Sailing and Cruising forums - HOT topics of discussion delivered in RSS news feeds.

M C A warns boatowners using (or advertising for) "Paying Crew"

Sun, 19 Apr 2009 18:07:09 +0200

We have been advising on the CruiserLog Forum against the practice of engaging "paying crews" for a long time, pointing out the legal and insurance implications. The debate became quite heated at times and many advocates of the "paying crew" side unfortunately refused to see the logic of our argument. Well, now the logic has been seen by the British Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

(Ref. Practical Boat Owner no. 509 may 2009)
Mr. David Lee, MCA enforcement officer, warned yacht owners bending the rules and taking paying crew that their vessels may not have the necessary certification. A number of companies are, at present, under investigation.

The MCA advises all answering ads for mile building, adventurous sailing, transatlantic passages or Yachtmaster Ocean passages to ensure the vessel is properly coded (in the case of UK flagged vessels that means Category Zero) and that the skipper and mate are qualified.

With one of the world's main maritime safety organisations now on the hunt we are likely soon to see a sharp and welcome decline in these illegal activities.

Full discussion ....

One step closer to moving aboard, sold the small boat to make room for the big one.

Sat, 18 Apr 2009 10:14:47 +0200

Well, we've just sold our smaller boat, a Rawson 30, to a wonderful couple who will be giving the boat a good home and hopefully cruising on her in the next few years. The closing is scheduled for early next week. I'm happy to have her off our mooring so we have a spot for our cruising boat! But now, we'll be without a boat to sail for a couple months. We're scheduled to move our schooner back to the water sometime this summer. Earliest possible is late June but it will be dependent upon the boat mover's schedule as well as availability at the travel lift and the visitors' dock at our marina. The dockmaster will give us a month (minimum) on the visitors' dock, which we'll need because ours is a wood boat which will be swelling up during that timeframe and taking on a lot of water during the process.
Full discussion ....

Can you do an extended cruise in a 30' Catalina sloop?

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 16:58:56 +0200

I'm sure you could cruise around the Caribbean in just about anything if you really wanted to, but realistically, is a 30' Catalina sloop an OK yacht to cruise on if you're fine with the small size? How about sailing a boat like that outside the Caribbean, like from the Caribbean to Australia, or Fiji?
Full discussion ....

Boat Stoves

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 14:04:14 +0200

I need a new stove for my Morgan 33 Out Island. Everyone here in Vermont uses propane. A friend who had a blow up favors a Wallas diesel. Any ideas? We will eventually be doing blue water sailing.
Full discussion ....

The Red Sea or Cape of Good Hope Route? The circumnavigator's dilemma

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 19:49:45 +0200

Due to the many incidents of piracy in the Gulf of Aden I would be interested to know if any current cruising circumnavigators are still planning on transiting the Red Sea as opposed to the alternative Cape of Good Hope (Cape Town, South Africa) route for the next Indian Ocean crossing "season".

In your replies, please state whether:
You are now in the region and planning your Indian Ocean crossing next "season";
Or
Planning your future circumnavigation and your thoughts;
Or
Whether you are simply giving your thoughts/ideas on the situation and routes.
Full discussion ....

Mediterranean passages - sailing notes.

Sun, 12 Apr 2009 17:16:33 +0200

Aegean to West Mediterranean Passages:

Depending on the time you would like to complete the passage, your departure point and personal preference, you must decide whether to take a southern route via Malta (south of Sicily) or a northern route along the Messina Strait in Italy (north of Sicily). In general the northern route is shorter and faster than the southern. Also the northern route has shorter legs and more places to stop.

All the routing instructions described in this page can be reversed and equally apply for passages from Gibraltar to the Aegean Sea (see also the East Mediterranean Passages).

The months to be avoided for this passage are from November to April when violent storms are possible. The best time of the year for this passage is either in May - June or in September - October when various ports and marinas are less crowded and the weather is usually benign. In October, however, there is a possibility of thunderstorms so one has to be cautious.
See the World Cruising Wiki's section for full details:

Cruisers in Turkey, information requested

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 13:01:56 +0200

The following has been posted to "Latest News" on the Cruising Wiki's Turkey page:

"From 1st January '09, a detailed inventory form is required for entry and exit to and from Turkey. The form must detail all main items aboard such as engines, generators, sails, electronics such as SSB, VHF, GPS, and all items such as bicycles, binoculars, stereos, computers, television sets, etc. This form will be attached to the yacht's cruising permit and the items listed on entry must match those on the list on exit from Turkey. Any changes to this inventory list while in Turkey must be covered with purchase invoices for additions to the list or sales receipts identifying the new owner of the goods if removed from the list. This inventory list is stamped and copied by Customs at a cost of 50 Turkish lira."

This "rule" was in force some years ago and was dropped. Can anyone currently in Turkey confirm that this is again being enforced?
Full Discussion ....

