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Choose a page number: 1 Boating RSS FeedsM C A warns boatowners using (or advertising for) "Paying Crew" - We have been advising on the CruiserLog Forum against the practice of engaging "paying crews" for a long time, pointing out the legal and insurance implications. The debate became quite heated at times and many advocates of the "paying crew" side unfortunately refused to see the logic of our argument. Well, now the logic has been seen by the British Maritime and Coastguard Agency. (Ref. Practical Boat Owner no. 509 may 2009) Mr. David Lee, MCA enforcement officer, warned yacht owners bending the rules and taking paying crew that their vessels may not have the necessary certification. A number of companies are, at present, under investigation. The MCA advises all answering ads for mile building, adventurous sailing, transatlantic passages or Yachtmaster Ocean passages to ensure the vessel is properly coded (in the case of UK flagged vessels that means Category Zero) and that the skipper and mate are qualified....Feed Source: www.cruiserlog.com One step closer to moving aboard, sold the small boat to make room for the big one. - Well, we've just sold our smaller boat, a Rawson 30, to a wonderful couple who will be giving the boat a good home and hopefully cruising on her in the next few years. The closing is scheduled for early next week. I'm happy to have her off our mooring so we have a spot for our cruising boat! But now, we'll be without a boat to sail for a couple months. We're scheduled to move our schooner back to the water sometime this summer. Earliest possible is late June but it will be dependent upon the boat mover's schedule as well as availability at the travel lift and the visitors' dock at our marina. The dockmaster will give us a month (minimum) on the visitors' dock, which we'll need because ours is a wood boat which will be swelling up during that timeframe and taking on a lot of water during the process.
Full discussion .... Can you do an extended cruise in a 30' Catalina sloop? - I'm sure you could cruise around the Caribbean in just about anything if you really wanted to, but realistically, is a 30' Catalina sloop an OK yacht to cruise on if you're fine with the small size? How about sailing a boat like that outside the Caribbean, like from the Caribbean to Australia, or Fiji?
Full discussion .... Boat Stoves - I need a new stove for my Morgan 33 Out Island. Everyone here in Vermont uses propane. A friend who had a blow up favors a Wallas diesel. Any ideas? We will eventually be doing blue water sailing.
Full discussion .... The Red Sea or Cape of Good Hope Route? The circumnavigator's dilemma - Due to the many incidents of piracy in the Gulf of Aden I would be interested to know if any current cruising circumnavigators are still planning on transiting the Red Sea as opposed to the alternative Cape of Good Hope (Cape Town, South Africa) route for the next Indian Ocean crossing "season".
In your replies, please state whether:
You are now in the region and planning your Indian Ocean crossing next "season";
Or
Planning your future circumnavigation and your thoughts;
Or
Whether you are simply giving your thoughts/ideas on the situation and routes.
Full discussion .... Mediterranean passages - sailing notes. -
Aegean to West Mediterranean Passages:
Depending on the time you would like to complete the passage, your departure point and personal preference, you must decide whether to take a southern route via Malta (south of Sicily) or a northern route along the Messina Strait in Italy (north of Sicily). In general the northern route is shorter and faster than the southern. Also the northern route has shorter legs and more places to stop.
All the routing instructions described in this page can be reversed and equally apply for passages from Gibraltar to the Aegean Sea (see also the East Mediterranean Passages).
The months to be avoided for this passage are from November to April when violent storms are possible. The best time of the year for this passage is either in May - June or in September - October when various ports and marinas are less crowded and the weather is usually benign. In October, however, there ... Cruisers in Turkey, information requested -
The following has been posted to "Latest News" on the Cruising Wiki's Turkey page:
"From 1st January '09, a detailed inventory form is required for entry and exit to and from Turkey. The form must detail all main items aboard such as engines, generators, sails, electronics such as SSB, VHF, GPS, and all items such as bicycles, binoculars, stereos, computers, television sets, etc. This form will be attached to the yacht's cruising permit and the items listed on entry must match those on the list on exit from Turkey. Any changes to this inventory list while in Turkey must be covered with purchase invoices for additions to the list or sales receipts identifying the new owner of the goods if removed from the list. This inventory list is stamped and copied by Customs at a cost of 50 Turkish lira."
This "rule" was in force some years ago and was dropped. Can ... World Cruising and Sailing Wiki, a free, online World Cruising Guide -
A new feature is currently being added to the article pages of the World Cruising Wiki. Co-ordinates are being added in "GPS" format and these co-ordinates are formatted as a link which when clicked, takes you to a page of Geo resources where you can get local photos, chartlets, etc., or go direct to Google Earth, etc., for these co-ordinates. (Wiki editors see the Wiki's "Help" section for the 'co-ordinates" template)
A good example of this feature can be seen in the SAMOS section within the Wiki's Greece cruising guide.
The Cruising and Sailing Wiki is growing very quickly - this World Cruising Guide already has almost 5,000 pages and to date has had almost a half-million page views. LOTS of input is still required, so bring out the hidden "Cruising Guide Writer" in you and add what you can for the benefit of all cruisers who will follow in your wake - share the information on passages, world ports, immigration and customs formalities... Yacht Maintenance Schedules -
Daily/Weekly Yacht Maintenance
Electrical and Electronics
Check the battery charge level, in both the engine and the house batteries. If the battery levels are low then charging circuits (battery charger, alternator, etc) will need to be engaged. Remember that leaving a lead acid battery discharged for extended periods of time damages the battery and shortens its life.
Engine
If the engine has been running then these tasks need to be done regularly.
* Check oil level with the dipstick, top up oil if necessary. An engine can use 200mL of oil or more per hour of operation (Pallas p 86).
