Learn to Sail for Newbies - Three Steps to Sail in Gusty Sailing Winds!

If you are anything like me, when I first learned how to sail, I hoped that all the days would be perfect, sunny, with light breezes and flat-as-a-pancake water. Sounds like a picture postcard, right? But what do you do when the winds get gusty? Follow three secret sailing tips.

One thing I had to get a grip on was the reality of the sport of sailing. And like any sport, if you want to excel, you want to experience a bit more challenge now and then. And guess what happened?

It turned out I loved the breezy days when the boat skimmed across the water, sliced through the waves like a hot knife through butter. It was fun and kept me on my toes.

So, now that you know the basics of sailing, how do you handle those gusty days? First, all good sailors develop a sense of the wind, weather, and waves. That means being aware of what's happening with these elements. You can expect gusty weather if you:

* see dark splotchy patches on the water to windward.
* sight white caps (white foam on wave tops) to windward.
* fight the sailboat tiller or wheel tough to hold on course.
* start to heel more.
* feel the boat "round up" when in a gust.

All of these are signs that it's time to put your boat into "gusty sailing mode" so that she remains balanced, heels less, and becomes easier to steer.

Reefing your sails will always give you the best solution in gusty weather. But here, we want to discuss other methods to use until you are able to reef your sails. Follow these steps:

1. Pop the Mainsheet

Small dinghy sailors are always "playing" the mainsheet. When I first started to sail, I had a small 14' O'Day Javelin. I held the mainsheet in my non-dominant hand and steering with my dominant hand.

When the boat began to heel a bit too much, I would "pop" the mainsheet out of the cam-cleat, ease it out, and the boat would flatten right away. As soon as the gust passed, I would jerk the mainsheet back into the cam-cleat and sheet it in again. This sequence of "pop and sheet" continued all the time in gusty weather.

You can use this same a similar, but slower method on larger, more stable sailboats. Pop the mainsheet, ease the sheet out a few inches, and re-cleat the mainsheet. This spills high octane wind higher up off the water and decreases heeling and makes steering easier.

2. Feather Up in a Gust

If a gust hits before you have time to pop the mainsheet as described above, allow the boat to round up just to the point where the forward 1/3 of the mainsail luff begins to flutter. This "feathering" technique de-powers the mainsail, dumps the wind, and flattens the boat.

Take care not to let the boat round up too much--you don't want to go into "irons" (the boat points into the wind, stops, with all sails fluttering). Keep your boat speed up and maintain good steering control of the tiller or wheel.

3. Push the Mainsheet Downwind.

Larger sailboats have an athrwartship (a direction across the boat from side to side) track called a traveler track. Your mainsheet attaches to a "traveler car" on the traveler track. You can slide the traveler car (or "car") along the traveler track.

You keep the car in place with stops, which are either plunger-type pins or screw pins on each side of the car. In lighter winds, you keep the car centered along the traveler track. But in gusty winds, you want to re-position the car downwind to de-power the mainsail.

Move the stops and traveler car down the traveler track to leeward (downwind). This helps your boat sail with less heel and it will be easier to steer.

Learn to sail like a pro when you use these three, fast temporary control techniques to keep your small sailboat balanced and under good control. Experience the thrill and excitement of gusty weather sailing to gain the confidence you need to sail anywhere in the world!



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6443533

How to Sail Like a Pro - Five Steps to Better Tacking When Short Handed

When you first learn how to sail, you had a lot of sailing crew to help you out. Tricky maneuvers like tacking or jibing were a snap. But what happens when you have to tack up a narrow channel all by yourself--singlehanded? If you want to learn to sail like a sailor, you'll want to practice maneuvers like this under sail! Follow these five easy steps on your way to master the art of short-handed sailing.

Singlehanders have their hands full with sailing, lookout duties, and navigation. You can learn to perform complex maneuvers like tacking or jibing with careful preparation and execution. Remember, we are talking about cruising sailboats here, not small, easy to maneuver sailing dinghies. In a larger sailboat, it always starts with preparation.

1. Prepare the Traveler and Windward Winch

In light to moderate winds, keep the mainsheet centered along the traveler track. Insure that both track stops are tight and in place on either side of the mainsheet car. That way, when you tack, the mainsheet car will remain centered.

In heavy air, you will have the mainsheet several holes downwind along the traveler track. Duplicate this position on the windward side now. That way, after you tack, the mainsheet car will slide (or you can give it a push) downwind to the same relative position on the opposite side of the track.

Prepare your headsail for tacking. Wrap the lazy sheet two times around the windward sheet winch. This prepares the sheet for grinding and the wraps will save you time once you make the tack.

2. Set Your Over-the-Shoulder Mark

Stand up; position your body with your shoulders perpendicular to the centerline of the boat. Without moving your body, turn your head and look over your windward shoulder. Pick a "steady up" point. Because most boats are able to tack through 90 degrees, this simulates the approximate point you will look for to "steady up" on after your tack. Tacking causes a momentary loss of orientation. Picking a reference point ahead of time will make tacking as easy as 1-2-3!

3. Conduct a 180 Degree Scan 2X

Often forgotten, you must make a complete half-horizon scan from the bow to stern on the windward side of your boat--before you tack. Check for boats approaching from upwind, boats off the windward beam that may present a problem when you steady up, and boats approaching from astern. Do this twice--not once--twice. It takes but seconds, but adds volumes to sailing safety.

4. Face Forward Throughout the Execution

Singlehanders should face forward at all times when tacking for sailing safety. This way, you can maintain a lookout throughout the maneuver. This will also help you retain much of your orientation and you will find your "steady up" point faster.

5. Scan Again and Fine Tune

Complete the tack, steady up on your reference point, sheet the headsail to the best of your ability, and make a second scan. At this point, do not go for perfect trim on the headsail. You must conduct a quick, second scan, but this time make a full 360 degree scan. After you see that you are clear and have room, complete the trim of the headsail.

Make sheeting in the headsail easier if you allow the boat to head up a bit. Once the headsail luffs, it will relieve tension. Sheet the headsail leech to within 1" to 2" of the leeward spreader. Next, find that fine, razor edge that puts you right on the wind. Fall off just enough to fill the mainsail. Steady on a new reference point (if necessary). Now your boat should accelerate like a young full-blooded stallion full of vim and vigor!

Learn how to sail like a pro when you become proficient in short handed maneuvers like tacking and jibing. You will become a more highly confident and skilled sailor--wherever in the world you choose to cruise.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6142356

Skandia Sail for Gold 2011 - Day Five Highlights

Weymouth Sail For Gold test of stadium style racing 2011

Work from home full or part time self employed !!

Guaranteed Pathway to Full-Time Internet Income

WITHOUT Selling Your Soul !!

Working just a couple of hours per DAY !!

To apply please E-Mail prmsolutions@gmail.com

Important Tips to Know Before Living Aboard a Boat and Dropping Out of the Rat Race

Many people have thought about dropping out of the rat race and retire to a live aboard boat in order to experience the simpler life and travel to exotic places. There are many benefits associated with this type of lifestyle, and waking up in the morning to the smell of the salt air and friendly neighborhood tropical birds looking for their morning breakfast in your backyard are definitely in the top two! Once you've made the decision to live aboard a boat, then there are several more choices that you need to decide on.

What type of boat will it be, a mono-hull or a catamaran? What is the length of hull that you're looking for? How much money are you prepared to invest into the boat and where will you dock it? There will be so much less space than what you're used to in a house, and storage places will come at a premium. Some boats have more space than others, and you will soon find that out when you start attending boat shows around the country or world. How much comfort are you willing to give up for a life of adventure on the high seas?

Mono-hulls are normally what people think of when boating comes to mind, but they do have plenty of drawbacks. They have a deep keel in order to help as ballast and to keep the vessel upright, which is highly useful if you are out on the ocean! But because of this keel, there will also be a great amount of rocking and rolling from side to side as waves hit the boat. If you aren't used to this motion, you could very well end up with a bad case of sea sickness that will spoil your cruise. Mono-hulls do tend to have more space onboard for living and storage however, because the shape of the hull is very conducive to that in relation to depth. You will immediately realize though, that the width or beam leaves much to be desired and is often narrower with regard to the total length.

