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If you want to learn to sail with skill and confidence, you will want to become familiar with what each sail control line does aboard your small sailboat. Once you learn these controls, you will be able to

• Accelerate your sailing speed and performance.
• Boost your power to slice through choppy waves.
• Make faster sailing passages from point to point.
• Beat the competition on race night.
• Sail with comfort in light or heavy winds.

Olympian Steve Colgate once said: “To sail well is to have complete control over the sailboat at all times“.  Here are the five main sailing rigging controls you will find on most any sailboat from the smallest racing dinghy to the largest bluewater cruising or racing sailboat. Use them to shape and trim your sails for maximum sail power–and to achieve complete control over your small sailboat!

Halyards

Set the right amount of halyard tension to keep your sail shaped to perfection. When your sailmaker builds a sail, he or she builds a curved shape into the sail–called “draft”–from the top of the sail to the bottom of the sail. The deepest part of each curve needs to stay foward of the halfway point in both the mainsail and Genoa (or any headsail) for good power and drive.

Imagine that you raise your mainsail and Genoa one early morning with light winds. You tension the halyards of the mainsail and Genoa and begin to sail. The sail draft at that time stays just where your sailmaker designed it to be–in the forward half of the sail. Later in the early afternoon, a nice sea breeze begins to fill in and the wind increases. The sail draft now creeps farther aft (back) in each of your sails. You will need to move it forward again, or weather helm will increase and the boat will feel sluggish.

Reset your halyard tension as soon as you see puckers–also called “crows feet”–build along the luff. Tension the sail until the crows feet disappear. This moves the draft forward and your boat should accelerate like a a racing thoroughbred!

Cunningham

Use a fantastic invention from the sail racing world that will save time and effort so that you don’t have to hassle with a halyard. Have your sailmaker install a Cunningham ring above your mainsail tack. Pass a line through the ring from one side of the mast to the other. Larger sailboat can attach a small block and tackle to the Cunningham ring. Tension the line to remove wrinkles along the luff of the mainsail. This moves the draft forward and saves you from having to grind on a halyard winch.

Sheets

Slide your Genoa sheet blocks forward in light winds to add fullness to the sail. This setting places more tension on the leech and less on the foot. In heavy winds, slide your sheet blocks aft to make the Genoa flatter. This setting places more tension on the foot and less on the leech, and helps spill high velocity wind up high in the sail. 

Boom Vang

As long as the end of your sailboat boom stays over the boat (when beating or close reaching), the mainsheet creates enough downward pull to keep the mainsail leech trimmed. But once you ease the mainsheet, with the end of the boom over the water (beam or broad reaches, or running), the boom vang takes over the downhaul job. This keeps the boom more level, trims the leech, and keeps the boat in balance.

Traveler Track

Your mainsheet attaches to a slide–also called a “traveler car”–that attaches to a traveler track. The traveler track spans the deck athwartships (across the boat from side to side). In moderate winds of 5-12 knots, most sailing skippers keep the mainsheet car in the center of the traveler. In super light winds (lighter than 5 knots), move the car a hole or two upwind (to windward).

In heavier winds (greater than 12 knots), you want to push the car downwind to spill some of that high octane wind. This decreases heeling and keeps the boat on her feet. In a reefing breeze, you want the car at or near the end of the traveler for best performance.

Use these five powerful controls to learn to sail any boat like a pro. You will gain more power, speed, and performance on any point of sail–wherever in the world you choose to go sailing!

Captain John Jamieson teaches sailing skippers quick and easy ways to learn to sail like a pro. For a free weekly sailing newsletter plus more sailing tips, articles, and sailing videos, visit skippertips.com

Webster defines kayak as a “man’s boat”.  It is interesting in this politically correct world that you would find a definition using such a gender biased connotation.

But, alas it is spring and the romance at this change of season leads one to think of the future. What should I do now since spring has sprung?  Some would say I’m too old for such an adventure but “too old” is not in my vocabulary.

The long winter cold nights are only a memory and the love of nature and the beauty it beckons await the man and his boat. Where to vacation is as broad a spectrum as the types of kayak available.  Should one consider the overdue fishing trip or a white-water adventure?  Would a gentle path for the casual paddler coupled with viewing the beauty of nature be best?  So many decisions and what delight in the process of planning the “man” trip now that spring time has emerged.

