Information On Bareboat Charters Helping You Get Started

Sunday 30 August 2009

Bareboat charters are yachts that you can rent and operate by yourself. If you are not experienced in handling a yacht
you can hire a captain to take over this job for you. The idea behind a bareboat charter is that you do not get any extras - just the bare boat. You have to supply your own food and entertainment and if you want toys for watersports you either have to bring your own or rent them. Most of the bareboat yachts are between 30 and 50 feet in length and you can choose bareboat charters using power
sailing or catamaran boats.

In order to book bareboat charters without hiring a captain
the yacht charter company will need to see proof that you can handle the yacht on your own. You will either have to show the bareboat yacht charter company proof of your experience in handling smaller or similar sized yachts or present a certificate from a boating course. For most yacht charters in the Caribbean
companies do not require certification
but it is a requirement in some parts of the world
such as Greece. If you do need to hire a captain
this is not included in the price of the charter and you have to pay the captain yourself.

There are bareboat charters that will allow you to book a one-way charter. This allows you to sail to a destination and leave the yacht there. This will cost you more because unless someone books a one-way bareboat yacht charter back from that destination the company has to find a way of getting the yacht back to home base. It is quite likely that it will be cheaper on you to charter the yacht for a few extra days and return it yourself.

You can make your booking for a bareboat yacht charter online. However
you will need to make at least a 25% deposit on the total cost of the charter and there are bareboat charters that require 50% of the total as a deposit. You will also receive a contract to sign and a sailing resume to complete from the yacht charter company. Most of the charter companies do accept credit cards
but there are some smaller companies that only accept check
cash or money order payments.

When you book bareboat charters you usually get just the yacht itself. Although some of the charter companies do include a dinghy in the cost
most of the Florida companies require that you rent the dinghy. Since this is a necessity
you have to allow for the extra cost. You won’t have any of the amenities that you are used to at home
such as a television or microwave. You will also have to supply your own linens
dishes
food and water. If you want to book one of the bareboat charters that will take you to another country
you do need to make sure you have your passport with you or you won’t be allowed to dock in the ports.
Read More “Information On Bareboat Charters Helping You Get Started”

Inflatable Kayak Reviews Kayaks Come In Many Inflatable Models And Styles Which One s Right For You

With inflatable kayak reviews
we can take some of the top kayaks and inflatable boat models and break them down into categories such as function
size
and style that will suite your boating needs the best
and provide you an informative review of each kayak!

The inflatable boats market is increasing dramatically due to the flexibility and price of many kayaks and boats available today
and for people that enjoy spending time in the outdoors
they can really take advantage of the features they offer.

Now whether you’re a sports junkie or a seasonal leisure enthusiast will be the determining factor on which inflatable kayak is going to be right for you. You may go camping only once a year
and your active lifestyle is casual and more laidback. With that in mind
you would consider a boat that is based more on the pricing
and you won’t have as much concern about the material quality.

On the other hand
if you’re planning on kayaking class 4 whitewater or you plan on using your inflatable boat for some serious fishing activities
then you will be considering more heavy duty reinforced boats with greater flexible features
and kayak accessories and necessary options to meet your demanding outdoor requirements.

Our Inflatable Review Will Help You Determine Which Kayak Meets Your Recreation Needs

Many manufacturers and outfitters have done a great job in creating a wide variety of options
and understand that the boat features must be different for each boating individual. They have designed everything from casual recreation models
to the extremely durable paddling features that many hardcore sporting kayakers require.

I will do a breakdown of several inflatable models and provide you a detailed comparison on each one. This way you can see differences in the construction
and why they vary from the lower priced average durable model
to the performance level pvc models that are more rugged and stronger in the denier class of material.

If you’re not familiar with some of the technical terms above
don’t worry! I will explain these terms to you in my next article and let you know the importance. To continue this article
you can follow my link that you can find in my Author Bio section listed as “Kayak Reviews”. In the second part of this article I will go into more detail for you
and talk about several models available. I will discuss which one is best suited for your outdoor experience
and in the end you can make the final decision of which one is best for you.
Read More “Inflatable Kayak Reviews Kayaks Come In Many Inflatable Models And Styles Which One s Right For You”

How To Launch Your Boat

Launching your boat will become a simple task with a little practice. However
if you are new to boating you might want to hitch up your boat trailer and head to an empty parking lot to gain some practice. I don’t recommend arriving at the boat ramp and attempting to launch your boat before you know how to reverse a trailer.

So
let’s look at some of the principles of reversing a trailer …

Start with your vehicle and the trailer as straight as possible and about a trailer’s length from the area into which you want to reverse. Watch the trailer out of the driver’s window while reversing slowly
and start turning the steering wheel to the right. Be gentle with the steering – it is easier to add more steering than to correct it too much. Some guides to reversing suggest grasping the steering wheel at the very bottom. This should prevent you from over-turning the wheel and if your steering wheel is in a straight position to start with
you will know throughout the reversing maneuver
without having to look
that at the lowest point your steering wheel is again straight.

As soon as the trailer starts to turn you can begin straightening up while still reversing. Don’t leave straightening up too late or the trailer will jackknife.

Eventually you begin steering in the other direction while still reversing. Bring the vehicle’s nose around to follow the trailer and keep an eye on where the trailer is in case it needs correction.

Continue to reverse in a straight line using the side mirrors. Reverse slowly and carefully. When more of the trailer appears in one mirror
steer towards that mirror to start the trailer going the other way. Remember that a correction only requires a small steering movement.

Pulling forward to straighten the trailer is often an easy option before continuing to reverse.

Once you are able to back up a few hundred feet without jackknifing your trailer or rear-ending anything you are probably ready to launch your boat at a boat ramp. If possible
select a quiet weekday morning for your first launch.

The first rule when launching a boat is being prepared before you pull onto the launching ramp. That means having all your gear safely stowed
the boat key in the ignition
the boat drain plug in
the tie-down straps off
the trailer lights disconnected and a safety line connected to the boat's bow. It can be very frustrating watching someone loading fishing or picnic gear into their boat or apply sunscreen to their kids while their boat is parked on the launch ramp!

Keep the trailer's winch strap and safety chain connected until you reach the water's edge. It will only take a few seconds to disconnect them prior to launching.

Back the boat down the launch ramp and stop before the stern of the boat hangs over the water. Unlock the winch strap and remove pins or other devices used to prevent the outboard motor from tipping down. Now back the boat down until the trailer wheels are submerged.

When the boat is ready to float off the trailer
have your boating buddy hold the bowline or tie the line to your vehicle or winch handle.

Once the boat has floated free of the trailer either beach the boat or tie it off to the dock with the bowline. A confident boater will have someone start the motor and move the boat away from the dock until the driver has parked the vehicle and is ready to board.

Either way
try to launch quickly as a courtesy to your fellow boaters.

The same rules apply when putting your boat back onto the trailer
but there are a few hazards you should be aware of
especially if you're tired or feeling rushed.

When you tie up at the dock
have your vehicle keys in your pocket
retrieve your vehicle and claim a spot in line.

Before you pull your boat out of the water ensure the engine has been tilted up.

Many launching problems will be avoided by making sure everything on your boat is in working order before you leave home!
Read More “How To Launch Your Boat”

Hawaii Yacht Charters Enjoy A Sailing Vacation In Paradise

Thursday 20 August 2009

Hawaii yacht charters allow you to sail around the most beautiful coastline in the world. Enjoy the balmy winds of the Hawaiian Islands and sunbathe on the deck of the yacht. Watch the surfers perform their feats of expertise on the huge waves from your berth at the dock. Along with the stunning landscape
you can also enjoy some of the most famous beaches in the world by booking one of the Hawaii yacht charters. This type of sailing vacation will be the vacation you have always fantasized about.

There are many coves and inlets you can visit during your yacht charter to Hawaii where you can be completely alone
The 3800 –foot cliffs on Moloka are the highest in the world and the Pelekunu Valley opens into a uninhabited valley. There are golden beaches in this area and if you wish you can moor your yacht offshore and row to shore in the dinghy. Hawaii Yacht Charters will also provide you with the opportunity to engage in spectacular diving experiences. With Hawaiian sailing vacations you can also enjoy the thrill of sliding down over 10 foot waves
something you won’t encounter on other tropical yacht charters.

Hawaiian sailing vacations are very fast – much faster than in the Caribbean. This is what makes Hawaii yacht charters so popular with those that have been sailing for years. You do have to have some knowledge of sailing the waters around Hawaii when before you take one of the bareboat charters. Tips to help you have a safe Hawaiian vacation with a yacht charter include such things as not taking a night trip on the water when the wings lay and avoiding going to the windward when the trades winds are up.

One of the advantages of booking one of the Hawaii yacht charters for the sailing vacation of your dreams is that there are no taxes in Hawaii. Therefore the cost you are quoted is what you pay. You don’t have to allow any extra money for Hawaiian sailing vacations. The director will find the perfect yacht to suit your needs. There are also many options you can have included
for an extra price of course
so that you have a truly customized Hawaiian vacation.

Some of the various Hawaii yacht charters that you can choose from include sunset dinner charters
event charters
activity charters and charters for formal occasions
such as weddings. You can choose a yacht that can only hold 6 passengers or choose one that can hold as many as 49. This larger yacht is a powered boat and it is crewed so that you can enjoy a private resort as you are sailing the islands of Hawaii. You can book your Hawaii yacht charters completely online without leaving the comfort of your home.
Read More “Hawaii Yacht Charters Enjoy A Sailing Vacation In Paradise”

Having Difficulty Finding Crewed Yacht Charters Book Online

Crewed yacht charters are easy to find when you do a search on the Internet. These charters are available all over the world. Once you find the yacht charter company you want to deal with
the process of booking the sailing yacht and charter is relatively simple. First of all you have to decide where you want to travel this year and when you type the sailing destination into your Search engine browser the wealth of crewed yacht charters that result are absolutely amazing.

