Boat Charters

 Charter boats are an excellent way to get away from it all whilst on holiday. Whether you decide on a bareboat charter boat, where you don’t have a crew to assist, or a crewed boat, there are many benefits of choosing a charter boat holiday.

A crewed boat is the better option if you are inexperienced, as it will allow you to enjoy the freedom of the seas without the worries of navigation and changes in the weather. Many of the crewed boats also supply a chef so you won’t even have to worry about your meals.

There are many destinations throughout the world where you can charter a boat. What could be more romantic than a holiday on the seas of the Caribbean or the Mediterranean?

The are various types of charter boats, from floating hotels to the more budget boats where you are getting just the bare necessities.

For long durations on the seas it is essential to get a boat that has all the facilities to maintain a comfortable lifestyle for extended periods.

You would need a good kitchen with enough storage for all your food and cooking requirements.

This is where is might be wise to select a boat charter that has been organised by recommended charter business that knows what will be required on the holiday and preferably supply an experienced crew.

It is especially important to get an experienced crew if you are boating in unfamiliar waters.

Any decision for a charter boat holiday needs careful planning to ensure that it will be a holiday that will be remembered for a lifetime.

A well-planned holiday will ensure you will be sailing on smooth seas whether the weather gets rough or not.

The location that you decide to take your vacation will also have a bearing on the type of boat you charter, as there are both motorised and non-motorised (sailboats) to choose from.

Bali Paradise of Indonesia

“Glorious Bali Island” – that’s the official motto of this paradise island, well known to the entire world since World War II. Bali is the most famous tourist destination of Indonesia and preferred location for sun lovers from the west, so undoubtedly the next choice of www.travelonguide.com had to be Bali.

Beach lovers can have a wonderful time in Bali, since day time they could enjoy the sun and at night enjoy the dances and cultural shows on the beach. On a full moon day the Balinese people organize special beach games…. and guess what even a funeral is a procession and an event where people enjoy themselves.  Opt for a candle light beach dinner and we guarantee you that the experience will be something that you will cherish throughout your life, the Balinese dancers and singers will add icing to this special moment.

If you are planning your trip to Bali, then its best to have some information about its climatic conditions. Since Bali has a tropical climate, the temperature throughout the year is not more than 26 degrees Celsius. The dry season starts from April till September and the wet season from October till March, and the best time to be there is from May to August, when the sun shines bright and the uninvited drizzle keeps the climate cool.

Water sport lovers, just should miss this place. Bali offers world class scuba diving experience, there are special schools where one could learn scuba diving. The coral reefs are purely untouched and display a wide range of sea life, never seen before even on Discovery Channel. If you like to see the corals, then make sure that you take a trip to Nusa Penida. This beach also offers various other water sports options. For people who are more adventurous, can go rafting in the Ayung river or try some mountain cycling. Walking in rice paddies is also a wonderful experience.

Bali is one of very few places of Indonesia dominated by the Hindus, who celebrate all Hindu festivals and have retained all Hindu traditions.  Coming to the food options, Bali offers all cuisine right from Indian, Chinese, Malaysian, Moroccan and even Mexican. One should not forget to try the sumptuous Grilled Lobsters specially served with a typical Balinese sauce.

For those who are not so adventurous type and like being spoilt and pampered, then Bali is where you should head to. Apart from the beautiful resorts like any other beach destination, you will also find beach villas. These villas are well equipped, some with private pool, trained cooks, maids and house boys, who just don’t leave any effort to pamper you. Hiring a private villa could be a much cheaper and cozier experience for those who are on a honeymoon and need some intimacy. Just like Mauritius and Maldives, getting married in Bali is also possible. 

 We hope that we have truly tried to inspire our readers to pack their bags and head to Bali, and if you indeed enjoyed reading about Bali, then make sure to log on to www.travelonguide.com for more exotic locations.

Bareboat Yacht Charters Save Money With A Bareboat Charter

 Bareboat yacht charters without an experienced captain mean that you do need to have sailing experience. In order to find out if you are qualified to handle the bareboat yacht on your own, the charter company requires that you submit a resume of your sailing experience. With many of the bareboat sailing companies you don’t need to have a sailing certificate because they place more value on the experience. With others, you do need to have a certificate. You will find many bareboat yacht charters online in all parts of the world. Browse the sites to see which ones apply to you.

