I would like to hear about all kinds of sailing adventures both cruising and racing. If you have an event you would like promoted or if you would like to contribute information on sailing to this site send me the information and it will be posted when approved. Myself and other contributors will be posting ANYTHING sailing related here and other places on this site. I hope these things will be helpful to all those using this site.

Feel free to post thoughts and information on our forum. If there are events that you want promoted send me a line through the contact form and I will be happy to help.

Is Your Club Interested in Hosting a Race Managment Course?
Yes? Then contact Shauna Cartlidge today at info@ontariosailing.ca / (888) 672-SAIL (7245) to set up a course for Winter/Spring of 2012.

The Ontario Sailing Race Management Committee runs both Assistant Race Officer (Level 1) certification courses and Club Race Officer (Level 2) theory courses in addition to Mark Setting Theory seminars. Both Level 1 & Level 2 courses can be offered on the same weekend. Dates are starting to fill up already so be sure to contact Shauna today!

Well the snow is here and water will be hard soon but I am told spring will arrive let’s hope it is early

The boat show is now over, so back to the real world for most of us. Let us hope for an early spring !!

If you need something to occupy the semi-cold nights this winter check out this link http://www.sailingissues.com/navcourse0.html

1) Weather and Sea conditions.

2) Depth of water and sea bed condition from the chart.

3) Tidal flow, current strength, local hazards at the area to anchor, cables, rocks, fishing nets etc.

4) Distance to the shoreline.

5) Outlook at the anchorage, if you are going to be sat there you may as well have a good view.

6) What amenities are there ashore, are you able to get previsions and fuel.

7) Other vessels in the anchorage area.

Anchoring is an essential and important skill when you are learning how to sail and you need to master to anchor your boat safely and securely. Dropping of your anchor should be such that your anchor secures tightly and formidably into wet mud and sand for a safe anchorage. Your anchor should be strong so that it can brave harsh weather and keep boat well secured.

Ideally, holding power of an anchor refers to weight your anchor can sustain without breaking free. Weight of your anchor depends on load of your boat and length of your boat.

There are different types of anchors like:

Danforth:
This anchor is best suited for small boats as it can secure very firmly in soft mud or sand. It can be used for large boats in few cases. Nevertheless, this anchor would not suit rock, sea grass, or clay beds.

Fishermen:
This is the traditional anchor with two arms. This anchor is most popular with small boats and if you want to secure your boat firmly to one place. Such anchors are heavy and therefore are not very popular with recreational craft.

Plough or CQR:
This anchor is best suited in almost all types of seabed’s like mud and weed, sand, and hooking rocks. This anchor is easily stow able and has appreciable holding power.

Bruce:
This anchor is among the latest designs of anchors. It can turn a full circle without breaking out. This anchor best suits sand and rock beds but could prove awkward to stow in soft mud.

Mushroom:
This anchor resembles an upside-down mushroom. This anchor best suits boats within fifteen feet length in protected water and has sustainable holding power due to its weight.

Grapnel:
This anchor proves useful where conventional anchors do not serve required purpose. Such an anchor can hold well in a rocky seabed but cannot get any hold in mud and sand. Hence, such anchors are used largely as an extra anchor.

Ideal Conditions for Proper Anchoring

The ideal anchoring location is a sandy or muddy seabed as it can hold your boat the best. Rocks or stones cannot provide a dependable hold. Water depth at the place of anchoring should allow sufficient chain and rope for four times the depth at high water when using chain only and six times, if chain and rope are used in combination. Anchoring at a place with little tidal stream is best as strong tides could pose problems in safe anchoring. While anchoring, consider the swinging area of your boat in relation to other anchored boats. Different boats would swing to the tide at different times depending on tide level, strength, and direction of the wind. Learning to sail and anchoring your boat or yacht, is an essential and important skill you need to master to anchor your boat safely and perfectly. Dropping of your anchor should be such that your anchor secures tightly and formidably into wet mud and sand for a perfect and safe anchor. Your anchor should be strong so that it can brave harsh weather and keep boat well secured.

