The skill required to operate and navigate a vessel
7
votes
1answer
41 views
Sailing with a child
Inspired by this question on taking an infant sailing, as it is quite different when they can move, I thought I'd ask the same question in respect of a toddler or child.
What essential safety ...
7
votes
1answer
57 views
Sailing with an infant
My wife and I are thinking about sailing with our ~ 6 month old baby boy.
We understand this is not something to take lightly, and we're planning either a canal/river sail or a sail in a very calm sea ...
5
votes
3answers
72 views
How would you evaluate sailing lessons for adults?
I am lucky enough to live within an hour of several cities (or large towns) on Lake Ontario, and near "cottage country" which is full of lakes. I'm considering a learn-to-sail program this summer. A ...
11
votes
4answers
185 views
How to minimize sea sickness?
I love sailing, and my wife loves the ocean, but she gets sea-sick often.
Any advice on how to avoid sea-sickness in people prone to it?
I'm looking for advice in terms of foods that are less of an ...
1
vote
1answer
37 views
Additional boating rules in addition to COLREGS?
I had a sailing test a few weeks ago and in it I was presented with the B flag and was asked what it means and what would be the applicable light at night.
I know the answer is "carrying dangerous ...
3
votes
2answers
49 views
Things to consider when choosing a sailing club
Apart from the obvious like price and location(s) what should I look for when choosing a sailing club?
Some of the things are difficult to assess, tips on assessment are welcome.
I want this question ...
4
votes
1answer
69 views
Changing the shrouds, how would I know how far if I need to?
I have a lelievlet and want to add a lignite and a mizzen mast. Therefore I need to know how much I need to change the shrouds, anyone can help me by explaining how?
edit:
What data do I need to ...
9
votes
1answer
249 views
How to sail a packraft
I would like to use the wind to propel my packraft on passages over lakes. Are there any lightweight and/or improvised sail systems?
Especially: how do I erect a mast on the packraft without it ...
3
votes
1answer
150 views
Crew requirements for sailing a ketch
When sailing a traditional twin mast ketch, what are the recommended crew requirements?
Let's assume the following for simplicity:
Captain has 6-pack maritime license.
Captain and passengers ...
13
votes
4answers
198 views
When sailing, how do I rescue a man overboard?
If someone falls overboard from a sailboat, it is firstly imperative not to lose sight of the person since finding a man in water, especially when there's waves, can be very difficult.
What ...
10
votes
1answer
276 views
Techniques for building a raft from wood
What are some good techniques to use (materials, knots, etc.) for building a raft by gathering wood in the local area? I'm talking about something to sail on still or slow moving bodies of water, not ...
7
votes
1answer
159 views
When stranded at sea, should I not ask for a tow?
I've been told that you should never ask for a tow when you are stranded at sea. The reason given is that the person towing can claim a huge share of the stranded boat, potentially all of it if it's ...
7
votes
2answers
115 views
How should I check the anchor is secure when I anchoring a small yacht off unfamiliar land?
When sailing I may anchor in a different bay each evening and take a dinghy in to land to sleep in a tent overnight.
I always worry that when I wake up in the morning the boat may no longer be ...
13
votes
2answers
215 views
Can I sail a raft on a European river with commercial traffic?
I'm thinking about sailing a part of the Danube, alone, on a self-built raft. I have no experience sailing rivers on any serious basis.
I'm considering a raft for a number of reasons:
It's cheap.
...
