The Best of US Sailing

The Best of US Sailing

Are you a huge water fan? Do you just love to get on a boat and sail the open seas? Well, why not sail in the many great sailing areas of the US. Sailing around the US can be a fun experience for anyone and everyone. There are good times to be had by all with sailing, and you don’t have to travel a million miles to do it. Other than sailing in large lakes, there are also two different oceans that surround the continental US, why not sail one of them. There are tons of great places to plan your sailing trip in the US.

Where are the best places to go sailing in the US?

There are several great sailing places in the US. Sailing in the US is a great experience that no one will ever forget. With all the amazing sites to see and the wonderful adventure to have, who can resist sailing US? Any east coast state has plenty of great sailing. There are plenty of lakes and other large bodies of water that will offer lots of great sailing. South Carolina is famous for its beautiful sailing and racing. Even the west coast will offer an experience like no other.

California has some of the most beautiful sailing the world has to offer. Nearly all the states along the west coast have sailing charters and other activities that will let you enjoy your sailing expedition just like you want it. Even the southern states such as Texas, Louisiana, and Florida offer a unique sailing experience. Sailing in the southern states can be fun and exciting as well as calm and serene. Even the northern Great Lakes offer great sailing and fishing charters. Even places off the continental US offer great sailing. Hawaii has especially good sailing and fishing.

With its rich island culture, and the amazing, beautiful water and ocean life, you can't go wrong with sailing in Hawaii. Alaska also has great fishing charters that are sure to satisfy any hardcore fisherman. With all these great places to sail in the US, why would you travel thousands of miles for a sailing trip that can be just as unforgettable as a sailing trip in the US. Though it is true that other countries have magnificent sailing, it is usually much more expensive in different countries. The United States offers a relatively inexpensive alternative to traveling to a far-away country.

Sailing Yachts for Sale

This could be anything from catching fish or crab to hauling cargo, or even making a movie that takes place aboard the yacht. Where to Find Sailing Yachts for Sale

For people who are amateur sailors and those who have been sailing for years, it is important to know where to find sailing yachts for sale. After all, although there are literally hundreds of different companies that may offer sailing yachts for sale, only a few of these are really worthwhile, and it is important to understand which those are.

Where to Buy

When it comes to buying sailing yachts for sale, one of the best companies to check out is the CSO Yachts Company. They assure that they put their customers in the best hands for their yachts purchases, and they can proudly say that they are among the most knowledgeable in all the industry when it comes to sailing yachts.

Yacht World is another ideal company to go through for sailing yachts for sale, and they are actually a division of Dominion Enterprises, and today are considered as being the Internet’s leading online marine publication. They offer a variety of different high class yachts, which are breathtaking but also relatively affordable.

The Yachting & Boating World Company is also great, and they not only offer new sailing yachts but used ones as well. They are definitely one of the most informative companies when it comes to the topic of sailing yachts, and one that any sailing enthusiast should check out.

There are many other companies one can buy sailing yachts for sale from as well, but these are definitely a few of the very best, and the first that any consumer should consider.

Tips

There are a few things that are important to remember when one is considering buying a yacht. The first tip is to try not to pay people to look after the yacht once it is purchased, because this will just be money that is being paid out unnecessarily. Figuring out a way to make income while using the sailing yacht is also a great idea, because this will not only help to pay off the cost of the yacht but also make some profit afterwards.


Sailing is a fun and enjoyable sport, one that everyone should try out at least once. It is not only a thrill but also very physically exerting and so it is good for the body as well which is of course always a good thing.

Sailing Yachts

Sailing Yachts Are Splendid Ships

Sailing yachts at sea are glorious sights, and the people who have a chance to board a sailing yacht for a trip are lucky indeed. A sailing yacht is usually large enough to go around the world to exotic ports of call, and all of the passengers move around the globe in total luxury. Some people are rich enough to own a sailing yacht, but those people who are less fortunate might be able to rent a luxurious, magnificent yacht and take friends and family for a cruise. There are some great yachts available for hire, but these great vessels are not cheap.

In order to rent a sailing yacht, you do not have to be an experienced or knowledgeable yacht captain. The luxury yacht for lease usually comes with a captain and crew. These great ships come with sleeping accommodations for a group or people, a spacious deck for relaxing and kitchen facilities that provide great meals and snacks. These beautiful ships often come with plenty of equipment for enjoying life on the high seas. Fishing and diving equipment can make the stay aboard a sailing yacht exciting as well as relaxing. There will be plenty to do on the way to great destinations around the world.

Sailing Yachts Are Large And Lavish

Sailing yachts range greatly in size and luxury. The smallest vessel classified as a yacht is usually larger than twenty feet in length. The sky is the limit for those with the money to buy a yacht, and there are some sailing yachts over one hundred feet in length. A longer yacht is more expensive to operate because of the size of the crew necessary to run the luxury vessel. Some yachts might have a cozy bedroom on board while other yachts might have eight or more bedrooms.

Sailing yachts are used for luxurious travel, but others enjoy racing these sleek boats. There are competitions held in many coastal cities. On large sailing yachts, teams must work together to move the yacht quickly in the proper direction. These yachts are designed specifically for speed so the interiors will usually be empty except for necessary equipment. Experts design these ships based on experience from previous competitions. They maximize any features that will increase the speed of the boat and minimize the use of anything that might weigh the boat down unnecessarily. The winners of important, national competitions often make much more money for their employers.

Sailing Yacht Charters

Sailing Yacht Charters: Chartering A Boat On Your Vacation

Taking a break from your busy life is very important. According to experts, people who do not take time to recharge their energies will soon experience burn-out. Before the burn-out syndrome hits you, you should start making plans for your vacation. If you want to spend your vacation sailing in the Caribbean, find a good sailing yacht charter in this area and get yourself a nice boat.

Easy To Find

There are many companies that are offering sailing yacht charters in the Caribbean, so you should not really have problems finding the right company that can provide you with a good yacht. Since a lot of people often visit the Caribbean to do some sailing, you should make your reservations well ahead of time. Call the sailing yacht charter company at least a few months before you vacation date to make sure that you will have a good boat at your disposal during your vacation.

Booking your reservation ahead of time may even entitle you to discounts -- so pick up the phone and start dialing. If the company has a website where you can place your reservations, it would be better to just go online and fill out the reservations there.

Preparing For Your Vacation

After making your reservations with the sailing yacht charter company, ask them to send you a manual of the boat that you are doing to sail during your vacation. Usually, they have electronic copies of their boat manuals that they can send to you via email. You need to study the boat manual that the sailing yacht charter company sends you. Even if you are already an accomplished sailor, you still need to be familiar with the boat that you are going to sail. Always remember that every boat is unique.

Aside from studying the boat manual sent to you by the sailing yacht charter company, you also need to study the possible areas where you can go sailing. Get a nautical map of the Caribbean and plan your course. If you only have a few days to sail around the Caribbean, every hour will count much so plan your trip properly.

Aside from planning your destination, you should also do some research about the weather conditions in the area. Note that the weather can affect you vacation so make sure that you do not go sailing in the Caribbean during the hurricane season. You don't really want to end up shipwrecked and stranded in some remote island while on vacation.

Sailing Vessels

The Different Types of Sailing Vessels

There are many different types of sailing vessels. Most of them you have heard of, some of them you have not. No matter what intention or feature you need out of a boat, you can find the right sailing vessel for you. There are different kinds of sailing vessels for different kinds of sailing, as with any kind of vehicle. Be careful when choosing your sailing vessel, and be sure that the vessel you choose is the right one for you. Make sure when you look for a sailing vessel, your buy is well-researched and not an impulse buy. This can result in a bad buy or unsatisfactory vessel.

What types of sailing vessels are there?

There are multiple types of sailing vessels out there that are available to anyone. They are: barque, barquentine, bilander, brig, brigantine, caravel, carrack, clipper, cog, corvette, cutter, dhow, dinghy, frigate, fishing smack, fluyt, galleon, hermaphrodite brig, junk, ketch, Koch, longship, lugger, luzzu, pram, schooner, ship of the line, snow, sloop, xebec, yawl, catamaran.

This seems like a nearly unlimited line is ships, but when you get down to it, it really isn’t very much. It all depends on what you want your boat to do. If you are looking for a fun, race-type boat, a dinghy is right up your alley. If you looking to sail the open seas in style a caravel is an impressive looking ship and its easy to maneuver. If your looking for an old-style cargo ship, a fluyt is perfect. They are old, large ships that were primarily used as cargo ships for the Dutch. Some ships, such as the Koch, were made to be sailed through cold and icy waters.

They have unique features about them that allow them to be undamaged from ice. One simple, easy to use ship would a sloop. These ships were also designed by the Dutch, they were probably used as exploration ships or fishing ships. Anther rather small ship was the English, bilander. They were small ships mainly used for traffic on smaller bodies of water. The junk is an ancient Chinese sailing vessel that was thought to be very innovative at the time. If you want a fast ship with multiple-masts, then a clipper is right up your alley. They were mainly used as trade ships back in the 15 & 16th century. This is just a few of the many different kinds of sailing vessels that are out there.

