In 2007, the Maltese community eagerly greeted the first-ever Valletta Boat Show. A boat show on the water had not taken place in the area in quite some time. Boat enthusiasts from far and wide came to experience the exceptional surroundings and beautiful boats. Demand for exhibitor space, coupled with an unexpected turnout of well over 8,000 visitors, has prompted organizers to secure a larger space for this year’s event.

The 2008 Valletta Boat Show will be held at the historic Flagstone Wharf in Marsa. This ancient port town is an ideal setting for the show. The beauty of the Maltese coast is embodied perfectly in the breathtaking scenery there.

The port at Marsa has been in use for centuries, with the town itself going through many changes. Today, it is a vibrant and thriving community that will benefit greatly from the added commerce of the Valletta Boat Show.

In preparation for the show, the town of Marsa plans to revamp the entire Grand Harbour area. Some areas have fallen into disrepair, but the town is committed to reviving them and turning them into centres for culture and tourism. The historic quay provides ample room for the 80 yachts which will be displayed at the Valletta Boat Show.

Although it was once considered a hobby that was out of the reach of non-wealthy people, yachting is gaining popularity. The industry employs thousands of people and also generates income for related fields and services. All told, the yachting industry’s income tops 100 million Euro each year. Yacht clubs are springing up everywhere, and the hobby is becoming more mainstream every day.

The Valletta Boat Show will encompass that newly-revamped image of yachting. The yachts on display at the show will range from 35 feet to 70 feet, representing a variety of prices. Exhibitors at the show will include banks that provide financing for yacht purchases. Insurance industry representatives will also be on hand to discuss the costs of insuring a yacht.

Last year’s show directly resulted in more than 20 yachts being sold. The event’s organizers hope that they can rise that number this year to boost yacht sales even more. More importantly, though, the Valletta Boat Show is about taking in the beautiful Marsa surroundings, learning more about the industry, and having a wonderful time.

The attendance at this year’s event is expected to reach 12,000 visitors. With over 50 exhibitors at the show, visitors will have no shortage of things to do and see. Thanks to the larger venue, there will be no problems with parking or space for exhibitors and visitors.

When visitors are ready for a break from the day’s activities, they can dine at one of the many food stalls that will be present at the show. For a more formal dining experience, a floating restaurant will offer a spectacular way to enjoy fine food while taking in the sights of the show. The Valletta Boat Show will be held from September 25 to September 28 at the historic Flagstone Wharf in Marsa, Malta.

More information about Malta including several Malta photo galleries are at yourmalta.com

Also available is cheap flight to Malta Airport deals, a Malta map and Malta property

Whether you are a newbie to boating or a seasoned navigator, you will find that choosing a boat to buy can be quite a daunting task. There are so many different types and models of boats for you to choose from, and you have to take certain factors into consideration when you are looking for the perfect boat to buy.

On the one hand, you have to know what type of boat best suits your purposes. You should take into consideration things like what the boat will be used for, who will use the boat, and where the boat will be used. For example, if you are planning to use the boat for longer trips out at sea, then you should get a boat that has cabins, toilets and cooking facilities.

On the other hand, if you just need a boat for a day trip, for fishing or other activities, then a small and simple boat will suffice. If you have difficulty finding out which type of boat is most suitable for your purposes, you can refer to informative articles in boating websites and boat review magazines to find out the different types of boats that are available today. You can also ask your friends for their opinions and find out about their experiences with their own boats.

You should also consider the size of the boat that you are going to buy. Different sizes of boats are suitable for different purposes, and you do not want something that is too small or too spacious. If you are planning to get a boat to go sailing in the ocean with a large group of friends, a bigger boat will be ideal. On the other hand, if you plan to use the boat for fishing trips with one or two family members or friends, or even alone, then you should opt for a smaller boat.

However, you should bear in mind that a bigger boat will require more maintenance because it has more amenities, like cabins and toilets. Owners of big boats often have a hard time transporting their boats from sea to land because the boats tend to be too big to fit into a trailer. Also, a bigger boat will need more gas compared to a small one.

Once you have ascertained which boat size you need, you have to consider whether you want a new boat or a used one. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages, which you have to evaluate carefully. With a new boat, you can be assured that it will not have any defects. A new boat also comes with a warranty that covers all repair expenses for a period of time, in case your boat gets damaged.

Most new boats can be customized to suit your personal preferences. If you do not have a big budget to buy a boat, then you may want to consider getting a used boat. Used boats are most suitable for beginner boaters or those who do not know exactly what they wish to do with their boats.

