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Wednesday, 30 June 2010
HOME :: Travel-and-Leisure / Sailing How to Sail Fast in Moderate Winds - Tips From an Olympic Gold Medalist
Many, many years ago, I interviewed the late Sir William Northam, who had been sailing for only 13 years, after he won Australia's first Olympic Gold Medal for yachting in the 5.5 metre class at Tokyo in 1964.
Among many interesting hints about sailing in moderate winds, he told me this: "In the time I have been sailing -- admittedly not long -- I have learned one thing: I cannot tell whether a boat is going as it should unless it has a speedometer. I know that the purists will talk about the feel of the boat, and sound of the waves, and the ability of the speedometer to mislead. There is some truth in what they say. There certainly is a feel to a boat, you can tell something from the sound of the waves, a speedometer can be misleading. But I still use one -- a good one.
"I find that in the larger boats, where different weights of sail are used for different conditions, the speedometer will indicate which sail is doing the best job. In given conditions you can tell immediately whether a sail change has improved or retarded your progress. But you must be able to remember the conditions, the sail you use, and the speed you can get out of the boat, so that when the same things happen again you can tell whether or not the boat is at its peak."
Many of you will have got the point already. In the days before polar performance curves became commonly used to record a boat's performance under different circumstances and wind strengths, Bill was doing exactly the same, except that he was using his brain as the recording device, not a computer.
He believed that on the larger boats one should use different weights of sail for different conditions, but only for headsails. For the main he wanted one only for nearly all conditions but he would change its shape, when necessary, with equipment on the boat. He did this for the Olympics, the trials for the Olympics and for the Australian championships, and it was one of the main reasons for his success.
The only other main he used at Tokyo was one designed for very heavy weather, with which he won the fourth race.
Once again Bill was ahead of the game, keeping things simple, yet having great capacity to change his sail shape while underway.
He believed the headsail was the critical sail, and the way it was setting even more critical. His preference was for a slack foot and an easy, but not too easy, leech, and he adjusted the lead to get that setting.
As he said: "Of prime importance is the head of the sail, because you have so little up there that what you do have you must make the most of. The head should be tighter along the leech than elsewhere on the sail, but only marginally, so the air that has been used up can flow easily off it. If anything, the whole leech should be loose, but it must not curve in. The flow of the sail will be slightly forward of centre.
"When setting up the lead for the sail make sure that, while you retain the slack foot and easy leech, the sail still falls in evenly from head to tack when the boat is luffed. If the sail is set up like this she will point with the best of them, and we certainly found that in moderate weather in Tokyo no competitor could beat us on the wind. Many overseas boats carried headsails with large roaches, which gave them more area, but not more speed."
I am sure if Bill were still alive and sailing, he would have used modern technology to put himself ahead of the game again.
Copyright © 2008 Bevanda Pty Ltd
Learn more about sailing in all wind strengths in The Boating Bible Manual of Seamanship, http://www.theboatingbible.com/BoatHandling.htm
There are also free articles, a blog and a weekly newsletter with tips and advice from Jim Murrant, a very experienced sailor. See you there!
Read more about sailing in light conditions in Make Your Own Wind at http://www.theboatingbible.com/MakeOwnWind.htm
It's all about Sailing!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Murrant
Among many interesting hints about sailing in moderate winds, he told me this: "In the time I have been sailing -- admittedly not long -- I have learned one thing: I cannot tell whether a boat is going as it should unless it has a speedometer. I know that the purists will talk about the feel of the boat, and sound of the waves, and the ability of the speedometer to mislead. There is some truth in what they say. There certainly is a feel to a boat, you can tell something from the sound of the waves, a speedometer can be misleading. But I still use one -- a good one.
"I find that in the larger boats, where different weights of sail are used for different conditions, the speedometer will indicate which sail is doing the best job. In given conditions you can tell immediately whether a sail change has improved or retarded your progress. But you must be able to remember the conditions, the sail you use, and the speed you can get out of the boat, so that when the same things happen again you can tell whether or not the boat is at its peak."
Many of you will have got the point already. In the days before polar performance curves became commonly used to record a boat's performance under different circumstances and wind strengths, Bill was doing exactly the same, except that he was using his brain as the recording device, not a computer.
He believed that on the larger boats one should use different weights of sail for different conditions, but only for headsails. For the main he wanted one only for nearly all conditions but he would change its shape, when necessary, with equipment on the boat. He did this for the Olympics, the trials for the Olympics and for the Australian championships, and it was one of the main reasons for his success.
The only other main he used at Tokyo was one designed for very heavy weather, with which he won the fourth race.
Once again Bill was ahead of the game, keeping things simple, yet having great capacity to change his sail shape while underway.
He believed the headsail was the critical sail, and the way it was setting even more critical. His preference was for a slack foot and an easy, but not too easy, leech, and he adjusted the lead to get that setting.
As he said: "Of prime importance is the head of the sail, because you have so little up there that what you do have you must make the most of. The head should be tighter along the leech than elsewhere on the sail, but only marginally, so the air that has been used up can flow easily off it. If anything, the whole leech should be loose, but it must not curve in. The flow of the sail will be slightly forward of centre.
"When setting up the lead for the sail make sure that, while you retain the slack foot and easy leech, the sail still falls in evenly from head to tack when the boat is luffed. If the sail is set up like this she will point with the best of them, and we certainly found that in moderate weather in Tokyo no competitor could beat us on the wind. Many overseas boats carried headsails with large roaches, which gave them more area, but not more speed."
I am sure if Bill were still alive and sailing, he would have used modern technology to put himself ahead of the game again.
Copyright © 2008 Bevanda Pty Ltd
Learn more about sailing in all wind strengths in The Boating Bible Manual of Seamanship, http://www.theboatingbible.com/BoatHandling.htm
There are also free articles, a blog and a weekly newsletter with tips and advice from Jim Murrant, a very experienced sailor. See you there!
Read more about sailing in light conditions in Make Your Own Wind at http://www.theboatingbible.com/MakeOwnWind.htm
It's all about Sailing!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Murrant
Monday, 28 June 2010
Friday, 25 June 2010
HOME :: Travel-and-Leisure / Sailing Top Tips to Start Sailing Right Now!
Sailing is a great sport and there is no reason anyone could dislike it unless they are incredibly seasick (which is very unusual on a small dinghy).
Most people get the myth into their minds that it requires alot of training and is very expensive. This is not true at all. In fact the opposite is true, usually sailing is very cheap especially at volunteer clubs where you pay a membership fee per quarter or month and get to use the club boats. Sailing does not require a lot of training, in fact by having just 1 hour on the water you can learn all the basics from tacking to gybing and from the 5 essentials to points of sail.
