Preparation

Sharpening the Saw: Prepare before you cast off

Administrator — Sun, 29 Oct 2017 16:38:16 +0000

Sharpening the Saw: Prepare before you cast off

Chuck Hawley

Administrator Sun, 10/29/2017 - 16:38

In Stephen Covey’s best-selling self-help book, “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People”, one chapter is titled “Sharpening the Saw”. The point of the chapter is that it is incumbent on all of us to learn continually, to improve ourselves, and to challenge ourselves to do better. Take a class, read a book, practice; do what you can to improve your skills, whether mental or physical.

I thought about this as I taught a Safe Powerboat Handling class this weekend. Most of my students were parents of junior sailors, whose goal was to be safer and more confident when operating small powerboats around kids who might be in the water. US Sailing has emphasized powerboat training in the last decade or so in their sailing instructor classes, since so much coaching and instruction is done from small powerboats. The ability to safely operate a RIB or Boston Whaler in close proximity to swimmers is an absolute necessity if you’re going to teach sailing.

In addition to parents of junior sailors, and a few juniors who were intent on earning their Level 1 sailing instructor rating, there were also 3-4 “old salts” who had extensive sailing and powering backgrounds. One was a circumnavigator, who sailed with her husband on a 35’ sloop over the course of seven years. Another had done the “Great Loop” of America in his Grand Banks 42. Certainly they were far too advanced in their boating knowledge to get anything out of a beginning powerboat class.

However, as both of them informed me, they were in the class because they felt that they could always learn something new, or refine their existing skills, or try a variety of boats so that they could gain confidence the next time that they needed to operate an unfamiliar boat. They didn’t feel it was boring, or beneath them, to operate a 13’ Whaler and improve their docking or their ability to operate at minimum control speed. They picked up information about invasive marines species, new fuel tank regulations, how VHF channel designations are changing, and what’s considered negligent boat operation.

Your “saw sharpening” doesn’t have to involve an instructional class.

Your “saw sharpening” doesn’t have to involve an instructional class. It can simply be to sail with skilled sailors, who do things differently, or going out on a type of boat that you’re not familiar with. I’ve been blessed to sail with some of the world’s greatest sailors, including Paul Cayard, Steve Taft, Brian Thompson, Stan Honey, Gino Morrelli, Butch Dalrymple-Smith and others. Each moment spent onboard a sailboat with these sailors is an opportunity to observe how they steer, how they jump a halyard, how they plot a line of position, or how they conduct themselves with their crewmembers. Whether cruising or racing, we all have something we can learn from others to make our time on the water more fun, and safer, and frequently faster.

So, commit to sharpening your personal saw. Take a class, observe better sailors than yourself, and apply your new skills when you’re on the water. There’s no end to this process, and it’s what makes every day on the water a little more interesting.

Suggested List of Tools and Spares

Administrator — Tue, 20 Jun 2017 19:43:04 +0000

Suggested List of Tools and Spares

Michael Keyworth

Eric Goetz

Phil Garland

Administrator Tue, 06/20/2017 - 19:43

Tools

Spares

Preparation

This list of tools and spares is intended to be a minimum guide to tools and spares that might be helpful in routine maintenance at sea or effecting emergency repairs when outside assistance is not available.