In my opinion the hull of choice is the catamaran, which is a much wider or beamy vessel, and some of the larger boats are so stable in rough weather that a champagne glass sitting on the galley table will not tip or fall over! The ideal length for a cruising catamaran to comfortably accommodate a married couple is anywhere from 36 feet to 55 feet, and the price goes up quite a bit each foot that is added on. A catamaran is designed to sit on top of the water more than a mono-hull, and is usually much wider in beam. For example, the typical 50 foot mono-hull might have a 12 -16 foot beam, but a 50 foot catamaran might have a 26 - 30 foot beam! This really leads to stability in very rough seas, with a huge reduction in the side to side rolling of the mono-hulls. A catamaran has two hulls with an open space between them for the seas to pass through and usually the galley and living area sitting out of the water between the hulls. This leads to good visibility above the water, and a nice wide area for cooking, eating, and entertaining yourself and guests. Some models will have the galley located down in one of the two hulls to create even more living space above. The sleeping areas, cabins, and heads are located down in the hulls on either side of the boat, and depending on the size can normally accommodate up to 4 couples.

The biggest drawback I've personally seen with catamaran boats is the "turnaround room" when standing down in the hulls. I always do an "elbow test" when down in the hulls, which means that I am standing with my hands on my hips and my elbows out and then I stand in one spot and turn around in a circle. If my elbows touch or knock anything, it's a very cramped space! Unfortunately, most of the vessels I've tested had this drawback, but I did find one 52 foot South African boat that passed this test. In fact, there was so much living area and storage space on this boat that I call it a "condo catamaran"! It was pure luxury, with up to six cabins on a normal layout, or for the discerning owner they can have one whole hull just for them which is described as the "owner's layout". This is the layout that really appealed to me, and will provide much closet space and a very private living area for those long voyages with guests. I encourage everyone who is looking for the perfect vessel to go to as many boat shows as they can so they can personally check all the various factors involved and to see if it's something you can live on. The Miami International Boat Show will usually have plenty of both mono-hulls and catamarans for viewing and comparison.

Another factor or decision that you'll have to make is whether it's going to be power or sail. That usually depends on your background and where you plan on boating to. For those people planning on doing an around the world trip, they might seriously consider purchasing a sailboat because it's going to be much cheaper and there really aren't as many boats that can carry enough fuel for those trans oceanic voyages. For those people planning to stay closer to shore or mainly coastal travel may look for power boats, even though the fuel will still be an issue for most trips. There are a few boats that are designed for long range expedition voyages that are less than 55 feet long, and they can carry enough fuel to comfortably transit the Pacific or any other extensive cruise. However, for a power boat of this size, be prepared to spend close to a million U.S. dollars or more for a brand new boat. By far the vast majority of around the world cruisers will opt for a sailing vessel, either catamaran or mono-hull. Catamarans tend to be more expensive due to the size and desirability of them, and they also may have higher marina fees associated because of their widths. In fact, a good percentage of them may not fit in some marinas due to how wide they are, and will have to anchor out in the harbor and use a dinghy to travel back and forth to the shore. This can be very time consuming and tiring, especially when travelling back and forth with many packages of food, drinks, or other items needed to restock the boat. These are the types of things you'll need to think about before you decide on and purchase your live aboard boat.

Are you an experienced sailor or boater, or will you need to arrange for some classes to learn more about being on the water? There are plenty of Coast Guard Auxiliary or Power Squadron facilities around in the U.S. that can provide the appropriate training needed to safely operate your new vessel. It's very important to feel comfortable with the operation of your boat, and take it offshore for short excursions as often as you can before you embark on any long cruise away from shore. Become an expert, after all, your life will be at stake! Be prepared for any situation, whether it's medical or mechanical, and know what to do to fix it. Take a marine mechanic course, because if your boats engine breaks down far out at sea you'll want to know what to do to correct the problem. You won't be able to just bring the boat into the nearest shop at that point!

There will be many decisions that you'll have to make before choosing and purchasing your new boat and probably training you'll need in order to safely operate it, but the benefits of this lifestyle more than outweigh the negatives. You will need to be prepared for a total changeover compared to living ashore, because of the cramped conditions and inconveniences associated with boat living. Choose wisely, learn all you can before you buy, and get ready for the time of your life! It's what you've always wanted, so get out there and take the plunge!



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5817106

Prepare Your Dinghy for the Start of the Season

Whilst dinghies may be smaller than many of the craft that take to the water at the start of the season, they need just as much attention when it comes to repair and maintenance. If you're negligent in giving your dinghy the 'once over', you may suffer consequences later on with costly repair bills, the inconvenience and hassle of having to put things right and the prospect of an insurance claim - which may not be covered if poor maintenance has caused the damage.

In order to help you keep your dinghy and trailer in prime condition and so avoid future problems, Towergate Insurance - one of the UK's leading dinghy insurance providers - offers some tips.

Rigging - a common claim is the mast coming down due to rigging failure. Although there's no formal requirement to undertake rigging checks, it's worthwhile doing so. Look out for signs of corrosion on the blocks, pulleys, shackles, hooks, clamcleats etc, plus replace any sheets, control lines, halyards and wires that look worn or frayed.

Try not to put rigging away soaking wet and regularly pay attention to blocks. Look out for slow-running sheaves, shackle elongation, extreme rust, metal stretching and stress cracks in the metal or plastic cheeks. Cleaning your block thoroughly will prevent most problems. Avoid leaving blocks damp with saltwater. Lubricants such as Teflon or dry silicone are good at keeping dirt out of the mechanical workings.

Consider what the dinghy will be used for and change the rigging accordingly - for example, the demands of sea racing differ to lake cruising. If a dinghy is raced hard, the standing rigging may need changing after two seasons (level of wear will dictate).

Sails - do they have any tears or nicks? Because of the lightweight nature of Spinnaker sails they easily tear and a small hole can become a larger problem if ignored. Check thoroughly and patch if necessary.

Hull - are there any scratches, grazes or dents? It could make the difference between the boat being watertight or not. Repair where required and also put the rudder and centre-plate through their paces.

On the move - are you reliant on your trailer getting you from A to B? Despite their importance, trailers are often overlooked during a pre-season check. Are the bearings lubricated with waterproof grease? Does the ball-hitch work (locks down the tow bar) and is the breakaway cable in place (keeping the trailer attached to the vehicle if the ball-hitch fails)? Trailers have been known to detach themselves from their vehicles leaving dinghies careering across lanes of oncoming traffic.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6030814

An 82 Year Old Man's Dream to Sail His Mirror Dinghy Across Some of the World's Most Dangerous Seas

The Atlantic Ocean between The Isles of Scilly, some 28 miles southwest of the United Kingdom mainland, and Land's End is dangerous. There are probably more wrecks per square mile in this area than anywhere else in the world, but this did not stop 82 year old Tony Clee from dreaming about making the 40 mile passage from The Isles of Scilly to Marazion in his 10 and a half foot Mirror sailing dinghy, 'Auk'.

However, Tony was not just a dreamer. He really wanted to turn his dream into reality so the planning commenced. More than a year and a half later, at 07:07 hours on Friday 25 July 2008 Tony and his crew, 16 year old Beth White, finally set sail in a very light southerly breeze, and headed out of St. Mary's harbour, Isles of Scilly, north-east into Crow Sound - destination Marazion.

The visibility was poor but both wind and visibility were forecast to improve. By 08:00 hours 'Auk' had crossed Crow Bar and just passed the south cardinal mark for Hats rocks. The wind had increased to force 2-3 (still from the south) and the sea state was a one foot swell. Visibility had improved, but the sky was still overcast. Over the next hour as Auk began to pull clear of the islands at three knots the seas gradually increased to a two foot swell. The skies were still overcast, but it was beginning to look like the perfect day for a sail.

Tony passed the helm to Beth, who decided immediately to hoist the spinnaker. The wind had now veered slightly towards the west, the seas had decreased a little and speed over the ground had increased to five knots. And the sun had finally come out. By 10:30 hours they had reached the south bound shipping lane, between The Isles of Scilly and mainland Cornwall. Two ships, a small coaster and a container ship, passed ahead and then it was all clear. Just before 11:00 hours 'Auk' passed the Scillionian ferry on its outward passage to St. Mary's. The support boat made contact by VHF radio and staged some photographs. By 12:00 hours Tony and Beth had cleared the north bound shipping lane without incident and were some three miles north-west of Wolf Rock lighthouse. The wind had now veered further, steadying at force 3 and 'Auk' was now travelling at five and a half knots with the spinnaker still flying.

