|
2006-12-11 23:56:36
|
|
Article by Ong Kok Keong |
|
Sailing can be grow with you. There is a boat suitable for every age group; from children, teenager, adult and veteran. Naturally, the choice of the sailing boats will most likely see an increase in size and length of these boats. Sailing can also increase in intensity if you decide to take it competitively; even racing at the Olympics.
A lot of sailors horn their sailing skills sailing single man design boats such as the Optimist and Laser. Some go on to two man design boats such as the International 420s. For such boats, teamwork and co-operation are critical in performing well in a race.
The Optimist boat length is 2.3m and the hull weight at 35 kg. These characteristics are ideal for children who can continue sailing up to their teenage years. (it is the only dinghy approved by the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) exclusively for sailors under 16 years of age).
For those who had outgrown the Optimist, the Laser Byte is the next logical choice. The Byte boat length is 3.6m and the hull weight at 45.3kg. This is ideal for teenagers who may not reach the optimum weight of 75kg for the standard Laser 4.7. This suits the Asian sailors who are smaller in physique compared to the Caucasians sailors. In fact, the Asian sailors had performed well in international Byte races. Elizabeth Yin, our local sailor emerged the champion at the Arch Byte CII World Championship 2006 (3-8 July).
Most sailors continue their passion for sailing by moving on to a day cruiser. This is normally in the range of 20 feet to 30 feet. Some of the common ones used in Singapore are the J series. If you are not into racing, this boat could meet the desire to enjoy cruising. Nevertheless, in Singapore there is a lack of cruising grounds. Most of our southern islands are off-limit or cordoned off for other development. The nearest cruising grounds will likely be the Andaman Sea near the Phuket Island, Thailand. In fact, Sunsail also runs chartering services there. However, there are two destinations that are popular with SAFYC boaters and yachters. They are Nongsa Point Marina in
Batam Island, Indonesia and Sebana Cove Marina in Johore, Malaysia.
In cruising, there are other considerations that sailors need to be aware. In Singapore, you need a license to helm a motorized yacht/boat. This is issued by the MPA (Maritime Port Authority) after the applicant passed both a theory test and a practical handling assessment. In addition, experience and knowledge of boat handling and seasmanship is also important. These skills can be picked up by sailing regularly with other yachters from the sailing club which you are a member.
Above all, presence of mind and common sense is necessary to handle any emergencies while out in the waters. This is the responsibility of the captain of the yacht who will need leadership to command the boat when faced with such situations.
|
URL: |
http://www.singaporesailing.com
|
|
|
Related Articles |
|
How Dining Has Evolved From a Simple Concept to Dinner Cruises on Sydney Harbour! (Popularity: ): Dining used to be a simple affair, with people seated around a table sharing a meal, complimenting the chef if the food was exemplary, and the like. Fast forward to the present – dining as a concept has been revolutionised with mind-boggling variations to a simple, predictable activity! In Sydney, you have fine dining options to restaurants where you can dine and enjoy live music or a live show, and ...
Caribbean Cruise Shopping (Popularity: ): The Caribbean cruise shopping starts before you have ever set foot on the boat. There is a complete market that aims to satisfy the need for proper cruise clothing. You might find this silly but if you think about it you'll realize that a cruise calls for the right outfits. Since there is bound to be some great shopping along the way you might want to start out light and ...
Are Cruises To Expensive? (Popularity: ): You have decided that your next vacation would be a cruise and you are more than likely thinking that cruises cost way too much. A cruise vacation can become a very costly vacation. There can be a lot of extra expenses that can go into a cruise that can add up: there can be restaurants, port expenses or local entertainment. Knowing where to look and asking the right questions can ...
Nile River Cruises - Explore Ancient Egypt (Popularity: ): While today you can see Egypt by air or by road, there is really no better way to see it than by boat! Nile river cruises are the hands-down best way to see this beautiful ancient land. When you board a ship that will sail up the Nile, you will realize why many people refuse to see Egypt any other way.In terms of convenience, you can't beat a Nile cruise. ...
Caribbean Cruises - The Three Main Itineraries (Popularity: ): Caribbean cruises are generally broken into 3 main itineraries: Western Caribbean, Eastern Caribbean and Southern Caribbean. We will describe each one for those who aren't familiar with these routes. The Western Caribbean itineraries typically depart from Galveston, TX; New Orleans; Mobile, AL; Tampa, FL; Miami, FL and sometimes from Port Canaveral, FL. These routes will include ports of call like Cozumel, Mexico; Belize; Grand Cayman; Jamaica and Costa Maya, Mexico. ...
|
|
Related Business |
|
Weston Sailing Club (Popularity: ): Dinghy sailing club located on Southampton Water, accepting all dinghy classes with appropriate handicaps and with RYA approved training establishment and social and cruising events. Includes calendar, costs, joining details, map, tidal data and members-only area.
Taplow Lake Sailing Club (Popularity: ): Located east of Maidenhead and offers racing and social dinghy sailing and dinghy sailing courses. Includes membership information, news, reports, weather, events, photos, diary, and related links.
Fidlers Ferry Sailing Club (Popularity: ): Dinghy and yacht cruising located on the River Mersey.
About Cruising (Popularity: ): Books and video by Romany Publishing about sailing the world. Titles: Comfortable Cruising, Just Cruising & Still Cruising, and Cruising for Cowards, a how-to text.
National Solo - Classic Sailing Dinghy (Popularity: ): The National Solo is a classic, one-design, single handed sailing dinghy. Designed by Jack Holt in 1956, the Solo remains a popular dinghy, sailed at many clubs in the UK and abroad.
National Albacore Dinghy (Popularity: ): National Albacore Class dinghy sailing and racing information. Hints and tips about this dinghy and international contacts.
The page for dinghy race sailing (Popularity: ): This site provides coaching and training for dinghy racing.
Steve and Doris Colgate's Offshore Sailing School (Popularity: ): Learn sailing, performance sailing, racing, bareboat preparation and live aboard cruising. Also a sailing club and flotilla cruises for graduates plus discounts on charters.
Access Dinghy Sailing Association (Popularity: ): Australian foundation promoting the Access Dinghy and regattas for able bodied and disabled alike to compete equally.
Hastings and St Leonard Sailing Club (Popularity: ): Dinghy sailing in the English Channel. Active Racing and Social Program for all.
|
|
|
|