Suez Side Fishermen

I took this picture in December going through the Suez Canal. These guys were playing chicken with one of the world's largest container ships travelling at over 9 knots. I suppose when you live in a country were you are not allowed to drink you have to get your kicks somehow.

Extracting weather data from a GRIB file

When at sea being able to obtain accurate weather data is vital to the safety of the vessel. A normal forecast like you see on the news is far too general. Technology has come a long way. Technology that was bulky and expensive and only used by commercial shipping is now available to all.

GRIB files contain weather data, the files are optimized to be as compressed as possible allowing faster and cheaper transmission over slower internet connections. Sailors will generally download the file before leaving port. For those venturing out to sea the files can be downloaded using a satellite phone. See Wikipedia for more information on satellite phones.

The GRIB file once downloaded needs to be extracted and viewed, to do this you will need a free program such as UGRIB, please click the link to install your own free copy onto your laptop. The program will take you through the steps of choosing the area you require data for and then download the free files for you. 

The data tells you the wind speed and direction, air pressure and areas of possible precipitation. Forecasts can be up to seven days in advance but remember accuracy decreases over time so whenever possible get an updated file. The GRIB viewer can also animate the data so you can see how the weather patterns will develop for your area. It makes a lot more sense once you have had a play with the software. Have a go it's all free.

Tomorrow's posts

Check out the site tomorrow when we discuss how to use grib files for
weather forecasting and on a lighter note I will showcase the best
boat accidents on YouTube

Sent from my iPhone

Dubai and Abu Dhabi Boat Show 2010

The 18th Dubai International Boat Show will be held between the 9th-13th March 2010. At the moment it is the largest show in the region attracting buyers from all over the UAE, India and Russia. The show is based in Mina Seyahi Marina with many of the boat being on the water.

 

The Abu Dhabi Yacht Show takes places between 25th-27th February 2010. The show is for vessels over 30 metres i.e. Super yachts and is quickly become the event of the year for buyers, dealers and crew. The show is by invitation only.

International Boat Shows- Upcoming

It's not all about super yachts and for anyone who has not experienced sailing a dinghy you are really missing out. Nearly all the world's top yachtsmen started out in dinghy's and it remains not only the most cost effect but competitive way to get into sailing. Why not pop along to RYA Volvo Dinghy Show at Alexandra Palace , London between the the 6-7 March and see the latest beautifully crafted boats, chat to the experts or pick up some new gear for the upcoming season.

Top ten App's for travelling sailors

Modern technology has made sailing and travelling around the world much safer. Keeping in touch with loved ones used to be a nightmare. Although mobile phones are great as soon as you go abroad the call costs for roaming are astronomical. The only solution is to get your phone unlocked and buy a local SIM card on arrival. Smart-phone's such as Blackberry, IPhone etc. rely on a "always on data connection", leaving these on overseas will cost you literally thousands of pounds a months.However there is a solution to portable Internet connection and that is the very much miss-sold Apple Ipod Touch. Marketed as a games console for teenagers it is in fact an iPhone minus the camera and GPS and for less then £150, with no monthly contract you are laughing. Connect to one of the millions of free wifi spots around the world, plug in a headset mike and with seconds you have access to the Internet or call anyone around the world for pennies with Skype.

With Skype make free calls or send instant messages to other users all around the world or with Skype credit make very check calls to mobiles and landlines (free App).

Wind Guru is one of the best weather sites on the net and still free. Details information on nearly every coastal location in the world with detailed information hour by hour. Very useful for dinghy sailors, windsurfers and kite surfers (free App).

 

 Imray's Rules and Signals is a handy reference guide for those swatting up for their Yacht Masters. It covers collision regulations, types of navigation lights, day shapes, sound signals, VHF and distress calls. It is very well illustrated and also tests your knowledge (£3.99 App).

 

 Marine Tides Planner 10 takes all the work out of calculating tidal ranges for that important harbour entrance or mooring. No longer any need to thumb through tombs of almanacs and do complex secondary port calculations. Covers 5, 000 ports and work off-line (£3.99). 

Iknot-boating knots made easy is an animated knot programme that covers all the basic knots you need for safe boating (£1.79 App).

