Detailed weather data for Wind & Swell, Tides and more

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New Post has been published on https://marineforecaster.com/did-you-know-that-santa-claus-was-also-known-as-st-nicholas/

Did you Know That Santa Claus was also Known as St Nicholas?

Santa Claus is the guy who travels the globe at warp speed on Christmas Eve delivering gifts to all children who have been good throughout the year. He has been known to deliver sail boats to grown ups too, not bad for a guy on a sled pulled by reindeers !

Santa Claus, the name, has evolved over many years with Claus being a derivative of Nicholas, and Santa being Saint, names across Europe vary in spelling and local pronunciation.

Saint Nicholas is thought to have been born in the 3rd century and is famous for giving. During his life as monk he gave to the poor and was especially kind to children and the down trodden and sick.

St Nicholas is said to have saved three poor sisters from being sold into slavery or prostitution by their father by providing them with a dowry so that they could be married – without a dowry there was no prospect of them marrying and he would not be able or willing to support them indefinitely.

Over the course of many years, St Nicholas’s became known as the protector of children and of sailors. Sailing and Boats have a long history that includes Saints who have become revered by those who go to sea. St Elmo, or Erasmus of Formia, martyred in the 4th century is the Patron Saint of Sailors.

Saint Elmo’s fire firstly is not fire but is something that has appeared on ships during thunder storms, scary stuff, and was held by sea going folks as a religious manifestation bearing good fortune – being the presence of St Elmo amongst them.St Brendan, however, is the Patron Saint of Boats, travelers and older adventurers. The fifth century monk was known as the Navigator, the Voyager, and the Bold. It is believed that St Brendan may have discovered North America before the Vikings.

Modern day adventurer Tim Severin crossed the North Atlantic in boat believed to be identical to the ones used in St Brendan’s time – c 6th Century – proving that St Brendan could have made the same journey a thousand years before Columbus. 

Bearing in mind the distance and the type of craft used this was an enormous leap of faith as St Brendan could have had no idea what lay ahead. Every one of us who sets sail does so in the footsteps of visionary people who showed us the way whilst seeking food or somewhere to plant their seeds, or simply because they had salt water in their veins and a desire to see what lay beyond the horizon – something that we can all comprehend.

Modern day sailors have the advantage of empirical knowledge and the power of the technical advances that have revolutionized the business of going to sea in boats, and ships.

Where ever you sail and whatever your purpose, sail safe and take good care.

Happy Christmas to all, we hope Santa Claus can get a sail boat down your chimney in one piece, and we hope and pray for a Peaceful 2019.

Happy New Year.

Greetings and good wishes to all of our friend of different beliefs, we send a message of Peace and Friendship to all.

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New Post has been published on https://marineforecaster.com/man-overboard/

Man Overboard!

Going Overboard Is Our Worst Nightmare

It happens, crew members do fall overboard, on a crewed boat there are others who can turn back and rescue them, on a single-handed sailboat it could be disastrous. So how can boating folks reduce the risk without lessening the fun? Be prepared, is a great motto and I borrow it for the purpose of making the point–apologies to the Scouting movement. Planning, preparation and practice are key here, plan for the worst but hope for the best.

All boaters but especially newcomers to boating should make it a priority to undertake a course of professional instruction run by a dedicated sail training organisation of which there are many in all parts of the boating world. Inexperienced boaters must learn the basics, including safety precautions before they get into a boat. Safety equipment including recommended clothing and life preservers are a must.

Do wear the life preserver vest, it will do you no good if it is stowed away when you need it!

Most boats have buoyancy aids built in, check they are in place and in good order. They may be hidden away in a water tight compartment or may be airbags under the deck or seats. Buoyancy aids will keep your boat afloat when capsized, use them to your advantage. Sail with other boats in sight, or in company, so that if you get into trouble help is at hand. Inexperienced sailors should not go sailing over the horizon on their lonesome, if you can’t be seen no-one can raise the alarm.

These recommendations apply to all waters inland and the open sea.

Capsizing is part of the sail training curriculum, so long as you know what you are doing and are wearing appropriate clothing it is part of the fun. Well supervised training courses will insist that you have the correct kit and that you know how to perform capsize drill, if you need confirmation watch the capsize drills on YouTube for graphic examples of what to do, then under the supervision of an expert practice them yourself.

Stay with the boat, because of the buoyancy aids most boats will ride high in the water (making them easy to see) and the boat will help you stay afloat – important if you are getting tired.  Having the correct clothing will reduce the risk of suffering from hypothermia-wind chill and cold-water shock can kill.

If you can, catch hold of a loose line with which to keep contact with the overturned boat if there is a risk it could drift away from you. You should be able to climb the capsized boat using the dagger board – center board or stabilizing fin. Standing on the dagger board use your body weight, while holding the dinghy side, thrust downwards to right the boat, as the boat settles upright climb on board and resume sailing.

Should the overturned boats sail cover you try not to panic, take a deep breath and swim following the boats contours until you reach the dagger board which will be easier to get hold of.

If you cannot right the boat stay with it until help arrives. Righting a capsized boat is hard work, and if it happens often you could start to become exhausted and progressively less able to cope. Learning the drill and using it as part of the fun is fine, but be aware of your own body, if it is telling you enough is enough head for home.

Always follow the safety rules and learn from the experts – they have seen and done it all before. Stay safe.

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New Post has been published on https://marineforecaster.com/security-is-a-state-of-mind/

Security is a State of Mind

Maintaining the security of your possessions, is essential isn’t it? So why do so many people leave the keys to their cars in places where they can be stolen? Very many cars are stolen every year because the keys were left in the ignition, on the hall-stand just inside the house door, on the kitchen window sill in plain sight. And, it isn’t it odd how many people have security systems to protect their homes (and businesses) but don’t turn them on, or worse the alarm is broken and left unrepaired. It is no surprise then that much-loved boats and their electronic equipment and expensive fittings are stolen all too frequently.