The wind continued to veer and by 13:00 hours it reached westerly; after more than five hours on starboard tack it was time to gybe onto port. There was no way that Beth was going to pull the spinnaker down so the gybe was carried out with the spinnaker flying. The change in wind had by now given rise to a two foot swell with some occasional larger waves to surf down. 'Auk' was still managing to average five and a half knots.

The advance passage planning had indicated that it was essential to get the tidal flow right. This meant that 'Auk' had to keep well clear of the coast from Land's End to Mount's Bay and keep a sharp eye out for shipping. By 14:00 hours the wind had backed just a little and Marazion and St. Michael's Mount finally came into view in the very far distance. 'Auk' was now travelling at four knots. Over the next hour the wind began to drop. By the time they reached Tater Du lighthouse it had dropped to force 2 and the swell had increased to three feet. 'Auk' was now travelling at just two knots.

It then took an hour to reach the fishing village of Mousehole, and a further hour to cross Mount's Bay to reach St. Michael's Mount. Finally, at 17:17 hours Tony, Beth and 'Auk' landed on the beach at Marazion. Tony is certain that they are the oldest and the youngest crew in the smallest sailing boat ever to attempt the 40 mile crossing.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4642590

Create An Email Newsletter !!

Send Your First Email Newsletter Today - AWeber Communications

Xavier Cowes Week 2011 Video

A boat in a harbor is safe but that's not what boats are for !!

Cowes Week - Day 03

Extreme Sailing Series - Cowes 2011 - Action Ramps Up on Day 1 at Cowes

Cowes Week Sunday 2011

AAM Extreme 40 sailing practice for Cowes Week, August 2011

WILDWIND SAILING HOLIDAYS PART 1.m2ts

Sunsail Flotilla in the British Virgin Islands (BVI)

High Wind Laser Sailing - 18 Knots!

Extreme Laser Sailing

Caribbean Leeward Islands - Great For a Sailing Holiday

Sailing in Leeward Islands is both fun and sundry because the region is composed of several stunning places. These are are the islands of Dominica, Saint Bartholomew, Anguilla, the American Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Martin, Saba, St. Eustatius, and Guadeloupe. Although it is not officially recognized as part of the group, the Isla Aves has been informally included as one of the Leewards. The British part of Leeward Islands once have a colonial flag. It was officially used from 1871 to 1956. However, the formal use of the flag was discontinued when the colony of the Leeward Islands was ended in 1956.

The name "Leeward" was given to the group of islands because of the current winds in the area that blows from northwest. These trade winds are almost constant all over the year and blows from 10 to 25 knots. Because of the Atlantic ocean, the strongest currents and largest waves are most often on the northeastern sides of the islands. The waters of the Caribbean Sea are generally much calmer and make easier sailing.

Sailing in Leeward Islands is best done from the months of November to July. This period is recognized as the most perfect yacht season of the year. Also, the months of December to March is recognized as the peak season wherein thousands of local and international sailors all around the world flock the Leewards and sail its magnificent coastal waters.
Average air temperatures range from 22º to 30º C (72º to 86º F) and the water temperatures stay between 20º and 23º C (68º and 74º F).
July to October is the least attractive months because this is when the hurricane season is very prevalent.

Leeward Islands have been considered as one of the most excellent sailing areas in the world. This is true especially along the areas of St. Martin, Antigua, and Dominica. At present, you will notice a lot of big cruises such as luxury motor yachts and Super Yachts while cruising in the Lewards.

One of the best starting points when cruising in Lewards is in Antigua. This islet is a major yacht hub not only in the Lewards but also in the Caribbean. Antigua became famous when it became Great Britain's base in the West Indies during the 18th century. Antigua has remarkable beaches with beautiful white sand.

From Antigua, you can turn your route to St. Kitts and Nevis - one of Caribbean's several "twin island nations". Sailing in Leeward Islands through the St. Kitts and Nevis, your itinerary can be filled with adventure and fun. The place is beautiful and its waters so magical. It is also very historic as evidenced by its old sugar plantations, forts, and monuments.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/698794

This is yacht racing !!

Why Emailers Heart AWeber (& You Will Too)

Get Started Today For Only $1! - AWeber Communications

$4.8 Billion Worlds Most Expensive SuperYacht

Visit Paxos for an Unforgettable Flotilla Sailing Holiday in Greece

If you have always enjoyed spending time on the open ocean, navigating from port to port and exploring some lesser-known destinations then flotilla sailing holidays are for you.

One of the advantages of opting for flotilla sailing rather than going it alone is that you can make new friends along the way and look forward to some interesting company in the afternoons or evenings.

And what better place to go for such a break than Greece? With so much of the nation surrounded by water, you won't be short of choice when it comes to choosing a destination.

There are the beautiful waters of the Aegean Sea - known as the birthplace of Greek sailing - the picturesque islands in the Saronic Gulf and the charming villages and ports on the isles in the Ionian Sea.

If you are drawn to the Ionian Sea, then you will find that Paxos makes an excellent base for a sailing holiday in Greece. The island boasts many beautiful towns and villages to explore, as well as some stunning natural scenery that you can enjoy.

You will begin your flotilla sailing in Greece in the main port of Gaios Paxos. Here you will have the chance to explore its quaint streets lined by 19th century buildings before setting off on your sailing adventure with the rest of your party.

Gaios Paxos is also an excellent place to get your first taste of traditional Greek cuisine, with its many restaurants and tavernas all offering wonderful dishes created using fresh, locally-grown produce.

In fact, the island is well known for its olive oil production and you could find that one of your first stops once you leave the harbour is to see the olive groves at Lakka Paxos.

Lakka is the second-largest settlement on the isle and the waterfront here is packed with restaurants, as well as shops selling olive oil and other local foods.

Stock up on some authentic Greek cooking items before you head off on the next leg of your journey - you may be able to create some great dishes in your galley as you sail along.

Another town on Paxos that is worth visiting is Loggos. This picturesque fishing village is quiet and the epitome of coastal life in Greece.

The small harbour and winding streets are picture-perfect and you'll also find that it is a good place to buy some more food and drink for your journey.

As with many of the Greek islands, you'll also find a welcoming stretch of sand here where you can relax in comfort before taking to the helm once again.

When you leave Paxos, you should be sure to plan a stop at the small nearby island of Anti Paxos. This isle is almost uninhabited but its vineyards produce some great wines, so it is worth paying a visit as you sail by.

You will also find two pristine beaches here, so you can easily spend half a day soaking up the sun and taking dips in the sea.

From Paxos, the next logical port of call is Corfu and you will be amazed by the architecture and attractions in Corfu Town.

This historic settlement is comprised of winding alleyways and beautiful buildings, with a fort and palace just waiting to be explored.

If you are interested in history and want to find out more about the local culture, then you can always pay a visit to one of the museums in the area - or head to one of the churches to discover the role of religion on island life.

Of course, one of the attractions of flotilla holidays is the camaraderie and you may find that Corfu is the ideal place to arrange a party or large meal for your group due to the wide range of restaurants, bars and other establishments on the island.

You may also want to consider finding a secluded cove on one of the other islands to enjoy a beach barbeque amid stunning natural surroundings.

And if you are tired after a full day of sailing on the open sea then you can always return to your yacht when you are ready and get a good night's sleep. Flotilla holidays combine the best of both worlds - giving you all the privacy you need while allowing you to meet other like-minded sailors and make new friends.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5813320

Learn To Sail - Some Benefits Of Sailing Holidays In Lanzarote

In the midst of a cold winter or a dreary wet spring, the idea of spending several luxurious days on a tropical Lanzarote sailing holiday may seem like a small slice of heaven. Nestled in the Canary Islands, Lanzarote sailing courses are a sure way to escape from the monotony of everyday life and pick up an exhilarating new hobby. What's more, membership with the Royal Yacht Association makes it easy for novices to gain the experience needed to squeeze the most fun out of Lanzarote Sailing Holidays.

RYA sailing courses, providing the necessary training and examinations for proper sailing and are available at a number of locations across the UK, making the qualification process simple and easy for anyone who wants to learn to sail. There are, however, several reasons to complete the training and qualification process at a Lanzarote resort itself, making Lanzarote sailing courses an attractive learning process for tourists and visitors alike.

