If you are a beginner in sailing, you will soon discover the large variety of sailing gear that is out on the market. As great as it would be to own all of this gear, not all of it is required for sailing. However, in order to stay safe while sailing, there is certain gear that you will absolutely need on your boat.

Should an emergency occur, having first aid kits, life jackets, and additional safety equipment are essential to ensure the care of passengers on your boat. Radio and navigation should also be present especially when sailing in the open seas or on the coastline.

Finding Discount Gear

If you search in the right places, you can find discount sailing gear in a variety of places.

First, the sailing gear can be found at different swap meets or flea markets within a sailing community. Often, sailing clubs will hold a swap meet once or twice per year enabling people to find used gear for a fraction of the cost.

In addition to these sailing clubs, advertisements in newspapers and sailing magazines offer used gear for sale. These are great options since you can go and check the condition of the gear before buying it.

There are also some online auctions that sell used gear, but these are a little more difficult to use since the items cannot be thoroughly checked before purchasing them. However, many of these online sites have a guarantee or a checks and balances system in place so that people are protected from fraudulent sellers.

Where else can you find discount sailing gear?

For more information on sailing gear, equipment, boats, and more visit: http://sailingequipmentforsale.com

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People in most parts of the world wait for the summer season. They become happy about their summer vacations as summer is the season to enjoy the outdoor activities which is most of the time boating.

Most of the people have the desire to own a yacht and head to the beach for an adventure ride. If you are one among those then Catalina Yachts are among the top yachts in the world and are looked upon highly at any Yacht club. These boats are recognized by their deluxe interiors, which have enough room for an entire family, while still featuring extremely high operation. Basically, these boats have all of the features of a larger boat, except they are created in a much smaller package, making them easier to handle and store.

The cockpit is unique because it is spacious enough for multiple human beings to sleep, so it can be enjoyed by a complete family. The decks are also more spacious than most other yachts of these dimensions, so they are much safer to stroll around on. Catalina Yachts can be enjoyed in a variety of different circumstances at sea, which means that they are versatile enough to withstand anything that the ocean can throw your way.

When you are at the Yacht Club, you will see a variety of Catalina Yachts there because these are some of the best boats in the world. Patrons at the Yacht club realize this and will surely show you the reverence that you deserve when you are seen with one of these great boats. This industry is frequently changing and new things are becoming popular, but Catalina Yachts are one of the things that should remain well-liked for quite some time to come at Yacht Clubs all over the country.

Yachts have forever been products that are out of reach for the majority of the people in the nation because they are linked with upper class society. While it is true that most luxury boats are comparable in cost to a luxury car or a small house, they are actually not as unattainable as many people believe. The truth of the situation is that nearly anyone can afford a yacht if he or she truly wants to, as it is a matter of setting priorities. Those who truly believe that they would love to purchase a yacht should definitely look into Catalina Yachts because their smaller sizes make many of them much more reasonably priced to purchase for the common person.

WindPath Fractional Yachting Boat Cluboffers affordable solution to own a boat, sail or power. Go Sailing or Power boating today on new Back Cove or Catalina Yacht at http://WindPath.com.

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It’s always a wonderful occasion if you’re seeking sailboats for sale. You cannot predict what you’ll come across. Whether you want a Catalina, a Hunter, or a Bristol you will benefit from the hunt because looking at sailboats for sale reflects your most passionate pursuits.

You might just feel stymied by the whole job of looking for a boat. Mull over the many uses of a sailing vessel. Your entire circle of friends will join you in using it. Whether you want to go cruising, racing, or just sailing, you must have a boat. And where do you look for new or used sailboats for sale?

For many people, the cost sets limits. For others, price is no object. Probably your best resource is to get in touch with the convention hall of the metropolitan area closest to you and ask when a boat show is scheduled. You can visit the boat show to review all types of sailboats for sale and consider the features you want.

If you cannot carry the cost of the model you desire, just buy a vessel that will stay afloat and carries a sail!  Even if you’re not spending much of the green, it’s a good idea to have a professional look at it initially, but it doesn’t have to be the most expensive model available. Your primary purpose here is to acquire something that will provide you with the opportunity to learn so you can begin to practice your pastime. In two or three years, you can buy something more costly. And that’s when you will make the purchase that’s absolutely right for you.