Maintaining the security of your possessions, is essential isn’t it?

For many Northern Hemisphere sailors the season is yet to come – 2019 is only 4 weeks away! Those of you South of the Equator, your off-season will come soon enough, and the security problem is universal.  Many folks have hauled their boats out of the water to ready them for next year, some folks are buying at the various boat shows and local dealerships or buying pre-owned boats more locally.

New boats, depending on the price-tag will come with state of the art security kit built in, all one has to do is make sure that you turn the Security systems on, keep them maintained and when your cell/mobile phone app tells you someone is breaking into the boat you have a way of summoning help – bearing in mind you could be a long distance away at the time. Security Company’s usually have Key Holder and Alarm Watch cover for homes and businesses, why not check them out and ask if they do boat cover? Top quality Marinas and boat yards will have in-house security to keep an eye on them but be aware boats do go missing. The more handsome the boat the more attractive it will appear to the thieves.

Older boats may not carry advanced security systems. If it is possible remove the electronics and attractive equipment and store it in a safe lock-up, out of sight is out of mind. Mark any kit and fittings with unique marker pens, etching with a diamond tool, there are many systems intended to reduce the likelihood of boats and contents being stolen, but these are mostly reactive, and we suggest that people need to be far more proactive in keeping their valuable property safe. By all means system-up your boat, car, house etc, up but switch on your security mind set too.

Is your boat on a trailer somewhere? Even if it is in your yard or driveway take the wheels off the trailer (mount it on blocks and remove the towing arm/bracket). Remove outboard motors, radio kit, electronics, even sails and any other equipment stowed ready for the new season. Photograph your boat using a digital camera and especially any tech information plates and identifying features that are unique to your boat, insurance companies will want a picture and the police stand a greater chance of finding your boat with photographic evidence. Install motion sensors, not much use in an anchorage, but for a boat on a trailer they are very useful.

Don’t assume, it makes an ass out of u & me!

Most thieves are opportunistic, if they have opportunity, they will steal anything not fastened down and sell it for the price of a ‘fix’.

However, organised thieves are ‘professional’, and they know what they want and will go to great lengths to get it, but even they can be deterred, so the more pro active you are, the more professional you are, and the more aware you are the safer your possessions will be. Even if you can’t stop the thieves you can make it easier on the police, and if all else fails you can demonstrate due diligence to an insurer in gaining restitution.

Hope for the best but plan for the worst.

Think smart. Think security.

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New Post has been published on http://bit.ly/2KtoKxo

My Boat Has Been Damaged, How Do I Get It Fixed?

A lot depends on the extent of the damage of course, the off season is the ideal time to make repairs to your boat, as many of us in the Northern Hemisphere will be doing over the next few months, if you need something done properly advice is at hand.

Are you able to perform professional quality repairs yourself, or do you need to look for a repair yard that can do it for you?

Is your vessel a sail boat or a power boat or cruiser? Engine repairs are often beyond the ken of amateurs meaning that calling in the experts is necessary which may be expensive but safer, safety especially at sea – inland or otherwise – is vital.

Yacht and Boat Chandlers carry vast stock of essential items for yacht and boat repairs plus just about anything else that one could need from decking sealants varnish and stain, to provisions for those stocking the galley prior to a cruise. Plus, many fittings, loos, galley equipment etc are available for sale. The owner/operators will usually know who does what in their location so asking for information whilst doing a bit of shopping is wise.

Marinas will also know the best local repairers and may have dry slips to enable boaters to haul a boat out of the water for maintenance and repairs. It is worth checking Marinas out in your location, the best ones may have everything that you need for repairs and of course a berth from which to sail, maybe a Chandlers on site and repair shops too. Not forgetting great food and drink.

Many boats have fibre glass hulls in which case knowing how to conduct repairs to the skin is important, fibre glass patching is a skilful business and many folks do their own, your Chandlers will usually carry patching kits, however, if the damage is on a large scale then a commercial boat repair yard may be the answer. Broken parts, winches, sail repair kits, replacement shackles and ropes, rigging, cleats, even outboard motors can be sourced easily at the best Chandlers. The benefit of buying from a recognised Chandler is convenience and confidence, they only sell the best kit available and will guide inexperienced people in making the best purchases for each specific need.

It is important to make sure that repairs are carried out correctly, the forces and stresses placed on the components and the fabric of a boat are immense, botched repairs can be catastrophic or at the least seriously non-cost effective – why spoil the boat for a hap’eth o tar? The same is true of outboard motors and propeller driven boats, do it right and stay safe!

Happy sailing, folks, stay safe and enjoy!

Marineforecaster

Author: R. Langley

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New Post has been published on https://marineforecaster.com/why-is-sea-state-so-important/

Why is Sea State So Important?

Experienced boating people know how to read the sea state at a glance, in doing so they know to recognize changes as they occur. Just as the wind on your face can tell you if the wind has veered, sea state can tell you what is happening on the surface of the water i.e. flat calm becomes choppy, knowing there is a change occurring will tell skippers what they need to do, if anything. Clearly, the onset of heavy weather may mean a change of course or a return to the Marina.

Marineforecaster’s Weather Forecast

Sea state is the general condition of the expanse of water that you are on, ocean sailing, coastal boating, inland sea and lake sailing and so on. Sea state analysis means considering the overall condition of the surface such as waves height changes, swell and usually ties in with wind patterns. However, it is possible to have a very large sea with light winds.