One benefit of learning to sail here is rather than have to use imitation lines or phony sails, you can literally hop onto a real-life yacht and begin the necessary training. What's more, the experience of Lanzarote's veteran sailors gives you the advantage of tips and true-to-life stories of sailing in the North Atlantic.

Another benefit is unlike a sailing training course based in the UK, Lanzarote sailing courses offered by the RYA allow you to become familiar with a yacht's mechanics and design in as little as two days. During these RYA sailing courses, even the greenest sailor will become familiar with nautical terminology, parts of a sailboat, safety and courtesy on the open seas, the intricacies of GPS technology and navigation, as well as the most fun parts -- using the sails and lines for leverage against the wind!

A one-week charter holiday may have navigation stretches of up to fifty miles, making it possible for you and your family to sail to nearby isles once you have completed the prerequisite training. Once you have mastered the ins and outs of Lanzarote Sailing Courses, you may even be able to participate in the yearly excursions and races about the Canary Isles. This, however, requires advanced students and more preparation. Nevertheless, even the basics of sailing turn into an adventure once you are on the open sea.

Rya courses available on the island include RYA day skipper, coastal skipper, yachtmaster coastal and offshore to name but a few.

The benefits of sailing holidays in Lanzarote are not only restricted to the water though because no matter what your idea of a relaxing holiday is you'll be able to find any type of luxury or simple accommodation when booking a Lanzarote sailing holiday.

The isle contains numerous resorts and retreats, offering everything from golf getaways to warm white beaches to surfing to horseback riding for those that don't want to spend all their time on the water. You can even eliminate the stress of the outside world with therapeutic spa treatment, baths, yoga classes, and rejuvenating tours of the island's scenery.

The most popular resorts on the island include Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca, Costa Teguise and of course Puerto Calero with its world-class marina, and if you fancy going native there are plenty of rural villas situated away from the main resort areas if you are looking for peace and quiet.

On your days off or when your sailing course has finished the extra benefits of a sailing holiday in Lanzarote really become apparent as you, your group or your entire family may easily find an adventure exploring the island with its many natural and elegantly sculpted attractions.

Top of the agenda has to be a trip to Timanfaya Volcano Park, where nearly three hundred active volcanoes present visitors with unmatched scenery and sounds. You can even eat at restaurant here that uses the natural heat still emanating from deep underground to cook your meal.

Also take time out to visit the Cesar Manrique Foundation where you'll experience the inspiration of the main architect of Lanzarotes many natural attractions and see how his home was built into the very fabric of a lava field. Other attractions to add to your agenda include Monumento Al Campesino, the Cactus Garden, the Green Caves or any one of the islands many museums.

Once you've spent time exploring the many attractions, take to the picture-perfect beaches to soak up the rays, and if you can plan a day trip to the beach at Papagayo which is regarded as the most stunning on the island and the warmest.

While there are many benefits of sailing holidays in Lanzarote given that the island has so much to offer, ultimately its the sailing adventure and lure of the open seas that tends to be the main focus for novice and experts alike, and for very good reasons.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6041102

RS600 Dinghy FOILING (Hydrofoil)

Extreme Catamaran Sailing Racing

Dinghy Sailing, Courtown Sailing Club, Courtown, Gorey, Co. Wexford, June 2011

SMARTKAT How to sail www.nauticalive.com

Everybody

Sailing - An Elitist Sport For The Rich?

Ever considered taking up sailing but thought you couldn't afford it? Think again. There has never been a wider choice of craft to sail - from 50ft luxury yachts costing over £200,000 new to used dinghy's which would set you back £200-300. Even having a poor credit history need not exclude you from enjoying the benefits of this wonderful sport.

Many people have been put off by the stereotypical image of a yacht club being run by and for the upper classes, but as with other historically "elitist" sports such as tennis and golf things are changing fast. Many clubs offer very reasonable membership rates - typically a couple of hundred pounds a year for unlimited sailing and club racing. It's a great way to meet new people, get fit and enjoy some healthy competition. Want to get the kids off that X-box you bought them for Christmas? The answer could be the Optimist sailing dinghy - at just over 2 metres long and designed for children they can be picked up for a couple of hundred pounds, hold their value and can be transported on the roof of your car. "A part for an Opti, which is generally pretty specific to an Opti, is incredibly inexpensive when you compare it to a fitting that goes on a similar junior boat' noted OziOpti's Steve Bond....and over 70% of the sailors at the last Olympics learned to race in an Optimist a good incentive for London 2012! The season usually runs from late March - December and many people sail on lakes during the winter months but you will need a dry suit!

While you may not be able to afford a shiny new 50 footer with all the mod cons there are plenty of alternatives to get you out on the water. If you like the idea of owning a yacht there are plenty of used boats on the market - a Moody 29 yacht built in the early 1980's will cost about £24,000. How about dinghy sailing? A brand new Laser dinghy measuring about 4 metres will set you back about £3,500. A used Laser can be picked up for a few hundred pounds.

Other essential costs include insurance cover for damage to your boat and more importantly to anyone else's! For a Laser it is less than £100 per year and includes 3rd party liability if you cause injury to another party - essential for racing. New sails every couple of years will keep you competitive when racing - and for a Laser these cost about £400. If you are a novice then reasonably priced RYA courses are available at many clubs and the good news is that all these costs can be spread out with a low cost loan - even if you have a bad credit history.

What are you waiting for? Get out on the water!



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/931673

Buy a Sailing Dinghy

If you buy a sailing dinghy, you will find it is an ideal way to break into the wonderful world of sailing. Dinghies are smaller sailboats that are controlled with a mainsail, headsail (or jib), rudder, centerboard or dagger board, and even the body weight of the crew. The increased attention needed for handling and steering a dinghy makes it a great tool for teaching the basics of sailing. In fact, many of the best sailors in the world started out on dinghies, and say that once you can sail a dingy, you can sail anything.

Buying a sailing dingy is easier than buying bigger sailboats because they can be transported on a trailer or tied to a roof-rack on a car. This also makes dinghies easy to store. Storage and maintenance fees can cripple the budget of bigger sailboat owners, but dinghies can fit right in your backyard or in your driveway. Other storage options include public access areas, marinas, and boatyards, which most likely charge a fee.

You don't have to break the bank to buy a sailing dinghy. Because most sailing dinghies register around 10' to 20', you're not buying a whole lot of boat. Plus, dinghies do not have cabins, so they are generally narrow and light. When you go to buy a sailing dingy, the same evaluation process applies as it does with bigger boats - you just won't have to inspect as much material.

With their portability and inexpensive costs, you can't go wrong in buying a sailing dinghy. Beginners will appreciate their hands-on approach to sailing - just make sure you do enough research to buy the sailing dingy that's right for you.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4038590

Extreme Sailing Series Asia - Hong Kong

O'pen BIC, Energized Sailing

VORTEX dinghy action Yorkshire Dales Sailing Club

Sailing Yacht Charters with Catamaran Dreaming On in the Caribbean

Sail Yacht "Lisa" Delphia 33

Tips For Buying a Laser Sailing Dinghy

Buying a Laser

The points below are listed to assist someone who has little to no knowledge of Lasers, to help them in assessing the condition of the boat they are inspecting. Purchasing a Laser can be a large commitment, so understanding what to look for is invaluable so that you get the best value for money.

