ICYRA Sailing and Yachts

Archive for the ‘Sailing Safety’ Category

A boater in a navigation aisle is like a kid in the candy store. Navigation tools have come a long way from the early days of the compass, and the range of capabilities can be tempting. But there is such a thing as going overboard when it comes to equipping your boat. All those extras can end up sacrificing the usefulness and efficiency of your navigation tools—and you want them to work reliably when you need them to. Most experts agree that you only need three navigation tools to get by: a good compass, a depth finder, and a VHF radio.

They say if you buy only one thing for your boat, it should be a compass—when all else fails, you want to at least find your way to land. You’re probably familiar with two types, magnetic and electronic. Many boaters are skeptical of the latter and swear by magnetic pointing, a technology that’s worked for decades. But electronic compasses have improved considerably since their early days, and if you buy from an established manufacturer, there’s really not much of a difference. What you should look for is size and readability: you want something that you can read in any condition. As long as it can be mounted, bigger is usually better when it comes to compasses.

Next, you’ll want a depth finder to help you scope out shallow spots. This will help you avoid getting stuck and damaging your boat, especially in areas where shallow waters can be deceiving. More importantly, it’ll keep you from hitting the seabed and damaging the structures, something that many governments are strict about. Choose one with a wide field of view or at least two field of view settings. Many GPS units have depth finders built in, so this can be a good investment if you’re often sailing in unfamiliar waters—just make sure no efficiency is sacrificed for the convenience.

You’ll also need a good, clear VHF radio for communicating with other boats and calling for help when you need it. Today’s cell phones can do the job just fine, but a radio is your backup for when there are no cell towers in range. VHF signals are monitored by the Coast Guard, unlike cell phone signals, so it’s a great security tool. You can increase your signal by installing an antenna on-board. You can choose between a mounted or a hand-held unit—the latter is often seen in older models, but they will work just fine for most situations.

One of the first things you’ll need in competitive sailing is a trapeze harness, a piece of clothing that keeps you anchored to the trapeze and helps you stay in an optimal position. In a race, its main purpose is allowing you to keep the boat flat, so you can make the most of the wind and maintain a good speed. The physics is simple: the more weight you can transfer to the side, the more your boat can follow the wind and sail smoothly through the water.

There are different trapeze harness types to choose from, with a model for just about any price range. The simplest kind is the half harness, which is meant to be worn on the hips and thighs. A heavy hook latches onto a trapeze wire linked to the mast, keeping you in place. The advantage of a half trapeze harness is that it’s easy to put on and take off, and will give you pretty good control if you’re occasionally out on the wire and leaning outwards.

If you expect to do that more often, however, you may want a full harness, which includes thick shoulder straps and more coverage over the thighs. The straps offer added back support and make it easier to lean over the boat, allowing you to keep your balance. These are great for really fast speeds, but they’re also a lot more comfortable if you plan on long hours of sailing. The catch is that it’s heavier, takes longer to put on, and obviously more expensive—but well worth all that if you’re a serious boater.

Safety should be on top of your list when you’re looking for a trapeze harness. The hook is an important factor; you want to be able to snap it off easily in case your boat capsizes and you need to get out fast. A good harness will have a safety release that unhooks in a second but won’t get undone by accident. Make sure to test the hook at the shop and see that it’s reasonably accessible—you don’t want to be fumbling around when every second matters!

Finally, you’ll want to find something that’s comfortable. It’s a given that some comfort will be sacrificed for safety and efficiency, but today’s manufacturers have found ways to minimize that. Older harnesses tend to have little padding and will dig into your hips. Look for a newer model with ample padding and thick straps, so you can comfortably hang off the boat and step into the water when needed. A good harness won’t be cheap, but when you’ve invested in a good boat and other gear, it makes sense to pay a little bit more for comfort and safety.

To an avid sailor, the things that make sailing what it is—controlling speeds, reading the water, following the wind—has little to do with the temperature. That’s why the most enthusiastic of us will take to the waters even in the winter, when other sailors are waiting it out in front of a fire. Some would say that other than having to dress warmly, winter sailing is no different from sailing any other season. But there are definitely some differences, and if you’re planning on winter sailing for the first time, it may help to be prepared.

First, you need to know your limits. Even the best sailors won’t go out when it’s too cold or too windy. The general rule is that you don’t go out when it’s less than -10 degrees Celsius (15 degrees Fahrenheit) and the wind is faster than 15 knots. Any colder and windier and the spray will be too strong and cold to put up with. Of course, it also depends on your tolerance; if you and your crew are used to colder weather, you can adjust your rule accordingly. And in all cases, you don’t want to go too far from the shore in case things go bad and you find yourself in a lifeboat.

Next, there’s your winter gear. In most cases you can wear whatever you would for a long walk around the neighborhood, with maybe an added windproof layer if the wind is strong. The problem with this is that winter clothing tends to limit movement, and with the addition of a life jacket, you won’t be making those lightning-fast maneuvers. You’ll also want to avoid any outerwear with pieces that can come off and get caught; if possible, trade your wool hats and gloves for neoprene or leather. Gloves are especially tricky because you always trade dexterity for warmth; your best bet is to take the gloves off and tie all your knots fast.

All this points to one fact: winter sailing is always slower and gentler than it is in the summer. You won’t be cruising at championship speeds and there won’t be the thrill of seeing and interacting with other boats (chances are you’ll be the only sail in the water on a given day). But for all its other perks, winter sailing is worth the challenge: you get a rare and often scenic view of the water and surrounding land, and the empty harbor makes it one of the most peaceful times to go out for a spin.

Safety should always be a top concern for sailing enthusiasts. Experts never fail to stress the importance of keeping your boat in shape and checking for problems before taking to the errors. But sometimes even the calmest of days can turn into a disaster—and that’s where your next layer of security comes in. The most important safety gear to have on board is a sailing life jacket—you want to wear one and have at least a couple more in your compartment, even if never go too far.

The typical life jackets you find on the beach may do the job, but if you want to be extra sure, you may want to consider specialized jackets. These jackets have more features, which can make your choice a little more complicated. That’s why it’s important to take your time when choosing a sailing life jacket. There are three common types: near-shore, flotation aids, and personal flotation devices (PFDs).

Near-shore life jackets, as the name suggests, are designed to be used close to the shore where there’s a good chance of a quick rescue. When the wearer is unconscious, the jacket turns them face-up to keep their faces dry, and also to help rescuers find and identify them. Some companies refer to them as Type II life jackets or buoyancy aids.

Flotation aids, also known as Type III life jackets, are probably the most common among recreational boaters. Its specific purposes aren’t clearly outlined, but it shares many of the same features as near-shore life jackets. The biggest difference is that it doesn’t offer face protection, which may make it unsuitable for offshore use.

There are also inflatable life vests or PFDs. Although generally considered an alternative to conventional life jackets, they are favoured by many sailors as they are easy to wear and allow for easy movement. They are also more breathable than other life jackets, making them ideal for sailing in hot weather. They can inflate manually or automatically, and may be worn on a belt pack to save time when needed.

Boaters often say that a good life jacket is one that you actually wear. It’s not enough to keep one on board and scramble to put it on in an emergency—for one thing, on a really bad day one could fall unconscious before they can take any steps. It may limit your movement a little, but it’s a small price to pay for peace of mind.