The thing about a shade sail is this: it’s very strong, which means it’s also quite heavy. Shade sail cloth is impregnated with a UV resistant preparation, as well as heavy duty weather proofing. It’s tough, it’s thick and it’s designed to hold a rigid shape – all attributes that add to the overall weight of the things. Plus, they tend to be secured in groups – overlapping each other so that they look like the sails of a clipper ship setting out for distant lands. That means they need strong, lightweight poles, capable of supporting the combined weight of more than one sail – shade sail posts, purpose built and fitted.

The only way to ensure that shade sails are fitted to posts capable of holding them, is to buy the poles that have been designed to support them. Shaded Nation, the company that imports the shade sails themselves (selling them either off the rack or cut to bespoke sizes), also stocks galvanised posts and poles, specifically designed to support them. These shade sail posts work with both “flavours” of sail – suspending either triangular or square cut sails of shade cloth from an extremely strong welded lug. The posts are fully tested to comply with UK safety regulations (which they have more than exceeded) and available in a range of colours, powder coated to match whatever shade of sail cloth is being used.

These posts and poles can be installed anywhere, providing support for shade sails used in patios, carports and as walkway covers and swimming pool awnings – as well as more “fancy” applications, like creating an open air dining room for a celebratory meal. The shade sail posts can be roof mounted, deck mounted, sunk in earth or concreted – allowing them to support shade sails in as many positions as their versatility decrees. Like the sails themselves, the posts will stand up in most normal weather conditions – and they’re equipped with failsafe elasticised fastenings as backup in case the sail’s primary attachment is torn away.

Shade sails make a garden or outside area a truly pleasant place to be in, offering as much UV protection as a factor 85 sun cream. Their sculptural appearance and modern lines make them equally at home in any environment, turning patios into areas reminiscent of trendy riverside cafes and making gardens look like art galleries. It would be a shame to risk losing them by installing them on insufficient support. Buying proper shade sail posts is a sure way to protect the investment they represent – in terms of protection, aesthetic appeal and longevity.

A boat performs best when the two forces are in balance. This is when they are positioned one over the other in a vertical line through the

boat’s sail and hull. Your job as a sailor is to keep these two forces in proper balance so that your boat will sail correctly. You keep the boat balanced by shifting your weight and adjusting your sail.

Your boat has weather helm when you have to constantly pull the tiller towards you to keep the boat straight on course. Lee helm is when you do the opposite; pushing the tiller towards the

sail. Most boats are designed to have a little weather helm. However, too much of it can make sailing difficult in anything other than light breezes. If your boat has a lot of weather helm, it means the CE and the CLR are not in alignment. There is more sail pressure aft of the CLR than forward of it.

To correct the balance, 1. Shift your weight aft (back towards the stern). 2. Pull up the centerboard. 3. If your boat has a jib, ease (let out) the mainsail. 4. Try any combination of

these.

Weather- The Sea Breeze

As a sailor you should know about local winds. The cause of these winds is difference in temperature; cold air is heavier than warm air. The most popular of these local winds is the sea

breeze. Warm air over the land rises…And is replaced by cooler air sinking over the ocean. At night the opposite happens. The land quickly loses its heat at night and oftenfalls to a lower

temperature than the water. This results in a light offshore evening wind. On a lake or river, the warm air can rise at the edges to be replaced by the cool air over the water. This can result in a nice breeze for sailing.

Forcast for a Typical Sea Breeze Day: Morning Very Light Winds -No Weather Systems Near -Clear Sky -High Temperatures But Cooler Near the Shore

Afternoon: Wind coming from water starting Midday -Cumulus Clouds over land -Clear over water- Winds Speeds 8 – 12 knots Evening: Winds Decreasing as sun slips over horizon.

Sailing Terms

Amidships- the middle of the boat.

Backwind- the wind flowing off the sail.

Close Hauled- one of the points of sail; sailing as close to the wind as possible.

Dead Astern- straight behind

Flaking- Folding the sail.

Glide Zone- the distance it take a boat to stop after turning head to wind.

Heave To- to head the boat into the wind in order to slow it down or stop it.

Also when you are looking at these sailing yachts you should have a clear idea about the type of sailing that you are going to do. This is important as sailing yachts can be used for speed sailing, land sailing or having a luxurious cruise down a quiet river.

You will need to see if you are looking at sailing yachts which are capable of sailing in deep or shallow waters. Once you have clarified this part of the sailing operation you will know which yacht is best for you. There is one aspect of buying a yacht that should be firmly kept in mind. This item is the price you will need to pay.

Now depending on the type of sailing that you are going to indulge in you will find that the price of the sailing yachts can go hand in hand with this need. This means that while there are people who love to sail on open waters, there are others who are highly enthusiastic about sailing their yachts across solid land.

These people can be seen zooming over the surface of the earth in their highly streamlined, sleek sailing yachts which have been designed to speed across the surface of different terrains.

Since sailing yachts like so many other products are made to last for a certain amount of time it is in your best interests if you look after your chosen yacht with care. Provided that you give your yacht the attention that it needs you will have a sailing vessel that will last for quite a long time.