* Check water level in the heat exchanger, topping up with clean/distilled water and/or radiator conditioner / antifreeze if required.
* Check the state of the heat exchanger cap and replace it if it is broken, worn, or damaged (Pallas, p116).
* Check water level in the salt water strainer, check to see if... sv Ultimate - Yacht Missing in the Atlantic Ocean, Crew - Tom Bouter and Theckla Franssen - sv Ultimate - Yacht Missing in the Atlantic Ocean, Crew - Tom Bouter and Theckla Franssen.
Information needed: See Navtex message below, yacht is still missing. Yotreps gives just a little more information. Does anybody have any information? I'm not connected, just concerned. Any information will help.
Full details .... Topping Up The Diesel Tanks At Sea - Thought I would share this one with you and ask what others do. As I do yacht deliveries, we often have to carry spare fuel in cans and use this to top up the tanks when making passage.
Pouring fuel can be a difficult job as the fillers are usually outside the rails and, with the boat heaving around, it is hard to avoid spillage. An effective method I have developed is to use an outboard engine hand primer pump (you know, the kind you use with an external fuel tank) with approx 2 metres of tube on each end which will siphon once the flow is established. This gets rid of the need to pour, means the fuel can may be located in the cockpit and eliminates spills completely.
The down side is that it can be a bit slow. The plus side is that it cost me about £15 to buy, it's reusable and it slips into my baggage with no trouble. Any other suggestions?
Full Discussion: .... Watch-keeping On A Cruising Yacht - keeping watch on longer passages at sea. - For longer coastal passages and ocean voyages, formal watch-keeping should begin as soon as your yacht has cleared port and is settled down on her course at sea.
What watch-keeping routine do you use? (hours on/off)
Why does this work best for you?
Also see the Watch-keeping section on the Cruising Wiki HERE.
Full discussion .... Rigging wire / turnbuckle sizes on a cruising yacht. - We have in hand two good quotes for rigging gear to do our 35' cruising yacht with (out of about 8 quotes in total). There are two paths we can pursue from here and some questions that we need to answer. One path is to rig with the same size wires 5/16" all round, except that the inner forestay and upper shrouds are 1/4". The yacht is a Masthead, dual inline spreaders, 12mt stick, 7ton boat, single backstay with no runners, 4 x lower shrouds. The other option is to alter the sizes of the rig wires (& terminals) to strengthen &/or lighten the rig. Fine tuning the design in other words. Does anyone have opinions as to what wires on a rig like ours take the most strain and what wires have the least in the various conditions of cruising offshore ???
Full discussion .... Catamaran vs Monohull Sailing Yachts, a comparison. - Catamaran vs Monohull is a question often asked - the advantages and disadvantages of cruising on a single hull compared to a multihull? Phil Berman of the Multihull Company, the sponsor of this "Multihull Club" forum board, has written an interesting article on the subject.
More .... Queequeg Two - search for survivors of the stricken yacht (catamaran) has been called off. - We have learned that they have ended the search for the yacht Queequeg II. We are heartbroken! (daughter of one of the missing sailors).
Details .... Capsized Yacht Queequeg II survivor rescued. - The man that was found from the stricken yacht Queequeg II is Leo Sherman. He was found clinging to the boat and is hopefully now receiving medical attention. Apparently, divers are going to search the boat more thoroughly. We are still hoping that my dad (Joe Strykowski) and Quen Cultra could be out there on a raft or the dingy - or clinging to something. I feel caught between joy and despair. Having hope but wanting to brace myself against the awful blow that might be coming. One hopeful thing the rescuers apparently noticed that there were more civilian ships in the area than normal. It makes me feel that, if they are out there, they will be found.
More .... Father Missing Off Madagascar - catamaran Queequeg II capsized! - Father Missing Off Madagascar from the catamaran Queequeg II - This is all the information I have. I am posting this in hope that someone out there will find him If you or someone you know is in the area, please help! About 48 hours ago, someone on my father's boat (The Queequeg II) hit "the panic button" sending a distress call. The Embassy of Madagascar sent a search party and 36 hours ago they found the Queegueg II capsized. No bodies were found. The Embassy is planning to send another search party but the cyclones are making it difficult. My sister and i are hoping and praying that he could still be out there. There were three men on the boat and all three are missing.
Full details .... Declaring Firearms Aboard a Cruising Yacht - If a USA flagged sailing yacht pulls into port in another country that is more restrictive in its firearms laws, the USA yacht is required to declare firearms and ammunition. I saw this in most countries in the CRUISING WIKI section. No problem, right? Some nations require that the firearms be impounded and given back upon departure. Have there been instances of firearms being "lost" by the authorities, or have authorities objected to certain firearms (.50cal, H&K UMP, suppressors, laser sights, frangible ammo) that are legal in the USA (for now), but are just too scary for some governments?
Full discussion .... Choosing An RYA Sailing School - Having looked at a number of forums I think it would help if I gave a few pointers about how to select a sailing school. There are a number of points worth looking at.
Full details .... A Call To All Cruisers Around The World - The World Cruising and Sailing Wiki is a free, online world cruising guide developed by cruisers, for cruisers. This Cruising Wiki already contains almost 4,000 pages and has already had 250,000 page views - and growing fast The World Cruising Wiki contains information about world ports, country immigration and customs procedures, local weather info, radio nets, approaches and navigation, ocean passages, marinas, yacht clubs, anchorages, photos, chartlets, and much more. It also contains general information about sailing, radio, yacht maintenance, safety at sea, cruisers blogs, etc., etc. The World Cruising Wiki is being developed by cruisers all around the world - contributing information about regions that they know (in the true cruiser's spirit) so that others who follow in their wake can benefit. The resource can remain completely up to date as contributors can edit/update information online, 24/7.
