The ABC's of Boating Equipment

Boating is a great sport that can be enjoyed all year round in most parts of the country. Taking the boat out on the lake, a river or into the ocean is one of America's favorite pastimes, full of fun and adventure. However, boating is serious business and any boater will tell you that you need adequate boating equipment to make sure that your outings are as safe as possible, for you and your passengers. Everyone knows that there are a few essentials of boating equipment, like life preservers and other personal flotation devices. But did you know that there's so much more that should be stowed on every boat? Let's start with the basics. The law requires that any passenger under the age of 12 must wear a personal flotation device while on an open boat deck of any kind. When it comes to purchasing personal flotation devices of any kind for your boat, there are several things to consider. First, everyone on board must have a flotation device, child or adult, and those devices must be within easy reach. These flotation devices must be approved by the Coast Guard and bear their seal of approval. Lastly, these flotation devices must be in good condition. Other kinds of essential boating equipment consist of a throw-able flotation device such as a floating donut or some buoyant item that can be used to keep a person afloat for an unlimited amount of time. Every boat longer than sixteen feet in length must have one of these on board or face fines. Ski belts don't count. Some flotation devices are designed to turn an unconscious person around in the water so that they are face up instead of face down, and are also effective for all types of water. Some flotation devices protect the wearer from hypothermia, while others are meant for sporting activities like skiing, sailing and fishing. Another valuable piece of boating equipment is a fire extinguisher. While many don't think such would be necessary, with so much water around, engine fires require a certain type of extinguisher while cushions or interior cabin materials might require another. Boats more than twenty-six feet long are required to have at least one fire extinguisher on board. There are additional requirements for the installation of fire extinguishers on board, so check with state boating regulations to determine what those are before taking your boat out on the water. Another boating equipment must for boats with inboard mounted gasoline engines is a flame arrester that is fitted onto the carburetor for backfire flame control. Again, check your state boating laws to determine whether your boat needs such an adjustment if it doesn't already come with one. Also keep in mind that boats with gasoline engine compartments must also be properly ventilated. A sound device is also a necessary piece of boating equipment, most especially for boats that are over thirty-nine feet in length. Some sort of distress signal flare gun is also a good piece of boating equipment to have on hand, as is a first aid box and extra bedding and blankets in case of emergency. Boating is great fun, but can be dangerous if you don't plan properly and carry the right kind of boating equipment that ensures the safety of both yourself and your crew or passengers.

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Sailingyacht between big waves sailing

Set Sail and Enjoy Yourself

Just because the summer is over, it doesn't mean that you still can't enjoy the superb weather we are having right now. One of the most relaxing, but also exciting ways to enjoy the fresh air is to hop on a boat and hit the clear blue ocean. This can only be accomplished one of three ways: You own your own boat, your friends have a boat, or you pay for a cruise. In this article, we are going to touch on the first idea. Having your own boat is freedom amplified to the fullest extent. You can go where you want, at any time you want. The hard part to all this is making the purchase. Here is your solution. Let me help you with the purchasing part of this nautical dream. Heading down to a live government auction can be perfect answer to this quandary. At these auctions, you can obtain a fantastic boat for well under market value. People will have to ask you to repeat yourself when you tell them the amount of money you saved on your fantastic new vessel. The savings are insane, but they do exist. If you are looking at a government boat auction, then it's going to be from a seizure or a surplus asset. If it is a seized item, then it means that it was the boat was confiscated during an arrest or the person defaulted on the payments. If the item comes from a surplus auction, then it was basically an item that a government entity didn't anymore for a reason such as there was just too many boats at the port that month. In either situation, you are going to be on luxurious boats, and potentially obtain them for a fraction of the retail cost. The only thing you need to know is where these auctions are happening, and how to you go about bidding. If you want to find out auction information, you best bet is to check out a government auction information aggregator. There are a few sites that have an immense database where you can search for live auctions by searching for your zip code, or you can search for boats by looking up keywords. After you find the auction or asset that you are looking for, you simply need to head down to the auction and register or bid online if that specific auction allows it. If you go to a live government auction, you need to make sure you have the bidding and paying rules down pat. First off, contact the actual auction, and find out how they deal with the bidding procedure. Some places like to just have shout out bids, while others like paddles, signs, or hands. You should be prepared prior to stepping on the auction lot. Other bidders can smell fear, so you don't want to act like a novice. For payment methods, you also need to contact the auction for the options. Many take cash, cashier's check, and some take credit. Nevertheless, you want to have this knowledge in your head well ahead of the actual date of the auction. Most auctions give you a 48-hour window of time to remove your won item off the premises. If it's a large boat, you will want to figure out a way to store this asset. It could be a storage locker or even a friend's garage. But you don't want to end up not having a place for storage when it comes down to crunch time. If you need to ship the item to another county or state, you should get into contact with a shipper or ask the auctioneer for suggestions for local shippers. The rest is basically up to you. Check out more articles for bidding strategies and devise a plan for yourself. Check out a few auctions and you will be on your way to smelling that fresh ocean water and having the wind power through your hair. Government seized and surplus boats are not far off reach. You can find a ton of boats for yourself or you can turn purchasing and selling these items into a business. Either way, these items are up for grabs and they are going to be sold for a great price. Check out a site like GovernmentAuctions.org for some great auction information and items.

