Blue Water Sailing Spring 2023

BLUE WATER SAILING

MAINE CRUISING GUIDE

SEAMANSHIP FOR CRUISERS

BEST CHARTER DESTINATIONS

FEATURES

13 Bluewater Adventure

Project World Sail is Born by JP and Charlotte

16 Summer Sailing

How to Plan a Maine Cruise by Tom Babbitt

24 Living Aboard

Complete Seamanship for Cruisers by John Neal

27 Tech Talk

Introducing PredictWind: Your Ultimate Sailing

Companion by Erin Carey

32 Charter Notes

Best Charter Destinations Around the World by The Moorings

Front Cover: THere is nothing better than being at anchor in the Bahamas

DEPARTMENTS

3 Captain’s Log

4 Blue Water Dispatches

36 Charter

42 Classifieds

The Golden Globe: a Retro Challenge for Solo Sailors

IF YOU HAVEN’T BEEN FOLLOWING THE UNIQUE and quirky 2022 Golden Globe Race, it has just concluded. After 277 days at sea, solo skipper Jeremy Bagshaw arrived in Les Sable d’Olonne, France as the last participant in the 2022 race to finish. The race, for traditional, full keel boats without marine electronics, digital charts, GPS or sat comms, is modeled on the original non-stop around the world race that Robin Knox-Johnson won in 1969. Coincidentally, Knox-Johnson’s time was also 277 days at sea.

This year’s GGR was won by South African Kirsten Neushcafer, who sailed her 36-foot Cape George Cutter Minnehaha non-stop around the world, eastabout by the five great capes in 236 days, a remarkable voyage. Of the sixteen solo skippers to start the race, only three made it around non-stop, while two more finished having made one stop along the way. The rest of the fleet retired.

In this technological age, there is for these skippers and many like them, a certain appeal or even romance to sailing the old-fashion way. But, what is the charm of this type of sailing? For me, it is the deep need for self-reliance and fundamental seamanship. Relying only on dead reckoning, a taffrail log and celestial for your daily position puts you in harmony with sun, moon, planets and stars in a way like no other. Without weather forecasts, you have to rely on your barometer and your knowledge of wind, waves and clouds. When something breaks, you either fix it or live without it. Alone for eight or nine months, you have to trust yourself and be comfortable in your own company. When you sit at the chart table reducing a sun sight, you are sitting next to the likes of Capt. Cook, Nathaniel Bowditch and Robin Know-Johnson. Not bad company when you need someone to talk to.

winter 2023

Blue Water Sailing, LLC 747 Aquidneck Avenue, Middletown, Rhode Island 02842USA

phone: 401.847.7612

web: www.bwsailing.com

Editorial

Editor & Publisher George Day george@bwsailing.com

Editors-at-Large John Neal

Contributing Editors Bill Biewenga, Rebecca Childress

Advertising Sales/ Production

Art Director Sandy Parks 401-847-7612/ sandy@bwsailingcom

Advertising Sales & Marketing Consultant

tomcat911@comcast.netTom Casey

Circulation

Published quarterly. Issues available at issuu.com

For questions about your subscription email the publisher. george@bwsailing.com

Blue

ISSN#1091-1979

CRUISING FROM A WOMAN’S PERSPECTIVE: THE CHOICE OF BOAT

TO MY FEMALE SCANDINAVIAN mind it feels unnatural to emphasize the difference between sexes. But there is a difference between how males and females experience the cruising life and that inspired me to write a series of articles. This one looks at the choice of boat for the cruising life.

The cruising boat market changed in the last two decades. Twenty years ago the ‘average’ couple sailed a monohull of 40 feet and the few multihulls around were performance oriented. Now a 40 foot monohull is usually the smallest boat in an anchorage while multihull manufacturers have increased their comfort

level and (consequently?) their market share. Another change is the introduction of ‘WAF’. The Wife Acceptance Factor is used by builders as a parameter, much like displacement, length and sail area. The idea apparently being that while men are interested in technicalities and sailing performance, females look at other things.

What should you be looking at when shopping for your cruising boat? Well first of all it really doesn’t matter because the important thing isn’t the boat but you. We have seen too many couples working years towards that ‘objectively best cruiser’ just to abandon cruising life within the first six months. Cruising is a life on the move that you cannot anticipate and which boat sails you from one destination to another is almost irrelevant, let alone any WAF it

may have. Keeping this in mind when walking through boat shows is of course impossible, I once vetoed a catamaran for not having drawers for my underwear.