When you submit your record of sailing experience for bareboat sailing, charter companies will let you know whether or not they feel you can handle the yacht on your own. This is because bareboat yacht charters have to protect their investments as well as be assured of your safety. If they do not feel your qualifications are up to par for sailing the specific waters they service, you may be required to have one of their experienced captains on board. You can take advantage of this opportunity to learn what you need to know for the next time you want to book a bareboat sailing charter. 

The reason these yachts are called bareboats is that they do not contain any of the luxuries you would find on other types of yacht charters. Bareboat sailing charters mean that you charter the yacht itself. There are no supplies included. You will have to bring your own food and entertainment items, but there are no microwaves or televisions on these yachts. Bareboat yacht charters are mainly designed for those who want to enjoy the sailing experience and the thrill of being on the open water. 

Along with sailing, you can dock in many small locations where larger ships cannot enter. This gives you a chance to see many locations where you can enjoy the culture of the area and get to meet the local people. Bareboat yacht charters are very popular ways to see the islands of the Caribbean and the Bahamas as well as Hawaii, Greece, the French Riviera and many other parts of the world. Alaska bareboat sailing charters will take you to the great glaciers of the world as well as give you the opportunity to see many species of wildlife in their natural habitats. 

Bareboat yacht charters usually have several itineraries for you to choose from. However, you can make changes to this itinerary by making arrangements with the yacht charter company you choose. The company will provide you with all the navigation charts you need as well as the equipment you need to keep in contact with shore. There are GPS plotters on the bareboat yachts, VHF radios and other safety equipment to ensure you have the prefect sailing vacation. Bareboat yacht charters allow you to see a specific part of the world at your own pace.

Bahamas Yacht Charters Imagining Taking Your Own Boat To The Bahamas

 When you decide on Bahamas Yacht Charters you have over 500 miles of tropical waters to explore. The Bahamas is an archipelago that contains over 700 islands, so unless you have loads of cash you won’t get to see them all in one charter vacation. Choose from crewed yacht charters or a bareboat charter, but whichever one you choose, you can decide where you want to go. Bahamas Yacht Charters can help you plan your vacation so that it fulfills your every need.

The difference in crewed yacht charters and bareboat charters is in the amenities that the yacht offers. You don’t have to know how to sail the yacht if you want the cheaper bareboat, but you do have to supply your own food and supplies. In addition, you have to bring along your own lounge chairs and watersports equipment or choose to rent them from Bahamas Yacht Charters. With crewed yacht charters, you don’t have to do any work aboard the yacht and everything is supplied for you. If you have lots of money to spend, you can choose one of the luxury yacht charters. Bahamas lends itself to dreaming of luxury, so for that once in a lifetime vacation, why not splurge?

As a rule, Bahamas Yacht Charters begin with a chart briefing at 9 A.M. Then you can sail at 10 and you have to have the yacht back by 10 at the end of the charter period. If you would prefer to have an afternoon sailing time, you have to request this when you book your yacht charters. The Bahamas is suitable for any time sailing and with the short distance from Florida to the Bahamas, it doesn’t make any difference what time you leave. You do have to be careful of the weather if you book the yacht charter during hurricane season.  

You can also begin and end the charter in the Bahamas. Fly into Abaco and take the yacht from there. For yacht charters, Bahamas tax rates are 4% of the total cost of the charter and you have to pay a daily insurance rate for the yacht. This depends on the size of yacht you charter. For example, the premium for yachts 41 feet and under is $33 per day and for those over 41 feet, the premium is $38 per day. The deductible with the yacht charter insurance is $400, which you must pay yourself if you cause any damage. Bahamas Yacht Charters supplies you with a full tank of fuel when you have a bareboat charter, but you must return the yacht with the tank full. 

Sailing yachts from Bahamas Yacht Charters are much more expensive. A typical yacht charter will cost about $13,000, which does not include meals, docking, drinks and fees. During the summer, the yacht charters are based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and during the winter they are based in the Bahamas. If a group of people decide to get together and book a charter from Bahamas Yacht Charters, they can split the cost between them, which will significantly reduce the price per couple.

Bareboat Sailing What Is It And What Do I Need To Know?

 Bareboat sailing means that the yacht you charter does not have the amenities you would have with a crewed or luxury sailing charter. You don’t necessarily need to have sailing experience as you can have a captain and crew along on these charters as well. If you book a bareboat charter, you have to supply all your own food as well as that of the captain and crew. You will also have to pay these people yourself because that cost is not included in the quote for bareboat sailing yachts. 