Sailboat racing is the most adrenaline rushing, heart pumping and fiercely competitive sport I know of. In high winds sailing can become close to terrifying, which all adds to the rush you get when you start. Most clubs have a series in which you are ranked by finishing position and the best set of finishing positionings wins a trophy. This trophy is fiercely contested and you really need to work hard on your sailing and appearance to be able to even attempt to win the series.
Sailing is an extremely physical and mental sport. It really works your ab and core muscles, arm muscles, leg muscles and shoulder muscles, because of the constant need to hike out, move around and pulling in the sail sheets (the rope that controls the sail setting). This in a one hour race can be an incredibly good workout compared to the gym membership that you pay for, but never go to. Instead of getting a new Gym membership as your new year's resolution consider starting sailing.
Contrary to common belief, there are sailing centres and clubs practically everywhere in the world, you just need to know where to find them in your area. In London there are at least 6 different sailing clubs, which one can go to to learn or enjoy sailing.
It is also a great way to get your kids or teens out of the house (and their Wii games) and doing something that will improve their fitness (many teenagers are now overweight, because they watch television all day) and their mental concentration (it helps me relax and get me through the week). Many clubs have kids or teens sailing as well.
You can also get sailing lessons free! If you go to a volunteer club, then you can usually get lessons free or included within your membership if you need them. this is great for beginners or improver's, because the centre usually caters for all levels of sailing from absolute newbie to racing expert.
Many clubs will have to check you out first (usually means completing RYA level 2 course or doing a in-house test), so that they know you are trustworthy before letting you take out club boats on the water. This is to make sure you understand the basics of sailing whilst also being safe at all times. Once you are checked out you can cruise, race or even take out a romantic evening with your partner.
Sailing is an ultimate experience with all-in-one factor within it. It has everything you could hope for in a sport and more. it caters for all people, all ages, all races, all sizes and you will always be welcome to do sailing whoever you are and whatever you do. Sailing does not discriminate and is very flexible.
So what is stopping you? Start Sailing today!
This article is a preview from http://www.startedsailing.com - One teenager's dinghy sailing experiences and boat racing in the UK. Sailing in the UK is cold, wet and yet extremely fun and available to all!
Alex Dotsch is a seasoned sailor with many years of experience racing and cruising in dinghy sailing boats. He owns a website, which he maintains and updates constantly about starting sailing.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alex_Dotsch
Most people get the myth into their minds that it requires alot of training and is very expensive. This is not true at all. In fact the opposite is true, usually sailing is very cheap especially at volunteer clubs where you pay a membership fee per quarter or month and get to use the club boats. Sailing does not require a lot of training, in fact by having just 1 hour on the water you can learn all the basics from tacking to gybing and from the 5 essentials to points of sail.
Sailboat racing is the most adrenaline rushing, heart pumping and fiercely competitive sport I know of. In high winds sailing can become close to terrifying, which all adds to the rush you get when you start. Most clubs have a series in which you are ranked by finishing position and the best set of finishing positionings wins a trophy. This trophy is fiercely contested and you really need to work hard on your sailing and appearance to be able to even attempt to win the series.
Sailing is an extremely physical and mental sport. It really works your ab and core muscles, arm muscles, leg muscles and shoulder muscles, because of the constant need to hike out, move around and pulling in the sail sheets (the rope that controls the sail setting). This in a one hour race can be an incredibly good workout compared to the gym membership that you pay for, but never go to. Instead of getting a new Gym membership as your new year's resolution consider starting sailing.
Contrary to common belief, there are sailing centres and clubs practically everywhere in the world, you just need to know where to find them in your area. In London there are at least 6 different sailing clubs, which one can go to to learn or enjoy sailing.
It is also a great way to get your kids or teens out of the house (and their Wii games) and doing something that will improve their fitness (many teenagers are now overweight, because they watch television all day) and their mental concentration (it helps me relax and get me through the week). Many clubs have kids or teens sailing as well.
You can also get sailing lessons free! If you go to a volunteer club, then you can usually get lessons free or included within your membership if you need them. this is great for beginners or improver's, because the centre usually caters for all levels of sailing from absolute newbie to racing expert.
Many clubs will have to check you out first (usually means completing RYA level 2 course or doing a in-house test), so that they know you are trustworthy before letting you take out club boats on the water. This is to make sure you understand the basics of sailing whilst also being safe at all times. Once you are checked out you can cruise, race or even take out a romantic evening with your partner.
Sailing is an ultimate experience with all-in-one factor within it. It has everything you could hope for in a sport and more. it caters for all people, all ages, all races, all sizes and you will always be welcome to do sailing whoever you are and whatever you do. Sailing does not discriminate and is very flexible.
So what is stopping you? Start Sailing today!
This article is a preview from http://www.startedsailing.com - One teenager's dinghy sailing experiences and boat racing in the UK. Sailing in the UK is cold, wet and yet extremely fun and available to all!
Alex Dotsch is a seasoned sailor with many years of experience racing and cruising in dinghy sailing boats. He owns a website, which he maintains and updates constantly about starting sailing.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alex_Dotsch
HOME :: Travel-and-Leisure / Sailing Four Top Sailing Regattas In British Waters
Britain has some excellent regattas available for the sailing fraternity. The first and probably most famous is Cowes Week. An amazing week of high quality sailing in the Solent waters off the coast of the Isle of Wight. Cowes Week is a definite highlight in the sailing calendar and has been running since 1826, making it the world's longest running sailing regatta, as well as being one of Britain's biggest annual sporting events. Over 8000 competitors race in yachts in 40 classes in varied 'round-the-cans' courses. Entrants are local, national and international and range from being complete novices to World and Olympic champions. There is a packed racing schedule with just over 30 races every day for the full 8 days. Aside from the racing, there is a vibrant social scene that caters for everyone's taste, with a wide variety of excellent shops, pubs and cafes to choose from. There is plenty to do day and night, with live music, a magnificent firework display, the Honda Dream Team air display and the renowned Guinness and Pimm's tents!
Our second recommended regatta is the Round the Island Race once described as 'the Grand National of sailing', the annual Round the Island Race is extremely popular in the sailing world. The amount of publicity it attracts raises a huge amount of money for its official charity: Prostate Research Campaign UK. Take part in the 50-mile race, sailed anti-clockwise around the Isle of Wight, alongside competitors from all around the world, and make a difference in the medical world by raising funds for the fight against prostate cancer. The race was first started in 1931 with only 25 entries. Today there are over 1700 yachts competing for the beautiful Gold Roman Bowl. Entrants range from being complete novices sailing in the smallest offshore categories, to very accomplished competitors sailing in maxi-yachts. Sir Edward Heath is among the most notable of contestants having won the race 4 times! Despite the record winning time standing at just over 3 hours, most entrants cross the finishing line in late afternoon! The race takes place on the 3rd of June, but all entries must be in by May 6th.