If you have a boat already, you should seriously consider setting off in it. It won’t be perfect but it enables you to try the life style and you will, as many before you, adapt to the boat. That is what we did twenty years ago when setting off for a sabbatical with three small kids in our Van de Stadt 47, an upwind sailing monohull with a small cockpit. A boat thereafter used by my parents for cruising the Caribbean

What should you be looking at when shopping for your cruis- ing boat? Well first of all it really doesn’t matter because the important thing isn’t the boat but you

and Mediterranean during 18 years although they hardly manage to raise its mainsail in absence of electrical winches, but wouldn’t changed it for any other boat.

If you don’t have a boat, try to be rational about your boat choice. Rational not in the sense of the ‘objectively best cruiser’ but finding a boat that matches your cruising plans. It is just like buying a house, you don’t look at homes before you have decided whether to live in the city or on the country side. A similar primary boat choice is between cruising with one or more hulls. In a multihull you live on deck level, sleep better at anchor and have more privacy with guests on board. A monohull is more

robust, easier to harbor and a cheaper option if you opt for less living space. For example, a (Beneteau) Lagoon 420 is similar - in both costs and living space - to a (Beneteau) Oceanis 51 but you might actually be content with 5 feet less making the monohull a cheaper option. Ask yourself where and how you intend to cruise. Do you plan to cross oceans, take a sabbatical with kids in warm places, explore Greenland, combine work and cruising, spend part of the year in the Mediterranean or will you have (paying) guests on board? If you want to be a part time sailor, chances are you will haul out twice a year mak

Frost, 148 Old Concord Tpke. Barrington,

If you don’t have a boat, try to be rational about your boat choice

ing a smaller production monohull a wise choice. If you plan a sabbatical with kids and friends in the tropics, it sounds like something for a multihull with lots of beds and watertoys. If you dream to visit Patagonia and round Cape Horn, a tough monohull with a good heating system is the way to go. If you want to cruise the European channels, fly to Europe, purchase a suitable motor vessel, fulfil that part of your cruising dream and then change to a sailboat for the next step. If you want to build the boat for your cruise, don’t fool yourself; if you want to build a boat then go for it, but not as a step towards a new life style since it will take away too much time that could be used for cruising instead. Starting the cruising life style is just like taking a reef: when you start thinking about it, it is time to do it, don’t postpone.

Once your cruising plans have crystallized and you know what type of boat you are looking for, it is time for boat shows; there you will find out what makes you smile. Nice cabins and bathrooms, an office corner, a proper kitchen, water toys, luxurious finish, sailing performance, sea kindness? Keep your cruising ideas in mind while you look at all these accessories: if you intend to cruise for a few years, why spend money on

Manta 42 Project

Photo: Billy Black

durable sails or stainless-steel anchor chain, or, if you plan to visit harbors why get a watermaker, or, if you want to be self-sufficient, do you have sufficient electricity for the huge freezer? Where is the place to store all the great lounge pillows when it rains, or, where is your dream dinghy going to sit and how is the sun protection?

There is no right or wrong choice for your cruising boat, there are only boats more suited for your cruising way and some of those make you smile. We both develop a huge grin when the speedometer passes 10 knots, so we opted for a performance cruising catamaran and changed our sailing plans accordingly. We will not be cruising Patagonia, although this was something I actually

wanted to do. Since our boat also needed to fit a budget she is rather spartan with a limited load carrying capacity, so one toilet, no diving equipment, no air conditioning just to name a few. All in the knowledge that we sail no more than 10-15% of the time onboard, but fast sailing is what makes us smile.

Cruising is a life full of compromises and the boat is the very first one of those. Luckily the success of your cruising life depends on your adaptability to cruising life not the actual vessel. However comfy it looks on boat shows, the fact that it has to sail means it will never be as comfortable as your home, but you adapt. The name of your boat becomes your surname in the cruising community you are about to join.

There is no right or wrong choice for your cruising boat

Project World Sail Is Born

MANY PEOPLE WOULD CONSIDER

quitting your jobs, pulling together every penny you have and buying a tired sailing boat completely bonkers. But here we are, half way across the world from home, sitting on anchor on our beautiful Swan 50 following our dream to circumnavigate the world.

We are JP and Charlotte. Sailors, surfers and adventurers raised with the ocean as our playground. JP grew up surfing, shaping boards and racing boats in Guernsey, and with Charlotte’s dad being a sailboat captain she learnt how to walk on boats before land. JP spent his early 20’s working for Red Bull and Charlotte ran music festivals in the UK before we both decided to work professionally as sailors. It was there that we met, sailing and racing on some of the most prestigious yachts in the world.

But every time we would pull into a new anchorage working on someone else’s boat, we couldn’t help but feel a little envious of our neighbors owning their own boats, running their own schedules and following their own dreams. So that was it. Neither of us remember quite when we made the decision to buy a boat and sail round the world, but all of a sudden it was happening –and the boat search commenced.

We both worked on a boat and sailed

her up from the Caribbean to Newport, RI in the spring. Having scoured all boat buying websites around the world, it ended up being Facebook Marketplace of all places that we stumbled across this tired looking 50-foot Swan.

