Condensation: how to fight an insidious enemy
Humidity inside a boat is as pleasant as a bucket full of sand spread on the sleeping bag you are sleeping in. And yet it is not just a matter of comfort
Fire, one of the worst nightmares on board
Fire on board is no doubt the worst event possible that could even cause a boat to sink. Therefore, precautions include common-sense measures and obligations required by the law in force in Italy, such as having at least one fire extinguisher on board watercrafts, even those sailing within one mile from the coast.
Hand-bearing compass: the highest reliability that dissolves all doubts
Everybody who passed the boating licence exam had to learn about the compass. This is an ancient and yet still current navigational instrument especially useful for offshore sailing. A traditional compass is unrivalled by no electronic device
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.
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.
It doesn’t matter if jack or bag, provided that it is “lazy”
Most sailboats are equipped with lazy jacks and lazy bags and most sailors would surely say this is worthwhile as not only they have never regretted the choice, but they couldn’t do without!
CAST OFF THE MOORINGS AND LEAVE
Who has ever thought, at least once in a lifetime, of leaving everything to travel the world? Many have, I guess, and among them, some were able to put it into practice.
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!