... 40' - 45' Bluewater Cruiser?! - I'm looking to purchase my first sailboat and I am in need of some guidance. I was leaning towards a steel or aluminum hull but most do not have a swim step and walk through transom. It sounds kind of odd but the is a top criteria for me. Three reasons: it is easier to land big fish, it is easiers to board from a tender, and I have a dog who loves the water and if she jumps I need to get her back aboard somehow. Do you know of any steel hulled sloop or cutter rigs that have a walk through transom and a swim step?! I am looking at the 40'-45' range.
Full discussion .... Greece Cruising Guide - A Free, Online Resource For Sailors - The Greece Cruising Guide, a section on the free, online World Cruising and Sailing Wiki, has now developed into a VERY usable sailing resource along with many other well developed cruising guides for regions around the world. The World Cruising Wiki Cruising Guides are developed and written by cruisers, for cruisers. These Cruising Guides contain up-to-date information on countries, immigration and customs, world ports, marinas and yacht clubs, anchorages, approaches and navigation details, ocean passages and much more. World Cruising and Sailing Wiki
More ... Caribbean Cruising Guide - The Caribbean section of the Cruising Wiki is now well underway - many sections are already very useful and interesting and, of course, free for anyone to access. Our collective thanks to all those who have already contributed their information to date - it is most appreciated by all cruisers around the world. Thank you! I am posting this message on this board to make an appeal to all who have knowledge of the Caribbean region to make a concerted effort to "fill in the blanks" and complete this section in particular. Let's get this section completed - for all the cruisers that are following in our wakes. Bring out the "writer" in you and help to build a great resource for all - others will be building other sections around the world that will be useful to YOU in the future. Help to build this World Cruising Wiki - the free, online Cruising Guide. The World Cruising Wiki belongs to all - built by cruisers, for cruisers.... Oceanswatch - Anyone Know Much About Them?, www.oceanswatch.org - The Oceanswatch web site was interesting to me, but I'm not familiar with many charitable organizations traveling on small private yachts, and so I wrote to Oceanswatch for a copy of their charter before I went any further. They really haven't been very forthcoming, it seems. On their web site, under "charter" they state: "Copies of our Trust documents are available on request by emailing chris@oceanswatch.org" I emailed Chris, and here are the emails sent and received as of today. It doesn't cost him anything to send copies of this stuff to me, does it? So now I'm asking what does he have to hide? Anybody here know?
Full details: ... Cruising Blogs and Narratives. - The best way to learn about cruising is to read other cruisers' Blogs, Narratives and Voyage Logs and see how they are doing it "out there".
Cruising Blogs and Narratives... World Cruising and Sailing Wiki - the free World Cruising Guide for cruising sailors. -
The World Cruising and Sailing Wiki has been established by Cruiserlog.com so that all cruising sailors around the world can have free access to as much information on cruising around the world as possible. This cruising and sailing Wiki is a resource to which all sailors are encouraged to freely contribute and thereby help to build a great reference resource for the benefit of all cruisers that are sailing around the world.
The Cruiserlog World Cruising and Sailing Wiki's objectives:-
* To provide all cruising sailors with a one-stop interactive resource which members can annotate, correct and add to.
* To provide current information regarding cruising destinations.
* To provide information that is based on recent factual experience.
* To provide information that is easily understood and if possible, is supported by images and graphics.
... Storm Management for Ocean Cruisers - At the 32nd Annual Seven Seas Cruising Association Convention in Melbourne, Florida, I presented a short discussion on STORM MANAGEMENT FOR CRUISERS. I have now uploaded the talk on my website so that fellow sailors can learn more about storm management from an experienced cruiser's perspective.
Full discussion .... To All Cruisers - Information On Cruising Expenses. - This is not "how much does it cost to cruise." This isn't "How much did you spend in Fiji?" This is, "what do you spend on a monthly or weekly basis in the various ports while cruising?" It doesn't have to be exact, and shouldn't be overblown, but this is intended to buttress the arguments of many destination-based businesses that cruising sailors are good for the local economy. This is a subject near and dear to my heart, because it isn't just Fiji who discounts the cruising sailor as a benefit to the economy, and it's the powerful resorts who get the ear of government in most economies dependent upon the tourist dollar.
More .... Cruising Fiji - Up To Date Information. - Some very important information has been updated TODAY on the Cruising & Sailing Wiki's Fiji page. Cruisers planning to visit Fiji should read this.
Details .... Cruising and Sailing Wiki by CruiserLog - CruiserLog is proud to have established this new Cruising and Sailing Wiki so that all cruisers around the world can have free access to as much information on the topic as possible. This cruising and sailing Wiki is a resource to which all members are encouraged to freely contribute and help to build a great reference resource for the benefit of all cruisers that are sailing around the world.
Details .... Boom Brakes & Preventers, Preventing Injuries. - Not wishing to pre-empt the findings of the investigation into the latest tragedy in the ARC rally. But taking a good hard look at preventing injuries from being hit specifically by booms:-
During racing, the controlled gybe manoeuver may be performed many times without the use of a boom preventer - this is understandable. However, when in a cruising mode and when setting a course for a distant destination, is there a good reason for not using a boom preventer, so that if an unplanned gybe occurs - possible injury is averted ????
Full discussion .... Yacht "No Komis" Epirb Activated - Indonesia - We just got this message from a friend's wife. Her husband's EPIRB (Yacht NO KOMIS) went off and he dropped off the nets and e-mail. The local SAR does not seem to have many assets/capabilities. We don't know Indonesia very well, anyone have any suggestions as to any other actions she should take?
