The Bahamas are made up of over 700 islands and there are over 2,000 uninhabited cays to explore and discover. Of these 700 islands, only about 30 to 40 are actually inhabited by people. This area is world renowned location for fishing and diving. The area is affected by a cooler winter, but the summer temperatures are known to reach well into the 90s with a high humidity. In the Bahamas, regattas are actually an important social interaction. These regattas are usually over the span of a few days, and feature traditional wooden sailboat parts. On the land there is a festival that is held, while the regatta is underway. Check out the Abacos chain of islands in the north, for a taste of British colonial style and culture.

Belize is most famously known for the Belize Barrier Reef, which is the longest of its kind in the Western Hemisphere and only the second largest in the world after Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Take a chance to anchor and break out the snorkeling gear to see this amazing natural wonder. Three of the four coral atolls located in the Western Hemisphere are located off the coast of Belize. Besides snorkeling, the waters are also excellent for fishing and scuba diving. The region has an overall tropical climate, with summer temperatures getting into the comfortable 80s. Ambergris Caye's San Pedro Beach is definitely not to be missed.

Some of the numerous Virgin islands are inhabited while others are not. The region has a warm tropical climate with trade winds, and temperatures remain consistent throughout the year for the most part. Certain areas experience highs into the 90s while other areas remain at a comfortable 70 degree range. The Virgin Islands are prime locations for activities such as snorkeling, diving, fishing, swimming, and definitely sailing so make sure the sailboat accessories are stocked up. In fact, the Sperry Top-Sider National Offshore One-Design Regatta championship is being held there in 2009.

There are dozens of other countries to check out in the Caribbean, most of which are in close proximity. The crystalline tropical waters and climate of the Caribbean are truly unparalleled, which is why when anyone speaks of going some place nice for a vacation it is usually the Caribbean that comes to mind. Cruise through isolated inlets and coves, discovering all the beauty these waters really offer to a sailor. Sailing definitely has a strong and growing home in the Caribbean, with more attention attracted to its waters each year.

A small country on the North West of Africa is Morocco. Most will recognize the name of Morocco’s largest city, Casablanca. Dock at the harbor at this famous city and enjoy the life of the locals. Visit the local bazaar and pick up a few unique and special souvenirs or boat parts if need be. Moroccan cuisine is actually considered one of the most diversified cuisines in the world. This is most likely due to the influence from many neighboring countries such as Portugal, Spain, and the Mediterranean countries. Beware though, spicy foods happens to be one of their specialties. There are dozens of other harbors along the coastline, including amazing beaches with plenty of snorkeling potential.

When it comes to sailing the Southern region of Africa, there is definitely no better place to visit than South Africa. Cape Town is the second largest city in South Africa and is actually the most popular tourist destination in Africa surpassing even Cairo, Egypt. Cape Town has a great climate, and an incredibly well developed infrastructure. As a result of the geography of the city, numerous beaches are all close by and easy to visit. Drop boat anchor off the coast of these gorgeous beaches and take part in activities such as diving and especially surfing. Known for the colony of African penguins that frequent the area is Boulders Beach. The beaches which are located on the Atlantic Ocean side tend to have cold water, but the waters off the coast of False bay are much warmer, by up to even 18 degrees Fahrenheit.

The island of Madagascar is located only 250 miles east of continental Africa. Thermal winds year round, and amazing waters, are in Madagascar. Water temperatures here actually range well into 86 degrees Fahrenheit; most of the year the waters are warm in the 75 degree Fahrenheit range. Many different tropical fish, and a good amount of rainbow-colored fish, are hiding in the coral reefs. There are beaches that stretch for miles and it’s relatively easy to anchor and explore the mainland. Visit the coral reefs and snorkel, or sit down and fish from a sailboat. Considering its separation from the African mainland, there is no shortage of indigenous wildlife in Madagascar to see.