The location you choose for the crewed yacht charter is the most important part of the booking process. Once you know where it is you want to go
the rest of the procedure of booking online will fall into place. For example
you can choose crewed yacht charters to the Caribbean
the Mediterranean
the Bahamas or even the French Riviera. The type of crewed sailing yacht you choose can also be different. You can choose a luxury sailing yacht
a powerboat or a catamaran depending on your individual preference for sailing.

A crewed sailing yacht includes the captain and the crew
who will take care of all your needs while you are on board the yacht. You do not have to worry about handling the yacht when you book crewed yacht charters
but you can take advantage of the opportunity to learn more about sailing. The crew has the knowledge you need to enjoy the best scenic locations
the best spots for diving or fishing and the best ports for shopping. The captain is responsible to ensuring the safety of everyone on board the crewed yacht charter and this will be uppermost in his mind at all times.

The all-inclusive crewed yacht charters include everything you need to make the most of your vacation. All the food and drink as well as equipment is included in the price. The only extra costs that you will incur are your shopping and dining experiences in the various ports of call. You won’t have to worry about ant anchorage fees or have to supply your own food. Even the chef to cook exquisite delicacies for you comes as part of a crewed yacht charter.

The rates of crewed yacht charters depend on the number of passengers
the size of the boat and the length of the charter. The time of the year also affects the cost
as winter is a more expensive time of year to book a crewed sailing yacht than summer. You should also consider having travel insurance for a crewed yacht charter
just as you would if you planned a trip to a resort destination. Even though the crew is vigilant when it comes to the safety of passengers on crewed yacht charters
accidents can happen at any time.
Read More “Having Difficulty Finding Crewed Yacht Charters Book Online”

Finding the Right Vessel At Boat Shows

Boat shows are the best way to check out the new seasonal offerings before you hit the water this year. As you shop the boat shows in your area
though
what
primarily
should you shop for in a new boat? This guide should help.


First
look around the boat shows near you for a good selection of boat styles that fit your needs. Some want the right pontoon boat to carry more party gear. Others need a speed boat for boat racing that reflects their fast
sleek personalities. Whatever your chosen boat style
though
understanding what you need before you walk into any boat shows is essential.


Once you've narrowed things down by style
it's time to start looking at the general size of the vessel. While vessel styles may actually help you determine the size
with boat styles like speed boats
you'll have lots of choices. Keep in mind that you need to choose a boat size that fits both the trailer you currently own and your level of experience. Bigger boats take a lot more maneuvering than smaller ones do
and if your last lake boating experience was a dinghy with oars
you may need to start small or at least invest in some boating courses to get the job done right.


Accessories


Now that you've looked at styles and size
your next step is to start choosing the preferences that best fit your needs. Most people look at engine capacity first. The larger the engine
the faster your boat is going to go
and boat shows are a great way to look at the engine technology that is currently available. Talk with dealers about what is new in the world of boat engines
look at demonstrations
and if you're interested
talk about alternative fuel technologies. After all
gas is getting expensive for every engine
including those you'll be seeing at the boat shows you attend.


In addition to engine size
you need to consider other boating accessories. While you can do lots of accessorizing after the fact
choosing a model at the boat shows you visit that comes close to meeting your needs may help things out quite a bit. Look at the lights
seat covers
and furniture included to be sure that you're getting the right boat. If you're shopping for higher end accessories or boating apparel or you have special boating needs (fishing and so forth) be sure to ask boat show dealers what could be added to their current model to make your boating experience a bit smoother.


Not sure where to find boat shows in your area? Go online. With thousands of boat shows from coast to coast
you're sure to find one within driving distance. It's unquestionably the way to get a look at all of the hottest models of the season and help narrow down your boat purchase choices. Moreover
though
you can check out some of the awesome boating products boat makers have created for the market this year. It may just give you the fix you need to make it to the next season.
Read More “Finding the Right Vessel At Boat Shows”

Find Your Client a Private Yacht Charter

Tuesday 18 August 2009

Have you ever had a booking catastrophe turn GOLDEN?

An August news flash via one of our daily emails alerted me of a "situation" in Europe with the Windjammer vessels. Apparently they were being held in port for non-payment of various bills
and I diligently forwarded this press release to my client
who had been booked for a January 2008 cruise with Windjammer for some time. Not only had we deposited $1
500
for three cabins
but we had pre-paid the hotel stay as well! I was very concerned when my call to the company went unanswered.

As my client was concerned enough to decide to cancel his vacation
I went to work quickly attempting to rescue him
as he and his wife
an adult son and his wife
and another son had arranged flights into St. Martin and home from Tortola. NOW what?

Google to the rescue! I plugged in "yacht charters"
discovered there were several different brokers we could consider from Tortola
and I quickly emailed several of them. As is often the case (we should all make note of this in our OWN business!)
the first responder got my attention that day. Lynne Campbell of Carefree Yacht Charters was going to be my "lifesaver!"

What fun! I asked my client
Steve
if he would consider a sailboat charter
and he hesitated. "My wife and daughter-in-law are both worried about seasickness
he replied quickly.
Let me see what they say about that."

While Lynne worked quickly on her end to see which yachts were available
the next email from Steve revealed that the girls were a "GO!" I was VERY excited
and let Lynne know immediately that the client was game.

We discussed the fact that perhaps a catamaran-style boat would suit this family's needs best
but Lynne also explained that the classic sailing experience found aboard a mono hull-style yacht might be an excellent option as well. Not only did she discuss this with me
but she was more than happy to talk directly with my client in order to answer questions
address concerns
and help determine the best boat and crew for this particular vacation - which turned out to be a mono hull in this case!

Carefree Yacht Charters takes care of EVERY detail. I can’t tell you how many amazing amenities these boats have
right down to the great water toys. Of course
each yacht is unique
just as each crew is different. Some have just one crew member who acts as both captain and chef
while others have two or even more.

A yacht charter typically includes ALL alcoholic beverages and meals
and the course is often charted according to the clients preferences! A client preference request form is sent to the clients in advance of the charter so that all their requests and requirements are met. The price is NOT much more than the cost of a Windjammer or big-ship cruise. In fact
this family is bringing six people for just over $10
0
plus the customary 15 percent tip to the crew.

I need to share with you that Lynne and her husband owned and operated two successful yacht charters in the Virgin Islands for twelve years
so they are really well equipped to organize and book your clients vacations. And I can’t WAIT to hear the stories when my clients return from this adventure. And
to think it all came about because of a potential cancellation!
Read More “Find Your Client a Private Yacht Charter”

Experience A Charter Boat

I love going on vacation to Florida. I have been vacationing to Florida at least once each year since I was a little kid. My parents
siblings and I would pile into our family station wagon and make the long drive from Wisconsin to Florida every summer. We would stop at camp grounds along the way to spending at least two weeks as close to the ocean as we could find a place to stay. I remember spending endless hours on the beach shores looking out on all the large boats that passed me by. I wanted to be on one of those charter boats more than anything else.

As an adult
I have continued to vacation to Florida with my own family and our friends. We go to a condo every spring for two weeks and we love it. I never tire of Florida vacations because they are absolutely beautiful. I love walking with my daughters along the water and playing football with my sons along the beach. My absolute favorite thing to do each year on vacation
however
is spend a day fishing on a charter boat.

My childhood dream has been coming true each year for the past twenty years. In fact
I think I have been fishing on a deep sea charter boat nearly thirty times since I first dreamed about doing it. I have been on the charter boat with my father
my father-in-law
my wife
our children and several of my closest friends at different times in the past twenty years. I just cannot get enough of fishing on the charter boat in what seems like the middle of a huge ocean.

If you're looking to vacation to Florida any time soon
then I suggest you make your way to the Gulf of Mexico and get yourself on a charter boat fishing excursion as soon as possible. You'll absolutely love the feeling of spending a day at sea and of catching the biggest fish you can possibly catch. A charter boat fishing experience is truly one of the best parts of a Florida vacation
so don't go without taking at least a day for this.

Do a little research and see what kinds of fishing charter boats are available in the area you will be visiting. Look for great deals by taking a large group with you or by going on an off day. Charter fishing is a great hobby to develop
so make plans to experience charter fishing for the first time.
Read More “Experience A Charter Boat”

Labels:

Evaluating a coastal cruiser

Going coastal? You have abundant choices in boats
Because coastal-cruising sailors are most often sailing on tight schedules
using their boats for only a day or two or
at most
a week or two at a time
the first thing they need to consider when choosing a new boat is its speed. Not that this is the only criterion
but the faster the boat
the larger your cruising ground. On a coast where harbors and anchorages are few and far between
a slow
heavy vessel will not prove much fun. Unless you live in an area where places to pull in are only a few miles apart
it is wise to look for something that can average at least 5 knots under both sail and power if it's a smaller vessel -- say
32
feet and under -- and at least 6 to 7 knots if it's a larger vessel. Usually this means you'll be favoring a lighter boat with a fin keel and spade rudder over a heavier boat with a fuller underbody.

Because coastal-cruising boats are not as likely to be caught out in bad weather for extended periods
their construction need not meet offshore standards. Any of the popular mass-produced boats currently on the market should be more than adequate in terms of strength. Because coastal boats do tend to spend a lot of time tied up to docks
you may wish to focus on amenities. A substantial AC shore-power system is usually a critical item and will go a long way toward making your boat as comfortable as your home
allowing you to enjoy microwaves
hair driers
air conditioning
televisions
and other luxuries without installing such impedimenta as generators
huge battery banks
and inverters. Nor do you need big tanks. Capacities of as little as 20 gallons of fuel and 50 of water
given a mid-size boat between 30 and 40 feet
should be adequate in most cases.