"Great to hear from you and get the photos. Life is stressful for me right now. Terry and his yacht "No Komis" are the subject of a search by Search & Rescue, Indonesia. The EPIRB went off last Saturday afternoon, transmitted for about 25 hours and stopped. There has been no Sailmail since Nov 28. Terry was leaving the next day for a brief overnight passage of 100nm. This could be a series of events, none serious, but then again, who knows. Any one thing is no problem, but putting them together does make you wonder what has happened. "
Full details .... Schooner Alvei Overdue To New Zealand. - An aircraft is to carry out a search for a ship which was due to arrive in New Zealand on Saturday. The 92ft schooner Alvei left Port Vila in Vanuatu with nine people onboard more than three weeks ago. The Alvei is described as a learning vessel, which gives travelers the experience of sailing on a traditional ship. Its crew and passengers are believed to be aged between 27 and 66 and include Australians, Americans, a New Zealander and an Englishman.
Details .... Caribbean or Bahamas - where to keep a yacht? - This is a somewhat general question but where would be a good place to moor a yacht - the Bahamas or in the Caribbean? When I say good, I mean a combination of relatively cheap-to-fly- to, close to an airport, relatively cheap and safe to moor a sailing yacht that is also a good cruising destination.
Full discussion .... Cruising And Sailing In Guyana - Information for Cruisers. - Cruising in Guyana Situate on the North Eastern seaboard of South America, though it's name translates from it's Amerindian origin to mean, Land of Many Waters, Guyana was not, until recently, considered a cruising destination. But, four years ago a flotilla of some 4 yachts sailed up the majestic Essequibo River, the third largest in South America, to discover that it's fresh waters offered amongst the most attractive anchorages in the South American and Caribbean region.
Full report .... Solar Panel Life-span On Sailing Yachts? - Just wondering how long some of you have had your solar panels? If you have noticed any degeneration in efficiency, and what brand you have? Also, if anyone can recommend a good book on solar power - drycell battery systems and energy consumption calculations (i.e. how many and what size panels are needed to power specific systems) it would be greatly appreciated.
Full discussion .... Non-EU Yachts In Greece? - Does anyone have current experience of this charge for sailing yachts that visit Greece? I have just been told that there is a huge fee to pay, based on L.O.A x beam, if your boat stays longer than 3 months. This is not mentioned in the Imray Greek Waters Pilot, edition 9.
Full discussion .... Piracy Attempts On Cruising Yachts - Analysis of the 1st 9 months of 2007. - This analysis of reported attempted attacks on Yachts sailing the world has been carried out by Cruiserlog Moderators in order to evaluate the events/incidents from a cruisers point of view. It is not meant to be a criticism of the ICC International Maritime Bureau's Piracy Report Center's Q3 report for 2007. They receive reports from ships, boats and yachts and précis these for publication in their weekly piracy report which is then widely circulated. It is probable that the IMB is not able to check the veracity of the initial incident, therefore having to accept it at face value even though it may sound incomplete, inaccurate or even exaggerated.
Details ... Freestanding Rigs And..., ... other non traditional approaches. - If anyone's interested in a quick and pretty convincing overview of the value of freestanding rigs, I guess that you could do a lot worse than talk to Eric Sponberg who's not only enthusiastic and clearly knowledgeable but also has a pretty straightforward writing style - I understood nearly every word first time round so
Details .... Water Purification On Boats - I came across this product AQUA SALVEO for water purification. Just wondering has anyone used this product OR any other product to do this job. My boat has been sitting for 4 years now and I suspect the water is maybe older than that. I can't remove the tanks without some major demolition and reconstruction work so is this the best alternative.
Full discussion .... Cruising And Sailing Wiki, A community project, all sailors encouraged to contribute. - Has anyone noticed the very quiet birth of the CruiserLog Cruising and Sailing Wiki? This Cruising and Sailing Wiki will develop into an extremely useful resource for all cruisers around the world - be built by all cruisers around the world who are always so willing to share their knowledge and information.
Cruising and Sailing Wiki .... E-mail At Sea For Sailing Yachts - We have an ICOM IC-M700PRO SSB Radio Telephone installed in sailing yacht "Gallivanter". What is the simplest and most cost effective upgrade which would enable us to send & receive e-mail at sea? I understand I'll need to purchase some sort of modem and sign-up with a service provider. Options abound and I'm just curious about which is the best / cost effective way to go in these modern times.
Full discussion .... Advance Notice of Arrival (ANOA) for cruising yachts required in some countries. - Countries around the world are fast changing existing regulations or activating new regulations regarding Advance Notice of Arrival (ANOA) for yachts. These regulations are currently being applied with little notice so it is imperative that there be a central database that is constantly updated for cruisers to refer to.
Full details .... Boat Fenders For A Sailing Yacht, cylindrical or spherical? - Is there a practical reason why some cruisers choose round over cylindrical (or vice versa) fenders for a sailing yacht? I have been told the guide for fender size is 2.5cm per 1.5m (1" per 5') of boat length for cylindrical, and 5cm per 1.5m (2" per 5') for round; is this an effective measure? Some sailors also seem to think that suspending fenders from the hand railings/wire between staunchions is poor seamanship is there a modern reason why this may be true?
Full Discussion .... Manual vs Electric Windlass For Sailing Yacht? - From all of your experience is it feasible to use a manual windlass or are the 12 volt models the only way to go on a sailing yacht? The cost of the manual models is so much less that i would like to go that way. I have just found out the hard way that pulling up and anchor and chain by hand in a windward anchorage can be difficult and dangerous. Thanks for your thoughts.
