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Let’s
Go Cruising!
Tips for Planning the Perfect Overnight or Weekend Getaway!
Steve and Doris Colgate
are
co-owners of the famous Offshore Sailing School which
was founded in 1964 and includes multiple locations throughout
the U.S. and Caribbean.
Q:
What level of experience is needed to take an
overnight/weekend cruise?
A: Assuming that you are just sailing
during the day and sleeping at night aboard, you only
need to be practiced in basic navigation, anchoring and/or
docking, and have experience in safe sailing under good
conditions.
Q:
What types of charts are needed?
A: Be sure to have charts that cover
the whole journey, not just intended stops. You need a
large scale chart of any harbor along the way that you
may need to use as safe refuge if weather conditions deteriorate.
Q:
How far in advance must you plan, and what considerations
should you review in the planning process?
A: This really depends upon whether you
have sailed to the proposed destination before, or if
it is completely new to you. If you are preparing a first-time
trip, don’t be overly aggressive regarding distances
to sail. Choose the number of hours a day you would like
to sail and multiply by a modest speed in case of light
winds, headwinds or the need to power. That way, even
in a worst case scenario, you will make it to your destination
before dark. Planning must include meals, topping off
water and fuel and, most important, the weather prognosis.
Q:
How far in advance can you book transient slips?
A: Unfortunately, there is no standard answer
to this question. It depends on the marinas you have available
to you, the time of year and how crowded they become.
It is to your advantage to book out as far as possible
to ensure you can have accommodations when and where you
want them.
Q: How can you find
out about local amenities and destination options to the
area in which you plan to travel?
A: That’s easy! Buy a cruising
guide for your cruising area from the local marine supply
store. Another good source is to ask other sailors who
have traveled in these areas.
Q:
What is the best source of weather, wind and current
info for a 1-2 day trip?
A: Check out the Weather Channel, NOAA
radio on your VHF radio telephone, cruising guides, charts,
U.S. Government Tide and Current tables, and weather maps
in local newspapers.
Q:
Is it necessary to file a “float plan”
for such a short trip?
A: Just make sure a friend or family
knows your plans including where you are going and phone
numbers, estimated time of arrival at your overnight destination
and ETA for the return to your home base.
Q:
What should a sailor know about anchorage etiquette?
A: The sailor who anchors last, moves
first if they turn out to be too close to other boats.
Tie off halyards so they don’t slap the mast in
the night. Observe the peace and quiet of other boats
in the anchorage.
Q:
How should you plan provisions?
A: A wonderful meal aboard a boat in
a quiet anchorage is one of life’s greatest pleasures.
Don’t skimp! Analyze your ability to store food
and beverages, and plan accordingly.
Q:
What types of safety equipment are important for
an overnight versus a day sail?
A: On the premise that you are only sailing
during the daylight hours, about the only additional safety
equipment (above and beyond Coast Guard requirements)
needed may be an anchor light. Make sure your safety equipment
is in good order, including running lights, flares, strobe
for man-overboard, etc. just in case you get caught out
after dark.
Q:
What type of navigation equipment should be considered
when overnighting or weekending?
A: The standard basics such as charts,
dividers, protractors and/or parallel rulers, fathometer,
speed/log indicator and usually a GPS unit.
Q: How do
I take the next step?
A: You just DO it! Make your plans and
go for it! You’ll have wonderful fun, but make sure
you do it in the best of weather. Bad weather and low
visibility can add a great deal of stress to an otherwise
pleasant and personally rewarding trip. If you think you
need a little more guidance, go with another sailor or
take a cruising course. Once you’ve mastered the
overnight or weekend cruising adventure, you’ll
be ready for the whole new world of extended passagemaking!
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