Sailing Vacation

Go On a Sailing Vacation

Are you overly stressed? Tired of the daily routine? Do you just want to get away for awhile? Well then, you need to take a sailing vacation. What better way to reduce your stress and alleviate your worries other than to take a nice peaceful vacation on the open water. Sailing vacations are fun for the romantic couple or even the entire family. They can be sensuous and seducing or fun and exciting trips that will make you want to come back time and time again. These vacations are the vacations that you will treasure the rest of your life.

What is so great about a sailing vacation?

Many people believe that a sailing vacation would be extremely expensive and pretty monotamus. This is not true; sailing vacations can be fun and exciting with lots of amazing options that are sure to catch your eye. When you go on a regular vacation you are typically restrained by the area you are in. When you go on a fun on-the-water vacation, your possibilities are nearly limitless.

There are so many more options when you are on the water with your friends and family. The best thing about a sailing vacation is the serenity and calmness you experience when you on the open sea, or the rush and excitement you get from get-skiing on choppy waters. With all these great options, how can you resist? That’s not all, there are more great things about going on a sailing vacation. For instance, many sailing companies will take you out scuba diving and even give you lessons. Being able to see the sea-life up-close and personal is an experience nobody will ever forget.

Of course, there are other options too. Some sailing adventure will even let you swim with the sharks! Most of these ships have a large metal cage on the back-end of the ship; they lower you down a few feet in the water. After you have been lowered, they "chum" the waters; this brings the sharks up to the ship. It’s a hundred percent safe, and it’s a rush to see dozens of sharks swimming around you without any worry. This is an adrenaline-rush nobody will forget. Sailing vacations can be beautiful and fulfilling if you just try it once. Although, once you try it you will most likely want to do it over and over again. Why wait? Go book your sailing vacation right away.

Sailing To Philadelphia

Sailing To Philadelphia Is Not Exactly About Sailing

If you hear about Sailing to Philadelphia, you need to know that this is not really about sailing. This is rather about a super hit album by that name sung by Mark Knofler. There is another song worth mentioning in this album, i.e. the title track song which has been extracted from a novel about the two famous English land surveyors which established the border between the North an South America since 1820 based on the existence and abolishment of slavery, which continued in the country until the Great American Civil War ended it completely.

What About Mark Knofler – The Man Behind The Sailing To Philadelphia

Many say that Mark Knofler is a very talented and inspired songwriter whose songs are plucked from real life again and again and again. Whether it is the Sailing to Philadelphia album or any other song, Mark has seen to it that each of the songs has an exceptional human element. For example 'Money For Nothing' has been inspired from the discussion of two delivery people complaining to each other about their fate.

There are plenty of examples as such as 'Private Dancer', 'Private Investigations', 'The Man's Too Strong', 'Sultan of Swing' and so many other songs which have found themselves a particular unassailable niche. Each of these songs is able to paint a vivid picture in the mind of the reader and listener. It is like it is talking with you because all these songs are written in the first-narrative from.

The Sailing to Philadelphia is a heart touching song that is inspired by the records about Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon who in the year 1760 established the border between North and South America practically cutting the country into half and condemning with full heart slavery and what it had stood for.

The album Sailing to Philadelphia was released in the year 2000. However, in the albums released in the USA there are slight changes from the original. You would find that 'Do America' which would have been the sixth song on the album has been replaced with 'One More Matinee' for both the USA and UK markets. In Europe the Sailing to Philadelphia album is as it was originally created without any replacement. Both the releases were instant hits and once again pushed Mark Knofner into stardom.

After this hit, Mark had brought out yet another album in 2005 which was once again a runaway success. This album focused on real life heroes such as Ray Kroc (the founder of the McDonald), Elvis Presley's manager Coloner Tom Parker, and so on.

Sailing Terms

A Guide to Understanding Sailing Terms

Sailing is a fun and enjoyable sport, one that should be tried out by everyone at least once. It is not only enjoyable but also physically exerting so it is great for the body as well. Anyone who is interested in sailing should first become more educated on the sport however, and in particular this means understanding the different sailing terms.

Sailing Terms

There are many sailing terms that one should learn, but a few in particular which are very commonly used and therefore more important. Abeam means directly to the side of the boat, about means on the opposite tack, aft means at or near the stern, alee means to the leeward side, aloft means above the deck, block means a pulley, and bollard refers to a short heavy post on a pier or boat that is used for fastening docking lines.

There are many other important sailing terms as well, including broad reach which means the point of sailing between a beam ranch and a run, capsize means to overturn, close reach means the point of sailing between close hauled and a beam reach, cutter is a single masted fore and aft boat having an inner staysail and outer jib, hank is a fitting used to attach the luff of a sail to stay, headway means to move forward and headstay means a forward stay.

Tips and Tricks

Besides understanding about the different sailing terms, there are also many tips and tricks that can be helpful. Improving speed while sailing is one very important issue and it is important to keep in mind that the hiking position in the boat is very important. The best idea is to try and keep the boat level both fore and aft, and this applies both up and down wind.

Working the boat is very important, especially during a race, and no sailor should stop working the boat from the time that the starting gun goes until the very end of the race. It is important to continue to work the mainsheet, steering over waves and moving around to keep the boat flat.

Steering over waves is important and the most ideal thing to do here is to push the tiller away as the boat goes up and over the waves and pull the tiller closer when the boat is going down the other side. The speed of the boat will be increased greatly by doing this, and it will also make the ride a great deal smoother.

Sailing Terminology

Understanding Sailing Terminology

Sailing is a very popular sport these days, but before a person starts in sailing it is important that they are aware of at least the basic sailing terminology so that they will understand how to sail the boat and the common phrases that are used while sailing.

The Basics

There is actually quite a lot of sailing terminology that one can learn, but a few basic terms in particular that are important. For instance, abaft means toward the stern of a boat, abeam means at right angles to the centerline of the boat, adrift means floating without any means of propulsion, aft means toward the stern of the boat, astern means towards the boat’s stern, bail means to get rid of water that has accumulated in the boat, and beam refers to the widest part of a boat.

Centerboard is a pivoting board that prevents the boat from sliding sideways, centerline is the center of the boat, ensign is a flag indicating the nationality of the vessel, gaff means a spar in a gaff rig, hank is a snap made of plastic or stainless steel which is attached to the luff of the jib, kite is sometimes used to indicate spinnaker, and knot is a nautical term for speed.

The Importance

Sailing terminology is very important and useful to learn, both for amateur and experienced sailors. Once the sailing bug bites it is definitely going to itch forever and there is always more to learn, and this is one of the most exciting facts about the sport of sailing.

More Information

Sailing terminology is the first thing to learn but there is more as well. Crewing is also important to become educated on, and there is the option to either learn at home with a computer and books or to go to a sailing club and learn with professionals. There are many courses and classes available for sailing and which will help a person to get started and get their feet wet with the sport, pardon the pun.

Including learning about sailing terminology, sailing is a very fun and enjoyable sport, one that people of all ages can partake in. It is not only fun but a physical sport as well so it is good for the body. Best of all, by sailing one can travel all over the world and have wonderful experiences, experiences that they could never experience otherwise. Sailing is definitely an addictive sport, one that most people absolutely love.

Sailing Shoes

Sailing Shoes Are Always Very Important

Every hobby, every sport, every occasion has a basic dress code. If you ski you have a specific way of dressing, if you skate you have a specific way of dressing, if you play tennis there is a dress code, if you go for a formal dinner there is a dress code as there is one if you go for an opera. It is obvious than there is a special way of dressing for every activity you choose to do – whether this is formal or informal.

Why Sailing Shoes Are Important While Sailing

Sailing is an excellent hobby as it is a pleasure as a vacation trip. Most people who choose sailing as a hobby or vacation have a good knowledge of sailing and can handle a small vessel by themselves both in calm and rough seas. Of course sailing on a river, a lake and the sea involves not only specific skills but also a lot of experience as sailing is not exactly what you see on glamorous soap operas. Sailing is often every rough, very challenging though it is without doubts the one of the most exhilarating sports ever known to humankind.

Let us leave aside the pleasure part and look into the possibilities of some major tragedies that can happen while sailing. Rough waters can make any boat – however big – quite unstable causing bad accidents. You could suffer from mild to very serious abrasions and in really terrible cases you could slip overboard and drown or at least have some terribly unpleasant time until you are fished out of the waters.

In these conditions the precautions you have taken to save your life would be invaluable and that would include wearing a life jacket at the slightest sign of trouble, wearing clothes that would not catch or hold air, and wearing adequate sailing shoes.

What Are 'Adequate' Sailing Shoes?

As sailing involves uneven walking, wet desk and exceptional balancing skills particularly in times when the waters are disturbed it is very important that you wear proper sailing shoes that hold the deck into their grip while walking or you risk skidding and twisting your ankle, bruising yourself and even falling overboard.

In this context by 'adequate' sailing shoes it is meant that they are perfect for the task at hand that is sailing the boat under any and all conditions without risking your well-being or that of others who are traveling with you. It means that these shoes would make you feel safe at all times.

Sailing Ships

Sailing Ships Range From Majestic To Minute

Sailing ships move with the power of the wind, but these beautiful sailing ships could be magnificent vessels with many sails to tiny boats with only a couple of sails. Sailing ships were the first vessels of exploration for those who were determined to move beyond their own shores. Brave men boarded these ships in many places to find out more about the world they lived in at that time. These explorers could not visit the local library at that time to find a travel book to guide them. They set out on their sailing ships to find new lands, new commodities and new horizons.