The dangers are obvious of being out in a sea too large for your boat and your level of ability. The state of the sea can also have a dramatic effect on the consumption of fuel putting power boats and cruisers at potential risk of running out of fuel, if a motor is having to work harder it will burn more fuel.

The state of the sea is described using the Douglas scale, like the Beaufort scale for wind strength.

There are actually two scales, both ranging from 0 to 9; one to measure swell  (longerflatter waves that travel over oceans) and one to measure the wind sea (wavescaused by the wind in the local area). The wind sea is the scale more commonlyused in coastal areas.

Wind Sea Scale

Degree Height (m) Height (ft) Description 0 no wave Calm (Glassy) 1 0–0.10 0.00–0.33 Calm (rippled) 2 0.10–0.50 0.33–1.64 Smooth 3 0.50–1.25 1.6–4.1 Slight 4 1.25–2.50 4.1–8.2 Moderate 5 2.50–4.00 8.2–13.1 Rough 6 4.00–6.00 13.1–19.7 Very rough 7 6.00–9.00 19.7–29.5 High 8 9.00–14.00 29.5–45.9 Very high 9 14.00+ 45.9+ Phenomenal

Swell

Degrees Description 0 No swell 1 Very Low (short or average and low wave) 2 Low (long and low wave) 3 Light (short and moderate wave) 4 Moderate (average and moderate wave) 5 Moderate rough (long and moderate wave) 6 Rough (short and high wave) 7 High (average and high wave) 8 Very high (long and high wave) 9 Confused (wavelength and height indefinable)

Keeping an eye on sea state, wind state and general weather conditions are essential skills for skippers for whom sailing should be fun and exciting – for the right reasons. Experienced skippers and crews will challenge themselves against the elements, but they will also know at what stage they are taking undue risks.

All would-be boating people are strongly advised to undertake professionally recognised sail training before heading out of the Marina, harbour or cove. Taking ill-advised risks is to put your own life at risk and your crew, and the people who will put themselves in harms way to save your neck.

Enjoy sailing, sail safe.

Marineforecaster

Author: R. langley

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New Post has been published on https://marineforecaster.com/devices-only-work-if-you-let-them/

Devices Only Work if You Let Them!

All too often people take risks with their lives and with their most prized possessions by ignoring or tampering with safety devices.Hopefully one would not tamper with a life jacket because it was bulky, the wrong colour et al?

So, why would one replace electrical fuses with nails or screws?

Q. What is an electrical fuse for?

A. To protect the equipment down line of it. When a fuse blows it will open the entire circuit and stop current passing through the component/s. Thereby protecting the systems on board from being damaged. Sensitive equipment on a boat, in the car, or at home can be destroyed by power surges or supply issues that happen ‘out of the blue’.

Old and badly maintained electrical equipment and electrical wiring are often the cause of blown fuses as is excessive load being applied.There are two conditions that can cause a fuse to blow. Most commonly, when too many lights or plug-in appliances draw power from the circuit, it can overload the capacity of the fuse and cause the metal wire inside the fuse to melt through.

Secondly, if there is a short in the system, a faulty wire, loose earthing strip, loose connection etc causing a micro spark that will blow the fuse.

NB. Water affecting electrical systems will also blow fuses, condensation, rainwater, sea water ingress etc. Fuse ratings are specifically calculated so that the fuse – the weakest link – will blow in the prescribed circumstances, using a higher rated fuse than recommended means that the fuse may not blow and will allow the fault condition to continue and sensitive equipment will be damaged.

For safety’s sake, we urge boaters to use the correct fuses at all times, and to carry spares, should fuses continue to blow talk with your boat yard or preferred electrical systems repair people because a fault may be present, and it needs fixing sooner than later.

NB. Sparks and hydrocarbon fuels are a dangerous mix, do not take the risk! 

In recent times we have witnessed on social media and in august sailing publications people using screws, nails, tools and other devices to override the fuses on boats.  Please, stop before it is too late.

Such a practice at home or on board the boat can lead to a fire breaking out. If the system protection cannot protect itself by blowing the fuse it will build up heat and can cause a fire, at home this is bad news – you call the fire department, at sea you are in serious trouble, you, your boat and your passengers!

CO2 detectors are designed to spot fire at its earliest stage – CO2 is created as soon as combustion starts (far more effective than smoke detectors). However, if the detector is battery powered do make sure they are in working order and that you have fresh batteries onboard.

If your CO2 detector is connected to the boats power supply check it is working regularly. CO – Carbon Monoxide – detectors are vital for safety, check them frequently. If these devices are disconnected or the batteries are expired, they will not work and your life and those of your crew or family etc will be put at risk.

Safety systems are carefully designed by experts for our safety. On-boat systems are crucial to safety and well being. The old saying, ‘why spoil the ship for a ‘hapeth o tar’, was never more true. For the sake of a fuse costing pennies/cents is your boat and your life not worth that much? And, the same goes for batteries.

Take care and sail safe.

Passionate about safety.

Marineforecaster App

Author: R. Langley

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New Post has been published on https://marineforecaster.com/dont-take-gas-for-granted/

Don’t Take Gas for Granted

  Facts,

Gas is heavier than air.

Boats make perfect reservoirs for heavy gas to settle in.

Used correctly gas is no threat.

Used carelessly gas can be lethal.

Burnt gas produces Carbon Monoxide.

  Boating folks are in the main clued-up about gas and the attendant risks, however in case of doubt it is worth restating the facts and offer some useful advice.For many boaters in the Norther Hemisphere the Winter months are an opportunity to haul your boat out of the water, scrape the hull/s and tidy up the paintwork, replace sails or strip and overhaul the motor and reseal the decking etc.

We urge boaters, especially new to the game boaters, to check out their galley and the entire system of pipework. Bottled gas is used widely for heating, lighting and cooking, even on new boats it is worth checking that the seals are tight and not likely to leak.

