Episode 8: Introduction to Basic Navigation with Charts

 

Episode 8: Introduction to Basic Navigation with Charts

In Episode 8, we embark on learning the essentials of navigation, using charts to interpret the waterways safely and effectively. We’ll explore different chart symbols, learn to interpret map colours, understand tides and currents, and plot a journey across the Solent from the Hamble River to Cowes on the Isle of Wight. Let’s start by familiarising ourselves with the key elements of navigation charts.

1. Understanding Chart Symbols and Colours

Navigation charts, especially Admiralty charts, are filled with symbols that convey essential information about waterway conditions:

• Buoy Shapes and Colours: Buoys come in various shapes and colours, each indicating specific information about safe passage. For example:

  • Red and Green Buoys: Mark port (red) and starboard (green) sides of the channel.
  • Yellow and Black Buoys: Used as cardinal markers to indicate safe passing directions based on cardinal points.
  • Isolated Danger Buoys: Black with red bands, marking underwater hazards.

• Marks of Wrecks and Underwater Obstructions: Symbols on the chart indicate wrecks, rocks, sandbanks, and other underwater obstructions. Be sure to avoid these unless your boat’s draft allows it.

• Colour Coding on Charts: Colours represent water depth and land features:

  • White Areas: Shallow water or intertidal zones.
  • Blue Areas: Deeper water.
  • Green and Yellow: Indicate land or very shallow areas that dry out at low tide.

• Differences with Admiralty Charts: Admiralty charts often provide more detailed information for professional or commercial use and may include tidal stream data, lighting sequences for buoys, and additional depth details. Other charts, like recreational maps, may simplify this information.

2. Plotting a Journey: Hamble River to Cowes

With our chart basics in hand, it’s time to plan a short journey across the Solent. For this route, we’ll identify safe passage markers, estimated time, and use our tide tables to anticipate currents.

• Plotting the Route: Using your chart, mark the Hamble River as your starting point and Cowes on the Isle of Wight as your destination.
• Identifying Waypoints: Note key waypoints along the way, like navigation buoys and light markers, to keep you on course.

3. Introduction to Tides and Currents

Understanding tides and currents is essential for safe navigation and docking:

• What Causes Tides: Tides are primarily caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and sun. As the earth rotates, this gravitational influence creates regular rises and falls in sea levels.
• Types of Tides:
  • Spring Tides: Occur when the sun and moon are aligned, creating the highest and lowest tides.
  • Neap Tides: When the sun and moon are at right angles, resulting in less extreme high and low tides.
• Using Tide Tables: Tide tables provide information on daily high and low tides. This is crucial for planning, especially when navigating areas with significant tidal changes.

Example of Using a Tide Table

Suppose you are setting out from the Hamble River at 10:00 AM. By consulting the tide table for the Solent area, you’ll see the times of high and low tides, allowing you to choose the best time for safe passage and arrival at Cowes.

• Draft Awareness: Knowing your boat’s draft is important when navigating tidal waters, as low tides may expose hazards or make entering certain harbours challenging. Always check the chart and tide table to ensure enough depth for your vessel.

4. Plotting the Course and Timing with Tides

Finally, we’ll use the tide and current information to adjust our course. For example:

• Crossing the Solent with an Ebb Tide: If the current is moving out, you’ll want to account for drift, possibly angling your course slightly against the current to reach Cowes efficiently.
• Entering the Harbour: Aim to enter Cowes near high tide for adequate depth, ensuring your boat’s draft isn’t a limiting factor.

Conclusion

This episode introduces the basics of navigation from charts, covering symbols, buoy markers, tide tables, and plotting a practical journey. With these skills, you’re ready to take on more complex navigation challenges. In our next episode, we’ll look into electronic navigation aids to complement your chart-based skills, bridging traditional and modern navigation techniques.

Let me know if you’d like any specific adjustments, or if you’d like help with any particular part of the navigation exercises!

Sailwave

 Attempting to learn how to use the sailwave software https://www.sailwave.com/ I volunteered to help with the scoring and handicaps for the Upper Thames Sailing Club Races

Episode 7: Practicing Key Powerboating Manoeuvers

 

Episode 7: Practicing Key Powerboating Manoeuvers

In Episode 7, it’s time to put all the theory into practice with a series of essential exercises designed to build your skills and confidence on the water. These drills cover core techniques like straight-line travel, pivot turns, figure-eight manoeuvres, docking, and the all-important man-overboard drill. Let’s dive in.

1. Traveling in a Straight Line

Keeping a steady course in a powerboat can be trickier than it sounds. Here’s how to master it:

• Fix Your Gaze: Choose a fixed point on the horizon, such as a tree or buoy, and keep your eyes on it. This helps reduce unintentional drifting.
• Use Small Adjustments: Avoid over-correcting by slightly adjusting the rudder as needed.

2. Figure-Eight Manoeuvers

Practising figure-eights helps improve control and manoeuvring precision.