Otherwise
what constitutes a well-equipped coastal cruiser varies by location. A boat based in colder
more northern waters will get a lot more use if it has a sheltered cockpit and a good heater on board. Likewise
a boat in the sunny south will need good ventilation and a good bimini to keep its crew happy. The same goes for the sail inventory. If light winds predominate
you will need a big genoa
probably a spinnaker or drifter
and a lightweight main. If your cruising ground sees a lot of heavy air
you'll need smaller
tougher sails. In all cases
you'll want a roller-reefing headsail with a sunstrip (so you can leave it bent on when the boat is idle) and a mainsail cover that is easy to put on and remove. The faster you can get under way
the more you will use the boat. Charles J. Doane

Performance cruisers

I've already urged you to favor faster boats over slower boats when shopping for a coastal cruiser. Here's an even more radical suggestion: How about getting a boat that's really
really fast? For a certain sort of sailor
particularly one who likes to both race and cruise
the temptation to favor speed above all else will be irresistible. If you are one of these
you'll need to keep a few things in mind.

Lesson number one: You can't have it all. There is a decided trend among many production-boat builders these days to enlarge a boat's accommodations at the expense of its performance potential. There are still several boats that favor the performance end of the spectrum
but that almost always means sacrificing accommodation space. The extreme examples here are the smaller coastal trimarans and catamarans on the market. These boats are a total blast to sail and can easily top 10 knots under sail
but the living space and amenities down below are definitely minimal -- though multihulls do have lots of deck space to play on. Faster boats (at least when it comes to monohulls) also tend to be deeper boats. This will limit your ability to explore shoal-draft cruising grounds.

Lesson number two: Fast is more expensive. Performance boats are often built of high-tech lightweight materials; their rigs and sail inventories are also more sophisticated. Many now sport retractable bowsprits that facilitate the setting of large asymmetric spinnakers. All this costs money. Such boats also tend to demand more maintenance. If speed is what most thrills you
you'll need to spend more time fairing the bottom and keeping it clean
overhauling winches
and so on.

Lesson number three: If you want to race as well as cruise
be sure to do some research. Simply getting the fastest boat you can afford may not be the best way to find the best action. Check to see which types of boats are most commonly raced in your area so you can be sure of finding some interesting competition.
Read More “Evaluating a coastal cruiser”

Enjoy The Luxury Of A Crewed Yacht Charter

Imagine a vacation where you could really kick back and relax
without the worry of hordes of tourists making you feel like you are back in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. An increasingly popular way to travel and experience peace and tranquillity combined with excitement and adventure when you want it is to charter a yacht
where you can enjoy the luxury of relaxing and soaking up the sunshine as you cruise the waters combined with visiting some truly exciting destinations when you are ready for a little excitement. You can enjoy avoiding the often stressful experience of staying in an overcrowded hotel on your trip
and instead you can really relax on your own vessel leaving the throngs of other tourists and visitors behind. When you charter a yacht you can opt for bareboat
where you have a totally unscrewed vessel
or you can select a partially or fully crewed yacht charter. When you go for a vessel with a crew
you can look forward to the ultimate in relaxation and luxury
as the trained and experienced crew ensure that your trip is everything you hoped it would be.
 
Enjoy a wide choice of destinations when you charter a crewed vessel
 
When you decide to hire a boat or yacht for your holiday the possibilities are limitless when it comes to your choice of destination. You can select from all sorts of fabulous areas
from Europe and the Mediterranean to the Bahamas
Miami
and the Caribbean. By opting to have a crew on board you can look forward to some real relaxation without having to worry about the vessel. You can simply lie back and soak up the sunshine in some far flung destination whilst enjoying quality time with your loved ones. Whether you are on a family holiday or whether you have taken someone special away for a romantic experience you will find that having experienced and friendly staff on board can make all the difference when it comes to making the most of your time and your holiday. Wherever you decide to go when you rent a yacht you will be thrilled by the peace and tranquillity you experience whilst the beautiful waters lap around you and the golden sunshine beats down on your very own vessel.
 
Go for full or partial staffing on your yacht to make it the perfect holiday
 
You can tailor make your holiday when you oft for a staffed yacht simply be selecting how many and what type of staff member you want or need on board. You can pt for a fully or partially staffed vessel
which means that you can get the assistance where you need it without the need to feel as though the yacht will start to get a little overcrowded. Whether you simply want a captain aboard to get you around the areas you wish to visit or whether you want all the bells and whistles with cooks
maids
and other staff members
the choice is yours.
Read More “Enjoy The Luxury Of A Crewed Yacht Charter”

Enjoy Freshwater All The Time With Watermakers

Advanced technology has truly helped make people’s lives easier
more convenient and even healthier. Just take the case of the water we use every day whether for personal
commercial or industrial use. Thanks to the technology of watermakers
we are now able to savor pure
fresh water without having to worry about its effects on our health and on the things we use them for.

An important use of watermakers is for sea vessels like sail or power boats and yachts. The marine water maker makes use of the desalination system to remove salt and other substances from water and make it suitable for use on board from washing down the boat
cooking
drinking
washing the dishes
making ice
bathing and doing the laundry. Marine desalinators can produce around 170 to 6
800
gallons per day while commercial watermakers can produce a maximum of 50
0
gallons per day.

A marine watermaker also known as sea water desalinator is very inexpensive but the benefits you can get is enormous. Besides being economical
it can also save time and effort and most of its running costs is actually just for the cost of electricity. And if used properly with the right routine maintenance
this device can last up to 20 years.

A desalinator on board can save the boat owner money as he no longer needs to buy purified water elsewhere for use while on his vessel. Also
he does not need to store several gallons of water on board which would otherwise just add on weight to the boat
take up much space and increase its fuel consumption. This
of course
allows the vessel to take longer voyages and at a faster speed to boot.
In addition
a desalinator on board is very convenient as it allows you to do many things similar to what you do at home like cooking
bathing
washing dishes and clothes without having to worry about contamination or conserving water. And with fresh water always available
washing your boat is easy and requires little effort in drying it. Fresh water also helps protect the boat’s rigging and hull.

A desalinator utilizes the reverse osmosis system in purifying seawater. Fifty years ago
this system was originally developed to make clean water for industrial use. It is considered the most rigid method of water purification in a large scale. But through the years
its usage has expanded to marine watermakers and home water purifiers. Reverse osmosis takes place when pressurized seawater passes through a semi-permeable membrane where up to 99 percent of salts
contaminants and pollutants are removed. The semi-permeable membrane allows only water to pass through but not ions or larger molecules such as bacteria
glucose or urea. So at the other end of the membrane
fresh
potable water is produced from either seawater
salty bore water or recycled water.

A reverse osmosis desalinator is normally operated for only part of the day from four to six hours depending on the amount of fresh water needed. To determine the gallon per hour rating
first find out where pure water will be used and the daily amount needed then divide the total gallon usage by the number of hours the watermaker will be used.
Read More “Enjoy Freshwater All The Time With Watermakers”

Enjoy Boating

Have you ever enjoyed the pleasure of spending an afternoon boating on a lake or an ocean? If so
then you know how fun boating can be. You know that there is nothing quite like the feeling of being on the water and enjoying time in beautiful weather.

Boating is a great activity for many reasons. First
it is great because it allows people to be outside in the beauty of nature. There is no better way to spend a spring
summer or warm fall day than boating. Not only do you get to be outside
but you also get to enjoy being in and on the water. Boating enables you to enjoy the warmth and the sun. It is necessary and helpful for people to get outside and boating is one of the best ways to do that.

Boating also provides time for family and friends to gather and enjoy the company of one another. Busy families can get away from the rush of work and activities and enjoy a quiet day away from all distractions. Boating can be a perfect activity that combines rest
beauty and fun. Friends can come together for a day or a weekend and enjoy renewed friendship and conversation during a special boating trip.

A great thing about boating is that it includes several different ways to have fun. Boating allows you to enjoy the quiet and peace of anchoring at a spot on the water or you can enjoy the wind in your face as you speed from one side of the water to another. For many people
boating also means swimming
tubing
and even waterskiing. Once you are out on the water there are so many ways to enjoy the day. You can anchor the boat and spend hour after hour jumping into the water and swimming. More adventurous people will want to try out a tube or a waterski to enjoy boating even more. Some will love the thrill of watching the tubers or the waterskiers from the safety of the boat. Whatever water activities sound fun to you
boating is a great way to enjoy them all.

If you have never learned how to handle a boat you can take lessons and learn how to lead your friends or family in a boating adventure. If you do not own a boat and are not sure if purchasing one is right for you
look for a family member or friend to lend you theirs for a weekend boating excusion. In no time you will be so excited about boating that you will want to purchase your own. Your family and friends will look to you to provide the endless hours of outdoor fun that
boating is sure to provide.
Read More “Enjoy Boating”

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Dragon Boat Racing A Popular Corporate Team-building Event

It is true that money matters a lot to retain best workers and to generate quality output from them. However
there are some other factors too
which can improve overall productivity of a corporate house. Inspiration and Integration – these two words play important roles to build a team of efficient workforce
and to achieve the goal of an organisation. Corporate events like Dragon boat racing help in this regard.

Dragon boat racing is no more a Chinese water sport – it is now quite popular in the corporate arena as a team building corporate event. Dragon boat racing in Kent can be an exciting weekend corporate event
especially for those who hail from Kent and its surroundings.

We can never ignore the growing importance of corporate events
which really help to improve the official environment as well as increase individual’s efficiency level. It is observed that a pool of proficient workers
if offered adequate leisure and supportive environment to retain their energy level
their productivity increases dramatically. Thinking on this line Chillisause offer a wide array of dragon boat racing events for corporate people in different UK locations. Chillisauce offers this amazing water sport experience amidst the eye catching natural beauty of Kent.

The dragon boat racing

The boats are made of bamboo and suitably designed to carry on the charm of this ancient Chinese custom. Based on the length
each boat can carry 10 or 16 people. Since all the participants need to row together on this corporate event
a team building attitude is built up between all the participants.

Dragon boat racing can help to
ท Improve personal achievement level
ท Maintain team spirit
ท Synchronise with entire team
ท Achieve the target with result-oriented teamwork

The dragon boat racing provides necessary safety measurements throughout the racing session. If you are with Chillisauce you and your teammates are under the care of well-trained and professional staff.

