Travelling and Photography

May 16, 2010

Learning to Sail…the Ultimate Hobby!

Filed under: Sailing — Tags: , , , — arkan @ 4:28 pm

If you’re looking to take up sailing, there are few sailing courses better than those on offer located on the shores of Lanzarote. The marina is just ten minutes away from the airport by taxi and costs very little to get there (approximately 15 Euros), leaving no reason not to try one of the several courses there. The luxury location means that teaching is often done in the sunshine in beautiful surroundings, offerings a different and unique sailing experience. Remove yourself from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and relax on board one of the sailing boats and improve your knowledge or improve upon valuable skills without it feeling like hard work.

The courses you can choose from to learn to sail vary so that you can tailor the instruction according to your ability. Some of the longer courses offer the chance to practice skills and continue learning by sailing around the island. Other courses include theory as well as VHF radio and a first aid course, which compliments the practical skills taught on board. For. You are also given the opportunity to swim in the clear waters during the lunch break as well as giving spectacular views of the stunning beaches that Lanzarote has to offer which surely is an opportunity you wouldn’t want to miss out on.

In the height of summer, Lanzarote can reach high temperatures offering the golden sun and sandy beaches that all holiday-goers are after. So in addition to your normal holiday trip, why not try your hand at sailing? There are plenty of different things to try which will enrich your holiday. Instead of the usual water sports it may be more beneficial to learn practical skills that are fun to learn at the same time. Sailing offers a much more tranquil and relaxed setting for those holiday-goers looking for a more peaceful experience whilst also letting you be active.

There really is something for everyone, with sailing courses that would suit the solo sailor, couples and families as well. Class sizes are kept to a small size – generally a maximum of 4 or 5 people per instructor – which means that the teaching is most effective and so that you get the most out of your learning to sail experience. In order for you to learn as quickly and effectively as possible, the instructors first demonstrate and then allow you to practise as many times as you feel is necessary allowing you to pick up as much knowledge about sailing as possible.

It is important when looking to find a sailing course to make sure that the company you choose has experienced sailors, which are RYA qualified and therefore have the ability to teach you to the correct standards. Rather than looking for a great holiday why not try to learn new skills and find another way to enjoy what Lanzarote has to offer by learning to sail. Who knows, it may become your new hobby. If you’re visiting Lanzarote for a short trip or a long break, fitting in a sailing course will make your holiday one to remember and may even be the start of your sailing holidays for years to come.

James Brook is an expereicned sailing instructor and has helped many people to learn to sail. For more information about sailing courses visit http://www.endeavoursailing.co.uk

June 18, 2009

Learning to Sail

Filed under: Sailing — Tags: , — arkan @ 7:38 am

Sailing is a great sport for everyone

The great thing about learning to sail, especially in the UK, is that the coast is so close to us. We are never too far from a sailing adventure! Leaving the land behind us and disappearing into the ocean on a yacht is less of a dream than you may think.

People of all ages are learning to sail. There is no age limit and children as young as 5 can help crew a yacht. Most sailing only requires a small amount of physical strength, meaning it can easily become a passion enjoyed by everybody.

Leaning to sail doesn’t have to be expensive. Don’t rush out and buy the most expensive clothing and equipment. For your first few times on the water you can borrow or rent anything you may need. Invest in the sport once you’ve started to sail regularly.
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June 5, 2009

Learning to sail the USA way

Filed under: Sailing — Tags: , — arkan @ 7:34 am

The syllabus can be readily divided into two parts. The Keelboat Sailing Certification Program is made up of seven stages while Small Boat Sailing Program contains a further two stages.

The Basic Small Boat Sailing Standard requires no previous experience or qualifications. It is the first course in the Small Boat Sailing Program. Students must demonstrate a theoretical knowledge of the names and functions of various parts of a boat together with common sailing terms, the sail and its ancillary components, the International Rules for Collision Prevention both at sea and on inland waters and hey should demonstrate a basic knowledge of safety procedures. On the practical side they must show they can tread water for 5 minutes and swim 100 metres, rig, launch and retrieve the boat, set and trim the sails, sail both upwind and downwind, tack and gybe, correctly apply the rules of the road, recover a man overboard, recover from a capsize, accept and pass a towline, tie four specified Knots within a given time. Upon completion he or she will be able to sail a centerboard or multihull sailboat in light to moderate winds and sea conditions in familiar waters.

The first course in the Keelboat Sailing Certification Program is known as Basic Keelboat. No experience or qualifications are necessary. To complete the course students will be required to demonstrate that they can put a name to and describe the workings of various parts of a boat including the hull, keel, deck bow and stern. The components of both the running and standing rigging. The different sails including the names of part of a sail – foot, leech, luff, head, tack and clew. The various spars, mast and boom. They will be familiar with sailing terminology used to describe various manoeuvres such as gybing and coming about. Students will understand the points of sail be it close hauled, reaching or running. They will understand the basics of collision avoidance including rules of the road. They will demonstrate they are familiar with regulations covering registration and identification, proper waste disposal, who to notify in the event of an accident and what safety equipment is requires by law to be carried on a vessel and how it is used. They will be able to demonstrate a knowledge of buoyage Participants will know how to anchor a boat and describe the choice of anchors and their attributes and failings. On the practical side they must demonstrate sail handling skills, they will display competence at the helm including mooring, sailing both upwind and downwind together with a successful tack and gybe. They will complete a successful man overboard recovery. They will show they know how to tie 6 different knots and understand their various uses. Upon completion of the course students should be able to sail a boat of some 20 feet in length in moderate winds in familiar waters.
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