yachts2rentnow.com
CLICK ON THE ABOVE PIC FOR OUR DEDICATED "YACHTS2RENTNOW" WEBSITE
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)