Driving up to see her after work was, if anything, a little underwhelming. Squashed into the back of a boatyard shed, decks covered in dirt and the interior completely ripped up, this boat was far from the vision we had. However, when we started to look a little closer, underneath the layer of dirt we saw a boat that had been beautifully designed to sail offshore, and do it fast. Designed by Germán Frers, one of the most famous yacht designers in the world, we knew we had to do everything we could to give this boat a second chance and

Great voyages often have bad beginnings and Jacqeau’s fit that old adage

By JP and Charlotte on sv/Jacqeau

Photos by Cate Brown

get her back in the water where she belonged.

We knew that risking everything to leave the comfort of the norm behind would be a challenge, but we didn’t realize quite how quickly we’d be tested to our limits. Time was against us from the start.

We began work on the boat in June with a plan to get her ocean ready and sail back across the Atlantic before the hurricanes rolled in late August. The worklist covered a whole wall, and the previous owner (who we eventually met) admitted we were doing more to the boat in a couple of months than he had done in 18 years. We did everything ourselves, which meant work days typically stretched from 8am to 4am. It was the kind of busy where even stopping to eat felt like it was getting in the way, and with no running water our showers were with the cold dock hose at the end of the night.

But then in mid-August, albeit a little grubby and a sleep deprived, we

launched the boat (renamed JACQEAU) and got her sailing again for the first time in years. Suddenly, all of the hard work, all of the sleepless nights and all of countless things that had gone wrong slipped away. It was the two of us and the boat, gliding across the water, and all the hard work seemed worth it.

But we had to get moving quickly to get back to Europe before the hurricanes hit. We did all the relevant safety checks to sail the Atlantic Ocean and prepped and provisioned the boat for four weeks at sea. Little did we know that we’d only make it a few days.

Buzzards Bay and the Cape Cod Canal were at the start of our journey and are known as being one of the hardest waterways to navigate on the East Coast. After an epic sail out of Newport, we battled the windup Buzzards Bay chop and, with the weather behind us, we arrived at the entrance to the Cape Cod Canal just as the sun was rising. We had timed it perfectly to have no wind and the current ripping us through in the right direction, or so we thought.

Suddenly we heard unusual vibration through the rig. Charlotte took the helm whilst JP went down to look at the engine. Whilst shifting in and out of gear we start to hear an alarming noise and from the cockpit and Charlotte hears

shouts from JP to stop immediately. Something was definitely wrong.

There had been a failure in the mechanism that joins the propeller shaft to the engine which bent the shaft and cracked the shaft log (the normally watertight tube through the bottom of the boat). We were taking on water, and struggling to keep up. Our beautiful boat was sinking. On top of that, we had no steerage or engine and were being ripped through this narrow canal with nasty stone walls on either side.

Neither of us had time to panic. JP jumped on the helm and Charlotte hoisted sails to do whatever we could with the little wind out there. Not a single word was spoken between us, but we knew without communicating exactly what each other had to do in that moment.

Thankfully, due to a well thought-out passage plan we knew the radio channel to call and although it felt like an age to us, the Canal Patrol were quick to respond, and we had tow lines on our bow headed to safety. With the help of an emergency pump that got passed over to us, we managed to keep up with the water that was quickly fighting its way into our home and got into some haul-out slings in a local marina.

It was heart-breaking to

see Jacqeau pulled out of the water that morning and we couldn’t help but feel slightly like we’d failed in what we set out to do. However, with hindsight we were grateful. Humans are always put to the ultimate test in situations like the one we faced that morning in the Cape Cod Canal, and for us it only showed us what a strong team we make when our lives depend on it. We were thick as thieves before, but now we are ready to take on the world.

After another period in the boatyard, we managed to get a new shaft and have been happily exploring the East Coast of America. In the next year, we will sail down to the Caribbean, do 2 x Atlantic Crossings, West Coast surfing destinations of Europe from Scotland to the Canaries, and the Pacific Ocean. Join us for the ride @projectworldsail.

How to Plan a Maine Cruise

by Tom Babbitt

Many veteran cruisers rate the coast of Maine as one of the world’s best cruising grounds

THERE’S GOOD AND BAD NEWS about planning a cruise in Maine. The good news is that there are over 1000 destinations and 3,500 miles of coastline from which to choose. The bad news is that there are so many choices that it may seem impossible to come up with an enjoyable cruising itinerary. Fortunately, this CCA guide offers simple and informed solutions.

PLANNING RESOURCES

The encyclopedic A Cruising Guide to the Maine Coast, a traditional book by Taft and Rindlaub, is considered by many as a must-have resource. Its 480 pages and more than a thousand destinations make for an exhaustive reference, with the limitation that the most current 6th Edition has not been updated in over seven years and is currently out of print.

