Here's the SECRET to being more comfortable and competent on the water: THERE IS NO SECRET. Just do it more and work hard at it! Just like learning to drive a car, there's lots to figure out when you're new but eventually, it all lumps into that boring task of 'driving'. Being on the water doesn't necessarily have to be boring (okay - offshore passages are a combination of boring and terrifying, but let's stick to the flotilla talk for now!). It does become easy as you do it more - just check out some of our folks docking boats singlehanded while talking on a mobile phone (that's still legal!) and occasionally having a coffee at the same time! (One armed workers unite!)
Challenge is, you might not have been out for a while (or at much at all) and the thought of heading off all on your own is a bit intimidating. We understand, which is why flotillas might be the answer. The term flotilla originates with naval groupings of ships and has evolved to groups of pleasure boats invading great destinations together 'just for fun.'
There are flotillas all around the world for those so inclined, but let's focus on the ones here in BC waters. Isn't it great to know that your flotilla leader will:
* help figure out where to go
* when to leave in order to make passes on time
* brief everyone on recent weather and local hazards along the route
* help off the dock
* 'shepherding' whilst transiting passes
* taking the lead into an unfamiliar harbour
* help back on the dock
* local knowledge and shore side fun at destinations
* someone to double check lines and anchors and generally be quizzed on seamanship
Whether it be calling the 'easter bunny' over the vhf, doing a giant 'conga line' of boats through fog or just hanging out for some great chatter while testing the capacity of some poor cabin or cockpit - flotillas are where it's at.
Check here for some FLOTILLA BASIC INGREDIENTS
Check here on the NEXT FLOTILLA IN BC WATERS
No comments.
You need to be logged in to post a comment.
To one sailor heavy weather sailing is anything over 15 knots while another might think the fun does not start until the winds exceed 25 knots.
The best strategy is to sail the boat to the comfort level of the crew - that is unless you like looking for new crew each time you go sailing.
One of the most important skills to be developed is the ability to interpret and apply what you hear on the vhf Wx channels. Does it matter what the wind speeds are at Ballenas if you do not know the location of Ballenas? Also remember to listen for any updates. This time of year, frontal systems can change speeds and something expected tomorrow could arrive today or vice versa.
If you are not sure of the weather or your ability, it is best to stay put even if it means arriving a day late. Some of the best days sailing are done from a seat in the pub.
No comments.
You need to be logged in to post a comment.
Docking in style depends heavily on setting up early for success. Not unlike a pilot landing a plane, if the things aren't lining up well early on, best to call a 'missed approach' and head around again. When teaching docking on a sailboat, we explain how to set up that good angle well in advance. Based on a phenomenon we refer to as 'slide', a technique develops called 'last movement towards the dock'.
In other words, because the boat when turned will continue to slide somewhat in the direction it was just traveling, best to use that to your advantage to move 'towards the dock' instead of 'away from the dock'. Using the simple examples here, you will see that in the 'WRONG WAY' example, the boat 'slides' towards the boat next to it and away from the dock. Not what the skipper necessarily wants!
In the 'RIGHT WAY' example, the skipper proceeds past the slip and then backs towards it. As the boat turns into the slip, the slide takes the boat towards the dock and away from the neighboring vessel. That's one ingredient for docking in style.
Like to learn more? Take our Cooper Boating Docking Clinic
No comments.
You need to be logged in to post a comment.
|
|
