Sailing is one of the safest sports.\u00a0 Have you ever wondered why?\u00a0 It’s actually quite simple.\u00a0 It’s called thinking ahead.\u00a0 Something that the best of skippers do without even “thinking” about it.\u00a0 When I first started sailing, someone made a comment that if you didn’t think of it 20 minutes ago, you probably waited too long.\u00a0 The only thing that happens fast on a sailboat under normal conditions is an emergency.\u00a0 By thinking and planning ahead, you are going to reduce the emergencies you experience and the ones you do have will be controlled and much less scary.\u00a0 Here are some practical examples:<\/p>\n
Before you leave the dock, ask yourself “what will I do if the motor quits.”\u00a0 Unless you have sails “at the ready” the answer is . get blown into the rocks.\u00a0 So, how do you prevent that?\u00a0 Start by getting the sail cover(s) off and stowed.\u00a0 Next rig the halyards.\u00a0 Then, just to be safe, re-tie the sail ties into knots that you know will release easily, and position the knots where you can quickly and easily get to them.\u00a0 While you are at it, make sure the sheets are ready, and the furling lines are not tangled.<\/p>\n
But what happens if the motor dies and the sails are useless.\u00a0 Maybe there is no wind and the current is pushing you into the rocks.\u00a0 Is the anchor ready?\u00a0 Is the rode free to run?\u00a0 I learned this lesson “the easy way” once.\u00a0 While checking out a boat, I found the anchor lodged in a strange spot that took nearly 30 minutes to free.\u00a0 Fortunately, I was still at the dock.<\/p>\n
How about reefing?\u00a0 Did you check the forecast before you left home?\u00a0 Are you aware that a storm front is expected at 2:00 and when it arrives, the 10 knot Southwest breeze you have been enjoying is going to increase to 35 knots from the North.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 If the forecast is for 10 knots from the SW in the morning, building to 25 in the afternoon, are you watching the water for white caps.\u00a0 It’s easy to reef when the white caps start . not as easy when you are overpowered and out of control in 25 knots.<\/p>\n
One last thought.\u00a0 What happens if YOU fall overboard.\u00a0 Is every member of your crew able to do a recovery?\u00a0 If not, you are placing yourself and everyone on your boat in danger!\u00a0 Take every opportunity to practice crew overboard recoveries.\u00a0 Here’s a thought . when you see some trash floating in the bay . coach one of your crew through a crew overboard recovery.\u00a0 I have started carrying a small fish net for just that purpose, and I have no shortage of opportunities.\u00a0 If you do, you have accomplished three good things.\u00a0 You and your crew are safer . you are better sailor (you really have to learn when you teach someone else), and the bay is a little cleaner.<\/p>\n
Be prepared . think ahead … have fun.<\/p>\n
By Don Gilzean, Tradewinds Instructor<\/p>\n
–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 If you have a Skipper’s Tip to share, or a subject you’d like us to write one about, email it to Matt (Matt@TradewindsSailing.com<\/a>)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Sailing is one of the safest sports.\u00a0 Have you ever wondered why?\u00a0 It’s actually quite simple.\u00a0 It’s called thinking ahead.\u00a0 Something that the best of skippers do without even “thinking” about it.\u00a0 When I first started sailing, someone made a … Continue reading