One disadvantage of getting a used boat is that you may not get the amenities, features, or design that you want, and if you want to customize it later, you will have to spend a lot of extra money. Before you buy a used boat, you should have it inspected through a marine survey. This is important because you can identify any structural or mechanical problems that need to be fixed, so that your safety can be ensured.

Whether you are going for a new or used boat, shopping around before making a purchase is still the best way to get the most appropriate boat for your sailing needs. When you buy a boat, you have to make sure that the dealer is reputable.

Before buying a boat from a dealer or seller, you have to ask for proof of ownership to make sure that the boat is not a stolen property. If you are not confident in your ability to choose the right boat, you can work with a yacht broker who can give you expert opinion on which boat to buy. A yacht broker can also negotiate and arrange financing options for you.

When you have chosen the perfect boat, you must take it out for a test drive. The test drive will enable you to ascertain the efficiency of the boat. Before going on a test drive, you must check if the engine is warmed-up.

A warmed-up engine can be an indication that the boat has start-up trouble. The owner may start the engine before you arrive so that he can hide the fact that the boat has trouble starting up. You should also check the bilge for any oil leaks before and after the test drive. The precision and performance of the gauges and instruments, as well as the oil pressure should also be checked.

During the test run, you must do some evaluative maneuvering to check the overall capability of the boat. Maneuvering wide and tight turns must be a part of the test run. Response time should also be checked by maneuvering the boat forward and backward.

You must also pay attention to the bow steering at low speeds and find out the time it takes to achieve high speeds. Take note of how well the boat handles waves because you do not want a bumpy ride out at sea. Make sure that the test drive is long enough, so that you can assess overheating problems.

After you test drive the boat and find that it is worth buying, make sure that you negotiate with the dealer for the best price. Once both of you agree on the selling price, you should get the owner to document the agreement, listing the terms of the purchase as well as other add-ons that need to be purchased. If you are planning to buy a brand new boat, it is advisable that you contact several dealers first to do some comparison shopping before you decide which boat to purchase.

This article was written by Jay Gaulard on behalf of BoatClassifieds.US , a popular boating website.

Rafting trips can be a fun adventure for the whole family. If you are beginning to prepare for a rafting trip, you will want to make a list of all the things that you will need in order to make this trip a fun, happy time for you and whoever you are taking the trip with.

First, you will want to consider the weather conditions during your trip. What time of the season are you planning on? And where? There are many different options for a rafting trip, so you will want to first pick out the place you want to go rafting. Then, a quick check of the average summer temperatures will tell you the kind of clothing that you will need to pack for your trip. Remember to pack the sunscreen as well.

The weather can also be unpredictable in many parts of the country where rafting is popular, so you may want to bring something extra along to keep yourself dry from any rain that may fall during your trip. On sunny days, though, all you will need to wear are shorts, a t-shirt, and a sweatshirt for early morning and late evening. A swim suit is also a recommendation since you will be spending a lot of time on the water.

For your feet, you will want to get a good pair of rafting shoes. These shoes are designed to stay on your feet, even if you end up in the water. They are also designed to get wet, so there are not problems with getting them in the water.

Rafting trips are often conducted over more than one day, so you will need to bring a few personal items for overnight stays. These will most likely include a change of clothing, toiletries, a sleeping bag, flashlight, and any fishing gear that you might want to take with you.

If you want to capture your trip on camera, there are dry bags that are located on rafts that will be able to keep your camera safe and dry, but it is still best if you bring a waterproof camera with you in case the bags do acquire a leak. If you do not have a waterproof camera, do not bring your expensive equipment on a rafting trip unless you are willing to part with it at any given moment. You can pick up a disposable camera for a few dollars and feel better if it does happen to get ruined or fall off the raft.

Rafting trips usually go together in a group, so there are different options for meals when you are on your trip. If the company you are rafting with serves you meals, you will have nothing to worry about. If you have any special dietary needs, you will want to tell the company this at the time of reservation so that they will be able to work with you.

Rafting is a fun, exciting adventure as long as you are prepared with the right gear in order to make your trip hassle free.

Jordan Mcpelt is a professional author who specializes in Colorado Rafting and Colorado River rafting. For more information on River Rafting please visit http://www.bikeraft.com

The Global Position System (GPS) is one of man’s best and most amazing inventions. It involves the use of the 32 navigational satellites to track a GPS receiver’s position with amazing accuracy, down to the nearest meter.

