Day shapes
Although forgotten by many and intentionally ignored by others, day shapes are important and must be observed. This is why fines are quite common in the event of an inspection. In details, day shapes refer to Part C of COLREGs, i.e. International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, stating that by day certain vessels are required in certain situations to exhibit signals having specific geometric shapes (ball, cylinder and cone).
Mooring hooks
No vessel can do without a mooring hook, including dinghies and small, medium or large sized boats.
A mooring hook is essential to board lazy lines attached to mooring posts, to fetch a fender or any other object that has slipped outboard or even to help who wants to climb on board. In short it helps you to increase your reach when grabbing an object or a person.
Hypothermia, a winter nightmare
Those who love sea unconditionally and sailing enthusiasts in particular, know that the winter season offers unique moments for many reasons.
SAIL CARE chapter 2
Each sail has been designed to withstand wind stress, stress induced upon mast and equipment, sea waves and – above all –a specific wind range. Knowing the wind range is essential for sail proper use and stowage.
Summer cruises – Golfo dei Poeti
The vast expanse of boats of all kinds and sizes at anchor between April and October says more than a thousand words about the appeal of Golfo dei Poeti among those who sail the Tyrrhenian side of the peninsula. The big cove between Lerici and Portovenere – and La Spezia lying in the middle – is a must for summer cruisers sailing through the Mediterranean (large vessels included) as well as a meeting point for sailors longing to spend some days in one of the best Italian scenarios.
Summer cruises: Gallinara island
Seen from the sea, Liguria offers spectacular views. However, from a sailor’s point of view, things are not that simple. From La Spezia to Ventimiglia almost no natural shelters are available to protect from southerly winds or coves deep enough for a boat to safely moor for the night (except for Sestri Levante roadstead, which is always overcrowded in summer). The only island in this sea area is Gallinara, just over a green cliff on Riviera di Ponente, off the coast of Albenga.
OCEAN CROSSING: OPERATION FOOD-STOCKS
Sailing involves physical and mental strain. Our body’s energy consumption must be balanced to the quantity of food we consume, and this is why eating a balanced and varied diet is not only recommended but essentia
C.I.R.M. The guardian angels of seafarers
C.I.R.M. stands for Centro Internazionale Radio Medico (International Radio Medical Centre). It was established back in 1935 and is considered one of the pioneers of telemedicine. It provides radio medical advice 365 days a year, 24 hours a day to ships on any nationality navigating on the four corners of the world regardless of boundaries or which flag they fly.
Asinara Island, our local Caribbean scenario
Asinara Island is one of the favourite destinations of those who have decided to spend their holiday cruising to Sardinia. It is a natural paradise in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, so beautiful to be more than comparable with the Caribbean Sea.
The life jacket
Life jackets are safety devices per excellence and a must for boaters. Yet they are too often left stored and unused, and not only by amateur yachtspeople.
The compass: definitely an evergreen!
The compass has been for centuries, and still is nowadays, the safest and most reliable instrument you may have on board. This is why it is useful not to lose the habit to have a look at it every now and then instead of keeping on staring the plotter multicolour screen.
Welcome a warm winter at sea
Let us therefore look at what are the best heating options for dinette and cabins and the most popular heating systems for a comfortable boat even in winter unless you prefer shivering or risk a bronchitis cuddled up in your sleeping bag!
