Some rules and stuff:
Captains Ed and Steve want everyone who comes aboard SV SeaWard to have an enjoyable and safe experience. We think studying some yachting rules and terms will enhance that enjoyment and make everyone more comfortable aboard. If, however, you feel confident out of the cockpit and wish to assist then your help will be appreciated. Everyone will have an opportunity to take the
helm and be the captain. SeaWard is a 2003 Catalina, 36 feet in length, made mostly of fiberglass and wood. Having two sails and a single mast make it a sloop. It displaces close to 16,000 lbs. and will NOT tip over! It can sleep six or seven very friendly people. First time expectations may need to be adjusted depending upon weather changes and prior experience or lack thereof. We never set sail if the weather conditions are unfavorable or likely to be. We are in constant contact via radio with the NOAA Weather Service. But changes occur, especially on overnights. The boat is comfortable but not large. It is also safe and fun. Safety First:
1) Wear comfortable clothing and remember it is cooler on the water. a) Wear shoes/sandals with a “deck” tread, usually rubber with squeegee soles,
some dark-colored soles leave marks on the white fiberglass. b) Bare feet only when sitting down!! All decks are slippery. c) Good UV-rated sunglasses protect the eyes, maybe with a strap. d) A good sunscreen is also recommended. e) A lined wind breaker is good for early and late season with rain and cold spray. f) Some sailors like gloves for handling wet lines (ropes).
2) When to wear Life jackets (Personal Flotation Devices (PFD)):
a) All of age ten or under when on marina docks. b) All of age ten or under while underway (except in the cabin). c) Always when the captain asks (or puts his/her own PFD on). d) Always when entering a dinghy to go ashore or returning.
3) When to wear a harness with tether. a) Outside the cockpit anytime the seas are rough and/or the winds are unsteady. b) Whenever the captain requests it.
4) “Person overboard”:
a) In this unlikely event yell “man overboard” and DO NOT lose visual contact. b) NEVER leap to the person’s (incl. child’s) rescue. c) Immediately throw any reachable flotation device including cockpit cushions. d) Hold your hand pointing to the person so that the captain can concentrate on turning
the boat and returning. e) A third person, if available, can locate an available line (rope) and/or boat hook.
5) Emergency Radio:
a) At least two of the crew should know how to place an emergency call on the radio. b) Be sure to ask the captain how to use the VHF radio to place a call for help.
6) Assisting:
a) Use caution. Never place body parts between the dock or other objects and an 8-ton boat. b) Use caution. Stay clear of lines and winches; do not wrap lines around your hands. Conservation:
1) Two resources are in short supply when away from the dock, electricity, and water.
2) We have DC power only while sailing, limited to three large car like batteries. These can be recharged by running the diesel, but very slowly. Please conserve by turning off lights not in use and limiting the use of power ports, chargers, fans, and fresh water.
3) Fresh water for washing and showering is limited to what is in the three 75 gallon tanks (if we remember to fill it). Navy showers are a must: get wet fast and turn off, suds up, rinse fast. And the water might be VERY HOT if the engine has been running. Seasickness:
1) If susceptible then take medication (oral or patch) before cruising.
2) Or ask the captain for a wristband (or a Green Apple or a Ginger Snap).
3) Stay busy and warm in fresh air. Avoid greasy and acidic foods.
4) Ask for medication from the First Aid kit. Use of Head (Toilet):
1) Never be afraid to ask if uncertain about the proper use of anything on the boat.
2) Toilet: directions are on plate behind the toilet.
3) Toilet: only something you already ate or drank and “approved” toilet paper can be placed in toilet.
4) Priming: pump a small amount of water into bowl before use.
5) Flushing: pump three or four times to rinse the bowl into the holding tank.
6) Washing: faucets in the head and kitchen work like normal faucets. Food and Drink:
1) There is a small refrigerator onboard that operates on shore power only.
2) Bring food and drink aboard in plastic or Styrofoam, never paper bags or cardboard boxes.
3) There is presently a propane stove/oven in the galley. Overnights:
1) Bring clothing and personal affects in soft stuff bags. These store easier.
2) There is limited hanger space but lots of nooks and crannies.
3) Travel light. All parties, on board and ashore, are casual dress. Some terminology:
1) Boom: the “arm” leading back from the mast that the foot(bottom) of sail is
attached to. When tacking or jibing this swings across the boat.
2) Bow: front of boat.
3) Compass: device used to steer course after direction is determined from GPS,
Loran, or “dead reckoning”.
4) GPS: Global Positioning System, small display that uses satellites to locate
position within a few feet of actual. Use to plot course.
5) Jib: the sail on the bow that is attached to the “forestay”(cable from mast to bow).
6) Jibe: to change course across the wind while sailing “downwind”.
7) Jib sheet: lines(ropes) used to control jib position, attached to “clew” of jib.
8) Loran C: older, less reliable positioning system uses radio signals.
9) Leeward: side away from the wind, side that the sails are on.
10) Mainsail: “main’-sil”, the large sail attached behind the mast and to the boom.
11) Mainsheet: lines(ropes) used to control mainsail position, attached to end of boom.
12) Mast: the 50 foot “pole” to which the leech(front) of the mainsail is attached.
13) Port: left side of boat.
14) Staysail: “sta’-sil”, the middle sail between the jib and the mainsail on a cutter rig.
15) Starboard: right side of boat.
16) Stern: back of boat.
17) Tack: to change course 90 degrees while sailing “against” the wind.
18) Windward: side to the wind, boat will heel away from the windward side.
