Posts Tagged ‘sailing’

Abandoning Ship: What to put in your Ditch Bag

Monday, March 4th, 2013

Yes, it happens! Sometimes boats sink. And it can happen even to you, no matter how much experience and safety equipment you have on board. You might run into a whale, your engine might catch fire, or you might be holed by fallen rigging in a storm.

Admittedly a catamaran is far less likely to sink than a monohull, mainly because it isn’t dragging around 5 tons of lead bolted to it’s keel, but even so, it is prudent to be prepared for the worst, to have a backup plan to all the other backup plans.

So, if your boat where to sink, what would you need to survive?

There are two important goals you need to consider:

1. You need to survive until you are rescued or are able to rescue yourself (eg. you drift ashore).

2. Help needs to arrive as soon as they can.

Depending on how quickly you can be found will thus determine how survival gear you need.

First, you need a liferaft. If you don’t have one of those you are going to be swimming for a long time! We have a Viking RescYou. Make sure you get it serviced regularly. Make sure it is stowed where you can get to it. And make sure you know how to operate it. When you are buying one, or getting yours serviced, have a good look at one that has been deployed so you can see exactly what is in it.

Second, you need an abandon ship bag. Also known as a grab-bag, ditch bag, ditch kit or flee bag, this is a handy floating waterproof bag that is pre-loaded with some essential survival equipment.

Make sure that your ditch bag is waterproof and that it floats. Many of them are not fully waterproof, which can be a problem if you have to through it into the sea while you are clambering aboard your liferaft.

It must also float. Normally they will, simply by virtue of the trapped air inside – but TEST it once you have packed it. And it must have a lanyard. That way you can clip it to your liferaft and then you have one less thing to think about and one less thing to lose.

On my own boat I use one of my old white water rafting dry bags. They do the job perfectly.

Once you have prepared your bag, store it where it can be easily grabbed. Don’t bury it deep in one of your long term storage compartments deep in the bilges. When you need it, you need it in a hurry.

Noel and Ceu are sailing around the Caribbean in his 42ft Leopard catamaran. For details and a checklist of what to put in your abandon ship bag visit his blog: Sailing Online

Top Tips For A More Successful Fishing Trip

Tuesday, February 26th, 2013

Most people who say they do not enjoy fishing have never really tried it. A day in a boat or on the shore casting a reel can be one of the best ways to spend a summer afternoon. If you have enthusiasm for fishing and are interested in learning new ways to get better at it, keep reading for great advice!

Stream fisherman would be wise to start their fishing trips downstream, and make their way upstream as the day progresses. This is simply because fish tend to face against the direction of the current. By moving upstream you are lowering your chances of being seen or heard by your prey.

Remain as quiet as possible when you are trying to catch a fish. Fish do not like a lot of noise, and if you are being noisy, they are going to swim away from you. Keep any talking down to a minimum. If you have a radio on, keep the volume low.

A great tip for anyone fishing is to match the size of your hook with the species of fish you are going after. Hook sizes increase in number as they get smaller, so a #10 hook size is ideal for smaller fish while a #1 hook size is better suited for larger game.

When fishing alone, be careful not to go into water that is too deep. This is especially true when fishing near large rivers as a sudden undercurrent could pull you under and drown you in even fairly shallow water. It is typically better to fish with at least one other friend.

A great fishing tip is to learn the improved clinch knot for tying your lures or bait to your line. This knot is simply and is the best way to insure that your bait will not be lost to a snag or while fighting a fish. Like all knots, make sure you practice, practice, practice.

Fishing is a pastime that knows no boundaries. It does not matter if you are old, young, rich or poor, because fishing is a hobby that can appeal to everyone. The important thing for aspiring fishermen is to gain as much knowledge as possible. By using the information in this article liberally, you will soon be prepared to get the most enjoyment possible out of your next excursion.

Are you looking for the best fishing adventure? Head over to the Cumberland Charter Yachts website to find out more about yacht charter whitsundays.

Up Close to Cape Horn

Thursday, February 14th, 2013

A Michael Palin documentary a few years back saw him actually land and set foot on Cape Horn. For those who don’t actually know, Cape Horn is, realistically the last point of “liveable” land on planet earth. Conditions further south are generally too cold, and this particular island is the southern most tip of South America.[

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Chile owns Cape Horn – not Argentina and this is the southern tip of the series of islands known as Tierra Del Fuego. You have to love the sound of this place – Cape Horn – it has a certain charm in its very title! The idea was to see it for real, up close and personal.