PS. Please, don’t be the person who goes looking for a gas leak with a naked flame – it will find you before you find it!

On boats, the Liquefied Petroleum Gases in common use are, ‘commercial butane’, and ‘commercial propane’. They exist as gases at normal temperatures but become a liquid under moderate pressure.

Propane turns into gas at a lower temperature than butane, so the storage pressure for liquid propane is slightly higher than butane.

What does that mean? The gas in cannisters is liquified having been through a refrigeration process. Gasses are taken below their boiling point into a liquid state, that way a quantity of liquified gas can be kept in a small container, when restored to a gas during use it will provide a usable product in surprisingly largequantities. The containers in which gases are stored need to be kept cool. Should the container reach a critical temperature the gas inside could expand beyond the capacity of the container to contain it, in short it can explode. For this reason gas containers on board a boat, or anywhere else for that matter, must be kept cool and as far as is practicable from any naked flames.

Smokers beware!It is not unknown for gas containers to leak and because the gas is heavier than air it will descend to the lowest level available to it, the bilges, the engine space,the cabin where it will collect. Any naked flame, cigarette, or spark has the potential to ignite the collected gas.

It is not our intention to encourage people to go gas free, although some boatingfolks reduce the consumption of gas to a minimum. However, if you have a refrigerator on board chances are its gas operated.Rather than abandon gas on your boat think positive and mitigate the risks by managing the gas installation and carry out regular maintenance.

Always buy your gas supplies from a regular dealer/supplier who keeps the cannisters in good condition and takes professional view of handling gas.Conduct or employ professionals to maintain the gas system and appliances.

Always follow the manufacturers guidance and use purpose made retaining devices. Do not leave gas containers in full sun or store close to heat generating equipment. Store the container/s in the coolest darkest part of the boat secured to avoid it/them moving about with the rock and roll of the boat.Gas bottles need to be stored upright in a locker of their own where possible with a means of drainage to atmosphere, and the drain must be checked often to prevent blockages. (Flushed through if necessary). Some boats are not fitted with a purpose-built gas bottle locker, ask you supplier for guidance, or check with your Boat Chandlers, they may be able to provide a suitable solution.

Some boats may carry spare bottles, they too need to be stored safely. NB. Skippers of boats sailing cold waters may opt for deck mounted bottles that would vent to atmosphere safely, however, the galley and pipework still need to be properly maintained and kept in good working order – leak free.

Finally. Any cooking or heating system of the kind discussed will produce carbon monoxide (CO), this gas is tasteless and invisible. Carbon monoxide must be vented away from your boat, caravan, home etc.

This silent killer cannot be underestimated. Appliance failure, inadequate ventilation, poor maintenance can lead to CO poisoning.Regular inspection, installation of a CO detector and alarm and proper use will reduce the risks substantially.

Stay safe and enjoy your sailing!

  Marineforecaster

Author:R.Langley

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New Post has been published on https://marineforecaster.com/hotel-echo-lima-papa/

Hotel Echo Lima Papa = ?

Communication is a Two-way Process,

How do we communicate with other people when sailing? Wave?

There is an old joke about a swimmer gesticulating frantically, ‘Is he waving or drowning?’

Any right-minded person would assume the worst and go to their assistance just in case. However, it does make a valid point about communication. According to studies only 7% of our communication is verbal, whilst 55% is physical nonverbal, and the remaining 38% is tone or the way that we say it. Next time you have a conversation with someone try and mentally step back and check this out, for example, to a child if you say stop in a conversational tone, they probably will continue doing whatever they are doping, however, if Mom or Pa says ‘STOP!’ in command mode (especially Mom) chances are they will stop what they are doing.

My point is that communications become more difficult when we cannot see the other person with whom we are trying to communicate, and that applies to people who sail or fly etc. Therefore, we need to communicate clearly in a way that says what we need to say succinctly and in a commonly understood format. NB. No slang, profanities, or offensive language.

Sailing is great fun for all our boating friends but doing so without a means of communicating when things go wrong is counter intuitive. OK, coastal boaters in familiar waters may say, ‘who needs a radio?’, whilst serious boaters would not go to sea without. Online communications are superb and have a part to play increasingly, however for the moment let’s look at radio comms because they are still the most effective means of communication for most boating folks.

A Marine Radio is a VHF (very high frequency) radio that operates between 156 and 174mega Hertz, in some countries additional channels are used. Marine radio is installed as standard on larger ships and on the majority of sea-going boats (and on some inland waters too), marine radios are vital in calling for assistance in an emergency plus contacting Marinas and Harbours. Marine sets are transceivers allowing two-way contact, only operating on standard frequencies or channels. Channel 16 – 156.8 MHz being the international distress channel. Transmission power ranges between 1 and 25 watts, giving a maximum range  5 nautical miles (9 km; 6 mi) between aerials mounted on small boats at sea level. FM or  Frequency modulation used, with vertical polarization, meaning that antennas have to be vertical in order to have good reception.

Modern-day marine VHF radios offer basic transmit and receive capabilities, check with your chandlery or specialist supplier for advice on the best choice for your needs. Permanently mounted marine VHF radios on seagoing vessels are required to have certification of some level of “Digital Selective Calling” (DSC) capability, to allow a distress signal to be sent with a single button press.

That’s the tech stuff, we urge all sea going boaters to not only make sure their marine radio is in good working order but that they are aware of how to use it before setting sail.

To facilitate communication when using your marine radio it helps to remember that a/ pronunciation is very important, b/ language – ensure that you use recognisably language – and keep to the rules for language use, and c/ because you cannot see the other person you are down to 7% of your communications capability so making yourself understood is paramount. Speak clearly and check regularly that the recipient understands.