 

Wind Meter is a clever little App that converts the sound from the built-in microphone to tell you the wind speed. Lots of fun but if you need a meter to tell you it's windy, should you be sailing! (£0.59 App). 

 

RYA Handy Racing Rules, is a electronic pocket guide to the latest racing rules. I say if you cannot beat them on the water, you can always protest on a technicality. (£1.19)

 

SailSim allows you to practice trimming your boat from the comfort of your warm armchair. See the effect of wind on all the elements of the boat. Very visual and great for improving your understanding of the interaction of all the boats controls (£0.59 App)

 

Nautical Terms, impress your mates and start talking like Captain Jack Sparrow with this guide to nautical words both past and present (£0.59 App).

 

Phases, give you information about the time the moon and sun will rise anywhere in the world as well as the current phase of the moon. Very useful for organizing watches and ships time mid-ocean (£0.59 App).

Tomorrow's blog topics

In a week dominated by the Apple ipad. We look at top iPhone and iPod
touch App's that make life easier for the travelling sails man.
I will also give a round-up of all the upcoming international yachting
shows and events.

Sent from my iPhone

Sail for Free

One of the cheapest ways to gain experience on yachts and get some miles for those important exams is by taking part in yacht deliveries or assisting owners as crew. Over the coming weeks I will be giving advice on how to make sure your delivery is as safe and pleasant as possible. To set your appetite for adventure I am going to review some useful sites for getting  your next adventure.

 Cruiserlog

 

 

Cruiserlog has a great forum which is free to use after registration. It allows both owners of boats to look for crew and crew to upload their details and availability. The site is strictly moderated and is very intolerant of owners looking to charge crew or commercial operators. Traffic on the site is excellent, however the site is biased towards the southern hemisphere and Asia or if you are looking for European, or Caribbean trips this is probably not the place to start. The site also runs a great wiki with information on nearly every cruising ground in the world plus lively discussions on a broad range of boating topics.

Find a Crew

Find a Crew allows both crew and boat owners to post adverts and profiles. This site has more of a European and North American slant. With around 40 000 thousand members with several thousand checking in on a daily basis there are lots of opportunities to get on the water. However competition is stiff so make sure your profile looks appealing. Sadly this site is not totally free, you may post for free but in order to view contact information or send mails either the owner or crew must be a premium member. The cost is around £50 a month.

Crew Seekers

Crew Seeker International has been around for twenty years and offers opportunities for both cruising, deliveries, racing and professional paid positions. The site has a strong British and European basis but lots of trans-Atlantic trips and popular with the professional delivery companies. The site does not allow crew to post, instead owners post positions and if you think you are suitable you can post a private message. It is free to view the site however again you need to be a member to contact owners. Membership is £60 for six months and in my opinion good value as long as you secure the trip you are looking for.

Yacht Delivery Companies

Delivery companies general have a pool of highly trained freelance skippers that they use to move boats around the world. The crew (first mates, deckhands) are usually volunteers along to gain some valuable skills or just for the sense of adventure. Generally it is known as a "working passage" were the crew are fed and watered but earn no salary. You may or may not get a contribution towards transport if you have to fly to or from the boat. Professional deliveries are very different to trips with owners. Time is money and you will often depart no matter what the weather and stops will be brief, often with just enough time to re-provision. This can be heart wrenching when you stop in beautiful locations you would love to explore.

A google search will provide you with a list of companies in your country of choice. Delivery companies vary greatly in the way they treat their crew and I will discuss this further in upcoming posts.

Say Cheese with the Olympus Mju 8000 go anywere digital camera

shockproof  2m
waterproof 10m
crushproof 100kg 
freeze proof -10°C


 

Olympus continue to lead the way with go anywhere do anything cameras with the range leading Mju 8000. Capture those moments on the water or during any outdoor activity with this 12 mega pixel Camera. This camera really allows you to capture those moments when normally you would be worried in damaging a conventional camera. One word of warning from friends of mine, these cameras although waterproof do not float, so if you drop it over the side it will sink. This can be solved either by buying an extensive floating strap from Olympus or as we need attach a floating bath toy or a large piece of cork with a lanyard.

