Kiteboarders make mark in sailing

The first thing you notice about a kiteboard is how ridiculously small it is. It is so small, it makes a luge seem roomy. So small that what it can do — carry a grown man at speeds approaching 60 knots — seems, at first glance, impossible. Then there are the courses where kiteboard riders seek to achieve these speeds: shin-deep stretches of water no more than a few feet from shore, in places where winds routinely reach gale force. Places where success can mean traveling faster than any sailing vessel ever to knife through water, and where wiping out can mean broken bones, and worse. The windswept, sandy coastal ponds on Martha’s Vineyard provide several prime spots for kiteboarding, which has made it a magnet for the sport. Here, starting Monday, competitors from around the world will converge to vie for the best speeds in an event organized by a coterie of local enthusiasts who also happen to include some of the fastest sailors on earth. To gear up for the event, on a recent autumn day when the southwest breeze kicked up a wicked chop on Vineyard Sound, these hardies — some might say crazies — practiced their madcap sport. “Windy is better. It can also be more dangerous, but it’s more exciting,” opined Brock Callen, 33, a professional sailboat racer from Edgartown who first stepped onto a kiteboard five years ago. “We look for the storm systems and that’s what we get excited about.” Calling this sport “sailing” caused a squall of controversy in 2008. Kiteboarders had to fight for recognition when Rob Douglas, a lifelong sailor and windsurfer who had been racing a kiteboard for only three months, broke the world record for fastest time under sail. At first, the International Sailing Federation balked at acknowledging the record. But in December 2008, it recognized that the times should be counted by the World Sailing Speed Record Council. In 2010, Douglas, who runs the Black Dog Tavern in Vineyard Haven and its affiliated shops, set a record — an average speed of 55.65 knots over 500 meters — that still stands. “It’s quite simple. Kitesurfers are sailboats,” said Douglas, 41, whose burly, 220-pound physique looks incongruously weightless as he skims lightly across the surface. “Any sailing craft on water that uses the wind for propulsion qualifies for the outright world speed sailing record. . . . Different yes, but it’s still sailing.” Different indeed. A kiteboarder balances on the board, attached by a harness and four lines to a light cloth “kite,” which fills like a spinnaker as much as 100 feet in the air.

Reefing the Sails - Why?

Reefing the sails is such and important safety aspect of sailing that it's one of the first things you should understand as you begin to learn to sail. Now is a good time to discuss something a tiny bit technical - force from the wind. Force imparted onto the sailboat is multiplied by four every time the wind speed doubles. So if you go from 5 knots to 10 knots the forces quadruple. Then if you again go up to 20 knots, the forces are 16 times higher than at 5 knots. And 40 knots? 64 times. To put that in more perspective if it takes about ½ your strength to pull a line at 5 knots, at 20 knots you would feel 8 hefty guys pulling against you in a tug of war. You've got no chance. Now also think of the stress on the rigging and how 16 times more force aloft is heeling your boat over. Sixteen times!!!! I hope you're getting the point. The quadrupling effect comes from the well established Bernoulli's equation which says the pressure applied is proportional to the square of the velocity. And by definition, force is equal to pressure multiplied by area. So if we halve the area we halve the forces. Makes sense right? And that is what we are doing by reefing. We're reducing the area while the velocity is increasing in our best attempt to manage the forces. And one more thing - when you're heading up wind, your boat speed is somewhat additive to the wind speed and so the forces increase even further. The mast on your sailboat is probably supported by shroud lines attached to the sides of your sailboat and by a forestay and aftstay. They are designed to hold certain forces aloft. Should the forces become higher than design or the connections deteriorate which on a boat they are guaranteed to do over time, then you're going to have some serious problems with a dismasting. In reality and practice, you should start to think about reefing the sails at about 12 knots of wind. At 15 knots, you should definitely be reefing and at 20 knots, you're crazy if you don't have 1 or 2 reefs in. The boat will be uncontrollable if you haven't reefed and you'll be probably breaking items on your boat due to high forces from the wind. At 30 knots, the boat will probably explode. Well, not quite, but I'm making a point to reef reef reef and get comfortable with the process especially when you are starting out in your learn to sail quest. And get an instructor or practiced sailing friend to teach you how to reef your sails. The process should not be intimidating. What can be intimidating however is if you leave it to late. A good professional captain of mine who would sail across the Atlantic had a saying. If you think you should be reefing - you should have reefed yesterday and if you are thinking about "shaking out the reef" (unreefing (if that is a word)) wait until tomorrow. Leaving the reefing until it is too late means that there are excess forces already on all of the lines you're going to want to be handling which is a safety issue for you and your crew. So reef early. An additional incentive to reefing is that actually, you can make your boat go faster anyway. So if you're trying to be mucho and waiting to reef, you will be going slower and loosing the race (there is always a race). Not reefing causes rounding up. One of the best things to see in a race is when the boat that is ahead of you has too much sail aloft and they get over powered and round up into the wind. This is so awesome because in doing so they will have lost 50 meters of lead on you. Rounding up is a wee bit technical but essentially it is when the wind force takes over your boat with out your ability to counter act using the rudder. The boat just turns up into the wind. It's dangerous because you can be turned right into other traffic. And it's just a pure waste of good sailing. When you begin to learn to sail, you'll find that the boat is trimmed so that the rudder balances the turning force of the sails. The force from sails want to turn the boat up into the wind and the force from the rudder wants to turn the boat down wind. This is done for two reasons. (1) For safety: if the tiller or wheel is released the boat will round up into the wind and loose power. And (2) if the rudder is pointing slightly up wind the boat gets a lift to windward from the force of the water on the rudder. However this balance is lost as the boat heels over too much. If you imagine that the boat has heeled over 30 degrees then according to Pythagoras, you are down to 70.7% of your rudder counteracting forces. So too much heeling is bad. On top of all that, as you begin to learn to sail and understand the forces, you'll learn that the sail relies on efficiency of the wind over the sail to create lift. This requires that the wind on the back side of the sail flow evenly across the sail (stays attached to the sail) to create the low pressure and thus lift. When the wind speed is too high and as the boat heels over, the wind has great difficulty in staying attached to the sail. Thus the wind peels off and you lose efficiency. A smaller sail requires the wind to stay attached for a shorter distance and thus increases the efficiency. We sum all this up to say when you reef in high wind conditions your boat can go faster with less heeling and less likelihood of doing serious damage to your sailboat.. That's good. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4569964