It’s not cheap to land on Cape Horn and Michael Palin got it all paid for so that’s why he could afford it. He was a posh English type on a rich travel budget. I backpacked my way to Antarctica so to land on Cape Horn sadly wasn’t within my budget. Besides, Chilean officials do not allow any ships to go tithin a certain distance of Cape Horn, especially in strong waters – it’s around 12 or 13 miles for the usual proximity to the horn, unless special permission has been granted.

Our boat, the MS Expedition was built in Denmark, registered in Liberia and sailing between Antarctica and Argentina. On the way down to Antarctica, we seemed to take a fast, steady direct route down the Drake Passage, and late at night, meaning we were all asleep when we crossed the place where Cape Horn was. Furthermore we were a few hundred kilometres too far east anyhow![

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Onboard the boat there was talk about whether we could go anywhere near Cape Horn on the way back to Argentina. There were clues onboard that this may happen. Screening an onboard documentary about Cape Horn was one, yet the crew were saying nothing!

On the way back up on the Drake Passage most of us noticed the ship had changed direction slightly and now appeared to be heading north west rather than directly north. As Cape Horn was north west of us, it became clear that we were indeed going to be passing by Cape Horn!

This meant we were obviously planning to sail within viewing distance of Cape Horn, which was then rumoured to be our final “surprise” on board. This was later confirmed at that day’s “Recap and briefing” where we were told we would get an early morning wake up call on our approach to Cape Horn so none of us would miss out. We were told this would be around 5 am.

However it was also the last night on board the ship to celebrate the epic journey to Antarctica so we had all been in the onboard bar celebrating and toasting to the incredible trip. It was almost 3 am when I got to bed and that meant only a couple of hours sleep before the dream arrival at the horn!

After 2 hours sleep the alarms went off and I was up waiting to see Cape Horn, we assembled on deck and it was by around 6.30 am that we finally got close to Cape Horn – an incredibly exciting moment for all concerned!

Finally just before 7 am we had the announcement that we were on our approach to Cape Horn. We were also informed that the Captain had been in touch with the Chilean authorities and that we were able to breach the normal barrier of 12 – 13 miles within the Cape.

Everyone gathered on the very top deck laden with cameras and warm clothes. It was a joy just staring out at this remote piece of land on the south tip of Chile knowing we had seen the end of the civilised world. We didn’t land on it, but we saw it.

To read more articles like Seeing Cape Horn head to Jonny Blair’s excellent website A Lifestyle of Travel for ongoing travel stories and advice.

Making A Fishing Trip Fun For The Whole Family

Sunday, February 3rd, 2013

Depending on where you like to go, fishing can be a peaceful hobby or it can be a heart-pounding ride. Fish are in most waters, so your experiences with fishing are limited only by you. You’ve got to know how to catch all these different fish, so here are some great fishing tips to help you out.

Every good fisherman needs a good tackle box. There are many different types of tackle boxes to choose from, you need to choose the one right for you. Think about what you need to hold your fishing tackle appropriately and conveniently for your use based on your specific tastes and situation.

So you have decided you want to take up fishing as a hobby. When you are just starting with fishing, you should keep your equipment pretty simple. It depends on what type of fish you are fishing for when it comes to equipment. Most beginners start with lightweight tackle. The essential beginner’s equipment should include a rod and reel, 12 lb. test line, small and medium sized hooks (for live bait fishing), a couple of bobbers, a few artificial lures, some sinkers, a pair of pliers, a net, and a pocket knife. Don’t forget to check your state’s laws to see if you need a fishing license for the body of water where you plan on fishing.

If you are new to fishing in an area, consider hiring a fishing guide for the day. A fishing guide can take you to some of the best spots so that you have the best opportunity to make a catch. In addition, they can help you to select bait and handle the fish once you remove them from the water.

When deciding on which type of fishing rod to purchase, several things should be taken into consideration. Will the fisherman need a lightweight, flexible fishing rod? A graphite fishing rod is lightweight and flexible. Graphite rods vary in length and flexibility to suit the type of fishing that the rod will be used for.

When you are fishing, make sure that you use live fishing bait instead of artificial. This will give you the best chance to catch the highest quantity of fish during your trip. Live bait will not only look like the real thing, but will smell real to the fish in the water.

There are fishes all around the world, and fishing is done throughout the world. You have the opportunity to fish in all kinds of waters and catch all kinds of fish. Use the tips laid out here to handle them all and to have a good time while you’re doing it.

Learn more about fishing and sailing Whitsundays by heading over to the Cumberland Charter Yachts website.