For a full independent review of this camera check out CNET UK.

If you fancy getting this camera then check out our online store at the bottom of the page. We are an  official Amazon affiliate. By purchasing through this site you are supporting it's development. All ordering is done though Amazon so you are guaranteed their great prices and top line security for your peace of mind.  

Cadbury to sponsor The Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy

Cadbury announced this week that it would be sponsoring the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, the location for the Olympics and and para-Olympics. As well as providing funding for the event and athletes, Cadbury will be the exclusive distributor of snacks and ice creams at the venue. It is a sad fact that today there is no such thing as amateur sport. In order to compete in the Olympics sailors have to campaign from a early age with many starting at the age five. Travelling to international events and training is a full time occupation. Who and how sport is funded is an ongoing debate. Although the days of  tobacco and alcohol sponsorship are behind us it could be argued in a country struggling with obesity a confectionery manufacture is an uncomfortable bedfellow to promote sport.

It's fair to say that Cadbury is not doing anything new we have seen sponsorship from the like of McDonald's and Coco-Cola for years. Cadbury being a tier-two sponsor will spend between 20-40 million pounds on the games. They spend this money in the expectation of increased sales. Will this be at the expense of our children's health?

Sport England which distributes money from the National Lottery will hand over, £9.6 million  (09-14) to the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) which is the National Governing Body. Without doubt the Lottery has been instrumental in Team GB's success in the Olympics and a dramatic injection of funds into grass roots sailing. However we must remember that the Lottery is no more then state run gambling with all it's negative effects on society.

With Western Nations being able to raise so much money through sponsorship and athletes being able to train full time it widens the gab for athletes from developing nations. Is this in the Olympic spirit or should anything that raises the bar of achievement be endorsed. Please post your views or opinions

European boat of the year announced

At the 41th Düsseldorf Boat Show 23rd-31st Jan 2001 the Halberg  Rassy 372 was awarded European Yacht of the Year. Boot Dusseldorf is the world’s largest yacht and waterpsorts Trade Fair.  Despite a 73% fall in exhibitor’s trade was brisk. I will be talking more about the effect of the recession in the next couple of weeks.

Halberg Rassy have been building yachts in Sweden since 1943 and to date have produced over 8750 boats. You will not see Halberg's in charter fleets, they are just too expensive. Very few yards produce production boats with such a high degree of handmade finish. No compromise is made in terms of materials or strength of construction. Although the interiors and design may be considered old fashioned the boats have developed from years of feedback from satisfied owners. Due to their strength and longevity second hand boats change hands with little depreciation. Ask any serious cruiser what his dream boat would be and it's a fair bet it will be a Halberg.

I was lucky enough to complete my first Atlantic crossing on SY Kitsilano, which was the predecessor of the 372. Everything just feels right, the use of solid wood not laminates, the oversized neck fittings and an extra strong hull that cuts through the water without slamming. The picture below demonstrates just how much attention to detail is lavished on the interior. The mass production yards such as Jeanneau may give you more lively performance or greater  interior space for your money but  those who demand quality will be left wanting.

By today's standards a 37 footer is a little small for a live-aboard yacht for a couple wishing to sail around the world. As a family cruiser it is an ideal size having enough accommodation for a family but not being too large to handle easily in a tight marina. If you have around £200 000 plus taxes all your dreams may just come true. Let's see what the press think of this new model.

" Pleasurable and easy to sail, this performance-tweaked coastal cruiser still retains that superior level of build and fit out and boasts a well-proportioned interior. Nimble, quick and easy to tack, she provides excellent cockpit comfort for both crew and helm, and is simple for a couple to manage. A quality boat that provides fast yet comfortable push-button sailing." Yachting World, UK

Apologies from the Aurthor

Initial response to my Blog has been great and I thank you all for your positive comments. I have not posted for a couple of weeks as I have been ill and in hospital. I am on the mend and service will be resumed. This week I intend to broaden the scope by looking and analysing some of the latest news in boating. I am also trying to integrate the site with Facebook, Twitter, Digg and YouTube but as this is a "learning experience" for me please be tolerant of any errors.