World Cruising and Sailing Wiki, a free, online World Cruising Guide

Thu, 5 Mar 2009 19:36:47 +0200

A new feature is currently being added to the article pages of the World Cruising Wiki. Co-ordinates are being added in "GPS" format and these co-ordinates are formatted as a link which when clicked, takes you to a page of Geo resources where you can get local photos, chartlets, etc., or go direct to Google Earth, etc., for these co-ordinates. (Wiki editors see the Wiki's "Help" section for the 'co-ordinates" template)

A good example of this feature can be seen in the SAMOS section within the Wiki's Greece cruising guide.

The Cruising and Sailing Wiki is growing very quickly - this World Cruising Guide already has almost 5,000 pages and to date has had almost a half-million page views. LOTS of input is still required, so bring out the hidden "Cruising Guide Writer" in you and add what you can for the benefit of all cruisers who will follow in your wake - share the information on passages, world ports, immigration and customs formalities around the world, approaches, marinas, anchorages, etc., in the true cruiser's spirit of sharing information.
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Yacht Maintenance Schedules

Tue, 3 Mar 2009 21:23:34 +0200

Daily/Weekly Yacht Maintenance

Electrical and Electronics
Check the battery charge level, in both the engine and the house batteries. If the battery levels are low then charging circuits (battery charger, alternator, etc) will need to be engaged. Remember that leaving a lead acid battery discharged for extended periods of time damages the battery and shortens its life.

Engine
If the engine has been running then these tasks need to be done regularly.
* Check oil level with the dipstick, top up oil if necessary. An engine can use 200mL of oil or more per hour of operation (Pallas p 86).
* Check water level in the heat exchanger, topping up with clean/distilled water and/or radiator conditioner / antifreeze if required.
* Check the state of the heat exchanger cap and replace it if it is broken, worn, or damaged (Pallas, p116).
* Check water level in the salt water strainer, check to see if any dirt/debris is blocking the filter, empty the filter if necessary.

Drive Train
* Check the oil/fluid level in the gearbox. Top up with the necessary fluid if necessary (Pallas, p90).
* If your boat has a stuffing box, check the drop rate and temperature (Pallas, p128).
* If your boat has a dripless (rotary, PSS) type shaft seal, then inspect the seal for any leaks (Pallas, p129).

Exhaust
* Check that there is water coming out of the exhaust (nearly all marine diesels are water cooled). You need to check this every time the engine starts -- if there is no water going into the exhaust system then you have 30 seconds to shut down the engine before you melt one of the hoses, waterlocks or muffler.
* Check the exhaust colour. Black or blue smoke in the exhaust indicates engine trouble. White smoke could mean a broken thermostat -- see below under yearly maintenance.

Monthly Maintenance

Full details ....

sv Ultimate - Yacht Missing in the Atlantic Ocean, Crew - Tom Bouter and Theckla Franssen

Mon, 2 Mar 2009 14:46:27 +0200

sv Ultimate - Yacht Missing in the Atlantic Ocean, Crew - Tom Bouter and Theckla Franssen.

Information needed: See Navtex message below, yacht is still missing. Yotreps gives just a little more information. Does anybody have any information? I'm not connected, just concerned. Any information will help.
Full details ....

Topping Up The Diesel Tanks At Sea

Sun, 22 Feb 2009 18:45:11 +0200

Thought I would share this one with you and ask what others do. As I do yacht deliveries, we often have to carry spare fuel in cans and use this to top up the tanks when making passage.

Pouring fuel can be a difficult job as the fillers are usually outside the rails and, with the boat heaving around, it is hard to avoid spillage. An effective method I have developed is to use an outboard engine hand primer pump (you know, the kind you use with an external fuel tank) with approx 2 metres of tube on each end which will siphon once the flow is established. This gets rid of the need to pour, means the fuel can may be located in the cockpit and eliminates spills completely.

The down side is that it can be a bit slow. The plus side is that it cost me about £15 to buy, it's reusable and it slips into my baggage with no trouble. Any other suggestions?
Full Discussion: ....

Watch-keeping On A Cruising Yacht - keeping watch on longer passages at sea.

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 13:20:06 +0200

For longer coastal passages and ocean voyages, formal watch-keeping should begin as soon as your yacht has cleared port and is settled down on her course at sea.

What watch-keeping routine do you use? (hours on/off)
Why does this work best for you?

Also see the Watch-keeping section on the Cruising Wiki HERE.
Full discussion ....

Rigging wire / turnbuckle sizes on a cruising yacht.

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 19:03:05 +0200

We have in hand two good quotes for rigging gear to do our 35' cruising yacht with (out of about 8 quotes in total). There are two paths we can pursue from here and some questions that we need to answer. One path is to rig with the same size wires 5/16" all round, except that the inner forestay and upper shrouds are 1/4". The yacht is a Masthead, dual inline spreaders, 12mt stick, 7ton boat, single backstay with no runners, 4 x lower shrouds. The other option is to alter the sizes of the rig wires (& terminals) to strengthen &/or lighten the rig. Fine tuning the design in other words. Does anyone have opinions as to what wires on a rig like ours take the most strain and what wires have the least in the various conditions of cruising offshore ???
Full discussion ....