The third regatta is the Winter Hamble Series which involves 8 competitive races on 'round the cans' courses on the Solent, and take place from the beginning of October to the early part of December. If your staff or clients are in need of some team building then these races are the ideal environment for developing that competitive spirit whilst maintaining a sense of fun. Every race goes towards the final result of the series, and the winners get a prize...a great incentive for any team! The experience is guaranteed to boost morale and make life in the workplace a lot more effective.
Our last regatta to recommend is Fastnet 2006. Fastnet Rock is on the Southern tip of Ireland, over 600 miles away, and takes teams up to 5 days battling against tricky tides and high winds to get to. The course starts in the Solent and then heads West following the coast to Lands End before heading out to the famous rock and then finishing in Plymouth. The race was born in 1925 and is now one of the Worlds greatest offshore races with over 200 competitors taking part. Join us in this great challenge and we will train your team to a standard capable of winning and nothing less!
Chris Laas runs a yacht charter company in Southampton in the United Kingdom.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christopher_Laas
Our second recommended regatta is the Round the Island Race once described as 'the Grand National of sailing', the annual Round the Island Race is extremely popular in the sailing world. The amount of publicity it attracts raises a huge amount of money for its official charity: Prostate Research Campaign UK. Take part in the 50-mile race, sailed anti-clockwise around the Isle of Wight, alongside competitors from all around the world, and make a difference in the medical world by raising funds for the fight against prostate cancer. The race was first started in 1931 with only 25 entries. Today there are over 1700 yachts competing for the beautiful Gold Roman Bowl. Entrants range from being complete novices sailing in the smallest offshore categories, to very accomplished competitors sailing in maxi-yachts. Sir Edward Heath is among the most notable of contestants having won the race 4 times! Despite the record winning time standing at just over 3 hours, most entrants cross the finishing line in late afternoon! The race takes place on the 3rd of June, but all entries must be in by May 6th.
The third regatta is the Winter Hamble Series which involves 8 competitive races on 'round the cans' courses on the Solent, and take place from the beginning of October to the early part of December. If your staff or clients are in need of some team building then these races are the ideal environment for developing that competitive spirit whilst maintaining a sense of fun. Every race goes towards the final result of the series, and the winners get a prize...a great incentive for any team! The experience is guaranteed to boost morale and make life in the workplace a lot more effective.
Our last regatta to recommend is Fastnet 2006. Fastnet Rock is on the Southern tip of Ireland, over 600 miles away, and takes teams up to 5 days battling against tricky tides and high winds to get to. The course starts in the Solent and then heads West following the coast to Lands End before heading out to the famous rock and then finishing in Plymouth. The race was born in 1925 and is now one of the Worlds greatest offshore races with over 200 competitors taking part. Join us in this great challenge and we will train your team to a standard capable of winning and nothing less!
Chris Laas runs a yacht charter company in Southampton in the United Kingdom.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christopher_Laas
Wednesday, 23 June 2010
Monday, 21 June 2010
Friday, 18 June 2010
HOME :: Recreation-and-Sports / Boating Sailing Lakes
There are lakes all over the world for people who want to sail. Different lakes offer different benefits and different challenges. Sailing lakes can be fun and exciting. In North America alone there is the Northwest, Southwest, Northeast, Southeast, and Great Lakes area. If a sailor doesn't have a boat there is no problem as they can be rented. In fact, a yacht can be rented and lived on during a vacation. So, one can travel to their favorite location in which they want to sail and rent a boat.
Northwest
Some of the sailing lakes in the northwest, such as Washington and Oregon, are Lake Washington, Lake Union, Lake Sammamish, Detroit Lake, and Devil Lake. There are occasionally blue-green algae advisories. Oregon has a certain type of algae, such as cyanobacteria, that can be toxic and last from days to months.
Northeast
Some of the sailing lakes in the northeast, such as Vermont and Main, are Lake Willoughby, Lake Memphremagoa, Lake Champlain, Long Lake, and the Chipnuneticook Lakes. There are many resorts and vacation rental properties around these lakes. After a long day of sailing lakes a sailor can relax on the shore.
Great Lakes
The largest lakes in the Great Lakes region are Superior, Michigan, Huron, Ontario, and Erie. There are also numerous smaller sailing lakes in the region. Michigan is covered with lakes many of them sail worthy, such as Lake Saint Clair, White Lake, and Duck Lake. The Great Lakes require very good sailing skills as they are so large, it is almost like sailing on a sea.
Southeast
Some of the sailing lakes in the Southeast, in Florida, are Crystal Lake and Lake Jackson which is 25 feet at it's deepest. In Georgia two of the lakes are Lake Lanier and Harwell which are surrounded by natural habitat and camp grounds. A sailor can sail for a while then get out and explore.
Southwest
Sailing lakes in the Southwest are very interesting as many are in the desert. A large and very beautiful lake in Nevada is Lake Mead located only 30 miles southeast of Las Vegas. Apache Lake is located east of Phoenix in Arizona. The colors on the water, at sunset, in the desert, are magnificent.
Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Lakes_of_Florida
For more lakes' information please see Lake Info, lake sailing: lake sailing [http://www.lakesinformation.com/38605/Lake-Sailing]
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nicole_Tayleor
Northwest
Some of the sailing lakes in the northwest, such as Washington and Oregon, are Lake Washington, Lake Union, Lake Sammamish, Detroit Lake, and Devil Lake. There are occasionally blue-green algae advisories. Oregon has a certain type of algae, such as cyanobacteria, that can be toxic and last from days to months.
Northeast
Some of the sailing lakes in the northeast, such as Vermont and Main, are Lake Willoughby, Lake Memphremagoa, Lake Champlain, Long Lake, and the Chipnuneticook Lakes. There are many resorts and vacation rental properties around these lakes. After a long day of sailing lakes a sailor can relax on the shore.
Great Lakes
The largest lakes in the Great Lakes region are Superior, Michigan, Huron, Ontario, and Erie. There are also numerous smaller sailing lakes in the region. Michigan is covered with lakes many of them sail worthy, such as Lake Saint Clair, White Lake, and Duck Lake. The Great Lakes require very good sailing skills as they are so large, it is almost like sailing on a sea.
Southeast
Some of the sailing lakes in the Southeast, in Florida, are Crystal Lake and Lake Jackson which is 25 feet at it's deepest. In Georgia two of the lakes are Lake Lanier and Harwell which are surrounded by natural habitat and camp grounds. A sailor can sail for a while then get out and explore.
Southwest
Sailing lakes in the Southwest are very interesting as many are in the desert. A large and very beautiful lake in Nevada is Lake Mead located only 30 miles southeast of Las Vegas. Apache Lake is located east of Phoenix in Arizona. The colors on the water, at sunset, in the desert, are magnificent.
Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Lakes_of_Florida
For more lakes' information please see Lake Info, lake sailing: lake sailing [http://www.lakesinformation.com/38605/Lake-Sailing]
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nicole_Tayleor
HOME :: Recreation-and-Sports / Boating Inflatable Boat - All About Inflatables!
When you mention an inflatable boat, most people imagine a kind of raft that would be floating on the water in the sun. This is not so as the inflatable boat is can be a great deal more than that. The inflatable boat is one that has air cavities that when they are filled with air, give the buoyancy for the boat. You could use an automatic pump or blow the air manually also.
An Inflatable boat is intended to be light-weight and transportable. These boats are made very long lasting and strong and with many plus points in mind. These inflatable boats could be used for various purposes of boating, which could be for use for fishing. Sailing or any other boating requirement, and are a very resourceful designs ever invented.
The major uses of an Inflatable Boat
There are several uses of having and inflatable boat. Chiefly it is very convenient because it is light weight and easily movable. If required you could handle one of these boats by yourself. Once the air is removed from the boat or in other words it is deflated, it could be folded into a tidy pile and be placed in a storage bag. This is a major advantage in transporting and inflatable boat from one place to another and in putting it away when not being used.
Because of the buoyancy of the boat it is very stable. This is because it is filled with air which is also one of the reasons for its popularity. They come in very handy as lifeboats for bigger boats, like houseboats, fishing boats, pontoons or yachts. Some inflatable rafts are also specially designed to be used as evacuation systems in aircrafts.
Various kinds of Inflatable Boats
Several kinds of inflatable boats are accessible in today's market. Each of them has special designs and can offer a fantastic boating experience. Listed below are some of the different inflatable boats which you could procure:
- Zodiac boats
- Kayaks
- Sailing Boats
- Pontoon boats
- Sailing boats
Different materials are used for the different rafts which are more compatible to the kind of design. For instance, the pontoon inflatable boats are intended to be very maneuverable and remain steady in the water. These boats are designed to travel at great speeds and to be able to support an outboard motor.
The zodiac boat features a flat bottom and designed with flexible tubing for the bow and sides. They have a firm platform on which an outboard motor could be placed for faster water travel. These boats are also maneuvered with the use of oars. A very important aspect is that the correct air pressure is used to ensure you get the proper buoyancy for the boat that you have, so that you guarantee your own safety while on the water.
Abhishek has a passion for Boating since the last 30 years! Visit his website http://www.Boating-Guru.com and download his FREE Boating Report and learn some amazing Boating tips and tricks for FREE! Also discover some excellent ways to finance your Boat. But hurry, only limited Free copies available! http://www.Boating-Guru.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Abhishek_Agarwal
An Inflatable boat is intended to be light-weight and transportable. These boats are made very long lasting and strong and with many plus points in mind. These inflatable boats could be used for various purposes of boating, which could be for use for fishing. Sailing or any other boating requirement, and are a very resourceful designs ever invented.
The major uses of an Inflatable Boat
There are several uses of having and inflatable boat. Chiefly it is very convenient because it is light weight and easily movable. If required you could handle one of these boats by yourself. Once the air is removed from the boat or in other words it is deflated, it could be folded into a tidy pile and be placed in a storage bag. This is a major advantage in transporting and inflatable boat from one place to another and in putting it away when not being used.
Because of the buoyancy of the boat it is very stable. This is because it is filled with air which is also one of the reasons for its popularity. They come in very handy as lifeboats for bigger boats, like houseboats, fishing boats, pontoons or yachts. Some inflatable rafts are also specially designed to be used as evacuation systems in aircrafts.
Various kinds of Inflatable Boats
Several kinds of inflatable boats are accessible in today's market. Each of them has special designs and can offer a fantastic boating experience. Listed below are some of the different inflatable boats which you could procure:
- Zodiac boats
- Kayaks
- Sailing Boats
- Pontoon boats
- Sailing boats
Different materials are used for the different rafts which are more compatible to the kind of design. For instance, the pontoon inflatable boats are intended to be very maneuverable and remain steady in the water. These boats are designed to travel at great speeds and to be able to support an outboard motor.
The zodiac boat features a flat bottom and designed with flexible tubing for the bow and sides. They have a firm platform on which an outboard motor could be placed for faster water travel. These boats are also maneuvered with the use of oars. A very important aspect is that the correct air pressure is used to ensure you get the proper buoyancy for the boat that you have, so that you guarantee your own safety while on the water.
Abhishek has a passion for Boating since the last 30 years! Visit his website http://www.Boating-Guru.com and download his FREE Boating Report and learn some amazing Boating tips and tricks for FREE! Also discover some excellent ways to finance your Boat. But hurry, only limited Free copies available! http://www.Boating-Guru.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Abhishek_Agarwal
Wednesday, 16 June 2010
Monday, 14 June 2010
HOME :: Travel-and-Leisure / Sailing Sailing Holidays in Greece
The country has officially come out of recession and now people are finally able to start looking forward and planning for the future. In 2009 a lot of people cancelled their holiday plans or took very cheap holidays to local destinations, hoping and praying for some good weather. Thankfully in 2010 people can instead go back to their old holiday habits and visit sunnier climates. One of the most popular holiday types at the moment seems to be sailing holidays. Greece is a popular destination with a large proportion of these holiday makers and over the course of this article we will discuss why that is.
Sailing has become a very popular past time ever since people like Dame Ellen MacArthur sailed around the world on her solo voyage. But why do so many people choose Greece as their destination when booking sailing holidays? Greece is made up of a large number of islands, which makes it very appealing to people when booking holidays it allows people to sail off the shore of these islands without having to panic about being miles away from a nearby island if something did go drastically wrong.
But surely that can't be the only reason people pick this location for their sailing holidays. Greece is also surrounded by idyllic blue clean water that is beautiful for diving off the boat and swimming into the early hours of the afternoon. If you wanted to do some snorkelling then this would be one of the idea locations to do it.
There is also the fact that visiting here might be the perfect place for novices to take their sailing holidays. Greece's waters are usually very tranquil and forgiving. So if you are unsure of your sailing ability then you should be able to get by without too much trouble. Most of the modern sailing boats tend to have a motor on-board, so if you did get into trouble then you could start up the motor drop the sails and cruise into port.
So you see there are loads of reasons to head off into the sun and take part in sailing holidays. Greece isn't the only location that you should consider, but it certainly is one that you should give serious consideration too, it is a beautiful set of islands and has a wonderful culture and the people on the islands couldn't be more receptive to visitors. Take advantage of the extra money that you have in 2010 and enjoy your holidays again.