The ActiveCaptain app (designed to work with a Garmin Chartplotter and

the new Aqua Map App) is interesting. It utilizes a multitude of crowd-sourced reviews from contributors with varying experience levels at different times over the past several years.

This CCA Cruising Guide to Maine – Favorite Harbors & Anchorages by the Cruising Club of America is written by deeply experienced members who have been cruising these waters for decades. The destinations featured are distilled to a core of about 70 highly recommended harbors and anchorages. All the information is online — it is up-todate and reviewed annually. Its qualitative assessments are augmented by an expansive array of online links to additional resources that give up-to-theminute information on tides, weather, and shoreside amenities. Each listing includes a localized, scalable Navionics chart, a local digital weather forecast via Windy.com, and a local tide prediction courtesy of US Harbors.

PLANNING OVERVIEW

It seems that every time we get into the launch or dinghy with bags of provisions, books, and other paraphernalia, someone will ask where we are headed on our cruise—be it an overnight, a weekend, or a month. Our answer is always the same and seems to confound the questioner: “We have no plan.” We have learned that schedules with hard-and-fast plans are the antitheses of safe and enjoyable cruising. We may start each day with a general idea of where we will go, but that often evolves as the day progresses. We’ve been known to start sailing as the wind fills in, sail all day long and end up back where we started.

Not everyone is comfortable cruising without a plan, so you might consider creating a Half Plan. A Half Plan might have a final destination on a particular date and perhaps a handful of other objectives in mind — maybe one objective for every two days of the cruise. This leads to lots of flexibility in the schedule, making for a low-stress and creative cruising experience without being independent of any itinerary or particular goals.

Of course, the third option is a Full Plan, e.g., ten days, ten destinations. It might give one the feel of a forced march, but perhaps having a full itinerary and checking all the boxes fits the personality and energy level of the captain and crew.

PLANING CONSIDERATIONS

Once you have determined whether No Plan, Half Plan or Full Plan suits your situation best, the next step is to think about the variables that need to be considered.

* What is your time horizon: open-ended, or will you have to return home in a week? Or will you do multiple short cruises and need to leave the boat in between sails?

* Crew capabilities: Age, experience, bad weather tolerance, frequency of needing to go ashore for exercise, hiking, ice cream, pets, or change of venue, to name a few.

* Boat capabilities: Is your boat a proven offshore, all-weather vessel, or a coastal cruiser? What is a comfortable maximum daytime range for the boat and crew? 20 miles? 40 miles? More? Remember that sailing at night is rare due to the difficulty of seeing lobster

buoys after dark.

* What is your tolerance for motoring rather than sailing? Remember that while the sea breeze in Maine is truly glorious, it frequently doesn’t materialize until after lunch.

* Is the crew adventurous or laid back? Is a three-mile hike a must every day, or is reading and napping a greater priority?

* What will the balance be between dockage, moorings, or anchoring?

* What type of destinations are preferred? A bustling town with restaurants and other attractions, remote anchorages, or something in between? Remember that offshore islands are attractive when the weather is hot, while destinations surrounded by land and further inland are often an effective way to escape fog.

* What is the provisioning plan? Does the boat have a generous freezer and refrigerator, easily going a week or two without reprovisioning, or will you be looking for a well-stocked grocery store

every few days?

* Is the crew interested in dinner ashore almost every night, occasionally or rarely?

* How many fixed date and place obligations will there be, such as crew changes, visiting friends, attending events?

* Are there times when the crew requires good WiFi or a strong cellular signal for a Zoom meeting, a conference call, or checking in with family or friends?

PLANNING LOCATIONS

Where will the cruise begin and end? We have met many first-time cruisers that never got past Portland, or got to Penobscot Bay, spent one day, then had to turn around and head back. That is most unfortunate. We began our cruising life with a home port of York. On our vacation cruise, we would make a straight run to Casco Bay. That lasted about two years before we acquired a mooring in South Freeport, which allowed us to cruise that area on weekends, but for a vacation cruise, we would immediately head directly to Penobscot Bay. For the last 30 years, we have been homeported in Camden, and quite honestly, we’ve never gone back westward. Other guide editors extoll the virtues of their favorite geographic area. For some, getting to Roque Island is the only thing that matters.

* Between Isle of Shoals on the South Coast, and Portland plus Casco Bay (about 25 nm from Cape Ann, Massachusetts, and another 60 nm to the east side of Casco Bay), there are about 15 recommended destinations.

* Along the Mid-Coast, including Boothbay and Muscongus Bay (30 nm), there are about 15 recommended harbors and anchorages.

* Within Penobscot Bay which covers a wide (30 nm) and deep (30 nm) section of the coast, there are approximately 25 recommended places.