Memory of past trips reminds me of bouncing off rocks as the fast-moving water spattered in my face.  Am I ready for freestyle and competition or do I want to put off that vigorous training for a more reposeful journey?

I am considering a trip to Kentucky to call friends which would entail a paddle down the Green River in Mammoth Cave National Park.  I can imagine the bright afternoon and the blue-green grass of the Bluegrass State that this journey would provide.

However, I could stay in Hawaii in my piece of heaven on the Island of Maui and paddle with my friends.  I do lead our group and they respect my skills as well as my delight in the adventure.  At least I think that is what they enjoy the most.  It could be the picnic that I bring along or the ukulele music and hula I perform for the evening entertainment after our day’s journey out in our kayaks.

I hate those days that you have to make tough decisions, trying to pick from visits with old friends in Kentucky or old friends here at home.  Ah, but if I go to Kentucky and enjoy Green River kayaking, then I can then go on to enjoy Churchill Downs and the horses.  Wonder what else the red hat ladies would like to do? I hear Indiana has some distinguished places to paddle a kayak too.

Submitted by San Dee Crabtree. This story was inspired by Queen Adele who in her late seventies is a top kayaker in Maui.  She visits Kentucky and enjoys our change of pace and trying to keep up with Ms. Adele is a joy to behold.  She has ladies all over the world kayaking and treasuring their days.

Seeking a new and unique sort of getaway? Do you need to steer clear of the crowds and hussle and bussle of the tourist attractions? Well, if you like the water then you should surely contemplate a houseboat holiday. Houseboat vacations can become some of your most memorable experiences. Vacationing on a houseboat may be extremely relaxing yet there are several activities to keep you busy if you wish.

If you are the relaxing type then you’ll be able to just hang out about the houseboat and sun bathe, swim, bar-b-que, read, or fish. Prefer a much more active vacation? Then hike close to the lake, sport fish, jet ski, water ski, take a bike ride. You will discover a great deal of physical activities around lakes and rivers that you can engage in. You can also go to nearby towns and points of interest if you wish.

So, you are thinking that houseboating might be the way to go. But, where can you rent a houseboat for your holiday getaway? Well, within the U.S you will discover many well-known houseboat holiday locations. Some of the bigger lakes are Lake Havasu, Lake Powell, Lake Tahoe and Lake Shasta. But, there are also places such as Crane, Cumberland, Lanier, Oroville, the Ozarks, Shuswap and Sonoma where you are able to readily find houseboats for rent.

What will you have to bring with you on your houseboat trip? A lot of houseboat rentals will come with just about everything you are going to need . Just bring your clothes, food and drink, and iPod and you’ll be ready to go. Just phone ahead of time to make your reservation and find out what you’ll need to bring. Several of the lakes have other items for rent such as bicycles, jet skis, float tubes and watercraft too.

Most houseboats may be moved around the lake so that you are not stuck in the same region your entire holiday. Houseboats on the river permit you to move up and down the river and see diverse areas and sights. So, mix relaxation, activities, sunshine, and water and you get a houseboat getaway. If you are tired of road trips or jumping from airport to airport during your vacation then think about a houseboat getaway. You may possibly discover that it’s something you actually enjoy.

Did you realize that you can replace all of those pieces of line or ribbon you use for sail ties with a single piece of line? Learn to sail like a pro with this super secret used by offshore delivery sailing crews.

If you are anything like me, sail ties are a pain. They never seem to be quite long enough, get tangled up like spaghetti when you stow them, and you never seem to have enough to do the proper job. Here’s an easy, fast way that you can use on a cruising or racing sailboat of any size. Use a single, long piece of nylon or Dacron line to tie off your flaked mainsail to your sailboat boom. Follow these five easy steps:

1. Make Your Mainsail Containment Line

Use a long piece of small diameter line at least four times as long as your sailboat boom. If you only have short lines aboard, join them together before you go to the next step. That way, you will have more than enough line to tie off the flaked mainsail once you get started.

2. Begin with a Bowline Knot

Tie a bowline knot onto one side of your containment line. Make the small loop of the bowline 3″ to 4″. Keep the bowline loop small so that it’s easier to work with.