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Sailing a Yacht - Wind Power

Imagine you see a boat for sale - you think to yourself, 'I would love to sail the seas in my very own yacht'. But how do you even begin to sail? What is it about the wind that moves a boat? Can you only travel in the direction the wind is blowing? The first thing to get to grips with is how a sail actually works. I remember as a young child wondering what the point of a sail was. I couldn't understand how a big sheet being blown around by the wind could be an effective method of propulsion. There is of course, a lot more to a sail than simply 'catching' air and moving a craft along. While the sailor is essentially at the mercy of the elements, harnessing the power of the wind is only possible with the right knowledge. So how does it work? Interestingly, a sail works in a very similar way to the wings of an aircraft - as in an aerofoil. Let's use the aeroplane as an example: If you were to cut a cross section of an aeroplane wing, it would appear to be an elongated comma shape, turned on its side; blunt and round at the front, tapering off to a point at the end. The top of the wing is curved, the bottom is almost flat, with a very slight concave. As the engines drive the aircraft forward, air is forced over and under the wing. The shape and angle of the wing causes the air to flow over the top of the wing more easily than the bottom. This creates an area of lower pressure at the top of the wing and gives the aircraft it's lift. A sail works in much the same way, only flipped over ninety degrees. As the wind passes over the sail and fills it out, it adopts an aerofoil shape. When angled so that the wind runs across the sail (like an aeroplane's wing), an area of lower pressure is created, pulling the craft in the direction of the 'lift' generated by the sail. To keep the craft moving forward, a keel is used. A keel is a hydrodynamic device on the bottom of the yacht or boat that counters any sideways force of the wind to keep the craft moving in the desired direction. It also has an aerofoil (or hydrofoil) like shape to generate lift from the water - this is to pull it away from the force of the wind and maintain vertical stability while sailing. So now with the knowledge of how it all works, sailing all of a sudden seems a lot more appealing! The next thing on my list? Find somewhere with boats for sale! Or at least boats for charter! Having a yacht isn't just a luxury, it's a fantastic hobby. Sailing is a physical and mental activity that can provide a lifetime of enjoyment. As long as you know what you are doing at sea and you're safe, there's a whole lot of fun to be had out on the water.

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Sailing, Sailing - Mickey & Friends

Popeye The Sailor Man (FULL CARTOON)

Fractional Boat Ownership - 5 Advantages Over Traditional Ownership

Fractional boat ownership is a great program for many people who love the water but don't want to spend big bucks on a boat of their own. It also works out for people who don't spend a lot of time on the water because it allows them to have a boat when they need it and not when they won't use it. With fractional boat ownership, you are essentially sharing ownership of the boat with different people. You take turns using the boat and can even schedule use so that it suits your needs accordingly. Here are five benefits of fractional boat ownership compared to actually buying your own boat: 1- You can walk on and walk off. You don't have to care for the vessel, worry about service and maintenance, or anything. You simply take the boat out, return to shore, and go on your way. This relieves a lot of hassle for people who lack sufficient time or desire to deal with maintenance and upkeep. 2- Save money. When you have a fractional ownership, you will pay a fraction of the cost. That means you can spend less and still enjoy the water whenever you want. Plus, you don't have to pay docking fees or insurance because you don't actually own the vessel. 3- You can book a skipper in addition to your fractional ownership, allowing you to enjoy the water even if you're not a seasoned boater. This is great for people who want to kick back and relax while someone else does the navigating. 4- You can take a cruise any day and for as long as you'd like. Scheduling in your use is a great way to get access to the boat when you want it and not have to deal with it when you don't. 5- You get the financial benefits of ownership and the security that comes with it, instead of the high costs and complete lack of financial benefits that people get from renting boats or hiring a charter. All in all, fractional boat ownership creates a win-win situation for everyone involved. You can enjoy the water as much as you want and you don't have to worry about any of the hassles. At the same time, you can save money and stop wasting it on charters and boat rentals, which is something that everyone can appreciate. Regardless of your needs or desires for boating, fractional ownership is an obvious choice when buying isn't an option.