In normal conditions, a safe minimum anchor to scope ratio is 4 to 1 (chain length to depth). (In heavy weather 6 to 1 or more). Depth is the depth of water at high tide, plus the height from water line to the bow roller. Scope is the actual amount of anchor line paid out when the boat is safely anchored. For example, if high water is 6.0m deep and your bow roller is 2.0m above the water, you need 32.0m (i.e. 4 times 6.0 + 2.0m) of scope to anchor.

If anchoring along a beach, you should take extra precautions. Gear attaching to anchor should be sufficiently strong to hold anchor in proper place. Check if your anchor is properly rigged before dropping anchor. Otherwise, you could lose your anchor.

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More information on “Learning How to Sail” is available form my web site;

http://www.learntosailnow.com

Great Sailing
Clive Peterson

race #1 Lagoon City June 4-2011

race #2 Lagoon City June 5-2011

race #3 KBYC Barrie June 25-2011

race #4 CBYC Cook Bay June 26-2011

race #5 BYC Overnight August 6-2011

race #6 BYC Barrie September 3-2011

race #7 BYC to Hawkstone September 4-2011

race #8 Hawkstone September 5-2011

race #10 Sail Georgina September 17-2011

race #11 Sail Georgina September 18-2011

LSIS awards night at BYC  Oct 2-2011

  LSIS or the Lake Simcoe Interclub Series is a number of races about 1 per month (when the water is not hard) at various yacht clubs around Lake Simcoe. It normally starts on Friday night when the boats arrive at the host club; there may be some type of meal or event planned. On the Saturday morning a breakfast, skippers meeting and the races begin.

  There are usually some around the cans races and a long distance race followed by a BBQ or some other type of dinner plans.  Then the fun begins lots of theories about tactics choices and of course big sail tales and great fun for everyone. You will meet old friends and make new ones you will learn many new things, some things you may want to forget. But overall you will have a very enjoyable weekend so come on out to the events!

1. Be Wise to Read the Weather
You must be wise enough to check the local weather before you depart for boating. Radio, TV, and coast guard forecasts are sure source of information. If you notice, rough and volatile changing winds, darkening clouds, or sudden dip of temperature, it is an indication for you to play safe with the weather. Watch the barometer readings for sudden changes if you have one on board.

2. Adhere to the Pre-departure Checklist
Being prepared for any eventuality in the water is a way of maintaining proper boating safety. From tips on fueling up to compliance with the fire safety regulations, checking the pre-departure checklist is the best measure to be sure that no points regarding the safety are forgotten.

3. Apply Common Sense
Using your common sense is the most important part of boating safety. Always be alert of small watercraft and large vessels that can be hindrance to your boat. You need to operate at a safe speed always. Always be pay heed and respect the navigational aids and buoys. These aids have been placed there to ensure a safe passage.

4. Make Sure You Have an Assistant Skipper
When you venture out to the water, it is ideal that you have one more person who is familiar with all aspects of the boat. The assistant skipper must be familiar with the operations, handling and various safety tips. In case of an injury to the primary navigator, a presence of an assistant skipper, he or she can safely navigate the boat to the shore. Instruction on the operating of the VHF Radio is essential.

5. Chart out a Passage Plan
Always inform people about your passage plan and register it with the coast guard or your local marina staff. Passage plan is the course of the route you will be taking and the number of days you are intending to be out at sea. A typical passage plan consists of: Your name, your address, your phone number, and the phone number of the trip leader. It must also have the phone number of the passengers along with their other details and name. You must include the type of boat you are in the registration information, the itinerary, the signal and safety equipment in the boat and other types of communication means on board. Do not forget to de-register your passage plan with the coast guard or marina staff on safe arrival at your destination.

6. Make the Use of Lifejackets
Most victims give up their life in water because of the lack of proper knowledge of using the life jacket. Prior to departure, try your life jacket on, as they are then adjusted properly ready for use in case of an emergency.