You can book a bareboat sailing charter in just about any part of the world where there are sailing charters available. You can sail the yacht yourself if you have the necessary qualifications. However, in many parts of the world where there are navigation hazards, such as in the islands of Greece, you may need to have an experienced captain along with you for bareboat sailing. The charter company will supply you with all the navigational charts you need and will give you the instruction you need so that you can have a safe sailing charter.

Have you ever considered bareboat sailing along the coast of Turkey? The yachts available for these sailing charters are well maintained and the budget price will provide you with a cheap vacation. The major cost involved in this type of bareboat sailing charter will be the travel costs associated with getting to Turkey. The cost of living is quite low in this part of the world, so the cost of the bareboat yacht is not expensive at all. In addition, the cost of groceries you need to take with you are also very inexpensive. 

Bareboat sailing in Turkey will enable you to charter a yacht that is easy to handle as well as able to accommodate a small family or several couples. The protected bays and inlets along the coast are easy to navigate and will provide you with an exceptional view of Turkish culture. With a bareboat sailing charter in Turkey, you will enjoy sunfilled days, exotic scenery and turquoise waters. There are many itineraries for you to choose from if this type of bareboat charter appeals to you. 

Choosing Turkey as your location for bareboat sailing will offer you a stress free holiday. There are no tides, currents or high waves to worry about and there is usually a steady afternoon wind in the summer, which makes for ideal sailing conditions. The temperature of the water is perfect for swimming in the summer, so your bareboat yacht could become your diving platform. When you consider bareboat sailing, there are so many places in the world you can go that you will have a difficult decision to make.

The History of Kayaks

 Canoeing and Kayaking go back to the dawn of human culture. The word "kayak" literally means "hunter's boat." The kayak was useful for transport, but it was a miraculous hunting tool, facilitating a quiet approach towards one's desired prey. The covered deck of the kayak made it more sea-worthy and better able to shed waves than the traditional canoe. Kayaks are mostly used during summer months, primarily for hunting and fishing. 

Similar to the kayak, the umiak is a larger boat which can carry up to 20 people. The umiak and the kayak existed side by side, both finding useful niches for transporting and hunting throughout history. 

Kayak design varied according to the specific needs of inhabitants of particular regions. For instance, early kayaks designed by inhabitants surrounding the Bering Straight were wider and shorter. Whereas the kayaks from Greenland were sleek and low. Kayaks from Baffin Island were wider and longer. 

The kayak was first created by the Inuit, an artic people. Interestingly, despite being the birth place of the kayak, very little archaeological evidence of the covered kayak can be found on the Siberian Coast.

Early Eskimos made kayak frames using driftwood, and early kayaks were wrapped in sealskins. 

In fact, most early kayaks were fabricated using wood for the frame and then tied together using sinew, or tendons, with a seal skin cover. Kayaks were virtually unsinkable with air-filled seal bladders. Today, very few traditional skin kayaks are still in use and the knowledge of their construction is quickly fading. Other early kayaks were made from whalebone or driftwood. 

The materials that have been used to make a kayak have changed significantly with the years. Europeans eventually discovered the versatility of the kayak, and kayaks once designed with sealskins were designed by Europeans with fabric covers. This method continued until the 1950's when a company known as Valley Products began producing the first fiberglass kayak. Then in 1984, the first plastic kayak was introduced. Kayaks continue to become lighter, sturdier, and more versatile. 

Now there are several types of kayaks designed with various materials suitable for a variety of sporting events. Today, kayaking is accessible to all skill levels, providing a quiet and gas-free form of breathtaking travel, exploration and exercise.

Alaska Yacht Charters See The Glaciers And Exciting Wildlife

 Crewed Alaska yacht charters allow you to enjoy whale watching and the many other sights that Alaska has in store for you. With these yacht charters you can gaze in awe at majestic mountains that reach into the clouds and visit places that a cruise ship cannot enter. There are flexible itineraries to suit every individual taste so that you get to have the full experience that Alaska has to offer with a yacht charter. If you have sailing experience, you can handle the yacht yourself when you book one of the many Alaska yacht charters. 

The abundance of wildlife that you can see with one of the Alaska yacht charters is astounding. Killer whales, black bears, mountain goats and the many species of birds that Alaska offers are just one of the reasons why an Alaska yacht charter is a popular vacation idea with so many people. If you are an avid fisherperson, then with yacht charters, Alaska will help your fishing dream to come true. The type of fish you catch depends on the time of year you book the yacht charter. From May to September, you can fish for different species of salmon, while halibut is present all through the year. 