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Sailing Adventures

Sailing is an activity like no other. It can change so much from one day to the next, since it really depends on the weather. Big waves with no wind, big wind with no waves, no wind and no waves, or big wind and big waves will all provide a very different experience for thesailor . If you've only ever sailed one time, then chances are very good, that the next time you go out it will be a totally different experience. The trick, is to do enough sailing that you have a good feel for sailing in all types of conditions. Speed Demon or Just Enjoying The View The other factor that greatly affects your sailing experience is your reason for doing it in the first place. Sailers can be easily grouped into two categories. There are the cruisers. These are the folks who like to spend days on end in anchorages, exploring coves and inlets, and just basically going where ever the wind blows them. My kind of sailors. Then we have the racers. These guys love going fast. Not just going fast, but going faster than anyone else. To the typical power boater this may sound kind of funny, since they assume that all sailboats go slow. But, I guess it's all relative. Sailing along at 12 knots, pointing tight into the wind is far different from a cruiser coasting along at 5 knots on a gentle beam reach. Choose Your Poison Of course the type of boat you decide to do your sailing in, can greatly affect your experience. The type of sail boat, could also be broken down into two categories. There are the planing boats. These are boats like catamarans with two hulls, the really move on top of the water. If they really get sailing fast, one of the hulls will lift out of the water, further reducing the resistance of the water, and moving the boat even faster. The sail boats not falling into the category of planing boats are called displacement boats. They sail through the water instead of on top of the water. What they tend to give up in speed to the planing boats, they gain in other amenities, like large living space down below. Whether your a racer, a cruiser, or if you would prefer a planing or displacement boat, sailing is a truly wonderful experience. Of course, if you enjoy one type of boat and one type of racing, don't limit yourself. Try them all. Having a multitude of choices is one of the thing that makes boating fun for everyone.

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Sail Boating on the Open Sea

Sail boating by the power of the wind is as old as recorded history. We have the thousands of brave sailors who endured wide-open seas to thank for the discovery of new lands. Were it not for them, we might all be stuck on the same continent! Sailing for sport goes back to 17th century Holland. The New York Yacht Club was founded in 1844 and remains the oldest sport sailing organization in the United States. The idea of sailing is exciting and romantic. The new popularity of pirate films demonstrates our continued love affair with the idea of sailing and boating on the open water for fun and reward. No other type of classic boat conjures the same mental images as the traditional sailboat. Is sailing right for you? Are you ready to take off on an boating adventure through the use of wind power? Should you join the ranks of famous adventurers and humble travelers who rose to meet the challenges that sailing presents? The answers to these questions depend on a variety of factors. First, make sure that your goals are realistic. Sailing, as with many other hobbies, takes a long time to master. You can learn the basics in just a few days, but you should not plan to sail around the world at the end of a weekend's practice. Hard work, patience and dedication are required. You must be willing to invest both the time and money into the hobby. You must be completely comfortable with the water and with the natural elements, as you will find yourself stuck in rainstorms and other disagreeable weather conditions. You should also be able to take direction and follow it without question. At times, your sailing instructor may need to issue an order and have it followed immediately. These situations generally involve safety concerns and time may be of the essence, so be prepared to act first and ask questions later. If you feel that sailing is something you want to try then your next step is finding an instructor. Sailing lessons are readily available in locations with sailing communities. You may even have a friend or family member who is willing to teach you for free. Regardless of which type of boat you are on, you need to always focus on safety. It becomes even more of an issue on sail boating. Before you think about getting on a sailboat, look over the following tips. Make sure that you are a strong swimmer. Many beginning sailors discount how likely they are to capsize and neglect this basic tip. Keep yourself comfortable. Wear layers that you can easily add or remove to be ready for changing weather conditions. Tie your hair back and clip your fingernails. Wear sunblock and carry plenty of drinking water. Practice in low winds and relatively shallow water. Learning to sail is difficult enough, so boating in ideal conditions will increase your chances of success. Practice capsizing. It will happen sooner or later, so be prepared by learning to do so safely. Wear a life jacket. Life jackets are a good idea any time you are on the water, but they are essential when you are in a situation in which you can expect to have trouble.