7. Avoid Alcohol
Safe boating also involves a sailing that is free from alcohol. When there is alcohol involved the chances of accidents double. The affect of alcohol exacerbate under the external factors such as wind and sun.

8. Learn to Swim
If your profession involves being in and around water, it is very necessary that you know how to swim. Many organizations offer you swimming lessons for all ages of people. In case you do not know how to swim, take a lesson as early as possible.
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For further information on “Learning How to Sail” please go to.

http://www.learntosailnow.com

Well to help you through the first basic approaches to learning to sail, this article lists out just some of the areas you will need to consider when learning this great sport, giving you the confidence to go forward.

Because this is brand new terminology, you will need to get the answers to your every question, doubt, and concerns, about the right way to get started. Listed below are just some sub headings that you should consider finding detailed information on:

- Understand basic sailing terminology.

- How a sailing boat actually works.
- How to maneuver, moor and anchor a sailing boat.
- Understand the different types of sailing boat.
- What are charts used for?
- How to navigate.
- What are and where to go to obtain your sailing qualifications?
- Which sailing school suites you and your budget?
- Correspondence Courses.
- Safety and rules of the road.
- Chartering or Owning a sailing boat.
- What’s VHF?
- Understanding Tidal Flows.
- Why is Meteorology so important?
- Cruiser or Racing, what’s for me?
- And much more.

If you are serious about learning this great sport, and lets not forget for some of you it might turn out to become a new career. then the correct route is important for you to follow.

The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) based in the UK has just published its 2009 sail cruising courses. The first in the list is “Start Yachting” no pre-course experience or knowledge is required, the course content is; Steering a yacht, sail handling, rope work, and safety on board, the course duration is 2 days.

The second on the list is “Competent Crew” again, no pre-course or knowledge or experience is required, the course content is; Basic seamanship and helmsmanship and the course duration is 5 days.

All the course beyond that, do ask for previous experience and knowledge, so being to able to pick up the sailing terminology as part of the learn to sail process would be a great start.
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I hope this helps in getting you involved with “Learning How to Sail” what is one of the Best Sports in the World.

Happy Sailing.

Clive Peterson

http://www.learntosailnow.com

Sailing on the seas or racing on water can be thrilling. Nevertheless, you should observe and follow specific rules and regulations to ensure safety of all at sea. Fundamental rules of sailing include:

• International Maritime Organization has devised specific rules like International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS). These rules apply to all shipping vessels irrespective of their size and type.

• International Association of Lighthouse Authorities or IALA has set standards for lights, lateral marks, buoyage, signals, and rules for safe navigation.

• Safety of Life at Sea or SOLAS specifies essential safety equipment and procedures to be adopted in emergencies. These rules are specifically in accordance to the size and sailing range of boats. All boat owners and operators should adhere to all such safety regulations.

• International Sailing Federation has prescribed specific rules racing vessels should adhere to in a race. These are general rules and are exclusive of rules as set by the organization running the event and any other national governing body. If during the course of your race, you encounter a non-racing boat, you should follow regulations as set by International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea. Normally, ordinary sailing boats or fleet do not come in the way of a racing boat. Similarly, sailing boats should give way to diver’s boats and fishing vessels.

• All racing boats should primarily adhere to all rules as specified by International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) after sunset. Thereafter, they should also follow Racing Rules of Sailing.

Sailing Rules and Instructions

The basic rules to be followed while sailing or racing on seas are those set by International Regulations for Avoiding Collisions at Sea.

• Always, maintain a safe speed of your boat so that it is easy to maintain control of your vessel.

• Keep a proper lookout for sight and hearing to prevent any possible collisions. Make use of your common sense if faced with a dangerous collision situation.

• While overtaking another vessel, you should stay away from the path of the vessel and thereby try to overtake. Rather, you should never come into the path of a sailing vessel.