Sailing along the coasts of Morocco, South Africa, and Madagascar have shown the continent’s rich diversity and excellent sailing prospects. There are so many miles of coastline to cruise along, that it would be impossible to get bored. It could even be considered a worthy adventure to circumvent all of Africa to get the full exposure of these rich and beautiful shores. Stock up on boat supplies and get ready for some good weather, a decent amount of sun, and warm waters; Africa is definitely a great location to check out for cruising potential.

To supplement the fire alarm, there should be a carbon monoxide detector installed as well. Many people each year fall victim to having carbon monoxide poisoning. The most deadly aspect of carbon monoxide is that it is odorless, and even those with a keen nose will miss its presence. There should be one installed in every sleeping area, galley, and confined space to maximize coverage and protection for the crew. Installing a carbon monoxide detector will provide early detection of the situation and prevent needless health injuries.

The boat interior should be well lit without a doubt. Utilize boat interior lighting which is cost beneficial. There are many types to chose from, including attachable LED lights which can be mounted on the wall or ceiling. There are smaller halogen types lamps which can adjust direction so light can be cast where it is needed. This latter type would be ideal for reading. It is also important of course to get a waterproof design. For smaller spaces and other situations, keep a powerful flashlight aboard. Some flashlights even come with built in FM radio.

Beyond safety within the sailboat, the exterior of the boat should also be well lit with boat exterior lighting. These lights are used also for navigational purposes. The best type will be the LED type, since they use half the energy and have a long life. The types and models of external lights that are chosen is going to vary on the specific length of the boat. Two miles at the least should be the visibility allowed by the exterior lights. On the sailboat, there should be a floodlight for specific circumstances.

It would be a good idea to have a generator on board as well, if possible. An efficient and worthwhile generator needs to be selected. The long term benefits will make themselves known, even if this will cost a bit more. There needs to be specific features installed on a boat for safety purposes. To those who sail actively, it becomes known that just as important as maintaining the sailboat is maintaining safety on a sailboat.

The warm tropical climate and immaculate white sands welcome sailors to the many islands of Thailand. The year round cruising potential, and the friendliness of the Thai people lends credit to the draw of these waters. There are amazing coral reefs off the shore which attract many divers to its waters. Thai cuisine has ample selection for all, and there will never be an empty stomach or idle moment. Of course the must-see city is Bangkok, where the Thai identity is still visible beneath the modern guise of the bustling metropolis.

There are so many islands in Indonesia that there is actually no offical count as to exactly how many islands total. There are definitely 13,000 to 17,000 individual islands in the range. With all these numerous islands, it is conceivable to sail and discover an untouched landscape and coral reefs thriving with life. For the avid surfers, drop boat anchor in Flores or Lombok. Sumatra has an excellent location for surfing. Visit Komodo and see the infamous Komodo dragons. For a taste of the city life, the capital of Indonesia, Jakarta is the most populated city in Southeast Asia.

In Vietnam, the first place to visit is Halong Bay. The limestone islands on the north coast are exactly the type of breathtaking backdrops to sail a boat alongside of. These massive pinnacles, which also go by karsts, have stirred many local legends, mythology, and poetry. For lush beaches visit Nha Trang and hang out with the fish in the waters ideal for snorkeling. Enjoy the sun set over the horizon, lighting up the limestone in radiant warm colors, while sitting on a sailboat.

One of the lesser visited destinations of Southeast Asia, the Philippines boasts over 7,107 islands laid out on 1000 km of turquoise waters. Most of these islands have sandy beaches and volcanic mountains. Visit the island of Puerto Galera for some of the best beaches. Anchorages in Cebu and its neighboring islands are supposed to be some of the best. Most visitors to this island archipelago stop by the country’s capital, Manila. If one happens to find themselves on Roxas Boulevard, be sure to view the sunset. Glimpses of Spanish culture are fused into the architecture and lifestyle prevalent among its people.

If time allows it is decidedly rewarding to sail along the coastlines of India. There is an interconnected waterway more 560 miles long in the region of Kerala. One could view the entire natural habitat all from the comfort of a boat as it travels in rivers, lakes, and inlets. Off the coast, there are many fish and sea turtles in the main waters. Snorkeling and diving are ideal to do in the coral reefs which are in close proximity. In the isolated archipelago of Nicobar and Andaman, there are over 500 islands away from the well developed shorelines.