* Around Mt. Desert Island plus Blue Hill and Frenchman Bays (just 20 nm wide and up to 20 nm deep), there approximately 10 recommendations.

* For the Downeast Coast from Mt Desert Island to Passamaquoddy Bay (as much as 70 nm), you’ll find about 10 favorites — all rugged and fascinating destinations.

This will give you some perspective on how to plan your cruise. No matter your cruising style and dedication, or aversion to planning, there is truly something for everyone.

PENOBSCOT BAY ONE-WEEK CRUISE

Here’s a quick look at a typical week-long cruising itinerary for Penobscot Bay, one of Maine’s favorite cruising areas. We start in the Camden-Rockland side of the Bay and make a counterclockwise loop around Deer Island. Check out the links for each anchorage to see the CCA write-up of the harbor and checkout the links for more information. Harbor name is linked.

Day 1: Pulpit Harbor

Distance: 8 to 10 nm

If there’s a quintessential anchorage in Maine, it’s got to be Pulpit Harbor. An easy sail in most conditions from the mainland, with excellent sunsets and some room to anchor. Alternate harbors: Warren Island or Cradle Cove are about the same distance if it’s peak season or you get a late start.

Day 2: Perry Creek, Vinalhaven.

Distance: 10 nm

Gorgeous well-protected anchorage dominated by moorings, within easy dinghy distance of North Haven village. Be sure to make a reservation at Nebo Lodge for dinner!

Alternative harbors: Carver Cove is a little quieter 2 nm further and Seal Bay is further at 7 nm.

Day 3: Bold and Devil Islands, Merchants Row

Distance: 12 nm

Bold and Devil Islands lies in the middle of the spectacular, granite-encrusted island collection along Merchants Row.

Alternative harbors: McGlathery in Merchants Row or Southeast Harbor on Deer Isle.

Day 4: Torrey Island, Eggemoggin Reach

Distance: 10 nm

Torrey Island offers a large secure anchorage in most conditions, wooden boat eye candy everywhere you look and island access and beach.

Alternative Harbors: Babbidge Island (Wooden Boat School) or Benjamin River

Day 5: Holbrook Island

Distance: 17 nm

Holbrook Island has wonderful hiking, is well protected and you might even find a free guest mooring. If not

there’s plenty of room to anchor.

Alternative Harbors: Castine offers dining options (but mooring or dockage is recommended) whereas Smith Cove is well protected, scenic and spacious.

Day 6: Pulpit Harbor

Distance: 14 nm

After a likely beat down the bay in a sparkling sea breeze, Pulpit is always worth a second night’s stay setting up a short hop back on your last day.

Alternate Harbors: include Cradle Cove and Warren Island

Day 7: Back to Camden, Rockport, or Rockland

Distance: 8 to 10 nm

Complete Seamanship for Cruisers

One of the world's most experienced offshore sailors and dedicated seamanship educator shares what he has learned over a lifetime at sea

SEAMANSHIP IS ONE OF THE KEYS to your safety and enjoyment of your sailing experiences whether you’re going out on a day sail or on an around the world cruise. It applies to all vessels and their crew and poor seamanship or judgment can result in damage to your vessel and injury to your crew. In this article I’ve separated seamanship into two categories, pre-departure: how you prepare your boat, yourself and your crew; and seamanship at sea: tips and advice in dealing with a wide range of conditions.

BEFORE DEPARTURE

Becoming an accomplished sailor takes knowledge and practice but there are a number of skills you can study before you go sailing. Take the time to learn the terminology not only of the yacht’s parts but also the sailing commands,

by John Neal

realizing that sailing’s unique and specific language varies from boat types and skippers. Therefore, study the terminology for the type of yacht you will be sailing and ensure that you understand and can execute the commands given to you by captain and crew. When an onboard situation becomes stressful, there may not be time for someone to explain what they require you to do. There should be no need for shouting, which may result when a person is unsure or unable to explain what is happening or needs to be done.

Two concerns that frequently affect new sailors are heeling or falling in the water. Gaining an understanding of yacht design, understanding why vessels heel and what you can do to reduce heeling frequently helps reduce anxiety. A competent swimmer comfortable in

the water will always have less anxiety than those who are not strong swimmers. Whether in tropical or temperate climates, we swim at most opportunities incorporating long swims as part of our personal fitness program.

A sailor who knows their location is one who is more at ease with her surroundings. Complete a coastal navigation course and become proficient at navigation so that you can quickly and accurately plot positions on paper charts. Practice using radar and AIS. Starpath Radar Trainer is an excellent computer instructional program. If your MFD/radar is an older unit not AIS-compatible, consider adding a separate, standalone AIS transceiver such as Vesper Marine’s Watchmate. Another more expensive option is to install a new integrated MFD (multi-function display) combining radar, chartplotter and AIS. If you’re planning extended voyages, you’ll certainly appreciate the fact that that newer systems draw considerably less power and are fully integrated and easy to operate.