Full discussion .... Ciguatera, A Danger For Yacht Crews Sailing In The Tropics - When catching dinner, how concerned are cruisers and sailors about catching fish which carry the Ciguatera toxin? I only know what amounts to 'folklore'. In Australian waters many anglers avoid eating large fish which are known to dwell amid coral reefs. The parrot fish (beautiful fillets!!) is known to be particularly prone to Ciguatera. I understand that fish caught in deep water, or away from coral, do not carry Ciguatera. Is this correct?
Full discussion .... Panama Canal Transit - Current Cost Details for sailing yachts. - Firstly, I use an agent for a sailing yacht where a lot of cruisers do everything themselves and thus save quite a considerable amount of money. The reason for using an agent is time - we are undertaking a delivery and the quicker we can get through the canal the better. I used Stanley Scott and he is kept updated as to the date and time of our arrival in Colon.
Full report .... Being Your Own Mechanic as owner of a sailing yacht. - Reading this sailing blog for the past few weeks makes me realize how incredibly difficult it must be to own a boat if you don't have the skills to do the mechanical work yourself. I wonder what percent of today's cruisers rely on a mechanic versus do-it-yourself?
Full discussion .... How Do You Mark Your sailing yacht's Anchor Chain? - I thought it would be interesting to hear about the various methods used to mark anchor chain on a sailing yacht. I have seen a very effective method of having cable-ties every 10 meters - one for 10m. 2 for 20m, etc.
Full discussion .... Good Cruising And Sailing Quotes... - Cruising let?s you share a back porch with a billionaire.
Many more quotes ... Delivery Yachtsman Freed In Gibraltar - 2 months in jail I believe and I can't imagine how much pain and money this cost him and his sailing crew. What a nightmare situation to find oneself in when you thought you were doing something relaxing and enjoyable.
Full discussion .... Sailing/cruising To Achieve One's Goals. - After reading Liz Clark's sailing blog, my husband and I started talking about what was so refreshing about it (besides the good grammar and pics!). Well, the thing that jumped out was the fact that this cruiser wasn't identifying herself as a cruiser but instead as a surfer-girl. Her outlook on life, her goals, where she's going and what she's doing doesn't simply focus on "cruising" for the sake of cruising. We realized that we were craving another viewpoint like this. We absolutely love to hear about people who are achieving another life goal where sailing/cruising happens to be a conduit to the achievement. What do you all think?
Full discussion ... Water Treatment For Tanks On Yachts and Boats in general. - Tony Herrick from Cruising Connections asked whether this product was worth considering for the boating industry. The product is made in S Africa and is approved by the SA Burough of Standards and in use by the local Military amongst many other govt. and semi-govt. organizations and private groups. The retail cost for the water treatment would be in the region of about US$20 per 1,000 liters of water. The best for me is that this treatment is odourless and tasteless (Chlorine and bleach free). Please give your comments.
Full discussion ... Hurricane DEAN - warning for the Caribbean - Hurricane Dean - a warning has been issued for the Caribbean and in particular to St Lucia and Martinique. Dean had been looking a little more ragged on satellite this morning due to some dry air intrusion, and a bit of westerly shear. However recent visible and enhanced IR satellite loops indicate Hurricane Dean's structure has improved, and may be starting the forecasted steady strengthening. In fact, the 5:00 a.m. advisory reported a minimum central pressure of 976 mb or 28.82 inches. This intermediate advisory reports a central pressure of 970 mb or 28.64 inches. This is considered a rapid drop in pressure (defined as a drop of 2.0 mb per hour). Max winds are still at 100 mph, and will take probably a couple of advisories to respond to any pressure drop. Dean is forecast to become a major hurricane in 36 hours, and is forecast between 72 and 96 hours to become a CATEGORY 4 HURRICANE with winds near 145 mph.
... Tropical Depression Four ( TD 4 ) and Disturbance 91L - Atlantic storms. - Tropical Depression Four (TD 4 ) a storm in the Atlantic - this was designated late this morning. It's moving to the west, and I expect this motion to continue for the next 72 hours. I feel the NHC has a good track forecast right now, based on what I've seen in the forecast steering currents as mentioned this morning. This could change as this reaches T.S. or Hurricane status. I will continue to monitor that and put out a forecast if needed regarding any possible change. All interests in the Leeward Islands, Caribbean Islands, and Puerto Rico should monitor the progress of this system closely.
Full synopsis ... Navigation software - what is good for use on a sailing yacht? - Hi, just a quick question - I've been looking for navigation software and found there is lots of it for sailing yachts. I came across a program called Software on Board that runs C Maps. So, I was just wondering if anyone has this and can tell me what it's like. Can anyone tell me what type of GPS antenna would be best (an internal or an external)? My boat is aluminium and I'm not sure how the signal would go through aluminium, and, is the accuracy of these units as good as each other?
Full discussion .... GPS - WAAS discontinued so does your GPS unit require a software update? - What does this mean for existing (maybe older) GPS receivers? Do they require a software update for the changes? Perhaps you should contact the supplier or manufacturer of your unit to confirm.
Full discussion ..... Yacht Clandara in difficulty in the Indian Ocean - Latest News. - Yacht Clandara - catamaran adrift in the Indian Ocean. SA men wait on rescue from yacht Clandara 01/08/2007 12:15 - (SA) Johannesburg - Authorities on the island of Reunion said it could take them until Saturday to get to the yacht Clandara adrift in the Indian Ocean, SABC news reported on Wednesday. Four yachtsmen on board the catamaran Clandara were stranded in deep seas after their yacht lost its mast, sail and radio antenna during heavy storms on Monday evening. Three South African men and one Australian were on board and had been sailing from Durban to Australia.
