Gwyc

CD and DVD Disc Ink Jet printers have become very popular, especially for short run disc production. Ink Jet technology is used here in the same way as in paper printers - by spraying ink onto printable surface of the disc. The end result depends on the quality of the equipment and quality of the printable media surface. The Inkjet printable media has special coating applied onto the non-recordable surface that allows direct print onto it. The advantages of Ink Jet printing over traditional CD label printing: Printing directly onto disc is easier and faster than applying sticky CD labels onto many discs.It is cheaper to have discs inkjet printed than to separately buy media and printed CD self...

You are squeezed between two huge power boats ahead and astern of you at the fuel dock. A breeze from ahead threatens to send you into the power cruiser astern. Unless you know how to dock a boat or undock a boat the way the pros do! Follow these five easy steps to undock your boat with perfect control. Anytime the wind blows from ahead, or if it blows off the dock, you will need to control your boat so that the bow swings off the dock first. This gives you the most control in tight quarters. This technique will work on any vessel, from the smallest sailboat or power boat to the largest super tanker! Follow these five simple steps to success: 1. Rig Fenders First Position one or two fenders at the...

I love sailing. Everything about sailing holidays appeals to me. It has adventure and keeps your mind occupied, you can change your view several times during a holiday, find deserted beaches or busy nightlife, be as lazy or as adventurous as you want. The main reason I like sailing though is the challenge although this year will be slightly different... Our beautiful baby girl, Summer, arrived in April and myself and my fiance have been on a steep learning curve ever since. We took a 37ft Catamaran around Turkey for two weeks last year and were keen to go sailing in Croatia this year as we'd heard good things about it. We didn't however consider the fact that we'd have a highly dependent small child...

The Canadian Gulf Islands, in the south-western corner of British Columbia, are world famous for their natural beauty. This area has been referred to as the Mediterranean of the Northwest because of its dramatic coastlines, narrow channels and untouched natural landscape. The waters are considered ideal for both novice and experienced sailors and even suitable for families with children. Many marinas are available ranging from open water moorage to deluxe facilities with many extras, and these marinas vary in capacity from one boat to hundreds of boats. The Gulf Islands make a great choice for a sailing trip. When you sail the Gulf Islands, you can explore miles of beaches that are teeming with...

Did you know that there are three fast, easy ways for sailboat cruising skippers to stop their boats--without an engine? As Olympian Steve Colgate says "To sail well is to have complete control over the sailboat at all times". These three super tips will put you at the helm--in complete control! You are approaching a mooring in a new harbor. Crowds of sail and power boats make your course to the mooring like a giant slalom course. Or, your engine won't start and you need to come alongside a dock under sail. Follow these three easy methods for perfect control: 1. When in Doubt, Let it Fly! Have you ever been sailing and needed to stop right away in an emergency? Slack the mainsheet all the way and...

Sailing out beyond sight of land can be a lonely place and in distant times communication with the land whilst at sea was nonexistent. Now a days with the introduction of VHF, SSB radios, and Satellite phones, with the facility to send and receive emails, the world is a smaller place. The safety aspect of long haul sailing have improved greatly due to the introduction of the new technology, that benefits all. VHF Radio A VHF radio set is both a transmitter and receiver and operates on a frequency range from 156 to 176 MHz. VHF is used for communication purposes with marina's harbours and between other vessels. There are limiting factors for the distance you can communicate using VHF and that is the...

The purpose of this article is to give a cursory look at boat construction, not so that you would be able to build one, but to show some of the reasons why sailboats look as they do. Although there is a huge range of designs for boats they are basically the same whether they are a racing dinghy, a fishing smack, or an ocean racer or cruiser. They are as cars are -- the design changes only with the purpose of the machine, and after that for cosmetic effect. So boats, generally, are sharp at the end that goes through the water first, they have varying degrees of width (beam) and they are blunt at the trailing end. They will have a mast, either tall or short, and they will have sails. Because they have...

If your sails have seen better days, you may think that replacing them with new sails is your only option. But think again - high-quality, competent sail repair can make old sails look, feel, and perform like new. Even sails that have been in service for decades can be restored and refurbished to like-new condition. One of the keys to getting the longest life out of your sails is to keep a close eye on your sails and have repairs done as soon as a problem appears. Here are some things to look out for: Stains - The bad news is that stains on sails are an unsightly but unavoidable consequence of regular use. But the good news is that the right cleaning techniques can reliably eradicate just about any...