Catamaran vs Monohull Sailing Yachts, a comparison.

Sun, 8 Feb 2009 16:53:11 +0200

Catamaran vs Monohull is a question often asked - the advantages and disadvantages of cruising on a single hull compared to a multihull? Phil Berman of the Multihull Company, the sponsor of this "Multihull Club" forum board, has written an interesting article on the subject.
More ....

Queequeg Two - search for survivors of the stricken yacht (catamaran) has been called off.

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 19:10:11 +0200

We have learned that they have ended the search for the yacht Queequeg II. We are heartbroken! (daughter of one of the missing sailors).
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Capsized Yacht Queequeg II survivor rescued.

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 19:01:48 +0200

The man that was found from the stricken yacht Queequeg II is Leo Sherman. He was found clinging to the boat and is hopefully now receiving medical attention. Apparently, divers are going to search the boat more thoroughly. We are still hoping that my dad (Joe Strykowski) and Quen Cultra could be out there on a raft or the dingy - or clinging to something. I feel caught between joy and despair. Having hope but wanting to brace myself against the awful blow that might be coming. One hopeful thing... the rescuers apparently noticed that there were more civilian ships in the area than normal. It makes me feel that, if they are out there, they will be found.
More ....

Father Missing Off Madagascar - catamaran Queequeg II capsized!

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 00:32:55 +0200

Father Missing Off Madagascar from the catamaran Queequeg II - This is all the information I have. I am posting this in hope that someone out there will find him...If you or someone you know is in the area, please help! About 48 hours ago, someone on my father's boat (The Queequeg II) hit "the panic button" sending a distress call. The Embassy of Madagascar sent a search party and 36 hours ago they found the Queegueg II capsized. No bodies were found. The Embassy is planning to send another search party but the cyclones are making it difficult. My sister and i are hoping and praying that he could still be out there. There were three men on the boat and all three are missing.
Full details ....

Declaring Firearms Aboard a Cruising Yacht

Sun, 18 Jan 2009 16:03:01 +0200

If a USA flagged sailing yacht pulls into port in another country that is more restrictive in its firearms laws, the USA yacht is required to declare firearms and ammunition. I saw this in most countries in the CRUISING WIKI section. No problem, right? Some nations require that the firearms be impounded and given back upon departure. Have there been instances of firearms being "lost" by the authorities, or have authorities objected to certain firearms (.50cal, H&K UMP, suppressors, laser sights, frangible ammo) that are legal in the USA (for now), but are just too scary for some governments?
Full discussion ....

Choosing An RYA Sailing School

Fri, 9 Jan 2009 16:38:57 +0200

Having looked at a number of forums I think it would help if I gave a few pointers about how to select a sailing school. There are a number of points worth looking at.
Full details ....

A Call To All Cruisers Around The World

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 15:41:49 +0200

The World Cruising and Sailing Wiki is a free, online world cruising guide developed by cruisers, for cruisers. This Cruising Wiki already contains almost 4,000 pages and has already had 250,000 page views - and growing fast The World Cruising Wiki contains information about world ports, country immigration and customs procedures, local weather info, radio nets, approaches and navigation, ocean passages, marinas, yacht clubs, anchorages, photos, chartlets, ... and much more. It also contains general information about sailing, radio, yacht maintenance, safety at sea, cruisers blogs, etc., etc. The World Cruising Wiki is being developed by cruisers all around the world - contributing information about regions that they know (in the true cruiser's spirit) so that others who follow in their wake can benefit. The resource can remain completely up to date as contributors can edit/update information online, 24/7.
More ....

40' - 45' Bluewater Cruiser?!

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 19:10:48 +0200

I'm looking to purchase my first sailboat and I am in need of some guidance. I was leaning towards a steel or aluminum hull but most do not have a swim step and walk through transom. It sounds kind of odd but the is a top criteria for me. Three reasons: it is easier to land big fish, it is easiers to board from a tender, and I have a dog who loves the water and if she jumps I need to get her back aboard somehow. Do you know of any steel hulled sloop or cutter rigs that have a walk through transom and a swim step?! I am looking at the 40'-45' range.
Full discussion ....

Greece Cruising Guide - A Free, Online Resource For Sailors

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 22:15:39 +0200

The Greece Cruising Guide, a section on the free, online World Cruising and Sailing Wiki, has now developed into a VERY usable sailing resource along with many other well developed cruising guides for regions around the world. The World Cruising Wiki Cruising Guides are developed and written by cruisers, for cruisers. These Cruising Guides contain up-to-date information on countries, immigration and customs, world ports, marinas and yacht clubs, anchorages, approaches and navigation details, ocean passages and much more. World Cruising and Sailing Wiki
More ...

