Boating Blog Links » Navigation and Passage Planning

Going aground

jmurrant — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 23:17:52 +0000

When I read that a yacht ran aground on shallow reefs because of lower than usual tides, I was perplexed. But perhaps that’s because I haven’t been sailing around Bermuda recently.

Meteorologists with the Bermuda Weather Service have reported that tides have been lower than expected due to the effect of cold eddies circling the island. Tides have been recorded to be 0.7 ft to one foot lower than average.

A prudent skipper would not be caught out. He would know what his yacht draws and allow a much greater amount of water between it and the sea bottom.

Fortunately for the skipper involved, nearby motor boats were able to rescue the yacht from the reef and only minor damage occurred.

Sale! The Boating Bible Manual of Seamanship is on sale!

jmurrant — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 04:16:04 +0000

This month you can buy The Boating Bible Manual of Seamanship and save:

NB: Prices in Australian Dollars	Was	Now Only
The Boating Bible Manual of Seamanship	$195	$135
Boat Handling 1 and 2	$45	$30
Navigation and Passage Planning	$45	$30
Safety and Emergencies	$45	$30
Skipper and Crew, Knots and The Language of the Sea	$45	$30
Weathercraft	$45	$30

Remember, this special offer expires on 30 June 2010.

Don’t miss this great opportunity. Use the ‘Share This’ button to tell your friends.

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Full Report on the Flinders Islet Yacht Race, 9 October 2009

jmurrant — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 01:22:26 +0000

The 86-page Internal Report prepared for the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA) has been released publicly. Its authors, Rear Admiral Chris Oxenbould AO RAN (Rtd), Past Commodore David Kellett AM and Past Commodore John Brooks reviewed reports from and interviewed surviving crew from PWC Shockwave, skippers and crew from yachts involved in the search and rescue (SAR) as well as CYCA staff and race management volunteers.

Interviews were also held with the hydrographer of Australia, members of the Marine Area Command of the NSW Police and staff from Australian Maritime Safety Authority who were involved in the SAR. Information on the reliability of GPS systems was provided by a representative of Garmin Australia.

In addition to investigating the PWC Shockwave incident, the Inquiry Committee interviewed and reported on the recovery of the man overboard from Patrice VI and communications difficulties experienced by crew of that yacht.

There is lots of information in the report that is relevant to all who sail offshore anywhere in the world, whether cruising or racing.

I recommend you download and read the findings of the Flinders Islet Yacht Race Inquiry, in particular the recommendations on pages 55-59. Your life may depend on it.

Great Australian Bight

jmurrant — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 04:56:13 +0000

My post about the Round Australia Race and Rally reminded me about my own voyage across the Great Australian Bight some years ago.

This photo was taken on our way across the Nullabor Plain to Perth. I’m glad to say that our delivery trip, which included a stop-over in Esperance to replace a lost mast, kept us well clear of these terrifying cliffs. There is no break in them for hundreds of miles.

I must restate my admiration for the skill and courage of Captain Matthew Flinders, who charted this coastline in 1802.