| Sailing is a wonderful hobby, but as with any sport it | | | | visual contact with the boat. Use your whistle and |
| can be dangerous. From novices to the most | | | | mirror to get your crew's attention. |
| experienced sailors, it's vital that you're safe on the | | | | Clothing - Always protect your head, hands and feet |
| water. With 54% of lifeboat services carried out for | | | | when sailing. |
| pleasure craft, you cannot afford to take risks on | | | | Protection from the sun is very important because |
| the water. | | | | reflection from the sun on the water can cause |
| We've put together some basic rules, ideal if you are | | | | sunburn. Apply a strong sunscreen to all areas of |
| new to sailing: | | | | exposed skin and reapply regularly. |
| Equipment - Check your equipment before casting | | | | Wear warm protective clothing. Prolonged exposure |
| off | | | | to the cold can lead to exhaustion. A third of all body |
| Things you will need to have onboard: | | | | heat is lost through the head, so some form of head |
| Horseshoe lifebuoy An automatic light A danbouy A | | | | gear is essential. It will also protect you from |
| buoyant heaving line Don't forget to take plenty of | | | | sunstroke on sunny days. |
| water, it's easy to become dehydrated at sea. | | | | Wearing gloves will protect your hands and keep |
| A list of more equipment to keep aboard: | | | | them warm. Specialist gloves with non-slip reinforced |
| Spare can of fuel clearly marked - petrol, diesel, two | | | | fingers are best. Footwear should protect your feet |
| stroke Set of oars or auxiliary outboard Tow rope | | | | and provide grip. Sailing shoes have non-slip soles. |
| First aid kit Torch Day and night distress flares Fire | | | | Never sail in bare feet - it's easy to slip on wet areas. |
| extinguisher Bailer Anchor with adequate chain and | | | | Hold on! - "One hand for the boat, one hand for |
| rope Weather - Always be aware of offshore winds | | | | yourself" |
| Check the weather of your destination before you | | | | Always hold on to something and be prepared for |
| sail, and be prepared to change your schedule. Also | | | | any danger. A large wave or sudden gust of wind |
| keep in mind that you may have to alter your route | | | | can toss your boat without warning. Always bend |
| mid-way. | | | | your knees for the best balance. |
| Boarding your boat - Keep your balance | | | | Wear a safety harness if sailing a keelboat. Secure it |
| Extra care needs to be taken when boarding | | | | to a solid object in order to keep your hands free. |
| sailboats as they are prone to capsizing. Step as far | | | | Never use a safety harness on a dinghy. |
| in to the centre of the boat as possible and never | | | | Guard rails should always run the length of the deck. |
| step on to the edge of the boat. | | | | The rail ends should be secured with lashings or quick |
| Capsizing - Practice, practice, practice | | | | release slips so you can cut them to recover any |
| When it comes to safe sailing, capsizing is extremely | | | | man overboard. |
| important. Always practice in a controlled | | | | Treat slippery surfaces with non-skid paint or stick on |
| environment. | | | | strips. Pay attention to tops of hatches and sloping |
| Man overboard - Don't panic! | | | | coachroof sides which become walkways when the |
| Being prepared in a rescue situation gives everyone a | | | | boat is heeled. |
| fighting chance. Everyone onboard should wear a life | | | | Final top tips Always sail at a recognised club or |
| jacket equipped with a whistle and mirror. A whistle | | | | launching location Tell someone where you are going |
| which can function when wet can pierce through the | | | | Have a healthy respect for the sea and sail within |
| noise of the choppiest waters. A lifebelt and dinghy | | | | your limits Always remember, when it doubt, don't go |
| should be thrown overboard immediately. | | | | out! |
| If you are the person overboard, try to maintain | | | | |