Beginner mistakes not to make when sailing
We have looked at the most common mistakes made by boaters for you. If you are a novice, a new world opens up to you with new questions that arise, mistakes to avoid that you generally understand after the fact. Here are five mistakes not to make when sailing.
1 – Neglecting the weather before going to sea
The first thing to know is that when sailing, the weather is an essential element that should not be taken lightly. Bad weather could limit your navigation, so you need to fine-tune your preparation before setting out at sea. Once you have consulted the weather forecast, here are the two steps to follow:
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Prepare yourself and your teammates to cope with the weather as best as possible by, for example, preparing sunscreen if the sun is very strong or life jackets, even the lifeline if the sky is threatening.
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Prepare your boat also according to the weather: We check the critical points of wear and breakage: the mast, the turnbuckles, the valves and the hull fittings (to avoid dismasting and leaking). We must also not neglect the condition of the sails (torn, reefed, etc.), the electrical circuit, the rigging, the helm and the engine (especially its cooling). We review the condition of the safety equipment (lifeline, turning light, life jackets, etc.).
2 – Do not care for docking with the wrong nodes
If you want to stop for a little while during your boat trip, for a walk or something else, it is important to moor your boat properly. To achieve this it is very important to pay attention to the node used for this. We advise you to use a real cleat knot, as it will not move over time and will be durable.
3 – Not preparing your navigation
We calculate the tide, we locate on the map and in the Sailing Instructions all the shelters into which we can retreat if necessary, depending on the tide or the change in wind direction. All of these options must be clearly identified, with well-marked strategic waypoints. Courses must be pre-established, dangers identified, currents analyzed.
4 – Not preparing your personal equipment
You can never know exactly what the weather is like at sea so we advise you not to travel light. When it comes to clothing, always think of at least “3 layers”. In winter, take an insulated hat and gloves. Be sure to adjust your bra so you can put it on quickly. Don’t forget your sunscreen, your sunglasses, your boots, your sleeping bag, your waterproof headlamp. As for the crux of the matter, namely food and bottled water, think broader than for the planned navigation time.
5 – Leaving without your papers and those of the boat
It is essential to always have your documents with you during your stay on a boat. The documents that must be on board are the French certificate, the life raft booklet, the annual check, the boat’s insurance, the VHF license, two sea reports, two individual accident reports, the coastal or offshore license. . As well as your identity card, and possibly that of your blood group.
