The Sailing in Vancouver Safety Checklist

Sailing safety is of utmost importance when you are off on a trip. Before setting sail, it is a good idea to have some sort of a checklist in your mind, or better still, a physical checklist which you can use to make sure you and the rest of your crew and companions are prepared for the journey ahead. A checklist used before setting sail, will limit the possibility for problems once underway.

Throughout this article we will look at some of the things you will want to bear in mind before setting sail.

Check weather report

Not once, not twice, but continuously. With modern technology as it is now it is easier than ever to check the weather continuously, and as it always has been, a very important part of yacht safety procedures. Weather can change and turn at the drop of a hat, and so it is always best to be prepared for all sorts of weather eventualities.

Also be aware of the different difficulties that the especially cold weather can bring, as well as the hot. In cold weather hypothermia can become a risk, and in hot dehydration is one of the biggest risks. Know how to adjust your equipment for maximum safety in high winds, before the situation creeps up on you.

Most accidents do not occur in bad weather contrary to popular belief. They actually occur when the water is calm, as this is when your guard is lowered. Safety is something that must be at the forefront of your mind whilst sailing aboard a yacht, at all times, no matter the weather.

Prepare cruising route and plan

It is imperative to have your route mapped out, as well as a well thought out sailing plan prepared including breaks, rest stops, leisure stops, etc. Also be well versed in the rules of the road so to speak, to avoid collisions with others, or disagreements about who had the right of way etc. You want your trip to be a pleasurable one.

Lifejackets

Ensure you have the correct number, and the right size range of lifejackets on board your vessel before setting sale – and then make sure there are a few extra in case of malfunction at any point. Lifejackets, also known as Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs) should be warn at appropriate times. As going overboard is one of the leading causes of injury or death when sailing, your PFD is one of the most important safety devices, and so it is of critical importance that it fits, and that you know how to use it.

Safety tools and equipment  

As well as life jackets there are a number of other items of safety equipment you need to be adorned with whilst aboard. A safety harness tether for instance, is a great piece of kit whilst riding solo, or to help create extra protection against rough weather.

Jacklines also give you another way to stay clipped to the boat, and something else to use in the unfortunate case that someone does fall overboard.

If you are likely to sail at night, or perhaps where they may be fog, or even a little mist, it might be wise to consider installing an Automatic Identification System (AIS) system which will help you avoid collisions with other yachts, or anything else that may get in the way.

A good compass, or navigation equipment is also important for safety. Or simply a good sense of where you are going. Familiarising yourself with the route beforehand is often a good idea so you can be prepared for what lays ahead.

It is not enough to simply have safety equipment, but you need to know how to prepare it, and how to use it appropriately.

Check the engine

It sounds simple, and obvious, but you should make sure you check your engine before setting sail. If you aren’t sure what you are looking for, then get someone who does to do it for you. You especially want to check for leaks, and the oil level. Check all equipment too, halyards, rigging, etc. anything that has the possibility of breaking. Drainage systems should also be checked, as well as battery status.

Prepare medicine

Make sure you know if there are any passengers on board with medical conditions, and ensure they have the correct medication with them and the correct quantity for the length of the trip. This may include regular medication, specialist medication for ongoing conditions, asthma paraphernalia, or more generic medication such as paracetamol. You will want to double check the first aid kit on board too before departure.

Conclusion

There is lots of extended literature you can read before jumping on board if you would like to improve your knowledge base. Books on safe skippering, good seamanship, and more are available online. You may also want to consider downloading one of the many apps available. The key to safety is preparation.

See more at: http://www.nanaimoyachtcharters.com/blog/the-yachting-safety-checklist

YACHTING IN HEAVY WEATHER IN VANCOUVER

Being prepared is the most important thing when embarking on a Vancouver yachting trip. When it comes to the weather, you must be prepared for all of the eventualities as it can turn on you at any time. When particularly rough weather hits, the best course of action of course is to head back to shore where possible but where this is not possible or practical everyone aboard should be ready for the worst.

The preparation for heavy weather

There is plenty of opportunity to be prepared for heavy weather, if you have kept a proper lookout with a keen and well trained ‘weather-eye’, and also kept abreast of the latest developments over radio and other forms of mobile communications. What preparation is necessary will vary according to the type of boat, and the size and the design of the vessel.To be well prepared, determine position of storm, the direction of the wind, and the speed and the estimated time that the storm will take to get to you.

Predicting heavy weather

It can be impossible to predict the weather so to speak, but it is possible to learn some tell-tale signs of a storm approaching before it hits. If you sale regularly, or spend a healthy amount of time outdoors then you will already naturally know some of this. There is a smell in the air, a change in the wind, a glimpse of something different on the horizon. As many farmers say, you can smell rain coming, and many seamen can smell a storm on the horizon.