Proper Preparation For Mediterranean Cruises 2013

Tuesday, September 4th, 2012

An ideal way to see many of the sights of this European region, a Mediterranean cruise allows for multiple destinations to be experienced in a single vacation. Mediterranean cruises 2013 are already available to book for a variety of itineraries. To get the most from an excursion such as this, there are some tips that should be followed in order to get the best price while maximizing the value of time spent at each port.

Popular cruise lines catering to both eastern and western Mediterranean ports include Holland America, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean. A typical multi-destination Mediterranean cruise visits ports such as Southampton, Malaga, Venice, Barcelona and Rome among others specific to the chosen itinerary. The focus is usually on a particular region of the Mediterranean, and the season can determine specific elements of the itinerary, as well.

Booking in advance is the best way to save money on a cruise. Even though cruise ships are well-known for providing a high level of luxury and decadence to passengers, it’s important to remember that this doesn’t mean cruises are excessively expensive. There are budget-friendly travel options, too, especially when booking early. The alternative is to wait until the last minute when vendors are trying desperately to fill empty rooms, but this option is not practical for most people.

There are additional costs to consider when booking a cruise. Air travel is often required as well, as pricing for cruises is specific to the departure port, and the traveler is responsible for reaching that destination independently. There will also be expenses associated with in-port activities. Aside from this, many cruise ships offer all-inclusive options covering meals, beverages and entertainment.

In order for travelers to make the most efficient use of their time – and therefore maximize their experience – while in port, a certain degree of preplanning is recommended. The cruise line itself should offer destination specific information to travelers, including popular sights and activities. In addition to this, however, acquiring a port guide specific to each individual destination is also recommended.

The itinerary of the cruise will dictate how much time is allotted at each destination. Sometimes this does not allow for time to visit each and every attraction. With advanced planning, time spent in port can be streamlined for maximum efficiency. Port guides assist with this preplanning as well as offering destination-specific tips regarding local dialect and culture, preferred travel methods and monetary exchange.

While port guides come in handy for all cruise ship travelers, they are of particular use to those who prefer to tour the destination independently from a group. For those who prefer a guided tour of the area, however, this can usually be arranged ahead of time through the ship’s concierge. Tours and preplanned activities while in port are often accompanied by pick-up and drop-off, eliminating the need for independently arranged transportation.

The time is right for booking a Mediterranean cruise 2013, and the options are many. Great deals on Mediterranean cruises abound, especially for those with the foresight to plan well in advance. Upon itinerary confirmation, advanced planning for in-port activities is recommended by acquiring destination-specific port guides and consulting with cruise line directly via concierge. Known for it’s rich history and culture, the Mediterranean region is picturesque travel destination in itself, and visitors to the region describe the experience as a once-in-a-lifetime vacation.

If you are considering going on one of the Mediterranean cruises 2013, you can find help on the Web. Check out our website now for a comprehensive Mediterranean Cruise Guide offering.

Take A Trip To Hawaii

Tuesday, March 20th, 2012

At any time wish to hightail it from your complications involving life style and get a couple of days away from house? In case you operate via Job, five days each and every week in addition to can be a college student at university having to publish projects every few weeks, you probably know and understand the feeling of wanting a rest. A trip doesn’t need to have to wait till Holiday split or maybe the summer season holidays. You should be able to take off to a fascinating location at any time of the year so that you can get some much-needed rest and relaxation. Regardless of whether or not you choose to travel inside the country or abroad nevertheless, you have to have a strategy.

If you have constantly aspired to travel overseas but do not want to devote too much travelling to a different the primary world, it may very well be excellent for one to look at re-energizing using a beach inside Hawaii! And also all-around home (meaning an individual won?t have to take too many days off function), you will usually be capable of getting great deals with affordable pricing which can just be certain you tend not to devote an excessive amount of.

So why Hawaii?

Hawaii is often well-known for its wonderful exotic beach locations along with sparkling blue waters. It?s a great way to relax as it offers the fantastic atmosphere for entertainment together with satisfaction. The actual surroundings in all the island destinations is absolutely spectacular working with the plants, the major level of falls, canyons as well as other natural amazing factors, creating Hawaii the perfect spot for a family group getaway or a affectionate get-away.

For all of us that are shopaholics, you?ll find plenty of looking arcades in addition to stalls that present a range of items in addition to garments. Furthermore, Hawaii gives a lot of diverse entertaining routines such as aquatic events as an instance. Medical doctor offices and sweetness specialist salons are supplied also inside lots if you are seeking for loads of further spoiling.