Some of the brave men who first explored on sailing ships are now famous, and these men have places named after them. Some were on these ships sent by their governments on official business. If their sailing ships broke down or they were attacked by hostile forces, their government would not be able to save them. The sailing ships in ancient times were usually made of wood, and there were no ship repair shops in every port in case they got into trouble. When these ships returned, the explorers were able to enlighten the others in their homelands and show them goods from other places.

Sailing Ships Still Rule Some Waves

Although sailing ships were the most important sea vessels hundreds of years ago, there are still some of these majestic ships around for people to view. The beautiful sailing ships often gather at special events, and the audiences that view these vessels are awestruck by their beauty and majesty. These sailing ships are often seen in movies that tell the tales of pirates and warriors from many years ago. Some cities including Boston and San Diego have these majestic ships in their harbor where tourists flock for a glimpse.

People enjoy modern ships that they can sail around the world or around a harbor. In many coastal states, there are marinas filled with boats powered by sails. These ships come in tiny models and huge vessels with many large sails. International competitions are held to see which team can sail the fastest. They sail to win distinctive trophies that are coveted by all who enter the competitions. Sailing continues to be popular and many youngsters learn the techniques for harnessing the wind to move a boat and the occupants. Although there are many beautiful boats and ships powered by engines, the ships powered by sails will always have a certain charm.

Sailing School

Better Get to Sailing School on Time

Have you ever wanted to sail the open seas? Travel on the beautiful oceans of the world? Well, you are going to need sailing lessons if you want to do all this, and the best place to get sailing lessons is to enroll in a sailing school. Sailing schools are practical and the best way to learn the art of sailing. Many people think they could just hop on a professional boat and work everything easily. This is usually not the case; sailing can be complicated and frustrating if you don’t know what you are doing. There are many aspects of sailing that people don’t know about, and before they try to sail on their own they should enroll in a sailing school.

What all can I learn at a sailing school?

Sailing school can teach you things about sailing that you can't teach yourself. Attending this kind of school will help you to become a better sailor and enjoy sailing more. You will learn how to deal with different scenarios. These different scenarios could include having trouble steering or finding the right degrees for the boat to run on. If you aren’t already an expert on sailing, attending this school will make you one. It is also the safest way to learn how to sail. Many people would rather take lessons from a friend or experienced sailor, but the best way to learn how to sail is to attend a school. It is always better to learn for yourself than from a friend because issues can arise that can be avoided.

When you are at sailing school you will learn all about steering and turning, trim, balance, course to steer, centerboard, how to run, how to reach, and how to adjust the sail. These are all skills necessary to sail properly. If you know how to sail upwind, adjust the sail, and make the necessary trim adjustments then you are practically ready to sail the open seas. If you don’t learn the core-basic skills that are needed to learn how to sail, you will never be a good enough sailor to actually sail properly. Steering, turning, reaching, and running are all key elements that will help you sail like a Navy general. Sailing is a complicated task that involves discipline, intelligence, and common sense. Knowing how to tie a clove hitch knot and knowing that 30° is the correct degrees to have the boat running at.

Sailing Photos

What You Need To Know To Take Some Great Sailing Photos

Wherever you would go on a holiday or vacation you would be sure to carry your camera so you could capture all those unforgettable memories for posterity. Nothing is more beautiful than to go through some exceptional photos that were taken during any holiday in the past. When you see such photos, you do not see how actually the subject in the photo looks, rather you would feel transported back into time onto the same place feeling exactly the way you had felt at that time.

How Do Take Memorable Sailing Photos

Sailing is a great way to spend your holidays and taking sailing photos though not very difficult do need a little preparation and practice. The following tips would guide and help you in taking some out of the extraordinary photographs with the least effort.

Always keep in mind this basic rule – the best light is at around 11 AM and 4 PM. This is when the sun generates the best light for photography. So, f you want to capture some mind blowing photographs, start in the morning or wait for early evening. The light conditions are the best during that time.

However, as many times would be the case the right time would not be "adjustable" so you would have to shoot during the mid-day when the sun would be scorching or evening when it would almost non existent. In such cases, you should always carry filters with you to soften the light of your sailing photos. Using filters is comparatively easy and with a few trails you would not have any trouble learnng it.

Compose the photograph before you take out the camera. In this way you would have had the composition of the photograph already decided before you get to shoot it and hence you get some lovely sailing photos.

Clouds are not always bad while taking sailing photos. You would find that very often the clouds would act as your allies by reflecting the sun's light onto the objects around. This can allow for some exceptional photography, owing to the different angles of sun falling on the different places or subjects inside and outside the boat.

Editing Can Make An Ordinary Photo Award Winning

Your work does not finish with the click of the camera. You can still influence the outcome of the photograph with editing. Today computer programs can assist you in bringing out the best effects in any photo you would like. For this purpose, most people the digital camera is a must-have during their sailing trips.

Sailing In Maine

Sailing In Maine: What To Expect When You Enroll In A Sailing Class

Maine has a long and colorful sailing and boat making history. Many people from all over the world come to this place either to buy boats or simply enjoy sailing in Maine. A lot of people who come to this place for a vacation become hooked with sailing in Maine that they keep coming back year after year to enjoy the wind and the sea.

Landlubbers Welcome!

Not everyone who has become hooked with sailing in Maine is a professional sailor. Many of these people have not really done much sailing before they came to Maine. They just learned the basic things about sailing from classes offered by boat clubs and resorts in the area. If you happen to be visiting Maine for a few weeks and your schedule is not really too tight, you might want to check out some of these boat sailing classes. These classes are really fun and relaxing.

Class Is In Session

Boat sailing classes in Maine are divided into different categories. There are classes for beginners, professionals and tourists. Technically, the tourists' boating classes are actually more on the relaxation side of things so if you do not want to do some serious work while you sail, you can choose to enroll in this type of class.

On the other hand, if you really want to do some serious sailing, you can enroll on the beginners' class if you are still a novice and in the professional sailing classes if you are planning great sailing adventures across the ocean. If you choose to be in the tourists' boat sailing program, you cannot really expect to do some backbreaking work. Yes, you will still get some hands-on experience in sailing, but you are not really required to do all the hard work.

Under the tourists' boating sailing program in Maine, the resort or the boating club provides you with personalized instructions from professional sailors. You will also be riding sailboats that are equipped with modern electronic navigation equipment, so it will not really be difficult for you to steer the boat in the right direction.

Since these boats are built to cater to the needs of tourists, you will have all the comfort that you need. Good food is served on board so you need not worry about getting hungry. This kind of boating class is really more like a mini cruise than an actual class so you can just relax and have some fun.

Sailing Instructions

Basic Sailing Instructions For People Who Are Just Learning To Sail

Sailing is not really a difficult thing to do. Yes, hoisting the sail and taking it down looks like a daunting task, but if you follow sailing instructions, you know the right techniques on how to things and you have the right equipment to the task with, you will be able to sail like a pro in no time.

Know Your Boat

Knowing your boat is very important. As part of your basic sailing instructions, you will need to study the different types of equipment and gear in your boat. If you are sailing for the first time, you will need a good instructor to teach you how to do things. No, the sailing instruction manual that comes with your boat when you buy it from the dealer is not enough to help you learn the basic things about sailing.

You need than just the information printed in the sailing instruction manual of your boat. Always remember that anything can happen when you are at sea, so you should know the basic things about sailing and safety at seas if you want to survive out there.

Getting Started

In order to make progress at sea, there are three things that you should always remember; namely, beating, reaching and running. You cannot sail against the wind nor can you go directly into the direction of the wind when you are sailing, thus, you need to travel in a zigzag pattern windward. To do this, you need to do a series of tacks.

This process is called beating. This process is really a little tricky and you may not really be able to learn this maneuver on your first day out with your boat so be patient. Even the best sailors are not expected to learn all the tricks in sailing in one day. Aside from beating, you also need to learn to do some running. In the boating language, running means sailing before the wind.

To do this, you will need to let out your sail as far as possible. Running can be a lot of fun if you know how to handle your boat. On the other hand, if you want some speed, pay extra close attention to sailing instructions on reaching. Reaching is actually sailing across the wind so you can imagine the kind of speed that you will pick-up if you do this. However, this maneuver can be quite dangerous if you do not know how to properly control your boat so be careful.

Sailing In The Bay Of Islands

Sailing In The Bay Of Islands Can Be A Real Treat

What do you do when you want to have an exceptional or better said – an unforgettable vacation? Try out sailing in the Bay Of Islands aboard a luxury yacht. This is an out of the books picturesque spot in New Zeeland; a place whose beauty has to be seen to be believed. In spite of what the whole world maintains that Hawaii is Paradise on earth, once you see the Bay Of Islands you would definitely have serious doubts.

A Vacation Worth A Lifetime Of Waiting

It does not matter how long it takes, you have to experience at least once in your lifetime sailing in the Bay Of Islands if you really want to see Paradise on earth. There are phenomenal and enticing beaches along the way, rugged landscape and rocky outcrops to admire. All along you would be exceptionally entertained by pods and pods of dolphins, an immense variety of birds and the especially majestic blue penguin.

