boating, sailing, yachting, sailing

Summer is underway and the perfect vacation is not unobtainable. With the rich culture of Europe, sailing on the coastlines of the Mediterranean Sea offers a truly unparalleled experience. The coastlines and ports have exquisite art, breathtaking architecture, and fine cuisine. See Europe like no other will by sailing in lovely blue waters.

The first stop is the ancient secrets of the Greek Islands. Greece is home to four seas and over a thousand different islands. A multitude of hidden coves are ideal for unearthing the quintessence of the Mediterranean. The white villages litter the mountainous coastline providing an unforgettable landscape. The islands are closely grouped and therefore a different coastline to cruise is not far away. Drop the boat anchor in Athens and enjoy an authentic Greek salad while enjoying a steady breeze on the sailboat.

The hidden gem of Europe is the coastlines of Croatia. Adriatic coastlines, which stretch for over 3107 miles, have curious villages, historical towns, and a nice mild summer climate. There are thousands of islands, and many harbors to dock at. The landscape offers lofty mountains and magnificent waterfalls. The southern region of Dalmatia is rich with history. The best time to visit these coastlines is now, just as the high season kicks off in July and August.

One of the biggest tourist capitals of the world is with out a doubt, Italy. The coastline stretches for over 5000 miles. While summer can be extremely busy on the west coast in the Ligurian and Tyrrhenian Sea, there should not be any foreseeable problems if advance bookings are made for a berth there. There better be a fishing pole and bait in the stock of boat supplies aboard because in Sicily there are ample waters for fishing. The islands offer excellent hiking opportunities and breathtaking volcanoes in the scenery. It would not be enough time on the Italian coast to only spend two weeks when there is much to see and discover.

France arguably offers the finest cuisine in Europe. The chic culture of the Cote d’Azur region offers a chance to sit champagne and reflect while docked at a harbor in Nice. Drawing a big crowd each year, the Cannes Film Festival attracts a lot of Hollywood’s biggest celebrities. Since most of it is untouched by tourists, the secluded island of Corscia in the West Mediterranean has a timeless quality to it.

With dozens of countries to visit, there is scarcely enough time to see all that this region of the world has. There are hot dry summers and cool wet winters for the residents of the Mediterranean climate. Being on a sailboat in the Mediterranean Sea is unequivocally a once in a lifetime journey. The real summer is just about to begin, and the waters of the Mediterranean beckon sailors

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As afternoon fades into evening, scarce clouds hover on the horizon. For a sailor in his Wayfarer, an ominous feeling cannot be shaken. A voice breaks the persistent silence between the rushing of water against the sailboat, “Crew Overboard!” It is not something anyone wants to hear while sailing, but these few simple tips about rescuing crew members is invaluable:

1)First it is important to note the position of the overboard crewmember and mark the time. The crewmember will move over time if the water happens to have a current.

2)Throw as many flotation devices to the overboard crewmember as possible, as it will help the person overboard, and also create a localized area enclosing the person.

3)Have at least one person on the crew spot the overboard crewmember while rescue is underway so that he or she is always being monitored.

4)If the size of the crew is minimal, one of the crew may have to let go of the jib and maneuver with the main sail alone.

5)Use either the Quick Stop Method or Figure 8 (Quick Turn) Method to bring the crewmember back on board the sailboat.

When performed correctly, the Quick Stop Methid is a fast technique. This method also allows for the boat to stay close to the overboard crewmember, therefore making it easier to spot him or her. When the crew is minimal, it is difficult to perform the gybe manuever, therefore making this method disadvangateous compared to others in certain circumstances. If the boat is on a run, the quick stop method cannot be preformed.

A gybe is not required in the Figure 8 (Quick Turn) Method, making it advantageous as well as it can be performed from any point of sail. However trading in for these advantages leaves the consequence of being farther away from the overboard crewmember and possibly lose sight of him or her.

Successfully rescuing the crewmember is also dependent on safety equipment, or flotation devices. It will also help if the crewmember is wearing a boat life jacket. While most regulations require life jackets, ideally the life jacket should have the boat’s name, and be fitted with reflective material and a whistle. Try not to get the whistles with small balls in them, as when they are filled with water they are very hard to blow. The life jacket should also contain a flare so that in the event of poor visibility, the overboard crewmember could light it to signal his or her location in the water.

In the instance there is a problem with the boat, it would be prudent to have a liferaft. The liferaft should be stowed in a location that allows its retrieval in 15 seconds or less. If it is greater than 90 pounds, the liferaft should not be stowed below deck. Make sure to verify that the boat liferaft is kept up to date and inflated every so often so that in a critical moment, it operates as expected. In an easily accessible location, there should be a ditch bag with emergency meal rations and water.

Sailing cannot be dangerous if proper safety rules are followed. There is no foreseeable reason that the crew cannot have a great day on the water, as long as the crew remains vigilant and calm.

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The wind and water are moving in the same direction on a calm and clear day. Movement is difficult in this situation as there is not a godo amount of energy to be extraced. The wind and water together create a difference in motion, which is then captured by the boat in energy. The sailboat captures this energy by utilizing the sail(s) and the hull(s).