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Ocean Kayaking, the New Water Sports Activity

Kayaks were initially designed to be utilized on mostly peaceful lake environments which of course have very little to no waves. Because of this, their structure and design were centered close to this particular point. Nowadays, ocean kayaking is becoming more and more common and has encouraged the new style and design of sea worthy kayaks. In efforts to contend with the requirements of the ocean atmosphere, kayaks are increasingly being constructed broader and with additional hauling capability in order to manage these types of new elements. All these new watercraft are able to float and move through the water far more effortlessly compared to their equivalents, so that it is considerably simpler to maneuver across violent ocean water more calmly and effectively. Prior to attempting kayaking in the ocean, it is highly recommended to receive professional kayak lessons and study the fundamentals of kayaking, possibly on a calm body of water when it is a lot simpler to obtain a fine understanding of precisely what to do. It is additionally critical to understand just what one should do if stuff goes drastically wrong, like rolling the vessel over. It is furthermore essential to bring a seasoned individual with you the very first time that you attempt this ocean sport. What this means is that you should have another person there in the event that anything should go drastically wrong. They will also be able to assist you in case you have got any concerns. A kayak made for a calm body of water such as lake ought not be applied in the sea as this could be incredibly hazardous. The fundamental composition of the ocean kayak is extremely distinct in comparison with that of a lake kayak. The typical measurement of the ocean kayak is in between 11 to 16 feet. Ocean vessels which are lengthier assist with its steadiness and can easily be maintained in a direct line when paddling. They are generally 17 to 29 inches in width, considerably larger than what is required for still water kayaking. A number of types of ocean kayaks are constructed more durably in order to cope with rough ocean surf. This also increases the necessary steadiness and balance needed on ocean surfaces. Selecting the ideal kayak will not be too complicated after a person's homework is finished. There are a good deal of kayak merchants in one's local, coastal area and in most of these awesome shops you are able to physically check out products and get knowledgeable information. But quite a few of the very best bargains you will find for your first kayak may be discovered on the internet. By simply examining evaluations about the various kayak brand names, an individual is certain to decide on the watercraft which is suitable for their very first ocean kayaking experience. One may also discover that this activity can include overnight romantic camping trips with a friend.

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5 Things You Should Not Forget When Sailing In Heavy Weather

If you enjoy sailing, it is likely that you will have to deal with heavy weather at one point or another. It's not as if you can avoid heavy winds and bad sea conditions forever. Knowing what to do in such situations is one of the most important things that you need to learn as a sailor. Sailing in rough seas is dangerous, but it could also be fun especially if both you and your boat are capable enough to handle tough tides. Whether you deliberately set sail in bad weather or you're already out in the open when the nasty winds hit, your only option is to keep sailing. Read on to know some helpful tips on how to survive heavy weather conditions while sailing. 1. Check your boat- Before you leave the dock, you need to ensure that your boat can handle strong winds and huge waves. If you are having doubts on the capacity of your boat, then don't dare leave the port. Make sure that all your boat's fittings are securely mounted and in the condition to take a great amount of strain. Check if the rigging and bailing equipment are fully functional. 2. Prepare the sails for reefing- Reefing the mainsail involves reducing the sail of the mainsail by lowering it partway. Mark your boat's mainsail halyard in advance to reveal the setting for the 1st and 2nd luff reefing points. This will allow you to know how far you need to lower the halyard. Head into the wind then, start luffing your sails. If you're a one-man crew and you don't have a one line reef system, place the boat into a heave and then reef your sails. 3. Furl the Genoa- Furl the Genoa or the overlapping jib by blocking the wind with the mainsail. This will allow you to reduce the tension from the furling line and easily roll the Genoa to the right size. 4. Reduce your speed- Huge waves put the hull on a lot of strain, and may injure even the saltiest seaman. Reducing your boat's speed will help you ease the ride. If you see a big set of waves coming your way, try to avoid the set by slowing down (spill more air), changing your direction or by doing both. 5. Reduce weight at the bow- Weighty anchors and ground typically tackle in the bow which causes pitching or an up and down movement. This in turn causes the bow to dive into the wave ahead or what sailors call "wave plunging". When this happens, the boat shudders, filling the bow with water. Pitching also escalates the occurrence of seasickness among the people on board. Shift the weight toward the middle of the boat to reduce pitching problems.