This dragon boat racing comes with some optional features like traditional a Lion Dance and eye-dotting ceremony from China. You can also enjoy mouth watering Chinese foods during the session and video editing facility to capture some exciting moments of the event.

A weekend corporate event like dragon boat racing in Kent will give a break from the monotony of growing corporate work pressure. This type of event offers ample relaxation of mind and build corporate people to reshape their attitude to achieve organisational goal – improve their energy level to generate best output.
Read More “Dragon Boat Racing A Popular Corporate Team-building Event”

Dinghy Sailing with the Canadian Yachting Association

White Sail Level I - Section 1 covers safety with a look at lifejackets
actions to be followed immediately after a capsize and how to right a capsized boat. And the required items for a sailboat less than 5.5 meters long as outlined in the current Boating Safety Guide. Section 2 is Seamanship
Candidates must be able to tie 4 knots within a certain time and describe their uses. And describe four ways to identify from what direction the wind is blowing. Section three deals with preparation to sail including coiling a line correctly
making a line fast to a cleat and getting in and out of a boat safely at a dock or mooring. Section 4 looks at rigging
attaching sails
rigging sheets and halyards
fitting sail battens and the rudder and tiller
adjusting the centerboard and hoisting sails. Section 5 covers boat handling
firstly identifying the direction of the wind then while underway to keeping the sail just on the point of luffing while on a reach
keeping a boat going in a straight line on a reach for at least two minutes and righting a capsized boat and clearing it of water. The final section deals with securing and derigging
securing by the bow only
by the bow and stern and at a single mooring
in each case using the appropriate size line and knot
and leaving an appropriate length of line. Derigging the boat by lowering and removing the sails
removing and stowing the rudder and tiller
and properly securing the boom and centerboard. Folding and bagging a loose sail. And finally securing all gear in the boat upon completion of sailing. On the completion of White Sail I
the sailor will be able to perform the afore mentioned tasks in wind speeds of 4-9 knots where applicable.

White Sail Level II - Commences with a section on terminology
identifying the various parts of a sailboat pointing out and describing the functions various items in a sailboat
defining certain terms and describe the different points of sail. The second section covers seamanship
candidates must me able to tie a rolling hitch and sheetbend each within 10 seconds and describe two uses of each of these knots. And describe the wave conditions resulting from various speeds of wind. The next section is boat handling
candidates will act as both helmsman and crew while getting underway from
and returning to
a dock
mooring or beach. Act as helmsman and crew
using the proper commands and responses
while beating
reaching
running
tacking
gybing
bearing away and heading up. As a helmsman
stop a boat at a predetermined point by luffing up and as both skipper and crew
right a capsized boat. On the completion of White Sail II
the sailor will be able to perform the aforementioned mentioned tasks in wind speeds of 4-9 knots.

White Sail Level III - A section on safety launches this section with a look at hypothermia and it's causes
three ways to minimize the dangers and rules on how to treat a mild case of hypothermia after the victim is out of the water. Identification and the meaning of the colours and shapes in the lateral buoyage system. Listing local geographic and navigational hazards and describe the actions required to minimize their effects. Listing three sources of local weather information together with localized weather hazards
how they can be identified
the normal warning signs and the actions to be taken to reduce their effects. Section 2 covers further terminology
various items in a sailboat
the different parts of a sail and the distinguishing features different types of sailboats. Seamanship is section 3 with a look at how to sail away from and back to a beach with an on-shore wind
a dock for various wind directions and a mooring. Section 4 is on the rules of the road for prevention of collision at sea and considers the case of stand on and give way vessels in different situations and looks at some common sense actions you should take when sailing in the vicinity of commercial shipping. There is a look at racing with the sound signals and flags used to start a race and the rules in use while the race is underway. Section 5 is boat handling
students will act as both skipper and crew while sailing a boat away from and back to a dock for various wind directions
away from and back to a mooring and on a windward/leeward course. They will demonstrate how different body crew positions affect the trim and performance of a sailboat and indicate the best positions for three given points of sail. They will get a boat out of irons by backing the jib and main using proper rudder adjustments. Paddle a sailboat a distance of 30 meters (100 feet) without the use of a rudder in a reasonably straight line. They will demonstrate the following towing procedures
proper means to receive
secure and cast off a towline
the correct towing points on a sailboat
the proper securing inboard of a towline to a boat astern and the correct boat trim
steering procedures and crew alertness while on and releasing from the tow. They will demonstrate the actions to be taken if a person falls overboard
with the boat under sail form the time the person falls overboard without warning until the person is rescued. They will helm the boat by the lee for 90 meters without gybing and finally right a capsized boat. On completion of White Sail Level III the beginner will be able to sail confidently and competently in wind speeds of 4-9 knots and perform the aforementioned skills proficiently.

Bronze Sail Level IV - The first section deals with safety and the factors in your local area such as currents
tides and weather which should be considered before going sailing. The three types of flotation commonly found in dinghies and the factors which affect the self-rescuing capabilities of a dinghy And finally a look at chart of unfamiliar waters and identification of hazards and means of recognizing them. Seamanship is the next section and students will demonstrate their ability to whip the end of a line with a plain whipping of appropriate length
make a back splice and an eye splice and heave a 10 metre line to land across a 1 metre diameter target at least 7 metres away
in three tries out of four. The next section is further nautical terminology. Following that is some sailing theory including leeway and its importance on different points of sail. The centre of lateral resistance (CLR) and centre of effort (CE) affect lee and weather helm in theory and practice
weight distribution and centreboard adjustments affect on the CLR
the boat's underwater shape affects its helm
sail trim
mast rake and position affect the CE and helm
draft (fullness in a sail) is and how it affects the power and the pointing ability of a sail
the use and position of telltales on shrouds and ticklers on a sail. The next section considers sail shape and how the main sail is affected by halyard tension
mainsheet tension
cunningham tension
traveller position
outhaul tension
mast bend
boom vang tension and mast rake. And how the shape of the jib sails affected by halyard tension
sheet tension and fairlead position. The use of outhaul
cunningham
mainsheet
and traveller
while sailing on a beat
a reach
and a run under the following conditions. On the water students will be asked to skipper and crew the boat on various points of sail and tacking and gybing. Carry out a self-rescue after capsizing in a dinghy and carry on sailing with a minimum time delay. Carry out the following tasks without a rudder
sail a course upwind toward a predetermined destination
make at least one controlled tack and settle down to a course to the predetermined destination
bear away or tack and return to the starting position. With sails backed
sail the boat astern to a predetermined destination 90 metres downwind. On completion of this level IV the candidate will be able to understand and apply the basic principles of sail trim and boat tuning for optimal performance in wind speeds of 9-14 knots.

Silver Sail VI is an introduction to racing. Commencing with some sailing theory it looks at how the slot effects the drive of the mainsail under different points of sail
and how the size of the slot should be varied with the wind strength to give maximum drive
how to identify backwinding
and how to adjust the sails to remove or minimize its effect
how the driving forces acting on the sail can be divided into side and forward components
and how these vary for beating
reaching and running and how the resisting forces acting on a boat's daggerboard/centreboard and rudder act in relation to the sail forces when beating
reaching and running. The apparent wind changes when gusts hit the sails and when waves slow or accelerate a boat and how to steer and trim sails to react to changes in apparent wind and how to correct the effects of the forces which cause a boat to heel. Section 2 looks at the rules of racing as laid down by the CYA and ISAF. Section 3 considers racing signals and courses including the purpose of the Race Committee
the Notice of Race
the Sailing Instructions and the Protest Committee. Section 4 looks at tactics. On the water students will demonstrate as both skipper and crew while beating
reaching
running
roll tacking
roll gybing
bearing away and heading up. Identify signals displayed and sounded by the race committee boat. Demonstrate the ability to be within one boat length or 5 seconds of a starting line at the starting signal in a race situation. Restart
after having been recalled for premature starting
as quickly as possible. Defend a position from another boat while on a beat - by luffing and backwinding a boat attempting to pass until the mast abeam position has been attained and on a reach or run - by avoiding blanketing
by luffing or by assuming starboard tack. Demonstrate how to blanket and backwind a competitor to your advantage while on the same tack on the windward leg of a race course. And finally compile a racing record and log in a dinghy class showing you have completed a minimum of 15 scheduled races
10
as a skipper in a class consisting of a minimum of five sailboats. On completion of this section the candidate will be able to compete in a race with a sound understanding of the racing rules and perform the afore mentioned tasks in wind strengths of up to 18 knots.