The apparent or relative wind is a direct result of the difference in motion between the sailboat direction and the wind direction. A sail uses this apparent wind and generates lift. This is an example of an airfoil, and using Bernoulli’s Principle the airfoil creates lift much like an airplane does. In fact, depending on the orientation of the sailboat, its point of sail, and its design it could conceivably obtain a speed faster than the true windspeed.

The boat will be able to move about in the water by utilizing the sail. A boat in the water must not only be able to move, but be able to change directions. To help direct the boat an underwater component is required, such as a centerboard, underwater foil, keel, or even the hull itself can be employed. The boat can move in any direction, except into the wind, with the underwater component and sail.

The tacking angle, the angle of the boat’s movement relative to the true wind, usually ranges between 35 and 80 degrees. Using a 35 degree tacking angle, on either side of the wind, a sailboat could cover over 290 degrees of the boat compass. Sailing into the wind can be accomplished indirectly by sailing close-hauled, about 45 degrees, and then tacking and sailing in a zigzag fashion. The sail and underwater component of the boat work together in a prime example to move in a specific direction.

Understanding the dynamics between capturing and using the energy from the motions of wind and water can help answer the following questions:

1)How do sailboats move?

2)How can a sailboat sail upwind?

3) How will a boat sail faster than the wind?

Most sailors are not physicists but they are undoubtedly cognizant of the physical principles that govern basic movements in the water when sailing. A boat and its crew would be dead in the water if it wasn't for these principles.

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There is nothing quite as disappointing as finding rust eating a sailboat up, or grime stuck to the decks and hull. Maintaining a sailboat assures that every time it is taken out, it will perform to the best of its ability and effectively. Keeping a sailboat in good condition is not difficult at all. There are some key tools and methods involved in maintenance.

Primarily it is important to protect the sailboat from the elements. Unless required, avoid using bleach products, and instead clean the sailboat with soap. From time to time, the hull of a boat needs to be adequately recoated. As well as protecting the hull from rust, it will create a soother surface against the water. A fresh coat of varnish will serve a deck well from time to time. Boat paint and varnish can serve a sailor very well with general upkeep of a sailboat.

It is wise to inspect a sailboat routinely from bow to stern. Small imperfections and cracks can be revealed by carefully glancing along the sailboat and which could grow to be a bigger problem if not addressed early. Assessing and acting on these cracks can help a sailor save time and money on more costly repairs down the line. For small cracks, a liquid sealant which does not shrink when cured is best. Such boat calking and adhesives are durable and cost efficient to use.

Every so often, clean the sailboat, and avoid long term problems from building up and compiling. Protect the sailboat now and often, and then cleaning will not be as difficult as if the sailboat was only cleaned once in awhile. Creating an effective schedule for routine boat maintenance comes from dedicating time to each aspect to address. Be sure to be stocked up boat cleaning supplies and get down to business.

Many sailors fall victim to costly repairs and maintenance because they did not establish a cleaning schedule for cost effective maintenance themselves and stick to it. An arm and a leg does not have to be paid to take care of a sailboat. Time management and a cleaning schedule can help assure that a sailboat will see many more sunsets without breaking the bank.

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The digital age opens up so many options and resources for sailors. First and foremost every sailor should have a boat Global Positioning System unit, GPS. A GPS unit works by receiving signals from GPS satellites in orbit around the earth, and at any given point, there are at least four satellites in the visible sky. The unit takes signals from three satellites and triangulates position. Today most GPS units are accurate to within 10-20 meters. A boat GPS unit is essential and best of all it is easy to use and straightforward.

Today, sailors also have a wide variety of boat stereos and boat TVs to choose from. Getting a weatherproof TV would be most prudent. There are extensive wall mounts available so clutter can be kept to a minimum. With the advent of flat screen TVs, having a TV aboard has never been so easy and efficient. There is nothing quite relaxing as sailing while listening to some good tunes. Boat stereos have advanced significantly in the past 10 years. With better and smaller waterproof designs, upgrading to today’s stereos is definitely a good long term investment.

All advancements made in technology today serve as benefits to devices like VHF radios. Receving and transmitting are only two basic things that today’s VHF radios can do. A few in fact have a level of DSC calling capability. When connected to a hailer horn, the more expensive models can act as a hailer. Bluetooth compatible boat VHF radios are also available. A digital distress signal can also transmit the boat’s location, thus combining the powers of VHF Radios and GPS.

Sailors should have depth and speed instruments aboard. There is a greater latitude from wireless capabilites which benefit instruments used for depth and speed. Human error is removed by having an easy view digital display. Additionally many sailors chose to purchase wind instruments as well. Today there are advancements making boat instruments easier to use, safer, and intuitive.

A safer journey can be had if one has the best sailing technology and instruments. Where would a sailor be without the GPS unit to direct him or her? When purchasing electronics for a boat, the first purchase should be a GPS unit. Some sailors are reluctant to rely so readily on electronics, preferring to sail with old fashioned instruments and methods. Regardless of preference to old ways or new, the benefits of modern electronics speak for themselves again and again.

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