Caribbean Cruising Guide

Tue, 27 May 2008 21:04:54 +0200

The Caribbean section of the Cruising Wiki is now well underway - many sections are already very useful and interesting and, of course, free for anyone to access. Our collective thanks to all those who have already contributed their information to date - it is most appreciated by all cruisers around the world. Thank you! I am posting this message on this board to make an appeal to all who have knowledge of the Caribbean region to make a concerted effort to "fill in the blanks" and complete this section in particular. Let's get this section completed - for all the cruisers that are following in our wakes. Bring out the "writer" in you and help to build a great resource for all - others will be building other sections around the world that will be useful to YOU in the future. Help to build this World Cruising Wiki - the free, online Cruising Guide. The World Cruising Wiki belongs to all - built by cruisers, for cruisers.
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Oceanswatch - Anyone Know Much About Them?, www.oceanswatch.org

Fri, 2 May 2008 15:25:52 +0200

The Oceanswatch web site was interesting to me, but I'm not familiar with many charitable organizations traveling on small private yachts, and so I wrote to Oceanswatch for a copy of their charter before I went any further. They really haven't been very forthcoming, it seems. On their web site, under "charter" they state: "Copies of our Trust documents are available on request by emailing chris@oceanswatch.org" I emailed Chris, and here are the emails sent and received as of today. It doesn't cost him anything to send copies of this stuff to me, does it? So now I'm asking what does he have to hide? Anybody here know?
Full details: .........

Cruising Blogs and Narratives.

Sat, 29 Mar 2008 20:22:12 +0200

The best way to learn about cruising is to read other cruisers' Blogs, Narratives and Voyage Logs and see how they are doing it "out there".
Cruising Blogs and Narratives

World Cruising and Sailing Wiki - the free World Cruising Guide for cruising sailors.

Mon, 3 Mar 2008 10:08:16 +0200

The World Cruising and Sailing Wiki has been established by Cruiserlog.com so that all cruising sailors around the world can have free access to as much information on cruising around the world as possible. This cruising and sailing Wiki is a resource to which all sailors are encouraged to freely contribute and thereby help to build a great reference resource for the benefit of all cruisers that are sailing around the world.

The Cruiserlog World Cruising and Sailing Wiki's objectives:-
* To provide all cruising sailors with a one-stop interactive resource which members can annotate, correct and add to.
* To provide current information regarding cruising destinations.
* To provide information that is based on recent factual experience.
* To provide information that is easily understood and if possible, is supported by images and graphics.
Full details ....

Storm Management for Ocean Cruisers

Thu, 3 Jan 2008 12:49:34 +0200

At the 32nd Annual Seven Seas Cruising Association Convention in Melbourne, Florida, I presented a short discussion on STORM MANAGEMENT FOR CRUISERS. I have now uploaded the talk on my website so that fellow sailors can learn more about storm management from an experienced cruiser's perspective.
Full discussion ....

To All Cruisers - Information On Cruising Expenses.

Sat, 22 Dec 2007 20:35:45 +0200

This is not "how much does it cost to cruise." This isn't "How much did you spend in Fiji?" This is, "what do you spend on a monthly or weekly basis in the various ports while cruising?" It doesn't have to be exact, and shouldn't be overblown, but this is intended to buttress the arguments of many destination-based businesses that cruising sailors are good for the local economy. This is a subject near and dear to my heart, because it isn't just Fiji who discounts the cruising sailor as a benefit to the economy, and it's the powerful resorts who get the ear of government in most economies dependent upon the tourist dollar.
More ....

Cruising Fiji - Up To Date Information.

Fri, 21 Dec 2007 14:41:58 +0200

Some very important information has been updated TODAY on the Cruising & Sailing Wiki's Fiji page. Cruisers planning to visit Fiji should read this.
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Cruising and Sailing Wiki by CruiserLog

Thu, 25 Oct 2007 10:13:38 +0200

CruiserLog is proud to have established this new Cruising and Sailing Wiki so that all cruisers around the world can have free access to as much information on the topic as possible. This cruising and sailing Wiki is a resource to which all members are encouraged to freely contribute and help to build a great reference resource for the benefit of all cruisers that are sailing around the world.
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Boom Brakes & Preventers, Preventing Injuries.

Thu, 20 Dec 2007 16:32:21 +0200

Not wishing to pre-empt the findings of the investigation into the latest tragedy in the ARC rally. But taking a good hard look at preventing injuries from being hit specifically by booms:-

During racing, the controlled gybe manoeuver may be performed many times without the use of a boom preventer - this is understandable. However, when in a cruising mode and when setting a course for a distant destination, is there a good reason for not using a boom preventer, so that if an unplanned gybe occurs - possible injury is averted ????
Full discussion ....

Yacht "No Komis" Epirb Activated - Indonesia

Thu, 6 Dec 2007 10:43:49 +0200

We just got this message from a friend's wife. Her husband's EPIRB (Yacht NO KOMIS) went off and he dropped off the nets and e-mail. The local SAR does not seem to have many assets/capabilities. We don't know Indonesia very well, anyone have any suggestions as to any other actions she should take?