If you want to learn how to sail the waters of Alaska, you can take an educational Alaska yacht charter where you learn as you sail along. Then when you decide that Alaska yacht charters is the way you want to spend all of your vacations, you can save money by not having to hire a captain and crew. With bareboat yacht charters, Alaska has so much to offer that it will take several charters for you to see it all. You can be the captain of your own yacht when you have the proper qualifications and bring along your own food and supplies.

With Alaska yacht charters you can have your own private cruise to Alaska without having to share anything with strangers. This way you can have the run of the yacht and its spacious rooms and deck area. You don’t even need to bring your fishing rods with an Alaska yacht charter if you book one of the crewed yacht charters. Alaska is the perfect destination for any occasion, but honeymooning in Alaska is one vacation you will never forget. There are unnamed coves along the coastline of Alaska where you can see the majesty of the scenery in all its glory. 

There are so many possibilities with Alaska yacht charters that it is difficult to list them all. Sightseeing and education are all rolled into one with this type of yacht charter as you get to see the sights up close that you saw in books and magazines. Dock in one of the small towns and explore the streets, stores and cafes. Take a helicopter trip to see polar bears in their natural habitat and to get a glimpse of the vast landscape. Once you book one of the Alaska yacht charters you will most definitely want to repeat the experience.

Anchors Aweigh A How To For Caribbean Sailing

 There is something magical about chartering a boat and sailing the clear, turquoise blue waters of the Caribbean. There is no finer way to get a break and relax than to sail from island to island. At some point during your Caribbean sailing experience, however, you will want to stop. Whether you want to fish, swim, snorkel or dive, have lunch or stay overnight, you will need to find an anchorage and either anchor or use a mooring ball. Anchoring a boat securely is one of the most basic skills in boat handling. The key is preparation and slow maneuvering. If you miss the first time, do not be embarrassed. There is not an experienced sailor afloat who has not encountered this problem. Just go around and start again. The important thing is to have it right! By anchoring poorly, not only are you endangering your boat, but also the other boats anchored nearby. By following these suggestions and techniques, you can feel confident that you will have safe, hassle-free anchoring.  

Selecting the Anchorage

The first step in anchoring is to pick an anchorage. Try to arrive at your anchorage relatively early enough in the afternoon. This allows you enough light to avoid any shoals or other hazards like rock/coral heads, fish nets or boats, ferries, freighters, mooring balls, crab pots and cables. In addition, during peak season (December to April) many popular spots throughout the Caribbean become very crowded. By arriving early enough, you have extra time to go somewhere else before nightfall. 

When choosing an anchorage, there are several things to consider. For instance, is the anchorage protected? A good anchorage offers protection from the current weather conditions and will also offer protection from the expected weather. Are there any local weather (wind) conditions or exposure to swells that could make the anchorage too rolly? How well is the entrance and anchorage area charted or marked? 

  

How good is the holding? Charts should indicate the type of bottom. Generally speaking, most anchors will hold well in sandy bottoms. Rock, coral and shale prevent anchors from digging in. If possible, avoid grassy bottoms, where it is very difficult to set the anchor. How crowded, noisy, dirty or smelly is it? Is the band from the beach bar going to keep you up until the wee hours of the morning or is the diesel smell of the inter-island ferry going to detract from your ideal scent of paradise? How pretty is the anchorage when you sit in the cockpit enjoying the dawn or dusk? How long a dinghy ride is it to shore and is there a decent place to dock the dinghy? What amenities are available on shore? What is the depth and tidal range? Enough depth is needed so that low tide does not present obstacles your boat might swing into and it is also important when determining scope. Finally, is there enough room? No matter where your boat is anchored, the largest possible swing range should be considered. 

Getting Ready

Once you have decided that the anchorage is the perfect spot to stop on your Caribbean sailing adventure, there are several steps to take before actually anchoring. Before doing anything else, work out a system of communication between the person at the helm and the crew member dropping the anchor. Remember that your engine will be running and therefore you will be unable to communicate verbally. Hand signals usually work best. Furl the sails and generally make the boat shipshape before entering the anchorage. Also, shorten the dinghy painter (the line that attaches at the front of the dinghy) if you are dragging the dinghy behind you. This prevents it from being sucked into the prop when you put the engine in reverse. Open the anchor locker hatch, and if your anchor has a safety line attached to the chain (usually found only in mono hulls), untie and release it. Get the anchor ready to be dropped by disengaging the anchor from the bow rollers. This is done by using the remote control windlass (found in most Caribbean sailing charters) to lower the anchor about two to three feet. Make sure all fingers and toes are away from the chain! Finally, take a tour of the anchorage at very slow speed to get a sense of where you would like to be. 

