Doing the DELMARVA A Stepping Stone to Blue Water Sailing

Transcription

1 Doing the DELMARVA A Stepping Stone to Blue Water Sailing 1 Capt. Steve Runals Feb 2013

2 A DELMARVA CRUISE OFFERS Opportunities for day and night Bay & Coastal sailing Opportunities to deal with strong tidal currents in C&D Canal and Delaware Bay A wide range of weather conditions Potential for heavy weather Expanded range of cruising grounds and experience Navigation Exercising watch procedures Living aboard underway Communication requirements / systems Assess boat and individual capabilities Self-sufficiency no house calls Hazards keep things in perspective Take-n Shake sailing Work thru fatigue and possible mal de mer Offshore fishing 2

3 Observations/Comments The boat and Crew 3

4 Blue Water Sailing vs. Coastal Cruising Standardized routines simple and understood Night Sailing prepare to enjoy, dress accordingly Demands on boat and equipment stress and chaff Time and distance keep things in perspective Navigation far from the hard stuff Self-sufficiency no house calls Lifestyle keep it simple Fatigue - anticipate Hazards keep things in perspective Short trips can be challenging 4

5 A Successful Passage Involves Detailed Planning - Getting your resources together & understanding the environment Voyage Preparation - Getting the boat and crew ready Setting up and Exercising Underway Routines - Putting it all together 5

6 Planning The Most Important Element of a Successful Voyage Select/outline the itinerary Preliminary navigation planning Getting the resources together Choose the dates Learn weather patterns and sources Prepare and equip your boat Select and train the crew 6

7 A Clockwise Cruise Provides: Approx nm Annapoli s 90 nm 50 nm Deltaville Summit North Marina C&D Canal 55 nm Cape May 130 nm An opportunity to shakeout boat and crew in protected waters Positioned to better take advantage of tidal currents in C&D Canal and Delaware Bay Good location to wait out adverse wx in Delaware Bay and offshore 35 nm Cape Charles A potential to get stuck waiting for a wx window Note: check your insurance A 4-6 Day Cruise 7

8 A Counterclockwise Cruise Provides: Approx nm Annapolis 90 nm 50 nm Deltaville 35 nm Summit North Marina C&D Canal Cape Charles 55 nm Cape May 130 nm Positioned to take advantage of tidal current at mouth of Chesapeake Bay and a wx window for the offshore leg Opportunity to take your time coming down the Bay Challenges to making best use of tidal currents in C&D Canal and Delaware Bay 4-6 Day Cruise 8

9 Preliminary Navigation Planning Identify weather windows Ocean Pilot Charts/Understand trends Tide and Current Tables C&D Canal, Delaware Bay, Chesapeake Bay Entrance Internet and Eldridge Tide and Pilot Book Charts & Cruising Guides paper and electronic UGC - ActiveCaptain.com Develop a plan ID Alternative Ports Log Books deck, narrative and maintenance 9

10 Weather A Cruising Perspective Whatever the weather is, it will change Rarely will all desired conditions stay green Calculated risks are a way of life at sea Be realistic in analyzing wx forecasts/data Don t assume your preferred decision is correct.. Always have alternatives in case your wrong 10

11 Choose the Dates / Schedule Wx Windows Calendar choices Major Windows: Historical climate info available from: Coastal Pilot Vol 3 Sandy Hook to Cape Henry General info, seasonal tendencies Pilot Charts: Average wind speed & direction, average currents Jimmy Cornell s World Cruising Routes Minor Windows: Should we go today or tomorrow Schedule time for: Pre-departure prep Unexpected weather delays 11

12 Wx the Major Planning Factor - June Pilot Chart Wind Speed Wind Direction Currents Magnetic Variation Shipping Lanes Percent Gales Percent waves 12 ft. Limits of Ice 12

