04/23/08

The Did you know? series was started by Mike Brian and provides short bits of information that are important for sailing your boat.  Topics included so far are:

Anchoring

Flares

Hailing

Anchoring

Everyone likes a good nights sleep when at anchor, even when the weather is at its worst. The anchor used is up to you, but always remember to choose a size that is more than adequate for your boat. Thunderstorms on the Bay can be quite severe & multihulls tend to be lively at anchor due to their light weight and shallow draft, so why not put their wide beam to work for you?

For a trimaran, run the anchor rode from the bow of the main hull, then run a line from the main hull through a block from the ama then back and connect one end to the rode. Use a Prussick knot or a rolling hitch. Slack off the rode until the knot is near water level. This will form an off center bridle which will work great in most conditions. If the weather is expected to deteriorate, repeat the setup from the other ama to widen the angle.

Catamarans can use the same procedure, but this is usually easier because of their forward deck or netting. This process varies from boat to boat depending upon the deck setup. With many of the newer boats sporting bow sprits, a rode without an offsetting bridle risks putting a great deal of strain on the bobstay as the rode wraps around the bow. This will also wear out the rode quite quickly in a blow.

If you are not already using a bridle, try it. It's simple to use and will give that good nights sleep!

Flares

Flares expire and expired flares do not count toward the minimum compliment of visual distress signals required (three) by the USCG. Check the expiration dates and get new flares to replace the old ones. Hang on to the old flares though, they will probably still work and will be appreciated if you find yourself in a real emergency.

Hailing