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