Prepare crew and emergency equipment

Ensure that all crew members know what to do in the case of severe weather, and also make sure anyone aboard knows where to find their personal floatation device and any other safety equipment they may need. It is also key that people remember to keep low in the boat, not go out on deck unnecessarily, and not to move around too much. Ensure that all hatches, ports, windows, and anything else that could swing open or move around is tightly secured. This ensures that there is no risk of injury from things flying around, and also crucially keeps all the water out.  Make sure you have the right safety equipment that can help keep you safe in a storm such as a VHF radio, hand pumps, bailers etc. You should also ensure that people wear the correct safety equipment as soon as you know bad weather is afoot and that the first aid kit is accessible.

Prepare emergency food and water

It is always the best idea to be prepared for bad weather when taking a boat trip. This also includes making sure you have enough food and water on board for if you happened to get stranded out on the water for longer than planned for whatever reasons. Running out of water is really not a fun place to be, nor is running out of food.

Things that skipper should consider

The skipper should have all of the knowledge, but these are a few key points to remember:

• When the storm hits, make a note of the boats positioning on the chart. Also make sure to take note of the time, your heading, and the speed at which you are travelling.
• If possible, turn to avoid the storm or head back to land
• Make sure the lifeboats are ready to be deployed if abandonment is needed at any point
• Turn navigation lights on and change to a full fuel tank where possible
• Be aware of floating debris and other boats that may have gone off course
• Make sure all aboard are briefed on what to do in case of emergency weather conditions before you set sail

Summary

There will always be times when tricky weather hits from out of nowhere, but you can be prepared even for that. Having clear safety procedures that are known by all crew and other people on board is the first step. The second is having a good degree of common sense for when bad weather hits. Never take anything for granted, and always double check things. Yachting in heavy weather isn’t for the faint of heart, but it is doable, and any weather can be overcome and a successful trip can follow it.

 

- See more at: http://www.nanaimoyachtcharters.com/blog/yachting-in-heavy-weather-in-vancouver/

Must Have Emergency Tools While Sailing in Vancouver

It is always absolutely vital to be well prepared before embarking upon any sailing trip in Vancouver and indeed anywhere in the world. This includes, supplies, maintenance equipment, emergency tools, and safety items.

On something as complex as a boat, there are many things that can go wrong, and it is of great importance to be as well prepared as possible for all eventualities that can occur. Keeping a comprehensive inventory list of all of the items on board the boat is a good starting point, this way it is easier to check before setting sail that you have everything you might ever need simply by
checking the list. Organisation is also crucial. A well organised stock room, medical cabinet, and safety zone make for happier sailors in the event of a crisis.

As well as all the usual items, there are some tools that can prove particularly useful in a limitless number of situations on board a vessel.

Firstly, an adjustable wrench. This may sound quite commonplace, but you would be surprised how often these are missing off the checklist. A seven inch adjustable wrench can get you out of many a sticky situation on board. The Sea Spanner is a model from New Zealand which is very popular with the highest calibre of boatmen, made of high quality stainless steel, the tool has a 25 millimetre spanner, a bottle opener, and a shackle spanner. Its versatile handle makes it comfortably usable for more than one type of repair. A regular adjustable wrench will do the job, but if, like many sailors, you like having the best on the market, this is the one for you.

A multiuse gadget such as a Leatherman is always handy on board, and its pocket-size means that it should always be accessible for you to utilise as needed. Multi tools are space savers as well as handy pieces of equipment which is great because there is only a certain amount of room on board a boat. Having something like this will mean you are safe in the knowledge you have the basics with you (such as a flat headed and a Phillips screwdriver, pliers, assorted knives, and that all important corkscrew), should all else fail.

A third, often overlooked piece of equipment is the trusty self-sealing silicone tape (aka Rescue Tape). It is quite common for water to get into unwanted places on a boat, and such tape can help keep you watertight in any areas that you want to remain dry. Such tape can also be a useful implement for repairing a crack in a leaky hose for instance. It is just generally a useful piece of kit to keep nearby when journeying on a waterborne vessel. Duct tape is sometimes used due to its ability to be applied in multiple ways, but it can be quite bulky and heavy to carry. A bit more of an inconvenience than self-sealing silicone tape. Electrical tape can also be handy, for normal uses such as wiring but also for other mishaps that can occur such as your deck shoes falling apart. The silicone tape however is the most versatile and can be used for most things should space on board be a concern.