While sailing in the Bay Of Islands you can always drop your anchor to have some more fun by swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving which would enhance your enjoyment and pleasure of the trip. A word of caution – unless you are a veteran never venture alone in the waters lest you would find yourself in the wrong place unwittingly that could cause you serious injury and even death. If you are alone, try to have someone informed about where you are and at what time you would be expected back. In that way, in case something untoward happens a search party and help would be on the way in time.

What Do You Need To Carry On A Sailing In The Bay Of Islands Vacation

You are looking forward to your sailing in the Bay Of Islands vacation, ensure that everything goes smooth by the fact that you carry adequate equipment and clothing so you will be always prepared and protected against eventualities. Hence, you would need to carry along with you sufficient clothing to last you at least one month; these should be easily washable and dryable, they should be light and should no catch the wind while you are on the deck.

You also need a good pair of sailing shoes, plenty of sunscreen or you would burn crisp, umbrella or large sun hat, swimming equipment, great mood and warm clothes for the 'just in case' times.

As food ration, you need to stock it well for the number of days you would travel and then some, just in case you miss on the directions and end up with a detour.

Sailing Greek Islands

Sailing Greek Islands: How To Make Your Expedition More Enjoyable

The Greek Islands are simply one of the best sailing destinations in the world. With its more that 15,000 kilometers of shoreline, mild moist winters and dry summers, this place is indeed a haven for sailors. If you have been feeling really stressed out at work lately and you want to give yourself a break, sailing the Greek Islands is a good way to relax and unwind.

What To Prepare

If you are an American, you will need to secure your travel papers before you can go sailing around Greek Islands. The Greeks are quite strict when it comes to foreigners coming to their shores so you need to secure your travel papers. If you hire a travel agency to arrange your trip for you, the travel agency will provide you with the list of requirements that you need to comply to get your travel papers.

On the other hand, if you are making your own travel arrangements, you should do some research regarding travel requirements to Greece. While doing some research on travel requirements, you might as well check on the travel advisory issues by the US government. Although Greece is a safe place to travel, you can never really be too careful when it comes to your safety while traveling abroad or sailing in Greek Islands.

Aside from taking care of your travel papers, you will also need to book your airline reservations and your hotel accommodations well in advance to avoid problems. If you are traveling during peak tourists seasons, you might find it difficult to find suitable accommodations if you do not book your reservations well in advance. To book your reservations, go online and check out the websites of airlines, hotels, resorts and boat charters. Booking online is the most convenient and efficient way to do these things.

Planning Your Sailing Schedule

Planning your trip is very important. Although it is a lot of fun to just go without planning things and just rely on your instincts as to where you should go and what you should do, you don't really want to miss out the great things around the islands. Since you do not really have all the time in the world to do some sailing in Greek Islands, you will need to plan your trip very carefully.

Find a travel guide or book about sailing in Greek Islands to get a good idea where you should go while exploring the islands. If you do not have time to really check out the nice place around this area during your trip, you can at least visit the top destinations and have a great time.

Sailing Gifts

Shopping for the Perfect Sailing Gifts

There are many people who love sailing, and really, once the sailing bug bites it is hard to lose the itch. In other words, once a person tries sailing they usually absolutely love it and then simply cannot get enough of it.

For the sailors in one’ life, there are many great sailing gifts that can be purchased and which are sure to bring a smile to their faces.

Sailing Gifts

One of the best sailing gifts to get a friend or family member who is a sailing enthusiast is a clock. Every sailboat needs a good clock, one that is waterproof and of course authentically nautical looking. A couple of other ideas for sailing gifts include apparel and gear, art and photography, antique reproductions, corporate gifts, jewelry and trinkets, and buried treasure decorations.

Where to Shop

When it comes to the matter of where to shop for sailing gifts, there are a few companies in particular that are worth checking out. One is Nautical Executive, a company that is constantly striving to find the best sailing gifts in the world for their consumers. They have an unmatched collection of marine art, professional photography, and yacht blue print design art.

They want all of their customers to fully enjoy their shopping experience, and they have a great customer sales center that is available around the clock so that any consumers with questions can have their inquiries answered right away.

Another company that one can go through for sailing gifts is the Kyle Design Company. This is a company which offers unique handcrafted sailboat and anchor gift ideas, as well as home décor that is personalized with art glass, sleek aluminum, or gorgeous iridescent colors found exclusively with their company.

This is an artist studio that creates unique but affordable gifts for people around the world, and all of their decorative gift items are made to order, and most orders are shipped within two business days, ensuring that customers receive their orders promptly. They cut the glass and prepare the etched and plated metal, and have everything ready to go when a customer places the order.

Because there are so many great options when it comes to buying gifts like this, it is important to take the receiver’s personality and likes into consideration. This way it will be much easier to decide on the perfect gift for them, one that they are going to love but which is also going to be affordable.

Know About Sailing And Cruising Gear

What You Need To Know About Sailing And Cruising Gear

Imagine you just retired and are now the proud new owner of the sailboat of your dreams. The list of sailing and cruising gear you will need for your new sailboat will be valuable for your protection and enjoyment.

Personal Safety Equipment

Experts in the nautical field recommend inflatable offshore life vests. When this sailing gear is integrated with harnesses, you have the most important piece of "on deck" safety equipment available.

Many skippers make the wearing of harnesses while on deck mandatory. Crew members need a three pack of meteor flares, a strobe light, a waterproof flashlight, and a waterproof pouch to keep the gear in. This gear must be worn on the harness to be effective.

Vessel Safety Equipment

Offshore life rafts are a mandatory piece of sailing gear. A boat with a four-person crew should carry a six-person life raft. The life raft should be stored on deck in a cradle with a hydrostatic release to ensure that, if the situation arises, it can be launched successfully to save lives. In addition, a 406 MHz EPIRB with built in GPS is recommended so that your position is virtually instantaneously transmitted to rescue agencies.

Medical Safety Equipment

A medical kit is a great idea and may include things like bandages, painkillers, sunscreen, tweezers, and iodine.

Personal Comfort

Deck shoes, hats, gloves, foul weather gear, long underwear, and a bible will ensure your personal and spiritual comfort while on board.

Communication Electronics

VHF marine radios are the core communication device in all sailing gear. They will communicate up to sixty miles. If you lose your mast, you will need a spare antenna.
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Navigation Electronics

Reliable weather reports are critical to enjoyable and safe sailing. Most sailboats now use Xaxero software on a laptop computer along with an SW receiver.

A depth sounder is one of the basic navigational items on board. Due to the variations in charts, it should read in all units (feet, meters, fathoms), and should be capable of 600-1000 foot depths.

Entertainment Electronics

Remember that the broadcast standards used in the USA are used in very few other countries, so forget about watching local TV at sea. An underwater video camcorder will allow you to make movies to show to your friends when you get home. Take DVDs to watch on board.

Dinghies And Engines

Dinghies are one of the most important accessories you can put on your sailboat. An outboard motor might save your life one day.

This is just some of the sailing gear you are going to need to start enjoying your retirement on the high seas. Bon Voyage!

Sailing Fort Myers Beach

Have A Wonderful Vacation Sailing Fort Myers Beach

Everyone at one time or another wants a holiday, so many times you like to choose a special way to enjoy yourself when you get to go on one. Next time when you are looking for something like that, check out sailing Fort Myers beach as your destination.

The Special Charm Of Sailing Fort Myers Beach

The Fort Myers beach is considered one of the most beautiful and safe beaches in the world. You can have everything you want here, i.e. sun bathing, jet skiing, scuba diving, and all the other attractions that come at sea. However, the best of it is sailing Fort Myers beach.

There is such amazing beauty in the water around the Estero Island that can only be appreciated with sailing Fort Myers beach. There is about seven miles of phenomenal sandy beach which leaves you speechless with its beauty; there is your rendezvous with the bottle nose dolphins, manatees and so many other thrilling wild animals of Florida's extraordinary marine ecosystem.

The scenery and natural beauty you experience with sailing Fort Myers beach is incomparable. On one hand is the pristine beauty of the beaches and on the other hand is the magnetic majesty of the sea plus you have the unbeatable weather of Florida. Together all these are ingredients that make a dynamite vacation.

And There Is Much More …

Besides the outstanding sailing Fort Myers beach experience you have plenty to enjoy on land as well. Try out the exceptional cuisine that is served by the waterside restaurants for an adventure of a different type. Then you have the Ford Winter Estates where Seminole Lodge is located. This is none other than the home of Henry Ford, the automobile magnate. It is a surreal experience to walk through his house and imagine how he was working at his different automobile inventions.

The attractions on the mainland also offer a very special experience. Try out the Ostego Bay Marine Science Center where you will find touch tanks, interactive exhibits and many aquariums which would thrill you and at the same time inform you a number of things that you did not know about. You get to see some very recluse marine animals while feeding as well as some amazing phenomenon that you have previously seen only on TV, if at all.

Overall, a vacation that has the sailing Fort Myers beach as its center theme, plus all the attraction of this excellent destination would leave you relaxed and happy with your choice of a holiday.

Sailing Equipment

Things To Consider When Buying Sailing Equipment On A Limited Budget

Some sailing equipment can be quite expensive. If you take a look at catalog prices of sailing equipment, you will probably find most these equipments in the upper bracket of the pricing range. Electronic and state of the art sailing equipment can cost you several thousands of dollars. If you want to buy sailing equipment but are on a tight budget, here are some of the things that you need to do before you go shopping.