Details .... What if you come upon a boatload of refugees while cruising? - So, you're sailing along happily on your 40' yacht (just you and your wife), some 200 miles from the nearest landfall and you see a boat ahead. As you get closer you notice that the vessel is lying very low in the water and the people aboard are waving their arms frantically. As you approach you see that the vessel is very close to sinking and there are about 20 men aboard - obviously a boatload of refugees. It appears that the boat is going down fast.
Full discussion .... Sailing through the Panama Canal - lessons learned. - We had heard a bunch of horror stories about sailing a yacht through the Panama Canal, but we just went across last week and had no problems. If you are doing the transit from North to South (Caribbean to Pacific), here are some tips:
Full discussion ..... Pilot-House sailing yachts - how seaworthy? - Other aspects of pilot-house sailing yachts that should be considered?
Full discussion ..... Sailing Yacht's Propeller Energy Conversion? - I was just reading the thread on sailing yacht propellers and was wondering if anybody has ever used their propeller to generate electricity while under sail. Seems like it would be easy enough just install a gear on the shaft and connect it to some form of small turbine . I would think this could be a pretty efficient way to charge batteries, etc., while under sail but I've never heard anyone comment on it.
Full discussion .... The danger of a lightning strike on a sailing yacht? - Some sources state that a typical cruiser has a fair to high probability of his sailing yacht being struck by lightning at least once. Surveyors often are called upon to inspect vessels damaged by it. Some statistics say about half of the boats take some form of defensive measures. What are these?
Full discussion ... Yacht Sean Seamour II Sinks In Mid Atlantic - Dream adventure on high seas turns into sailor's sailing nightmare. - This is the log of actions and events driven by the only-subsequently named Sub-tropical Storm Andrea, leading to the sinking of s/v Sean Seamour II and the successful rescue of its entire crew on the early morning of May 7th 2007. We departed from Green Cove Springs on the Saint Johns River in the early morning of May 2nd, 2007. Gibraltar was our prime destination with a planned stopover in the Azores for recommissioning and eventually fuel. The vessel, on its second crossing was fully prepared and some of the recent preparations done by Holland Marine and skipper with crew were as follows: .
Full report .... Cruising in Brazil. - Sailing the Coast of Brazil? New East Coast Yachting Centre Announced. Phillipe Fessard an experienced French sailor, has opened a new yachting centre at Praia do Jacaré, on the Rio Paraiba behind the port of Cabedelo, close to Joao Pessoa, (World Port Index No. 12710, 6 58'S., 34 50'W.). The buoyed channel to Cabedelo is well marked for either day or night entry, with a least depth of more than 8 meters. It is located on the trade wind trans-ocean, trans-equatorial route from Europe and Africa.
Full details ..... CHAGOS - Breaking News!, Appeal Court Rules in Favour of BIOT Islanders - Chagos families win legal battle. The islanders have been protesting for the right to return to the island. Families expelled from the Chagos Islands by the British have won their legal battle for the right to return home at the Court of Appeal. Some 2,000 residents were forced out when the British colony in the Indian Ocean was leased to the US in the 1960s to build an air base at Diego Garcia.
Details ..... Maxpower Marine Fuel Cell, A real step forward for sailing yachts? - This Maxpower marine fuel cell looks like a real step forward for the DC needs of a cruising yacht.
Full discussion ... Stitch-It Awl, Sail repair tool - and other uses on sailing yachts. - Used a similar tool many years ago - it was a very useful , especially when repairing a genoa on my sailing yacht where the clew's grommet/cringle had pulled out - this one looks similar. Seems expensive but I guess if it is strongly built it and because it might have an easy life, it should last the life of your boat. Over time it could turn out to save a lot of journeys to the sailmaker.
Full Discussion ... Exercise on a sailing yacht at sea? - When out to sea on a sailing yacht for extended periods how do you stay in shape, if you stay in shape? Calisthetics and maybe jump rope come to mind off hand .
Full discussion ..... Sailing Yacht's first aid kit - what is necessary for cruising? - A cruising yacht is often on passage and far away from any assistance so it is important to have some knowledge and good reference material to treat a variety of possible injuries or ailments - and have the necessary medicines and first aid dressings, etc., close to hand. You cannot carry everything but what do YOU have in your medical kit?
Full discussion .... Australian Sailing Yacht Cowrie Dancer In Trouble In Southern Ocean, Australian and South African crew aboard - The Antarctic research vessel SA Agulhas is steaming through rough seas in the Southern Ocean to rescue the crew of an Australian sailing yacht, Cowrie Dancer, after its mizzen mast broke and a crew member was washed overboard in a storm with swells of between five and eight meters. A South African crew member, Carol Erasmus, 32, of Uvongo on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, was unhurt but exhausted on Tuesday after the ordeal, which took place about 700 nautical miles south of Port Elizabeth. The two other crew members, both Australian, were injured.
Details ..... Regular Sailing Yacht Maintenance Tasks - What needs to be done and how often? - All this talk of sanding and varnishing leads me to the thought that there are plenty of other things that need to be checked over/maintained on a regular basis if we're to stay afloat safely and remain healthy on a sailing yacht.
Full discussion .... "Ghost Yacht" (Kaz 2) found drifting off the Australian east coast. - Three sailors missing from the sailing yacht Kaz 11 found drifting off the Australian east coast. The yacht was found with engines idling, lunch prepared and table set and a laptop switched on.
Details .... Gripping account of Sailing Yacht Aquarelle while crossing to Australia from New Zealand. - "We are back in Nelson after departing for Australia and running into considerable trouble. Here's what happened. Ken, Graeme our crew, and I finished with New Zealand Customs at about 9:00 am on Thursday, April 12 and headed out toward Farewell Spit headed to Sydney, Australia in calm conditions. The predicted forecast was for a 15 knot winds building throughout the day until Friday afternoon when 30kts and 3 meter swells were expected to peak and then ease late that night with westerlies to15 kts on Saturday".