Tools
Socket Set, 3/8” Drive SAE, min. 3/8 thru 13/16”	Snap-on, Cornwell, Craftsman, etc.
Socket Set, 3/8” drive, Metric, min. 10 thru 17mm	Snap-on, Cornwell, Craftsman, etc.
Flex T- Handle, 3/8” drive	Snap-on, Cornwell, Craftsman, etc.
Ratchet Wrench, 3/8” drive	Snap-on, Cornwell, Craftsman, etc.
Extension Bars, 3/8” drive, 3”, 6”, 10”	Snap-on, Cornwell, Craftsman, etc.
Socket Set, ½” Drive, SAE 3/8”Thru 1-1/4”	Snap-on, Cornwell, Craftsman, etc.
Socket Set, 1/2” Drive, Metric, 9mm Thru 18mm	Snap-on, Cornwell, Craftsman, etc.
Ratchet Wrench, ½” Drive	Snap-on, Cornwell, Craftsman, etc.
Extension Bars, ½” Drive, 3” 6”, 10”	Snap-on, Cornwell, Craftsman, etc.
Combination Wrenches, SAE, ¼” thru 7/8”	Snap-on, Cornwell, Craftsman, etc.
Combination Wrenches, Metric, 7mm thru 18mm	Snap-on, Cornwell, Craftsman, etc.
Philips Screwdrivers, Size #0, #1, #2, #3 & Stubby	any QUALITY brand w/hardened tips
Slotted Screwdrivers, Size #0, #1, #2, #3 & Stubby	any QUALITY brand w/hardened tips
Hex Head “Allen” Wrenches SAE & Metric	any QUALITY brand
Dead Blow or Soft faced Hammer	any QUALITY brand
20-24 0z Hammer with hole in handle	any QUALITY brand
Adjustable Wrenches: 6, 8, & 12 inches	any QUALITY brand
Strap Wrenches	any QUALITY brand
Nut Drivers, 3/16” thru 1/2 “	any QUALITY brand
Needle Nose Pliers	any QUALITY brand
Offset screwdriver	any QUALITY brand
Locking Pliers: Lg. Jaw, Curved Jaw, Needle Nose	“Vise-Grip” only Models: 12LC, 7CR, &4LN
Sidecutting Pliers “Dikes”	any QUALITY brand
“Slip Joint” Adjustable Pliers 4” capacity	any, but “Channelock” is good (bigger=better)
25 foot Tape measure	any QUALITY brand
High Tension Hacksaw, 12”	any QUALITY brand
12 Hacksaw Blades Bimetal and carbon	any QUALITY brand
Drill bits in a case 1/16 to ½ inch in 64ths	any QUALITY brand
“Spade” bits for wood 5/8 to 1 ¼”	any QUALITY brand
Holesaw Set (up to 4 inch)	Heavy Duty with substantial mandrill
Tap and Die set standard up to ½”	any QUALITY brand
Cordless drill (Highest Voltage)	any heavy duty brand 1/2” Chuck
Cordless Sawzall (Highest Voltage)	Heavy Duty
Assorted Sawzall blades inc. Carbide Blades	any QUALITY brand
Hydraulic Cutter	Husky Tools model -208
Digital Voltmeter	Fluke model 179
Wire Stripper 22 gauge to 10 gauge wire	Anchor# 702030 (West Marine)
Quality Ratchet Crimping Tool	Anchor# 701030 or Dearborn #KT2-2026
Battery Cable Cutters or Shears	Anchor #70205 or equal
12’ Jumper Cables	any QUALITY brand
½ Round Cabinet Maker’s Rasp	Get Coarse cutting( will be used on fiberglass or wood.
8, 10, 12inch Half round and flat files (Bastard)	Nicholson or quality (get comfortable handle)
Assorted cold chisels, pin punches, drifts, etc.	any QUALITY brand
Set of tapered Punches- Small, Medium and Large	2 or 3 different sizes, any QUALITY brand
Wood Chisels (Couple of Sizes)	get plastic handles
Utility Knives and razor knives	any QUALITY brand
Assorted Pry bars	any QUALITY brand
Sharp AWL	any QUALITY brand
Head lamp- Quality LED w/ spare batteries	for working in tight quarters, frees up both hands
Gas powered torch	for heat shrinking
It is important to put holes or to tie safety lines on the large maul, tapered pins, Saws and any other tool that you might be using on deck in rough conditions. Any tool that you are using will be useless if it goes overboard. Make sure that the proper tether is made to it before you leave port.
Spares, supplies and useful bits.
Drywall screws 1”, 1 1/2”, 2”, 2 ½”, 3”, 4”	A quick fastener with many applications, Get Galvanized
Hard wood block or hard rubber-	To cushion hammer blow
Depending on size of boat Larger wrenches	Larger boats= larger tools.
10 feet of 36” wide Sticky back	Can be used to repair a variety of problems
4 rolls of quality Duct tape	Need we explain this?
30-80 foot lengths of electrical wire	14/2, 12/2, 10/2, 8/2
Assorted quality connectors (CNS)	Butt, various ring, spade, etc
5 tubes silicone sealant	any QUALITY brand
5 tubes Boatlife or 101	Cures underwater
10 rolls rigging tape	any QUALITY brand
Various sizes of Spectra or Vectran	50’ lengths of 1/8”, ¼” 3/8”
Assorted Hose Clamps	ABA or Norma
Hose Couplers, Sized to your boat	PVC is preferred
Assortment of hoses, Sized to your boat	Minimum Nylon reinforced
4- 5 min epoxy kits	Good for quick repairs
Boat Owners Mechanical & Electrical Manual	Nigel Calder
How Boat Things Work: An Illustrated Guide	C. Wing

Prepared by

Michael Keyworth Brewer Cove Haven Marina

Eric Goetz Goetz Custom Boats

Phil Garland Hall Spars and Rigging

CHECKLIST: RETURNING FROM A CROSS-OCEAN RACE

Administrator — Thu, 15 Jun 2017 18:47:02 +0000

CHECKLIST: RETURNING FROM A CROSS-OCEAN RACE

Anne Glenn

Administrator Thu, 06/15/2017 - 18:47

Checklist

Preparation

A CHECKLIST IN PREPARATION FOR AN OFF-SHORE PASSAGE AFTER A MAJOR OCEAN RACE

With the assumption that the boat has complied with the off-shore race regulations as required by the race organizing committee.