Evaluate Your Boat And Set Priorities

Before you decide which sailing equipment to buy, you need to evaluate your boat carefully first and draw a list of the things that need to be changed and what are the things that your boat really needs. When we say "needs" these are the things that you boat needs to function well. There are things that it can live without.

After drawing up the list of the things that you boat needs, set your priorities. Since you are on a tight budget, you may not be able to buy everything that you need at once so you may have to buy them one at a time. When setting your priorities, you need to consider the urgency of the need. It will not really help you a lot if you just buy the cheapest equipment first and then buy the more expensive ones later. Sometimes, the less expensive ones are not really what you need to get your boat going.

Compare Product Brands And Their Prices

Some brands of sailing equipment are more durable and reliable compared to others. If you really want to get the best sailing equipment that you can afford to buy, you need to study carefully the different types of equipments available in the market. Reading some product reviews made by reliable organizations or persons will help you a lot. You can find a lot of boat product reviews in boating magazines and online.

When reading product reviews online, do not just rely on one article especially if you are not really very familiar about the author. Always remember that each author have their own opinions about a certain product so you need to compare product reviews if you want to get a good idea of the quality of that certain product. If two or three people reviewed the product and came up with more or less the same opinion, then you are in luck, that product must really be as good as its manufacturer claim it to be.

Sailing Cruises

What Do You Need To Carry With You While Sailing Cruises?

Sailing cruises can be a very exciting way to spend your holidays. Fortunately, you have plenty to choose from as all the seas are today catered to by different types of cruises, each one tailor made to give you utmost pleasure whether it a budget trip or a totally luxury one.

The Packing For Sailing Cruises Is Different Than That Of A Regular Holiday

A holiday within a holiday – that is what many people call a cruise. This is because no matter how long or short is a cruise it exposes you to the whole excitement, pleasure and pampering you expect from holidays anywhere. While some people use the cruise as a holiday, there are still many who use a cruise as a means to a holiday destination such as sailing cruises to Hawaii, or to Alaska and the like.

The fun while sailing cruises is almost unlimited and should not be curtailed at any time because of lack of proper attire. Hence, you need to pack adequately for a cruise holiday – which is definitely much different from packing for a regular holiday.

Start At The Top

The first thing you should pay attention to when packing for sailing cruises is the weather to which you would be exposed. Most often than not it would be sunny and pleasant and that means you would have to pack your swimming suit for some great time sun-bathing on the decks. Then, take a look at the itinerary very carefully. What do you see? There would be a mention of each place that the yacht or ship would touch during the cruise. Accordingly, have clothes that match your each post destination.

Accessories are very important while dressing up. Make sure you carry all you need and a few extra in carefully locked zip lock bags. In this way you would not feel inadequate because you have missed out on any accessory (which you conveniently find out only when you dress up)when you are getting ready for the many informal parties on board.

Packing of clothes should include both formal and informal clothes – formal because the Captain would definitely give (you) all the guests a party either on arrival or on departure to thank you for choosing their ship for the cruise. Ensure that your pack very carefully so it would give any creases. If it does, use the ship's laundry service which would have your clothes back shining and ready in no time.

Always have at least three-four changes in a handbag which you insist you would carry with yourself. This would assure you that you have at least a few clothes to change in case your luggage gets misplaced in transit or is stolen.

Sailing Boats

The Magnetic Pull Of Sailing Boats

Ever since people stood upright, there was an exceptional pull towards the seas. Sailing boats were an endeavor that has fueled the human imagination for centuries and to which today we owe the discovery of the world. Had it not been for the efforts of those pioneering sailing boats and extreme courage of their sailors we might have still been cramped onto one continent.

The History Of Sailing Boats

The history of sailing takes us back to the 17th century where Holland was a leader in building and sailing of ships. In the United States of America, you have the New York Yacht Club established and launched in the year 1844. The early efforts to sail were less for pleasure and more for conquering new worlds by trade and war. It took many decades before maps were drawn about the seven seas and at that time, these documents were the most precious commodity on board of a ship to be guarded with their life by their captain and crew.

With time, the sailing boats entered into pleasure occupation and the yacht was born. Most people find a short weekend cruise very appealing and relaxing, while a few more adventurous love to tempt their fate by crossing the seas on a longer itinerary. The challenge of taming the seas and the tranquility of the trip is very often so rewarding that it hooks the traveler for good.

Sailing Boats As An Ideal Family Vacation

Sailing is pretty challenging but at the same time it is exceedingly binding as it is enjoyable. Many small yachts can be manned by less than a handful of people, and if the person is well versed with sailing, can even sail it single handedly or with his/her family. A family vacation on a yacht which is self-sailing is an exhilarating experience.

There is something extremely thrilling at being completely alone in the middle of the sea having only one another to count upon while keeping the yacht on the course. Besides, sleeping, sunbathing, eating on a yacht in the middle of the sea or river or lake can give so much pleasure that it is must-have experience for everyone.

If you want an adventurous vacation, you could always choose to sail to the corners of the world on a sturdy and comfortable yacht. Of course, such a venture is not for a person who has just finished his/her weekend sailing lessons, but only for veterans with hundreds of hours of sailing experience both on calm and rough seas.

Sailing Away

People Enjoy Life By Sailing Away

Sailing away from the shore on a small boat or a luxurious yacht is a great way to see the skyline or the world. Sailing away from the land can be an escape from the responsibilities of every day life for an afternoon or a lifetime. Many people enjoy sailing away for just an afternoon because this experience provides a relaxing way to forget about the mundane duties of work. A small boat with a couple of sails can be a great way to sail away for a short time. People often load their boats with a friend or two, some sandwiches and drinks for a relaxing time away from their regular routine.

Sailing away on a small boat does not take a great deal of skill or a great deal of planning. Life on the sea for an afternoon on a sailboat means the sounds of radios, televisions and engines are left on the shore where they belong. The wind fills up the sails silently compared to the roar of traffic or the engine of a motorboat. Sailing away with some great companions means time to enjoy their company without the distractions that come with the land. Of course, everyone needs to turn off their cell phones before sailing away to avoid some of that land noise.

Luxurious Yachts Provide A Great Way For Sailing Away

Sailing away on a small boat for a weekend is a real treat, but the fantasy of sailing away to fascinating ports both foreign and domestic is an exciting thought. There are some great yachts in the world, and lucky people find themselves sailing away for a real adventure. These great yachts have beautiful bedrooms, spacious decks and dining areas with wonderful ambiance. The passengers do not have to wait in line at an airport to go through security and check in. Their bags are in place for the duration of the trip and never a worry until the end of the excursion.

Traveling on a luxurious yacht usually means a captain and crew to take responsibility for the pleasure of the travelers. A good captain will make sure that the yacht gets to all of the ports on the itinerary. There are some great places to see on a luxury yacht. While underway, there is usually time to relax on the spacious decks to chat with friends and enjoy the peace and quiet. Each port usually has some exciting sights and sounds. Some ports will have great shopping while others will have some great nightlife.

Sailing Around the World

How to go Sailing Around the World

It is possible to go sailing around the world, but this is definitely not something that the novice sailor should just rush out and do. It is important to become more educated on the sport of sailing and also to learn about the different sailing terminology so that everything will go as smoothly as possible.

The First Step

Anyone who wants to go sailing around the world should be aware that there are going to be a few steps that should be taken here. The first is to actually get a sailboat. There is the option to either rent or buy, and of course this decision will mainly be determined by the amount of money that one has available to spend.

Getting Into it

The next thing that should be done by someone who wants to go sailing around the world is to find someone or more than one person to go with them. This is important because although obviously one can go sailing around the world on their own, it is always best to have someone there so that in case something went wrong there would be someone to get help.

Courses and Classes

There are many courses and classes out there which should be taken by anyone wanting to go sailing around the world. These instructional teachings will be incredibly useful, especially if the sailor is a novice and does not have much experience.

These courses can either be taken at home over the compute or with books, or in person with professionals teaching.

The options are really endless when it comes to sailing, and this can easily be considered as one of the most fun and enjoyable sports in the world. It is truly unlike any other sport, and the feeling cannot be described, as one can only really understand the thrill of sailing by experiencing it for themselves.

Everyone should try sailing out at least once, and once the sailing bug bites it is hard to lose the itch. Sailing is really addictive and not only is it enjoyable but also physically exerting and so it is good for the body as well. Keep in mind that there are some great sailing professionals out there who will be more than willing and able to help out people who are having difficulties getting started with sailing or who are unsure of how to get their feet wet, pardon the pun.

Sailing Adventures

Learning To Sail To Enjoy Your Sailing Adventures

Before you embark into a sailing adventure of a lifetime, it would be best for you to learn something about sailing a boat first. Note that if you really want to enjoy your sailing adventure, you cannot just sit around in the boat and do nothing. You will be bored to tears after setting on the deck of the boat after a few hours. Knowing how to sail a boat will make your sailing adventure even more enjoyable.

Getting Started

The first thing that you need to do if you want to sail a boat is to ask somebody to show you how to rig a boat. Knowing how to rig a boat is very important. Now, rigging a boat can be quite a challenging task that you need to invest a lot of time and effort to learn the basics.. Note that before you can start rigging a boat, you need to be familiar with the hardware present in the boat.