While sailing along the coasts of these Asian Countries, there is a cultural diffusion, and broadening of experiences such as fishing, diving, snorkeling, and of course fine cuisine. There is a collection of so many islands of different countries in such proximity. The sun rises over a placid Pacific Ocean as a cool breeze whips through the air, catching the sails, propelling sailors into the fascinating unknown.

The weather can change in an instant, even if it looks sunny on the shore. Also the weather out on the water might be drastically different thus take a sailing jacket to protect from cool wind or even rain. Harken jackets in particular are a sailor’s jacket of choice. This is usually due to its light weight which increases mobility, breathable fabric, and its premiere quality. Consider an alternative such as a Gill vest or jacket. Any sailing jacket which is purchased should have a neoprene waistband and sleeve so that the wearer remains dry and can still breathe. 

Compliment the sailing jacket with sailing shorts and sailing rashguards. Columbia Sportswear and Gill are brand options for boat shorts. These shorts will be padded to lessen the effect of hard decks aboard the sailboat. Usually a built in SPF protection of 35+ is done in sailing shorts. Sailing rashguards will protect against chafing as a result of wearing personal flotation devices, or harnesses. The sailing rashguards are made of spandex and usually also have built in UV protection ranging up to 50+ UVP. Both Harken and Ronstan are excellent choices for sailing rashguards. Sailors can choose between a short sleeve and long sleeve sailing rashguards. A thumb hole is built into long sleeve rashguards so that it is kept in place while sailors move about. 

A sailing wetsuit will protect and insulate the whole body. A great selection of sailing wetsuits is available from Ronstant, all made with the latest neoprene technology. Neoprene allows the body to breathe, while providing thermal insulation and even buoyancy. The wetsuit will stretch and contour to each sailor’s body. The knees of the wetsuits are reinforced for durability and protection. There is no decrease in mobility with these wetsuits as they are designed for sailors specifically. There is a choice between a full body sailing wetsuit or half-body sailing wetsuit depending on the situation and need.


A sailor will need the correct sailing apparel to protect the body when sailing on the water. Weather is well known to change in an instant, and being prepared for that change is half the battle usually. Be ready to adapt to any variations encountered, and help make it easier to sail by wearing the right sailing apparel for all weather conditions. As much as the spray will allow while sailing, sailors can stay as dry as possible with the best foul weather gear and sailing apparel.

The Sperry Top-Sider Chicago NOOD Regatta commenced on June 19^th until June 21^st in Chicago, IL. This NOOD Regatta, hosted by the Chicago Yacht Club, is known to place sailors in the turbulent Lake Michigan waters, and give them the opportunity to measure up their skills directly against fellow sailors without attention to the different designs between sailboats. Major entries in racing classes for this year’s fleet included Beneteau 40.7, Great Lakes, J/105, and Tartan Ten boats.

On July 23^rd until July 26^th the Sperry Top-Sider Marblehead NOOD Regatta was underway in Marblehead, MA. This Regatta is annually expected to draw the biggest crowds compared to other locations for NOOD Regattas. The Marblehead Racing Association expeted a turn out of over 1,00 sailors, as the even takes place in the Massachusetts Bay waters. A few of the fleet sailing in Marblehead will include boats from Sonar, Town Class, Viper 640, and J/105 classes.

Hosted by the Larchmont Yacht Club the Sperry Top-Spider Larchmont NOOD Regatta is taking place in September on the 12^th and 13^th in Larchmont, NY. This NOOD Regatta held by the Larchmont Yacht Club, one of the most prestigious yacht clubs in the nation, attracts many sailors to its unique and special waters. These are the same waters that last year caused quite a stir when winds directions shifted suddenly as much as 50 to 60 degrees prompting a few sailors to react fast or risk getting nudged off course. The fleet for this year includes boats from Farr 40, Express 37, Shields, Etchells, and many more classes.