Establish and review emergency procedures for crew overboard, fire, sinking, abandon ship, rig and steering failure, first aid, communications and tsunami response. A crew that has an understanding of these procedures is one that is well prepared.

Post a Sail Reduction Guide so everyone knows the correct sail combination for specific wind speeds. Having reliable wind speed and

direction instruments takes the guesswork out of determining appropriate sail combinations. Ensure that everyone understands how the sails are handled, including reefing and safe winch procedure. Can the main be reefed in under three minutes? If heading offshore, gain an understanding of storm management tactics and if possible, formulate a plan. Practice the deployment of storm tactics and devices.

Don’t overload your boat as that makes it slower and more vulnerable to damage from breaking seas. Establish dedicated safe stowage procedures both above and below decks. Evaluate and eliminate items on deck and below to keep your boat free of clutter that might become airborne during storm conditions or slip down into the bilge and block the bilge pump. Prepare your vessel for a knockdown or for a large wave dumping into the cockpit; you may need to add a pin or strap to secure companionway wash/drop boards. Ensure that batteries, floorboards, locker doors and drawers are substantially secured.

Keeping your crew hydrated and fed is important not only for morale but it turns into a seamanship issue in heavy

weather. A crew that is not well nourished or properly hydrated will sooner suffer from fatigue, which often leads to poor judgment. Provision with meals that are easily prepared by anyone aboard and include some freeze-dried meals and healthy, high-energy snacks such as trail mix, granola bars, instant porridge and soup, dried fruit and nuts. A top plunger Thermos strapped into a corner of our galley counter saves us having to boil the kettle each time we’d like a hot drink or instant meal.

Nothing affects your safety and comfort on the water more than weather. Learn the dynamics of weather patterns by ideally taking a marine weather course, or at least studying Chris Tibbs’ RYA On-Board Weather Handbook. Get in the habit of checking the weather daily, whether via internet, on the television, in the newspaper or on the VHF. Have a method for getting weather updates at sea. A simple nocost resource we use daily worldwide are GRIB (gridded bianary files) forecasts from www.saildocs.com received

over an Iridium satphone. Occasionally, requesting a detailed text forecast from a private weather router such as www. commandersweather.com or www.wriwx.com can prove invaluable, particularly in an area of dynamic and volatile weather conditions such as crossing the Gulf Stream or Bay of Biscay.

When undertaking a passage with two people where there is an increased chance of rough conditions, consider taking an experienced third crew person. An extra watch person greatly decreases your chance of sleep deprivation (three hours on watch and six off instead of three on, three off). This may also be a requirement of your insurance company, particularly on your first offshore passage.

(Part Two will appear in the next issue of Multihulls Today.)

John Neal operates Mahina Expeditions in the Pacific Northwest where he trains sailors in the art, science and traditions of offshore sailing. www.mahina.com

Introducing PredictWind, Your Ultimate Sailing Companion

by Erin Carey

The most advanced weather forecasting app and subscription is here

WHEN PARTICIPATING IN ANY water-based activities such as yacht racing, cruising or even kitesurfing, an understanding of the wind and weather conditions is paramount. The open water is a magical, beautiful place, but it can also be dangerous if you’re not prepared. That’s where PredictWind comes in.

A top-of-the-line weather and wind forecasting app that boasts a range of incredible features, PredictWind is the ultimate companion for anybody out on the sea. Plus, while safety is paramount, many professional yacht racers and cruisers also use PredictWind to navigate the fastest or most desirable route on any journey. It’s easy to use and highly accurate, so let’s dive in and learn more about the app that’s chang-

ing the face of water safety and navigation.

WHAT IS PREDICTWIND?

PredictWind is a leading weather forecasting app designed for anybody who is out on the water. Using a unique combination of global and regional forecasting models, along with its own proprietary modelling, PredictWind gives you the most accurate weather data to safely and efficiently travel anywhere on open water.

From professional yacht races to weekend kayaking trips, PredictWind can be used anywhere to safely plan any activity. Not only does it feature great weather forecasting and access to GRIB files from all over the world, but the tools within the app are game changers.

Weather routing, for example, allows users to enter their starting point and desired location to discover the safest and most optimal route based on the best available weather forecasting data. There is also an enormous range of map types to choose from if you want to look specifically at waves,

wind gusts, isobars, sea temperatures and many more. The departure planning feature lets you choose the perfect day to embark on your trip.

Importantly, there are two versions of the app. One is for inshore and coastal sailing, while the other is designed for offshore sailing. While somewhat similar, each app offers a slightly different experience and varying features to suit the type of sailing or water activity you’re planning.