Each of the hardware in the boat has its own functions so you must know each of them and their functions. If you are not very familiar about boats, this task can be quite confusing at first, so do not be discouraged if you cannot get things right during the first try. Just relax and enjoy what you are doing. Always remember that learning how to sail a boat is already part of your sailing adventure.

Aside from learning to rig a boat, you also need to know about the directions of the wind. Learning about wind directions is very important if you want to have a great sailing adventure. Now, you don't have to be a psychic or a first class mariner to know where the wind is blowing. With the use of a "windex", that small wind vane which you mount on the top of your mast, you will be able to determine the direction of the wind.

Now, the catch here is that most small boats do not really have a "windex" so if you are planning to sail on a small boat, you may not really have the luxury of using this device to tell the direction of the wind. In case you do not have a "windex" in your boat, you better ask somebody to each you how to determine the direction of the wind, the traditional way. Yes, the traditional way of telling where the wind is coming from can be quite tricky, but if you are a good student and you really want to have a great sailing adventure, you will soon get the hang of things.

Sailing Has Moved People For Centuries

Sailing Has Moved People For Centuries

There has always been wind available for sailing so for many centuries people moved about the world powered by the wind hitting sails on a ship. Sailing from one continent to another was very dangerous in past centuries. People on the ships were at the mercy of the wind, but sailing provided transportation for merchants, warriors and explorers. Sailing away from the shores of a continent at that time was dangerous because those on a ship did not know what lay ahead. They had no histories of the world beyond their shores, no weather reports to tell them about conditions and no newspapers to tell them the latest news.

Sailing anywhere now or in years past meant gathering the power of the wind into a set of sails. The best sailors knew the winds, and their sails so they could catch the wind and its power to get them to their destination. Although great sailors might capture a limited wind, any sailing boat could become stagnant if the wind disappeared completely. Hundreds of years ago, most sailors used their boats and sails for specific reasons. The explorers went beyond the horizon to find out what lay beyond their shores. Merchants took goods from their homelands to trade for goods in foreign lands.

Sailing Is Enjoyed By People Around The World

In the modern world, the sailing ships have been replaced with ships with engines. The new explorers, merchants and warriors power their ships with nuclear and other types of energy. There are still thousands of sailing boats around the world, and many sailors enjoy their time on the sea. The modern boats come in various shapes and sizes for some are simple and others are luxurious. The modern day sailor might sail from one continent to the other, but many are weekend sailors who take to the seas when they have time off.

The modern sailors share some of the same problems with their ancient brothers. They depend on harnessing the wind to power their vessels. Expert sailors like their ancient brothers move faster than those who are less knowledgeable because they can effectively harness any available wind. Most of the modern day sailors enjoy the time on the sea where there is usually peace and quiet. Some of the modern day sailors enjoy the challenge of moving faster than others by using their superior skills. These sailors often take part in sailing competitions. The modern day sailing boats are made from various materials from wood to fiberglass.

Old Sailing Ships

Old Sailing Ships Harnessed The Power Of The Wind

The explorers, warriors and merchants of centuries ago had no engines to power their vessels to faraway places, but they had magnificent old sailing ships that took them thousands of miles. Old sailing ships carried men beyond the shores to find places that no one in their world had even heard of at the time. The men who boarded the old sailing ships had no motors to back them up when the wind failed them. The old sailing ships had many sails that used the wind to move the vessel along. The men who operated the old sailing ships had skills to harness the wind for their advantage.

The oldest sailing ships are long gone, but there are still some magnificent old sailing ships for people to view today. There are many great old sailing ships that are the settings for modern audiences at movie theaters. The audience relives the adventures of pirates, explorers and traders on old sailing ships. Although a modern audience gets a glimpse of the life on the seas in old sailing ships, they cannot imagine the real hardships of the early operators of these great vessels.

Old Sailing Ships Grace Harbors And Museums

The old ships appear in the movies, but these magnificent vessels also appear in the harbors of some cities around the world. There are beautiful ships in the harbors of Boston, San Diego, Halifax and other ports around the world. These great ships often move collectively to special events where people can see them in action. Some of these great ships still simulate sea battles as they use to occur hundreds of years ago. People who get the chance to view one of these old ships sailing on the sea are thrilled by the sight.

Some of these old ships have been made into museums that tourists and local residents can visit. These ships are kept in pristine condition so people can visit to get a glimpse of the past. Some of the ships had small crews while others had hundreds of people as part of the crew. Visitors can view the quarters that housed the crews and the gear that they operated to move the ship from one place to another. Many adults love to see these old vessels, but these are also very interesting for school children who learn about these ships in their history lessons. People who do not get the chance to visit these old ships in person can find many illustrated books about these fantastic ships.

Offshore Sailing Clothes

What To Look For In Offshore Sailing Clothes

The most important function of offshore sailing clothes is to keep the crew person both warm and dry. Similar to snow skiing, participants in both sports wear brightly colored clothing and can be very fashion conscious. Let us drill a little deeper into the subject of offshore sailing clothes.

Construction

The top of the line offshore clothes should be constructed in three layers; base layer, mid layer, and outer layer. A properly functioning base layer that is being worn next to the skin must allow sweat to pass through the mid and outer layers without absorbing moisture or allowing it to return to the skin. The greater the amount of trapped air, the better the insulation properties are, and the more efficient conservation of body heat will be.

Jackets

To comply with the highest standards in offshore sailing clothes, jackets should be flexible and lightweight, of a bright color and with reflective badges or patches. Other features that are important to the deck hand are storm cuffs, storm collar, adjustable hip and waist belts, bellow pockets with mesh drainage, and inner zipped pockets.

Trousers

This item of offshore sailing clothing should also be bright in color, flexible and lightweight. Other professional features would include an extremely string zipper that includes a high, waterproof gusset, ankle storm cuffs that are Velcro adjustable and will close over the boot, and reinforced patches on your knees and seat.

Shoes

Experienced sailors insist that you should always wear shoes on deck, even in the middle of summer in the tropics. The grip is superior to bare feet, so as to prevent you from jamming one of your toes and breaking it or falling down and breaking an arm or your face.

Hat

Most of the time, it is a good idea to wear some sort of hat. It should have some means of being attached to your head or shoulders because of wind considerations. It should also be of a bright color.

Sunglasses

Commenting about their first sailing experience in the middle of summer, the majority are amazed with how bright it was. This of course can be explained by the combined effect of the sun and the light being reflected off the surface of the water.

For this reason sun glasses with UV-filter are always worn by the experienced sailor. Plenty of sunscreen and staying in the shade is recommended while sailing in the tropics. Many a rookie on their first sailing adventure wakes up the next morning barely able to move because of severe sunburn. Don't make that same mistake.

Happy Sailing in your offshore sailing clothes!

Model Sailing Ships

A Few Interesting Words On Model Sailing Ships

Model sailing ships have a very long history and are not as per popular belief a hobby of the present times, though it shot to prominence only in the past few decades. If you look back at the history of these ships, you would find that the Egyptians perfected this art some 5000 years ago when they made it part of the burial entourage.

These funeral boats in Egypt were meant for helping the soul of the departed into the next life. The model sailing ships found at burial grounds show that this art was taken very seriously at that time as the miniature ships are exquisitely and painstakingly made with all the possible details it should have. These model sailing ships were made out of sycamore in Egypt.

In Europe and Christian kingdom model ships were made as a symbol of blessing. These grew in importance and popularity in the 12-15th centuries whereby all ship that had to sail would take model sailing ships for blessing (to be carried with them on the ship) for the captain and its crew.

Contrasting the Egyptian funeral model ships, these ships were crudely carved out of balsa wood or any soft pliable wood; most of these were rough models of galleys and galleons which were common sight during those days. Many museums in Europe showcase these model sailing ships today.

The Model Sailing Ships Today

The hobby of made to scale ships started long ago when French war prisoners whiled their time in captivity carving exceptionally looking models of ship out of wood, bone and human hair. So beautiful were these boats that it started a chain reaction of an engaging hobby throughout the world.

Today, you would find scale models of any era you wanted made out of wood, fiber, sheet metal, plastic, silver and even gold. These models vary from the simplest to the most intricate designs possible. You would also find a hot favorite all over the world of ships made inside a bottle. These models are as beautiful as they are intriguing, but also quite expensive.

For many this makes a very challenging and highly enjoyable hobby that consumes a lot of time and resources. This hobby is often so all-consuming and engaging, that it metamorphed into a very lucrative business with the time passing.

Of course, today the newcomers find it easy to enter this wonderful world because of the do-it-yourself kits that are available in plenty. Though these model sailing ships are not as challenging to create, nobody can deny their beauty.

Luxury Sailing

Luxury Sailing: Taking The Whole Family On A Fabulous Sea Adventure

If you are planning to take your family on a sea adventure, consider taking them in a luxury sailing expedition. The good thing about luxury sailing is that you will have everything that you need on board your ship so your family members will really have a great time. Sailing on a small family boat can be a lot of fun but if you really want to relax and pamper the whole family for a change, a luxury sailing ship is your best option.

Yes, going on a luxury sailing expedition will cost you a lot of money, but if you want to be closer to the members of your family and just need to relax, investing a few hundred dollars on the trip is but a small consequence. Just think of the whole expedition as your treat to yourself and your whole family. After working long hours at the office, you certainly deserve some pampering.