To another pointy instrument – the rigging knife. A stainless steel one with a marlinspike, shackle key, and a strong, sturdy blade will see you right in a number of desk emergencies or mishaps with the rigging. It can be quite heavy (so best to keep your Leatherman style tool in our pocket), but it is more robust for some of those trickier jobs where other knifes just don’t quite cut it.

Next to something you can absolutely, categorically, never have too many of on a boat; the cable tie. These small strips of plastic are extremely hardy, and can take on a number of different challenges. One use is for securing a flag to the halyard, or battening down any unruly materials that may get in the way should the sea get a bit rough. It is always good to have a few of these simple, yet useful items on your person.

Something that you can also wind up being short of on board is light. This is why it is always a great idea to have a battery powered headlamp. This will stop you getting caught in a dark spot, trying to undertake some complex mechanical or electrical repairs. This is kind of vital, as it is no good working with any of the aforementioned tools if you cannot see what you are doing – that’s a good way to lose a finger. This is why it is also crucial to have a store of batteries, and refresh them before setting off to attend to any repairs. It may also be handy to have a couple of handheld wind up torches aboard, for those instances where you may not need two hands to work on whatever it is that has cropped up. If you are hiring a charter boat or yacht, it can also be hard to know your way around a boat straight away, and so it is safest to always light your way when navigating the deck in low to no light. It is also worth considering getting a head torch on which you can have red light as well as white, and also one that is waterproof to some degree to avoid being left in the dark should it get wet.

Goggles are another item that can be overlooked by less experienced sailors. In rough seas, and with stormy weather, these can be a real saviour. Your eyes are so important, especially on board a vessel, and even more so when visibility is reduced by adverse conditions. Without good eyesight, it is hard to make good judgements, and also your eyes play an important role in balance and thusly avoiding dreaded sea sickness. Ski goggles can do the job really well, but it is best to opt for the clear lens rather than being lured in by all the fancy colours which are ok on a white slope, but could be confusing in wet, windy conditions where you have a lot to concentrate on. It is also important to wipe the goggles properly, and with a material which will not leave anything behind like tissue or kitchen roll. Also remember, put them on before you head outside.

Whilst we are on eyewear, it is also worth mentioning Polaroid sunglasses. The advantages of these are that they significantly reduce the amount of glare you get coming into your eyes from refracted light. All serious sailors own them because of this, as it allows your irises to stay open wider, which improves your sight quite considerably. It is best to stick to a reputable brand with all types of eyewear, as you really do get what you pay for, and your eyesight isn’t worth compromising on especially when you may be faced with some tough conditions out on the sea.

Now to some more common items such as the life jacket. Having your own life jacket is a good idea so that you know that it fits, is of a good quality, its’ history and that it is up to date. This also means you are more likely to be able to find it swiftly in case of emergency. You are also more likely to know how to get it on quickly and safely, and have probably tested it in your pool at home at some point just for fun. Believe it or not, life jackets do come in different standards too, and if you are chartering your own boat or yacht,
it is worth spending the extra money on a high standard life jacket.

Another item to consider is a handheld GPS pre-loaded with all the local charts for the waters around Vancouver. Your skipper will be the main person doing the navigating of course, should you be hiring one, but a handheld personal device can also be of great use. It is always nice to be able to check yourself that you are heading in the desired direction of travel, and also to have the odd check that there is nothing that will get in your way. The skipper will have much on his plate, and so he wouldn’t mind the back up. You can also keep a log book from you own device, to check how far you have travelled, at what speed, in what time. Again there are a number of options for these that will suit all budgets, so look at what you

need, whilst again sticking to the reputable brands. You may also want to consider a personal EPIRP which will help out family members minds at ease should you be out in adverse weather carrying out repairs or the like.

As well as all this practical safety equipment, it is vital to ensure that you have all of the correct personal effects with you. Things like an alarm clock, robust wet weather gear, sun protection, gloves, thermal underwear, a neck warmer, lip balm, and a good hat are all a good start. A kit bag in which to store all of this is probably a good idea. It helps keep all your safety equipment handy, and ensures items do not get lost in the various crevices a boat has to offer. One with lots of different sized pockets is most useful, also one that has some sort of waterproof casing or cover.

At Nanaimo Yacht Charters we always provide a full briefing and ensure all safety equipment is in good order.

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Planning for Cooking on Board a Yacht

If you are an experienced sailor then you may already know these nuggets of information. Cooking on board can be great fun or if after 4 days afloat you are still eating canned soup and sandwiches then you may want to think about being more inventive. Whatever the holiday, normally food is an important aspect. If you are staying close to port then people often eat ashore, but if you want to enjoy the seclusion and majesty of parts of our recommended itineraries then you will need to plan and shop ahead.