"Great to hear from you and get the photos. Life is stressful for me right now. Terry and his yacht "No Komis" are the subject of a search by Search & Rescue, Indonesia. The EPIRB went off last Saturday afternoon, transmitted for about 25 hours and stopped. There has been no Sailmail since Nov 28. Terry was leaving the next day for a brief overnight passage of 100nm. This could be a series of events, none serious, but then again, who knows. Any one thing is no problem, but putting them together does make you wonder what has happened. ......"
Full details ....

Schooner Alvei Overdue To New Zealand.

Wed, 5 Dec 2007 22:42:20 +0200

An aircraft is to carry out a search for a ship which was due to arrive in New Zealand on Saturday. The 92ft schooner Alvei left Port Vila in Vanuatu with nine people onboard more than three weeks ago. The Alvei is described as a learning vessel, which gives travelers the experience of sailing on a traditional ship. Its crew and passengers are believed to be aged between 27 and 66 and include Australians, Americans, a New Zealander and an Englishman.
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Caribbean or Bahamas - where to keep a yacht?

Sat, 1 Dec 2007 13:25:38 +0200

This is a somewhat general question but where would be a good place to moor a yacht - the Bahamas or in the Caribbean? When I say good, I mean a combination of relatively cheap-to-fly- to, close to an airport, relatively cheap and safe to moor a sailing yacht that is also a good cruising destination.
Full discussion ....

Cruising And Sailing In Guyana - Information for Cruisers.

Wed, 28 Nov 2007 17:35:12 +0200

Cruising in Guyana Situate on the North Eastern seaboard of South America, though it's name translates from it's Amerindian origin to mean, Land of Many Waters, Guyana was not, until recently, considered a cruising destination. But, four years ago a flotilla of some 4 yachts sailed up the majestic Essequibo River, the third largest in South America, to discover that it's fresh waters offered amongst the most attractive anchorages in the South American and Caribbean region.
Full report ....

Solar Panel Life-span On Sailing Yachts?

Sun, 25 Nov 2007 11:41:35 +0200

Just wondering how long some of you have had your solar panels? If you have noticed any degeneration in efficiency, and what brand you have? Also, if anyone can recommend a good book on solar power - drycell battery systems and energy consumption calculations (i.e. how many and what size panels are needed to power specific systems) it would be greatly appreciated.
Full discussion ....

Non-EU Yachts In Greece?

Wed, 21 Nov 2007 10:47:31 +0200

Does anyone have current experience of this charge for sailing yachts that visit Greece? I have just been told that there is a huge fee to pay, based on L.O.A x beam, if your boat stays longer than 3 months. This is not mentioned in the Imray Greek Waters Pilot, edition 9.
Full discussion ....

Piracy Attempts On Cruising Yachts - Analysis of the 1st 9 months of 2007.

Fri, 16 Nov 2007 16:04:23 +0200

This analysis of reported attempted attacks on Yachts sailing the world has been carried out by Cruiserlog Moderators in order to evaluate the events/incidents from a cruisers point of view. It is not meant to be a criticism of the ICC International Maritime Bureau's Piracy Report Center's Q3 report for 2007. They receive reports from ships, boats and yachts and précis these for publication in their weekly piracy report which is then widely circulated. It is probable that the IMB is not able to check the veracity of the initial incident, therefore having to accept it at face value even though it may sound incomplete, inaccurate or even exaggerated.
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Freestanding Rigs And..., ... other non traditional approaches.

Thu, 8 Nov 2007 21:05:13 +0200

If anyone's interested in a quick and pretty convincing overview of the value of freestanding rigs, I guess that you could do a lot worse than talk to Eric Sponberg who's not only enthusiastic and clearly knowledgeable but also has a pretty straightforward writing style - I understood nearly every word first time round so ...
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Water Purification On Boats

Tue, 30 Oct 2007 20:45:45 +0200

I came across this product AQUA SALVEO for water purification. Just wondering has anyone used this product OR any other product to do this job. My boat has been sitting for 4 years now and I suspect the water is maybe older than that. I can't remove the tanks without some major demolition and reconstruction work so is this the best alternative.
Full discussion ....

Cruising And Sailing Wiki, A community project, all sailors encouraged to contribute.

Sat, 20 Oct 2007 20:10:15 +0200

Has anyone noticed the very quiet birth of the CruiserLog Cruising and Sailing Wiki? This Cruising and Sailing Wiki will develop into an extremely useful resource for all cruisers around the world - be built by all cruisers around the world who are always so willing to share their knowledge and information.
Cruising and Sailing Wiki ....

E-mail At Sea For Sailing Yachts

Tue, 9 Oct 2007 19:39:07 +0200

We have an ICOM IC-M700PRO SSB Radio Telephone installed in sailing yacht "Gallivanter". What is the simplest and most cost effective upgrade which would enable us to send & receive e-mail at sea? I understand I'll need to purchase some sort of modem and sign-up with a service provider. Options abound and I'm just curious about which is the best / cost effective way to go in these modern times.
Full discussion ....