Do you know what a pie-pan shaped chart symbol indicates on your nautical chart or chart plotter? Or the difference between an exclamation mark and diamond symbol? How can you tell whether a nautical chart symbol means that an aid to navigation floats or doesn't float? Check the symbol lettering Slanted letters next to a symbol tell you that the object moves with the wind, tide, and current. Buoys are anchored to the sea-bottom with a short scope of chain. The chain attaches to a concrete block. Vertical letters are used next to symbols of structures that stand straight and tall no matter what the marine weather. These include daybeacons, lighted beacons, lighthouses, and prominent objects along the...

Effective and rapid knot tying as part of your sailboat voyage planning is a very important skill set to learn and to practice continually until it becomes automatic - which knot to select for any given task and then be able to tie it quickly. It is a fascinating subject and you will find that you will become obsessed with being able to tie all kinds of nautical knots easily and fast. As suggested in a previous blog I recommend that you purchase a suitable length (say 1.5metres) of soft braided rope, 6 to 8mm. diameter and set it up on the back rail of a chair, towel rail or bed end so it is in position permanently. Every time you go past, grab the rope and tie a knot or two. This way, you will soon...

You are sailing on port tack and see another sailboat ahead just off your starboard bow. Should you pass him to port or to starboard? If you are anything like me, those crazy rules when two sailboats meet each other can confuse even the saltiest sailor. Open up a copy of the Navigation Rules (nautical rules of the road), and you will find specific rules that show sailboats how to maneuver to avoid colliding with one another. How you maneuver will be based on: * Which tack you are on (or the side of the boat that the wind blows over; i.e. port side = port tack). * Whether you are upwind or downwind (to windward or to leeward) of the other sailboat. * When you overtake another sailboat (irrelevant of...

The archipelago of Maldives consists of more than a thousand islands and atolls. A small part of them are inhabited. It's also sometimes referred to as the flattest country in the world. The ground level is only 7.5 feet, but due to geographical changes, the water just keeps on rising. Moreover, the islands have a lot of beautiful coral reefs and beaches that you can explore, especially when you go sailing in Maldives. Maldives is rich with coral rays, which you can discover when you dive or snorkel. There are a lot of equipment available for you, just in case you don't have them. Nevertheless, if you want to increase your adrenalin, you can try surfing. This activity is quite new, but it's catching...

Everyone loves a day of sailing on the open waters. Whether it is a trip out on the ocean or in the middle of a favorite lake, taking out the boat allows for a great time of relaxation and fun with friends and family. There is a lot that can be done on a boat when you are out on the water. Many people will anchor the boat and spend time swimming and snorkeling. Others may bring a deck of cards and other games and just enjoy playing them with everyone else who has come along for a trip. There is also the possibility of enjoying a roaring fire out on the open waters, but without the proper equipment, there is no way to enjoy a fire safely on the confines of a boat. That is why many people have...

The Canal du Midi is one of the most popular waterways in France to take a boating holiday. The Midi forms part of the route from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. There are good reasons for the popularity of the Canal do Midi - it provides a shorter route from the West coast of France to the Mediterranean, and avoids the longer route of going via Gibraltar. There are also a large number of boat hire companies along the route, which explains the large number of holiday craft on this waterway. The Languedoc scenery is splendid, with many towns and villages catering for the holidaymaker. The sunshine is not guaranteed, but is almost constant throughout the summer months. The canal is tree lined...

With the wide array of cruising sailboats today, many "rigs" are represented. Here's a quick rundown of the most popular types. Sloop - By far the most popular for the rig for most modern cruising sailboats is the sloop rig. It's simple, efficient and provides speed with minimal tweaking. Its represented by one mast, a mainsail and one headsail. There are a couple of variations one being the Bermudan Sloop design which can be a mast head or fractional rig. The masthead design has a stay from the masthead and carries a full headsail. The fractional design has a smaller headsail with a stay positioned some distance down the mast. Cutter - Cutter rigs are much like the sloop but have two headsails...

A sailboat can take you on a wonderful trip for away from home, into the sparkling aquamarine ocean to lands far away. Imagine renting a sailboat for a week and jaunting off to the fabulous island of your dreams for a week, or plan a trip full of several destinations. Enjoy the ocean spray from aboard the sailboat, and take an indulgent sip of your drink. The options are endless and the choice is up to you. Sailboat charters are becoming more and more popular with people that, year after year, have been on vacations to islands. People that have taken cruises and yacht excursions are deciding to strike it out on their own. The more intimate setting that sailboats provide is attractive to the person...