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. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1237098

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Portugal - Great For A Sailing Vacation

The best sailing area is on the south coast where Algarve provides a perfect 150 Miles of interesting sailing coast. The west of Faro consists of small bays and coves mixed by striking rocky outcrops and interesting grottoes. East of Faro the coast comprises sandy offshore islets, which have created protected anchorages and the most wonderful quiet beaches that continue for miles. Portugal is located in the southwest portion of Europe. It's close to the Iberian Peninsula. On the west, you can find the Atlantic Ocean, and on the north and east is Spain. Two islands in the Pacific, Madeira and Azores, belong to Portugal. The climate of the country is basically Mediterranean. The weather is generally warm, which is just what you may need if you go sailing in Portugal. Algarve is one of the renowned tourist destinations in Portugal, most because of its excellent weather. As a matter of fact, some who have been here for their vacation decided to buy real estate properties. Moreover, there are a lot of interesting places to visit and beautiful beaches to swim or cruise. Alvor is one of them. Besides the long coastline, you can also enjoy the village, filled with narrow streets, bars, and restaurants. There is also a very old fishing village, which has been preserved very well by the municipality. Walk farther and you can find a beautiful lagoon. You can venture too in the sandy beach and coves underneath the cliffs. Whenever you're sailing in Portugal, make sure you can stop by the quaint town of Faro. Apart from finding a good temporary home in its villas and holiday resorts, you can also find a variety of artifacts and historical sites. For example, the Milreu ruins depict third-century homes of the Romans. There is also a parish church that was built hundreds of years ago, Palacio de Estoi or manor house and the Bronze Age fort found in Santa Barbara de Nexe. West of Faro are more developed areas like Vale de Lobo and Quinta do Lago. Disembarking from a yacht charter, you can visit Monchique, a rustic and unexplored town in Portugal. Bordered by the hills of Picota and Foia, Monchique is famous for its cobblestone streets and dark doorways, which eventually lead to small artist shops. There are also a number of religious places here, such as the Franciscan monastery and the parish church, which dates back to the sixteenth century. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1156964

Sailing in Greece - Destination Ionian Islands

The Ionian islands are a fantastic destination for people who want to combine their sailing in Greece holidays together with gourmet food and luxurious services. The Ionian sea is different than the Aegean as it is deeper, colder and darker in color. It is certain that you will make some of the best dives of your life! Also, the Ionian islands are very popular among sailors and skippers because Greeks and Italians have been sailing there from many years ago. They are a destination which will have its own place in your heart forever. Scuba diving is quite popular in the Ionian sea as the underwater views are uniquely terrific. Kerkyra (Corfu) is, perhaps, the most popular of the seven Ionian islands as tourists from all around the world keep arriving there in thousands every year. Luxurious hotel accommodation and many kilometers of seashore around Corfu are the main attractions of this magnificent island. There are bars, clubs, cafes, beach-bars, tavernas and restaurants all around the island. Places that you have already visited and you will visit again at the first chance, because of the state of the art services offered. The Easter time is very popular in Corfu as there are numerous attractions to make you get there every year to celebrate the Greek Orthodox Easter in a traditional way. The experience is fantastic as the municipality band keeps playing religious music all week long. Paxos complex are not very well known to everyone because they are just a small island complex underneath Corfu. The two main islands of the complex are Paxos and Antipaxos. Both of them are a sailing destination and an unforgettable experience. The beauty of nature is tremendous as both islands are covered with plants, having only the sea flowing between them. The Italians know Paxos complex very well as they visit them every year and because they are ideal for yachts. The only way to go all around these two islands and visit places not accessible by foot or wheels, is a boat. With your own or a rented boat you will arrive at small beaches of almost virgin nature. You can visit a different one every day! The trip from Paxos to Antipaxos is a must and it can be done only by boat. Both islands have very narrow roads with limited accessibility to the few small villages around. Most things needed can be found at the port which is very well organized and ready to serve the needs of the incoming sailors. Avoid travelling to Paxos and Antipaxos during the peak season because the islands are small and they can get very crowded. Arrange your sailing holidays in June or September as that's when you can really enjoy all that there is. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7027071