As with all sort of take a trip, that you are going to generally ought to technique no much less than some weeks in advance. This is because you will require time and energy to guide the airline tickets, uncover cost-effective holiday accommodation, aid to create necessary agreements intended for preserve by way of work/university and naturally to execute investigation to what to full whenever you?re presently there, and so forth. You could often create your Hawaii airline tickets employing a neighborhood travel agency or you will make a decision to accomplish the concept all on your own personal in one of those unfortunate trustworthy net web-sites that provide incredibly excellent Hawaii trip discounts.

Hawaii naturally is not only an excellent place for a vacation but is also a good place to live and work. You are going to recognize that it’s going to be attainable to become in a position to book a great property together with residence in several of the nations with incredibly very good charges

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About Lanai, Hawaii

Sunday, March 18th, 2012

Lanai is the 6th biggest the hawaiian islands related with Hawaii. It’s commonly referred to as Blueberry Isle merely mainly because previously it was reknown for being an island wide blueberry sugar plantation. There’s just one town called Lanai Town that is a tiny negotiation. The region will probably be within the shape of any comma and it has the thickness concerning 20 mls or 29 kilometer within the best route. The land place themselves may figure to 140.Your five sq kilometers which is 364 km2 and that can make Lanai the actual 42nd greatest state within the usa of The united states.

Lanai is in fact separated within the Molokai Island from the Kalohi Route from the n . and by the specific Auau Route towards the far east, this sets apart that via Enjoys a few of the. In line with the United states of america Census Bureau Lanai is described as Demographics Region 316 relating to Gives Nearby. Their total population delivers depreciated from your special Three,193 by the actual 2000 demography to 3,102, extremely final confirmed this season. The island has numerous websites along with spots of appeal which may be merely readable by merely locating a 4 wheel drive automobile or truck since highways are usually grime roadways.

The original source of the title Lanai is obscure, nevertheless, the area continues to be in the past referred to as Lana?we a Kaulua?au. Several experts debate that this specific term may be extracted since “day with the cure concerning Kaulua?au.Inches The individuals who initial discovered its way to Lanai could most likely have been from the close by islands related with Maui in addition to Molokai. They might have settled down at the coast and developed angling towns at initial nonetheless later on transferred away from the coast together with elevated taro inside volcanic earth which is filled with male fertility.

As outlined by researchers, living all through Lanai had been commonly tranquil before the throne had been ascended by basically Complete Kamehameha We whom massacred quite a few people in a lot of parts of the region. The truth is, it is said that when Captain George Vancouver sailed more than the destinations all through 1792, this individual wouldn’t terrain in Lanai mainly because not adequate people. Kamehameha seemingly liked Lanai due to the fact his / her favourite carrying out some fishing location in all using the eight Hawaiin Island destinations.

Holiday very first became critical on Lana?not too long ago i when the blueberry and sugarcane industry sectors had been phased out inside the islands. Just ahead of which, Lanai ended up getting well-liked pertaining to rising every single plants. By The new year, a pair of comprehensive place hotels are maintained inside Lanai from the well-known Quite a few Circumstances Hotels. Lodge Lanai all through Lanai Location ended up getting founded all through 1923 by basically John Dole who owns your Neighborhood Blueberry Small business though areas to stay with regard to management vacationing in the certain pineapple manufacturing organizations. It definitely was the actual island?s just resort till 1990. Lanai comes substantially subsequent. It has a few golf courses inside the four Months important resorts, one ? The course of action with Manele, made by Port Nicklaus and is located nearby the water despite the fact that the some other, created by Greg Gary, is situated in high altitude climates in addition to known as Expertise in Koele.

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Sailing Bags: Where To Use Them

Sunday, March 18th, 2012

While going out on an adventure or a road trip, we always carry our duffels with useful equipments.

These accessories include our basic needs like, food, clothes, money and if are going for camping, it includes tents, firewood, coal, etc.Similarly, trips also include sailing and sea traveling.

It is necessary that you’re wearing the right gear while going out in the open sea . How could one forget the important sea fare accessories while sailing.For such purposes, sailing bags are used by sailors as a mean to cover up their resources needed.

It serves as a comprehensive duffel for easy storage and access of the gear and there equipments.A sailing bag can carry maximum stuff like extra oars for a canoe, extra gadgets for you to wear, in case your current one is torn or ripped.Another important thing to ponder is that the sailing bag should be waterproof and should have different compartments to manage our accessories accordingly. Any catastrophe could occur, hence these bags should most definitely carry enough life savers for everyone.

