The latest cruising news from the Northern Hemisphere and the world.
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04 Nov 2016 |
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  The Admiral
 | | The Admiral netting for bait fish. John Curnow © |
There's a guy I know who's just awesome at planning for a trip. He picks great spots to start with, and you surely know you're in for a terrific adventure should you get a Guernsey to be part of the gig. Fishing is always a highlight, and don't get me wrong, I'm in for mud crab and fish like coral trout, any time it is on offer.
Yet you do get the impression that the sense of the unknown is where it is all at. Then in speaking with him closely, you get the knowledge that the raison d'être is actually a real love for the planning. So with thanks to the Admiral, we'll have a wee, and very abbreviated look at the most important parts of a safe passage.
All right then. Assuming you have done your homework on the destination and all it has to offer as both rewards and perils, it is time to start getting bids and bobs ready. There'll be charts with updates (both hard and soft copies), guides or pilots, comms, safety, tools and spares, food and water, medical, stowage plan and any gear you need for yourself including foul weather. Devices of image capture in my case... (and in a waterproof case, too!) Be a good idea to also have the all charged and all the leads etc in the right home(s).
Tell someone what you're up to. Coast Guard etc would be great and you can check with them regarding the stations to call into on your way, as well. Aunt Mavis and co. is OK too, but you are putting her/them under stress, so is that really a good idea in the end. Take charge, do the right thing and then stick to your commitments to check in. You do not want people looking for you when they don't have to!
 | | C-MAP unveils new Insight chart options C-MAP |
Make sure everyone on board knows where all the gear is stowed and how to use it, should it all go sideways. This includes instructing people how to give a position if you or other qualified souls are unable to. Naturally, keep a weather eye and also make sure everyone is fed and watered. You use a lot more water at sea than on land, so have the fresh on tap as it were...
Keep on top of rest to ensure everyone's safety, enjoyment and relaxation. Respect the rights of others and their space, and also keep it clean. You have plenty of time, so give jobs to people and engage others in preparation for cooking, checking fluid levels and so forth. If it is to go to hell, not having crap flying all over the place will aid everyone.
Next thing you know you will have arrived, so check in, perform all paperwork, clean the vessel, relax if you have not had a good trip and get set for the next leg or return voyage. Then you can be totally sure you have it all sussed and squared away properly. Should you need repairs, you can contact the local suppliers and make plans for corrections work, so that again, when you leave, you know you are sorted. It's a bit like re-setting the fire at a cabin (should it be out), so that next time all you need to do is put a match to it.
So it was short, the devil is in the detail, but you get the point – plan, run your vessel ship shape and ultimately, check in with people ashore, check out the boat and replenish to match her original condition before departing once again.
OK. In this newsletter you will find terrific material from the IMB that whilst piracy is down overall, the hotspots are just that, some über-cool quippy from TyeTec®, Halloween, good reading on battery banks, a tremendous piece on Vancouver, Bora Bora, the Dutch canals, the ones of England too, looking after an old girl, the final part of Nautitech's impressive range of incredible cruising cats, and away we go.
 | | Jon Sanders departs Carnarvon in Western Australia Jim Macbeth |
On Wednesday November 2, Jon Sanders commenced the next leg of his record smashing tenth circumnavigation. He departed from the harbour at the Carnarvon Yacht Club, which is about half way up the West Australian coast, after doing the first part of the Dirk Hartog 400th celebrations. Anyway, the next stop is Reunion Island, East of Madacascar, which he aims to get to in about 30 days.
You can keep an eye on Jon, as it were, via the tracker and also on good old FB
So you see, there are tales, lessons, inspirations and history to regale yourself with. Please do enjoy... We're loving bringing you the best stories from all over the globe.
Now then, are you out there plying the seas and got something to say? We'd love to hear from you via editor@sail-world.com – In the meantime, do you love being on the ocean? Well remember to love them back too. They need our help. Now more than ever! Until next time...
John Curnow
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