Sailing success for hospice funding

A RECORD number of yacht racers have raised more than £20,000 for St Wilfrid’s Hospice. In near perfect sailing conditions at Chichester Harbour, participants in the hospice’s 11th ‘Nab’ Challenge raced from just outside the harbour, around the Nab Tower and back. The race, which was held on Saturday, September 22, increased the cumulative sum raised by the event over the years to almost £150,000. Spokesman for the Inn-Shore Cruising Club, who organised the event, Mark Taylor, said: “Once again, we have set the bar high and in this year of high sporting achievements we have risen to the challenge once again and raised a fantastic amount of money for St Wilfrid’s.” Overall winner with the highest points total was Alan Stannah on his boat Sally of Kames. The ATAG trophy for the boat that raised the most money was won by Derrick Pope who raised £3,200 through sponsorship of his yacht Valkyrie, while the Tempest Fugit Trophy for the club that raised the most money will be going to Itchenor Sailing Club, which raised £7,180 for the Hospice. The winner in the Sunbeam Class for the second year was Gayle Palmer’s yacht, Little Lady. Class winners included Marcus Hyde with his yacht Veruska in Class B and David Gammon with his yacht Euphoria in Class C, both members of the Inn-Shore Cruising Club. All will be presented with their trophies at a special presentation to be held at the Itchenor Sailing Club on Saturday, October 13, starting from 11am and followed by a buffet lunch. The main sponsor of the event was Chichester-based ATAG Heating. Managing Director Phil Bell said: “It was extremely encouraging to see so many new entrants this year. “It’s thanks to the incredible generosity and support from local people that this event is so successful and long may it continue.” Since it opened in 1987, St Wilfrid’s has cared for over 10,000 local people and at any one time provides care for 210 patients, while offering support to their families and friends.

Sailing Club Spotlight Tata Steel sailing Club

Ultimate Dinghy Sailing !

Seven annual sailing season inspections to save you money!

Inspect Boat Sails and Repair. Remove all sails and canvas, such as Biminis and dodgers from the boat. Inspect both for chafe or tears. Have the local sail loft do a 'head to toe' inspection. Ask your sailmaker to beef up worn areas with additional chafe patches to prevent problems in the future. 2. Service Your Small Diesel Engine. All cruising sailboats abuse their diesel engines. We sailors just don't run them long or hard enough to make a diesel happy. Hire a mechanic once a year for one hour (or more). Have them conduct a 'physical' on the beast. Ask lots of questions. You'll learn a ton of stuff and save lots of money in the future. 3. Make a Bottom Dive or Haulout. Do you sail in fresh water or salt? If you sail in salt, your bottom gets fouled after a few months dockside, at anchor of at a mooring. If you don't haulout, hire a diver to check the bottom, propeller condition and rudder. Keep them clean and barnacle free for peak performance. 4. Test Every Seacock. If you haul the boat, you need to break down every seacock, inspect the internal parts, and grease the fitting. Use only a silicone waterproof grease to prevent damage to rubber parts. Keep them serviced so that they serve you for years to come. 5. Unstep the Sailboat Mast - Check Sailing Rigging. If you haul the boat, unstep the mast. Otherwise, you or a rigger must go aloft to check mast tangs, spreaders, spreader boots and halyard blocks. Check all running rigging and replace if worn. Keep your mast in place and your sailing rig strong to prevent failure. 6. Repair Spongy or Crazed Sailboat Decks. Moisture finds its way into cored decks after a decade or two. Check around every fitting, like lifeline stanchion bases, cleats and mast step for crazing. Before you fill them, use a moisture gauge to check for water intrusion. You must dry the core before filling with sealant. Keep cracks from crunching your cruising plans by taking action once a year. 7. Conduct an Anchor Rode Inspection. Pull it out--pull it all out. Empty your anchor rode from the anchor locker and onto the deck or dock. Inspect every inch of the line, give it a fresh water washdown and dry it out. Salt acts like sandpaper on nylon line and wet nylon loses 15% of its strength. Dry out the anchor locker to prevent mildew.