Even if you have lots of cash to spend on this acquisition, you are better off seeking advice from experienced sailors rather than boat manufacturers. A vendor will try to put influence on you so that your purchase falls in line with what they have for sale. A sailor who is objective will help you in deciding why you have to have a given boat.

So think about your boat’s intended purpose. Will you go for day cruises?  Do you expect to set the boat in fresh water?  Decide how many passengers will usually travel with you. Evaluate your logistical considerations so that you work out how distant you will be from help. What types of repairs can you manage alone?

As you think about sailboats for sale, don’t forget how much storage space you will need. Do you want a single-hulled boat?  Lots of people prefer the more stable displacement hull over other types. Some people will want the option to sail an extra day if desired. You also must pay attention to your boat’s additional power options, including alternator output.

As you decide on sailboats for sale, chat with their owners about costs. How much is an Aramid mainsail?  What will you pay for tri-radial jibs?  Find out how much a towing apparatus, dock fees, and storage will set you back. Be aware of beforehand everything you will need to buy in order to be entirely outfitted. Only then can you feel confident and make the best choice.

WindPath Fractional Yachting Boat Cluboffers affordable solution to own a boat, sail or power. Go Sailing or Power boating today on new Back Cove or Catalina Yacht at http://WindPath.com.

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For sailors cruising along national and international coastlines, prepping one’s sailboat is essential for enjoying the perfect vacation. Although outfitting a sailboat with the proper sailboat parts is extremely important, it is also important to equip sailors with efficient navigation tools and safety gear.

Venturing out on the sea for an extended period of time offers both adventures and risks. However, with the proper equipment, some of these risks can be avoided. Specifically, charting a course for one’s journey may be difficult if the sailor is new to the region. With this said, modern navigation technology is becoming increasingly available for all sailors to utilize.

Aside from popular boat GPS units, improvements in navigation software for PCs have become another favorite in the latest navigation technology. Particularly, Maptech offers software such as the “Chart Navigator Pro” that promises to be easy to use and clear. Its special features include: new GPS planning and navigation software, best cartography, complete coverage on all U.S. coastal areas and major rivers, free chart updates and weather forecasts. Knowing the right course and direction for one’s sailboat is imperative in both safely steering the vessel and reaping all the fun benefits from the sailing vacation.

Although it may be frightening to even conjure up the idea of needing to abandon one’s sailboat, a sailor must be prepared for all emergency situations. For these situations, safety and survival gear such as lifejackets and buoys are required for all sailing vessels. Other sailboat safety gear include: first aid kits, fire extinguishers, safety harnesses, and Emergency Position Indicating Radiobeacon (EPIRB). For instance, ACR Electronics produces EPIRBs that are guaranteed to ensure your safety when overboard your sailboat. By transmitting a sailor’s GPS position and identifier to SARSAT satellites, this took works as an internal GPS receiver and immediately notifies search and rescue (SAR) forces. Special features include: FastACQTM GPS engine, 100 m GPS position accuracy, provides a GPS acquisition test, a full functional self test of internal circuitry, and battery voltage test, and automatically activates when out of bracket and in the water or can be manually activated. Both safety hardware for sailing (e.g. lifejackets) and technological devices facilitate in aiding a sailor’s survival.

It is very crucial for sailors and their families to be ready for their sailing excursion by not only practicing caution but also by possessing the appropriate sailing tools. A sailor and his or her family can fully enjoy long vacations out on the sea with the proper navigation equipment and safety gear.

http://www.completesailor.com/

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Effective and rapid knot tying as part of your sailboat voyage planning is a very important skill set to learn and to practice continually until it becomes automatic – which knot to select for any given task and then be able to tie it quickly. It is a fascinating subject and you will find that you will become obsessed with being able to tie all kinds of nautical knots easily and fast.