13 Id Wx Trends and Learn Wx Sources Monitor Wx for area for at least two weeks before departure Radio: VHF Wx channels 1-10, continuous broadcasts Chesapeake and Delaware Bays Local forecasts for near and coastal (20 nm) wx Radio: SSB Various freqs every 6 hrs. Atlantic Coastal and Offshore Forecasts Satellite communication systems: phone, SPOT, InReach, etc. Cell Phone/SMARTPHONE Apps coverage varies Internet: lots of choices FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH EACH BEFORE DEPARTURE 13

14 NOAA Wx Broadcasts Pick the station with best reception and area coverage 14

15 Coastal Wx Forecasts Broadcast continuously on selected VHF channels Available from internet Cell Phone /SMARTPHONE Apps 15

16 Offshore Wx Severe weather is rare (with careful planning)... But you must be prepared < 3-4% over 40 knots So Choosing your season wisely will minimize exposure Choosing your departure date wisely will further minimize your exposure Be prepared for take-n-shake sailing BUT BE PREPARED FOR THE WORST 16

17 Observations/Comments 17

18 C&D Canal 19.1 nm long: Elk River (Ches Bay): Reedy Pt. (Del Bay) 450 ft. wide with a controlling depth of 35 ft., lighted Potential for large ship traffic: AIS & VHF 13 At Chesapeake City, the buoy-number system reverses Traffic controlled by red/green lights monitor VHF 13 Six bridges and overhead gas line Summit Railroad Bridge - 45 ft. No sailing w/in Canal Tidal range 3-6 ft. with strong currents Current tables for Old Town Pt., Chesapeake City and Reedy Pt. 18

19 Chesapeake City, MD 19

20 Summit North Marina Summit Lift Bridge 45 ft. Aqua Sol Restaurant & Bar Skinny Water 20

21 Summit North Skinny Water

22 Delaware Bay More than 50 nm from C&D to Atlantic Ocean Lots of light houses, Salem Nuclear Power Plant & ship traffic Shallow water, sand flats and sandbars outside shipping channels Tidal rise and fall between 5 7 ft., currents up to 3 knots Tide ebbs for 7 hrs and floods for 5: an asset or liability i.e. depart from Reedy Pt. 2-3 hrs before ebb at Reedy Pt. Winds in summer - South w/afternoon sea breezes building to knots, in fall - West. Can be a rough ride Cape May / Lewes Ferries AIS & VHF 13 Limited harbors of refuge 22

23 Entrance to Chesapeake Bay Utilize tidal current tables and cruising guides - Entry Options North Channel fixed bridge (75 ft.) & two tunnels Lights - Cape Charles and Cape Henry Shipping & Navy Traffic Thimble Shoals Channel Chesapeake Channel Little Creek Advise of intentions AIS & VHF 13 / 16 Virginia Pilots monitor VHF 14 Keep track of position 23

24 North Channel Fixed Bridge

25 Prepare and Equip Your Boat Strong hull, deck, cabin, hatches & port lights Recent survey & corrections Sails inspected/repaired for offshore Whisker pole (desirable) Spare Halyards (desirable) Cruising Spinnaker (desirable) Storm Tri-sail (desirable) Standing rigging less than 10 years old Running rigging inspected and replaced if needed Adequate ground tackle AIS (desirable) 25

26 Prepare and Equip Your Boat Sea Berths with Lee Cloths Electronics w/ manuals & software Radar (desirable) Chartplotter (desirable w/updated chart data) GPS, Depth/Speed instruments Autopilot know how to steer w/o it Communications: long and short range VHF Cell phone HF/SSB (desirable) Sat Phone Necessary PAPER charts and publications (including alternate ports) with updated data (LNM, chart corrections & UGC) 26

27 Observations/Comments Have and know how to use paper charts 27

28 Safety & Emergency Equipment EPIRB rental options Life Raft desirable, rental options Flares (Offshore hand-helds and parachute) Life Jackets Type I MOB Horseshoe, Pole, Strobe (or MOM) Lifesling & Throwrope Jacklines, Harnesses, Personal Strobes EXTRA Fire Extinguishers Back-up Manual Bilge Pump(s) Rigging Cutter Well stocked tool kit and spares tools for all equipment/belts and filters Emergency Nav Lights Sail Repair Kit & materials Spare winch handles Emergency Tiller 28