• Start to Port: Begin figure-eight by turning to the left (port) and completing a full loop.
• Switch to Starboard: Once the first loop is complete, change direction to the right (starboard) for the second loop.
• Maintain Consistent Speed: Steady throttle control keeps the loops smooth.

3. Turning Around a Pivot Point

This exercise helps you understand how speed affects turning radius.

• Adjust Speed to Change Circle Size: As you turn, increase speed slightly to widen the turn or reduce speed for a tighter turn.
• Experiment with Forward and Reverse: Practice turns in both directions and in reverse, noting how the pivot point shifts based on speed and direction.

4. Mooring Alongside a Wall and Jetty Docking

These docking exercises help you practice precision and approach control.

• Approach at 45 Degrees: Move toward the wall or jetty at a slight angle, around 45 degrees, to make docking smoother.
• Use Neutral Gear for the Final Approach: Shift to neutral as you approach, letting the boat glide in for the last few meters, slowing naturally with the upstream current.
• Dock Gently: As you reach the dock, adjust fenders as needed and secure the boat with dock lines.

5. Man-Overboard Drill

This drill simulates retrieving a person who’s fallen overboard—a vital skill for any boater.

• Call "Man Overboard!": When the instructor throws a buoy into the water, a crew member should immediately call out “Man overboard!” and point at the buoy continuously to maintain sight.
• Turning the Boat: The helm should make a controlled turn back toward the buoy, deciding to approach from up or downstream based on current and wind conditions.
• Coordinate with the Crew: The helm guides the crew, instructing them to call out distances as they near the buoy.
• Neutral for the Final Approach: Shift to neutral a few meters away to slow down naturally. As you reach the buoy, turn off the engine for safety.
• Alternative Approach: In strong wind, approach from upstream and allow the wind to push the boat gently sideways toward the buoy, offering shelter from waves.

6. Tight-Space Maneuvering Using Forward and Reverse Gears

Practicing tight turns with forward and reverse gears will be invaluable when operating in congested marinas or narrow channels.

• Use Short Bursts of Power: Alternate between forward and reverse gears, with brief bursts to move the boat incrementally.
• Coordinate Rudder Direction: Set the rudder to the side you want to pivot toward and use gentle adjustments to manoeuvre around obstacles.

This exercise helps you understand how speed affects turning radius.

• Adjust Speed to Change Circle Size: As you turn, increase speed slightly to widen the turn or reduce speed for a tighter turn.
• Experiment with Forward and Reverse: Practice turns in both directions and in reverse, noting how the pivot point shifts based on speed and direction.

7. Picking Up a Buoy

Manoeuvring to pick up a buoy requires careful control and a precise approach, especially when the water or wind conditions are less than calm. Here’s how to do it effectively:

1. Approach Slowly: Begin by slowing down and approaching the buoy at a controlled pace. Just like with docking, the slower you approach, the easier it will be to make fine adjustments.

2. Choose an Approach Direction:

   • Upwind or Upstream Approach: In most cases, it’s best to approach the buoy from upwind or upstream. This way, you can use the current or wind to help control your final position and slow the boat naturally as you approach.
   • Downwind Approach: If you need to approach from downwind, be prepared to apply a bit more reverse power at the end to counter the wind’s push and avoid overshooting the buoy.

3. Align with the Buoy: Aim to approach the buoy slightly off-centre, keeping it on the side of the boat where you have the best visibility and access (typically the port side for single-helmed boats).

4. Shift to Neutral for the Final Few Metres: As you near the buoy, shift into neutral and let the boat’s natural drift carry it the last few metres. This keeps you from overshooting and provides a gentler approach, reducing the risk of bumping the buoy.

5. Positioning and Pick-Up:

   • When the buoy is within arm’s reach, one crew member can reach down to secure it. It’s helpful for the helm to use small bursts of forward or reverse power to hold the boat steady if needed.
   • If the buoy is intended for mooring, attach the boat’s line to the buoy’s pick-up ring or handle, then secure it onboard.

6. Avoiding Propeller Contact: Keep in mind that the buoy should remain clear of the propeller area. After securing the line, position the boat as needed to prevent any risk of the buoy getting caught.

Practical Tips:

• Practise in Calm Conditions First: It’s wise to start practising buoy pick-ups in calm water to get used to the feel of approaching and securing it.
• Communication with the Crew: Clear communication is essential. The helm should guide the crew on timing, approach direction, and which side to use for pick-up.

With a steady hand, clear instructions, and plenty of patience, you’ll master the buoy pick-up manoeuvre. It’s a skill that becomes especially useful in situations where anchoring isn’t feasible or in areas with designated mooring buoys.

Conclusion

These hands-on exercises allow you to put theory into action, gaining valuable experience in a safe, controlled environment. From smooth straight-line travel to the intricacies of docking, each drill builds skills that every powerboater needs. By the end of this practice session, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a confident and capable helmsperson. Next, we’ll cover additional advanced techniques that will further refine your control and adaptability on the water.