Gino Hitshopi is a travel journalist with many years of experience travelling and writing about European detinations. Find out more about sailing holidays Greece at http://www.nisosyachtcharter.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gino_Hitshopi
Sailing has become a very popular past time ever since people like Dame Ellen MacArthur sailed around the world on her solo voyage. But why do so many people choose Greece as their destination when booking sailing holidays? Greece is made up of a large number of islands, which makes it very appealing to people when booking holidays it allows people to sail off the shore of these islands without having to panic about being miles away from a nearby island if something did go drastically wrong.
But surely that can't be the only reason people pick this location for their sailing holidays. Greece is also surrounded by idyllic blue clean water that is beautiful for diving off the boat and swimming into the early hours of the afternoon. If you wanted to do some snorkelling then this would be one of the idea locations to do it.
There is also the fact that visiting here might be the perfect place for novices to take their sailing holidays. Greece's waters are usually very tranquil and forgiving. So if you are unsure of your sailing ability then you should be able to get by without too much trouble. Most of the modern sailing boats tend to have a motor on-board, so if you did get into trouble then you could start up the motor drop the sails and cruise into port.
So you see there are loads of reasons to head off into the sun and take part in sailing holidays. Greece isn't the only location that you should consider, but it certainly is one that you should give serious consideration too, it is a beautiful set of islands and has a wonderful culture and the people on the islands couldn't be more receptive to visitors. Take advantage of the extra money that you have in 2010 and enjoy your holidays again.
Gino Hitshopi is a travel journalist with many years of experience travelling and writing about European detinations. Find out more about sailing holidays Greece at http://www.nisosyachtcharter.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gino_Hitshopi
Saturday, 12 June 2010
HOME :: Travel-and-Leisure / Sailing How Learning to Sail Can Bring You Fun, Friendship, and Romance
Sailing is a hobby and a recreational pursuit that can last a lifetime. It's something that anyone of any age, ability, and either gender can take up. It's one of those leisure activities that really are open to everyone. Learning to sail not only brings a sense of personal achievement and fulfillment but also opens up a whole new area in your social life and can lead to lifelong friendships.
Sailing is such huge topic that it would be impossible to cover all the bases in one article. From small dinghy sailing on inland lakes and reservoirs to ocean sailing in multi million pound yachts and modern three-masted tall ships, there is a whole world of sailing to experience, to write and to talk about.
Many people learn to sail on small yachts based at a local marina. They will literally 'learn the ropes' under the watchful eye of a sailing instructor working for a sailing club or school. Let's assume that you intend to learn enough about sailing so that you can form part of the crew for a day's sailing and in order to take part in sailing weekends on coastal waters.
As with most things in life it pays to do a little research before you part with any hard earned money. Spend some time searching online for the sailing schools nearest to you and when you've created as short list take a drive out to them and have a look around. Does the description on the website match what you see during your visit? Are the boats well kept and clean? Are the staff friendly, professional, and eager to show you around?
It's easier to make your choice of school if you know someone who sails and who can give you the benefit of their advice but that's not always an option for everyone. If you're new to sailing and want to not only learn to sail but expand your social life then you'll probably be reliant upon your own judgment for a choice of sailing school.
In the UK and many other places around the world there are sailing schools that are endorsed by the RYA (Royal Yachting Association) so by learning to sail at one of these schools you can obtain RYA certification and qualifications. Having made your choice you'll need to book some time off work in which to embark on your first course.
Your first objective will be to gain your Competent Crew certificate. This can be covered in three weekends but there are distinct advantages to taking a week off work and covering the course in five consecutive days. You'll benefit from the intensity and the continuity of the training. You might start the week not knowing one end of the boat from another but after five days and nights you will be a useful, competent person on a boat rather than a few hundred pounds of ballast!
As well as the enjoyment of the week long experience and the sense of achievement at the end of it you will also meet a group of people of various ages and different walks of life. Competent Crew courses usually take place on a 36 foot yacht with a skipper in charge of 4-6 people who are new to sailing. You might make new friends among these fellow crew members with whom you will later sail on other courses or on recreational voyages around your local coastal area.
Having obtained Competent Crew certification you could join a sailing club and by using your natural charm and friendly nature you will be offered opportunities to crew on all kinds of excursions and in a variety of weather conditions. It's important to gain as much varied experience as possible as it will not only broaden your skills but also make you a safer and more competent crew member.
Following on from the Competent Crew certificate you could book a week long course to obtain a Day Skipper certificate. In order to do so you will need to have completed five days, 100 miles and four night hours aboard a yacht, sot he Competent Crew course is the ideal prerequisite. The Day Skipper course will expand on the basic knowledge you possess and will take you deeper into the areas of navigation, meteorology, pilotage, rules of the sea, engines, yachts under power, yachts under sail, and night cruising.
Again, this course will bring you into contact with several other sailors and once completed you will be a safer and more skilled sailor who can then take advantage of more opportunities in your sailing club. You can crew with confidence and look forward to the day when you can wear a skipper's cap when you are in sole charge of a vessel and its crew and passengers.
Sailing often attracts single sailors who like to spend time a alone and those who have a passion for the sea and all things nautical. They may be so in love with life on the water that they can only form lasting friendships and romances with someone who feels the same way. If you find that you empathise with such a person then learning to sail might put you in touch with someone who later becomes more than just a sailing buddy.
Ben completed his Competent Crew and Day Skipper courses in the Solent. He manages a website specifically designed for single sailors looking for crew, friends, and romance with other people who share their passion for the sea.
Visit Love Sail for more information.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ben_Lovegrove
Sailing is such huge topic that it would be impossible to cover all the bases in one article. From small dinghy sailing on inland lakes and reservoirs to ocean sailing in multi million pound yachts and modern three-masted tall ships, there is a whole world of sailing to experience, to write and to talk about.
Many people learn to sail on small yachts based at a local marina. They will literally 'learn the ropes' under the watchful eye of a sailing instructor working for a sailing club or school. Let's assume that you intend to learn enough about sailing so that you can form part of the crew for a day's sailing and in order to take part in sailing weekends on coastal waters.
As with most things in life it pays to do a little research before you part with any hard earned money. Spend some time searching online for the sailing schools nearest to you and when you've created as short list take a drive out to them and have a look around. Does the description on the website match what you see during your visit? Are the boats well kept and clean? Are the staff friendly, professional, and eager to show you around?
It's easier to make your choice of school if you know someone who sails and who can give you the benefit of their advice but that's not always an option for everyone. If you're new to sailing and want to not only learn to sail but expand your social life then you'll probably be reliant upon your own judgment for a choice of sailing school.