English language is universally used in marine communications although this may not always be the case at a local level – where many boaters do their sailing.

To make communications easier in English the NATO phonetic alphabet to enunciate words that could be misunderstood, the words ‘red and read’, ‘wood – would’, for example.

 Alfa, Bravo, Charlie, Delta, Echo, Foxtrot, Golf, Hotel, India, Juliett, Kilo, Lima, Mike, November, Oscar, Papa, Quebec, Romeo, Sierra, Tango, Uniform, Victor, Whiskey, X-ray, Yankee, Zulu.

Hotel Echo Lima Papa = Help for example.

Professional advice and tuition in the use of Marine Radio is a life saver, literally, do not go to sea in any vessel without knowing the basics.

Sail safe.

Marineforecaster

Author: R. Langley

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New Post has been published on https://marineforecaster.com/sailing-close-to-the-wind/

Sailing Close to the Wind

  As is often the case sailing close to the wind has its origins in sailing, in general life it means taking a risk, cutting it fine, and for experienced sailing skippers that is what life is about, the adrenaline rush, challenging yourself against the elements, enjoying the rush, literally.

Sailing close to the wind means sailing almost directly into the wind. Strictly speaking it isn’t possible to sail into the wind, that is counterintuitive as the wind fills sails and drives a boat, the wind would hit both surfaces of the sail which would start to luff (flap). With the wind directly onto the bow of sail your boat would travel backwards.

In order to get from point A to a point B that is directly upwind, the boat must zigzag, or tack (jibing in US, Gybing UK).

Tacking or coming about is a manoeuvre used in sailing when the desired direction is into the wind. Using a sequence of zig zag manoeuvres, called beating, allows boats to sail in the direction the skipper want to go.

Tacking is an essential technique for all sail boat skippers and is a technique that can be learned at Sail Training Schools firstly and by experienced sailing folks passing the knowledge down to beginners.

Tacking is used for different effects in racing, where one boat is not only sailing in a desired direction, but the skipper is also concerned with slowing the progress of competitors.

Sailing courses for club and general racing purposes always include one leg directly to windward because the skills required are so much greater, sail trim to keep you moving at maximum speed is key and tacking duels between competing boats will make your sailing more exciting.

A boat in clear air to windward has an advantage over other boats, to maintain a lead a skipper will attempt to steal their wind or blanket them by leaving them windless i.e. in the lee. The trailing boat/s will fight to overtake and put the opposing boats in their lee, and so it goes on with each skipper trying to gain the lead and the advantage of clear air. This can sometimes become counter-productive as some speed and time is always lost in each tack.

Newbie: Do yachts like this sink very often?

Old hand: No. Usually only once!

Reality, boats in general don’t just sink, bad handling is more likely to be the reason. True, problems do occur on boats of all sizes and they can sink in extreme circumstances, although some now have buoyancy chambers inbuilt for safety purposes. 

However, knowing how to sail safely is paramount. Following sound professional sail training the key is to get out and practice. Practice makes permanent – anyone who drives a car knows that practice does not make perfect if that was the case every driver would be faultless, practicing bad habits can also make them permanent, speeding, ignoring safety warning signs, driving too fast in bad weather and so on.

Joining a sailing club is a great move for newbies and less experienced skippers and would be skippers. Joining in the fun of club competitions and regattas is a good way to learn, just be sure to do your sailing at sea and not just in the bar of the clubhouse.

Enjoy and sail safe.

  Marineforecaster

Author: R. Langley

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New Post has been published on http://bit.ly/2CHPU1P

What is the Point of a Compass?

A magnetic compass uses the natural magnetism of the Globe upon which we all stand. Planet Earth has a magnetic field – North is north, and South is south. The pointer on a magnetic compass will always point Northward, once we know where North is, a fixed reference point, and we know that a circle has 360 degrees it is possible to know in which direction the boat is sailing or which way to sail to get to where we want to go. If we want to sail to the South, we know that South lies directly opposite to the needle pointing North i.e. 180 degrees etc. A bearing could be anyone of those 360 degrees, remember the needle will always point to the North. Even a walker’s hand-held compass is better than nothing, always take a compass with you when at sea – or on land if in remote places that are unknown to you.

The point is that boaters can become disorientated because of being out of sight of land because one falls asleep, is ill, there is an emergency, one could sail into another country’s territorial waters, because it is dark, or the weather turns inclement and you get blown away from the coastline etc. At night time some navigators can navigate by looking at the stars, astral navigation, however many none professional sailors do not have this level of skill. Plus, there are occasions when catastrophic breakdown in electronic systems on larger boats means that one has to go back to basics, it always pays to understand the basic skills.

Basics in sailing terms means knowing how to use a magnetic compass, how to take a bearing and follow a course in relation the where you want to go using a compass, having knowledge of weather and barometers and barometric pressures and what they are telling you, watching for tell tale signs of changes in wind and or sea state etc.

A binnacle is a waist high pedestal or casing made to contain a compass on board a ship or large sailing vessel. It is possible to purchase a sea-going compass encased in wood, the needle may be suspended in alcohol, and they are robust being designed for nautical use. For serious sailors a purpose-built compass is a must, for keen amateurs – who may venture long distances it is a strong recommendation. If you know where you are going you will know easily how to return and that makes life much safer. NB: Always look out for metal/iron objects or overhead cables when using a compass as it will affect the readings.

  Marineforecaster

Author: R. Langley

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New Post has been published on https://marineforecaster.com/did-you-know-that-many-familiar-sayings-are-rooted-in-the-sea-and-sailing/

Did you Know that Many Familiar Sayings Are Rooted in the Sea and Sailing?

