Email

By Harriette Halepis

There’s nothing quite like sailing the high seas. Learning how to sail means learning how to become truly free, but before you head out, make sure that you know a thing or two about sailing safety. Sailboats can be easily caught in a windstorm or pushed off course, which is why it’s important to understand sailing rules before you leave the shore.

Sailing

The first thing to remember is that everyone onboard your boat should have a safety vest. Most countries require passengers to wear a vest at all times, and even those countries that don’t require you to wear a vest will still require you to carry enough vests for all passengers aboard.

Next, learn how to create a distress signal before you raise even one sail. Trying to figure out how to call for help amidst distress is not a good plan. There are plenty of sailing instructors and courses that will teach this vital information.

Before heading out to sea, create an easy-to-read sailing plan for local authorities or a local marina. This plan should include the name of your boat, the number of people aboard your boat, and the type of safety equipment that you have on board.

This way, if you do become lost someone will be able to find you. Also, don’t forget to tell someone where your destination is. If you don’t arrive at your destination on time, then authorities can easily be contacted. You may also want to consider equipping your boat with a GPS tracking system.

GPS trackers are often water-proof, durable, and quite useful when it comes to locating your boat. Marine patrol can use a tracking signal to locate your boat no matter where it might be. In this manner, a GPS tracker can really save lives, even when it comes to the high seas.

Keep in mind that drinking alcohol is not a good idea while you are sailing. Just as alcohol impairs the judgement of drivers, it also impairs a sailor’s judgement. You should always have your eye on the sea, and your mind on your crew.

Lastly, keep safe speeds going at all times. If you cruise along at a speed that you can control, you are far less likely to smash into other boats along the way. It’s also important that you keep a constant lookout for other boats that might be in distress – - sailors are expected to help one another out.