In times gone by the mariners were guided by the stars while on the sea. In modern times they depend on the GPS system while out navigating on the water. The marine GPS devices show seafarers their exact location and how to get to their chosen destination.

There are a wide variety of marine GPS units available today. One of their most important features is that they are waterproof and have various benefits that help you navigate out on the water. The units have pre-programmable databases for all the rivers and lakes as well as nautical markers for lights, buoys, sound signals and day beacons among other things.

Another benefit of a hand held marine GPS unit is the fact that fishermen have the prospect of capturing more fish because they have the GPS has the capability to show them the best spots to fish. This is achieved through the navigation maps which indicate on the gadget where there are currents underwater and if there are places where fish like to hide. The technology enables people to locate the caves and contours in the waterways. While on the water the GPS unit allows the fisherman or boatman to keeps his bearing.

The smaller marine GPS units have a lot of features and are portable as well. The gadgets contain bearings for longitudes and latitudes that assist one to establish sunset and sunrise. You can also save the routes and tracking points.

It is important before buying any marine GPS device to do your research and make comparisons so that you can settle for the best. In the market there are various marine GPs units. Some are small and handheld while others are more larger portable marine GPS. The screen displays are normally an LCD that is clear even in the harsh sunlight glaring off the water.

One of the more recent handheld marine GPS units is the Navigational Adventure. This device has a large 16MB storage space and an in built database for maps that include city locations, waterways, airports and highways of North America, and fixed nautical objects like buoys and lighthouses. There is also the displaying of bearings and knots. This device also has WAAS technology.

Another handheld marine GPS is the Mariner 260 which has a rugged outer shell that is waterproof and has a 155MB internal memory. The device has up to 1000 waypoints for the user and graphic symbols. The device can save up to 20 track logs thus enabling you to retrace your moves from both directions. It has an alarm, clock and a trip computer which offers an odometer.

In summary, these marine GPS units are quite important in the activities of all people who in one way or another find themselves at sea. Not only will a marine GPS unit make your trips out on to the water more trouble free and safe, they will also make it more enjoyable and exciting.

For motorcycle enthusiasts looking for a GPS device for their bike, the author has a wide range of motorcycle GPS gadgets available for sale at fantastic internet prices, including TomTom and Zumo.

Bearing in mind you will be using your kayak paddles for going forwards and backwards as well as turning and bracing you will want to make sure you have a decent set of kayak paddles if you are serious about kayaking.

Paddles are one of the most important kayak accessories to have because without them you are not going to get very far.

Recreational kayaking is one of the fastest growing outdoor sports today. More and more people are finding out the joys of kayaking.

The great thing about kayaking is it s something that just about anyone can do and if its just about having a leisurely and fun paddle around then a cheap set of kayak paddles will suffice and there is no real necessity to learn the more advanced paddle strokes. However if your intention is to do a lot of paddling and especially over long distances then it will pay you to learn some paddling techniques.

Kayak paddles are made from various materials but are usually carbon, fibreglass, aluminium or wood. Kayak paddles have two blades attached to either end of the shaft. I have broken down terms normally associated with the various parts of your kayak paddles.

The Tip – The very top of the paddles.

The Blade – The blades are the ‘bat’ like part of your kayak paddles which are at the end of the shaft. They are dipped into the water alternately allowing you to propel the boat.

The Shaft – This is the part of the paddle which you hold. The shaft design can be straight or crooked depending on what style suits you.

Convex – Convex simply describes the shape of the blades. If the blades have a scoop like curve then they are convex paddles.

The Power Face – This is the scooped side of the blade, if you imagine the blade was a spoon this is the part of the blade where your food would be loaded.

The Back Face – This is the back of the blade, the opposite side of the power face.

Drip Rings – Drip rings are small rubber disks that normally slide up and down the shaft and are designed to stop water dripping down the shaft or onto the paddler.

For optimum paddling performance you should hold your kayak paddles with a loose grip so that there is minimal strain to your wrists and forearms.

Ideally you should hold the shaft so that your forearms are at a ninety degree angle. A good way to size this up is to place the shaft on top of your head and then place your hands on the shaft so that your arms are at a ninety degree angle. You can move your drip rings along the shaft and use them as a marker.

The best place to get a feel of what paddles will be right for you is at your local kayak dealers. Good kayak dealers will help you with your selection and some kayak dealers will allow you to demo sets of paddles before you make up your mind.