Thanks once again for your support and if you would like to contribute or comment please feel free to do so.

Travel Money for Sailors

In this post we look at making your travel money go further. I always say that it does not matter if you forgot to pack something as long as you have money and a passport, anything you forget can be easily purchased.

If you know in advance what country you will be travelling in you can arrange foreign currency, however remember many countries do not allow you to buy or take currency out of there national borders.

Carrying large sums of cash is never a good idea, often on a trip you may make an unexpected stop in a foreign country due to poor weather  or mechanical problems. The two most accepted currencies in the world are the Dollar and the Euro, sadly the Euro has taken over from the British pound. In many developing countries marina staff, pilots etc. prefer their little gifts (bribes) in dollars. Try and carry notes that are not too large to avoid problems with change.

When changing money the most important thing to consider is the rate you are getting and weather there is a handling fee. When dealing with large sums of money the difference can be huge. Your first defence is having a rough idea of the exchange rate, XE's website is one of the best they also have an App you can download a and view off-line if you have a smart phone. One of the best sources of information (sorry for the UK slant) is Martin's Money Saving Website. This is regularly updated with the latest best offers.

It's a fair bet that if you use a foreign exchange desk at the airport or your banks ATM card you will get ripped off. One common problem with credit and debit cards is the new security measures. When the system sees transactions from aboard it assumes fraud and blocks your card. This is very embarrassing in a  restaurant when you come to pay your bill. It used to be the case that you could phone your bank in advance to let me know which countries you are travelling to but this does not always work. You have been warned!

The safe way to carry cash used to be travellers cheques, although they are secure they were a real pain as you had to go to a bank to exchange them and if you lost them, the paperwork was a nightmare. The latest alternative are pre-paid debit cards. The great thing about them is that you do not require a credit check or an account to receive a card. You simply pre-pay the amount of money onto the card you want for your trip. You then use the card overseas as normal, as they have a chip and pin code they are very secure. At the moment they are only available in Euro's   or US dollars. Being MasterCard it is widely accepted and unlike your bank card you will not be changed for taking money out of an overseas ATM. Fairfx offer by far the best rate and if you top up more then 500 pounds there are no fees.

Part Two of this Article will be published In Feb 2010

personal location beacon

OK my first post is a little technical but when I was given a demonstration of the Mcmurdo personal location beacon I knew straight away that this was a device that was going to save a lot of sailors lives. How the device works and functions is not new, the exciting part is the massive reduction in size and cost.

The device is based on a EPIRB which stands for "emergency position-indicating radio beacons". When in danger the device is activated by pushing a button and a signal is sent up to a satellite. The built in gps will send your exact location to rescue services all over the globe. Coverage is global and suitably equiped rescue craft can then home in on your signal. For a more detailed explaination of how EPIRB'S work please check out the wikipedia page.

EPIRB'S have become standard equipment on most ocean going yachts over the past couple of years however they have been expensive and bulky. The Mcmurdo is not much bigger then a mobile phone and is fully waterproof. It can easily be kept in the pocket of your foul weather gear. As a skipper working on lots of different vessels it means you are not reliant on the vessel to be properly equipped. It also provides you with protection on board smaller powerboats and sail boats or you can activate it if you happen to fall overboard. I will be writing extensively on strategies to avoid and survive falling overboard in the coming months.

I have been rescued from the ocean thanks to an EPIRB and their is no question that it saved my life. This device at 300 dollars is really a must have for all regular water users. It must also be noted that EPIRBS can also be used on land and are becoming increasing popular with climbers/walkers/skiers in remote locations that are not covered by a mobile phone network.

For purchasing online I recommend West Marine in the USA with really efficient overseas delivery or your local chandlers.

upcoming topics

 Some future upcoming topics I have in mind are.

• New technologies that make being at sea so much safer
• How to sail for free as a delivery crew and some of the pitfalls to watch out for
• The importance of training and government legislation in reducing marine leisure accidents 
• Emerging overseas markets for water sports professionals and the barriers to entry
• How to stay in touch with friends, manage your finances and travel safely while aboard

Please send in any ideas for discussion or feel free to contribute a post