3. Loop the Line around the Sailboat Boom

Coil your containment line. Break the coil in half and pass the part with the bowline over the top of the boom. Thread the other side of the line through the bowline knot to form a loop near the forward part of the boom. Slide the bowline to position it on the side of or beneath the boom. Pull hard on the line to make a tight loop around the bunched up sail.

4. Half-Hitch Along the Top of the Boom

Pull the line straight up to the top of the boom and hold it in place. Loop the other end under the sailboat boom and thread it back through the line on top to form a half-hitch. Move two feet down the boom and repeat this method to form another half-hitch on top of the boom. Continue half-hitching the line at two foot intervals. Keep all of the half hitches on top of the flaked mainsail to make your containment system work smooth and easy.

5. Secure the End of the Line

Knot the bitter end of your containment line to a strong boom fitting, such as a bail. Then go back to the front of the mainsail and remove more slack from of the line. Tighten up the loops at each half-hitch, working your way aft. Repeat the process to the end of the boom. Take the slack out of the bitter end and tie it off again. Now you have your mainsail secured and ready for sea with a single, strong, containment line.

Use these five steps to get your flaked mainsail under control easier than ever before. Learn to sail with more skill and efficiency with this innovation from the world of sailing delivery crews!

Captain John Jamieson shows sailing skippers the fastest, easiest ways to learn to sail like a pro. For a free weekly sailing newsletter plus more sailing tips, articles, and sailing videos, visit skippertips.com

Perception provides the broadest selection of kayaks matching the most diverse needs of discerning paddlers. Every kayak offers excellent overall performance, stability and convenience. That’s why paddlers of every level opt for a Perception Sea kayak..

Perception Sea Kayak is utilized for River trips? Lake excursions? Catching a wave? Sea kayaking? Family days out? Weekend adventures? Winding down after work?

Paddlers of all stages choose the Perception sea kayak for their uncompromising quality, legendary performance, exceptional stability and superior comfort.

Perception white water kayaks offer a comprehensive array of models that cover the myriad of kayaking experiences. Newcomers and intermediates enjoy the user friendly and enjoyable overall performance of the Classic Line. For experienced boaters and progressive paddlers  includes renowned freeriders, creekers and river runners.

Perception recreation kayaks are a excellent way to explore inland waterways on both your first time out and many years later. They offer you balance, accessibility and versatility, ensuring that your time afloat is easy, safe and most of all enjoyable. Our leisure kayaks are compact in size so easy to handle on and off the water.

Perception touring kayaks take you further. With a wide range of overall performance characteristics, effortless paddling is assured from inland navigations to coastal waters. All bear Perception’s hallmark stability and reliability. You’ll be forever spotting sections of water to tempt you into your boat to explore to your heart’s content.

Hop on a Perception sit on top. You’ll instantly experience the confidence inspiring, safe, open styling. Easy handling and reliable durability make these kayaks perfect for fun seekers of all ages and abilities. They’re particularly well suited to loved ones enjoyable at the beach or lake.

Perception touring, recreation and sit-on kayaks have superb directional tracking and boosted balance courtesy of our “Tracking Hull”. This style, pioneered by Perception, guides the flow of water along the hull for true tracking and speed and minimizes the drop off in overall performance of a shorter kayak. It also guarantees rigidity and shape retention for long lasting overall performance.

You can find more information about kayaks at http://fantastickayak.com/perception-sea-kayak-the-kayak-for-all/, where you can read about Perception Sea Kayak.

A friendly subscriber of mine, just today, brought up three questions about intervals regarding synthetic motor oil changes. The questions that were asked left me wondering how anyone can trust any oil company these days because if you aren’t at the top of your game you can easily be conned into buying a product that won’t necessarily deliver what it promises and will leave you with either engine damage, money damage or ego damage, and none of those sound particularly fun.

To end the suspense, here are the questions:

#1 I have heard that changing your oil every 3,000 miles is an old wives’ tale (or an old hubby’s tale?) but how does that pertain to a synthetic motor oil change?

#2 If I haven’t ran my mileage up to the oil’s limit yet then when’s the right time to change my oil?

#3 Will an initial higher TBN number be beneficial if I’m using oil analysis?