3 Square meals a day comes from the British Royal Navy where the sailor’s food was served on square wooden boards? Sailors were promised 3 squares (meals) a day when they signed on.

Splicing the Main Brace was of the same origins and ran until July 1970 when the Royal Navy stopped issuing rum on ships of the line. Sailors were given a tot of Grog (Rum) to subdue them and make the fearless in battle.  The ration was 1/8th of a pint -0 roughly .71ml.

Cat got your tongue, the Cat o Nine Tails was used as a punishment, it was so cruel that it took the victims breath away and good deal more.

Three Sheets to the Wind, sheets being the ropes that secure the sail/s, usually two per sail. If one was not secured properly it would make the ship hard to control and appear drunken. Three sheets to the wind means to appear drunk!

All at Sea, a state of confusion and disorder. The saying dates from the days of sail, and is used to this day, when navigation was primitive and inaccurate knowing a ships precise location was largely guess work. A ship that was out of sight of land was liable to get lost, or all at sea!

Batten Down the Hatches, prepare for trouble, ships hatches were often uncovered to allow a through draft below decks. In the event of bad weather the hatches were covered with tarpaulins and secured with battens – heavy wooden strips – to keep the water out of the hull.

Broad in the Beam, having wide posterior, a ships widest point is it beam, a person with a large derriere was said to be broad in the beam.

Copper bottomed, made to last and reliable. In the days of sail ships built of wood were inclined to become infested with ship worm a condition that would eat away the timbers from within with the result that the bottom of the ship could collapse. Ships were protected with copper cladding from the 18th century that kept the timbers dry and ‘stopped the rot’.

Cut and run, making a quick getaway, cutting away an anchor or other securing cables in the event of impending high winds or major threats to the integrity of a boat.

Full to the Gunwales, full to the brim, unable to take on any more.

Know the Ropes, having a sound knowledge of something, especially in boating terms by knowing which sheets do what and how to use them to best effect.

And, Finally,

Mal de Mer, sea sickness, something that comes to us all and may be slight queasiness or a more serious condition.

Splicing the Main Brace was used in days of sail to cure seasickness, we recommend plenty of non-alcoholic drinks and bed rest, then celebrate when you are feeling better – on dry land!

Enjoy your sailing.

 Marineforecaster

Author: R. Langley

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A Knotty Problem, but Important!

Knots perform important tasks in sailing and boating, and it is useful to know which is which. The purpose of knots in sailing is mostly to secure something using ropes, sheets, or lines and it is said that there are eight basic knots.

Most of the knots in use have been developed and used since men and women first ventured out onto the water and their reason for doing so helped create knots for fishing, securing lines and sails etc. The 8 basic knots are thumb knot, reef knot, figure of eight, timber hitch, clove hitch, sheet bend, sheep shank, and slip knot. Old sailing hands know many more knots, and in days of sail hands would use complex patterns of knots to create outstanding artwork to pass the time on long voyages.

The thumb knot or overhand knot is a simple stop knot, it should be used if the knot is intended to be permanent. It is often used to prevent the end of a rope from unravelling.

Reef knots are flat knots often used when applying a sling for a broken arm because they lie flat and are used by sailors for reefing and furling sails. It is important in such uses to be able to releasee the knot, reef knots are ‘bends’ that will release when required.

Figure-eight knot, Savoy knot, Flemish knot, is a double stopper that is used in sailing for stopping ropes from running out of retaining devices.

Timber Hitch, Bowyer’s Knot, Lumberman’s Knot, Countryman’s Knot is a non-jamming knot used to attach a single length of rope to a cylindrical object. Secure while tension is maintained, it is easily released even after heavy loading.

Clove hitch is an all-purpose hitch that is easy to tie and untie. A useful and easy knot to tie, the clove hitch is a good binding knot. As a hitch it should only be used with care as it can slip or self-release if the object it is tied to rotates or if constant pressure is not maintained on the line.

Sheet bend, for joining ropes of different thickness together i.e. a throwing line with which to draw a heavy warp or hawser into place where the warp is too heavy to lift and throw.

Sheep shank is a type of knot that is used to shorten a rope or take up the slack, but it is not a stop knot. It provides loops, shortens or removes slack from a rope or bypasses a frayed section of rope.

Slip knot, is used to secure something to a post, a boat to it’s mooring for example. It is a stop knot that may be slipped instantly by pulling on the end to withdraw a loop.

Boating is fun, especially if done correctly. New beginners are recommended to undertake a course of training to develop their skills. Knots may be taught on the course, if not chat with experienced hands in the sailing schools, or sailing clubs and learn from them, doing so will save a lot of time and embarrassment – at the least. Take pride in doing your boating professionally, you will enjoy it all the more.

Sail safe.

 Marineforecaster

  Author: R. Langley

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When is a Rope Not a Rope?

When it is a Sheet.

In general terms a rope is not called a rope when on a boat, so what is it called and why does it matter?

It matters because communication is important when sailing on any boat where there are two or more people crewing, using the correct terminology is not about being clever it is about getting it right, essential when racing, and when sailing in heavy weather.

So what are ropes called if not ropes?

Mostly ropes are used in the rigging of a boat and are called sheets or lines.

Rope is the generic term because in days of yore all of the rigging on a sailing ship was made using hemp rope. Hemp rope is made from natural material (Hemp) that is twisted very tightly into cords and then combined with other cords they are further twisted into the end product which may be as thick as your little finger or heavy and strong enough to hold an ocean liner tight into a quay – as thick as a tree in some cases! The raw ends of the rope may be spliced or whipped to prevent fraying and to stop the rope from unravelling. The problem with this traditional product is that it is often quite heavy and when wet it can become much heavier – and it becomes like an iron bar when soaked making handling extremely difficult. There are traditional boats under sail still using hemp rope, but they are usually well crewed and for their safety the crews are well trained and equipped with PPE.