What To Bring

Before you go on a luxury sailing expedition with the whole family, you need to do some shopping first. You will need some shoes that do not really mind getting wet and have rubber soles to keep you from slipping. You may not be expected to actually rig the boat during your luxury sailing trip but you will need to walk around the boat. You don't really want to mess up your luxury sailing trip by slipping on the floor and injuring your back.

Aside from buying the right kind of shoes for everyone in the family, you will need to get some swimming outfits. Since you are already at sea, you might as well do some swimming. Moreover, you need to pack some warm layered clothing with you when you go sailing. It can get quite cold out at sea at night. To make sure that you kids have the right clothing in their bags, check each of your kids' bags against a checklist. Do not just take things for granted.

To keep your skin from burning, buy enough sunscreen for the whole family. Your children are especially vulnerable to skin burns so make sure that you get them sunscreens that are especially formulated for kids. Aside from sunscreen, you will also need some wide brim hats and sunglasses with a cord to hold them in place. The ultra violet rays of the sun can cause severe skin problems so never go sailing without anything to protect your skin from the sun.

History Of Sailing

History Of Sailing: How The Vikings Sailed The World

The history of sailing is filled with account of Vikings and their sailing ships. In olden times, these people were the undisputed lords of the seas. According to the history of sailing, the Vikings designed two very famous ships, the longship that was commonly called drakkar or dragon ship and cargo ships that which are known as the knars sometimes spelled as knorrs.

The Drakkar

According to the history of sailing, the drakkar is actually a warship. This ship was used by the Vikings to protect their territories, to attack enemies or simply keep out intruders from crossing their territorial boundaries. The long, sleek and lightweight design of the drakkar makes it idea for traveling fast. The presence of the large dragon head that adorns the prow of the drakkar is an open declaration that it is a battle ship.

Usually, a long ship is about 28 meters long. However, evidence shows that some longships are actually quite large. Based in the history of sailing in the Europe, the largest excavated longship is about 70 meters long. Aside from using it sail this longship has enough space for about 60 oarsmen. This seventy meter longship was capable of carrying up to 400 warriors in various parts of Europe. A very powerful king was said to be the owner of this longship. In the olden times, only kings can afford to build ships of this size. Note that building a ship this size by hand and without the use of modern technology can take hundreds of men several months and even years to complete.

The Knarr

The knarr was actually a merchant ship. It was constructed using the clinker method using pine as planks and sturdy oak for its keel. Like most other types of Viking ships, the knar has one mast made up of one square linen or wool. However, unlike the drakkar where the crew of the ship can take down its mast and store it safely while the warriors head into battle, the mast of the knarr is stationary.

This is understandable because the knarr was a merchant ship and it did not always need to engage in battle and protect itself from its enemies. According to the history of sailing in Europe, the knarr does not have any decorative prow like the drakkar. Merchants were more inclined to keep their ships as plain as possible so as not to scare people away or invite some other ships to attack them at sea.

Dinghy Sailing

The Great Sport of Dinghy Sailing

For years people have loved the fun and excitement of dinghy sailing. Dinghy sailing is the sailing and racing of small boats by using sails and underwater foils. Dinghy sailing began early because there was a need for smaller boats to transport goods quickly. After this, the sport of dinghy sailing gained helped from a great boat designer by the name of Uffa Fox. He created many great designs and helped contribute to a major factor in dinghy sailing: hull shape.

The hull shape helps the dinghy "plane" which is key in dinghy sailing. Later on, after WWII, other advances where made as far as dinghies go. They began making dinghies out of different types of plywood, because most other materials were used for airplane development. There have been many new, modern developments that have helped dinghies. Dinghies are no longer an expensive, members only type sport, modern developments make dinghies cheaper and better. They are now made out of lighter materials that are also more affordable. If you have ever wanted to try dinghy sailing now is the time because it is a fast-growing sport that shows no signs of stopping anytime soon.

What kind of dinghies are there?

There are several different types of dinghies available, but they do have different uses and features. Cruising dinghies are great smooth-sailing dinghies; these dinghies are also great for families. These are fun dinghies that are simple to operate. Now here are the fast, serious dinghy types: catamarans, skiffs, racing dinghies, and high-performance dinghies.

Skiffs are the fastest type of dinghy. Skiffs have narrow, flat hulls that help them to plane better with the help of crew trapezing. A catamaran is a double-hull dinghy that sport adjustable dagger boards. There are different types of catamarans and they are often used by the hardcore dinghy sailor. Then there are the much larger sport boats, these are typically used for off-shore racing. They are more like yachts with a fixed keel; these kinds of dinghies usually have quite a few crew members.

Then there are the more typical racing dinghies; racing dinghies cover a large ranger of dinghies and originally branched from Uffa Fox's designs. High-performance dinghies are fast, powerful boats that were initially designed to be raced in the Olympics. Some of these boats are one-handed boats, although most are two-handed. There are many different sub-types of dinghies that are too numerous to mention, but one thing is for sure you can find the one that meets your needs perfectly.

Caribbean Sailing Vacations

Where Caribbean Sailing Vacations Go

While you are sailing through the Caribbean, many sailing vacations include stops at different ports of call. Let us examine which stops offer what highlights, so you can plan your next sailing vacation around them. The destinations are presented in no particular order.

Aruba

Arubans brag about their crystal clear water and their white, sandy beaches, as well they should. A great time to go is during their carnival celebration that runs between January 5 and February 5 every year. This brilliantly colorful celebration reminds many of Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Aruba enjoys a high rate of return visitors throughout the year. Noticeable immediately is its rich colonial history and ancient cultures.

Bermuda

Referred to by some as "The Sunny and Enchanted Isle," the accent is very British and the business is pleasure. It is the oldest and most populated British overseas territory. Located off the east coast of the United States, Bermuda is about 1,100 miles northeast of Miami. Bermuda territory is made up of 138 islands. Many are afraid to make this their Caribbean sailing vacation destination because of all the supposed disappearances inside the "Bermuda Triangle."

Jamaica

First made famous when Columbus visited the country in 1494, Jamaica is the largest English speaking island in the Caribbean. It has been completely self-governed since 1962 when it ceased to be a British colony. There are many sugarcane plants and banana trees growing on this island.

Reggae legend Bob Marley was born in Jamaica. His reggae music can be heard wherever you go on this island. Author Ian Fleming, who lived in Jamaica, used it for the setting in many of his James Bond novels. They included "Live and Let Die," "Doctor No," "For Your Eyes Only," "The Man With The Golden Gun," and "Octopussy."

Barbados

This island is considered tropical, but be careful taking one of your Caribbean sailing vacations here because the constant trade winds that blow off the Atlantic Ocean keep temperatures very mild. They do have one of the highest standards of living and literacy rates in the world. In Barbados you will find very friendly people and very clean cities.

Make sure that before you leave on one of your Caribbean sailing vacations that you pack items like waterproof jacket, pants, and hat; waterproof and fog proof digital camera, binoculars, and sunglasses. Keep as many of your personal items in waterproof containers as possible. Don't have your Caribbean sailing vacation spoiled by getting severe sunburn. Wear sun block as much as possible.

Caribbean Sailing Vacation

What To Take On Your Caribbean Sailing Vacation

Some close friends of mine, a married couple, recently took one of these Caribbean sailing vacations, traveling through the tropical beauty of the U.S. Virgin Islands, Spanish Virgin Islands, and the British Virgin Islands. They had a fabulous time and seemed to have been mystically transformed into an even more loving and caring couple. This is their list of must-take items if you end up taking a Caribbean sailing vacation.

Cameras

Your camera should be both waterproof and fog proof, with a carrying case that is both strong and waterproof. While taking pictures on deck during your Caribbean sailing vacation, this camera should have a neck strap that can be worn while taking pictures on deck. What a great way to preserve your dream vacation forever!

Binoculars

You need binoculars to view the spouting whales and the romantic sunsets. You should make sure your binoculars are waterproof and fog proof. Since things can get knocked around pretty well on the high seas, your binoculars should be stored in a sturdy, waterproof case when not in use.

Sunglasses

Because of the combination of the sun and the reflections of the sun's rays off the water, it is going to be very bright for the majority of your Caribbean sailing vacation. Get a high quality pair that are fog proof and come in a durable case.

Deck Shoes

Even if it is sizzling hot in the Caribbean during your vacation, deck shoes should be worn at all times because of their superior traction on board. Many a toe has been broken when inadvertently smashed against an immoveable object, or a smashed face has resulted when tripping occurred, by those moving around on deck without shoes.

Hat

Most of the time it is a good idea to wear a hat on deck to either shield you from the rain or sun. It should contain some sort of strap that attaches to your neck or shoulder. It should also be of bright color so you can find it if it blows away.

Trousers

Knowing a gale is possible at any time during your Caribbean sailing vacation, trousers that are waterproof, flexible, and lightweight are a good idea. Additionally, heavy-duty patches around the knees and rear will increase their durability.

Jacket

A sailing jacket should be bright in color, lightweight, waterproof, and should contain reflective badges or patches. Most that are high quality include storm collars and cuffs, adjustable hip and waist belts, bellow pockets with mesh drainage, and inner zipped pockets.

With the above items, and maybe a few more, you are now ready for your Caribbean sailing vacation. Good luck, and don't get sunburned!