Advance Notice of Arrival (ANOA) for cruising yachts required in some countries.

Mon, 8 Oct 2007 21:35:44 +0200

Countries around the world are fast changing existing regulations or activating new regulations regarding Advance Notice of Arrival (ANOA) for yachts. These regulations are currently being applied with little notice so it is imperative that there be a central database that is constantly updated for cruisers to refer to.
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Boat Fenders For A Sailing Yacht, cylindrical or spherical?

Thu, 20 Sep 2007 16:00:13 +0200

Is there a practical reason why some cruisers choose round over cylindrical (or vice versa) fenders for a sailing yacht? I have been told the guide for fender size is 2.5cm per 1.5m (1" per 5') of boat length for cylindrical, and 5cm per 1.5m (2" per 5') for round; is this an effective measure? Some sailors also seem to think that suspending fenders from the hand railings/wire between staunchions is poor seamanship...is there a modern reason why this may be true?
Full Discussion ....

Manual vs Electric Windlass For Sailing Yacht?

Mon, 17 Sep 2007 10:37:13 +0200

From all of your experience is it feasible to use a manual windlass or are the 12 volt models the only way to go on a sailing yacht? The cost of the manual models is so much less that i would like to go that way. I have just found out the hard way that pulling up and anchor and chain by hand in a windward anchorage can be difficult and dangerous. Thanks for your thoughts.
Full discussion ....

Ciguatera, A Danger For Yacht Crews Sailing In The Tropics

Sun, 16 Sep 2007 12:09:24 +0200

When catching dinner, how concerned are cruisers and sailors about catching fish which carry the Ciguatera toxin? I only know what amounts to 'folklore'. In Australian waters many anglers avoid eating large fish which are known to dwell amid coral reefs. The parrot fish (beautiful fillets!!) is known to be particularly prone to Ciguatera. I understand that fish caught in deep water, or away from coral, do not carry Ciguatera. Is this correct?
Full discussion ....

Panama Canal Transit - Current Cost Details for sailing yachts.

Fri, 14 Sep 2007 11:58:44 +0200

Firstly, I use an agent for a sailing yacht where a lot of cruisers do everything themselves and thus save quite a considerable amount of money. The reason for using an agent is time - we are undertaking a delivery and the quicker we can get through the canal the better. I used Stanley Scott and he is kept updated as to the date and time of our arrival in Colon.
Full report ....

Being Your Own Mechanic as owner of a sailing yacht.

Sat, 8 Sep 2007 14:51:38 +0200

Reading this sailing blog for the past few weeks makes me realize how incredibly difficult it must be to own a boat if you don't have the skills to do the mechanical work yourself. I wonder what percent of today's cruisers rely on a mechanic versus do-it-yourself?
Full discussion ....

How Do You Mark Your sailing yacht's Anchor Chain?

Mon, 27 Aug 2007 18:18:19 +0200

I thought it would be interesting to hear about the various methods used to mark anchor chain on a sailing yacht. I have seen a very effective method of having cable-ties every 10 meters - one for 10m. 2 for 20m, etc.
Full discussion ....

Good Cruising And Sailing Quotes...

Thu, 23 Aug 2007 22:40:55 +0200

Cruising let’s you share a back porch with a billionaire.
Many more quotes ...

Delivery Yachtsman Freed In Gibraltar

Mon, 20 Aug 2007 11:06:39 +0200

2 months in jail I believe and I can't imagine how much pain and money this cost him and his sailing crew. What a nightmare situation to find oneself in when you thought you were doing something relaxing and enjoyable.
Full discussion ....

Sailing/cruising To Achieve One's Goals.

Sun, 19 Aug 2007 16:55:16 +0200

After reading Liz Clark's sailing blog, my husband and I started talking about what was so refreshing about it (besides the good grammar and pics!). Well, the thing that jumped out was the fact that this cruiser wasn't identifying herself as a cruiser but instead as a surfer-girl. Her outlook on life, her goals, where she's going and what she's doing doesn't simply focus on "cruising" for the sake of cruising. We realized that we were craving another viewpoint like this. We absolutely love to hear about people who are achieving another life goal where sailing/cruising happens to be a conduit to the achievement. What do you all think?
Full discussion ...

Water Treatment For Tanks On Yachts and Boats in general.

Sat, 18 Aug 2007 14:04:16 +0200

Tony Herrick from Cruising Connections asked whether this product was worth considering for the boating industry. The product is made in S Africa and is approved by the SA Burough of Standards and in use by the local Military amongst many other govt. and semi-govt. organizations and private groups. The retail cost for the water treatment would be in the region of about US$20 per 1,000 liters of water. The best for me is that this treatment is odourless and tasteless (Chlorine and bleach free). Please give your comments.
Full discussion ...