The sheets in a sail boat will usually be made using man-made fibre because of their light weight and extreme strength. Man mad fibres are easier to handle and do not absorb water to the same degree as natural fibres. Boaters are recommended to renew their sheets from time to time as they may become worn or stretched with use. Poor quality sheets are like bald tyres on a car – potentially dangerous.

Rigging is where most’ rope’ of one kind or another is used.

Running Rigging is those movable ropes, lines, or sheets that are used to raise and lower the sail/s. The ‘ropes’ run though blocks or pulleys to keep them from getting tangled and to ensure that they run freely (without jamming). A block and tackle would be used in sailing ships to haul heavy sails into place and is still a very useful piece of kit.

The ‘rope’ that runs up the mast to pull up the mainsail is called the halyard and for lowering the sail the line is called the downhaul.

Each sheet on a sail boat will refer to the sail that it controls. So when trimming the mainsail we use the mainsheet, if trimming the jib, then you will use the jib sheet. There are other lines used for sail trimming such as a cunningham or a kicker. Ask you sail trainer what these are and what they do.

Standing rigging is the lines that support the stationary parts of a sail boat including the mast, these may be steel cables secured by metal shackles mounted on the decking because of the immense stresses placed on them, these are referred to as shrouds or stays, e.g. the line (cable) that runs from the mast to the bow of the boat is called the ‘forestay’, lines that run to the stern of the boat are known as ‘backstays’.

Tying up at a mooring or harbour side the lines used are known as dock lines or warps. Being a sailboat enthusiast is not the same as being a well trained and capable sailor, all boaters especially new starters are strongly recommended to attend a well-run sail school before going to sea, or on an inshore lake or waterway, and learn your craft (pun intended).

Always sail safe and enjoy!

Marineforecaster

Author: R. Langley

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Outboard Motors are a Stroke of Genius

Outboard motors have been around for many years, and they are noticeable across the world in one form or another from the most primitive to the ultra-sophisticated and massively powerful.

Essentially an outboard motor is a very useful independent propulsion unit that is not an integral part of the boat. Mounted onto the transom, at the stern end of a boat, an outboard motor can provide welcome manoeuvrability to sail boats when entering or leaving their moorings, moving about the marina, and for the many inland water boaters as they head out or back to their launch point.

Small outboard motors are light enough for a person to carry, enabling boaters to remove them after use, security is a major issue making safe storage of boats and motors etc essential.

NB. When over wintering any boat remove anything that is transportable to a place of safe storage and remember boats do get stolen so immobilize the boat too – remove the wheels from trailers etc. Outboard motors are the most common and easy-to-use way of propelling small boats and other sailing craft in shallow water. In addition an outboard motor gives excellent manoeuvrability through busy harbour traffic and marina areas as the motor can be used to give direction to your boat.

For users of larger boats outboard powered small craft can be used to ferry passengers from very shallow water out to their deeper anchorage. To reduce the risk of grounding the motor can be tilted upward. Tilting helps when traveling through shallow waters and where there may be debris that could potentially damage the motor as well as the propeller.

How to choose an outboard motor?

It is important to speak with the experts before buying and fitting an outboard to your boat. Boat Chandlers often sell outboard motors and will advise boaters about power to weight ratio, the best size of outboard for your boat – not too big and not too small, and which method of propulsion is best for your needs, gasoline powered, two or four stroke, etc. Check out the Sailing media for sound advice on all things sailing including product tests etc.

There are Outboard Motor dealerships who supply and maintain power units for inboard and outboard power plants, these professional boating suppliers know all there is to know about boating, ask for advice, shop around and get to know the pro’s and con’s before buying.

Undertake a course of professionally operated training to gain a basic knowledge of sailing, even if you plan to buy a cruiser, learn the ropes before you head out on the water.

Join a club, Sailing Clubs and Cruiser Clubs are a great place to meet like minded people, and in the process get to know the relevant facts about power units.

Enjoy.

  Marineforecaster

Author: R. Langley

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Time and Tide Wait for no Man (or Woman)!

There is a lot of truth in the old adage for boating people especially. But, what is the tide and what does it mean to you?

Experienced boaters and commercial mariners know how to work with the tides, newbie boaters and inexperienced sailors are advised to attend an approved training course to receive guidance about tides and learn the basics before setting sail.

Tides are a natural global phenomenon that occurs with predictable regularity across the world. The gravitational pull of the Moon as the world rotates causes the oceans to lift skyward and as the clock ticks that lift is released causing water levels to drop back down causing a surge that in turn gives the rise of the tides. As the Lunar pull is exerted the tides go out – an ebb tide, as the Lunar pull is released we get a flood tide.

Marineforecaster’s Tide Data- Weather Option

Tides, then, are very long-period waves that move through the oceans in response to the forces exerted by the moon, the sun, and the rotation of Earth . Tides originate in the oceans and affect the coastlines where they appear as the regular rise and fall of the sea level.

Low tide corresponds to the lowest part of the wave, or its trough. The difference in height between the high tide and the low tide is called the tidal range.

Interesting facts:

The Canadian Bay of Fundy has the highest tides along with Anchorage Alaska with waves of 40 feet in height – over 12 metres!

Southampton United Kingdome has double tides each day as water rushes from the North Sea around the Isle of Wight and back toward the Atlantic Ocean, making it a superb natural sea port.

The full and new moons normally create better fishing conditions because of the spring tides. The reason is that fish are easier to catch when they are feeding and  the tide and currents dictate this condition.

