At the back
Quick reference
The essentials on one page: the checks before you go, the points of sail, who gives way, and the calls and signals.
Before you go
- Forecast checked: wind, gusts, direction, sea state, and any changes during the day
- Someone ashore knows your plans; trip report logged
- Lifejackets for everyone, and worn
- Two ways of calling for help that work when wet
- Fuel, water, engine checks; safety briefing given
The sails
| Point of sail | True wind angle (TWA) | Sails |
|---|
| No-go zone | up to about 45° | can’t sail: they flap |
| Close-hauled | about 45° | pulled right in |
| Close reach | about 60° | a little eased |
| Beam reach | 90° | about halfway out |
| Broad reach | 120–150° | well out |
| Run | 180° | right out; watch for a gybe |
Telltales: windward one lifting, pull in or bear away; leeward one drooping, let out or head up.
Who gives way
| Situation | Who keeps clear |
|---|
| Sailing, opposite tacks | the port-tack boat |
| Sailing, same tack | the windward boat |
| Any boat overtaking | the overtaking boat |
| Power and sail | the boat under power |
| Both under power, head-on | both turn to starboard |
| Both under power, crossing | the boat with the other on her starboard side |
| A vessel fishing with nets or trawls, restricted in her ability to manoeuvre, or not under command | you do |
| Big ships in a channel, or anywhere in Auckland’s pilotage area | you do |
Calls and signals
| Call | Meaning |
|---|
| “Ready about” … “Lee-oh” | about to tack … tacking now |
| “Ready to gybe” … “Gybe-oh” | about to gybe … gybing now |
| “Man overboard!” | shout, point, throw |
| Mayday (VHF 16) | grave and imminent danger to a vessel or to life |
| Pan-Pan (VHF 16) | urgent, but no immediate danger to life |
| One / two / three short blasts (power-driven vessel) | turning to starboard / to port / going astern |
| Five or more short blasts | I don’t understand your intentions |
Anchoring and buoys
Scope: at least 4 to 5 times the depth at high water with chain, 7 to 8 times with rope. Entering harbour (IALA A): red to port, green to starboard. Cardinals: pass on the side they’re named after.