Without having a these bags accompany you, the trip could be riskier and God forbids, could prove to be fatal too, in case a devastation occurs. If a blizzard or a sea storm hits, the duffel bag should carry enough apparatus to control the sail’s steering and keep it in the right direction and at the right time.

Sailing apparels, which are dry fit fabrics, should also be carried in these duffels as extra clothing for us, to keep us warm, especially when the weather gets all humid.Waterproof apparel is also vital to avert our body from getting soaked.

Another type of gear is breathable fabric, via which our body can release heat and water vapor from the inside, keeping our body cool, especially when the temperature rises up and becomes really hot.

Chest height overalls, paired up with jackets, are to be worn when the weather becomes terrifyingly cold.

So, are you looking for sailing bags? If that’s the case, go to our website: sailing bag.

Learn The Essentials Of Owning A Luxury Yacht

Tuesday, March 13th, 2012

Staying in a huge luxury yacht can give you the impression of living in a mansion or a classy hotel. Luxury yachts are also normally equipped with the amenities you’d always wish to have for enjoyment and convenience while at the sea.

Travelling on a yacht can be your best escape from the stress and problems of the city life. However, this doesn’t mean that you will not also experience the comfort and entertainment your own home can provide. A yacht will include a comfortable bedroom, a kitchen, and other amenities to keep you entertained. The best perk though is that the next morning, you wake up in an entirely different place where the blue sea and the morning breeze will greet you.

How To Spot Luxury Yachts?

The beauty of the interior is not just the consideration in constructing luxury yachts. Besides the high-class facilities inside, advanced marine engineering is also important in constructing these sea vessels to create a secure and accurate yacht sailing in any part of the world.

Inside, a luxury yacht features elegant and comfortable furniture and facilities. Amongst the best entertainment you can get inside your yacht include a cinema system, billiards or other indoor sports, wine bar, and Jacuzzi. Most likely, you can find pools and sunbathing areas on the deck of a luxury yacht.

Aside from having comfortable amenities, it is essential that a yacht has reliable facilities for secure navigation. Just like ships and other sea vessels, your yacht will be in the sea for a few days or weeks. It should be constructed with nickel materials for it to be durable amidst various damaging elements in the sea.

How To Take Care Of Your Yacht

It’s important that you keep your yacht in shape even though you do not always use it. If it is just left at the bay and not cleaned and checked up, it can deteriorate easily. Seek the help of professionals who will check your yacht for necessary repairs.

Marine engineers are important to have if you have a luxury yacht. They’re the ones who can keep your yacht in its best shape and performance. With this, you will be assured that you can go travelling in the sea safely and happily.

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Talk about Luxury Yachts

Saturday, February 18th, 2012

With regards to luxury yachts, keep in thoughts that the ultimate item for consumption all hangs on how high-quality the master program was. In reality, it is ideal which you assessment luxury yachts on different on the web magazines to help you ascertain whether there is a proclivity of what your prerequisite is. One other substantial feature which you do should be alert to is the reality you’ll need to require a corporation that is nicely versed on everything that speak about luxury yachts. This can facilitate 1 to decide on a merchandise that is both honest and credible.

In general, make sure that in the event you look for the correct luxury yachts, you’ve got an notion in regards to what you’ll need. Although it is accurate to mention that normally the theory does not invariably result in reality, you will be able to still make an attempt. Needless to say, there will probably be numerous discussions taking place in relation to luxury yachts. So just make sure that you assessment about you will be able to before deciding on the you need to do. Furthermore, you moreover ought to keep in thoughts that fees are something should be looked at strictly at the same time.

This indicates that despite the fact that you may have got grand luxury yachts sorted out, the majority of the time the identical company can develop you that yacht at the same time. However, rather of producing grief, why do not you have a budget? This can trigger much less complications and issues in relation to obtaining some luxury yachts sorted out. Make a program for your housing program as you could also get a budget for the result. To be sure, this really should help you realize what should be assessed pertaining to the charge factor.

One other thing that demands to be thought of will be design and style. These components have to be investigated rather seriously because it could fundamentally permit you to love your yacht or hate it. This really is exactly why you ought to obtain hold of a great designer who’s able to do up some great luxury yachts making your dream a actual possibility. All items regarded as, make particular you carry out some research in acquiring great quality organizations. Based on this you may discover what they are able to by permitting some quotations.

One of the really established techniques of acquiring an organization which can help you with luxury yachts is via client testimonials. This must enable you to review and see you could be on course in relation to obtaining luxury yachts which might be viable and feasible.

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