Because the Earth rotates through two tidal “bulges” every lunar day, coastal areas experience two high and two low tides every 24 hours and 50 minutes. High tides occur 12 hours and 25 minutes apart.

While tides are usually the largest source of short-term sea-level fluctuations, sea levels are also subject to forces such as wind and barometric pressure changes, resulting in storm surges, especially in shallow seas and near coasts.

So, why are tides so important to boating folks?

Consider that at low tide water may be abscent from the Marina basin, not a good time to sail!

Whereas at high tide and water flooding into the moorings it is possible to sail.

By knowing when the tide is coming in it is possible to plan your trip, and this applies to sailing anywhere in the world.

There are places in the world where incoming tides move with lethal speed, Morecambe Bay in England for instance where the incoming tide will outrun a man – many people have drowned (historically) by not respecting the power of the tides, don’t be one of them!

Always check the tides before doing anything else, talk to experienced boaters in your Marina or Club house about local tidal conditions – sand banks and obstacles that will be uncovered by a receding tide, look at the experienced hands if they are sailing it should be safe for you too, follow the basics as taught on professionally run courses.

Never take risks, safety always come first.

Sail safe, sail free.

  Marineforecaster

Author : Roger Langley

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Why do Some Boats Have More Than One Hull?

All boats have a hull, from a dinghy to a super-yacht they all have at least one, some are tiny – size of tea tray (Hydrofoils) whereas others are vast. Since man hollowed out a tree trunk in order to paddle to where he wished to go boats have sat in the water with a hull containing their equipment, weapons, families and catches.

Modern day boats mostly have fibre glass (or high spec alternatives) hulls although there are many wooden built hulls in service and many are beautiful to look at as well as being built to last a lifetime – or two. The purists among us may only want to sail a clinker-built wooden boat that has been lovingly crafted by people using their hands and woodworking tools. We can understand the appeal of wood that has been worked, sanded to silky smoothness and yacht varnished to produce a glorious patina. So long as the timbers are sound such a boat should last longer than its builder. By the way in the days of sail, ships were, eventually, covered with copper sheet below the waterline to stop sea worm, a rather nasty phenomenon that could weaken the hull of a ship if not treated causing the bottom to collapse, not good!

For many years alternatives to wooden hulls have been developed including concrete, metal, and with the rapid development of ‘plastics’ far lighter and easier to handle materials have been employed.

Dinghy’s, yachts, and power boats have become faster, easier to handle – onto and off a trailer for example, sleeker and far more efficient in the water. Racing boats of all sizes and classes are hugely popular, thanks to their high-tech hulls.

With super efficiency at its heart the boat building industry has embraced computer modelling and amazing creations have been launched. Twin hulled Catamarans are  multi-hulled boats with two parallel hulls of equal size. It is a geometry-stabilized craft, deriving its stability from its wide beam, rather than from a ballasted keel that would be found in a single hull boat. Catamaran is from a Tamil word “Kattumaram” which means logs tied together, cultures across the world have also used outriggers for stability and twin hulls can provide much the same stability for modern boats. Catamarans typically have less hull volume, higher displacement, and shallower draught than monohulls of comparable length allowing them to be used in shallower water. The two hulls combined also often have a smaller hydrodynamic resistance than comparable monohulls, requiring less propulsive power from either sails or power units, making them faster when racing. The catamaran’s wider profile on the water can reduce both heeling and wave-induced motion, as compared with a monohull.

Love them or hate them Catamarans are stunning to look at and great fun to sail.

Marineforecaster

Author: Roger Langley

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Oh! Boy What’s That in the Water?

A Buoy of course!

A buoy is a floating object that will perform any of a number of functions, they may be secured in position of floating depending on what their job is. Essentially, they are a warning or advisory marker telling boaters to take note.

A sea mark buoy is in place to mark a maritime channel, hazard or administrative area to allow boats and ships to navigate safely avoiding shallows, obstacles and keep them in the correct channel.

Some navigational buoys are fitted with a bell or gong, which sounds when waves move the buoy.

Danbuoys consist of a fibreglass pole, approximately 2 metres long, attached to a high visibility vertical pole with a weight at its base. The danbuoy pole carries an orange flag on its upper end and has reflective tape along its length.  More and more offshore vessels on long passages are now carrying danbuoys with small personal AIS transponders attached to them.

A lifebuoy with flags is used on yachts and other larger sailing and power boats.

Fishing boats of all sizes will use floatation buoys to mark their fishing grounds, lobster and crab pots. They will also mark known hazards with a buoy to avoid snagging nets and lines. Stay clear or face their wroth!

Buoys are placed to mark sunken ships, some of them are wartime wrecks that may still have live munitions etc on them. Check your navigation charts and avoid these at all costs!

Large navigation buoys LNB’s are automatic buoys up to 10 m high and equipped with a powerful light, solar powered, and are replacements for lightships, again check your charts and keep clear.

Surface markers, are buoys that are used on dives by scuba divers to mark their position underwater. Respect their location and motor-powered boats keep a watch for diver/swimmers in the water.

Safe water mark or Fairway buoy is a navigational buoy that marks the entrance to a channel or a nearby landfall, a boater’s friend.

An Emergency Wreck Buoys provides a clear and unambiguous means of marking new wrecks. This buoy is used as a temporary response, typically for the first 24–72 hours. This buoy is coloured in an equal number of blue and yellow vertical stripes and is fitted with an alternating blue and yellow flashing light.

Mooring buoys are used in Marinas to keep one end of a mooring cable or chain on the water’s surface so that ships or boats can tie on to it. Many Marinas mark these with a number and assign it to a particular yacht or rent it out to visiting boats.

Buoys are warnings, please, take them seriously and avoid taking unnecessary risks.

Sail safe.

Marineforecaster

Author: Roger Langley