Last year, damage from Hurricane Ike resulted in the cancelation of the 2008 Sperry Top-Sider Houston NOOD Regatta only a few days before it was scheduled to take place the weekend of the 19^th. This year’s Regatta takes place from September 25^th to September 27^th in Seabrook, TX. Be on deck and at the ready to raise those boat anchors because it can be surmised that the Houston Yacht Club is itching for a wicked revival. Pleasant skies and steady waters will definitely be the first request.

Whether it be a venue hosted by a local Yacht Club or sailing for pleasure, it will be foolish to miss out on the NOOD Championship which is taking place in Tortolla in the British Virgin Islands November 7^th to November 12^th. If last year’s NOOD Regattas were any indication, load up on boat supplies and start yearning for that perfect day, because this year’s Sperry Top-Sider NOOD Regatta season will certainly be full of surprises.

The first stop is the ancient secrets of the Greek Islands. Greece is home to four seas and over a thousand different islands. A multitude of hidden coves are ideal for unearthing the quintessence of the Mediterranean. The white villages litter the mountainous coastline providing an unforgettable landscape. The islands are very closely grouped together and allows for many different coastlines to be cruised. Drop the boat anchor in Athens and enjoy an authentic Greek salad while enjoying a steady breeze on the sailboat.

The hidden gem of Europe is the coastlines of Croatia. A mild summer climate, curious villages, and historical towns pervade in 3107 miles of Adriatic coastline. There are many harbors to dock at in the numerous amount of islands in the country. The landscape offers lofty mountains and magnificent waterfalls. The southern region of Dalmatia is rich with history. The best time to visit these coastlines is now, just as the high season kicks off in July and August.

One of the biggest tourist capitals of the world is with out a doubt, Italy. There are over 5000 miles of coastline. While summer can be extremely busy on the west coast in the Ligurian and Tyrrhenian Sea, there should not be any foreseeable problems if advance bookings are made for a berth there. There better be a fishing pole and bait in the stock of boat supplies aboard because in Sicily there are ample waters for fishing. The islands offer excellent hiking opportunities and breathtaking volcanoes in the scenery. The Italian coastline simply cannot be fully enjoyed in only two weeks, as there is much to see and do.

France arguably offers the finest cuisine in Europe. The chic culture of the Cote d’Azur region offers a chance to sit champagne and reflect while docked at a harbor in Nice. A big crowd of Hollywood celebrities gather at the famous annual Cannes Film Festival held in Cannes. Since most of it is untouched by tourists, the secluded island of Corscia in the West Mediterranean has a timeless quality to it.

With dozens of countries to visit, there is scarcely enough time to see all that this region of the world has. The inhabitants of the Mediterranean are used to wet cool winters and dry hot summers. Being on a sailboat in the Mediterranean Sea is unequivocally a once in a lifetime journey. The real summer is just about to begin, and the waters of the Mediterranean beckon sailors

The wind and sailboat will usually have different directions, and it is this particular difference is the apparent or relative wind. A sail uses this apparent wind and generates lift. This is an example of an airfoil, and using Bernoulli’s Principle the airfoil creates lift much like an airplane does. In fact, depending on the orientation of the sailboat, its point of sail, and its design it could conceivably obtain a speed faster than the true windspeed.

Using the sail, the boat will be able to move in the water. If a direction can be chosen, it is better than if the boat can move in the water alone directionless. To help direct the boat an underwater component is required, such as a centerboard, underwater foil, keel, or even the hull itself can be employed. The combination of the sail and underwater component allow for movement in any direction, except into the wind.

The tacking angle, the angle of the boat’s movement relative to the true wind, usually ranges between 35 and 80 degrees. Using a 35 degree tacking angle, on either side of the wind, a sailboat could cover over 290 degrees of the boat compass. Sailing into the wind can be accomplished indirectly by sailing close-hauled, about 45 degrees, and then tacking and sailing in a zigzag fashion. This is a prime example of both the sail and underwater component working in tandem to move in a given direction.

Understanding the dynamics between capturing and using the energy from the motions of wind and water can help answer the following questions:

1)How do sailboats move?