Crew

Captain who shows leadership
A majority of crew with previous off-shore experience and a couple of young, fit and agile crew
Helmsmen
Competent sail handlers
Navigator and Assistant Navigator
Other skills you want to have covered are:
Weather and Gulf Stream expertise (if crossing the Gulf Stream) –In addition, consider using the service of a professional weather router
Electronics
Mechanic
Rigger
Damage control
Medical - not necessarily a doctor, but someone – preferably 2 - who have taken a recent First Aid/CPR course

Boat Inspection

Delivery Captain and Owner locate and review ship’s documents
Mast Inspection
Bilge pump inspection
Steering cables
Thru hull fittings and plugs
Engine operation – starting, and any unique characteristics
Oil level, spare engine fluids (transmission, oil, etc.), belts, etc.
Battery charging schedule
Fuel level and extra fuel (calculate consumption for motoring underway and battery charging)
Jack lines
Water tank level and extra drinking water
Galley stove operation and fuel
Food inventory - (Does any crew member have a food allergy)

Safety Gear – Locate, Inspect and discuss with entire crew

Diagrams of stowage of safety gear and thru hull fittings should be posted on the bulkheads
SAT phone, VHF, DSC, SSB –Emergency frequencies, operation, etc..
Establish available minutes on SAT phone. Buy more if in doubt!
Pre-program SAT phone with emergency phone numbers and voice mail and activated to talk to weather advisor, go onto the internet, and talk to Point of Contact ashore on a pre-arranged schedule

Radar and AIS
PFD’s, tethers and thigh or crotch straps, light, whistle and knife. Discuss proper fit of PFD
PLB’s -( Registered with NOAA reflecting homeport passage) Or AIS MOB Personal Locater Beacons
MOB button
Emergency tiller and steering options with loss of rudder
Drogue
Fire extinguishers
Flares
Life raft

Medical

Med kit, Locate, Inspect and replace items if necessary- Consult the boat’s medical officer for the race
Medical Form: Have each crew member complete a medical form indicating height, weight, allergies, medicines, emergency contact, doctor’s contact information, etc.
Encourage crew to begin seasick regimen before becoming seasick! This is especially important for first timers.
Boat’s emergency contact ashore should have a list of crew, the name of their emergency contact (i.e. next of kin) and contact’s phone numbers

Damage Control – Locate, Inspect and Replace, if necessary

Tools
Spare parts
Materials to minimize flooding

All Thru-hulls

Stations Bill –

Crew Assignments in a catastrophic emergency
Discuss with entire crew

Practice Drills with written instructions – Entire Crew

Discuss General Safety Procedures (These should have been sent to each crew member prior to the race)
Man Overboard (MOB)
Abandon Ship
Fire
Flooding
Man Aloft
Reefing
Storm Sails
Steering with no rudder

Other things to Consider:

Purchase of a tracker, such as SPOT

VHF or SSB net with other boats leaving at the same time
Attend weather briefings at RBYC
Keep the departure date flexible – You may have to delay your departure OR you may choose to leave on an earlier date to take advantage of a good weather window.

And there will be other things that you will think of!!

For additional information that will be helpful in your preparations, go to the Safety at Sea link of the Cruising Club of America (cruisingclub.org)

This checklist has been prepared by the Safety at Sea Committee of The Cruising Club of America, Inc. (the "CCA") for the sole purpose of serving as a reminder of general safety-at-sea topics to be considered by crews of sailing vessels that intend to make a passage in Atlantic Ocean waters between lat. 25 degrees North and lat. 45 degrees North from the finish of an ocean race to another port and  are (i) manned by crews with substantial offshore sailing experience; (ii) in full compliance with the requirements of the current (2014-2015)  ISAF Offshore Special Regulations Governing Offshore Racing for Monohulls and Multihulls, Including U.S. Sailing Prescriptions, for Category 1 Races; and (iii) have been inspected and found to comply with such requirements in the recent past by one or more of the race organizers.  This guide is an outline only and is not intended to be a complete or detailed guide to all preparations required for such a passage on any particular type of vessel.  The user of this checklist acknowledges that the safety and seaworthiness of any vessel, including the structural soundness of its hull  and rig, the condition of its gear and equipment and its preparation for an extended offshore passage, is the sole responsibility of the owner, captain and crew.  Any user of this checklist by the use hereof agrees to waive any liability of the race organizers or the CCA (and of any committee member, officer, employee, agent  or member of the Governing Board thereof) to such user (or to the heirs, successors or assigns of such user)  arising out of any accident or other incident occurring on or relating to any vessel during such a passage, including any claims concerning damage to property, personal injury or death.

CCA Contact: Anne Glenn, email at safety@cruisingclub.org