In the UK and many other places around the world there are sailing schools that are endorsed by the RYA (Royal Yachting Association) so by learning to sail at one of these schools you can obtain RYA certification and qualifications. Having made your choice you'll need to book some time off work in which to embark on your first course.
Your first objective will be to gain your Competent Crew certificate. This can be covered in three weekends but there are distinct advantages to taking a week off work and covering the course in five consecutive days. You'll benefit from the intensity and the continuity of the training. You might start the week not knowing one end of the boat from another but after five days and nights you will be a useful, competent person on a boat rather than a few hundred pounds of ballast!
As well as the enjoyment of the week long experience and the sense of achievement at the end of it you will also meet a group of people of various ages and different walks of life. Competent Crew courses usually take place on a 36 foot yacht with a skipper in charge of 4-6 people who are new to sailing. You might make new friends among these fellow crew members with whom you will later sail on other courses or on recreational voyages around your local coastal area.
Having obtained Competent Crew certification you could join a sailing club and by using your natural charm and friendly nature you will be offered opportunities to crew on all kinds of excursions and in a variety of weather conditions. It's important to gain as much varied experience as possible as it will not only broaden your skills but also make you a safer and more competent crew member.
Following on from the Competent Crew certificate you could book a week long course to obtain a Day Skipper certificate. In order to do so you will need to have completed five days, 100 miles and four night hours aboard a yacht, sot he Competent Crew course is the ideal prerequisite. The Day Skipper course will expand on the basic knowledge you possess and will take you deeper into the areas of navigation, meteorology, pilotage, rules of the sea, engines, yachts under power, yachts under sail, and night cruising.
Again, this course will bring you into contact with several other sailors and once completed you will be a safer and more skilled sailor who can then take advantage of more opportunities in your sailing club. You can crew with confidence and look forward to the day when you can wear a skipper's cap when you are in sole charge of a vessel and its crew and passengers.
Sailing often attracts single sailors who like to spend time a alone and those who have a passion for the sea and all things nautical. They may be so in love with life on the water that they can only form lasting friendships and romances with someone who feels the same way. If you find that you empathise with such a person then learning to sail might put you in touch with someone who later becomes more than just a sailing buddy.
Ben completed his Competent Crew and Day Skipper courses in the Solent. He manages a website specifically designed for single sailors looking for crew, friends, and romance with other people who share their passion for the sea.
Visit Love Sail for more information.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ben_Lovegrove
Thursday, 10 June 2010
HOME :: Travel-and-Leisure / Sailing Basic Sailing Techniques
When interested in sailing a boat, the direction of the wind will determine the various movements associated with this invigorating activity. Before you attempt to take a vessel across the open water, you should first become familiar with some of the following important sailing techniques:
Steering and Turning
The techniques you use to change direction and steer a sailboat will become influenced by the direction of the wind. Some of the terms associated with direction changes or turns are referred to as tacking, heading up, heading down, or jibing.
Heading up (or luffing up) refers to the kind of steering where the wind is close to coming in direct contact with the front (or bow) of the sailboat. When you head closer to the wind, you need to "trim" the sails, which means bringing them closer to the center of the boat. When you head up where the wind is almost ahead, the sails will "luff," which means that they begin to flutter without any lift. If the boat becomes too hard to maneuver, then it enters a state called "in irons."
Tacking (or coming about) is one of the most basic of turning techniques of sailing, as it requires one to bring the bow of the boat through the wind so that the wind comes across the opposing side of the boat. The boat then sails away on the opposite tack.
"Heading down" is known by many different terms, including "bearing away," "bearing off," "falling off," and "freeing off." This technique of sailing involves steering in such a way that the wind comes from closer to the aft of the boat. The method includes easing the sails, which means to let them out away from the center of the vessel.
Jibing (also gibing) is a turning motion that causes the boat to head down past the point where the wind crosses at the stern of the sailboat. The sails and boom then swing to the opposite side just before the sailboat sails off on the opposite tack. Exercising caution is highly recommended when jibing, as the sail and boom can cross the middle of the boat with great speed where misjudgment can cause a small sailboat to tip over. Improper jibing may also hurt passengers not paying attention, as well as cause damage to the rig of a larger sailboat. All of these circumstances increase in risk during times of strong winds.
Trim
An important part of sailing involves keeping the boat in "trim," which deals with steering, balance, and other aspects. First, you will "Course to Steer," where the boat is turned towards your intended destination by using the wheel or tiller. People may choose a specific bearing (such as steering 180 degrees), aim for a particular landmark, or base their course in regards to the wind direction. Trim refers to the fore and aft balance of a sailboat. The goal is to adjust the movable ballast in a forward or backward motion in order to accomplish what is called an "even keel." When traveling an upwind course in a smaller sailboat, passengers often sit in the front. Positioning of passengers means less when the sailboat is larger or weighs more.
When balancing, it is the port and starboard that is involved, where the aim is to regulate the weight in order to avoid unnecessary heeling. Trimming sails is quite important, as the sail should be pulled in until it becomes filled with wind. It should not exceed the point where the front edge of the sail (the luff) becomes completely aligned with the wind.
While this is just a taste of common sailing techniques, it is also advised to seek information on "running," "reaching," sailing upward, reducing the sails, reefing, hulling, and learning the different sail points.
Napoleon Hill
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Napoleon_Hill
Steering and Turning
The techniques you use to change direction and steer a sailboat will become influenced by the direction of the wind. Some of the terms associated with direction changes or turns are referred to as tacking, heading up, heading down, or jibing.
Heading up (or luffing up) refers to the kind of steering where the wind is close to coming in direct contact with the front (or bow) of the sailboat. When you head closer to the wind, you need to "trim" the sails, which means bringing them closer to the center of the boat. When you head up where the wind is almost ahead, the sails will "luff," which means that they begin to flutter without any lift. If the boat becomes too hard to maneuver, then it enters a state called "in irons."
Tacking (or coming about) is one of the most basic of turning techniques of sailing, as it requires one to bring the bow of the boat through the wind so that the wind comes across the opposing side of the boat. The boat then sails away on the opposite tack.
"Heading down" is known by many different terms, including "bearing away," "bearing off," "falling off," and "freeing off." This technique of sailing involves steering in such a way that the wind comes from closer to the aft of the boat. The method includes easing the sails, which means to let them out away from the center of the vessel.
Jibing (also gibing) is a turning motion that causes the boat to head down past the point where the wind crosses at the stern of the sailboat. The sails and boom then swing to the opposite side just before the sailboat sails off on the opposite tack. Exercising caution is highly recommended when jibing, as the sail and boom can cross the middle of the boat with great speed where misjudgment can cause a small sailboat to tip over. Improper jibing may also hurt passengers not paying attention, as well as cause damage to the rig of a larger sailboat. All of these circumstances increase in risk during times of strong winds.
