Harbour Etiquette and Sailing Safety Tips

As the summer season gets into full swing, many more boats are setting sail from King Point Marina to enjoy the water around Plymouth and beyond. Regardless of whether you’re new to sailing or need a refresher, it’s always worth revisiting some key etiquette and safety tips before you cast off.

Here’s our quick guide to staying safe, respectful, and ready to sail this June.

The Five Essentials of Sailing

Even if you’ve been sailing for years, it’s always good to remind yourself of the Five Essentials, which are at the heart of handling a sailing boat effectively:

1. Balance: Keeping the boat steady and upright by managing crew weight and sail position. An unbalanced boat is more challenging to steer and responds more slowly to steering inputs.
2. Trim: Adjusting the sails for maximum efficiency. Well-trimmed sails help you move faster and more smoothly.
3. Sail Setting: Knowing how far in or out to have the sails, depending on the wind direction.
4. Centreboard: Lifting or lowering the centreboard depending on your course. A properly positioned centreboard improves stability and control.
5. Course Made Good: Are You Heading Where You Want to Go? Keeping an eye on your overall progress, not just your immediate heading, helps avoid unnecessary tacking.

Safety First: Your Onboard Must-Haves

Before you head out, ensure your boat is adequately equipped with all of the necessary safety gear.

Remember to include:

• Lifejackets: Enough for every person onboard (and pets too!)
• VHF radio: For communication with other boats and the coastguard
• First aid kit: Keep it fully stocked and in date
• Flares or distress signals: Just in case of an emergency.
• A well-briefed crew who know where everything is and what to do

Always check the weather forecast carefully before sailing, as conditions can change rapidly. Ensure that you have informed someone on land of your planned route and when you expect to return home.

Marina Manners: Good Etiquette Goes a Long Way

Sharing the marina with others means being considerate and aware of your surroundings. Here are a few friendly reminders:

• Keep the noise down: Especially in the early mornings or late evenings.
• Mind your lines: Don’t leave ropes trailing across the pontoon.
• Help your neighbours:  Lending a hand with mooring never goes unappreciated.
• Give right of way: To vessels with restricted manoeuvrability and those under sail (when you’re motoring).
• No Cycling on the Pontoon: Keep yourself and everyone safe by keeping bikes off the pontoon.
• Dogs on a Leash: Furry friends are lovely companions, but keep dogs on a leash when off the boat, and remember to keep a poop bag handy.

Keep Learning, Keep Sailing

Sailing is a lifelong journey, and the more you practise, the better (and safer) you’ll get. If you’re new to it all, consider signing up for a local RYA course or chatting to experienced skippers around the marina. You’ll find most are happy to share tips or even take you out for a sail.

Here’s to smooth sailing and sunshine-filled days out on the water this June.