On board cooking tips

• Do an inventoryHave a good look through the kitchen area and work out what equipment you have and more importantly if there is any essential equipment you are missing. If there are dishes you’d like to cook
  which require unusual ingredients such as particular spices it is worthwhile bringing them with you.

• Plan out the main mealsLunches can be easy – fresh bread, cheese, ham and some salad and hey presto lunch is done. Snacks are also easy – crisps, crackers, fruit and some local biscuits make for a good snack cupboard. Evening meals though need to be well planned – the less shopping journeys and waste the better.As part of the planning you need to take into account everyone’s needs on board, especially if you have a crew. Find out if there are any allergies to take account of or any particularly strong dislikes.

• Plan out the alcoholFor most people part of being on holiday is relaxing with some great wine and a few beers. Keep enough on board to be merry, but remember a completely liquid diet is not recommended. Boxes of wine and cans are easier to store than bottles.

• Put 1 person in charge of cookingOf course this doesn’t mean the rest of the crew can’t be willing helpers. Cooking can be a great family activity but you need 1 person to take control of the menu planning and shopping. Anyone doing the cooking shouldn’t have to clear up too!

• Safety and spaceThe galley area of the boat is bound to be restricted in size. Think carefully when you’re shopping how you are going to store everything and only take on board what you really need. It is especially important on board to clear any spills as you go and make sure everything is carefully stowed away.

• Think about rubbish/garbageAnything you normally put in a compost bin can be thrown into the sea. The less packaging you can bring on board the less there is to store for throwing away when you are next in port. We must keep the seas clean and a lot of rubbish can be very harmful to wildlife.

Meals to cook on boardHave a think about these:

• One pot wondersSuch as a stew, fajitas, soup, stir fry, Risotto.
• PastasBolognaise, carbonara, pesto, and various pasta bakes.
• Rice dishesChilli, curry, paella
• SaladsYou can make some great salads out of canned mixed beans and packets of quinoa
• FishWhatever you can catch alongside a salad or some vegetables

Make the cooking as well as the eating part of your holiday. Enjoy!

- See more at: http://www.nanaimoyachtcharters.com/blog/planning-for-cooking-on-board-a-yacht/

Sailing Courses in Vancouver – The Advantages of Ladies Only Courses

When taking on a new hobby, there is always the fear of walking into the class for the first time and being judged. This fear is usually amplified if there are mixed genders in the class, and so single gender classes can be a way to try new things with less of the social anxiety that can come with that. Sailing courses are no different.

Many women want to learn in a fun, relaxed environment and gender politics can often cloud that. Female instructors tend to have a better understanding of these fears and thoughts and can be better at teaching women in ways that women learn best.

Ladies only sailing courses are often easier as it takes away the problem of sharing a cabin with a stranger of the opposite sex. This can make many women (and men for that matter) uncomfortable and significantly detract from the overall learning experience. You are of course, there to learn so that you can enjoy your new found skills later with loved ones, or potential partners, as well as friends and family. Some men also have the tendency to ‘mansplain’ – that is, re-explain something in their language just to check women have understood. This kind of condescendence is not conducive to good learning in such settings. When learning with people of the same gender, it is easier to believe there is no such thing as a stupid question. It is also easier when on board if you don’t have to hide your lady bits and bobs (meaning toiletries and sanitary products, not just physical body parts!) for fear of an unknown male walking around the corner.

Women tend to have a calmer demeanour when learning all together outside of the company of men. It is not that men are not liked, or appreciated, (we can meet up with them after the lesson) it
is just this way of learning is more fruitful, and less distractive. Women tend to make friends with other women, and when learning a new hobby such as sailing, it can be nice to form such bonds in the process. Many women make friends for life on women only sailing courses, and this is more easily achievable and facilitated by the single gender learning environment.

Ladies learn in their own gentle way. It is a great feeling to work with other women alone, as the ladies truly are doing it for themselves. It can be a much nicer experience on board with only other women, and it’s the little things like cleanliness of the bathroom, proper cups of tea, great food, and an aura of calm that really makes it a unique experience.

The bottom line is, women only courses encourages more women to consider taking up sailing as a sport. In the sport world, men still very much lead the way and it is initiatives like women only sailing courses that help ladies break that glass ceiling.

We must try in every way possible to encourage more women to take up water sports, whether for pleasure or for sport (hopefully both), and the women who have taken part in such courses cite the single gender element as being a big contributory factor to their interest.