Dropping and Setting the Anchor

After your tour of the anchorage, pick your spot. As the newest arrival in an anchorage, you must anchor to keep clear of boats already at anchor. Allow for any change in wind direction. It is always safer to leave extra space around your boat. Make sure you will have enough room to fall back on the anchor without lying too close to any vessel anchored behind you once you have laid out a 7 to 1 scope. In normal conditions, if you are using all chain, a safe minimum anchor scope ratio is 5 to 1 (chain length to depth). 

In heavy weather, the scope ratio is 7 to 1. Depth is the depth of the water at high tide plus the height from the water line to the bow roller. Scope is the actual amount of anchor line (chain) paid out when the boat is safely anchored. For example, if high water is 20 feet deep and your bow roller is 5 feet above the water, you need 125 feet (5 x 20 + 5 feet) of scope to anchor if using all chain, or 175 feet if using a 7 to 1 scope. Remember, putting out too little scope is one of the most common mistakes cruisers make when anchoring. 

With the bow to the wind, slowly motor up to the desired spot. Stop the boat exactly where you wish the anchor to lay and take note of the depth. Remember that if you are chartering a catamaran, a cat offers less resistance to the water than a mono hull and thus takes more time to slow down than a mono hull. Make sure the catamaran has completely stopped. You can keep a cat straight into the wind by using both engines at idle speed. Once your vessel has lost all forward movement, it is now time to drop and set the anchor. 

Despite the term, "dropping anchor", you never want to throw the anchor over the side or let it run free immediately, because the chain will run out at a tremendous speed and pile on itself rather than laying out straight on the sea bed. A piled anchor chain prevents the anchor from setting properly and may actually foul the anchor. Instead, with the windlass, lower the anchor quickly to the bottom. Let the wind slowly push your boat back- do not try to reverse. Let out adequate scope as the vessel moves aft. If you are in a mono hull, do not worry about being broadside to the wind. When the desired amount of scope has been let out, snub the chain and allow the wind to straighten out the boat. Once the boat is headed with the bow into the wind, gently put the engine into reverse and throttle at 1500 rpm's for about 15-20 seconds. This should set the anchor and the anchor chain should start to straighten. If it vibrates or skips, let out more scope. An anchor that is set will not shake the chain. Once you are satisfied the anchor is set, turn off the engine. Put on your snorkel gear and visually check the anchor to ensure your boat is secure. If the anchor is lying on its side, caught in coral, or the chain is wrapped around a coral head, reset it. 

When the anchor is firmly set, look around for reference points in relation to your boat. These can include other boats or fixed landmarks like a house, rock formation or tower. Over the next hour, relax in your cockpit and make sure those reference points are in the same place. If not, you are probably dragging the anchor. 

Dealing With the Dragging Anchor

If your boat is dragging anchor during the day, it is not a major problem. Start your engine and put it into idle gear. Try to let out more chain. Wait a few minutes to see if the anchor sets itself. If not, you will have to re-anchor. If you boat is dragging at night, it becomes a little more challenging. If you are sound asleep and you do not bump into anything, you might not even know you dragged until the next morning when you wake up in a different place. I have friends who are extremely experienced sailors. They actually woke up in an entirely different anchorage after a night of dragging. On the other hand, you might become aware of night dragging when other people in the anchorage start screaming and flashing lights at your boat. Start your engine and keep it idling. Try to let out more chain and wait to see if the anchor resets itself. If not, you will have to re-anchor. Use your depth sounder to try and find another spot to anchor. Keep all the lights on the boat off to get the best night vision possible. Slowly move to another spot with extreme caution. If your neighbor's boat is dragging during the day, try and get their attention. Put out fenders to avoid damage to your boat. If nobody is on board the dragging boat (they are onshore drinking at the local beach bar), you can either get aboard their boat and reset the anchor, or if you are not comfortable doing that, you may have to move your own boat. During the night, if you are suddenly jolted awake when another boat hits yours, immediately start the engine and keep it idling. Wake up the crew of the other boat (yell, flash your lights, etc), put out fenders and do the same as during the day. 