Gold Sail Level VII completes the learn to sail programme and starts with boat tuning for speed and the adjustments that can be made to the mast
sails and rigging. How to control the spinnaker and pole in all wind conditions
on a reach and run. Boat trim and helming techniques which promote maximum efficiency of the rudder and centreboard in singlehanded or doublehanded dinghies. Section 2 covers the rules and candidates will have a thorough knowledge of the racing rules as a competitor
race committee member or protest committee member
The candidate must take charge of a race committee boat and run a club regatta or series of races using all necessary rules and race procedures. Section 3 looks at the preparation for a regatta. Candidates will ensure a wood or fibreglass dinghy is safe
leak proof and strong by testing for and repairing leaks
examining and replacing fittings and rigging
properly covering and storing boat during summer and winter
properly securing boat and equipment for trailer and/or car top transportation. They will ensure the dinghy hull and centreboard rudder are smooth
fair and light by using
fibreglass
epoxy
gelcoat
and other fairing materials
wet sanding or dry sanding and cleaning solvents. The students will maintain a written season plan that includes
a personal racing logbook
performance objectives
regatta schedule and goals
a physical training program
an on-water training program
sport nutrition and mental training
transportation and program administration They will be able to describe the influence on racing strategy of the fleet size
the starting procedures and timing
the course length and location
the finish line placement and time limits
the compass bearing to the windward mark and current/tide. Section 4 covers an assessment of the race course and includes registration and check in procedures
special protest requirements and starting procedures
current
tide and the weather. The next sections considers tactics that apply to starting
mark rounding
upwind
reaching
running and finishing. On the water candidates will demonstrate as skipper a roll tack and gybe
while helming take advantage of appropriate techniques in flat or choppy water
use body weight to maintain proper boat trim and assist steering and adjust equipment and sails. As crew
assist skipper with above tasks and supply compass readings to determine wind shifts and locate marks together with information for tactical decisions. As skipper and crew
prepare and fly spinnaker on a close
beam
broad reach
a run and by-the-lee
apply appropriate tactics on the water in large fleet or small fleet with strong current or tide either with or against the wind
in shifty oscillating winds
persistent shifts
increasing or decreasing winds
either leading or trailing in a race. Candidates must prepare a seasonal plan for competition indicating personal performance objectives
regatta schedule
physical training
on the water training
transportation and administration
nutrition
and mental training. They must have a race record which includes 5 regattas with 2 being outside their local area. On completion of this course a candidate will be able to race a dinghy with moderately good boat speed and control. The candidate will have a well-rounded knowledge of sail theory
racing rules and tactics.
Read More “Dinghy Sailing with the Canadian Yachting Association”

Crewed Motor Yachts Sail The Seven Seas Without Stress

Crewed motor yachts are yachts that you charter for a vacation without needing to have any sailing experience. With the crewed charters
you don’t have to do any work in handling the yacht or navigating the waters of the location you choose. You can choose to have a luxury charter where you have exquisite surroundings and meals prepared by a chef. Waiters bring you drinks and the members of the crew will provide instructions for water sports if you need any. Crewed motor yachts range in size from yachts that can only take 2 passengers to ones that can take up to 12 or more.

A crewed motor yacht charter is an excellent choice for a family vacation. Children are welcome on these yacht charters
but none of the crew will be assigned to looking after them
even with luxury motor yacht charter. Parents are expected to keep the children entertained and to bring whatever they need for enjoyment aboard with them. Crewed motor yachts are perfectly safe for children
but like any location
you do need to keep them within your sight at all times.

When you choose a luxury motor yacht charter
you have a personal chef to prepare your meals. However
before you arrive to meet the yacht
you will already have informed the company about your food preferences through the food preference sheet. This sheet also includes a list of beverages for you to choose from
which include soda
wines and alcoholic beverages. The chefs of crewed motor yachts take great care to prepare meals that you will enjoy and only use the freshest ingredients. In the case of fruits and vegetables
the chef of a crewed motor yacht charter may buy foods at the various locations.

Whether or not you experience any seasickness on crewed yacht charters depends on you. It is probably a good idea to take some form of seasickness medication with you so that you can thoroughly enjoy being on a luxury motor yacht. If you are new to vacationing on a crewed motor yacht charter
be sure to let the crew know so they can choose routes that will cause you less discomfort. If you smoke
you will have to limit your habit to the outside areas of the yacht. Since the interior of the yacht consists of close quarters
yacht charter companies do not permit smoking inside.

With crewed motor yachts you have comfort and style. You do not have to bring anything with you and all the linens
dishes and utensils are there for you to use. Both the exterior and interior of these yachts are roomy so you can sit back and enjoy the charter in comfort. You don’t have to worry about the wind because the motor will take you to your destination on time. You can enjoy air-conditioning with luxury motor yacht charters
although most of the charter yachts do have this feature included. Depending on the location and type of charter
some crewed charter yachts include scuba diving equipment
kayaks and other equipment you would need to enjoy a variety of water sports.
Read More “Crewed Motor Yachts Sail The Seven Seas Without Stress”

Crewed Motor Yachts Sail The Seven Seas Without Stress

Crewed motor yachts are yachts that you charter for a vacation without needing to have any sailing experience. With the crewed charters
you don’t have to do any work in handling the yacht or navigating the waters of the location you choose. You can choose to have a luxury charter where you have exquisite surroundings and meals prepared by a chef. Waiters bring you drinks and the members of the crew will provide instructions for water sports if you need any. Crewed motor yachts range in size from yachts that can only take 2 passengers to ones that can take up to 12 or more.

A crewed motor yacht charter is an excellent choice for a family vacation. Children are welcome on these yacht charters
but none of the crew will be assigned to looking after them
even with luxury motor yacht charter. Parents are expected to keep the children entertained and to bring whatever they need for enjoyment aboard with them. Crewed motor yachts are perfectly safe for children
but like any location
you do need to keep them within your sight at all times.

When you choose a luxury motor yacht charter
you have a personal chef to prepare your meals. However
before you arrive to meet the yacht
you will already have informed the company about your food preferences through the food preference sheet. This sheet also includes a list of beverages for you to choose from
which include soda
wines and alcoholic beverages. The chefs of crewed motor yachts take great care to prepare meals that you will enjoy and only use the freshest ingredients. In the case of fruits and vegetables
the chef of a crewed motor yacht charter may buy foods at the various locations.

Whether or not you experience any seasickness on crewed yacht charters depends on you. It is probably a good idea to take some form of seasickness medication with you so that you can thoroughly enjoy being on a luxury motor yacht. If you are new to vacationing on a crewed motor yacht charter
be sure to let the crew know so they can choose routes that will cause you less discomfort. If you smoke
you will have to limit your habit to the outside areas of the yacht. Since the interior of the yacht consists of close quarters
yacht charter companies do not permit smoking inside.

With crewed motor yachts you have comfort and style. You do not have to bring anything with you and all the linens
dishes and utensils are there for you to use. Both the exterior and interior of these yachts are roomy so you can sit back and enjoy the charter in comfort. You don’t have to worry about the wind because the motor will take you to your destination on time. You can enjoy air-conditioning with luxury motor yacht charters
although most of the charter yachts do have this feature included. Depending on the location and type of charter
some crewed charter yachts include scuba diving equipment
kayaks and other equipment you would need to enjoy a variety of water sports.
Read More “Crewed Motor Yachts Sail The Seven Seas Without Stress”

Choose A Caribbean Charter Yacht Three Varieties To Choose From

Monday 17 August 2009

When choosing a Caribbean charter yacht
there are three categories of yachts. They are power yachts
sailing yachts and multihull sailing yachts
such as catamarans and trimarans. You can also have a special Caribbean charter to learn about the art of sailing a yacht. This will give you the knowledge and training you need to charter a yacht all on your own without the need of a captain and crew. When you book a Caribbean charter yacht
you can browse the yacht catalog to choose the yacht that best meets your needs.

You can choose a Caribbean yacht charter that specializes in bringing passengers to the best scuba diving locations. This type of yacht has all the space you need for storing your equipment as well as staterooms and a dining room. If you are new to scuba diving
you can take lessons from the skilled crew of the Carribean yacht charter and get the instruction that you need. There are times when you can just relax on the deck of the Caribbean charter yacht or enjoy trips onshore to experience the true Caribbean culture.

The company you choose to deal with for your Caribbean yacht charter will supply you with a sample itinerary for a week long vacation. However
you don’t have to stick to this schedule and you can make different decisions where you want to travel on the Caribbean charter yacht. The Carribean islands you choose do have to be navigable and have appropriate anchorages and the captain will be able to give you advice about this aspect of the charter. You do charter the yacht yourself
so you won’t have to share your Caribbean yacht charter with another group.

There are occasions when you can book a Caribbean charter yacht where you do not know the other passengers. An example of this could be a singles only charter or a ladies only charter. Of course
you will know this when you make the booking for a Carribean yacht charter
but it is helpful to know that you can enjoy a yacht charter without having a group of your own lined up. While you might think that a Caribbean yacht charter is very expensive
but when you compare it with the cost of a vacation at a tropical resort
there is very little difference between the prices.

Fly to the island of St. Thomas to meet the Caribbean charter yacht. From there you can sail to the island of St. John and have a leisurely lunch on board the yacht. Spend some time swimming
walk along the beach and drink in the Caribbean sunset. When you arrive back at the yacht
there will be a scrumptious meal waiting for you. If this sounds like an idyllic vacation
there is a Caribbean charter yacht waiting for you to make your booking.
Read More “Choose A Caribbean Charter Yacht Three Varieties To Choose From”

Caribbean Yacht Charters Take The Sailing Vacation Of A Lifetime

When you choose Caribbean yacht charters for your next vacation
it will be almost like having your own exclusive luxury hotel on the water. If you choose the crewed option for your sailing vacation
you won’t have to lift a finger. If you already have experience in sailing
you can charter a yacht on your own to sail the Caribbean
but you won’t have the luxury of having someone attend to your every need. Caribbean yacht charters are not just for the rich and famous. If you can afford to spend a vacation at a tropical resort
you can afford to take a sailing vacation.

The advantage of booking a Caribbean sailing charter is that you can choose the islands you want to visit. Although the company for Caribbean yacht charters may suggest a sample itinerary for you
you decide where and when you want to stop and for how long. You can also decide what kind of food you want to eat. Of course
if you choose one of the bareboat Caribbean sailing vacations
you will have to cook for yourself. On a crewed sailing vacation
you will have your own chef to prepare exotic delights for every meal.

Take a look at the many options available to you in Caribbean yacht charters. You can leave all the decisions up to the captain
who knows all the best locations among the islands. You can also do your own research to find out what kinds of activities are open to you on the various Caribbean sailing vacations so you can select all your favorites. You can spend your time at sea sunbathing on deck while reading a book. You can also enjoy diving
swimming or snorkelling among the tropical fish. One of the highlights of a Caribbean sailing charter is that you can go ashore on the islands and partake of the culture and shopping that only the Caribbean can provide.