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Can You Feel Safe in an Inflatable Boat?

When you first think about it, you might wonder if an inflatable boat is as safe as a regular hard-shell watercraft. The fact is inflatable boats are just as safe as traditional boats, and in some instances they may even be safer. Inflatable boats tend to be more buoyant than traditional boats mainly because of the inflatable collar or tubes. The inflatable sections help spread the buoyancy out over the entire boat, making it less likely to sink. Also, the collars or tubes on an inflatable boat are usually designed with separate chambers. That means if one chamber becomes deflated, the overall buoyancy will not be noticeably affected. One indication that inflatable boats are safe is that they are preferred by the coast guard as offshore rescue vessels. The probable reason why the coast guard prefer these boats is because they are almost impossible to capsize and handle better in rough water. Several air chambers assure buoyancy even if one chamber looses air pressure due to a leak. The design of inflatable boats also make them a more stable watercraft. Unlike traditional boats, an inflatable boat sits flat on the water and has a low center of gravity. This makes them almost impossible to tip over. They can also handle rough water better, and people standing up in the boat are not going to cause the craft to capsize. Divers and swimmers can use the sides to pull themselves up without causing the boat to rock or flip. When using an inflatable boat, you should always take along a foot pump and a repair kit. Even though boats with independent inflatable chambers can still operate with one chamber deflated, there may be instances when you may have to patch a puncture or re-inflate the boat at some point. It is important to have the necessary tools to make minor repairs. You should also be familiar with how to make minor repairs when they are necessary. Due to advanced technology over the past two decades, inflatable boats have become a very viable alternative for many types of boating needs. Many of these boats come with generous warranties and product guarantees. Also, getting these boats to the water is easy as they inflate and deflate very quickly and can be easily stored in the trunk of a car. There is one other area that is much more likely to be safer when you buy an inflatable boat, that is your wallet. Inflatable boats are significantly cheaper than traditional boats, so you are much less likely to go over your budget when shopping for an inflatable boat. Victor Epand is an expert consultant about model boats, boat parts, and model submarines. You will find the best shopping at these sites for model boats, inflatable boat parts.

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Team Australia ORMA 60

Hydroptere - world sailing record - 51 knots

Incredible - A boat capsizes while sailing under spinnaker in heavy weather

Paddle Boarding - Lessons for Beginners

Many people are looking to enjoy the popular paddle boarding sport. Fortunately, even those who are inexperienced can learn and soon be on their way to enjoying their new skills. Anyone looking to learn how to stand-up paddle can do so in 30 minutes. Such boarding facilities like those of Laguna Beach paddle boarding offer experienced instructors who give lessons and teach beginners everything they need to know before they can enjoy the beautiful Laguna coastline. This is a great way to enjoy the view, discover some marine life, and have fun. The instructors offer small classes that allow each individual to get full attention. The basic beginner lessons offer a complete tour that includes learning ocean safety, proper paddle handling technique, an overview of the equipment, and how to use it. The instructor then accompanies the learners on the first paddle boarding experience. Novices in the sport should have their first paddle boarding experience on calm water. This is the best condition for learning. The ideal conditions include calm, flat water that does not have any obstacles such as boats and buoys. When mounting the paddleboard, the beginner will find it easier to kneel on the board first rather than standing upright immediately. By getting into a kneeling position, slightly behind the boards center point, the boarder is able to feel for the boards balance point. Keeping the hands on both sides of the board helps to stabilize it. After getting comfortable, the beginner is ready to stand up. This should be done one foot at a time, placing the feet where the knees were. Some learners find it necessary to have someone stabilize the board in the water as they learn how to stand on it. This should not be too difficult and most people get the hang of it within a few minutes. While on the water, there is a paddle boarding stance that helps the users to remain balanced as they stand upright on the board. The feet should be placed parallel to each other approximately hip-width distance. They should be centered between the edges of the board, and not on the rails. To maintain proper balance, the boarder should always keep the toes pointed forward. The knees should be bent and the back should remain straight. The hips and not the head should be used to balance. The head and shoulders should remain upright and steady, and only the hips should be used to shift the weight. One's gaze should always remain level on the horizon and not at the feet. After a few minutes, you should notice that as the forward momentum increases, the stability also increases. After learning how to balance on the board, the learner is ready to paddle and have a good time. We provide the best info about Laguna Beach paddle boarding.