Those questions are great and I hope my answers are some help, so here they are:

Back in 1997, when Castrol managed to get the courts to allow group III basestocks to labeled ’synthetic’, the line between synthetic motor oil and conventional motor oil became very ‘gray’. So ultimately, when it comes to the 3,000 mile myth is concerned, it’s extremely difficult to make a clear distinction between the two. However, I can say in good faith that when it comes to synthetic motor oil that the 3,000 mile or 3 month myth are wiped off the board. A quality synthetic oil with a decent additive package will outlast a traditional conventional oil any day of the week.

#2 and #3 have a common issue of TBN. It is important that the detergents and alkalinity (related to TBN) of the oil are provided for an anticipated duration of the oil in the engine. Additive packages vary depending on the motor oil and their recommended drain intervals. Typically the TBN would be higher to make sure the engine environment does not become acidic and corrosive.

Very short drives are hard on oil (like down to the grocery store). City driving is typically considered ’severe’ when it comes to oil change intervals. Most people caught up in the hustle and bustle of the city don’t have the time to let their engine heat up properly and then unburnt fuel and moisture end up diluting the oil and breaking it down.

For that reason it is best to start up and run down the highway for greater than say 15 minutes to really allow the engine to cook the oil “dry”.

Depending on your driving habits, your oil will deplete itself if it isn’t designed for longevity with a higher TBN and more detergents, etc.

The complexity of additive packages in oils is mind boggling. Every additive comes with a benefit but also an associated cost and each additive has to be balanced with the other additives. It takes a lot of testing to get it right.

To determine for yourself, once and for all, what your motor oil is truly doing to and for your engine you’re going to have to run it in your engine and perform your own periodic analysis. As long as the oil additives in your oil are appropriately balanced then the TBN should stay elevated tonger and keep your engine safer to last through extended drain intervals.  You can find the best motor oil review for all the different oils using a google search.

Mobil 1 Synthetic Oil and AMSOIL Synthetic oil are number one in my book. AMSOIL has been my oil of choice for the past 7 years for both of my vehicles and I’ve had no engine problems with either, only changing my oil in both once a year.

On your last note I agree it really is difficult to feel a 2% change in horsepower or detect a small percentage improvement in gas mileage. A brake caliper dragging a little bit or low tire pressure makes that much of a difference. When I hear people say that they felt a difference when they switched their oil or used an additive I have to chuckle inside my head.

A perfect kayak paddle holder is one that could be afforded and suits your personality and the kind of kayaking really nicely. It’s essential to select the correct paddle holder to suit you. There are lots of of them to select from as well.

Cost is primary to anything. One must look at his budget and choose the most appropriate paddle holder for his kayak. It is important to do so. Nevertheless the advice is that you send more on quality and use for a long period of time. It saves rather than purchasing less expensive products which mess up and buying another one within a short period of time. It is not price efficient.

An additional is the opinions of other kayak owners. From their experience it would be greatest to know what would really suit you and your kayak. To complete this, approach any kayaker you meet on the waters and ask them. You are able to also go to the stores; some of the customer service personnel are really helpful. Getting information from the two sides is an added plus (that’s getting info from users and professionals) it assists you weigh your options carefully and make the correct selection.

Also, you’ve to consider the type of kayaking you will probably be doing. If you will probably be going into competitions or places with strong currents which will truly rock the kayak, getting a stable paddle holder will probably be efficient to ensure that it does not come loose when you need it most. It helps keep your components secure and keeps them from being lost.

The material used for the paddle holder is really essential. There are lots of materials used. Among them are: metal, rubber, plastics, wood etc. Whichever you believe will suit your kind of kayaking is what you select.

Preferences are important. Whenever you take your preferences into account, you’re looking at shapes, color, size and any other thing you feel appeals to you.

Lastly there are many forms of paddle holders, apart from the ones that can hold other components important to you, there are bungees and rubber holders which can be used if desired.

You can find more information about kayaks at http://fantastickayak.com/fergs-kayaks-the-ultimate-kayak-shop/, where you can read about Kayak Paddle Holder.

If you want to learn to sail with peace-of-mind, you will want to know the steps you need to take if water floods in to your small sailboat. Did you realize that the average small sailboat has ten to twelve holes below the waterline–called “thru-hulls”. Most of these thru-hulls are covered by a valve called a seacock. The seacock has a handle that can be opened to allow seawater in or shut to keep it out.

