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Preparing for a new Sailing Season

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 16:33:57 GMT

Spring is (almost) in the air .... time to start preparing for the new Sailing Season

If your dinghy has been stored outside during the Winter, then it is likely to be in need of some care and attention.

You could start by checking over the hull for any signs of damage or cracks that could have been caused by the boat itself moving or being hit by floating debris. Repair the damage and clean the boat thoroughly - inside and out.

What about the mast and rigging? Inspect the masts for cracks or corrosion. Examine all the shrouds, stays and halyards for any signs of wear, fraying or corrosion. Lubricate moving parts and replace any worn lines. Adjust the rigging tension if required.

A similar inspection is required for the daggerboard, rudder and tiller. Look for cracks or warping, loose fittings and any other signs of wear. A thorough evaluation should include lubricating any pivot points on the boat and making sure everything moves smoothly.

Hopefully, your sails are stored away in a dry place. Unfurl the sails and inspect them for any signs of tears, mildew or damage from mice. Check out all your sail riggings and fittings – make sure they are secure and functioning smoothly.

If you have a trailer then it should be inspected for signs of rust, loose bolts and worn parts. Grease the wheel bearings and check your tyre pressures to make sure everything is in good condition.

A comfortable, well-fitting life-jacket is a must-have for all sailors. Now is also the time to dig out your thermal layers, waterproof tops, gloves, hat and sailing boots. Functionality, safety and comfort should all be top priorities.

Finally, you are ready to get your dinghy back in the water. Take it for a test sail to check that everything is working as you would expect.

How well do you know your crew?

Fri, 10 Nov 2023 15:20:52 GMT

What does a bosun do?

The boatswain – or bosun for short – is a senior member of the deck department on a ship. They are responsible for supervising the deck crew (such as Able and Ordinary Seamen) and ensuring a ship’s equipment and facilities can be operated in an efficient and safe manner. The bosun must have considerable knowledge of seamanship practices and is responsible for the rigging, cordage, anchors, sails, boats, flags and other stores. The bosun must be proficient in knots, hitches, bends, whipping and splices.

Joshamee Gibbs pictured above is a former bosun in the Royal Navy. But in which film series did Kevin McNally play this fictional character?

Winterising your dinghy

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 16:00:55 GMT

Make sure your dinghy is clean and dry

Winterizing your sailing dinghy is essential to ensure your boat remains in good condition and is ready to sail when the weather warms up. Remove all the gear from the dinghy – including sails, ropes and any other equipment that may be stored inside lockers. Drain all water away. Make sure your dinghy is clean and dry as this will help prevent mould and mildew from forming. Protect the dinghy by covering it with a tarp or boat cover. Make sure the cover is secure and will not get blown away. The dinghy should be elevated off the ground – with the bow higher than the stern to aid drainage - using blocks or a cradle to prevent it from sitting in surface water (or even snow). Check on your dinghy regularly to make sure it is still secure and that the cover is still in place.

Knowing the ropes

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 15:20:47 GMT

Do you know your halyards from your sheets?

One of the (many) challenges when learning to sail is getting to grips with all the sailing terminology. So, do you know your halyards from your sheets? A halyard is a line which is used to hoist or lower a sail. The main sail or jib for example. A sheet, on the other hand, is a line used to control the angle and position of a sail. It is attached to the lower corner of the sail, called the clew, and enables adjustments to the tension and shape of the sail.