Trim
An important part of sailing involves keeping the boat in "trim," which deals with steering, balance, and other aspects. First, you will "Course to Steer," where the boat is turned towards your intended destination by using the wheel or tiller. People may choose a specific bearing (such as steering 180 degrees), aim for a particular landmark, or base their course in regards to the wind direction. Trim refers to the fore and aft balance of a sailboat. The goal is to adjust the movable ballast in a forward or backward motion in order to accomplish what is called an "even keel." When traveling an upwind course in a smaller sailboat, passengers often sit in the front. Positioning of passengers means less when the sailboat is larger or weighs more.
When balancing, it is the port and starboard that is involved, where the aim is to regulate the weight in order to avoid unnecessary heeling. Trimming sails is quite important, as the sail should be pulled in until it becomes filled with wind. It should not exceed the point where the front edge of the sail (the luff) becomes completely aligned with the wind.
While this is just a taste of common sailing techniques, it is also advised to seek information on "running," "reaching," sailing upward, reducing the sails, reefing, hulling, and learning the different sail points.
Napoleon Hill
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Napoleon_Hill
Tuesday, 8 June 2010
HOME :: Travel-and-Leisure / Sailing Sailing Vacations
Sailing vacations provide great getaways for families in the open seas with nothing except the blue sky and the shimmering water. These vacations are conducted on boats, yachts, catamarans or trimarans and may last up to a week. People can go sailing either with their families or friends or with a whole group of other similar sailing vacationers.
Planning for a sailing vacation involves the selection of a suitable destination. Ideal destinations are those which have scenic beaches which can provide a grand view from the sea. Destinations should be selected with care because different destinations have different climates and ocean currents according to seasons.
Then the mode of water transport must be hired. It could either be a small boat, yacht or a catamaran. For a small number of people, perhaps less than four, a boat up to 25 feet long is enough. For a larger group it is ideal to have a yacht with three or four cabins for the couples or families. For a yet larger group, like a school or an office cruise, it is better to have a catamaran. Things of personal need like water, fruits, mariner's compass, maps, etc. must be taken aboard the transport.
Small groups can rent a bareboat, i.e. a boat without any crew. If a bareboat is rented, then the vacationers have to do their rowing and navigation themselves. In case a group lacks the confidence to navigate their own boats, they can either hire a skipper. A skipper is an expert who knows the intricacies of the place along with navigational tactics. Sometimes a bareboat with a skipper is a good, money-saving idea rather than hiring an entire crew. Water transport renters also provide sailing instructions.
There are many flotillas which can prove beneficial to sailing vacationers. Flotillas are like sea caravans - they are groups of sail boats or yachts that follow a leading boat, which is steered by pros. Following a flotilla reduces the worry of having to navigate and get lost in the open sea. There is also the advantage of having spare parts within reach if needed.
People going on sailing vacations usually sail during the day and enjoy the beauty of the maritime landscape. During nights they may stay on beaches, resorts or in hotels. Some people who sail in catamarans or in big yachts with their own rooms also undertake the adventure of sailing during the night.
There are many hotspots where sailing vacations are concerned. The Caribbean islands are one of the hottest destinations. With their tiny islands so close to each other, they are a sailing vacationer's haven. The Bahamas are also highly preferred destinations. Other destinations like Maine, the Hawaiian Islands, the Australian and New Zealand islands are scattered around the globe.
Sailing Vacations provides detailed information on Bahamas Sailing Vacations, Caribbean Sailing Vacations, Catamaran Sailing Vacations, Family Sailing Vacations and more. Sailing Vacations is affiliated with Caribbean Sailing [http://www.i-Sailing.com].
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Damian_Sofsian
Planning for a sailing vacation involves the selection of a suitable destination. Ideal destinations are those which have scenic beaches which can provide a grand view from the sea. Destinations should be selected with care because different destinations have different climates and ocean currents according to seasons.
Then the mode of water transport must be hired. It could either be a small boat, yacht or a catamaran. For a small number of people, perhaps less than four, a boat up to 25 feet long is enough. For a larger group it is ideal to have a yacht with three or four cabins for the couples or families. For a yet larger group, like a school or an office cruise, it is better to have a catamaran. Things of personal need like water, fruits, mariner's compass, maps, etc. must be taken aboard the transport.
Small groups can rent a bareboat, i.e. a boat without any crew. If a bareboat is rented, then the vacationers have to do their rowing and navigation themselves. In case a group lacks the confidence to navigate their own boats, they can either hire a skipper. A skipper is an expert who knows the intricacies of the place along with navigational tactics. Sometimes a bareboat with a skipper is a good, money-saving idea rather than hiring an entire crew. Water transport renters also provide sailing instructions.
There are many flotillas which can prove beneficial to sailing vacationers. Flotillas are like sea caravans - they are groups of sail boats or yachts that follow a leading boat, which is steered by pros. Following a flotilla reduces the worry of having to navigate and get lost in the open sea. There is also the advantage of having spare parts within reach if needed.
People going on sailing vacations usually sail during the day and enjoy the beauty of the maritime landscape. During nights they may stay on beaches, resorts or in hotels. Some people who sail in catamarans or in big yachts with their own rooms also undertake the adventure of sailing during the night.
There are many hotspots where sailing vacations are concerned. The Caribbean islands are one of the hottest destinations. With their tiny islands so close to each other, they are a sailing vacationer's haven. The Bahamas are also highly preferred destinations. Other destinations like Maine, the Hawaiian Islands, the Australian and New Zealand islands are scattered around the globe.
Sailing Vacations provides detailed information on Bahamas Sailing Vacations, Caribbean Sailing Vacations, Catamaran Sailing Vacations, Family Sailing Vacations and more. Sailing Vacations is affiliated with Caribbean Sailing [http://www.i-Sailing.com].
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Damian_Sofsian
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
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
HOME :: Recreation-and-Sports / Boating Sailing Skipper Secrets - Five Sail Cleaning Tips For Longer Sail Life
Sailboat sails are expensive and sail repairs cost big bucks. Sailing skippers need to give their boat sails an annual bath, a careful inspection, and remove any stains. This will keep the harmful, abrasive effects of soil away from your sails. Use these five sail cleaning tips to protect your investment.
1. Annual Bath
Wash racing or cruising sails in mild soapy water once a year. Use a medium firm hand brush. Follow the seams with your brush strokes to prevent unnecessary stitch wear.
As you clean, inspect sail seams for broken zigzag or straight sewing stitches. Keep a record of these in a small notebook. Make the repairs yourself or drop the sail by a local sailmaking shop.
2. Mildew Stain Removal
Dry brush the sail on both sides to loosen the mold spores. Soak the effected area in a mild bleach solution for 2-3 hours. Do not use bleach on nylon spinnaker sails! Use only mild soapy water on nylon sails.