Call them what you will, jacklines, jackstays or safety lines, but these deck lines are essential for any cruiser/passagemaker. They are two lines running on your deck, bow to stern, port and starboard to which you can clip your harness snap shackle when you exit the cockpit. There are many arguments for and against as to when a sailor should or should not 'clip on' when out of the cockpit - I am not going to go into that now, suffice to say that anytime you are in adverse weather and especially at night and anytime during night watch, it is a golden rule to 'clip on' when leaving your cockpit. The best lines are made from nylon webbing 25mm wide. Do not use plastic coated wire as this can easily...

This article describes the proper process to buy a sailboat. Unlike most boat purchase advice, written by manufacturers and designed to persuade the reader to purchase one brand or another, the suggestions in this article are written from the perspective of a sailboat buyer and are drawn from the collective wisdom of the author's dozen or so sailboat purchases as well as conversations with many, many other sailboat buyers. This article will focus on applying the buying process to purchasing an appropriate vessel for heavy air sailing. The Buying Process We believe a multi-step process to purchase a sailing vessel is ideal. Our initial emphasis is on assuring that purchases are based on a detailed...

Every sailor at one time or another will need to reef the mainsail. Done right, and assuming your boat is well rigged for reefing, the exercise will result in a more balanced boat in windier conditions. There are several reefing designs like slab reefing (using a Jiffy Reef type system) and on the more modern boats many are coming with in-mast or in-boom mainsails. To reef these types of systems it is simply a matter of cranking in the mainsail inside the mast or boom until the desired amount is left. These are easy and efficient but typically the sail shape is not as good particularly in in-mast systems since batons are not an option. The majority of cruisers though have the traditional and time...

In addition to learning how to handle a sailboat it is also necessary to learn the safety rules. Sailing is an exciting and adventurous sport. Like all sports, there is an element of danger in sailing and unfortunately mishaps do occur. For this reason you need to be prepared for emergencies- not just with knowledge but also with equipment. When accidents happen on boats people are usually not where they can get immediate help. Below are a few things that will help you be prepared in the case of an accident or emergency. 1. A Personal Flotation Device labeled USCG Approved for everyone, passengers and crew, on board. Also make sure you provide the children with one that fits them correctly. Keep...

1. Take care of your boat and the sails. Wash the sails with mild soap and water after sailing. Keep them out of the sun and fold the sail neatly when dry. Clean your boat to avoid transferring possible invasive plant or shellfish species to other sailing locations. 2. Check the weather, wind and tide before you go sailing. Start watching the weather a week before you go out. Record wind, type of clouds and how each weather type encountered impacts your sailing. 3. Be prepared for emergencies. Keep your life jackets (PFDs) in good condition and have one for each person on the boat. Make sure you have first aid supplies in a waterproof box. 4. If you are just learning to sail, start with a smaller...

Do you use the right body mechanics to avoid injury like muscle pulls or back strain when working a sailboat sheet winch? Whether your winches are regular or self-tailers, you will learn how to sail a boat better than ever before when you get the winch to do most of the work for you. 1. Stand or squat and face the winch Strange as it might sound, I've been on boats with experienced crew that try to trim a loaded headsail sheet while sitting down with their backs to a winch. That's just begging for injury! Stand or squat so that you face the winch to get the best mechanical advantage every time. 2. Make wraps based on line diameter Use clockwise turns around the winch drum. If you use line about the...

Do you know what chart navigation color tells you where supplies are plentiful? Or where dangers lurk just beneath the surface, waiting to rip a hole in your boat? Be sure you know these five major chart colors to keep you and your sailing crew safe and sound! You'll find lots of colors on any navigational chart, but five colors stand out above all the rest. As a sailing skipper, you will want to recognize these at-a-glance: 1. Buff for Landmasses That Never Change Dull yellow--called buff--dominates land areas on charts in the US. These areas are not covered with water at high tide, and always remain visible to mariners. 2. Gold for Good Times and Provisions Darker gold blotches within the buff...

In my last article I talked a little about the Chicago to Mackinac Island race. I am relatively new to sailing but it has really changed my life. The race to Mackinac gives me another big event to look forward to every year in July. This will be my third year doing the race and I can't wait. The actual race really is exhilarating and not much beats it, but once the race is over and the competition is done, that's when the fun starts. Mackinac Island is located in Lake Huron, in Michigan. The island is off limits to any automobiles except for emergency vehicles, otherwise everything is horse and carriage or bike. Most of the racers go out to the bars and meet everyone over some much deserved drinks...