• If two sailboats
are approaching each other with wind on different sides of the boat, sailboat with port tack should give way to boat with starboard tack. Port tack means having wind on your port side. Your port side refers to left-hand side of your boat if you are facing the front.

• If two boats are on the verge of collision and all safety measures have failed, basic sailing rules indicate if other boat is on your starboard side, you should give way to that boat. Starboard side refers to right-hand side of your boat if facing the front.

• If two boats are approaching each other with wind on the same side of each, windward boat should give way to leeward boat. Windward side refers to boat sailing in direction of the wind while leeward side refers to boat sailing against direction of the wind.
• If during sailing, you come across a boat that has restricted maneuverability or is not under command, you should give way to that boat and allow it to pass.
• When passing through a narrow channel, you should sail as close to the outer edge as possible.

• Normal sailing instructions indicate that sailing vessels should not come into the path of large vessels or ferryboats. These boats find it difficult to change direction abruptly and could require substantial time in doing so. Therefore, noncommercial powerboats normally give way to sailing vessels.

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For other articles and to purchase my E Book “The Complete Guide to Learning How To Sail” please go to;
http://www.learntosailnow.com

Here’s to some great sailing.

Clive Peterson

All of those arguments are valid; I am a sailor that prefers cruising to racing most days. It is great to come out of the harbour and let the wind decide where we are going today. Unfurl the sails set and forget for the next few hours, sit back and relax.

But someday you decide to go out there to explore and find new places across the ocean or down south or even just to a new lake. This is where the problems can start and turn a nice sail into an epic adventure. Sometimes when exploring new area’s we tend not to pay attention to wind and the waves as we are too busy looking at the new sights around us. Then, suddenly the wind picks up and the weather starts looking ominous, and we need to do something fairly soon. This is where some cruising sailors may start to get stressed which in turn tends to make us not use all of our brain cells. We then make a minor error in judgment that leads to more until we could be very frightened because we have not experienced this before.

When we are involved in even low level club racing as crew or in our own boat we have many safe learning opportunities. Club racing involves a group of people that you know mostly doing it for the fun. You will not be out of site of most of the boats; there will be a committee boat close by.

Most racing will not be stopped unless conditions could cause a real problem. This will give you an environment to learn how to handle your boat in less than ideal conditions. It will also teach you the best way to get from point A to B when the wind and waves are not going your way. When you have had some experience in bad weather it will assist you in making better choices when you do not have a choice.

Club racing and LSIS are also great to meet other sailors who have been there and done that. I find some great ideas for my boat, talk to people that have cruised where I want to go and generally have a great time with like mined people. Now what could be better than that?

Southern Cross  

by Crosby, Stills and Nash

Son of sailor

by Jimmy Buffet

Sloop John B

by Beach Boys

Wreck of the Edmunds Fitzgerald

by  Gordon Lightfoot

Boats

by Kenny Chesney

Sailing

by Christopher Cross

The tide is High

by Blondie

Where the boat leaves from

by  Zac brown band

Sail on Sailor

by Beach boys

Cool Change

by the Little river band

What do you do with a drunken sailor

by Burl Ives

Toes

Zac Brown band

The basic scam starts with a reply to your advertisement in bad English saying the price of the boat is good but they would like to know general condition and if anything is in need of repair. They will then ask for your address so they can send you a “certified” check for the full amount plus shipping. This is where they get your money. After the check has been sent you will get an e-mail saying that the shipping company cannot do the move or another reason requiring you to return funds. Then they will ask you to send the money for shipping by western union (or other secure money transfer) to a different shipping company after you have deposited the check into your account.

You get the check, deposit it into your account, send the money then find out in a few days that the “certified check” you received is a fake. The “shipping money “is now gone to the scammer and the address/contact information does not exist.

If a person buying your boat does not want to look at it, agrees to the price too quickly or it seems too good to be true, be very wary. A simple check is to put the address into Google earth or other address finder. The pictures from Google may show some interesting empty lots or famous buildings.

There are many variations on this scam.
Go to phonebusters for a complete list of scams and how they work.