29 MOB Throw Rope 29

30 Searchlight Bosun s Chair Fins & Mask Safety & Emergency Equipment Coastal or Offshore Medical Kit Ditch Bag CPR & First Aid training for the Captain/crew Know how to contact Coast Guard: Check Coast Pilot for listing of stations VHF 16 - for coastal cruising HF/SSB 2182 khz - offshore - Alt HF/SSB frequencies 4134 khz (channel 424) 6200 khz (channel 601) 8240 khz (channel 816) 30

31 Individual Equipment Foul weather gear good (not expensive) tops and bottoms Sea Boots (optional) Safety harness w/tether Inflatable PFD (manual activation preferred) Personal strobe light Whistle Small flashlight (very small) with line Warm hat & gloves Deck shoes Sea sick medication try before departure Personal gear for warm & cool wx Personal hygiene items sun screen Sun glasses Deck tool Water Bottle w/wide mouth (small) 31

32 MOB Crew Knowledge and Training Sail Handling and Boat Systems + Navigation Lights Heave to 32

33 Sailing Off the Wind Preventer Rigging a Preventer 33

34 Voyage Preparation Organize crew Inspection and crew orientation Plan meals and provisioning Final avigation preparation File Float Plan Shakedown cruise Final weather check 34

35 Organize the Crew Make Crew Duty Assignments Set Watch System (balance skills) Establish Watch Duties Establish Log Entries and Procedures Make Emergency Assignments Set Standing Orders Set Safety Rules 35

36 36

37 Crew Responsibilities Captain: Overall in Charge Safety of Ship & Crew Sailing & Route Strategies Final Decision Maker Navigator: Position Tracking Weather Tracking Radio, Radar & Electronics Sailing & Route Options Ship's Papers & Logs Engineer: Mechanical & Electrical Equipment Hull Integrity Fire Fighting Maintenance & Repair Tools & Spares Boatswain: Masts & Rigging Sails, Spars & Running Rigging Anchors & Drogues Deck Hardware & Safety Gear Maintenance & Repair Tools & Spares Emergency Coordinator: Abandon Ship Equipment Man Overboard Equipment Emergency Signaling Procedures & Crew Training Ship's Stores & Provisions 37

38 Watch Schedule Develop a Workable Watch Schedule Account for possible mal de mer Post in a conspicuous location 38

39 Watch Duties Maintain required course & speed Watch for other vessels & obstructions Monitor traffic for convergence (AIS, radar, compass bearing) Monitor sails, rigging, engine, steering gear, nav lights Regularly complete logbook tabular data Regularly safety check of bilges, heads, stove, interior lights Make logbook entries of significant events & time Obtain and record weather reports in logbook Maintain situational awareness & Id trends 39

40 Log Entries Id Trends & Record Keeping Regular Entries Average course Average wind speed Average wind direction Wave heights and direction Barometer Battery voltage Average speed Boat check Bilge water levels (Auto bilge pump off) Wx forecasts Comments / Observations Maintenance Deck Log Narrative Log Maintenance Log 40

41 Deck Log Identify Trends 41

42 Narrative Log Single Pt for Info/Observations 42

43 Notify Captain if Standing Orders Any traffic on converging courses AIS / radar Passing traffic comes within 2 miles Barometer drops 3MB or more in 3 hours Significant change occurs in wind direction, strength, cloud cover or sea state Bilge water level increases Mechanical, electrical or rigging problems occur Unable to hold course as ordered Unable to maintain 4 knots boat speed You are in doubt about anything 43

44 General Safety Rules Keep the boat afloat - watch for leaks, control hatches Stay on the boat - use your harness Don t start fires - careful with propane, matches Vigilance stay alert for potential dangers Communicate - know and understand what s going on Maintain your personal gear a place for everything, everything in its place 44