Vicki Churchill writes for a site that specializes in Inflatable Kayak Accessories providing you with excellent resources and products including reviews on Kayak Paddles.

If you have ever dreamed of going rafting, there is no better place to go than the Colorado River. Rafting on the Colorado River is one of the best experience for the beginner and the expert rafter. It is the ultimate getaway adventures.

The best vacations give a person not only the fun and relaxation they need, but also an adventure that that you cane remember for years to come. If you want to experience all that nature has to offer, a whitewater rafting trip is the experience of a lifetime. Not only will you be able to learn new skills, you will also be able to travel on one of the country’s most beautiful rivers. Not only can you find adventure on the Colorado River, you can also explore the rest of the state. Colorado is the best place to take a vacation, whether you want to go whitewater rafting or not. The beautiful scenery and the majestic landscapes will be the best part of the experience.

And when you are on a whitewater rafting trip in Colorado, you can use the time you are on the river to bond with the other people that you are rafting with. A whitewater rafting trip is great for those who want to use the trip in order to bond with co-workers. Many companies have used whitewater rafting in Colorado to give you an experience that you can share with your co-workers for a long time. Whitewater rafting is an activity that that takes a lot of teamwork and can really help not just coworkers but family and friends to bond as well.

Some of the highlights of rafting on the Arkansas River, a popular river for rafting in Colorado is the high alpine setting where rafting begins. From there, you will travel parallel to the Continental Divide. This winds its way through the mountain landscape that has the largest number of 14,000 foot peaks in the continental United States. With Colorado River and the Arkansas River combines, there is more than a hundred miles of whitewater adventures to navigate. If you follow the Arkansas River all the way down, you will eventually come to the Royal George and you will raft right under the world’s tallest suspension bridge.

You can find many different companies that offer some of the best adventure expeditions through the Colorado River. Your experience level does not matter when you want to whitewater raft you can find an expedition to meet your needs. Anyone who offers whitewater expeditions will always put your safety first. Staffs are experts on whitewater procedure and safety, so you know that you will have a safe and fun trip.

If you love nature, rafting, or just want to try something new, you can always depend on whitewater rafting to give you and your vacation companions the ultimate experience. Whether you are going for a quick trip or a long extended vacation, whitewater rafting on the Colorado River will be the best experience that you can imagine. Don’t hesitate. Plan your vacation today.

Jordan Mcpelt is a professional author who specializes in Rafting and Colorado River rafting. For more information on River Rafting please visit www.bikeraft.com

There are a few crucial things to consider when being around the water, let’s explore them.

Learn to swim

Swimming is such a natural action for humans that many babies are born with the ability to swim! If you don’t already know how, take lessons! This should be common sense for any one that lives near the water, but I think everyone should know how to swim.

Never swim or dive anywhere except clearly marked areas with a lifeguard.
When a boat slides out into the lake on a sweltering summer day, a strong swimmer wearing easily dried clothes is heartily tempted to jump right in!

However, some lakes can be extremely deceiving, seeming bottomless, when in fact they are only 12 feet deep in the middle. Be extremely careful when diving or jumping into water. Although the bottom may not be visible, it also may not be very far away from the bottom of the boat. The best way to stay safe when swimming or diving is to go with a friend, using the buddy system, and swim or dive only in marked areas.

Always wear a lifejacket when in or around the water.

Even the strongest swimmers can get in bad situations and should wear a life vest when playing around the water. Although when conscious and calm they may be able to swim 5 miles, a person who is injured or upset may need the extra flotation to help them survive until help comes.

Be careful when entering or exiting the water from a boat.

When scuba diving, snorkeling, or water skiing, the sport often requires exiting or entering the boat from the stern. This can be an especially dangerous aspect of the sport. Be extremely careful of propeller blades, anchor ropes, fishing line, or any other items that might be beneath the water near the boat. Wait for your driver to come to a complete stop and shut off the motor before approaching the vehicle.

Learn CPR and First Aid.

It’s always a good idea to know how to help in an emergency. Not only may you be able to rescue another from a tough situation; you may also learn important guidelines for a calm and efficient reaction to danger. Take CPR classes and First Aid, whenever you have the opportunity. Knowing a few simple and logical steps may save a life.

Know which local water animals may be dangerous.

When swimming in the ocean in particular, there are many creatures to look out for such as jellyfish, stingrays, and of course sharks. Use common sense and stay out of the water at dusk and dawn when predatory animals are feeding and stay away from schools of baitfish.