You will have to demonstrate experience in sailing in order to book one of the bareboat Caribbean yacht charters. The yacht charter companies have a responsibility to make sure that all the passengers on the yacht with you will be safe. You don’t necessarily need to have a sailing certificate – experience is valued more than a license. If you choose the crewed option for a Caribbean sailing vacation
you will have an experienced captain at the helm. The crew are knowledgeable about all kinds of watersports and will be able to provide you with instruction if you need it to make the most of the Caribbean sailing charter.

Chartering a yacht for Caribbean sailing vacations is the perfect opportunity for families and groups of friends to get together for a short period of time. It is possible to book Caribbean yacht charters for day trips as short as an hour or two or for week long excursions to the islands of the Caribbean. Choosing to spend a week cruising the Caribbean waters is one of the best ways to experience the best of what this part of the world has to offer. Check out the many options of Caribbean yacht charters and get started on making memories to last a lifetime.
Read More “Caribbean Yacht Charters Take The Sailing Vacation Of A Lifetime”

Caribbean Sailing Charters Not Just For The Experienced Sailor

Sunday 16 August 2009

Caribbean sailing charters are not all designed for those with sailing experience. If you want to charter the sailboat or yacht on your own
you will need to provide proof that you can handle the boat. You don’t necessarily need to have a license
because many companies regard years of experience in sailing as better than having a certificate. You can book a sailing charter just for the relaxation of sailing. There are also Caribbean sailing charters that will teach you everything you need to know about sailing.

When you decide to take sailing lessons through one of the Caribbean sailboat charters
you will have an experience captain as your instructor. These lessons are designed for the whole family so that the next time you want to enjoy Caribbean sailing charters you can take the sailboat on your own. When you use this opportunity to learn about sailing
it will take you only one week to complete the basic course. If you wish to charter a sailboat in the Caribbean for sailing lessons you have to do on a single hulled sailboat. These lessons are not available here for catamarans.

When you book one of the Caribbean sailing charters you will want to know what is and what is not included with your booking. All of the bed linens
towels and kitchen equipment is standard fare on the bareboat sailboats. You will also have a VHF
boat phone
a cruising guide of the Caribbean and all the charts you need for sailing these waters. The basic navigation equipment
such as binoculars
safety equipment and first aid kit
is also included in Caribbean sailboat charters. You will get a full tank of fuel and water and you are expected to return the sailboat with the tanks refilled.

Some of the Caribbean sailing charters include snorkelling and diving gear with the charter. Others require you to rent this equipment if you need it. You should check out the different sailboat charter companies that offer charters to the Caribbean to see which one has all the equipment that you need for your vacation. If you choose a bareboat charter
you will have to supply your own food and if you want a captain
you also have to supply the captain’s meals. On the luxury Caribbean sailboat charters
all the food and drink is included in the price as well as the cost of hiring the crew.

Caribbean sailing charters offer you the opportunity to see the Caribbean at your own pace. You set the itinerary and spend as long as you like in one place. Go ashore to shop at the markets and take in the unique culture of each of the Caribbean islands. Once you book one Caribbean sailing charter
you will be so enchanted that you will dream of the day when you can take another.
Read More “Caribbean Sailing Charters Not Just For The Experienced Sailor”

BVI Yacht Charters What A Way To Experience The British Virgin Islands

BVI Yacht Charters is a company that operates sailing charters to the British Virgin Islands in the Caribbean. The sailing yachts range from 32 to 65 feet in length and include bareboat single hull and multihull boats. With BVI you also have a choice of operating the yachts on your own
hiring a full crew or just a captain. There are also all-inclusive BVI yacht charters
which will give you the impression you are vacationing at a floating resort.

As soon as you cast off from the dock
your adventure with BVI yacht charters begins. You can experience the thrill of sunbathing on deck
feeling the warm wind blowing in your face and the sights and sounds of the Caribbean islands. When you choose one of the BVI sailing charters with a full crew
you also have many other choices to make. The website will give you lists for you to choose from
such as what meals you want aboard the boat. You can also choose what you want in a Starter Kit if you are choosing a bareboat charter. With the many things that BVI can supply for you
you have less luggage to take with you and you can just have all the extras added to the price.

Even if you intend to bring everything with you for the yacht charter
taking a look at the list of provisions on the BVI Yacht Charters website will give you an excellent idea of what you will need. For example
if you like to barbeque
you may not realize that you do need to have your own coals
fluid and matches with you. Since you are on the water with BVI sailing charters
you just can’t pop to the store whenever you realize that you need supplies. You will have to wait until you reach your next destination.

For all-inclusive BVI Yacht Charters
you can order the kind of wine and drinks you want before you even arrive. This is because unlike a resort
everything you need for the perfect vacation has to be packed on board the sailing yacht. When you book one of the BVI sailing charters
you fly to St. Thomas and then take a ferry to Tortola. This is the starting destination for the yacht charter in the British Virgin Islands. There are also hotels in Tortola where you can spend the night before you leave on the yacht charter or the night after you return.

Before you actually depart on your charter
BVI Yacht Charters will brief you on how to use the charts on board the yachts for navigating the Caribbean waters. They will also give you advice on what to do and what not to do as well as places that you should avoid. When you do book a BVI sailing charter
the anchorage fees are included in the cost
but you can also buoys at various locations if you do not want to enter a port. BVI Yacht Charters has a well-established reputation for providing its customers with everything they need in a sailing charter.
Read More “BVI Yacht Charters What A Way To Experience The British Virgin Islands”

BVI Yacht Charters The Only Way To See The British Virgin Islands

Saturday 15 August 2009

With BVI yacht charters you can choose to take a diving charter and learn to scuba dive in some of the most beautiful locations in the world. You can choose to take a yacht charter where you will learn to sail or even choose a luxury charter where you will have your own floating resort with amenities of all kinds at your fingertips. Flying to the British Virgin Islands is not expensive and when several couples book one of the BVI yacht charters it is only about the same as staying at an all-inclusive tropical resort.

BVI diving is rated as one of the best diving experiences in the world. There are over sixty dive sites you can visit with one of the yacht charters. BVI charters will take you to many unexplored reefs or if you want you can dive in one of the National Parks
where there are buoys for yacht charters to use. With the many vertical walls and shipwrecks
by booking one of the BVI yacht charters specializing in diving you might just discover a sunken treasure ship.

The year round temperature in the BVI is suitable for swimming and diving all the time. The seas are calm and there are no currents to worry about when you book one of the BVI yacht charters. The dive sites are all located in sheltered coves and if you have sailing experience
you don’t have to hire a captain or a crew. You can enjoy bareboat sailing with your yacht charter. BVI charter companies have all types of yachts from bareboats to luxury yachts capable of carrying 8 or more passengers.

You can have the ultimate honeymoon with BVI yacht charters. With its quiet pristine beaches
you can be alone in paradise with fabulous accommodations and dining on board the yacht. With honeymoon yacht charters
BVI companies can plan to meet you on any of the islands
except St. Croix
if you decide that you want to spend a few nights at a hotel before you get on board the yacht. With crewed yacht charters
you will have the perfect honeymoon where you have a crew ready to wait on your hand and foot.

BVI yacht charters offer discounts for families looking for the perfect vacation. You can choose captain only yacht charters or one with a full crew. If you have young children
you might think that a yacht charter might be dangerous
but it is perfectly safe. The only thing you need to keep in mind when booking family yacht charters in the BVI is that the crew does not look after the children for you. You have to do this yourself. BVI yacht charters have all the information you need available online so you can browse the many charters and choose the one that best meets your needs.
Read More “BVI Yacht Charters The Only Way To See The British Virgin Islands”

Booking Crewed Sailing Charters What You Need To Know

Crewed sailing charters are available to take you to sights you only dreamed about. These charters include staying on a yacht for a week at a time and dropping anchor in exotic ports of call. While at sea
you don’t need to lift a finger nor do you need to know how to handle as sailing yacht. This is what you hire the crew for – so you can sit back and relax. When you make the decision to book one of the many crewed sailing charters available
you have to decide where you want to go and what you want to see and do.

The fee you pay for crewed sailing charters may be different depending on the part of the world where you want to charter a sailing yacht. In North America
the cost includes the rent of the yacht
the fee for the captain and the crew
as well as insurance that you pay just in case of an accident. In addition to this cost
if you charter a crewed sailing yacht the cost of the provisions
berthing fees and fuel are extras and you do need to pay them when you arrive back at the starting port. In the Mediterranean
the cost of a crewed sailing charter also includes fuel
berthing charges and water that you need to have on board the yacht.

When you start looking at the types of charter yachts
you can choose either motor or sail crewed charters. If you choose crewed sailing charters
you will experience the thrill of sailing slowly along the ocean. This is often the choice of couples that want to experience the romance of the sea. The number of people that will be going with you on the crewed sailing yacht will also determine the type of boat you need to charter. A crewed yacht is generally available for charter for a week
but you can also book these charters on a daily basis. The length of time you choose for the charter will determine the number of places that you get to visit.

When you make up your budget for crewed yacht charters
you have to include the cost of return airfare to the destination where you will board the sailing yacht. Look at what the charter company includes in its costs and then make allowances for food
fuel
anchorage and of course shopping and entertainment in the various places you dock. Then when you total this list you can determine whether or not a crewed sailing yacht is within your budget. Usually people plan for this type of vacation several years in advance and save up the money they will need to book the charter.

Once you make the booking for crewed yacht charters
the company will send you a contract to sign. When you return the signed contract
you will also have to make a 25% - 50% deposit on the reservation or you may have to make this deposit even before you receive the contract. There will also be a detailed questionnaire for you to complete so that the crew will be able to provide you with the vacation you are looking for. You will have to pay the balance of the cost of crewed yacht charters one month prior to your departure date. This way the only extra money you have to take with you is what you plan to spend while on vacation.
Read More “Booking Crewed Sailing Charters What You Need To Know”

Boat Shows

Boat shows are great for new and experienced boaters alike

It doesn't matter if you were born on the water or if you just started lake boating(http://www.laketrash.com/) with your buddies
a boat show may just be the perfect
fun outing for you to go to. Boat shows are held all over the country
from Seattle to Chicago to Miami
and they include not only boats
but seminars
new product displays and more. If you are interested in seeing a boat show near you
ask your local lake officials where and when the nearest show is coming.