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Add Years To Your Boat By Taking Care Of It

You invested a lot of money to buy your favorite boat, so why not spend some time taking care of it to make sure that it stays good for long. Whether you are planning to take your boat to the water or have just returned from a fishing expedition with friends, it is important that you thoroughly check the engine and other components to detect the problems, if any, and solve them before they become major issues. In this article, we will share some tips to help you add more years to your boat by taking good care of it. First of all, you need to check the engine, bilges, and fuel system. The engine is undoubtedly the most essential machinery of your vessel and a problem in the engine can not only take a lot of time to get sorted but also cost you dearly. Furthermore, as this is the messiest part of the boat, it is advisable that you start from here. If the oil filter was not changed last season then you must do it now. You should remember to drain the fuel tank before the commencement of winter or fill it about 95 percent to avoid any water vapor from collecting. Water is the biggest enemy of the fuel tank and if it enters mistakenly, it would lead to rusting, corrosion and create a breeding space for a bacterial formation that damages the fuel. This formation may form lumps that clog the filters and ultimately lead to more expensive damage. In order to treat and rectify this problem, the antifreeze should be replaced and cooling system flushed. Check to see if the batteries are in good condition and replace them if required. Start the boat engine to make sure that its running smoothly. You must also check the bilge pump after confirming that there's no oil present in the bilges. Make sure that the pump works perfectly and filters are free from any type of blockages. Another important factor while taking care of your boat is to check that the electronic and safety items are working fine. You must perform a thorough test to ensure that all the components are working fine, without any complications. When checking for the safety parameters, make sure that you have the proper sized life jackets for yourself and all other crew members on the boat. You should also have auto releases, a fire extinguisher and right-sized spare gas cylinders on board. When cleaning the boat inside out, make sure you check the canvas, vinyl, and other upholstery items carefully to make sure that there are no mildew, dirt, and tears. You must repair the tears and holes if any, and clean the surface using the recommended cleaner. You must examine the hull thoroughly to detect any chips, cracks, blisters and repairs, if any. The sail should also be checked for any possible damage to see whether you can rely on them during the windy conditions. This is just a rough guide to help you take care of your boat to add more years to it. For more detailed information, you must rely on the instructions provided in the boat manual. Are you looking for right Yamaha Outboard Propellers for your boat? To find more information check out PT Propeller

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destroyer vs big waves

Ten Top Sailing Tips for Safer Sailing in 2013

Sailors from around the world have sent in their favorite sailing tips, proven time and again to enhance sailing safety for day sailing, racing, or cruising. Check out these "top ten" tips to keep your sailing crew safe and sound! 1. Develop a skipper-mentality underway. Keep a running dialog going in your head that begins with just these two words... "What If?... For example... What if the backstay parts while sailing downwind? What if a windward shroud snaps while beating? What if your engine quits in a crowded marina? What if the mainsail batten jams when hoisting? What if the anchor drags on a black, stormy night? 2. Shift the helm watch in fog or rough weather every 30 minutes. Extensive research proves that attention spans fall after this period. 3. Tie a small diameter line with a float on one end to the outboard end of your anchor rode or chain. In an emergency you might have to cut the anchor line (or let out all your chain). The float will serve as a marker so that you can retrieve your ground tackle later on. 4. Use this rule if you have a leak... "slow down and raise high". If under sail, heave to on the same tack as the damaged side of the boat. If under power, shift weights to the undamaged side of the boat. 5. Protect costly sailing rope from chafe. More anchored vessels are lost in storms due to parted anchor lines than dragging anchors. Use lots of chafing gear, check it often, and readjust it as needed. 6. Descend a companionway ladder so that you face the ladder. Grip both handholds and work your way down the ladder on the balls of your feet. If you slip, this position protects you from serious back or neck injury. 7. Add extra security to lifelines when coastal or offshore sailing.Veteran offshore sailors rig an extra set of chest-high rope lifelines. Use shroud cleats to anchor the lifeline between the bow and stern. 8. Make collision avoidance maneuvers early and change course by at least 60 degrees. Large ships can take up to a mile or more to stop in an emergency. Always assume that they cannot see you. 9. Pump more speed and power into your sails on reaches. Ease each sail until the luff just begins to flutter. Then trim each sail just enough to put the luff flutter "to sleep". Watch your boat accelerate like a stallion on steroids! 10. Button up your boat before heavy weather arrives. Close hatches and ports. Remove cowl vents (except for engine cowls). Apply extra lashings to dinghies. Above all--keep your decks clear! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Learn to sail like a pro this season with these top ten sailing tips. Keep your sailing crew or partner safe and sound on the waters of the world--wherever you choose to sail or cruise! Captain John with 25+ year of experience shows you the no-nonsense sailing skills you need beyond sailing school! Sign up for his FREE highly popular "Captain John's Sailing Tip of the Week". Find out how you can get instant access to 675+ sailing articles, 140+ sailing videos, 190+ newsletters and 14+ Free eBooks at SkipperTips