When diving or snorkeling, look- don’t touch!

Many underwater accidents happen due to blind groping. Many divers or snorkelers use their hands while lurking through the depths, and mistakenly grab a poisonous animal. It is important to avoid touching the bottom when underwater for visibility reasons as well.

Take classes or go with a certified guide.

Whether you are white water rafting, swimming, or snorkeling it is important to prepare for the sport before diving in. Many sports require certification; and even if your chosen activity doesn’t, it’s still a good idea to find out more about safety before going.

Wear sunscreen!

The reflection of sunlight from water can be intense enough to cause nasty sunburns. Avoid painful sunburns and blisters by carrying a small bottle of waterproof sunblock, and protect eyes with sunglasses.

Go with a buddy!

Never surf, swim, dive, raft, fish, canoe, kayak, or Jet Ski alone. If a person is injured during their sport, having a buddy nearby can save a life. Find a friend who wants to play in the water as well, and work together to have a splashing safe summer!

Gregg Hall is a business consultant and author for many online and offline businesses and lives in the coastal Florida town of Navarre with his 16 year old son. Get your boating accessories from http://www.boatingaccessoriesplus.com

There are now many companies providing yacht insurance cover with confusion often resulting as owners seek to find the best provider for their needs. Each insurance provider wants to encompass elements that are not available elsewhere but at the same time each policy holder’s individual requirements also need to be met. This article includes some basic information which is often overlooked but can help in your decision when comparing yacht insurance costs.

Carry out a check on the financial stability of the company in question and try to look at their previous year’s submitted accounts. The financial stability of a yacht insurance provider speaks much about the security of your own insurance. Search the Internet for top rated insurers of marine vessels – those with large customer bases are often rated highly by the industry watchdogs and probably the best companies to start with.

There may come a time when you need to claim on your policy and you need to be assured that the customer services department will answer your claim quickly and efficiently. To help ensure this is the case search for a marine insurer that has many outlets. The outlets should include emergency services, agencies and helpful representatives. A good reputation is often a hard won thing and important to the business that has won it. How a company’s customer service representatives act (i.e. do they seek to uphold the company’s reputation) will give a potential customer an idea on how well they will be looked after should the need arise.

The type of yacht insurance policy required is based on the ability of a company to provide services at a reasonable cost; avoid those that promise everything at the lowest cost. Be aware that marine policies can be complex and will most likely take longer to assess than regular insurance policies. Each person will have specific ideas about what they want covered with their policy; do not use an insurance provider that only has limited options available.

Consider which aspects of yacht insurance are most important to you before doing anything else: researching the finer details of each policy is easier when you have already produced a smaller list of requirements. Carrying out these simple suggestions you should help you to more easily compare yacht insurers and yacht insurance costs. The last thing anyone needs after signing their policy is to find there’s a problem with their marine insurance company.

For more advice on what you need to look at when comparing
yacht insurance costs go to http://www.aboutinsurancesite.com/yachtinsurancecosts.html

Every boat, obviously, has its limitations and ordinary judgment dictates that the one designed for lake and river use should not be expected to be suitable in all weather offshore. It is a fact that just what a boat will do is governed to a great extent by the skill of the man at the helm.

Rough weather is purely a relative term and what seems a terrible storm to the fair-weather man may be nothing more than a good breeze to the man who has known the sea in all its tantrums. When the going begins to get heavy, various types of boats will behave differently depending on their size and design, the way they are trimmed or loaded, and the nature of the sea.

Large shallow bodies of water, such as Lake Erie, kick up an uncomfortable sea in a hard blow, because the depth is not great enough to permit the waves to assume their natural form. The result is a short steep wind sea with breaking crests. Miles off shore in the open ocean with the same amount of wind, there might be a moderate sea running but the greater depth permits the waves to assume a smoother form, without broken crests.

Head Seas

Little difficulty will be experienced by the average well-designed cruiser when running with the seas head on. Some spray may be thrown or, if the sections are full forward, there may be a tendency to pound somewhat with the impact of the bow against the seas. However, she is likely to handle well enough while the seas are met head on or nearly so.

If the seas are steep-sided and the speed too great, it will be necessary to slow down. This will give the bow a chance to rise in meeting each sea instead of being driven deep into it. In the worst seas, it may help to run slightly off the course, taking the seas a few points off the bow. This will give the boat an easier motion. The more headway is reduced in meeting heavy seas the less will be the strain on the hull.