Here is what most boat shows cover:


About a gazillion boats: At it's core
a boat show is in fact a showing off of boats
meaning you can shuttle around the water checking out some of the most prestigious
shiny new boats from other boaters. The bigger boat shows could have upwards of a hundred or more boats while smaller shows may have 10 or 20 boats. The boaters that are displaying their boats often prepare for this event for some time before hand
to make sure their vehicle is clean and ready. If you want to have your boat displayed in a show
talk to the event hosts well in advance.


Seminars: Most boat shows also have seminars for different things relating to boats. Seminars may inform you of the best ways to clean certain parts of your boat or may include guest speaker appearances. The seminars are either held on a bigger boat docked on the water or on shore.



New product give-a ways: Retailers from the boating industry flock to boat shows. Since boaters navigate their way to boat shows when they are around
retailers find it the best place to sell boating equipment
parts and boating accessories (http://www.laketrash.com/3C119F89372941F1A467EF9DAD57D7DE.asp?cat_id=0B052D4A3D0D45F4BB3DB67DDEA8DE8A&pc_key=B1F9A71AB1134DE98D831F2BEE795006&retpage=%2Flaketrash%2Fvirtualweb%2F3C119F89372941F1A467EF9DAD57D7DE%2Easp&nm=Accessories&spath=Home%20%3E%20Accessories&path=Home%20%3E%20Accessories&ie_key=B0306BDCB4D1477E83F2D9B1F2083EBB). Many of these retailers do raffles
free product give-a-ways and more. If you are looking for equipment
a boat show is often a good place to go.


Boat shows are held all over the nation and are the place to be for interested boaters. Free entertainment
great boats
boating apparel (http://www.laketrash.com/0C1D040964844726A08A9CDE60F0F1FF.asp?ccb_key=23B84BB2F1674CC4A5BA2B6EDBF27571&ie_key=ABCC1F16F7C9467D958959F0ACEDA0CD)
food and more are often available. It isn't uncommon for thousands of people to attend the boating events(http://www.laketrash.com/0C1D040964844726A08A9CDE60F0F1FF.asp?ccb_key=841FA32AFE2C4679823E16E8967AD205&ie_key=805EFDF90CD14A0EB8122E4F8680E238) . The shows bring together boaters with similar interests and sometimes last several days. Some of the bigger boat shows in the United States include: The Seattle Boat Show
the Fort Lauderdale International Show
and the Atlanta Boat Show.
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Boat Charters

Friday 14 August 2009

Charter boats are an excellent way to get away from it all whilst on holiday. Whether you decide on a bareboat charter boat
where you don’t have a crew to assist
or a crewed boat
there are many benefits of choosing a charter boat holiday.

A crewed boat is the better option if you are inexperienced
as it will allow you to enjoy the freedom of the seas without the worries of navigation and changes in the weather. Many of the crewed boats also supply a chef so you won’t even have to worry about your meals.

There are many destinations throughout the world where you can charter a boat. What could be more romantic than a holiday on the seas of the Caribbean or the Mediterranean?

The are various types of charter boats
from floating hotels to the more budget boats where you are getting just the bare necessities.

For long durations on the seas it is essential to get a boat that has all the facilities to maintain a comfortable lifestyle for extended periods.

You would need a good kitchen with enough storage for all your food and cooking requirements.

This is where is might be wise to select a boat charter that has been organised by recommended charter business that knows what will be required on the holiday and preferably supply an experienced crew.

It is especially important to get an experienced crew if you are boating in unfamiliar waters.

Any decision for a charter boat holiday needs careful planning to ensure that it will be a holiday that will be remembered for a lifetime.

A well-planned holiday will ensure you will be sailing on smooth seas whether the weather gets rough or not.

The location that you decide to take your vacation will also have a bearing on the type of boat you charter
as there are both motorised and non-motorised (sailboats) to choose from.
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Bali Paradise of Indonesia

Bali – Paradise of Indonesia

“Glorious Bali Island” – that’s the official motto of this paradise island
well known to the entire world since World War II. Bali is the most famous tourist destination of Indonesia and preferred location for sun lovers from the west
so undoubtedly the next choice of www.travelonguide.com had to be Bali.

Beach lovers can have a wonderful time in Bali
since day time they could enjoy the sun and at night enjoy the dances and cultural shows on the beach. On a full moon day the Balinese people organize special beach games…. and guess what even a funeral is a procession and an event where people enjoy themselves. Opt for a candle light beach dinner and we guarantee you that the experience will be something that you will cherish throughout your life
the Balinese dancers and singers will add icing to this special moment.

If you are planning your trip to Bali
then its best to have some information about its climatic conditions. Since Bali has a tropical climate
the temperature throughout the year is not more than 26 degrees Celsius. The dry season starts from April till September and the wet season from October till March
and the best time to be there is from May to August
when the sun shines bright and the uninvited drizzle keeps the climate cool.

Water sport lovers
just should miss this place. Bali offers world class scuba diving experience
there are special schools where one could learn scuba diving. The coral reefs are purely untouched and display a wide range of sea life
never seen before even on Discovery Channel. If you like to see the corals
then make sure that you take a trip to Nusa Penida. This beach also offers various other water sports options. For people who are more adventurous
can go rafting in the Ayung river or try some mountain cycling. Walking in rice paddies is also a wonderful experience.

Bali is one of very few places of Indonesia dominated by the Hindus
who celebrate all Hindu festivals and have retained all Hindu traditions. Coming to the food options
Bali offers all cuisine right from Indian
Chinese
Malaysian
Moroccan and even Mexican. One should not forget to try the sumptuous Grilled Lobsters specially served with a typical Balinese sauce.

For those who are not so adventurous type and like being spoilt and pampered
then Bali is where you should head to. Apart from the beautiful resorts like any other beach destination
you will also find beach villas. These villas are well equipped
some with private pool
trained cooks
maids and house boys
who just don’t leave any effort to pamper you. Hiring a private villa could be a much cheaper and cozier experience for those who are on a honeymoon and need some intimacy. Just like Mauritius and Maldives
getting married in Bali is also possible.

We hope that we have truly tried to inspire our readers to pack their bags and head to Bali
and if you indeed enjoyed reading about Bali
then make sure to log on to www.travelonguide.com for more exotic locations.
Read More “Bali Paradise of Indonesia”

Bahamas Yacht Charters Imagining Taking Your Own Boat To The Bahamas

When you decide on Bahamas Yacht Charters you have over 500 miles of tropical waters to explore. The Bahamas is an archipelago that contains over 700 islands
so unless you have loads of cash you won’t get to see them all in one charter vacation. Choose from crewed yacht charters or a bareboat charter
but whichever one you choose
you can decide where you want to go. Bahamas Yacht Charters can help you plan your vacation so that it fulfills your every need.

The difference in crewed yacht charters and bareboat charters is in the amenities that the yacht offers. You don’t have to know how to sail the yacht if you want the cheaper bareboat
but you do have to supply your own food and supplies. In addition
you have to bring along your own lounge chairs and watersports equipment or choose to rent them from Bahamas Yacht Charters. With crewed yacht charters
you don’t have to do any work aboard the yacht and everything is supplied for you. If you have lots of money to spend
you can choose one of the luxury yacht charters. Bahamas lends itself to dreaming of luxury
so for that once in a lifetime vacation
why not splurge?

As a rule
Bahamas Yacht Charters begin with a chart briefing at 9 A.M. Then you can sail at 10 and you have to have the yacht back by 10 at the end of the charter period. If you would prefer to have an afternoon sailing time
you have to request this when you book your yacht charters. The Bahamas is suitable for any time sailing and with the short distance from Florida to the Bahamas
it doesn’t make any difference what time you leave. You do have to be careful of the weather if you book the yacht charter during hurricane season.

You can also begin and end the charter in the Bahamas. Fly into Abaco and take the yacht from there. For yacht charters
Bahamas tax rates are 4% of the total cost of the charter and you have to pay a daily insurance rate for the yacht. This depends on the size of yacht you charter. For example
the premium for yachts 41 feet and under is $33 per day and for those over 41 feet
the premium is $38 per day. The deductible with the yacht charter insurance is $400
which you must pay yourself if you cause any damage. Bahamas Yacht Charters supplies you with a full tank of fuel when you have a bareboat charter
but you must return the yacht with the tank full.

Sailing yachts from Bahamas Yacht Charters are much more expensive. A typical yacht charter will cost about $13
0
which does not include meals
docking
drinks and fees. During the summer
the yacht charters are based in Fort Lauderdale
Florida and during the winter they are based in the Bahamas. If a group of people decide to get together and book a charter from Bahamas Yacht Charters
they can split the cost between them
which will significantly reduce the price per couple.
Read More “Bahamas Yacht Charters Imagining Taking Your Own Boat To The Bahamas”

Anchors Aweigh - A How To For Caribbean Sailing

There is something magical about chartering a boat and sailing the clear
turquoise blue waters of the Caribbean. There is no finer way to get a break and relax than to sail from island to island. At some point during your Caribbean sailing experience
however
you will want to stop. Whether you want to fish
swim
snorkel or dive
have lunch or stay overnight
you will need to find an anchorage and either anchor or use a mooring ball. Anchoring a boat securely is one of the most basic skills in boat handling. The key is preparation and slow maneuvering. If you miss the first time
do not be embarrassed. There is not an experienced sailor afloat who has not encountered this problem. Just go around and start again. The important thing is to have it right! By anchoring poorly
not only are you endangering your boat
but also the other boats anchored nearby. By following these suggestions and techniques
you can feel confident that you will have safe
hassle-free anchoring.
Selecting the Anchorage

The first step in anchoring is to pick an anchorage. Try to arrive at your anchorage relatively early enough in the afternoon. This allows you enough light to avoid any shoals or other hazards like rock/coral heads
fish nets or boats
ferries
freighters
mooring balls
crab pots and cables. In addition
during peak season (December to April) many popular spots throughout the Caribbean become very crowded. By arriving early enough
you have extra time to go somewhere else before nightfall.