After soaking, scrub both sides of the sail. Rinse several times to remove the bleach solution. Drape over chairs or hang on a line to dry. Drying your sails helps prevent mildew growth.
3. Blood Stain Removal
Dry brush the sail on both sides to remove dried blood. Use a mild solution of bleach and soak the affected area in a tub for 20-30 minutes. Scrub both sides of the sail. Rinse all traces of bleach from the sail. Drape over chairs or hang on a line to dry.
4. Rust or Ink Stain Removal
Use a 5% solution of oxalic acid. Purchase this product over-the-counter at your local drugstore. In the days of the square riggers, sailors scrubbed the wooden decks with this mild abrasive. Rinse all traces of oxalic acid from the sail. Dry the sail before storing.
5. Number and Decal Removal
Remove old racing sail numbers or decals with a small amount of WD-40. Spay around the edges of the adhesive, wait a few minutes and peel. As you peel, spray more lubricant to keep the adhesive soft. Wash all traces of WD-40 from the sail with a mild soapy solution; then rinse. Drape the sail over chairs or hang on a line to dry.
As a sailing skipper, you want to do whatever it takes to increase the life of your costly boat sails. These sail cleaning tips will save you money and reward you with a suite of sails that give you great performance for many years to come.
Captain John Jamieson shows small boat cruising skippers how to reach their sailing dreams today! Get his popular free report "Ten Top 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
1. Annual Bath
Wash racing or cruising sails in mild soapy water once a year. Use a medium firm hand brush. Follow the seams with your brush strokes to prevent unnecessary stitch wear.
As you clean, inspect sail seams for broken zigzag or straight sewing stitches. Keep a record of these in a small notebook. Make the repairs yourself or drop the sail by a local sailmaking shop.
2. Mildew Stain Removal
Dry brush the sail on both sides to loosen the mold spores. Soak the effected area in a mild bleach solution for 2-3 hours. Do not use bleach on nylon spinnaker sails! Use only mild soapy water on nylon sails.
After soaking, scrub both sides of the sail. Rinse several times to remove the bleach solution. Drape over chairs or hang on a line to dry. Drying your sails helps prevent mildew growth.
3. Blood Stain Removal
Dry brush the sail on both sides to remove dried blood. Use a mild solution of bleach and soak the affected area in a tub for 20-30 minutes. Scrub both sides of the sail. Rinse all traces of bleach from the sail. Drape over chairs or hang on a line to dry.
4. Rust or Ink Stain Removal
Use a 5% solution of oxalic acid. Purchase this product over-the-counter at your local drugstore. In the days of the square riggers, sailors scrubbed the wooden decks with this mild abrasive. Rinse all traces of oxalic acid from the sail. Dry the sail before storing.
5. Number and Decal Removal
Remove old racing sail numbers or decals with a small amount of WD-40. Spay around the edges of the adhesive, wait a few minutes and peel. As you peel, spray more lubricant to keep the adhesive soft. Wash all traces of WD-40 from the sail with a mild soapy solution; then rinse. Drape the sail over chairs or hang on a line to dry.
As a sailing skipper, you want to do whatever it takes to increase the life of your costly boat sails. These sail cleaning tips will save you money and reward you with a suite of sails that give you great performance for many years to come.
Captain John Jamieson shows small boat cruising skippers how to reach their sailing dreams today! Get his popular free report "Ten Top 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
Sunday, 6 June 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.
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.
HOME :: Travel-and-Leisure / Sailing RYA Sailing Course - How People Can Start Sailing Better
An RYA Sailing Course is very useful for people who want to get better at sailing, because it really helps you take it to the next level instead of just being a novice sailor. The course's full name is the RYA National Sailing Scheme and has 4 Youth Stages for Teenagers and Children and 2 Adult Stages as well as 6 Advanced Modules.
RYA Adult Courses
For Adults the RYA has Sailing Level 1 and sailing Level 2. Sailing Level 1 is a basic introduction to the sport and Level 2 builds upon the foundations of Level 1 and makes the sailor proficient to sail without an instructor.
RYA Level 1 includes basic orientation of the boat and how to tack and gybe as well as sailing along a straight course. RYA Level 2 is rigging the boat, capsize drills and safety on the boat. Some people don't do Level 1 and go straight on to Level 2, but most will do an integrated course of both and end up with RYA Level 2.
Having this qualification can help your CV, your UCAS form or employment prospects. It is a great thing to have and you will really shine out by having it from one of the most prestigious sailing organizations in the world.
RYA Children's Courses
The RYA method taught in the adult courses as Level 1 and Level 2 is split into 3 Youth Stages, with 1 Youth Stage introducing 2 person sailing. The reason for this is that children have a shorter attention span and like to see achievement faster than adults do (so more certificates, more often).
Stage 1 is about learning the Sailing Terminology and steering the boat. Stage 2 is about tacking and controlling boat speed. Stage 3 is like RYA Level 2 and includes capsize drill and safety. Stage 4 is about sailing with a helm and a crew.
The RYA Sailing Course is great for people who want to improve their sailing and get a great qualification along the way and I highly recommend it.
For more on the RYA Sailing Course and other articles regarding this topic visit Started Sailing
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alex_Dotsch
RYA Adult Courses
For Adults the RYA has Sailing Level 1 and sailing Level 2. Sailing Level 1 is a basic introduction to the sport and Level 2 builds upon the foundations of Level 1 and makes the sailor proficient to sail without an instructor.
RYA Level 1 includes basic orientation of the boat and how to tack and gybe as well as sailing along a straight course. RYA Level 2 is rigging the boat, capsize drills and safety on the boat. Some people don't do Level 1 and go straight on to Level 2, but most will do an integrated course of both and end up with RYA Level 2.
Having this qualification can help your CV, your UCAS form or employment prospects. It is a great thing to have and you will really shine out by having it from one of the most prestigious sailing organizations in the world.
RYA Children's Courses
The RYA method taught in the adult courses as Level 1 and Level 2 is split into 3 Youth Stages, with 1 Youth Stage introducing 2 person sailing. The reason for this is that children have a shorter attention span and like to see achievement faster than adults do (so more certificates, more often).
Stage 1 is about learning the Sailing Terminology and steering the boat. Stage 2 is about tacking and controlling boat speed. Stage 3 is like RYA Level 2 and includes capsize drill and safety. Stage 4 is about sailing with a helm and a crew.
The RYA Sailing Course is great for people who want to improve their sailing and get a great qualification along the way and I highly recommend it.
For more on the RYA Sailing Course and other articles regarding this topic visit Started Sailing
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alex_Dotsch
Friday, 4 June 2010
Thursday, 3 June 2010
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