In many ways you will find that sailing yachts are vessels that can take you anywhere that you want. The many different yachts that you will see in marinas are a testament to the love that people have for these graceful sea going vehicles. With a sailing yacht you are free to travel at your own pace anywhere in the world. These are a few of the attributes and reasons why people love to have fun in sailing yachts of different styles and types.

Sail shades are made up of strong cloths which can withstand harsher treatment than the temporary versions of shade that are typically available. Sail shades are typically attached to permanent fixtures such as walls or permanent posts. As a result it is a longer lasting source of shade that should be dealt with as a key part of the design of the outdoor space. Garden designers can often use them to base the design of the outdoor space. Such is the striking nature of this type of shade that the whole theme of the outside space can be amended to work with the sail shade.

Sail shades were first utilised by ancient Roman and Greek sailors that hoisted sails up to protect them from the searing sun when they were on land. This innovative idea was exploited by many different people and the theory has developed into the modern day sail shade. It is said that the coliseum was covered with a sail so that the people that attended the sporting and theatrical events could be kept cool from the searing sun. This theory has been exploited to make the modern sail shade. The primary change has been that the type of cloth used to make the sail has changed. New technology has introduced new fibres that make the modern sail shade both sturdy and extremely effective at blocking out the harmful UV rays from the sun.

The sail shades come in a number of different shapes and sizes. Most sail shades that are used for large outdoor areas are designed by the sail shade manufacturers specifically for the place that they will be used in. The range of options if you decide to have your sail shade designed bespoke to your needs is infinite. There are also a number of sail shades that are sold off the shelf. These come in a number of different sizes and shapes. Each manufacturer and sales company produces different sizes and shapes bust most of these companies will provide something to suit your needs. Most sail shades are available in triangle and square shapes. These are generally called triangle shade sails and square shade sails and are a great way of providing a semi-permanent shade for your garden.

Other types of garden shade that you could utilise in your outdoor space are gazebos, umbrella shade and the larger marquees. Gazebos are another fantastic option as they are quite inexpensive and can be erected anywhere. They are small tent like structures that can be put up anywhere. Unlike tents they do not have walls and they are tall enough to stand under. Also they often provide rain cover as well as shade cover from the sun.

Where to Start

You’ll find many dinghy sailing clubs around the lakes and rivers of the UK coast. Always keen to take on new members, especially families, you’ll find them welcoming and friendly.

Cost

Fees vary depending on the level of facilities, but a good club will cost around £150 per year for a family and may include a dinghy parking place. Individuals joining on their own will expect to pay around £50 per year. There are no fees to use the water but you will need insurance. This should cost a further £50.

Equipment

There are two vital pieces of equipment that you will need. A buoyancy aid or life jacket and a pair of non-slip shoes. Trainers are fine to begin with but they offer no protection from the water. You’ll also need to invest in a good waterproof jacket in the summer and a wetsuit for the winter months. Wearing layers of clothing is always advisable.

Buying a Dinghy

Some clubs will lend you a boat and a sailing centre will provide a boat as part of a course. It’s a good idea not to rush in and buy a dinghy straight away. It’s best to start with a used dinghy while you’re new to sailing. Beginners to the sport will normally start with an older boat and after a few months, when you’re sure you want to continue, you can upgrade to something to a newer boat.

Types of Dinghy

- Car portable such as Toppers. – Fixed keel dinghies. – Performance dinghies such as Catamarans. – One person dinghies like the One Man Lasers. – Two person such as Fireballs. – Family dinghies like Wayfarers.

Courses

Dinghy sailing is always taught by RYA qualified instructors starting with beginners courses. Courses are designed so that the skills you learn in one boat are transferable to the next. And you can complete courses in stages, so you can finish one section and continue with the next when you are ready – on holiday for instance.

Learning to Sail on Holiday

Learning to sail a dinghy on holiday is a great way to enter the world of sailing. With better weather and time on your side, you’ll feel more relaxed and possibly learn to sail much faster. With warmer waters you’ll almost certainly feel more confident when you capsize the dinghy.

Inshore Lakes or Costal Waters

Dinghy sailing on an inshore lake is generally considered safer. You’ll be sailing within easy distance of a rescue boat, making it popular with families. It’s also easier to lean this way. Without the distraction of the tide and avoiding other craft, you’ll feel more comfortable able to concentrate fully on your sailing. With stronger winds and greater challenges, coastal sailing is for the more experienced dinghy sailor.

Start Racing

It won’t be long before you feel ready to start racing and most clubs run novice courses. Boats designed for one or two people, and even high performance dinghies with a crew, can be raced without any official qualification. You will, however, need to learn to handle the dinghy and have a good grasp of the basics for your own safety.

Cruising

There is the option to cruise rather than race and there are clubs for people who simply wish to sail with others and discover new waters. Smaller boats for cruising are slightly different in that they are not designed for speed but for comfort. This means they handle easily in all weathers and are safer when away from shore with no rescue boat. Larger and heaver dinghies are known as day boats. You will also need to complete a course for cruising and have a good understanding of the basics.

Buying a Dinghy

Before you buy a dinghy you must bear in mind that your requirements will change as your sailing develops. You should also consider whether you want to sail alone or with a crew, if it needs to be portable and if you need a faster performance boat more or one more suitable for cruising. Newer, high performance boats will come at a higher price but there are bargains to be had with older boats.