When choosing an anchorage
there are several things to consider. For instance
is the anchorage protected? A good anchorage offers protection from the current weather conditions and will also offer protection from the expected weather. Are there any local weather (wind) conditions or exposure to swells that could make the anchorage too rolly? How well is the entrance and anchorage area charted or marked?

How good is the holding? Charts should indicate the type of bottom. Generally speaking
most anchors will hold well in sandy bottoms. Rock
coral and shale prevent anchors from digging in. If possible
avoid grassy bottoms
where it is very difficult to set the anchor. How crowded
noisy
dirty or smelly is it? Is the band from the beach bar going to keep you up until the wee hours of the morning or is the diesel smell of the inter-island ferry going to detract from your ideal scent of paradise? How pretty is the anchorage when you sit in the cockpit enjoying the dawn or dusk? How long a dinghy ride is it to shore and is there a decent place to dock the dinghy? What amenities are available on shore? What is the depth and tidal range? Enough depth is needed so that low tide does not present obstacles your boat might swing into and it is also important when determining scope. Finally
is there enough room? No matter where your boat is anchored
the largest possible swing range should be considered.

Getting Ready

Once you have decided that the anchorage is the perfect spot to stop on your Caribbean sailing adventure
there are several steps to take before actually anchoring. Before doing anything else
work out a system of communication between the person at the helm and the crew member dropping the anchor. Remember that your engine will be running and therefore you will be unable to communicate verbally. Hand signals usually work best. Furl the sails and generally make the boat shipshape before entering the anchorage. Also
shorten the dinghy painter (the line that attaches at the front of the dinghy) if you are dragging the dinghy behind you. This prevents it from being sucked into the prop when you put the engine in reverse. Open the anchor locker hatch
and if your anchor has a safety line attached to the chain (usually found only in mono hulls)
untie and release it. Get the anchor ready to be dropped by disengaging the anchor from the bow rollers. This is done by using the remote control windlass (found in most Caribbean sailing charters) to lower the anchor about two to three feet. Make sure all fingers and toes are away from the chain! Finally
take a tour of the anchorage at very slow speed to get a sense of where you would like to be.

Dropping and Setting the Anchor

After your tour of the anchorage
pick your spot. As the newest arrival in an anchorage
you must anchor to keep clear of boats already at anchor. Allow for any change in wind direction. It is always safer to leave extra space around your boat. Make sure you will have enough room to fall back on the anchor without lying too close to any vessel anchored behind you once you have laid out a 7 to 1 scope. In normal conditions
if you are using all chain
a safe minimum anchor scope ratio is 5 to 1 (chain length to depth).

In heavy weather
the scope ratio is 7 to 1. Depth is the depth of the water at high tide plus the height from the water line to the bow roller. Scope is the actual amount of anchor line (chain) paid out when the boat is safely anchored. For example
if high water is 20 feet deep and your bow roller is 5 feet above the water
you need 125 feet (5 x 20 + 5 feet) of scope to anchor if using all chain
or 175 feet if using a 7 to 1 scope. Remember
putting out too little scope is one of the most common mistakes cruisers make when anchoring.

With the bow to the wind
slowly motor up to the desired spot. Stop the boat exactly where you wish the anchor to lay and take note of the depth. Remember that if you are chartering a catamaran
a cat offers less resistance to the water than a mono hull and thus takes more time to slow down than a mono hull. Make sure the catamaran has completely stopped. You can keep a cat straight into the wind by using both engines at idle speed. Once your vessel has lost all forward movement
it is now time to drop and set the anchor.

Despite the term
dropping anchor
you never want to throw the anchor over the side or let it run free immediately
because the chain will run out at a tremendous speed and pile on itself rather than laying out straight on the sea bed. A piled anchor chain prevents the anchor from setting properly and may actually foul the anchor. Instead
with the windlass
lower the anchor quickly to the bottom. Let the wind slowly push your boat back- do not try to reverse. Let out adequate scope as the vessel moves aft. If you are in a mono hull
do not worry about being broadside to the wind. When the desired amount of scope has been let out
snub the chain and allow the wind to straighten out the boat. Once the boat is headed with the bow into the wind
gently put the engine into reverse and throttle at 1500 rpm's for about 15-20 seconds. This should set the anchor and the anchor chain should start to straighten. If it vibrates or skips
let out more scope. An anchor that is set will not shake the chain. Once you are satisfied the anchor is set
turn off the engine. Put on your snorkel gear and visually check the anchor to ensure your boat is secure. If the anchor is lying on its side
caught in coral
or the chain is wrapped around a coral head
reset it.

When the anchor is firmly set
look around for reference points in relation to your boat. These can include other boats or fixed landmarks like a house
rock formation or tower. Over the next hour
relax in your cockpit and make sure those reference points are in the same place. If not
you are probably dragging the anchor.

Dealing With the Dragging Anchor

If your boat is dragging anchor during the day
it is not a major problem. Start your engine and put it into idle gear. Try to let out more chain. Wait a few minutes to see if the anchor sets itself. If not
you will have to re-anchor. If you boat is dragging at night
it becomes a little more challenging. If you are sound asleep and you do not bump into anything
you might not even know you dragged until the next morning when you wake up in a different place. I have friends who are extremely experienced sailors. They actually woke up in an entirely different anchorage after a night of dragging. On the other hand
you might become aware of night dragging when other people in the anchorage start screaming and flashing lights at your boat. Start your engine and keep it idling. Try to let out more chain and wait to see if the anchor resets itself. If not
you will have to re-anchor. Use your depth sounder to try and find another spot to anchor. Keep all the lights on the boat off to get the best night vision possible. Slowly move to another spot with extreme caution. If your neighbor's boat is dragging during the day
try and get their attention. Put out fenders to avoid damage to your boat. If nobody is on board the dragging boat (they are onshore drinking at the local beach bar)
you can either get aboard their boat and reset the anchor
or if you are not comfortable doing that
you may have to move your own boat. During the night
if you are suddenly jolted awake when another boat hits yours
immediately start the engine and keep it idling. Wake up the crew of the other boat (yell
flash your lights
etc)
put out fenders and do the same as during the day.

The Mooring Ball Option

Throughout the Caribbean
but especially in the British Virgin Islands
professionally maintained mooring balls are located in many anchorages and are available for overnight use for a small fee. A mooring is a buoy connected to an extremely heavy anchor or weight. Besides protecting the coral from damage done by an anchor
picking up a mooring ball has three other advantages. First
you do no have to go to the bother of using your anchor. Second
the mooring's anchor probably is never going to drag. And third
because the mooring's anchor is so heavy and deeply imbedded in the sea bottom
less scope is needed and
therefore
the boat will swing around in a tighter radius than it would on its own anchor.

As in anchoring
approach the mooring area slowly with your dinghy pulled in on a short painter. Have a crew member ready with a boat hook at the bow to direct you and to pick up the mooring pennant (a line with a loop at the end). Have one end of a line attached to a bow cleat with the free end close by. If you have chartered a catamaran
one line is sufficient. If you have chartered a mono hull
however
attach a second line to the opposite side bow cleat. Point the bow of the boat into the wind and slowly approach the mooring ball. By shifting alternately from forward to neutral
you can coast towards the ball. Shift into reverse to stop the boat as the crew member lifts the pennant on board and passes the free end of the line(s) through it. Quickly cleat off the free end of the line on the opposite bow cleat for a catamaran or on the same side for a mono hull.. On a mono hull
the two lines prevent chafing and limit the risk of breaking free from the mooring ball. On a catamaran
the line hangs low enough that chafing from tension is rarely a problem. Again
do not be embarrassed if you miss picking up the pennant the first time- it has happened to all of us! Just circle around and try it again. Once secured
adjust the lines
if necessary.

To leave a mooring ball
make sure the dinghy is again on a short painter. Un-cleat the line(s) and simply let go of the pennant. Take care not to run over the mooring buoy and pennant as you leave for your next Caribbean sailing destination.

Weighing Anchor

Before raising the anchor
preparation is again necessary. Make sure that loose items are stowed and hatch covers are closed. (The anchor locker hatch cover should be open). Shorten up the dinghy painter again. Start the engine. Most charter boats require the engine on to operate the windlass. Have a crew member stand on the most forward point at the bow with the windlass remote control. Using hand signals
the crew member instructs the helmsman to move the boat forward very slowly in the direction of the chain. Make sure the helmsman stops the motion of the boat before overshooting the anchor. While the chain is slack
start cranking it up. When you get to the snubber
put down the remote and remove the snubber. Then resume cranking. When the chain is taut again
with hand signals
instruct the helmsman to move the boat forward again in the direction of the chain. The whole idea of this is to avoid using the windlass to move the boat forward
as this causes incredible strain on the windlass and on the chain roller. At one point
you will find the boat straight above the anchor. Finish cranking the chain until the anchor is all the way up and settled on the rollers. Signal the helmsman that the boat is free. Reattach the safety line to the anchor chain if it has one
stow the remote control and secure the anchor locker hatch. Then return to the cockpit to help raise the sails.

No matter where your Caribbean sailing adventure takes you
at some point you will want to stop. Anchoring is among the most important activities you will do while cruising. Anchoring is as much an art as a science. The helmsman and crew have to orchestrate their efforts with the wind
current and vessel. The important thing to remember is not to be embarrassed. Even the most experienced sailors have difficulty anchoring at times. As the old adage says
Practice makes perfect.
To perfect your anchoring skills and enjoy the most relaxing vacation ever
contact Virgin Island Sailing to arrange your charter. Nothing else beats Caribbean sailing!
Read More “Anchors Aweigh - A How To For Caribbean Sailing”