Budget

When you know how much money you are able to spend, there are a number of things that you have to consider when looking at various boats so that you don't exceed your budget. If you simply buy a boat, even if it is advertised as ready to sail, you may have to fork out more for extras that you may not have been initially aware of. These may include -


1.Clothing - including wetsuit and/or rash vest, life-jacket, hat, sun-glasses, boots, gloves, etc
2.Trailer - these can be hard and expensive to source. Ideally, if you need to transport you Laser, you want to purchase one that comes with a trailer. Trailers can also be bought new (expensive) or 2nd hand (rare)
3.Launching Dolly - makes it much easier to launch. This allows you to launch your Laser single-handedly
4.Boat Cover - to protect your boat from dust, dirt, rain, etc
5.Membership Fees - to sail and race out of a club, you will most probably need to become a member of that club. Contact your local club for details

Where to Look

The most common places to look for Lasers include -


1.eBay
2.Trading Post / newspaper classifieds
3.Various Laser forums
4.Laser dealers / shops
5.Notice boards at sailing clubs

Inspecting a Laser - What to Check

•Boat Number. 190,000+ Lasers have been built world-wide to date. Lasers that have been built by a licensed Laser boat builder will have a unique International Laser Class Sailboat Sail number associated to the boat. For Lasers up to sail number 148199, the sail number is a number moulded into the deck and should be located either on the transom (rear of the boat) or on the deck under the bow eye. Lasers with a sail number greater than 148200 should have a foil type sticker located at the back of the cockpit. Check the boat number to gauge how old the boat is.
•Hull and Deck. Generally speaking, even for the best cared for boats, they will over time collect scratches of varying degrees. However most will be only cosmetic, affecting only the gel coat. As long as the underlying fibreglass layer located one or two millimetres below the gel coat is not exposed or damaged, hull integrity should not be compromised. Deck stiffness can be likened to the odometer in a car. The more give there is in the deck, the more use it has had. Check both sides of the cockpit (where you sit - the majority of your weight will be located here when sailing) as well as the cockpit floor. A boat with little use will have very little give in the deck when you press down firmly (only a millimetre or so). However a boat that has had a lot of use will flex quite considerably (a centimetre or more). By testing the deck stiffness you can gauge the integrity of the hull. Boats lose stiffness with age, use and leaks. One reason for soft spots in the deck to develop with use is when the fibreglass, foam and outer gel coat layers come apart, or delaminate. A boat that has had a lot of use (especially aggressive or heavy weather sailing) may over time develop small cracks, which allow water to seep into the hull. These small cracks result in more flex or soft spots in the deck and hull, and water penetration add to the overall weight. Depending on your needs and requirements of the hull, boats of differing condition will suit different people. For example, if you intend to only sail every so often simply for recreation, an older, softer (and cheaper) boat may suit your needs. However if you intend to race and be competitive, a newer, stiffer, lighter boat may be more suitable. Stiffer boats are generally more expensive and hold their value more than boats that are softer. One way to check to see whether water is entering the hull is to take out the drain plug in the transom (rear) and lift the bow of the boat. If water pours out this may indicate hull integrity issues. However if no water comes out, there may be still be leaks (it may have just been drained well and dried out by the owner).
•Sail. The sail should be checked for signs of wear and tear. A new sail will have a crisp, stiff feel to the material, and have few creases. As the sail ages and stretches through general use the material loses its stiffness and shape. A sail that has lost its shape it harder to tune, which can make it a handful in heavier breezes, as it can't be flattened and downpowered as much as desired. If you are planning to race, then you will need an approved sail. This can be determined by checking that the sail has a red button near the foot of the sail (bottom corner of the sail, nearest to the mast). There are 3 different sail sizes, and depending on your experience, weight, strength, etc, you have to decide which rig you are after. They are the Laser 4.7, Radial and full rig. Make sure the sail comes with its 3 battens, which slide into pockets in the leech of the sail. These help give the sail shape and to stop it flapping. A good sail is important if you want to be competitive.
•Foils (Centreboard & Rudder). The centreboard and rudder should be checked for straightness, and should not contain dents or gouges in the edges or surfaces. Foils that are warped or have damaged leading or trailing edges can slow the boat down. However small gouges or chips can be sanded out with fine sandpaper, while larger imperfections may need more complex gelcoat repairs. Many sailors store their foils in soft padded carry bags to prevent damage during storage and transportation. The centreboard and rudder should not be left in a hot car, as they may warp with heat. Foils that are warped may be able to be straightened with heat.
•Spars (Mast and Boom). The mast is made up of 2 sections - the top and bottom sections. The mast and boom are made from aluminium, and can be relatively easily bent. Bending of both the mast and boom is normal in everyday sailing, however they should not be permanently bent. Both mast sections and the boom should be checked for straightness. This can be done by looking along the line of the spar, or by rolling it on a flat surface. Spars should also be checked for corrosion damage, especially where fittings are attached. Inspect all the rivets on the mast sections and boom for corrosion. Transporting you spars can be accomplished in a few different ways. Some simply tie down the spars to roof racks, and where possible carry the shorter sections inside their car. Other methods include using a couple of custom made foam or timber blocks or cradles, which have 3 recesses in each, that the spars neatly slot into. These cradles then sit on the deck, and are tied down whilst travelling. Timber cradles should be padded on the bottom, so as to not scratch the deck.
•Fittings. All fittings should be carefully checked to see that they are fully operational. Fittings include cleats, pulleys, eyelets, toe-rail, bailer, rudder attachment, etc. Anything that is faulty or is showing signs of wear and tear may need to be replaced, and should be factored into the purchase price.
•Ropes All ropes should be checked for fraying or deterioration. There are 6 ropes on a laser (mainsheet, outhall, vang, cunningham (downhall), traveller, clew tie-down). They are cut to a specific length so that unnecessary rope is not in your way and getting unnecessarily tangled and knotted. Some of the ropes come with fittings permanently connected to the ropes. These include eyelets for the outhall and cunningham, blocks and cleat for the vang. Make sure they are all there.
•Trailer. Trailers come in a variety of styles. Generally trailers that are designed specifically to carry Lasers either support the boat directly, or support a dolly which the Laser sits on (a dolly is a light weight trolley which the boat sits on that can be easily manoeuvred and enables the boat to be launched by a single person). Either way, it is critical that the location of the supports on which the Laser sits are in the correct location. Generally these supports are located up under the outside edge at the bow, and also on both sides at the widest part of the hull. You want the trailer and dolly to be relatively rust free. Slight surface rust may not be an issue, but you may want to avoid trailers & dollies that contain more severe rust that may weaken the structure as a whole. You may also want a trailer that is registered for the road. Check the tires, electrics, and general structural integrity of the trailer. Other methods for transporting Lasers include on box trailers and on roof racks. These methods are generally less convenient, as they require at least 2 people to launch the boat, and, since they are not specifically designed for Lasers, do not travel as well on the road (they can bounce around and move on their supports).
When everything is laid out in front of you (eg. in the seller's dark and cramped garage), especially when you are not familiar with Lasers, it may be hard to tell if all the equipment is there. Therefore you may want to rig the boat on its trailer when you are inspecting it, to make sure that -

1.everything is included
2.everything fits and works
3.the sail and the mast/boom are a match (you don't want a radial sail and a full rig mast)
4.you know how to put it all together

This may not be required if you are a little more familiar, but initially you may find it beneficial, and a helpful seller with nothing to hide should be obliging.

4 Tips to Coming First in Club Dinghy Sailing Races

So you want to start coming first instead of last in club racing?

Well you have come to the right place! In this article you will learn how through just 4 simple tips you can improve your ranking in sailing to get third, second or even first place.

These tips are used so little by amateur racers that they always end up last and wondering why the same top few keep coming in the top positions for racing. The secrets of racing are revealed. Follow them and become a club sailing dinghy champion!

These 4 tips outline an entire race strategy that the pros use to come so high up in the rankings. In the next ten minutes prepare to delve into a world in which winning had become standard!

Tip Number One: The Start

Welcome to the race course sailor! The start is the most important part of any race and many novice sailors do not understand the significance of the start in relation to the rest of the race and this is where they go wrong.

The start is the single most important part of the race for most sailors as if they are only moderately skilled, a bad start will break them. Only very skilled and experienced sailors can claw back to the top from a bad start and if you are reading this article I am assuming you are not an extremely skilled or experienced sailors. I am expecting you to be quite good, but always coming between last and middle place. You want to get up there with the pros and start to get some wins under your belt.

Well look no further, the start is the most important part of the race.