Full story ..... Rare ducks from ZEALANDIA on the move! - Hutt City resident Wendy Baker did a double take when she spotted a strange duck swimming with the mallards on Waiwhetu Stream.A quick internet search confirmed that the newcomer was a pateke (Anas chlorotis), one of the rarest ducks in the world.... 85kg Weighted Warriors Get Ready for Semi Final Action - ... Semi-finals assured for frontrunners if they win this weekend - Leading trio Poneke, Northern United and Hutt Old Boys Marist will all be assured of places in the J ... Wairarapa science student takes the stage - IN GOOD COMPANY: David Winter won an international biology award.... Potential councillor? The soul-searching starts now - By Amie Hickland & Hanna ButlerTHE CLOCK is counting down for the 2010 local body elections - the chance for the region?s residents to pick their local representatives.... Kadine the Kiwi ?birthday present? a gift to the nation - UNUSUAL PRESENT: Patty (left) and John watch as Nikki (above)and Melody take Kadine out of her box.... City Freedom for Herbert's 'Unbeatables' - Ricki Herbert and the undefeated All Whites are to receive another honour - Freedom of the City of Wellington.... Hundreds enter IHC art show in Wellington - HAPPY ARTIST: Daniel Phillips with his entry in the annual IHC arts awards.... 'Blakey' - Tickets are available for the screening of 'Blakey' which is produced and directed by Mark Albiston. Thursday 5 August at 7.45pm at the Paramount Theatre. Tickets are $20 and available from the school office. (See flyer on news page)... WPAC Open Day - Come and experience dance, performance and acting programmes at WPAC on 20 August, Wellington City.... Planting in Silverstream Road this weekend - Planting in Silverstream RoadWe have just received a selection of plants from Wellington City Council and plan to plant them out this weekend.You are very welcome to join us or just come along and see what what?s happening.Date: Saturday, 24 July, 10:00 am. (Sunday, same time if very wet.)Place: Silverstream Park, behind the playcentre.Bring: spades, grubbers... Bronze Plaques Stolen from Makara Cemetery - Wellington City Council has called in the Police after the theft of 13 bronze lawn plaques from Makara Cemetery.... Nominations open tomorrow for City Council candidates - Want to make your mark on this city? Wellington City Council elections in October are your chance to give local politics a go.... Let's go shwopping! - Crossposted from Pretty Pretty Pretty, because I can.... Newsletter for 21st July, 2010 - Thirty four students have had their Art work exhibited in the Newtown New World Mall since July 12th. The exhibition will run until 23rd July.The works have drawn considerable praise from the public.Thanks to Koka Rea for arranging this display of student work.... Porirua Police warn local commercial businesses to beware - Porirua Police are urging small businesses in the Elsdon and Kenepuru commercial areas to beware, ... City buses in first trial of NZ developed ?green? diesel - FOUR Wellington buses are trialling an alternative fuel this week that promises to eliminate the black smoke that belches from most diesels.They are part of the first commercial trial of a new ?green diesel? that has been developed by staff at Weltec polytech and Hutt Valley alternative fuels company Veranis.... Petone Well Represented At ITM Level - Randwick Meats Petone has three players in the Wellington Lions squad named last night .... Premiers Bounce Back Into Contention - The Prems four try bonus point win over OBU has kept their chances of a top four spot firmly on track and the team now knows that wins in their last two matches at home, with a bonus point in at least one against Ories and Upper Hutt is a must .... In Touch - July - To read the latest ?In Touch? Click hereThe latest Issue contains articles titled:?The Solidarity of Sin??Just Economics? The big business of punishment??Just Courts and prisons???Just theology?The great interrupter?And ?Just thinking? The streets and suites of crime?... Valuing libraries - Most of the items you can borrow from Wellington City Libraries are free for members, as library use is pre-paid by ratepayers.How much would you pay outside our libraries for the same services?Have you ever wondered how much you are saving by using library services?... Questions and answers for the fishheasd magazine interview - An interview with Mayoral candidate Bryan Pepperell1.... Weekly Club Roundup - 17th July 2010 - Mud Mud Mud A 14-8 loss to Hutt Old Boys Marist leaves our Premiers having to beat Petone and MSP in the next two weeks-we did it in the first round so fingers crossed! Elsewhere our Senior 1st remain top of the table and our Colts secured a hard fought 6 point win over HOBM.... Absolutely positively proud of the All Whites - By Hugh Petersen, Greg Ford & Josh SneeWELLINGTON football fans climbed cars, walls and even rubbish trucks to get a good vantage point to see their hero players from the All Whites in today?s lunchtime parade.... Eat and eat and eat: win a voucher for Rata Cafe - Congratulations to Angus who won last week's prize.... Boat Rentals Newport Beach: enjoy your trip with this great opportunity Posted By : Sean Acosta - These Boats are extremely easy to operate for adults of all ages and offers you on an hourly basis for any time of the day. Beside all this, they provide a special guides and informative maps with points of interest and public dock information that guides you about the boat and cruise functions for driving and many more.... 5 Reasons On How To Lose Weight Now and to live better Posted By : Cancer, - Obesity is the condition of having excess body fat while over weight can be described as having excess muscle. Over weight people can be healthy; if the weight and height is matching, but obese people.... The Best Summer Boating Toys - Towable Tubes Posted By : Jenn Quilter - The best summer boating toys have to be towable tubes. They're a great way to get your family and friends together to spend the day out on the water.... 4 Family Water Sports Posted By : Jenn Quilter - Keeping a family close is difficult when you're all living your own busy lives, but a vacation together can help you regroup and bond. If you set off with a specific group activity in mind, like some of the family water sports listed below, you're able to work together on this activity and accomplish something together.... Cheap Inflatable Boat Maintenance Tips in Just a Few Simple Steps Posted By : Jason Williamson Jr. - Cheap Inflatable Boat How to Maintain. Click to learn how to simply maintain of your investment... Cheap Inflatable Boat Maintenance Tips in Just a Few Simple Steps Posted By : Jason Williamson Jr. - Cheap Inflatable Boat How to Maintain. Click to learn how to simply maintain of your investment... Proper Anchoring of Your Boat Posted By : Marinetrader - In a previous article we discussed the five categories of anchors and how to choose the best one for your needs. Today we will review how to successfully use that anchor.