45 Inspection and Orientation Inspect vessel & equipment Check every nook and cranny to include top of mast Test all emergency equipment & heavy wx sails etc. Become familiar with all systems & gear 45

46 Observations/Comments Check spreaders, shrouds, etc. 46

47 Plan Meals and Provision Develop a meal plan for the voyage + a few extra days Keep it Simple One Pot Meals One hearty, hot meal a day (desirable) Provisioning think thru storage Staples and supplies purchase well in advance Short life span items several days before departure Fresh items just before departure Snacks - important Prepare meals at home freeze Most meals in cockpit deep bowls Id / minimize galley hazards Trash management 47

48 Observations/Comments Foods we liked: quiche Loraine (previously frozen), dried apricots, lasagna- meat and vegetarian, yoghurt with home made granola, the best possible coffee ground fresh, trail mix, carbonara. Happy Crew! 48

49 A Shakedown Cruise Shakedown.. Boat Crew Equipment Procedures: Communications Sail Handling Meal prep Watch Procedures Heaving - to MOB Developing an eye for what is not right 49

50 Final Navigation Prep Establish courses and finalize waypoints Identify ports of call and alternatives Set up chart plotter w/ waypoints (double check location) Organize charts - Large scale departure & arrival charts - Small scale tracking charts - Alternate port charts Identify key lights from Light Lists Identify navigational regulations from Coast Pilot/Guides Review cruising guides and internet for local knowledge Check Compass, Distance Log & Depth Sounder Set-up backup GPS Set-up Log Books Make marina reservations 50

51 Observations/Comments 51

52 File a Float Plan Boat description Boat equipment, esp. radios; EPIRBS Life raft type Crew names & POC for crew Emergency POC ashore / contact POC Departure time & location Destination & ETA Planned route USCG contact info Leave with a reliable person 52

53 Final Wx Check Prior to Departure. Check internet forecasts along entire route Compare actual conditions with Id ed trends Tropical storms developing? Id and exercise wx resources for use when underway 53

54 Underway at Last 54

55 Underway

56 Put it All Together Exercise Underway Routines Watch System Watch Procedures Safety Rules Navigation Logbook Monitor traffic VHF / AIS Monitor weather Id trends PREPARATION PAYS OFF! 56

57 Monitor Traffic Track courses using hand-bearing compass Call on VHF if needed 13 (inshore) or 16 (offshore) Utilize AIS /Radar 57

58 Observations/Comments Consider adding AIS 58

59 Have Fun Try It, You ll Like It Doing the DELMARVA A Stepping Stone to Blue Water Sailing Capt. Steve Runals Feb

60 ASA Certifications Possible ASA 104 Bareboat Cruising Prerequisites: Basic Keelboat Sailing (ASA101) and Basic Coastal Cruising (ASA103) Description: Demonstrated ability to skipper a sloop-rigged, auxiliary powered sailboat of approximately 30 to 45 feet in length during a multi-day cruise upon inland or coastal waters in moderate to heavy winds (up to 30 knots) and sea conditions. Course is conducted as a live-aboard cruise of at least 48 hours. Knowledge of provisioning, galley operations, boat systems, auxiliary engine operation, routine maintenance procedures, advanced sail trim, coastal navigation including basic chart plotting and GPS operation, multiple-anchor, mooring, docking, health & safety, emergency operations, weather interpretation, and dinghy/tender operation. ASA 106 Advanced Coastal Cruising Prerequisites: ASA and Coastal Navigation Certification (ASA 105) Description: Able to safely act as skipper and crew of a sailing vessel about 30 to 50 feet in length. A day and nighttime Standard in coastal and inland water, in any weather. Done as a DELMARVA, an introduction to ocean sailing, including most of the preparation and execution of an ocean voyage, but limited within the context of coastal sailing and shorter passages.