I invest nearly all my summers sailing around the Greek islands. With this small write-up I would like to reveal some sailing hints with you that will assist you enjoy the most out of your sailing vacations.

? When moored or anchored, use your sun tent and stay beneath it most of the time. Our friend, the Sun, sometimes can be dangerous, particularly during summertime.

? Be cautious on board and if possible, always put on a pair of soft boat footwear. This way you will safeguard your feet and the deck surface. When sailing, avoid walking on deck without particular cause and in rough climate, keep in mind to use your life belt.

? If you have children on board, let them sit outside but always in the cockpit sporting a life vest.

? Before operating the electrical anchor winch, begin the motor and run it at aprox 1.200 to 1.500 rpm in neutral. This is essential in order not to exhaust the support battery, as the usage of the winch is extremely high. Our recommendation is to reduced your anchor manually and collect it utilizing the remote control. When utilizing the anchor winch (dropping or collecting your anchor) be extremely careful with your fingers. An electrical anchor winch is a great facility but also extremely danger with careless use.

? Keep in mind to use the electrical refrigerator only with the motor running.

? Numerous yachts are equipped with a change with which you may link the two batteries, to have much more energy to begin your motor. You can maintain them connected, as lengthy as your motor is running. When you quit the motor, keep in mind to disconnect them. This will safeguard you, to be without electrical energy in case that you will neglect, for example, the electrical refrigerator running.

? When you moor in a port, always have a fender in between your yacht and the quay, so even if your anchor for any cause is unable to maintain you in position, the yacht will not touch the quay. Take care of the swell that large ferries cause and avoid mooring the yacht close to the place these boats anchor.

? Before you place your engine in gear, have a look around the yacht for floating ropes that may block or damage your propeller or gearbox. When you want to go from forward to backward, do it following you let the engine pace drop to idling.

? Avoid towing your dinghy particularly in rough climate, as you may shed it. It’s better to maintain it secured in front of the mast. Keep in mind that misplaced items are always charged to the charterer. In case you need tug assist and before you take it, concur on the price and ask for a receipt that obviously states that no additional payment will be asked.

? Avoid dropping papers or napkins in the toilet bowl. It’s better to use plastic bags for the waste papers. Toilet pumps are not able to dissolve such issues.

? Keep in mind to close the main change at the leading of gas bottle when you do not use the gas stove or when no one is on board.

? Whilst refilling both h2o or fuel tanks, make sure not to mix fuel with h2o or h2o with fuel. In both instances the situation turns into unpleasant and tough to be repaired.

? Maintain always an eye on the hour counter of your motor and make sure that you have sufficient amount of fuel in your tank. The fuel gauge is not always dependable, so check the hours that you have utilized the motor.

? Do not throw plastic bottles, cans or any other waste in the sea. Maintain them on board and remove instantly at the first harbour.

? It is also requested not to raise any flag, other than the Greek, at the aft aspect of the yacht, as it is in opposition to Greek and International marine regulations.

CAUTION : If the yacht is equipped with DSC VHF, DO NOT PRESS DISTRESS SIGNAL BUTTON Unless IT IS Completely Essential (FIRE – COLLISION – GROUNDING – SINKING).There is a penalty for the unnecessary use.

- For much more information make sure you check http://www.seascope-sailing.com

Yannis Moraitis
http://www.seascope-sailing.com