A boat under sail is far different than driving a power boat and every sailor needs to know some basic points of sail to keep the vessel moving. A quick check of the different points will keep your skills sharp and technique tuned. Here's a quick guide to the different points of sail: No Sail Zone - Obviously, it is impossible for a sailboat to sail directly into the wind. A sailboat heading toward a destination that is directly upwind must use a zig-zag course to get to that point. The best that most boats can sail is 45 degrees of true wind. Some of the newer boats can achieve better. Bringing a boat too much into the wind will cause the boat to slow then eventually stop. The sails will slap and...

True to scale models of sailing ships are prized collectors' items. A beautiful model made of rosewood, mahogany or teak displayed in a corporate office foyer, a museum, or library of a great mansion can also be a history lesson for the viewer. Ships under sail have, through the years, played an important role in the history of the world. Ancient Egyptians learnt how to assemble planks of wood in to a watertight hull, sealing the seams with pitch. Later some Egyptian ships, in addition to being propelled by oarsmen, had a primitive square sail attached to an A frame. It is thought that Phoenician ships were similar. Some sailing ships were built for war and some for trade. The Xebec, with its...

There are two ways to tack a sailboat: by tacking the mainsail or tacking the jib. Knowing how to do each will help you enjoy quick and smooth sailing. Tacking a sailboat with the right wind conditions makes sailing easier and a lot more fun. Tacking your sailboat aligns your boat according to the wind direction. There are two ways to tack a sailboat. When you master them, your time out on the water will be much more enjoyable and relaxing. Tacking with the mainsail The first thing you must do to prepare for this tack is sheet the mainsail tight and sail close to the wind without losing any boat speed. Alert your crew with the traditional command "Ready about!" when you are planning to tack so they...

If you are a beginner in sailing, you will soon discover the large variety of sailing gear that is out on the market. As great as it would be to own all of this gear, not all of it is required for sailing. However, in order to stay safe while sailing, there is certain gear that you will absolutely need on your boat. Should an emergency occur, having first aid kits, life jackets, and additional safety equipment are essential to ensure the care of passengers on your boat. Radio and navigation should also be present especially when sailing in the open seas or on the coastline. Finding Discount Gear If you search in the right places, you can find discount sailing gear in a variety of places. First, the...

Our little ship reminds them that if they are to make Point Venus today, then they need to set off now. Extricating the anchor from the mud, the hose and scrubber come into use, removing with some vigorous pokes and vigorous strokes, the thick grey goo from the flukes. Snubbed home with the anchor washed down, she turns into the gentle breeze and sails out of harbour on a reciprocal course from her entry just a few days before. A short sail eastward along the breakwater brings her into Matavai Bay proper where she drops anchor in about eight metres of water, into black sand. This is the same black sand that the anchors of Cooks' 'Endeavour' would have embedded themselves in in 1769. Following in the...

How many times have you found that you need a longer line for docking at a pier or slip? You have two lines aboard, but what marine knot should you use to join them together fast, easy, safe, and secure? Enter the reliable "king of joinery"--the double becket bend! Use the double becket bend to tie two lines of unequal diameter (width), or two lines of equal diameter. Sure, you could just tie two bowlines together, but that takes much more line and forms two bulky knots instead of one compact knot. Follow these three easy steps to success. 1. Make an upside-down loop Pick up the larger line (or one of the lines if both are equal diameter) and make a teardrop shaped loop. Hold this in your non...

You are probably like I was some time ago, you would love to learn how to sail, but do not know the first thing about sailing and where to start. Well this article will give you a start to some of the Safety aspects and terms use when learning to sail and actually taking to the water. Basic Safety Advice for Beginner Sailors Sailing is a wonderful sport that can provide you with a lifetime of entertainment. However, to fully benefit from all that it has to offer, there are some basic safety rules that should be adhered to at all times. You may not have noticed whilst watching the Olympics in Beijing, but every sailor present was sticking rigidly to the basic rules of the water. These are the first...

I spend almost all my summers sailing around the Greek islands. With this small article I would like to share some sailing hints with you that will help you enjoy the most out of your sailing holidays.o When moored or anchored, use your sun tent and stay under it most of the time. Our friend, the Sun, sometimes can be dangerous, especially during summertime.o Be cautious on board and if possible, always wear a pair of soft boat shoes. This way you will protect your feet and the deck surface. When sailing, avoid walking on deck without particular reason and in rough weather, remember to use your life belt.o If you have children on board, let them sit outside but always in the cockpit wearing a life...