 

As suggested in a previous blog I recommend that you purchase a suitable length (say 1.5metres) of soft braided rope, 6 to 8mm. diameter and set it up on the back rail of a chair, towel rail or bed end so it is in position permanently. Every time you go past, grab the rope and tie a knot or two. This way, you will soon find you can tie several basic knots very quickly.

 

The other day I came across this informative little kit on knot tying. It consists of a manual and a dvd showing how to tie a wide range of knots. The clarity is excellent and the step by step process on the dvd makes it very simple to follow.

 

The 180 minute dvd takes it all to a higher level again with visual step by step demonstrations in slow motion, so you can easily follow and have time to make adjustments as you go. A simple click on your mouse stops the frame whilst you check you are tying correctly before proceeding to the next step.  The bowline, which is the knot you are just about most likely to use more than any other knot is shown very simply. This knot you need to practice from all angles as you need to be able to tie it quickly, sometimes in pressure situations, for example throwing a line around a pile or cleat on a wharf/jetty/marina berth as you are approaching, especially in a breeze or wind. Your window of opportunity in these situations may be only a few seconds, particularly if there is no one on the dock to help you. So you need to be able to throw the line around smartly and secure your vessel immediately.

 

Once your yacht is secure fore and aft, then you can go about confidently and comfortably adjusting all of your lines to make your boat snug and secure.

 

With practice, from this manual, you will be able to carry out this procedure in ten seconds flat or even less! don’t believe me? then set up your line on the back of a chair and practice till you can. You will find you can get to twenty seconds quite easily, then fifteen seconds. It will take a little longer to pare off that last five seconds to get down to ten, but with a little time and patience, you will.

 

 

The kit goes on showing you how to tie the Fisherman’s Bend, Clove Hitch, Rolling Hitch and Sheet Bend. Many other knots are included and then it moves onto lashings, whippings and splicing

 

Once you have caught the bug, you will want to go on and learn all of these knots. The author, Egmont Friedl has been tying knots since he was a lad and runs many seminars on this subject. You can visit him on his website http://www.emf-marine.de and learn much more on this fascinating and essential subject for cruising sailboat sailors.

 

When you have really caught the bug you can scout around for the all time doyen book of knot tying ‘Ashley’s Book of Knots’. This is a six hundred page volume first published way back in 1944. I have a wonderful mint 1957 edition at home which sits in pride of place amongst my sailing books. A search over time in Old and Antique bookstores should eventually unearth one.

 

You can read much more about tying up to strange jetties and poles whilst cruising in far away places in my ebook ‘Voyage of the Little Ship ‘Tere Moana’downloadable from my website http://www.sailboat2adventure.com

Vincent Bossley is a sailor and publisher living on the Northern Beaches of Sydney, Australia. He has his own www.sailboat2adventure.com website for cruising sailors, sailors planning their lifetime adventure, armchair sailors, virtual sailors and indeed anyone who has ever dreamt about sailing off into the oceans of this beautiful planet of ours. He offers an extremely useful package of ‘101 Dollar Saving Tips for Sailors’ gleaned from his experiences that could save the voyager many hundreds or maybe thousands of dollars during their voyage. Included is his 135 page download illustrated ebook ‘Voyage of the Little Ship ‘Tere Moana’ of his own four year sailing adventure to many of these tropical paradises. Also FREE is the ‘Ten Top Tips’ to look for when purchasing your dream sailboat by internationally renowned marine surveyor Mark Clarke. Vincent is passionate about getting budding sailors started on planning their own odyssey. You can visit him anytime on his www.sailboat2adventure.com website

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/water-sports-articles/learn-basic-sailing-knots-for-sailboat-voyage-planning-1517076.html

Unlike sailing classes, sailing instructions do not come from a qualified sailing instructor. On a cruise ship, it is the Captain’s orders received from the owner of the ship. In the case of yachting “sailing instructions” is the term used to define a set of rules governing the conditions for competition in a sailing competition or Regatta. It gives the crew of the yacht precise instructions of where and when to go somewhere, the insignias and flags that will be used, how to register for the competition, and even where and how to protest a ruling by the governing body.

