Messing About In Sailboats

Lin Pardey - Eight Tips for Selecting a Cruising Boat | YachtPals.com

[Lin and Larry Pardey are probably the most famous cruising couple in the world.  Through their philosophy of simplicity and self-sufficiency, they have encouraged countless others to cast off the dock-lines and live a life of adventure, rather than to spend a lifetime thinking "some day..."  Their books, videos and seminars have brought the dream of cruising down to earth, and their practical, hard-earned advice is treated by many cruisers as scripture.  They've been there, they've done that, and they want to tell you how you can too.

via yachtpals.com

Some absolutely brilliant practical words of wisdom on cruising from someone who knows what she is talking about. Thanks Yachtpals!

Man overboard video in South Atlantic

This is scary but has a happy ending. It's a video from the BBC of a sailor in the Clipper race on Hull and Humber being swept overboard.

Whenever I have sailed offshore, I have sometimes felt that skippers are a bit melodramatic in the routines they set for how to clip on. One in particular told me that the second I poked my head through the companion way I was to clip on. And on returning back down below, not to unclip till the last possible second. Now I see why.

Sailing Photo Of The Day - 49ers on Draycote Water

IMG_0519, originally uploaded by chrisgandy2001.

Not wise

One of the basic safety principles for cruisers is not to head out in a gale. It stands to reason. Below is one of a series of photos that reinforce the point. This sailor set out in 9-10 meter seas!  It was a less than successful outing. You can see the full series here.

Thanks to Brian from A Movable Bridge for sending them.