Tag-Archive for "sailor"

Sailors Utilize Small But Key Sailboat Parts Author: guest Nov 26

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

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 tuned and outfitted, including sails, booms, lines and blocks, as well as running and standing 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 with lines to control 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. Therefore a trustworthy system of blocks are important for all sailboats.

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 blocks are guaranteed to be durable, strong, compact, and low friction. 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, lead car return tackles, traveler controls, barberhaulers, flag halyards, leech cords, and more.

With the right sailboat parts for one’s sailboat, no sailing get-aways or competitive races are out of reach.

Remaining Cool in a Crisis: Crew Overboard Author: guest Sep 09

Dusk falls upon the water, with barely any clouds out in the distance. 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. In the instance that there is a current, the crewmember could change position over time.

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.

The Quick Stop Method, when done correctly, is a fast technique. Staying close, and being able to spot the crewmember, is an advantage of this method as the boat does not have to deviate far away. 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. If on a run, the quick stop method cannot be done.

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 would be best to have a liferaft aboard in the event something happens to the boat. The liferaft should be stowed in a location that allows its retrieval in 15 seconds or less. If the liferaft is heavy, greater than 90 pounds in weight, it should not be stowed below deck. Make sure to verify that the boat liferaft is kept up to date and inflated every so often so that in a critical moment, it operates as expected. 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 is no foreseeable reason that the crew cannot have a great day on the water, as long as the crew remains vigilant and calm.

Category: Lake Havasu Boating | Tags: boat gear, boat hardware, boat parts, boat supplies, crew, ditch bag, equipment, figure 8 method, gybe, life jacket, Liferaft, overboard, quick stop method, safety, sailboat, sailing, sailing gear, sailor, wayfarer | Leave a Comment

Cleaning a Sailboat with the Right Materials Author: guest Sep 08

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

Against the elements, the boat needs to be well protected. Careful not to use bleach products unless it is absolutely necessary when cleaning the boat with soap. From time to time, the hull of a boat needs to be adequately recoated. This will not only protect the hull from rust and other effects but create a smoother surface against the water. The deck could use a fresh coat of varnish as well once in a while. Boat paint and varnish can serve a sailor very well with general upkeep of a sailboat.

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

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

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

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