Hurricane DEAN - warning for the Caribbean

Fri, 17 Aug 2007 15:36:18 +0200

Hurricane Dean - a warning has been issued for the Caribbean and in particular to St Lucia and Martinique. Dean had been looking a little more ragged on satellite this morning due to some dry air intrusion, and a bit of westerly shear. However recent visible and enhanced IR satellite loops indicate Hurricane Dean's structure has improved, and may be starting the forecasted steady strengthening. In fact, the 5:00 a.m. advisory reported a minimum central pressure of 976 mb or 28.82 inches. This intermediate advisory reports a central pressure of 970 mb or 28.64 inches. This is considered a rapid drop in pressure (defined as a drop of 2.0 mb per hour). Max winds are still at 100 mph, and will take probably a couple of advisories to respond to any pressure drop. Dean is forecast to become a major hurricane in 36 hours, and is forecast between 72 and 96 hours to become a CATEGORY 4 HURRICANE with winds near 145 mph.
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Tropical Depression Four ( TD 4 ) and Disturbance 91L - Atlantic storms.

Mon, 13 Aug 2007 20:05:53 +0200

Tropical Depression Four (TD 4 ) a storm in the Atlantic - this was designated late this morning. It's moving to the west, and I expect this motion to continue for the next 72 hours. I feel the NHC has a good track forecast right now, based on what I've seen in the forecast steering currents as mentioned this morning. This could change as this reaches T.S. or Hurricane status. I will continue to monitor that and put out a forecast if needed regarding any possible change. All interests in the Leeward Islands, Caribbean Islands, and Puerto Rico should monitor the progress of this system closely.
Full synopsis ......

Navigation software - what is good for use on a sailing yacht?

Mon, 13 Aug 2007 19:45:17 +0200

Hi, just a quick question - I've been looking for navigation software and found there is lots of it for sailing yachts. I came across a program called Software on Board that runs C Maps. So, I was just wondering if anyone has this and can tell me what it's like. Can anyone tell me what type of GPS antenna would be best (an internal or an external)? My boat is aluminium and I'm not sure how the signal would go through aluminium, and, is the accuracy of these units as good as each other?
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GPS - WAAS discontinued so does your GPS unit require a software update?

Mon, 6 Aug 2007 10:47:24 +0200

What does this mean for existing (maybe older) GPS receivers? Do they require a software update for the changes? Perhaps you should contact the supplier or manufacturer of your unit to confirm.
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Yacht Clandara in difficulty in the Indian Ocean - Latest News.

Thu, 2 Aug 2007 18:05:48 +0200

Yacht Clandara - catamaran adrift in the Indian Ocean. SA men wait on rescue from yacht Clandara 01/08/2007 12:15 - (SA) Johannesburg - Authorities on the island of Reunion said it could take them until Saturday to get to the yacht Clandara adrift in the Indian Ocean, SABC news reported on Wednesday. Four yachtsmen on board the catamaran Clandara were stranded in deep seas after their yacht lost its mast, sail and radio antenna during heavy storms on Monday evening. Three South African men and one Australian were on board and had been sailing from Durban to Australia.

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What if you come upon a boatload of refugees while cruising?

Sun, 15 Jul 2007 15:53:52 +0200

So, you're sailing along happily on your 40' yacht (just you and your wife), some 200 miles from the nearest landfall and you see a boat ahead. As you get closer you notice that the vessel is lying very low in the water and the people aboard are waving their arms frantically. As you approach you see that the vessel is very close to sinking and there are about 20 men aboard - obviously a boatload of refugees. It appears that the boat is going down fast.
Full discussion ....

Sailing through the Panama Canal - lessons learned.

Sat, 23 Jun 2007 17:55:05 +0200

We had heard a bunch of horror stories about sailing a yacht through the Panama Canal, but we just went across last week and had no problems. If you are doing the transit from North to South (Caribbean to Pacific), here are some tips:
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Pilot-House sailing yachts - how seaworthy?

Wed, 20 Jun 2007 14:59:28 +0200

Other aspects of pilot-house sailing yachts that should be considered?
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Sailing Yacht's Propeller Energy Conversion?

Fri, 8 Jun 2007 18:03:13 +0200

I was just reading the thread on sailing yacht propellers and was wondering if anybody has ever used their propeller to generate electricity while under sail. Seems like it would be easy enough... just install a gear on the shaft and connect it to some form of small turbine.... I would think this could be a pretty efficient way to charge batteries, etc., while under sail but I've never heard anyone comment on it.
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The danger of a lightning strike on a sailing yacht?

Thu, 7 Jun 2007 14:51:10 +0200

Some sources state that a typical cruiser has a fair to high probability of his sailing yacht being struck by lightning at least once. Surveyors often are called upon to inspect vessels damaged by it. Some statistics say about half of the boats take some form of defensive measures. What are these?
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Yacht Sean Seamour II Sinks In Mid Atlantic - Dream adventure on high seas turns into sailor's sailing nightmare.

