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.
Radar reflectors: the importance of being visible when you can’t be seen
It helps a boat to show up on other boats’ radar. It is very light, cheap, easy to install (just a small rope or two plastic clamps are needed) and it significantly improves the safety of small boats.
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.
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.
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!