The Mooring Ball Option

Throughout the Caribbean, but especially in the British Virgin Islands, professionally maintained mooring balls are located in many anchorages and are available for overnight use for a small fee. A mooring is a buoy connected to an extremely heavy anchor or weight. Besides protecting the coral from damage done by an anchor, picking up a mooring ball has three other advantages. First, you do no have to go to the bother of using your anchor. Second, the mooring's anchor probably is never going to drag. And third, because the mooring's anchor is so heavy and deeply imbedded in the sea bottom, less scope is needed and, therefore, the boat will swing around in a tighter radius than it would on its own anchor. 

As in anchoring, approach the mooring area slowly with your dinghy pulled in on a short painter. Have a crew member ready with a boat hook at the bow to direct you and to pick up the mooring pennant (a line with a loop at the end). Have one end of a line attached to a bow cleat with the free end close by. If you have chartered a catamaran, one line is sufficient. If you have chartered a mono hull, however, attach a second line to the opposite side bow cleat. Point the bow of the boat into the wind and slowly approach the mooring ball. By shifting alternately from forward to neutral, you can coast towards the ball. Shift into reverse to stop the boat as the crew member lifts the pennant on board and passes the free end of the line(s) through it. Quickly cleat off the free end of the line on the opposite bow cleat for a catamaran or on the same side for a mono hull.. On a mono hull, the two lines prevent chafing and limit the risk of breaking free from the mooring ball. On a catamaran, the line hangs low enough that chafing from tension is rarely a problem. Again, do not be embarrassed if you miss picking up the pennant the first time- it has happened to all of us! Just circle around and try it again. Once secured, adjust the lines, if necessary. 

To leave a mooring ball, make sure the dinghy is again on a short painter. Un-cleat the line(s) and simply let go of the pennant. Take care not to run over the mooring buoy and pennant as you leave for your next Caribbean sailing destination. 

Weighing Anchor

Before raising the anchor, preparation is again necessary. Make sure that loose items are stowed and hatch covers are closed. (The anchor locker hatch cover should be open). Shorten up the dinghy painter again. Start the engine. Most charter boats require the engine on to operate the windlass. Have a crew member stand on the most forward point at the bow with the windlass remote control. Using hand signals, the crew member instructs the helmsman to move the boat forward very slowly in the direction of the chain. Make sure the helmsman stops the motion of the boat before overshooting the anchor. While the chain is slack, start cranking it up. When you get to the snubber, put down the remote and remove the snubber. Then resume cranking. When the chain is taut again, with hand signals, instruct the helmsman to move the boat forward again in the direction of the chain. The whole idea of this is to avoid using the windlass to move the boat forward, as this causes incredible strain on the windlass and on the chain roller. At one point, you will find the boat straight above the anchor. Finish cranking the chain until the anchor is all the way up and settled on the rollers. Signal the helmsman that the boat is free. Reattach the safety line to the anchor chain if it has one, stow the remote control and secure the anchor locker hatch. Then return to the cockpit to help raise the sails. 

No matter where your Caribbean sailing adventure takes you, at some point you will want to stop. Anchoring is among the most important activities you will do while cruising. Anchoring is as much an art as a science. The helmsman and crew have to orchestrate their efforts with the wind, current and vessel. The important thing to remember is not to be embarrassed. Even the most experienced sailors have difficulty anchoring at times. As the old adage says, "Practice makes perfect." To perfect your anchoring skills and enjoy the most relaxing vacation ever, contact Virgin Island Sailing to arrange your charter. Nothing else beats Caribbean sailing!

10 Reasons To Do A Basic Boating Course!

 Boating is a great adventure on any type of boat and is being enjoyed by many on a daily basis, but with that comes a great responsibility. It is not mandatory to do a boating course at this time but there are some very good reasons to get your self informed about the rules of the road.

1) You will learn about safety equipment and what you are required to have on your boat before you undertake any boating excursion. This is very important because what you don’t have with you could make the difference between being able to handle a situation or not. Also, that outing for the day could cost you if the sheriff stops you to spot check your boat and fines you for not having all the safety equipment required for your specific boat.

2) You will learn that driving a boat is vastly different from driving a car. You are dealing with air and water currents. If you have never docked a boat you may think that it is easy, until that is, the current is pulling you in the opposite direction that you want to go. Understanding air and water currents will help you learn how to dock your boat.