Marine toilets, sailboat diesel engines, and some galley sinks use sea water to operate. Instruments like knot meters or depth sounders are installed in a thru hull in order to operate. Other thru-hulls allow drainage, like shower sump drains, sink drains, or cockpit scupper drains.

Thru-hulls can become a big problem if not tested often enough. Many folks forget to exercise (open and close) their seacock handles. And this can lead to corrosion, which causes the seacock handle to stick (freeze) in the open position. Each month, conduct this easy three step test on each seacock aboard your boat.

1. Exercise seacocks monthly. Open and close the handle twice.Tap frozen handles with a hammer to free them .
2. Check hoses at the top of the seacock for hardening, cracks, or failure. Replace any hose that shows signs of deterioration. 
3. Inspect hose clamps for rust, corrosion, or cracks. Double clamp each hose to the top tailpiece of each seacock.

Secocks often fail at the hose. The hose cracks or blows off the end of the tailpiece. Then you are unable to close the seacock because the handle has corroded and frozen in the open position. Follow these five easy  steps to make sure you are ready in case of any future flooding emergency.

1. Draw a Hull Outline

Sketch an outline of your boat hull onto a piece of paper. Divide the hull into three separate sections; a “forward” section; “main cabin” section; and “stern” section.

2. Find Your Thru-Hulls

Lash your drawing onto a clipboard. Grab a pencil and flashlight. Start forward and work your way aft. Open up cabinets, lockers, inspection ports, bilge access plates, engine hatch cover, sail and cockpit lockers. Find, plot, and label each seacock on your drawing.

3. Neaten Your Diagram and Post It

Make any final changes to clarify your diagram. For example, you want to be sure that each seacock label can be understood by the greenest crew member. When done, cover your thru-hull diagram with a plastic document protector. Hang it up in the cabin so that it’s visible and ready to use by all of your sailing crew.

4. Arm Your Seacocks

Purchase soft-wood tapered plugs from a marine store. The softer woods swell when wet and will help seal the hole in the top tailpiece of the seacock. Lash a plug to each seacock with a small piece of twine that can be broken with a simple tug. This keeps the plug ready to use in an instant.

Use a small piece of rag over the tapered plug end before you drive the plug into a failed seacock. The rag will fill any voids in the seacock tailpiece and provide friction to keep the plug imbedded in the tailpiece. Keep a hammer or mallet mounted in the cabin. In an emergency, you will want to have one of these tools ready to drive the plug in against the force of gushing water.

5. Set a Flooding Watch

After you’ve made a temporary repair to a seacock, assign a crew member to monitor the repair. The pressure of sea water against a plug can be enormous, and you want to be ready to drive the plug in further if necessary. Set a flooding watch and rotate it once an hour until you can make more permanent repairs.

Learn to sail with safety in mind with a simple seacock diagram and a plan of action. You will be rewarded with the peace-of mind that you are ready to handle any flooding emergency aboard your sailboat–wherever in the world you choose to sail!

Captain John Jamieson shows sailing skippers fast, easy ways to learn to sail like a pro. For a free weekly sailing newsletter plus more sailing tips, articles, and sailing videos, visit skippertips.com

A several of decades ago there are two to three models of Kayaks accessible. Do not be surprised if these days you decide to go inside the market to come across 50 various ultra specialized Kayaks.

The well-known very first question is the type of kayaking will you do? Basically there is river, lake, and sea kayaking. River kayaks are extremely short and tough boats meant for maneuverability and also the abuse of whitewater rapids. Sea kayaks are sleek and light and are created for cruising. Then you can find general kayaks that may be utilized on sea lakes.

You can find 3 simple kinds of kayaks as far as structure and materials are concerned.

Rigid kayaks are produced of plastic material, wood or carbon fiber. These are generally probably the most affordable and are they’re one of the most well-liked too. Plastic material boats are tough and reliable but once damaged may be really tough to repair. Fiberglass boats are much more pricey than plastic material but damage is effortlessly repaired, they’re also really light.