In The Trough

If the course to be made good is such that it will force the boat to run in the trough of a heavy sea with wind abeam and the seas striking the hull broadside on, it may be well to resort to what might be called a series of tacks, except that the wind is brought first broad on the bow, then broad on the quarter.

This results in a zig-zag course that makes good the desired objective, while the boat is in the trough only for brief intervals while turning. With the wind broad on the bow, the behavior should be satisfactory; on the quarter, the motion will be less comfortable but at least it will be better than running in the trough.

Study The Action Of The Waves

If it becomes necessary to pick a way through without local help, there are several suggestions which may help to make things more comfortable. Don’t run directly in but wait outside the bar until you have a chance to watch the action of the waves as they pile up at the most critical spot in the channel, which will be the shallowest. Usually they will come along in groups of three, sometimes more, but always three at least.

The last sea will be bigger than the rest and by careful observation it can be picked out of the successive groups. When you are ready to enter, stand off until a big one has broken or spent its force on the bar and then run through behind it.

Ebb tide seems to build up a worse sea on the bars than the flood, probably due to the rush of water out against and under the incoming ground swell. If the sea looks too bad on the ebb, it may be better to keep off a few hours until the flood has had a chance to make.

Above all, experience will make all these conditions easier to pull through.

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Sailing is one of the most relaxing, enjoyable sports imaginable. It’s one in which any member of the family, regardless of age, can participate, but there are some basic water safety rules which any good sailor should learn.

Capsizing

Capsizing is probably the most common sailing accident. Usually it occurs when least expected. But if you will consider a capsize as a part of the fun of sailing, you will be completely safe. That is, of course, if you know what to do. Actually, many of the really top-notch racing skippers practice capsizing and then righting their boats.

If your craft should capsize and throw you into the water, swim to the boat and stay with it. (Most modern sailboats are equipped with flotation chambers so that even a heavy keel craft won’t sink.) Never, under any circumstances, should you or any member of your crew leave the capsized boat.

All too many sailors have given up their lives because they have tried to swim to shore for help, while aid has always come to the capsized boat sooner or later. Remember that a boat is much easier to see than a lone swimmer. Therefore, hang on to your craft at all cost.

Man Overboard

While sailing it’s altogether conceivable that one of your crew members may fall or be knocked overboard. If this should occur and the person doesn’t have a lifejacket on, throw him a life preserver, a seat cushion, a floorboard, or an oar, but make sure of your aim if you toss anything made of wood.

Even if he’s a good swimmer, one of these items will reduce the effort he must put forth to keep afloat, and it will also mark his position. Immediately assign one member of your crew to point at the person with an outstretched arm and to keep pointing while your craft is being maneuvered for the pick-up.

Approach your man in the water slowly, spilling the wind from the sail as you go. The sheets should be loose so that the boat is almost dead in the water, and the centerboard should be all the way down during the actual pick-up operation to give your craft full stability. Then throw a line to the person overboard and help him in over the stern. Make the rescued party as warm, dry, and comfortable as possible.

Running Aground

If your boat should ever run aground, there are specific things that you can do to attempt to free it. Of course, if you are sailing a centerboard boat, you will usually be given ample warning; you’ll feel the centerboard strike bottom. That’s always a sign to go about unless you’re prepared to take the consequences of running aground.

If your centerboard boat goes aground with its centerboard down, raise it up in its trunk and you may find your boat free. Then head away from the shoal or retrace the course you came. But if your centerboard is up and you go aground; you may be able to free the craft by shifting your weight in the boat or by shifting any heavy gear aboard.

Weather Safety

Rough weather can cause many difficulties for any sailor. For this reason, it’s always wise, before setting out, to check the weather by radio and, once underway, to watch the clouds for weather changes. Here are some of the signs you can read that will increase your store of “weather lore”:

Nature puts her weather signs right up in the sky for us all to see for example, the colors in the sky itself and the shape and density of the clouds. Bright blue sky usually means fair weather; but a dark, gloomy blue sky is windy. A vivid red sky at sunset, fair tomorrow. A vivid red sky at sunrise may mean foul weather that day. There’s a great deal of truth in the old proverb: “Red sky at night is the sailor’s delight. Red sky in the morning, sailor take warning.” Also, a bright yellow sky at sunset presages wind; a pale yellow sky, wet.

Keep these guidelines in mind and you should always be safe.

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