3) Knowing how to work with lines and tying knots is part of boating. You have to be able to secure a boat properly. If your boat gets away, it is amazing how quickly the current will take it out of your reach and you will probably require the assistance of another boater to help you get to it. So learn your knots.

4) You will learn what the channel markers mean. We learned the hard way the first time we went out on a boat and ran aground outside the markers. We also had no clue what the red and green markers meant on the poles. This you also learn on the course.

5) There are speed limits on certain water ways but unlike the roads, they may or may not be posted. Ignorance may not be enough to get you out of a ticket.

6) Using charts for coastal navigation can be a life saver. It’s your road map that helps you stay away from the shallows and shows where all the markers and bridges are, and by using measurements you can calculate the distance and time it will take to get somewhere. It can be valuable tool for navigation.

7) Just like on the roads, there is the right of way. On a boating course you will learn who has the right of way and why.

8) Every boat should have a horn. You may hear one long toot or 2 short toot and so on, and you’ll learn what they mean.

9) There are boating regulations and laws that must be followed by all boaters, for example, (and I have seen this rule broken so many times) you are not allowed to sit on the bow of the boat with your feet hanging over board. There are many more regulations to learn and not knowing them can cost you.

10) Anchoring a boat is not just a matter of plopping it down to the sand. There is a mathematical technique applied to anchoring that has to do with the size and length of your boat. Knowing how to do this correctly will give you that extra insurance of knowing your boat is going nowhere until you want to move it.

There are different ways to enjoy pleasure boating such as the fast pace of ski boating or the slow pace of a trawler, kayaking or canoeing. In whatever way you want to do it, it is a good idea to know the rules of the road. Then you can avoid potential situations and get on with the fun of being out there with all that sky, sun, water, family and friends.

Enjoy!

Thailand is one of the world’s most popular scuba diving

 Thailand is one of the world’s most popular scuba diving destinations, and a growing number of people are travelling here every year to sample some of the underwater treaures that can be found in the waters surrounding this beautiful country.

Thailand has one of the world’s most diverse marine habitats, with more than 300 major reef groups covering an area of over 4,500 square miles. From pinnacles and submerged rocks, through to stunning coral gardens and sheer walls, the scuba diving in Thailand has something to offer scuba divers of all levels of experience. It is this diversity in marine habitats and diving environments which attracts so many divers to the waters around Thailand every year, and today the region is one of the world’s most popular scuba diving destinations.

There are a number of major diving destinations in Thailand, all offering a wide selection of diverse dive sites. Throughout all of these major destinations is a network of well equipped, knowledgeable and experienced dive centres, offering a range of diving from leisure dives through to a selection of scuba diving courses.

It would be impossible to discuss Thailand, without looking at the scuba diving in Phuket and the surrounding areas. Without doubt, the diving in Phuket is of the highest standard, and the waters surrounding the ?island’ host a number of excellent dive sites. However, the real underwater treasures of Phuket lie slightly further afield. Dive sites such as the Burma Banks, The Similan Islands and the Mergui Archipelago are often found high on the wish list of many discerning scuba diver and offer some of South East Asia’s finest dive sites.

The scuba diving on the Western Gulf of Thailand sees a different emphasis, and the small islands found here have become one of the world’s most popular areas to learn to scuba dive. In fact, the island of Koh Tao has developed a complete tourist industry from scuba diving, and today large numbers of would be scuba divers travel to Koh Tao every day to begin their diving education. Other islands within the Western Gulf of Thailand are also home to developed scuba diving industries, and destinations such as Koh Samui and Ko Pha-Ngan are both home to a large number of dive centres and excellent dive sites.

Throughout Thailand there are a number of exceptional dive sites, and sites such as the Richelieu Rock and Chumpon Pinnacle are widely acknowledged as being world class dive sites. However it is the sheer volume of excellent dive sites that makes Thailand such a popular destination. Destinations such as Pattaya, Krabi, Ko Chang and the Surin Islands are all home to a number of exceptional dive sites and dive centres.

Today, Thailand is one of the world’s most popular scuba diving destinations, and large numbers of scuba divers travel long distances to dive in the waters surrounding this stunning country. The sheer diversity of the diving on offer here ensures that there is something to cater for all tastes and levels of experience. From vertical wrecks, through to submerged pinnacles, from the largest sharks, through to the smallest nudibranches , the diving in Thailand has something for everyone.