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Sailing Tactics Revealed: Running Aground!

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU RUN AGROUND DON'T PANIC -- doing the wrong thing can put you on harder. Now that you're on the bottom, take a minute to evaluate the situation. Check the bilge to be sure that you haven't holed the boat and aren't taking on water. What is the nature of the bottom? If it's soft sand or grass, chances are good that the boat is undamaged, and that if you need to motor or kedge off you won't grind a hole in the boat.Your objective is to get safely into deeper water. Motoring off -- If you have a motor or engine your first inclination will be to start it up and try to back out. This may work, but be careful. In sandy or muddy bottoms you are likely to suck sand up into the cooling system and render the motor useless. A powerful engine in shallow water can actually push sand from the stern to under the keel, making the situation worse. If you're on rocks and you reverse hard, you may drag the hull along the rocks and damage or even hole the boat. Set out an anchor. One of the first things to do is to set out an anchor to keep your boat from being pushed even farther onto the shoal. If you have a dingy you can use it to carry out an anchor. If you don't have a dingy, and if conditions are calm, maybe someone wearing buoyant flotation gear can swim an anchor out. Be aware that this is not an easy task and a person can become totally exhausted very quickly. If your boat is a small one, your anchor is also probably small enough and light enough for you to be able to throw it far enough for it to work, but be careful if you do this. You don't want to go overboard with it. Keep as much tension on the anchor line as you can. This alone may help free you up, especially if you have a rising tide, or if passing boats create enough of a wake to raise you up momentarily. What is the state of the tide? If you've gone aground on a rising tide, you may just be able to wait a couple of hours until it rises enough to refloat the boat. If you've gone aground on a falling tide, however, you need to get into deeper water fast, or you may be stuck where you are for an entire tide change. If this happens, and if the boat is likely to end up lying on its side, close up hatches and companionways to keep it from flooding. If you'd be better off lying on one side than on the other, try to kedge off an anchor from what you want to be the low side. You may also be able to control which side ends up high by shifting crew and gear weight. Where is the deeper water? It may seem obvious that deeper water lies behind you, but it might be even deeper beside you. Of course it's not directly in front of you -- if it were, you wouldn't have run aground in the first place. To find where the deeper water is, you have some options. If you have a lead line you can lower it off the boat from all sides to get a measurement of the depth. You can make a lead line by taking a light line and attaching a weight to the end. You could also very quickly put a boat hook or an oar in the water. How do you get there? If you have a centerboard, raise it. This will decrease the draft, possibly enough to free the boat. Can you sail off? If you were sailing down wind when you ran aground, harden up and try to go to windward. If you were sailing close hauled, tack immediately and move crew weight to leeward. If sailing off on a reach or downwind would put you into deeper water, ease the sails and fall off toward the deeper water. Move crew weight around to heel the boat in the direction which is most likely to help it to slide off - this alone may reduce the boat's draft enough to free her up. If this doesn't work, drop sails, as the wind on the sails will continue to push you harder onto the shallow water. Furl them out of the way. On deck they will become a slippery liability. Kedging off -- Once you've set an anchor in deeper water, you may be able to winch it in and pull the boat off that way. Again, moving crew weight around may help immeasurably. It may help to rock the boat by shifting crew weight back and forth as you winch in on the anchor. Use a halyard -- If you know that heeling the boat in one direction will help, hand a halyard to someone in a dingy who can then carefully motor off the boat's beam and pull it over farther. If you don't have a dingy, a crew member can grab a halyard and swing out over the beam of the boat to try to increase heel. Get off and push - This technique is obviously only safe and effective in very shallow water, and thus will only work with a very shallow draft boat, such as a day sailor or a multihull. Before getting in the water, be sure to put shoes on. Make sure that the boat won't sail off without you, and that you have a way to get back onto the boat. Accept tow? As a last resort, if all other options have failed. This may require a VHF call to a towing company. Be careful -- a big powerful powerboat may be able to pull with more force than the boat's equipment can handle--the boat's hull can be damaged. The boat must have a cleat strong enough to take the strain of a tow, which may be considerable. If there is no cleat strong enough, consider tying off to the base of the mast. If the mast is stepped through the deck it will take the strain, if it's stepped on deck it may not. The line used as tow line also must be strong enough to take the strain of towing -- if it breaks under the strain of the pull of a tow boat, it will become a lethal weapon. When you may not want to refloat the boat -- if you have a hole in the bottom you may be better off right where you are, at least until you've been able to carry out enough of an emergency repair to keep the boat from sinking. Linda Cullum is from Cape Cod, MA, with a second home in Vermont. She is the author of Learn to Sail! with Multimedia! an Interactive Sailing training CDROM which teaches all aspects of Sailing incliding Knots, Piloting, Rules of the Road, Weather with digital video from Sail Magazine, narration, animation and quizzes.Visit her site at http://learntosail.net Happy Sailing_/)

