Safety equipment

Before going sailing, it is important to check that the boat is in good condition to ensure a calm and safe voyage, especially if it has not been done since the summer. In this article we provide you with a checklist for safe sailing.    Getting on a boat and sailing the open sea, whether it be by yourself, with a partner, family or friends, is one of the best sensations of knowing how to sail. Checking that the boat is in a good condition to do so is of utmost importance when ...

Nigel Fox was rescued 23km from his yacht in Australia’s Arafura Sea after AMSA responded to Ocean Signal personal locator beacon alert.     A solo sailor has been rescued eight hours after being pitched overboard in rough seas off Australia’s Northern Territory coastline. Southampton-born expat Nigel Fox, who has been praised by rescue services for the quick actions which saved his life, was located by an Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) aircraf...

Since lockdown was eased there has been a boom in boating across the UK with marinas, anchorages and beaches reporting being at full capacity. The ‘staycation’ effect has led to people rediscovering the joys of boating as a fantastic, healthy, outdoor family activity.    With more people getting in and on the water, ensuring safe boating for your crew and other boaters, whilst still enjoying your time on the water, is ever more essential. With the RNLI regularly rep...

There is an old expression used by ancient mariners. “The Anchor holds the chain, the chain holds the ship.”     How does 15kg of anchor hold 2/3 tonnes of boat?     The answer, friction and catenary. The anchor digs into the seabed and secures the end of the chain/warp. The friction and catenary effect of the chain/warp does the actual holding. To get the maximum hold the anchor must be lowered, ‘hand over hand’ until it ...

New RYA safety video delivers a stark message to powerboat drivers.

A DSC (Digital Selective Calling) marine VHF Radio, is an updated version of the old VHF Radio. So… What’s new?    Think, ‘mobile phone’. Your DSC/VHF has a telephone number, memory, a ring tone when called and even has a GPS position. In its memory, it can store a directory of all your contact’s DSC numbers (known as MMSI, marine mobile service identity) and a selection of pre-programmed text messages.   Using the administration cha...