Visual Distress Signals Need Not Be Flares
Which distress signaling devices to carry is determined by local government and race authorities’ requirements, in what waters the vessel plans to sail, cost and personal choice.
John Jourdane
John Jourdane is one of the most experienced offshore sailors in the world today. He has sailed over 300,000 miles. He has crossed between the West Coast U.S. and Hawaii 54 times, has crossed the Atlantic Ocean 12 times, and sailed around the world 3 times, including 2 Whitbread Round the World Races. He is also the author of Icebergs, Port and Starboard and Sailing with Scoundrels and Kings. John also teaches Weather for Sailors classes across the U.S. and Canada.
Sources of Weather Information for Safer Sailing
Knowing what weather is coming is as important to sailors as how to raise a sail, steer the boat, or how to tack.
Crew Overboard Recovery while Chartering
Frequently we move some of our safety thinking to the back when on a charter vacation. Life is good, we are laid back, so we are not thinking of safety. But squalls happen, so here are some thoughts about COB recovery.
Prevention:
Lessons Learned a Winter Delivery: Weather and Tools
Despite my better judgment, I was coerced into delivering a 40’ cruising sloop up the coast from Oceanside to Moss Landing in early December, a distance of 350 nautical miles. While December weather can be relatively flat and beautiful, it can also deliver mid-latitude low after mid-latitude low for weeks and virtually eliminate any chance of making a safe or comfortable passage.
Publications
Browse publications authored by CCA members and available from various outlets.
Frank Cassidy
Frank Cassidy received his degree in Electrical Engineering from Northeastern University and a master’s degree in Applied Physics from Harvard University. His career in marine electronics included development of Loran-C transmitters and receivers, and vessel traffic control systems in the Suez and Panama Canals. He was the engineering vice president at Datamarine, Chairman of the NMEA Standards Committee, and developed the NMEA 2000 Network Standard for the NMEA.