Sailing instructions usually come in printed form so that the content cannot be edited without the knowledge of all the competitors. Once it is printed and distributed, it will take a committee meeting or competitors’ meeting to decide and announce any changes to be made. Even the process of changing or editing the contents of the sailing instructions have to be included in the sailing instructions itself. Everything that will affect the competition must be included in there from disposing of trash in the ocean to the use of radios and safety regulations and even how violators will be sanctioned.

A sailing instruction has to be precise in order for the race to be a success. Competitors are under strict instructions to follow these rules and there can only be one interpretation. If there are several ways to interpret a ruling on a sailing instruction chaos will follow and there will also be several winners following several disqualifications and different rulings.

Are you searching for the best step by step sailing instructions ? Visit http://sailingaweigh.com/ today for more information!

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Sailboats come in all different shapes and sizes to accommodate multiple functions and purposes – from racing to daysailing and cruising. Whether a sailor is seeking the thrill of an exciting regatta or looking for some recreational relaxation out on the water, a sailboat must be properly equipped for all sailing adventures.

Since the art of sailing requires the sailor to harness the wind to control the boat’s speed and direction, certain sailboat parts become critical. Specifically, the rig must be correctly outfitted and tuned, including sails, booms, lines and blocks, as well as standing and running rigging.

Sailing lines, including both rope and steel cable, are used on a sailboat and its sails for both stationary and movable purposes. Lines that serve the latter purpose are referred to as a sailboat’s running rigging, which controls the actions of the sails. These movable lines are mostly composed of halyards, downhauls (also called cunninghams), and sheets which raise the sails, strike the sails, and adjust the sails, respectively. With every adjustment of the sails, another important component of sail shape management is sailing blocks. Sailing blocks are pulleys that are used in conjunction with lines to direct the shape of the sails. A system of the appropriate blocks for individual sailing purposes is necessary for smooth sailing. Blocks also provide leverage for sailors to adjust sails against the great pressure the wind can place on sails, particularly during heavier winds. A reliable set of blocks are valuable for all sailing adventures.

Known for their sailboat hardware and accessories, Harken offers a comprehensive selection of all types of blocks including single, double, triple, cheek, and snatch blocks. Harken is known for producing stong, durable, compact, and low friction blocks. These blocks come complete with special features including sheave and sideplates UV-stabilized with carbon-black additive for maximum protection and free-rolling Delrin® ball bearings. Catering to numerous needs, Harken blocks are specialized to be used for cunninghams/outhauls, vangs, traveler controls, barberhaulers, flag halyards, leech cords, lead car return tackles, and more.

A sailor can smoothly set sail for a calm get-away or chase their competitors in an enthralling race with the appropriate sailboat parts.

http://www.completesailor.com/

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On a sailboat there are a few safety features that should definitely be installed. Undoubtedly there should be a fire alarm installed below deck on the sailboat. It is equally as important to test this boat fire alarm once a month to make sure it is working adequately and properly. Often, fire alarm batteries run out of juice and leave sailors unknowingly vulnerable. The fire alarm which is purchased and installed should definitely be loud in pitch when going off. This will ensure that it will be loud enough to hear all around the boat.

To supplement the fire alarm, there should be a carbon monoxide detector installed as well. Carbon monoxide poisoning claims many victims each year. The most deadly aspect of carbon monoxide is that it is odorless, and even those with a keen nose will miss its presence. There should be one installed in every sleeping area, galley, and confined space to maximize coverage and protection for the crew. Installing a carbon monoxide detector will provide early detection of the situation and prevent needless health injuries.

The interior of the boat should be well lit. Utilize boat interior lighting which is cost beneficial. There are many types to chose from, including attachable LED lights which can be mounted on the wall or ceiling. Use a small halogen type lamp in order to control the direction of where the light is cast. This latter type would be ideal for reading. It is also important of course to get a waterproof design. For smaller spaces and other situations, keep a powerful flashlight aboard. Some flashlights even come with built in FM radio.

Beyond safety within the sailboat, the exterior of the boat should also be well lit with boat exterior lighting. These lights are used also for navigational purposes. The best type will be the LED type, since they use half the energy and have a long life. The length of the boat will be a factor when selecting a model and type of external light. At least two miles should be the visibility of the exterior lights chosen. On the sailboat, there should be a floodlight for specific circumstances.