WHO BENEFITS FROM ADVANCED FEATURES?

PredictWind is essentially designed for any water-based activities. Some of the activities that can benefit from the use of PredictWind include:

· Yacht racing

· Cruising

· Power-boating

· Dinghy racing

· Kite surfing

· Fishing

· Windsurfing

· Kayaking

These apps were specifically designed with safety in mind. To keep water users safe from unexpected weather conditions that could be dangerous. But the reality is, many water users have other priorities too, such as speed in yacht racing, or a family cruising the open ocean may want to take a route that promises the smoothest seas.

There are so many different uses for the PredictWind apps, so let’s look at the two specific apps for inshore and coastal sailing respectively.

PredictWind App for inshore and coastal sailing: The first app in the PredictWind suite is designed for inshore and coastal sailing activities. This makes it the most widely used, as it typically appeals not just to sailors, but recreational water uses like kitesurfing, fishing, powerboating and more.

The app is accessible using mobile data or WiFi and you can log in from any device. You get all the accuracy in the world thanks to the unique mix of global and regional forecasting models, and you can even save your favorite locations for easy access.

Use a wide range of graphs, tables, maps, weather routing and departure planning tools to get more out of your water experience.

PredictWind Offshore app for offshore sailing: The PredictWind Offshore app gives you all of the features the standard app has. But the major difference is the satellite accessibility and ability to download GRIB files for locations all over the world. It integrates seamlessly with most satellite and SSB systems, meaning there’s a plethora of data at your disposal no matter where you are in the world.

Naturally, this version of the app is aimed more towards people cruising the high seas or participating in international or large yacht races. As such, the data available is very specialised and therefore extremely useful in so many different conditions.

KEY BENEFITS

Whether you use PredictWind for cruising, yacht racing, fishing or wind-based water sports, there are multiple benefits and features for all your needs. Some of the key features are below:

· Weather routing: One of PredictWind’s most valuable features is the ability to plan your trip according to the weather. It’s easy to set your departure point

and destination to access the optimal travelling route according to the winds and other weather conditions.

· Departure planning: Not sure of the best day to embark on your next journey? Based on high-resolution upcoming forecasts, PredictWind helps you choose the perfect time for starting a trip.

· Forecast alerts: PredictWind can alert you to any upcoming weather conditions, both in your immediate area and further along your chosen travel route.

· Weather observations: If you need some real-time weather observations, you’ll get them from thousands of sta-

tions around the world.

· Accuracy: Most weather forecasts aren’t made with detailed sailing conditions in mind. PredictWind is. Using existing global forecasting models in addition to proprietary regional models, PredictWind provides the most upto-date and accurate forecasting available.

In short, PredictWind offers the most accurate data, the most reliable tools to make travel decisions, and an interface that’s easy to use. You won’t find anything better, and that’s why PredictWind is favoured by everyone from recreational fishing fanatics to professional yacht racers.

ABOUT THE FOUNGER, JON BILGER

Olympian, two-time America’s Cup winner, and New Zealand National Champion in multiple classes, PredictWind Founding Director Jon Bilger spent years accessing the very best private wind and marine forecasting tools in the world. Jon founded PredictWind in 2010 to share this potentially life-saving technology with the public at large, and today PredictWind provides the world’s most accurate and reliable forecasting technology to more than a million users. A lifelong competitive yachtsman, Jon lives in Auckland with his wife and two daughters, who share his passion for the ocean and competitive sailing.

Eric Carey is a veteran cruiser and is the principal pf the public relations firm Roam Generation.

Luxury Reimagined

Walking a beach where the only footprints in the sand, are your own. Enjoying a refreshing drink from an island bar only accessible by boat. Waking up each morning with the flexibility to sail anywhere you wish. These experiences redefine luxury -- and are the hallmark of any yacht charter vacation.

This year, we invite you to discover unbridled freedom and authentic travel experiences with The Moorings. Unforgettable moments await.

Best Charter Destinations Around the World

You don’t have to sail around the world to explore some of the world’s best cruising grounds

WHETHER YOU’RE A SEASONED sailing purist who will never abandon your loyalty to monohulls, or a catamaran fan delighting in space and stability, all sailors can agree on one thing – there’s no such thing as a bad day on the water. Every experience is different from the last, and your opportunities for new adventures are practically infinite.

Sailors are equipped with an incredible skill. Once you’ve acquired the

experience and knowledge necessary to navigate the open water, ultimate freedom is yours. The biggest concern as a bareboat captain is destination. Where should you set sail to next? What locations will offer the most beautiful scenery and the most memorable experiences at sea?

There’s certainly no shortage of phenomenal places to bareboat, but here’s five of the absolute best that every sailor must visit at least once.

BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

Think of the British Virgin Islands as the mecca for sailing. Not only are there a number of unique islands rich in culture and ambiance, but line of site navigation makes the BVI idyllic for sailing year-round. You’ll also enjoy the added bareboat benefit of consistent winds, ranging between 10-20 knots, and easy anchoring with depths ranging between 20-40 feet. The average distance between islands is minimal, making it an island-hopping paradise that no sailor can afford to miss out on. There are a number of local hot spots worth hitting while you’re in town, and there are plenty of diving sites for your whole crew to explore. In fact, the BVI is home to some of the best diving spots in the world!

Tahiti is one of the most exotic tropical destinations in the world. That being said, it is also a bit more challenging to bareboat, but the journey is well worth it. The low 80’s temps and the tradewinds are typically consistent, but most forgiving during April and May. Polynesian bungalows hovering over clear blue waters are ever popular in Tahiti, so you may choose to take a break from bareboating for a couple nights. The fringing reefs, crystal clear waters and abundant wildlife make this region among the most sought-after vacation spots in the world, and the perfect spot for your next bareboat adventure.

ST. MARTIN

ST. LUCIA

CROATIA

Europe’s best-kept secret for travelers of all types is quickly becoming a well-known “new Riviera” destination. The Mediterranean offers plenty of magnificent sailing experiences, but Croatia has become the most popular place to bareboat, and with good reason. Between the months of May and September, sailors enjoy gentle northerly winds, mild mid-70’s temperatures, and persistent sunshine. The Dalmation Coast boasts more than 1,100 islands, fascinating history, charming culture, and succulent cuisine for the self-proclaimed “foodies”.

ST. MARTIN

Sailing and the Caribbean are a match made in heaven, so it’s no surprise that in addition to the BVI, St. Martin also made our top-5 list of best places to bareboat. Hopping from one majestic island to the next allows visitors to experience dualculture influence from France and the Netherlands, as well as endless white sand beaches, delectable dining options, and superb shopping. In addition, St. Martin is a paradise for snorkelers and divers alike. Keep in mind, however, that longer distances between islands make this an optimal bareboat destination for more advanced sailors, and the spring and summer months will provide the most promising conditions as far as climate is concerned.

ST. LUCIA

A primary family member of the Windward Islands, St. Lucia is located at the southern end of the Caribbean. For those with a genuine passion for the sport of sailing, St. Lucia is the perfect place. Many sailors choose to maximize their cruising ground coverage with a one-way bareboat charter from St. Lucia to Grenada. No matter how you choose to sail in St. Lucia, the spectacular Pitons, surrounding landscape, and sightseeing will not disappoint. The winter months offer prime time sailing and cooler temps, but straightforward navigation is characteristic of St. Lucia all year long.

The article is courtesy of The Moorings. You can learn more about chartering worldwide here.

The freedom of a sailing vacation remains unparalleled, and Sunsail is here to help you make the most of every moment on the water. Comprised of passionate sailors from all over the world, our team of charter experts can help craft the perfect sailing getaway for you, your friends, and your family.

See

World,

Select your charter destination from our extensive list of worldfamous cruising grounds, choose the ideal yacht for your crew, and let us help take care of all the details that make a yacht charter among the most unique, and memorable vacation experiences available today. sunsail.com | 800.437.7880

POWER

Specializing in

PROVIDING

508-743-9901

www.hamiltonferris.com

Two Can Sail

Want to learn to cruise together as a Couple? Captains Jeff and Jean can help you both become confident as individuals and as a team. Conducting prepurchase surveys, voyage training on your boat. Eastern US, Gulf Coast and Caribbean.

www.TwoCanSail.com

SAILMAKING EXCELLENCE

Stuart • FLORIDA • Ft. Lauderdale (772)283-2306 • FAX 283-2433

1-800-428-1384

www.macksails.com

EASYSTOW FENDERS®

Stop filling up your valuable storage space with air. Easystow Fenders store in as little as 1/12th their inflated size. 5 foot models can replace hard to use fender board arrangements. Practical Sailor rated heavy duty models“best choice”.

www.easystowfenders.com 800-437-7654

Small Ad, Small Prices

Standing and running rigging, life lines, winches, furlers, line and all types of sailing hardware. We are a rigging shop specializing in discount mail order. Problem solving is one of our specialties. Since 1984.

Rigging Only

www.riggingandhardware.com

e-mail: sail@riggingonly.com or call 508-992-0434

BOAT SELECTION CONSULTATION SERVICE

Looking for the right boat for offshore voyaging? For a flat fee I will use my extensive experience to help you evaluate, locate and purchase the best possible boat for your investment. John Neal www.mahina.com/consult

SAIL

Explore legendary islands including Galapagos, Pitcairn, Tahiti, Bora Bora, Samoa, Tonga and more! Trainee and passengers berths. Casting off October 2012

www.picton-castle.com