Women only sailing courses are a great team building, confidence boosting experience. They make it so much more enjoyable than a simple learning exercise and can encourage further personal development or diversification in the area of water sports. Although very much a team endeavour at the learning stage, the ultimate aim is to empower women to go forward, and feel confident in skippering their own boat someday should they so wish. It could even be possible that working with other women proves so inspirational, that one day a woman may wish to become an instructor too.

Women’s only sailing courses have numerous advantages; confidence boosting, fun; suits a woman’s learning styles; more relaxed; etc. But most of all, taking part in a ladies only sailing course is an extremely empowering experience, and one that you may want to repeat in other water activities or hobbies.

To find out more information about our sailing courses please contact us. 

- See more at: http://www.nanaimoyachtcharters.com/blog/sailing-courses-in-vancouver-the-advantages-of-ladies-only-courses/

YACHTING IN VANCOUVER WITH CHILDREN

You may question whether it is a good idea to bring children along on a yacht charter in Vancouver, and you would be right to give it some serious consideration for many reasons. There is safety to consider and the worry that being cooped up will cause boredom for the young ones resulting in stress for the adults. However, there are more reasons to take them along with you, as long as you plan and take necessary precautions. There are four key things to contemplate beforehand:

1. Safety on board

Discussing the safety rules of a charter before the trip is a must. The children must be briefed as to where the safety equipment is (such as life jackets and other floatation aids), and how to use it. This may seem daunting, but actually, kids love to play pirate, and adore boats. They will really enjoy the learning experience as they will see it as an important part of their role on board. Children love to be given ownership over things, and feel a part of it all. Rule enforcement will be necessary, but you can do it in such a way that is fun, engaging, and not at all dictatorial. The main safety rules are:

• Always wear a life jacket when outside of the cockpit (for young ones it is best that they have their own special life jacket to ensure that it fits correctly)
• Never leave the boat without informing an adult
• Do not go to the front of the boat without telling an adult
• The skipper is the boss, and his word must always be followed
• You do not run on the boat, or play rough
• It is advised to always swim with a buddy
• Parents to take it in turns to be on safety watch – consider making a schedule
• DO NOT mention sharks – it will cause unnecessary fright

If travelling with toddlers or babies there are a few other things you need to take into consideration. A car carry seat will be of use to place the baby when you are busy getting the yacht ready. Baby slings may also be of use as this means your hands will be kept free for other tasks whilst your baby is still snug and safe. For toddlers, netting to enclose open space at the sides of a vessel can be provided, but you still need eyes in the back of your head.

2. Cruising planning

Planning the type of cruise, and the type of journey is always important but more so when you have young ones to consider. You may want to look at making the sailing distances short, incorporating more stopovers, and choosing a boat that is more suitable for little ones. Catamarans are great for kids as they offer lots of inside play space, and also they do not rock back and forward too much which can make children sickly. Instead of doing four hour trips maybe do two hour trips with stop offs on the beach to allow the little ones to stretch their legs on shore for a while.

3.Provisioning

Good provisioning is vital for a successful trip. Prepare medicine, snacks and beach and water toys for the children to make sure they have plenty to keep them amused. There are usually options to rent kayaks, paddle boards, or other water equipment that allows them a certain amount of freedom. Snorkelling equipment always provides a big win, and can keep children amused for hours, but it is important to ensure they know how to use it correctly before plunging into the sea. Depending on your destination you will also need to ensure you are prepared for the elements. Sunscreen, loose clothing, hats and shades are all necessary in the heat of the sun. Layers and Vaseline for those chapped lips are required for colder conditioners. Bottled water must also be in ample supply.

4. Living on board

Let children know the important on board positioning of things such as the toilet, the engine room, the safety equipment store, and the emergency communications equipment. A good little rule to remind children is that nothing should go down the loo unless you have eaten it first. Children will love the art and the science of sailing, include them when studying charts, using the instruments, and let them help with small tasks such as using the winch button for the anchor. This will help them feel connected to their environment, and respect it all the more, as well as enjoy it. You may also want to consider picking up some literature on the inhabitants of the water that will be surrounding you. Children love to learn about the wildlife in their environment and it’s a great way to spend time.

Finding the right charter boat for your family

If you decide to take the plunge and charter with children, selecting the right boat will be a crucial step towards a happy trip. Space is an important factor, as is a crew and a captain who have experience working with children, and moreover, enjoy it. Providers are very keen to ensure that families are well catered for, and will be more than happy to help you pick the right vessel.

Have a look at our yacht charter fleet and please contact us to discuss ideas for your next vacation.

- See more at: http://www.nanaimoyachtcharters.com/blog/yachting-in-vancouver-with-children/