If it is possible, having a generator would also be a good idea. Select a generator that is efficient and worthwhile. The long term benefits will make themselves known, even if this will cost a bit more. There needs to be specific features installed on a boat for safety purposes. To those who sail actively, it becomes known that just as important as maintaining the sailboat is maintaining safety on a sailboat.

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All sailors know that it is absolutely essential to be prepared for all situations, and most importantly the apparel sailors wear are going to depend on the weather. It is crucial when sailing to pay heed to the weather as it will dictate every day apparel decisions. It might be sunny and warm on shore, but once out on the waters sailing, it could be breezy and chilly. Being equipped with many layers and especially the correct layers could also save a life if a sailor happens to go overboard and drift in frigid waters. 

Even if it looks sunny out on the shore, the weather can change in an instant. Also the weather out on the water might be drastically different thus take a sailing jacket to protect from cool wind or even rain. Harken jackets in particular are a sailor’s jacket of choice. This is due to its light weight which increases mobility, premiere quality, and breathable fabric. A jacket or vest by Gill is a good alternative. Any sailing jacket which is purchased should have a neoprene waistband and sleeve so that the wearer remains dry and can still breathe. 

Compliment the sailing jacket with sailing shorts and sailing rashguards. Columbia Sportswear and Gill are brand options for boat shorts. Padded shorts will lessen the effect of the sailboat’s hard decks. Usually a built in SPF protection of 35+ is done in sailing shorts. Sailing rashguards will protect against chafing as a result of wearing personal flotation devices, or harnesses. The sailing rashguards are made of spandex and usually also have built in UV protection ranging up to 50+ UVP. Excellent choices for sailing rashguards are Ronstan and Harken. Sailors can choose between a short sleeve and long sleeve sailing rashguards. Long sleeve rashguards are designed with a thumb hole to keep it in place while sailors are moving. 

The whole body will be protected and insulated with a wetsuit designed for sailing. Made from the latest in neoprene technology available today, Ronstan offers a great selection of sailing wetsuits. Neoprene allows the body to breathe, while providing thermal insulation and even buoyancy. The wetsuit will stretch and contour to each sailor’s body. The knees of the wetsuits are reinforced for durability and protection. There is no decrease in mobility with these wetsuits as they are designed for sailors specifically. There is a choice between a full body sailing wetsuit or half-body sailing wetsuit depending on the situation and need.

A sailor will need the correct sailing apparel to protect the body when sailing on the water. Being prepared for the change of weather in an instant is usually half the battle. Be ready to adapt to any variations encountered, and help make it easier to sail by wearing the right sailing apparel for all weather conditions. As much as the spray will allow while sailing, sailors can stay as dry as possible with the best foul weather gear and sailing apparel.

    www.completesailor.com

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Out in the distance, there are no clouds as day fades to night. 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. Over the course of time, if there is a current, the crewmember will move.

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.

One clear advantage of the Quick Stop Method is that when it is preformed correctly it is very fast to do. The boat can remain close to the overboard crewmember in this method and thus allow a greater ease in spotting the crewmember. However this method is disadvantageous since a gybe maneuver must be performed which can be difficult in high winds or especially when the crew is minimal. The Quick Stop Method also cannot be performed if on a run.

The Figure 8 (Quick Turn) Method is advantageous as it can be preformed from any point of sail, and because a gybe is not required. 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.

Rescuing the crewmember is dependent on other aspects as well, such as using 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. It is significantly harder to blow the whistles that have the small balls in them, especially when filled with water. 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.

It is essential to have a liferaft in the occurence of a serious problem with the boat. The liferaft should be stowed in a location that allows its retrieval in 15 seconds or less. The liferaft should not be stowed below deck if it is greater than 90 pounds in weight. 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. There should be meal rations and water in an emergency ditch bag in an easily reachable location in the event of its need.

Only if proper safety rules are not followed can sailing be dangerous. There should be no forseeable reason that the crew cannot have a good day out, because the crew will know to be mindful and calm.

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