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A Guide for Yachters: The Best Mediterranean Islands

Yachting in the Mediterranean offers many opportunities to experience the beauty, nightlife, history, culture, and beaches; but how to choose which islands to visit? This guide will help boaters discover which islands are best for their needs, whether they are seeking a dance party, a romantic meal, an exotic black-sand beach, or to learn about architecture, culture and customs. Here are the best of the Mediterranean islands and what makes them so. Capri Celebrity watchers should set sail to Capri, where VIPs have come for decades - back when Ava Gardner and Grace Kelly and the like first discovered its beauty. Today super yachts of the rich and famous cruise the Mediterranean heading for Capri, where they can explore the rocks Faralyoni, dive in the Blue Grotto, or visit the 18th century church of San Michele in Anacapri. Ibiza This beautiful island in the Balearic Islands is decorated in white and blue, little white houses tucked neatly between the blue Mediterranean and the clear blue sky. Ibiza attracts celebrities, particularly because of its vibrant nightlife. While yachting in Ibiza, but sure to take a moment to watch the sun set before heading out to Café del Mar or the various clubs where the day begins after the sun sets. Mallorca Simply exquisite, this picturesque island is regal in her mountain landscapes, rocky ledges, and sandy beaches. It draws the Hollywood crowd as well as the average Joe. Those interested in architecture should visit Castle Belver and the cathedral of Santa Maria de Palma de Mallorca. For a relaxing choice, attend one of the sea therapies the let the sea waters take away your stress and make you feel younger and more alive. Santorini The unique landscape and black sand beaches of Santorini draw visitors each and every year. Known as the jewel of the Cyclades, this location offers a typically Greek style with little white houses accented in bright blue all perched along the ridge of the caldera. Because of its volcanic history, many of the beaches have a fine, dark sand that is a striking complement to the white structures and blue waters. The Kokini Paralia is a unique red beach on the island that is a must-see. History lovers will want to climb the mountain to reach the Prophet Elijah monastery which dates to the 18th century. Sicily This, the largest island in the Mediterranean, also has the most to explore and the widest variety of culture, cuisine, and attractions. The capital of Palermo is a must see. Additional attractions include the Ortiga Peninsula, the Greek castles in Agrigento, and the beaches of Tsefalu. Try a night walk to the top of Mount Etna; the view is worth the experience. So set sail towards the Mediterranean for a vacation of island-hopping, and if you don't already have your own sailing or motor yacht, why not? Paradise awaits. Laurie Harley writes for Worldwide Boat Sales, yacht brokers for both new and pre-owned sailing and motor yachts. To learn more about this topic and others, visit http://www.worldwideboatsales.com. 

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