Basic Sailing and Basic Coastal Cruising class

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Feb 27, 2004
61
Hunter 23 Beaver Lake, Nebraska
I’ve signed up for Basic Sailing and Basic Coastal Cruising through Blue Water Sailing School. Any advice on what I need to bring other then the obvious? Thanks
 
B

Bill O'Donovan

Curiosity and balance

Those two factors will suit you nicely. These courses assume the class members are landlubbers, so don't be too anxious. Enjoy.
 
Jan 15, 2006
28
Catalina 27 Mystic, CT
No worries

No worries B, I signed up with BWSS for the same course this April and they will send you a detailed list of what's needed. I received my books and info in about 2 days after signing up. When and to what location are you attending? I'm 4/8 at St. Thomas. Enjoy.
 

OldCat

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Jul 26, 2005
728
Catalina , Nacra 5.8, Laser, Hobie Hawk Wonmop, CO
Stuff to Take . . .

1. A reasonable pair of deck shoes - so you don't slip and with a white or neutral sole & so that you are not leaving black scuff marks all over the boat. 2. I like to wear sailing gloves with open fingertips, any marine store will have them. They are especially nice if your hands are not used to handling line. 3. Sunscreen & sun protecting lip balm, should be obvious, but I'll still mention it. 4. Spare clothes & towel in case you get wet, you probably won't need them, but if you did fall in . . . 5. Hat and dark sun glasses - OK, maybe too obvious, sorry. A strap around you neck to hold the sunglasses so that they don't fall in the drink. 6. Leave the jewelery at home. The rigging on a sailboat is good at stripping rings and such for Neptune's benefit. Pack it in a small soft duffel and have fun!
 
B

Bob

Ditty Bag!

Congrads B on headin out for some blue water training. Just like the sailors of old who brought a wooden trunk full of personal stuff, the modern day sailor carries his "ditty bag". If I were heading out I would take the essentials: good sailing gloves, marlinspike or just a simple line cutting tool with lanyard, good polarized sunglasses, seasickness pills, patch or band, small sewing kit (clothing rips), great hat with catch line (hooks from the back of the hat to your shirt collar) so you do not loose it, sunscreen and maybe a good read. All this should fit in a nifty little waterproof zippered bag with shoulder strap, so you look salty!! That sir is your "ditty bag". This is separate from your clothing and other overnight stuff. If your really paranoid, add an EPIRB, binoculars, flare gun, firearm, life line, PFD, watermaker, and satelite phone. But then that require a wood trunk! Have a great, safe and fun time. Bob
 
Jul 20, 2005
2,422
Whitby 55 Kemah, Tx
head led light

might come in handy (so you can read at night while your on watch :) )
 
Jul 17, 2005
586
Hunter 37.5 Bainbridge Island - West of Seattle
Use a duffle, not a suitcase.

I assume you know that already. We had some non-sailor friends go with us on a cruise, and they used 2 suitcases. We had a real tough time finding places to stow them. Yes, I am sure they will let you know what to bring, but in case they forget, here's my short list to add to that: Flashlight, small, with an extra lens in red for night time use. Rigging knife, not a Swiss army, always carry one "on" you so you can cut yourself free. Hats and sunglasses, both with straps. Gloves with open finger tips. Small towel since your will probably sweat. Put your cloths in ziplock bags to keep things dry. and don't forget your swim suit and cheap camera, and have fun.
 
S

SStangler

St. Thomas

Eric, - I am so jealous! April in the USVIs will be really nice. Shana
 
May 18, 2004
386
- - Baltimore
baggies

keep baggies in your pockets; when you use the dinghy or get into bad weather, it keeps cell phones, wallets, etc safe. In fact I pack all my clothes in large freezer ziplocs for offshore races; they compact into the duffle well and are totally fresh when opened.
 
Jun 7, 2004
944
Birch Bay Washington
Ziplock sandwich bags

Another reason for having these is that they make great barf bags. Seal-em-up and toss-em over the side when you get there. One of my best discoveries to date. Note: don't look at or examine the contents too closely, you might need a second one.
 
J

Joe

Just what we need

Nothing I think of that would be more pleasant to see in BVI would be little plastic bags full of barf.
 
Jul 20, 2005
2,422
Whitby 55 Kemah, Tx
don't be wastefull

if you got to barf, just do it in the sink or over the rail. Plastic uses oil to make and 1,000 years to decompose. Was just reading an article that says the plastic that is used to create water bottles used in America uses up enough oil that could power 100,000 cars for a year. And the funny thing is, 40% of all bottle water is just tap water anyway but cost 10,000 times more. So next time your feeling faint, lean over the lifelines and let it go and then drink tap water, then sit back and be happy because you just helped the environment. You fed the fish and saved oil.
 
R

Robert B.

BWSS - Ft. Lauderdale

I took those courses through BWSS out of Ft. Lauderdale about two years ago. Great experience. I took a disposable camera and got some great photos of the trip. Otherwise, I stuck to the items they listed in the information provided. Have fun.
 
Jun 7, 2004
944
Birch Bay Washington
Franklin, barf bags are a fine use

for sandwich bags. I doubt that most people will use very many of them. It is far better to barf in a bag than on the cabin sole where you or someone else may slip and hurt herself. You might get elected to clean it up, too. It is your fault after all for making her go sailing and don't you forget it. Obviously, if you are near a sink, use it instead. I did not realize that I needed to explain that but, on second thought, there are some who will stop to think how much oil is used to make a sandwich bag. Economics should provide a good answer. How much does a sandwich bag cost?
 
Jun 2, 2004
3,648
Hunter 23.5 Fort Walton Yacht Club, Florida
Use a Paper Lunc hBag

Then you can toss it overboard. Over the rail is not a good idea, someone in that condition does not have the balance or coordination to keep from going over. Sink also not a good idea would you want to be in there with them while they are selling Buicks? Outside comfortably on the deck best way to go er umm up I guess I should say.
 
Jun 7, 2004
334
Coronado 35 Lake Grapevine, TX
Plastic Barf Bags

It's illegal to dispose of plastic on any navigable waters, and that would include zip-lock barf bags. Puke overboard, in or in a paper bag, but please, no plastic bags overboard.
 
Feb 27, 2004
142
Hunter 29.5 Lake Travis, TX
Plastic baggies and sealife

Mistaken for jellyfish, plastic bags are consumed by many ocean species and the result is death. For example, 50% of the endangered leatherback sea turtles found dead had plastic bags lodged in their intestines. Dolphins suffer also as described in the link below.
 
Jul 24, 2005
21
- - Just to the Right of Starboard
Good Choice

Bring your pfd of choice, the basic items on the list BWSS gave you and a good camera. They're a great bunch of folks and weather permitting the experience will be super.
 
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