Here is a list of strategies that you should use on the line if you want to have a good start and a potentially good race:


•Get a stop watch! - The number of people I have seen without stop watches on a race is appalling. No wonder it is so easy for the experienced sailors to get some lead over the more novice ones. All serious sailing racers need a stop watch in order to start on time and in the right place without being caught unawares
•Learn the Flag types - The flags are there to tell you what is going on in a race. So not knowing them is hardly going to help you understand what is going on in the race. It is highly advisable to find a good rulebook from your national sailing organization or the ISAF (International Sailing Federation) and learn all the flag types that will be shown at any given race. Preparation make Perfect!
•Learn where the marks are - If you are thinking of club racing regularly, then you should learn where the common marks that are used for racing actually are so that when the committee boat shows the marks you don't have to glance at a map constantly during the race. This kind of preparation is essential for any serious racer.
•Do a Transit - This little known tactic is something that very few novice sailors know about and proves to be a very useful technique in order to have a good start. A transit is where you find put the boat between the committee boat and the pin buoy an look for a recognizable object on the other side of the pin. This tells you exactly where the starting line is and if there is a black flag shown, you will know whether you are over the line or not.
•Find out if there is a bias - A biased line is one in which a certain tack is favoured. For instance a port bias is a start in which a port tack is favoured. To find out if there is a port bias, a starboard bias or if it is square (no bias), you can do it accurately or roughly. Doing it accurately requires a compass. Go along your transit and note the compass bearing. Then add 90 degrees to that bearing and turn to that heading. If the boat tacks then the current tack is the favoured tack and the bias. If the boat doesn't tack then the current tack is the favoured tack and the bias. If the boat goes head to wind then there is no bias and it is a square line. You can roughly do this by seeing if you are beating up one end of the line and broad reaching down the other end. If it is a square line then you should be beam reaching from one end to the other
•Starting Position - This is also highly important for competitive racing. If there is a bias then most of the boats will be there. If you don't want to be in a scrum and get a rubbish start, then start slightly lower than the bias end or start on the opposite tack and then tack on to the biased tack after horn goes off. By doing this you will have your own unique heading and start. The worse thing you can do is follow somebody throughout the whole race, because whatever happens you will never win.

If you can master all or most of those tactics, then your starts will become better and better. Make sure that you go over the line on the horn and at full speed as well as using the above tips.

So now the boat has crossed the line. You are on the beat!

Tip Number Two: The Beat

This is the hardest point of sailing to master and this is also where the fleet spreads out with the well trimmed and faster boats at the front whilst the untrimmed and slower boats lag at the back.

A good beat can propel an okay or bad start to being in the top ten or top five position. Here are some great tactics to try and improve your position on the beat.


•Keep the boat flat! - Another incredibly common past time that I see on the race course is boats heeling constantly though out the race. This is terrible for boat speed as the sail is pulled away from the wind. Make sure that the boat is flat at all times. To actually achieve this make make sure boat crew members are hiking out of the boat in a comfortable position. If this doesn't help then let out some main sail and pinch (go further up wind), this should bring down the heel. the moment this happens pull the main sheet back in so that when the boat is flat the mainsail is fully in. This has the effect of a massive pump on the boat, which causes a burst of acceleration. Continue to do this throughout the beat and you will find yourself overtaking everyone who is heeling constantly, greatly improving your position. You can also use the kicker and cunningham in especially high winds to depower the sail and keep the boat flat, but you must remember to remove the kicker and cunningham when the wind dies down or there is a lull.
•Sit forward in the boat - When the boat is not heeling your crew should be sitting on the centreboard and you should be sitting up against the shroud. Why? Because if you both sit back then the stern will act like a massive drag in the water causing the boat to slow down considerably. If you both sit forward the stern comes out of the water and the boat is no longer hampered by an extra dead weight in the water.
•Make sure that the slot is trimmed - This is a very unknown technique in sailing. The concept of the slot is very technical and is to do with the physics of sailing and aerodynamics, but here is a simplified version. The slot is the distance between the Genoa and the mainsail. If the slot is too small the airflow becomes constricted and the front bottom of the mainsail begins to luff. If the slot is too large the Genoa begins to luff. The slot must be trimmed correctly so that the Genoa is about one and a half inches off the leeward shroud so as to provide optimal airflow. This slot distance changes with wind speed so it must be constantly watched by the crew. This is something that only experienced sailors know about and so should be utilized against other sailors to improve your position and gain some ground on your opponent.
•Take lifts and avoid headers - Lifts and headers are where the wind changes direction. If the change is more to windward, it is called a lift and if the the change is more to leeward it is called a header. You should always take lifts and avoid headers by changing the boat's direction. In a lift turn windward and in a header bear away. In big lifts you should always expect a large header, which could make you tack so be careful about overshooting and taking the lift too far. Lifts are useful by taking you more windward of your opponent, which means closer to the windward mark.

These techniques are rarely used by inexperienced sailors and if you use them you can climb to the top of the fleet in no time and no-one will understand how you optimized your sails or managed to go so fast.

Tip Number Three: Rounding Marks

In a typical course, there are three marks: the windward mark, the gybe mark and the leeward mark. Of course all courses will be more complicated than this, but all marks can be assigned one of these types.

There are some great rules you can utilize at marks in order to take the advantage when you reach the mark.


•The starboard rule - The starboard rule is the most important rule in sailing. It says that a port tack boat must giveaway to a starboard tack boat. This means that if you approach a mark on port and there is also a starboard boat coming towards it you must either tack or bear away a little. As you can see when approaching a mark it is always best to be on starboard and you must take this into account during your beat.
•The windward rule - The windward rule is also an important rule that states that a windward boat must keep clear of a leeward boat. This is very important at the windward mark, because it means that the leeward boat can push the windward boat further up in order for the leeward boat to go round the mark first. This only applies when the leeward boat's bow or stern overlaps the windward boat's bow or stern.
•The water rule - This is exclusively for mark rounding and states that the inside boat that has an overlap with in a certain number of boat lengths of the mark can call for water in which the outside boat must allow the inside boat room to round the mark. The rule has been changed in the ISAF 2009-2012 rulebook. It used to be that if the inside boat (the boat between one boat and a mark) had an overlap within 2 boat lengths they could call for water. Now however the rule has been changed to 3 boat lengths and you must take this into account and work out if there is an overlap or not. If there is an overlap call for water. If not make space for the outside boat to round the mark.
•Wide in and Tight out - This is a great technique to use to start beating just as you round a leeward mark. If you go slightly lower to leeward than the mark and then tighten up as you round the mark, you should end up with a little burst of speed and be higher than a boat that doesn't do this tactic.
•Keep control of your wind! - The boat behind you when you approach a mark on a beam reach will try to go windward of you so that they take your wind and you slow down. Instead of letting them take it go windward yourself and push them higher up on the course until they decide it isn't worth it. Remember though that reaches are faster than going up wind so you have to calculate whether or not it is worth going up wind.

These are very important tactics for mark rounding that any pro sailor will use and not tell anyone else about. Use them and see how far up the fleet you get to.

Tip Number Four: The Run

Running is the slowest point of sailing. Most dinghy classes have spinnakers or gennakers that are large sail bags that capture the wind and pull the boat forward. All serious sailors should master the techniques of using spinnakers and gennakers before reviewing this tip of the article.


•Sit backwards - This the opposite to the beat where you have to sit forwards, in the run you have to sit backwards. This is because the boat naturally pushes the bow into the water creating drag or in especially high winds capsizing the boat. Instead sit slightly backwards and allow the bow to right itself.
•Don't go on a dead run - Dead runs slow down boats. Remember that! The worst point of sail you can be on is a dead run as there is no aerodynamics creating forces. All that is pushing the boat along is the pressure of the wind against the sail. The fastest point of sail is the broad reach as there is a force created through the aerodynamics as well as the pressure of the wind against the sail. At all times try and get on to a broad reach to go to the next mark, because it is much, much faster than a dead run or even a training run. The sails are far more efficient at broad reaches than runs.
•Take off the kicker, cunningham and out haul - Very, very important. The whole point of these ropes are to depower the sail. If they are all on at the point of sail, which is the slowest you will inadvertently be slowing and depowering the sail even further. Make sure all these ropes are hanging loose and that the sail is sufficiently powered as to move the boat. To remember whether or not you have kept them on or off, check out the speed of other boats and see if they are traveling faster or slower than you and then tweak to compensate.

The run is my favorite part of sailing, because I love sailing the spinnaker. It is also the precursor to the finish, which is usually on the beat. So to make your finished better just revise the information on beating, to give yourself and advantage over your opponents.

So that is the ultimate guide to sailing better. Review this a few more times or send it to your crew or helm so that you are both on the same wavelength. This is practically everything you need to know to improve your sailing and your racing finishing position.

On the racecourse just watch as you fly by your racing comrades and see their shocked faces and then tell them the secret by emailing them this ultimate guide to sailing and see the looks on their faces when they find out it is so simple.

Or be evil and keep it all to yourself!