Tue, 29 May 2007 21:40:17 +0200

This is the log of actions and events driven by the only-subsequently named Sub-tropical Storm Andrea, leading to the sinking of s/v Sean Seamour II and the successful rescue of its entire crew on the early morning of May 7th 2007. We departed from Green Cove Springs on the Saint Johns River in the early morning of May 2nd, 2007. Gibraltar was our prime destination with a planned stopover in the Azores for recommissioning and eventually fuel. The vessel, on its second crossing was fully prepared and some of the recent preparations done by Holland Marine and skipper with crew were as follows:....
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Cruising in Brazil.

Thu, 24 May 2007 14:06:03 +0200

Sailing the Coast of Brazil? New East Coast Yachting Centre Announced. Phillipe Fessard an experienced French sailor, has opened a new yachting centre at Praia do Jacaré, on the Rio Paraiba behind the port of Cabedelo, close to Joao Pessoa, (World Port Index No. 12710, 6 58'S., 34 50'W.). The buoyed channel to Cabedelo is well marked for either day or night entry, with a least depth of more than 8 meters. It is located on the trade wind trans-ocean, trans-equatorial route from Europe and Africa.
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CHAGOS - Breaking News!, Appeal Court Rules in Favour of BIOT Islanders

Wed, 23 May 2007 14:12:37 +0200

Chagos families win legal battle. The islanders have been protesting for the right to return to the island. Families expelled from the Chagos Islands by the British have won their legal battle for the right to return home at the Court of Appeal. Some 2,000 residents were forced out when the British colony in the Indian Ocean was leased to the US in the 1960s to build an air base at Diego Garcia.
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Maxpower Marine Fuel Cell, A real step forward for sailing yachts?

Wed, 23 May 2007 14:08:10 +0200

This Maxpower marine fuel cell looks like a real step forward for the DC needs of a cruising yacht.
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Stitch-It Awl, Sail repair tool - and other uses on sailing yachts.

Sun, 20 May 2007 15:25:49 +0200

Used a similar tool many years ago - it was a very useful , especially when repairing a genoa on my sailing yacht where the clew's grommet/cringle had pulled out - this one looks similar. Seems expensive but I guess if it is strongly built it and because it might have an easy life, it should last the life of your boat. Over time it could turn out to save a lot of journeys to the sailmaker.
Full Discussion ......

Exercise on a sailing yacht at sea?

Mon, 14 May 2007 20:18:51 +0200

When out to sea on a sailing yacht for extended periods how do you stay in shape, if you stay in shape? Calisthetics and maybe jump rope come to mind off hand ....
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Sailing Yacht's first aid kit - what is necessary for cruising?

Thu, 10 May 2007 21:37:19 +0200

A cruising yacht is often on passage and far away from any assistance so it is important to have some knowledge and good reference material to treat a variety of possible injuries or ailments - and have the necessary medicines and first aid dressings, etc., close to hand. You cannot carry everything but what do YOU have in your medical kit?
Full discussion ....

Australian Sailing Yacht Cowrie Dancer In Trouble In Southern Ocean, Australian and South African crew aboard

Wed, 2 May 2007 18:05:16 +0200

The Antarctic research vessel SA Agulhas is steaming through rough seas in the Southern Ocean to rescue the crew of an Australian sailing yacht, Cowrie Dancer, after its mizzen mast broke and a crew member was washed overboard in a storm with swells of between five and eight meters. A South African crew member, Carol Erasmus, 32, of Uvongo on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, was unhurt but exhausted on Tuesday after the ordeal, which took place about 700 nautical miles south of Port Elizabeth. The two other crew members, both Australian, were injured.
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Regular Sailing Yacht Maintenance Tasks - What needs to be done and how often?

Sun, 29 Apr 2007 15:49:26 +0200

All this talk of sanding and varnishing leads me to the thought that there are plenty of other things that need to be checked over/maintained on a regular basis if we're to stay afloat safely and remain healthy on a sailing yacht.
Full discussion ....

"Ghost Yacht" (Kaz 2) found drifting off the Australian east coast.

Sun, 22 Apr 2007 18:22:18 +0200

Three sailors missing from the sailing yacht Kaz 11 found drifting off the Australian east coast. The yacht was found with engines idling, lunch prepared and table set and a laptop switched on.
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Gripping account of Sailing Yacht Aquarelle while crossing to Australia from New Zealand.

Wed, 18 Apr 2007 20:23:54 +0200

"We are back in Nelson after departing for Australia and running into considerable trouble. Here's what happened. Ken, Graeme our crew, and I finished with New Zealand Customs at about 9:00 am on Thursday, April 12 and headed out toward Farewell Spit headed to Sydney, Australia in calm conditions. The predicted forecast was for a 15 knot winds building throughout the day until Friday afternoon when 30kts and 3 meter swells were expected to peak and then ease late that night with westerlies to15 kts on Saturday".
Full story .....