa permanently attached to the forestay with a roller-furler. All that is required to unfurl the sail is to pull on a sheet. At the conclusion of a sail another sheet rolls it around the forestay ready for the next outing. This allows for easy storage, speed and ease of setting up the sails.
Once the sails are set, all that is required is to decide the direction in which to sail and set the sails accordingly. You may be surprised to know that a sailboat cannot proceed to a location directly like a powerboat. It is very possible to reach the destination, but not necessarily in a straight line. I will describe how to set the sails to ultimately reach your desired destination.
There are three broad ways that one can head towards a destination. They are:
• sailing towards or climbing on the wind
• reaching across the wind and
• running before the wind.
To climb on the wind towards a destination, it is often necessary to tack across the wind. To complete this, the mainsail, which is the sail attached to the mast, generally does not require any adjustment. The foremost sail, called the jib or genoa, if it is a large area foresail, needs to be hauled around the mast as the boat passes through the eye of the wind. The sails can also be set on the other side of the boat (starboard side). To change the sails from the starboard to port side when running with the wind from behind is called gibing. This is generally unsafe in wind strengths more than light, unless the crew is very experienced.
I have written a brief introduction to this brilliant sport. It is now up to you to make the choices of how you wish to proceed on this most exciting journey.
Wazza Dyson. Visit my storefront at: http://www.shop.wazzadyson.com to read my full "must have" e-book: Sailing for Starters: First Boating Steps. It includes numerous diagrams and photos to help you get started.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Warwick_Dyson
Posted by Paul at 09:52 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: Sailing for beginners
HOME :: Travel-and-Leisure / Sailing Guide To a Sailing Charter In The UK
The United Kingdom is a country consists of Northern Ireland, Scotland, and England. There are also tiny islands that enclose the country. Aside from the land border, UK is also surrounded with different bodies of water, including the North Sea, Atlantic Ocean, English Channel, and the Irish Sea. Sailing in the United Kingdom, therefore, is never a problem.
So where do you exactly start? The most popular cruising areas are the Solent and Isle of Wight, the South West counties of Devon and Cornwall, East Anglia and the West coast of Scotland. Most sailing charters are available at the South coast. For the experienced sailor the Channel Islands is within cruising distance and Cherbourg in France is only 65 miles away from the Isle of Wight.
You can also start your sailing in Ireland, around the Magic Isle. A leisurely sail in the yacht or cruise ship can take you along the fantastic cities of Dublin and Donegal. Both are widely renowned for their restaurants filled with delectable seafood. Port calls are excellent in Guinness and Cork. Of course, there are still smaller harbors which are good if you want some closer contact with the Irish locals.
When you're sailing in the UK, you should never get to miss to experience the boating environment of Scotland. Feel the cleanliness of its air and water, fantastic amenities, heartfelt welcome from the Scots, and the melodramatic sceneries of its coastlines. Unlike the usual hustle and bustle activity of modern England, you can enjoy natural freedom among the almost-empty sea and land of Scotland. The area of Outer Hebrides is home to archaeological and historical ruins that tell amazing Scottish stories.
Sailing in the West Wales, on the other hand, means enjoying the sunniest parts of Great Britain. You can also have fun with two days of sailing sessions in wayfarers. Experts can teach you the proper techniques in rigging a boat before you can have fun and solitude cruising through the protected waters. At the end of your sailing days, you can relax or unwind in any of their B&B accommodations. Meanwhile, let the sand of Gower Peninsula tickle your toes. A part of this area can be accessed by car, yet for the best seaside experience, learn to cruise your boat in this remote and peaceful British isle.
The coastlines of Norfolk and Suffolk stretch to 402 kilometers or 250 miles. Situated in the eastern part of England, they offer one of the most popular and best locations for sailing across UK. The world-acclaimed Burnham Week, the longest-running yacht regatta, is held in these areas every year.
The UK is renowned for its strong monarchy, shopping centers, galleries, and museums. Yet across the mountains and into the seas, you will discover that the country goes beyond modernism. Try sailing in the UK to understand what it means.
D. Browall writes for http://www.sboats.com - The Worlds Largest, Most Comprehensive Directory of Companies Offering Sailing Charters. Find more information on yacht charter UK
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=D._Browall
Posted by Paul at 00:12 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: Sailing Charter in the UK
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