I hope you have enjoyed this article as much as I have enjoyed writing it and will be continuing to think about it for the rest of the day with an excitement and apprehension that you feel as you get closer and closer to the time when you can put these tips into practice.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1919726

Come Dinghy Cruising

SAILING ON 18 FEET

Xenon Sailing Guide - Upwind sailing

Tall Ships Rona II (Sail Training International)

420 Sailing 35+ Knots

Sailing Vacation Etiquette

There is nothing more peaceful or relaxing than sailing in the British Virgin Islands. I first experienced this thrill about six years ago when I joined my husband's passion for sailing. I have learned a lot with his patient guidance, but there are still some things that puzzle me. For instance, why I cannot seem to tie a bowline, why a rope is called a line - unless it is a mainsheet or halyard, or why the bathroom is called the head.

Despite this, more than error than by trial, I quickly mastered some lessons for life onboard before I ever took my first Caribbean sailing vacation.

In order to ensure you have a great trip, you need to remember that you are not at home. Rather, you are living onboard a sailing vessel and everyday tasks are done differently.

By following these simple rules of etiquette, life onboard will be as easy as soaking up the sun off the magnificent azure blue waters or fabulous white sandy beaches of the British Virgin Islands.

Lessons For Using the Head (aka The Bathroom)

Head lessons involve teeth brushing, showering, and using the toilet. The main thing to understand is that fresh water is held in tanks below deck. Thus, there are limited gallons of water that can be carried on your sailing vacation.

Refilling the tanks takes time away from the fun, and can be expensive since the availability of fresh water is limited on the islands as well. Therefore, "less is best" applies to fresh water usage.

In terms of teeth brushing, you cannot let the faucet run while you brush. It just wastes too much water. Simply wet your brush, turn off the water, brush, and then turn on the water again to rinse. Easy!

If you are like me, I enjoy long, hot showers when I am at home. You will have hot showers onboard, just not long ones unless you want to make the rest of your party really mad when there is no water left.

The water is heated up every time the engine runs, so if you have sailed all day, you may need to run the engine for about an hour if you want a scalding hot shower.

In some sailing vessels, there will actually be a walk-in shower, but usually the shower is just a pull-out extension hose on the water faucet. You will find a button on the faucet that will convert the steady stream of the faucet into a shower head.

Make sure the head door is closed before you start your shower or you will soak your cabin. Like teeth brushing, you cannot leave the water running. Turn the water on and get wet, then turn the water off. Lather up with your soap or shampoo, and then turn the water back on just to rinse.

There will be a pool of water at your feet, but the charter company, where you pick up your sailing vessel, will show you how to operate the shower pump prior to your departure. All you really need to do is make sure the shower bilge pump is turned on at the navigation station. Then, somewhere in the head, you will find a button to press that will drain the water from the floor. Continue holding it until you hear the drain start sucking air. As an alternative, you can take what is known as the "Joy Shower."

My Husband and nephew actually prefer this method when they are on a sailing vacation because they find it so refreshing in the warm Caribbean waters. All you do is jump into the sea. When you are done splashing around, climb up on the ladder or sit on the platform on the back of the boat. Lather up with Joy dish soap. (Most sail charters have a bottle onboard when you pick up the boat.) Joy actually lathers up nicely in salt water without harming any marine life.

Jump back in to remove the soap and then rinse with the fresh water shower located in the back of your sailing vessel. For something, no bigger than an airline toilet, the marine head can be somewhat intimidating for the first time cruiser on a sailing vacation.

The first time I went sailing, I was determined to wait until I got ashore to "go", but as the saying goes, "the best laid plans...." A major rule is that only two things are ever flushed: 1) toilet paper - small amounts at a time, and 2) that which has already been eaten. Anything else can and will clog it up, and the only way to remedy that is to take the toilet apart, which is not a pleasant job!

Before using the head, pull the lever on the side of the toilet to the water symbol and pump some clean water into the bowl. After using, pump the lever until the bowl is flushed clean.

Sometimes the pump works hard. A couple drops of vegetable oil in the bowl may help with the action. Keep pumping the lever 10-15 times more to flush any sewage right through the system.

Although this may be a delicate subject, the reality is, that on occasion, there may be some waste that is hard or is what the kids refer to as, "a log". If you have a piece of waste that does not want to go down, pull out the faucet hose from the sink and run a bit of hot water into the bowl. This usually breaks up or melts large/hard pieces sufficiently to be able to flush. Next flip the lever to the dry side and pump the bowl dry or nearly dry.

Sewage is either expelled through the hull or into holding tanks.Since you will not know which system you have on your sailing vessel, assume it is going though the hull. This leads to the most important etiquette tip: Before you flush, always make sure no one in your party is swimming around or near the boat because as my 8 year old niece so eloquently stated, "Floaters are nasty!" Occasionally, on a sailing vacation, there may be a small leak in the head seals. This allows sea water to back up into the head bowl. It is really no problem, except that it sometimes looks like someone forgot to flush. Simply pump it out.

Lessons for Trash Storage/Disposal

The beauty of the BVI is the pristine condition of the water and beaches surrounding the islands. Imagine what it would look like if every cruiser on a sailing vacation dumped their trash overboard. Trash storage and disposal is actually relatively simple. First, in terms of storage, any plastic grocery bags can be used to store small amounts of trash. This includes cans, bottles, and assorted food debris since there are no garbage disposals onboard. When full, these small plastic bags can be placed in larger plastic kitchen trash bags.

These trash bags can be stored inside a storage locker until you are ready to dispose of them. There are two ways to dispose of your trash. One way is to throw the bag in the dingy and take it ashore with you for disposal in a dumpster. Many anchorages have such dumpsters specifically designated for cruisers' trash. Another way is that there are often garbage pickups in the various anchorages. A local will pull up along side your boat and for a couple dollars will take your trash ashore for you.

Lessons for Using the Refrigerator

All charter boats have refrigerators that cool when the engine is operating. Thus, it is important to run the engine at least half an hour twice a day. At other times, the refrigerator essentially operates like a large cooler. It stays cold by placing blocks or bags of ice in the bottom and then placing the food on top. Therefore, unlike home, you cannot stand with the hatch door open deciding what you want to eat because too much cold air will escape.

Thus, you need to know what is in the refrigerator and what you want to eat. It is also a good habit to ask anyone else in your party if they want something to eat to avoid excess cold air escaping. As an additional tip, we have found that during the day, you fill a Styrofoam cooler with drinks and ice. This also helps keep the cold air in the refrigerator during your sailing vacation.

Lessons for Keeping the Vessel Clean

Since you are sharing a relatively small, living space with others, during your sailing vacation, it is really important to be considerate of common areas.

First, do not place wet towels or clothes on cushions or on interior floors. It makes it unpleasant to sit and can be dangerous if floors are slippery.

Second, if your shoes are sandy from trips ashore, leave them in the cockpit rather than track sand all over the deck or into the cabins. One of the chores I do first thing in the morning is to take a bucket of seawater and flush the cockpit floor to remove any dirt/sand.

Third, if you hang clothes or towels on the rails to dry, remove them once they are dry. It is somewhat of an eyesore to pull into a perfect picture postcard anchorage only to find the "Beverly Hillbillies" and their dirty laundry ruining your view.

Finally, make sure any loose items are stowed away when not in use. This prevents items flying when your sails fill with wind, and it keeps the cabins and salon from being overly cluttered.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5667201

Learn to Sail Like a Pro - Ten Things You Need to Pack for Worry-Free Sailboat Cruising

If you want to learn to sail like a pro, you need to know the most essential pieces of sailing gear to pack in your personal ditty bag. These essentials become even more vital when you go sailboat cruising offshore. Use this simple check-sheet to make sure you have what you need for a worry-free sailing adventure.

From my experience after crewing thousands of offshore sailing miles aboard small sailboats, space and weight are the main factors to consider when you pack. Limit your baggage to two soft-sided, soft-bottom duffel bags (or a duffel bag and a backpack). Use bags without wheels or rigid sides and bottom.

As you read over this list, realize that these are just the absolute essentials to have with you wherever you cruise. Throw these in your pack before any other single item. That way, you know you will be covered wherever in the world you choose to cruise.

1. Sailing Knife and Marlinspike

Carry a knife and marlinspike on your belt at all times (not in your pocket, and not down below in your bag). You need it ready to use in an instant. A knife will cut through sailing rope or free a Genoa sheet wrapped around your leg. The marlinspike helps pry open strands of rope for splicing. Folding knives with a 3" blade and marlinspike are fine, but require two hands to open and close. A better choice would be a straight blade, rigging knife with a 3" blade and a separate marlinspike in a sheath.

