There’s nothing quite like experiencing the freedom of the open sea. Sailing can be a great event for all, whether you’re a first-time sailor or for the more seasoned ocean-goer. Sailing trips can be romantic and relaxing, or adventurous and exciting, and whether it’s just you and your partner or a family trip, planning your next sailing adventure will go better if you take note of the tips below.
Getting the Right Boat
You could opt for a power catamaran or a sail multihull; the choice usually comes down to what you personally prefer. You may already have a preference from being a regular sailor. However, if you’re new to the scene, it’s important to do your research and consider what will work for you and the trips you plan to take. Think carefully about how long a trip you want to take and consider the load capacity you need; do you really need a lot of luggage? Small hulls travel faster and smoother, but unfortunately, this means less space for luggage.
Planning your Route
Sailing off the coast of Australia offers so many great routes. Sailing along the Queensland coastline means you can have a laid back, easy-going trip – perfect for those looking for a relaxed cruising experience and for those who are less experienced. The Queensland coast offers regular stop off points where you can anchor down in safety for the night. Once you have gained more experience and feel ready, you can take longer voyages out from the coast, anchoring in open water.
Planning a voyage toward the Indian Ocean offers some beautiful scenery and tremendous sailing routes. If you are considering sailing bound for the northern Indian Ocean, then you get a more flexible passage than other routes. Weather conditions are better in September with reliable winds and stops across the Coral Sea, including the Solomons and Papua New Guinea.
Time at Sea
Part of planning your perfect voyage is making a schedule. Plan how many days you are going to be at sea, and carefully plan your route. In your preparation process, do not forget to factor in the proper clothing to protect you from the elements. An ensemble made from high-quality, custom sailing apparel, like those offered by The Custom Captain, can enhance your overall sailing experience. Their pieces are not just fashionable, but they also offer the functionality required on a sailing trip. Equipping yourself with clothing designed specifically for sailing will also help you adapt if you encounter unexpected changes in weather
Remember though, weather conditions can change rapidly so you must be prepared to change route. Remember to pack enough food and drink for your journey, ensuring that you have enough for an extra day or two should a change of route happen. It might be tempting to pack your holiday essentials and leave it at that, but with ever-changing weather conditions, you’ll need to pack the correct clothing to keep you warm and dry should you hit a bad spell or stormy weather.
Keep Safe
Before you embark on your next sailing adventure you need to ensure that your boat and equipment is safe, plus making sure that your safety equipment is all in place and in full working order. Remember your key safety gear – life vests, flares, life raft and radios; as well as EPIRBS (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) and check everything is working as it should. Check for medical supplies and make certain that your ‘grab bag’ is fully prepared and easily accessible. It’s also a good idea to regularly familiarise yourself and keep up to date with safety regulations.
Boat Crew
If sailing for pleasure, your crew is most likely your friends and family. Sailing is the perfect way to spend time together; enjoy the experience, see some new places and bond over shared memories. However, sailing comes with some hardships, so ensuring that your crew know their roles is imperative to ensuring a safe and enjoyable adventure for everyone.
