| Growing up in a sailing family along the Toms River in | | | | you may as well take it all in. At one of the markers |
| New Jersey and spending many a weekend sailing on | | | | down the Barnegat channel, there is a nest that is |
| the Barnegat Bay, I am often surprised to find that few | | | | home to a family of Ospreys. It is great using a pair of |
| sailors carry or use binoculars. A good pair of compact | | | | binoculars to see them up close. There are also |
| binoculars or marine binoculars should be basic | | | | several other beautiful sea birds out there; and marine |
| equipment on every cruising sailboat regardless of its | | | | binoculars are a great way to see them in their natural |
| size. This article will list five good reasons why sail | | | | habitat. Besides bird watching, there are some |
| boating enthusiasts should always bring binoculars | | | | gorgeous homes and boats along the Toms River. |
| aboard. | | | | Binoculars are a great way to get a closer look. |
| 1. Identifying landmarks and helping with navigation. | | | | 5. Binoculars are easy to transport-Unlike with hiking |
| Usually when day sailing, navigation is accomplished by | | | | and birding, you don't have to always wear them |
| sight, compass and charts. However, when the | | | | around your neck or carry them while on board. After |
| weather is a bit too foggy or hazy it becomes difficult | | | | a while, binoculars can wear you down, even the |
| to see familiar landmarks, channel markers or | | | | compact models that weigh less than 30 oz. On a |
| destinations. Also, I've found that sometimes charts can | | | | sailboat, you can stow them away anywhere and use |
| be outdated-even the one recently purchased at the | | | | them only when you choose to. I recommend buying a |
| marina. Speaking from experience, having a nice pair | | | | pair of binoculars to keep on the boat at all times. This |
| of binoculars aboard brings you convenience, comfort, | | | | way, you know you have them, and you'll have less to |
| and assurance; knowing that they can definitely assist | | | | carry on and off the sailboat before and after each |
| you in the navigation process if necessary. | | | | trip. |
| 2. Identifying Shelters or Safe Areas. The general | | | | These are just a few reasons why binoculars and sail |
| guideline for storms that are approaching is that | | | | boating go together. When purchasing a pair of |
| whenever a thunderstorm is imminent, take or find | | | | binoculars for ocean sail boating, always make sure |
| shelter. When a sudden downpour occurs you need to | | | | your exit pupil (objective lens size divided by |
| locate a cove or marina where you can anchor or tie | | | | magnification X) is at least 5, and preferably closer to |
| up. Binoculars are a great resource to help find a | | | | 7. This will minimize the difficulty you may experience |
| location quickly. | | | | trying to stabilize your binoculars in rougher conditions. |
| 3. Locating a mooring or place to anchor for the | | | | For bay, river or lake sailing, your exit pupil can be |
| evening. Our family frequently travels to the Caribbean | | | | lower-anywhere 3½ to 5 will suffice. Also, |
| Islands to bare-boat sail. After a long day of sailing, we | | | | boating binoculars should always be water-proof, so |
| are always looking to locate our evening anchoring | | | | makes sure you check. Try the Nikon 7x50 Action |
| spot. There are also several locations in the British | | | | Extreme Binoculars #7239 for great value that won't |
| Virgin Islands that offer moorings that you can use to | | | | break your bank. I would also recommend a pair of |
| tie down over night. We bring a pair of binoculars with | | | | binoculars with a built in compass. They bring you an |
| us so that when we approach a cove containing a | | | | additional navigation feature and are real fun to use. |
| group of moorings, we know which ones are available | | | | Try the ATN 7x50C Omega Class Binocular with |
| from afar before we make our final approach. | | | | built-in compass. Again, a great value for the quality |
| 4. General Observation-who says bird watching and | | | | and durability you'll receive. |
| sailing can't be combined? As long as you're out there | | | | |