Always, always secure a knife with a lanyard to your belt. This keeps it attached to you even if it slips out of your hands. This can be critical if you have to go aloft or slip over the side with a rope wrapped around your leg (this has happened more than once to sailing crews offshore!)

2. Personal Flotation Device (pfd) and Sailing Harness
Pack your own pfd and sailing harness. Do not rely on sailboat you crew aboard to have a spare. Try on several inflatables and find one that's easy to adjust and comfortable. Simulate sailing motions when you put it on. Squat down, lean over, raise your arms above your head, and pretend you are grinding on a sailing winch. It must hug your body and give you comfort at all times; otherwise you will not wear it!

Purchase a separate sailing safety harness. Better, find an inflatable pfd with an integrated harness. Make sure it has oversize D-rings rated to a breaking strength of at least 4,000 pounds. A separate harness should mold to your body like a glove. Again, do not rely on the sailboat you will board to provide you with a safety harness that fits your body.

Ask the sailing skipper if there are tethers already onboard. The tether attaches to your harness D-ring and then clips on to a jackline ( a long piece of line or webbing that runs from bow to stern). If you need to make your own, use webbing or three strand sailing rope. Make one tether 4' long and the other 6' long. Attach strong one-handed clips with a breaking strength of at least 4,000 pounds to the end. Attach the other end to the harness D-rings with an oversized snap-shackle. Attach a lanyard to the snap shackle for quick-release, in case your tethers get hung up and you need to shed them fast.

3. Caps and Hats

You need protection from the sun, the cold, and rain. Double everything you pack for cats and hats. You can expect to lose at least one hat over the side on each trip. Pack two peaked caps, a good brim hat, like those made by Tilley, and two or more knit watch caps. A good brim hat provides more protection in the Tropics than slathering sunscreen on your face and neck.

At nighttime, even in summer, the sea weather will cool more than you ever thought possible. A good watch cap will keep you warm. Those made by a company like Under Armour are microfibers that breathe and provide comfort without sweating (which will cause your body to cool!).

4. Foul Weather Gear

Pack a full set of foul weather jacket and bib-pants. Match the jacket and pants to the type of sailing. Use lighter gear for tropics and heavy gear for cold weather passages. Go for the "breathable" type fabrics that protect you, but allow air to circulate next to the skin to help lower perspiration.Ask the sailing skipper if you should bring sea-boots.

5. Under Garments

Pack thick, heavy socks to wear with sea boots. These protect your heels to ward off blisters. Under layers should be considered part of any foul weather gear offshore equipment. You need garments that wick the sweat from the skin to keep you dryer and prevent cooling. In warm or cold weather, go with the modern microfiber synthetics for superior comfort beneath your foulies.

6. Sailing Gloves

Unless you sail all the time, your hands will not be used to handling the sailing ropes of synthetic material common on sailing yachts. These can cause blisters or "rope burn", where the line runs out fast between your hands, peeling away the skin.

Purchase full length sailing gloves--also called "3/4 length"--that cover all except the tips of your fingers. These offer the best protection when working sailing sheets, halyards, and boat anchoring rode.

7.Oversized Plastic Freezer Bags

Crazy as it sounds, zip-lock type bags are worth their weight in gold. Pack 10-20 of these. Use them to segregate clothes so you don't have to dig in a bag (i.e. one for socks, one for underpants, one for t-shirts) Use them for dirty clothes to cut down on odors. Seal wet clothes inside until you have a chance to dry them. Fill them with valuables like your wallet and cellphone. Zip up snacks inside for late night watches or quick meals when it gets rough.

Make any zip-lock type bag more compact or keep foods fresh longer with these three easy steps:
1. Seal all except one half inch of the bag. Press as much air out of the bag as possible
2. Insert the straw into the opening. Seal the bag next to the straw with your fingers.
3. Suck on the straw to remove the rest of the air. Seal the bag as you withdraw the straw.

8.Personal Grab-Bag

If you need to leave the boat in an emergency, you need one bag that you can grab-and-go. Use one of your zip-lock bags for storage. Include your wallet, keys, passport, visa, cellphone, a separate notepad with a list of emergency contact names and phone numbers (this should include your insurance policy # and phone numbers, doctors name and numbers, pharmacy numbers), cash, travelers checks, and at least 10 days of medications.

9.Seasick Medications

Pack some form of seasick prevention for any offshore trip. More than 66% of all sailors experience some form of seasickness (mild to severe) in rough weather. You must be able to stand watches, help with sail changes or reefing, and work with the sailing crew, even when you aren't feeling your best.

Use the mildest type of seasick remedy that gives the maximum effect. Start with natural, non-medication forms of seasick prevention (ginger, emotional freedom technique (EFT), wrist-pressure bands). Next, consider over-the-counter types of medication. If necessary, use prescription medications.

Check with your doctor before taking any type of seasick medication--even the natural forms. Each individual has a different body chemistry, and you want to be on the safe side. Start your medication at least 24 hours before you set sail so that it will be in your bloodstream before you leave the pier. Keep hydrated at all times to lessen the onset of seasickness.

10.Hand and Head-band Lights

Carry your own flashlight. Buy one of the small high-intensity lights that come in a sheath. Look for those with pop-on, pop-off red filters. You need red filters to keep your night vision in tact. In addition, purchase a head-band type light with the same features--high intensity white light with a toggle for red filtered light.

Use the head-band light for hands free chart navigation, engine space maintenance, and to check sail trim at night. Pack at least three changes of batteries for each type of light. Buy a plastic soap dish, place the batteries inside, and strap them shut with heavy-duty rubber bands.

Use these ten sailing tips to know the absolute essentials you need to pack for any offshore sailing trip. You will be able to enjoy your time underway worry-free, with the knowledge that you are ready for whatever comes you way!



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5183911

Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Learn To Sail

Everyone should learn to sail. It is the same as learning survival. Or gun safety. You might not use it all that often, but you know what to do when the situation calls for it. Sailing is about self-reliance in nature. It is about the confidence of handling the unexpected and relying on what you have. Above others, it is just pure fun. Here are 5 reasons why you should learn to sail.

1. Sailing is a heartening experience. It is a recreational activity that has great prospects for personal growth. Your purpose for sailing may vary, it can be for your leisure, to help your children hone confidence within, looking forward to sailing the transatlantic, the appeal for fresh sea food, or just to get away from it all, sailing is a great activity for self discovery and personal achievement.

2. Sailing is easy to learn given the variety of options on how to do it. You may have sailing on your list of water sports and it could be something that you feel you just must do. It is an activity that can easily be taken on. Sailing has a lot of courses that you will find suitable to your honing skill and time capacity. With the various sailing locations scattered around all of Australia, you are sure to find a club or marina that you can always learn to sail, practice and improve your sailing skills.

3. Sailing entails water safety training that you can also use in your daily life. The kind of learning that you get from a sailing lesson is one that can turn out to be valuable and convenient in everyday life. CPR, water safety, and proper boat handling are tangible education that you can always utilize. Apart from these skills, you also learn to develop your inner being. Sailing can boost confidence, help you practice patience, enhance awareness and multitasking skills.

4. Sailing is a good exercise for the body and mind. The very act of you breathing in fresh air is something that is not to be taken for granted given the vast pollution issues on land. Rigging and jibbing the vessel takes an amount of physical exertion that will keep you on your toes. The exercise does not end there as sailing stimulates your mind. The act of determining the boat maneuver that you will be taking next is equally important as having your personal floatation device or PFD on. There is nothing constant in sailing especially when we pertain to the key elements which are weather and water conditions. You can have a placid surface that you can sail with on one hand and another on your favorite pipe, in a second you can find yourself all hands on deck as you need to change boat direction or avoid a gust that is too strong for your sail. Sailing is 70% metal and 30% physical. It is a relaxing activity that also keeps your mind alert.

5. Sailing is fun. Above all reasons why you should learn to sail is the fact that it is absolutely fun! The activity offers not only fun in sailing itself, but also a wide variety of water leisure activities that you can also enjoy on your sailing trip. Fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, water skiing. You name it! It's there. The fact that you are already at sail, you have taken the first step to enjoying the water and everything fun it has to offer.

Learning how to sail is easy but tedious. Anything that you have to work hard for is always expected to have a lifetime of rewarding experiences and not to mention personal achievement.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5429560

Extreme Sailing 2011

Extreme Sailing 2011

Extreme Sailing 2011

http://youtu.be/YMg3PrTOksQ