Logic would have it that dropping and setting an anchor is merely nothing more than lowering the anchor, setting out some line and kick back and start having fun. Not so quick!... Find Dirt Cheap Boats For Sale Quickly and Easily Posted By : Boyer Wilson - Are you looking for some cheap boats? If you are then you have come to the bet site that you can ever visit. We have all the information that you need to know about cheap boats which come at surprisingly 50 to 70 percent cheaper rates.... Repo Boats versus Seized Boats: Here's Your Best Choice Posted By : Boyer Wilson - There are a lot of surprises when it comes to government auctions! Repo boats and seized boats are something which you can have a lot of debate over. The boats are bought through banks at subsidized rates.... Finding Electrical Systems for Marine Boats Posted By : pysystemsbc - Marine navigation is safe with appropriate electrical systems. Numerous electrical system providers are available in Canada to make voyage safe and comfortable.... The Opportunity To Rent Houseboat In Paris Posted By : Christophe Garnier - Paris has been a city of dreams, city of love, city of romance for quite some time now. It is situated in northern France. Paris is also one of biggest and worlds leading business and cultural centre and its influence in education, politics, entertainment, fashion industry and arts all contributing to make Paris as worlds leading global cities.... Boat Towable Toys for the Whole Family Posted By : Jenn Quilter - There isn't a lot that's more fun that spending the day on the water riding boat towable toys for the whole family. There are a lot of options available for multiple riders to build family memories on.... Boating Safety - 5 Tips to Be Safe on the Water Posted By : Jenn Quilter - Boating is a fairly safe activity, but to really be sure you avoid accidents there are some safety tips to follow. These are easy to overlook, like wearing a life vest, avoiding alcohol, and following posted regulations.... Why Bank Repo Boats at Local Boat Auctions are going Crazy Posted By : Rus Wilson - Finding an auction of repo boats and thereby getting to buy one easily and at a cheap rate is what matters. Purchasing bank repo boats in auctions is like getting hold of a treasure.... How to Pick a Towable Tube Posted By : Jenn Quilter - With so many options out there for inflatable tubes (or anything else these days) deciding on what to buy can be a time confusing process. To make that process a lot simpler you can learn a few things about what your options are to narrow down what you really want and figure out how to pick a towable tube.... Hotels in Thekkady Reside Amidst the Natural Beauty Posted By : Nelson TOM - Thekkady the home to the exotic wildlife sanctuary, natural spice and scenic is one of the most preferred holidaying destinations of Kerala. Every year a large number of tourists from all over the world come to Thekkady to enjoy their vacation in a memorable and delightful way... Villa Garfield Surfers Paradise Gold Coast Posted By : James Winie - Villa Garfield - surfers paradise, Gold Coast Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast as apartment to tourists. They are Avenue within a minutes walk from... Towable Tubes for Kids Posted By : Jenn Quilter - Towable tubes for kids are a great idea, and a really fun way to bond with your children. All you need to ride on one are a few simple safety precautions and the ability to hang on tight.... Sailing on a Felucca A Memorable Nile River Cruise Posted By : Sylvia Arad - Feluccas are a laid-back, relaxing way to spend a sunny afternoon, or longer sailing down the Nile and a great way to see some of Egypt's ancient sites.... Choosing Right Marine Electronics for Boat Posted By : pysystemsbc - It is important to make a careful selection of marine electronics for your boat. One needs to choose only quality electronics for sea voyages.... Finding the Right Sports Gear for Kayak Tours Posted By : Marko Stankovic - Finding the right kayak sports gear can spell the difference between a comfortable and memorable adventure and one that you would rather forget. More importantly, the right sports gear for kayak tours will keep you safe from injuries and other dangers.... Jet Ski Rentals vs. Buying your Own Jet Ski Posted By : Marko Stankovic - Since jet skiing is a lot of fun, especially during the summer, many people have chosen to buy their very own personal water crafts. However, renting them is just as viable an option, especially if you are out of budget. Jet ski rentals are available in various resorts as well as in specialty rental shops.... Transform Your Waterfront with a Floating Dock Posted By : Simon Pallisters - Blessed are those who are the lucky owners of a property with its own waterfront. Their free time can be spent in rowing on the water or sitting on the shore and enjoying the scenery. Still, they can add an extra thing which will augment the scenery even more.... All Inclusive Beach Resorts - The Perfect Vacation is Within Your Reach Posted By : James Winie - When it comes on holiday travel, understand what it really means. Most of us are over worked and appreciate a holiday is usually far beyond reason pla... Here's What You Need to Know About Living on a Narrowboat Posted By : Paul C Smith - It's a big leap from a life on dry land to one afloat. You need to make some important decisions before you take the plunge. Here are some pointers in the right direction.... Copyright © 2010, TopLooker.com. All Rights Reserved. |