Blue Water Sailing

Blue Water Sailing: Understanding The Anatomy Of Sailing Disasters

Although blue water sailing can be a lot of fun, it can also be quite dangerous, especially for people who do not really have the right sailing skills. If you are one of those people who want to go blue water sailing for the first time, you need to be fully prepared for anything.

Note that blue water sailing takes you far into the open sea where the weather can be quite brutal and unpredictable. Without proper preparations, you could really get into some trouble if you run into bad weather. To help you cope with the challenges that lie ahead, you should study the anatomy of sailing disasters. Knowing what possibly could go wrong when you are blue water sailing is very important.

How Accidents Can Happen

Although the weather is primarily to blame when it comes to sea disasters, contributing factors like the poor trip of the boat, unsecured on board equipment and cargo and human carelessness can actually get you into much trouble. The poor trim of the boat is usually to blame for its inability to stay afloat during foul weather. The poor trip of the boat can result to poor weight distribution.

Poor weight distribution can cause imbalance which may actually cause the boat to capsize easily. If you are not really very good at determine whether your boat is properly balanced, it would be best for you to employ a good boat engineer to look into this matter before you go on a blue water sailing adventure. No, you cannot just skip this process. Always remember that when your boat is not properly balanced, you expose yourself to a lot of hazards at sea.

Aside from the poor trim of the boat, the unsecured on board equipment and cargo can actually sink your boat. How? For starters, when you run into big waves lose cargo and equipments start shifting from side to side and affect the stability of your boat. If you have some heavy cargoes on board, these things can actually force your boat on its side and you will find yourself in the water.

To present this from happening, secure all on board equipments and cargoes on the boat. Do not be careless especially when it comes to heavy equipment and cargo. You will never know when you will encounter big waves and strong winds when you are out at sea, so be careful. Always bear in mind that your carelessness can cost you your life and the lives of your passengers.

18th Century Sailing

Life Onboard An 18th Century Sailing Vessel

People from my generation developed most of their impressions about life onboard an 18th century sailing ship after watching the movie "Moby Dick." Today's teenager developed their impressions after watching the movie "Pirates of the Caribbean". Surprisingly, there is a very similar correlation between the two.

Scurvy

More than any other threat, excluding a massive storm, nothing was capable of wiping out an entire crew on an 18th century sailing ship like scurvy. This was a potentially a fatal disease caused by a deficiency in vitamin C. A big source of vitamin C on land was derived from eating fruits and vegetables. On the open sea, it was impossible to keep these two items fresh and edible for very long. Every ship's captain knew that the health of his crew was critical to their success, so he tried to keep them well fed.

Other Diseases

On an 18th century sailing vessel, these diseases could only be avoided while on the high sea by keeping the ship, the crew, and the crew's clothes clean. This insistence by the captain on keeping a spotless ship also kept the crew very busy. While sailing during the 18th century in a tropical climate, either malaria or yellow fever could decimate a crew in a very short period of time.

Discipline

Were the members of the crew frequently flogged and beaten? Maybe; but discipline onboard an 18th century ship meant the ship was well ordered. If they were flogged, it was most likely for doing something that put the ship and the rest of the crew in danger, like falling asleep while on watch. There was no imprisonment or fine, but the captain could cut off the offender's rum supply. Thieves caught stealing from crew members were punished by "having to run the gauntlet" allowing their shipmates to flog them with rope ends.

Clothes

What is true, as depicted in both movies above, is that sailors of the 18th century wore unique and colorful clothes. They also had wild hairstyles, personal jewelry, and tattoos; a lot like today's teenager. When they were on land, which was not very often, they were treated like kings, loudly telling their stories of adventure while drinking the peasants' free rum.

Women On Board

For many years, the myth existed that no women were allowed onboard ships during the 18th century sailing days, as they were considered bad luck. In fact large numbers of women went to sea, often as officers' wives or as nurses. Sailing on the high seas in modern times includes eating and drinking lavishly, gambling, playing shuffleboard, doing yoga, and line dancing.

16th Century Sailing Ships

16th Century Sailing Ships: The Chinese Merchants And Their Junk Ships

Long before high tech gadgets and mass produced products ruled the market, people all over the world have been buying things that are made in China. In the older times, Chinese merchants roamed the globe to trade their wares. The Chinese 16th century sailing ships could be seen in many ports all over the world. These Chinese 16th century sailing ships are commonly known as a junk ship, treasure ships, horse ships, supply ships, troop transport and many others.

We must understand that in the olden times, people tend to call a boat after its purpose. Thus, if a boat is laden with goods and supplies, it becomes a supply ship and if it is used to transport valuable things, it becomes a treasure ship. Since at that time the Chinese were know for leading just about any types of goods in their ships, this sailing ship became more widely known as "junk ship" as the years passed by.

Structure Of The Junk

What really made the Chinese 16h century sailing ships very popular in its day was that it is generally easy to sail and it can travel fast. Compared to the traditional square rigged ships, the junk ship is more flexible and it can sail into the wind. Its ability to sail into the wind made the Chinese junk ship one of the fastest ships in the olden times. The structure of the sail of the junk ship made it more reliable compared to some other types of ships. Technically, the sail of the Chinese junk ship is just like one of modern aerodynamically structures sails used by modern day windsurfers and catamarans.

History

The history of the Chinese 16th century sailing ships goes back into the Han Dynasty which ruled China from 220 BC – 200 AD. Ancient Chinese records show that these junk ships were used by merchants to carry their goods to foreign ports and to bring back foreign goods upon its return to the Chinese mainland.

Over the years, these junk ships evolved and become one of the most successful kinds of ships in the history of humankind. Many of our present day sailboats are patterned after the original 16h century sailing ships of the Chinese. Some of the present day sailboats that use the design of the original 16th century sailing ships are the catboat, the ketch, the yawl and the schooner.

Terminating Retirement Plan

Terminating Retirement Plan: What is Involved

The issue of terminating a retirement plan is one of great importance and one that not that many people are well educated on. Before learning about terminating a retirement plan however, it is important to be informed on what a retirement plan actually is and what it entails.

What is a Retirement Plan?

In simplest terms a retirement plan is an arrangement that a person makes so that they are provided with an income or pension during retirement, which is the time where they are no longer earning a steady income from employment. There are various different retirement plans that are available, and these plans may either be set up by employers or other institutions, such as employer associations or trade unions.

Terminating Retirement Plan

There are some situations in which terminating a retirement plan is the best option. Basically the goal of plan termination here is to liquidate the pension fund completely. To terminate a plan, it is required that the plan administrator and the employer must perform several tasks within the prescribed time limits. This way the termination process will respect the Supplemental Pension Plans Act as well as the rights and obligations of all interested parties.

There are a few obligations that the plan administrator has in this situation, including respecting the time limits provided by the Act to prepare various documents including the declaration of termination, termination report, statements of benefits to the members and beneficiaries, and public notice of termination in a daily newspaper.

The next step to terminating a retirement plan involves the administrator taking the necessary measures in order to ensure payment of the required contributions until the specified termination date. They will also need to proceed with the payment of benefits to plan members and beneficiaries.

A termination of a retirement plan should only take place when the administrator of the plan is absolutely sure that it is going to be the most profitable idea, and when they are sure that they are not going to be making a mistake. The best idea is for anyone considering terminating their retirement plan speaks to a financial advisor or other knowledgeable professional in this area in order to have someone ensure that they are doing the right thing here.

It is important to remember that in the event of surplus assets, if a plan has surplus assets the employer must deal with the question of their allocation within a certain time limit.

Teaching Retirement Planning To Executives

Teaching Retirement Planning To Executives Would Help Them Plan Their Future Better

Retirement does not mean preparing for your demise. On contrary, it should mean the start of new beginnings; it should mean being able to do all the things you could not do when you were young because of the restrictions imposed on you by your family and other general responsibilities. Your retirement should be able to give you the green signal to do what you wanted to do for your own pleasure and fulfillment.

Why Teaching Retirement Planning To Executives Is Important

Young people have a very myopic view of the future and you will find that they consider retirement and old age as something that happens to others and not to them. This is why they overspend no matter what their income is, and instead of saving they incur debts with their credit cards and all other possible means.

Teaching retirement planning to executives would help them see the alternative to spending and understand the benefits of long term savings. This is something that needs to be systematically inculcated into their minds because the more successful these executives are, the more inviolate they feel and the more difficult it is for them to visualize a bleak future without finances in their senior years. The teaching retirement planning to executives should be best done in the shape of interactive workshops where through their participation in the discussion on retirement plans they would be forced to think about their senior years.

There is another advantage from teaching retirement planning to executives, which is that it would fuel their curiosity to find the best possible retirement plans and start these contributions early. The earlier they start the better would the returns be on their savings, and hence this would help them lead a richer and more secure senior life.

In short, teaching retirement planning to executives would mean that they would start living when they would retire from their 9 to 5 jobs. It would make a heaven and hell difference to their lives because when they save early they would have built a considerable egg nest for that time; a time when they would not be able to work as hard as they did in their young age. With these savings they could start a second stage beginning – but with a difference.

While the first job and professional career was for the family and shouldering the relevant responsibilities, this would be only for self-realization. There would be no pressure about how much it pays back or if it pays back at all. It would all about freedom to do what you please; and this would be possible because of the timely started retirement plan.