2)How can a sailboat sail upwind?

3)How can a boat sail faster than the wind?

Most sailors are not physicists but they are undoubtedly cognizant of the physical principles that govern basic movements in the water when sailing. A boat and its crew would be dead in the water if it wasn't for these principles.

1)First it is important to note the position of the overboard crewmember and mark the time. Over the course of time, if there is a current, the crewmember will move.

2)Throw as many flotation devices to the overboard crewmember as possible, as it will help the person overboard, and also create a localized area enclosing the person.

3)Have at least one person on the crew spot the overboard crewmember while rescue is underway so that he or she is always being monitored.

4)If the size of the crew is minimal, one of the crew may have to let go of the jib and maneuver with the main sail alone.

5)Use either the Quick Stop Method or Figure 8 (Quick Turn) Method to bring the crewmember back on board the sailboat.

The Quick Stop Method, when done correctly, is a fast technique. The boat can remain close to the overboard crewmember in this method and thus allow a greater ease in spotting the crewmember. When the crew is minimal, it is difficult to perform the gybe manuever, therefore making this method disadvangateous compared to others in certain circumstances. If the boat is on a run, the quick stop method cannot be preformed.

The Figure 8 (Quick Turn) Method is advantageous as it can be preformed from any point of sail, and because a gybe is not required. However trading in for these advantages leaves the consequence of being farther away from the overboard crewmember and possibly lose sight of him or her.

Rescuing the crewmember is dependent on other aspects as well, such as using flotation devices. It will also help if the crewmember is wearing a boat life jacket. While most regulations require life jackets, ideally the life jacket should have the boat’s name, and be fitted with reflective material and a whistle. Try not to get the whistles with small balls in them, as when they are filled with water they are very hard to blow. The life jacket should also contain a flare so that in the event of poor visibility, the overboard crewmember could light it to signal his or her location in the water.

It is essential to have a liferaft in the occurence of a serious problem with the boat. The liferaft should be stowed in a location that allows its retrieval in 15 seconds or less. If the liferaft is heavy, greater than 90 pounds in weight, it should not be stowed below deck. Make sure to verify that the boat liferaft is kept up to date and inflated every so often so that in a critical moment, it operates as expected. A ditch bag, which contains emergency meal rations and water, should be kept in a location that is easy to reach if need be.

Only if proper safety rules are not followed can sailing be dangerous. The crew is definitely capable of having a fantastic day out on the water, as long as the crew is calm and vigilant of the actions around them.

Today, sailors also have a wide variety of boat stereos and boat TVs to choose from. Getting a weatherproof TV would be most prudent. Clutter can be kept to a minimum by using extensive wall mounts. With the advent of flat screen TVs, having a TV aboard has never been so easy and efficient. There is nothing quite relaxing as sailing while listening to some good tunes. Boat stereos have advanced significantly in the past 10 years. With better and smaller waterproof designs, upgrading to today’s stereos is definitely a good long term investment.

All advancements made in technology today serve as benefits to devices like VHF radios. Transmitting and receiving is not all that moden VHF radios are limited to. A few in fact have a level of DSC calling capability. When connected to a hailer horn, the more expensive models can act as a hailer. Bluetooth compatible boat VHF radios are also available. A digital distress signal can also be sent out which combines the abilities of VHF radios and GPS.

Sailors should have depth and speed instruments aboard. When it comes to using depth and speed instruments, wireless capabilities have allowed greater latitude. A digital display depicts the values, ellimating human error with a simple output screen. Additionally many sailors chose to purchase wind instruments as well. Today there are advancements making boat instruments easier to use, safer, and intuitive.

A safer journey can be had if one has the best sailing technology and instruments. Where would a sailor be without the GPS unit to direct him or her? Out of all electronics to have on board, having a GPS unit should be a sailor’s number one purchase. Some sailors are reluctant to rely so readily on electronics, preferring to sail with old fashioned instruments and methods. Regardless of preference to old ways or new, the benefits of modern electronics speak for themselves again and again.