For kayak enthusiasts who appreciate aesthetics and beauty, you may wish to look at some wooden boats; they may be carefully crafted and extremely beautiful kayaks. You can find kits obtainable for folks who are prepared to build their personal.

A folding kayak is normally produced of wood or aluminum. Their prices are normally higher, but they tend to last longer, and are also really effortless to store.

Inflatable kayaks offer excellent portability and storage space. They may be usually the least pricey kayaks you are able to acquire. Kayak enthusiasts for whom storage and transportation is really a major issue will discover a great alternative in these boats.

An additional choice to ponder is whether to select a single-passenger or double-passenger kayak. Both have their personal advantages and disadvantages. For a fun family adventure, the double kayak is ideal. It’s fast and stable but lacks the maneuverability of a single Kayak.

After deciding on the style of kayak you wish to buy, cost becomes a large factor in determining precisely which model to purchase. A simple entry-level plastic material kayak may be found for as low as $250. Fiberglass boats can expense from anywhere around $900 to $2500. Other plastic material models can run as higher as $1700. Should you wish to go for the much more exotic kayaks they would expense you a little much more. Inflatable boats begin at about $125 and go up to about $2000. Folding boats have a large Cost variation, in them and they can price anywhere between $1500 to $5000.

The Callaway golf club is one of the most popular and also reliable types of golf club in the market today. There are so many people (particularly retired men) that are fascinated with golf today and it is no wonder why the Callaway golf club is now in the peak of success in the world of golf clubs.

The Callaway Golf club is headed by Ely Callaway. He bought half of Hickory Stick USA and renamed it Callaway Hickory Stick USA. Right after purchasing it, he decided to hire the best individuals that would be an instrument in supporting his dream of Callaway golf club. He hired Richard C. Helmstetter to be the Chief Club Designer and this as others would say is the point of no return. The styles for Callaway golf club are genuinely revolutionary and innovative that is why the Callaway golf club is dubbed as the type of golf club which is unique and also high-performance type golf equipment. After that, Ely Callaway renamed his company into Callaway Golf and then relocated from Cathedral City, California to a sleepy seaside town referred to as Carlsbad, which is just north of San Diego.

One of the most innovative designs that the firm came up with was to create a stainless steel driver that had a larger and a lot more forgiving head than any previous layout. The CEO, Callaway dubbed it as “Big Bertha” which was derived from a German cannon back in WWI which was well-known for its capability of shooting long distance range. This kind of layout was the one that made Callaway golf club a home hold name within the states simply because it experienced millions of sales as well as the Big Bertha sort of Callaway golf club was the reason why Callaway became the number one manufacturer of golf clubs not just in the US but inside the complete planet which shows how well-liked golf is always to the complete planet.

At present, there are six classifications from the Callaway Golf club. The very first classification may be the drivers which are comprised of two versions which can be the Huge Bertha Fusion FT4 and Huge Bertha Titanium 454. The subsequent classification of Callaway golf club is named the Fairway Woods. Fairway Woods have three types of clubs which are Large Bertha Fusion Fairway Woods, Huge Bertha Titanium Fairway Woods, and Big Bertha Fairway Woods. The following classification with the Callaway golf club is a hybrid which can be developed for extended and distant shots. The model for this type of Callaway golf club is called Big Bertha Heavenwood Hybrids. The subsequent classification is called irons which are divided into five forms of designs and these are Large Bertha, Big Bertha Fusion, X-Tour, X-18, and X-18 Pro. An additional classification from the Callaway golf club would be the wedges and also the model here is known as Forged+ Wedges. The last classification for Callaway golf club is named the Putters. The Putters have two designs in its classification which are Callaway golf I-Trax Putter and tour Blue.

The classification and versions of Callaway Gold Club mentioned above are the ones that the firm manufactures. All of these designs were produced within the lieu with science, study, and practice. All of these models are worth a try and who knows? You may be the following Tiger Woods in the world of golf.

Golf is a wonderful game but equipment can sometimes be expensive. Because of the large amount of walking involved it’s wise that you have a decent pair of golf shoes. Thankfully you don’t need to spend a small fortune on shoes for golf because there are some very good cheap golf shoes available online. There are also some very good golf lesson books online including one called ‘the simple golf swing’ and you can read The Simple Golf Swing Review at this website.