Episode 6: Mastering Docking and Undocking Techniques

 

Episode 6: Mastering Docking and Undocking Techniques

In Episode 6, we explore one of the most critical skills in powerboating: docking and undocking. Successfully manoeuvring your boat alongside a dock without bumps or scrapes requires practice, precision, and a good understanding of how your boat responds at low speeds. Here’s how to approach these manoeuvres with confidence.

1. Preparing for Docking

Before approaching the dock, take a moment to assess the conditions around you, including wind, current, and any obstacles. Here’s what you need to do:

• Check Your Speed: Slow down well in advance of the dock. You want to approach at the slowest speed that allows full control.
• Ready the Ropes and Fenders: Prepare and place your dock lines and fenders along the side where you’ll be docking. This protects the boat and makes it easy to secure when you’re alongside.

2. Docking Techniques

Once prepared, use these techniques to bring the boat safely alongside the dock:

• Approach Angle: Start by approaching the dock at a slight angle (about 20–30 degrees). This helps you control the boat’s position while giving you a clear view of where you’re headed.
• "Steer, Then Gear": Set the rudder toward the dock before applying a gentle amount of power. This ensures the boat heads in the right direction without any unnecessary drifting.
• Short Bursts of Power: Use short bursts of power and return to neutral to maintain control. This technique gives you a steady approach without building up excessive speed.
• Use Wind and Stream to Your Advantage: If the wind or current pushes you toward the dock, let it gently guide you in, using just enough power to maintain control. If the wind or stream is pushing you away, compensate by adjusting your angle and using slightly more power.

3. Securing the Boat

Once alongside the dock:

• Position and Stop: As you near the dock, straighten the rudder to halt sideways movement, allowing the boat to glide smoothly into place.
• Tie Off Quickly: Secure the bow and stern lines first, then adjust any spring lines to prevent fore-and-aft movement. This helps the boat stay snugly in place.
• Adjust Fenders: Ensure fenders are correctly positioned to avoid any scraping or rubbing against the dock.

4. Undocking Techniques

When you’re ready to leave, undocking presents challenges, especially if the wind or current presses you against the dock. Here’s how to make a smooth departure:

• Untie and Prepare: Start by untying all lines except for one that temporarily keeps the boat in place. This lets you control the boat until you’re ready to power away.
• Use Wind or Stream for Assistance: If wind or current pushes you off the dock, release the lines and let the natural forces move you away. Use minimal power to maintain control.
• Reverse Away Slowly: For a controlled exit, reverse slowly, keeping the rudder aimed to guide the stern away from the dock. This lets you clear the dock without scraping the side of the boat.
• Apply Power Once Clear: Once you’re safely away from the dock and have adequate space, switch to forward gear and apply power as needed.

Conclusion

Docking and undocking require patience, planning, and a steady hand on the throttle. Following these steps and practising each technique, you’ll be docking like a pro, even in tricky conditions. Next up, we’ll cover advanced boat handling manoeuvres, giving you even greater control and finesse on the water.

Propellers for powerboats

 Understanding Propellers: Function and Properties

Propellers are essential for powerboats, converting engine power into thrust to move the boat through water. They vary in blade count, size, and shape, each affecting performance, efficiency, and noise levels. Here’s a breakdown of how different types of propellers work and what to consider when choosing the right one.

Basic Structure and Function

Most propellers have between 2 and 6 blades. When viewed in cross-section, the blades are usually long and thin, with an airfoil shape. Because the blades rotate, the tips move faster than the hub (centre), requiring them to be twisted to maintain efficiency across their length.

Types of Propellers and Their Uses

2-Blade Propellers

Best for: Smaller engines

Advantages: It is lightweight and highly efficient, producing minimal drag. A 2-blade folding propeller has the least water resistance, making it an economical choice that keeps fuel consumption low.

Performance: Produces two pressure pulses per rotation, which may cause more noticeable vibration than propellers with more blades.

3-Blade Propellers

Best for: General pleasure boating, including most powerboats

Advantages: A great balance of speed, fuel efficiency, and smooth performance, making it the most popular choice for recreational boats.

Performance: Produces three smaller pulses per rotation, resulting in less vibration and noise than a 2-blade propeller. It also performs well in rough conditions and strong currents, consistently maintaining speed.

4-Blade Propellers

Best for: Large sailing boats with engines over 150 horsepower

Advantages: Provides greater thrust and stability in choppy conditions, making it a good option for larger boats that need more power. However, it has higher drag and is less fuel-efficient than a 3-blade propeller.

Performance: The extra blade helps reduce vibration but increases drag, which can slightly reduce efficiency.

Additional Considerations When Choosing a Propeller

Vibration: More blades reduce vibration, creating a smoother and more comfortable ride, especially useful for larger boats with powerful engines.

Tip Speed: The longer the blade, the faster the tip rotates, which affects noise and vibration. A well-designed propeller balances blade length and pitch for smooth operation.

Noise: Propellers can create cabin noise if the blade wake strikes the hull or windshield. Generally, more blades help distribute the water pulses, resulting in quieter performance.

Choosing the Right Propeller Size

The larger the boat’s engine, the larger the propeller should be, as a bigger blade surface provides more thrust. Boats requiring strong performance, especially in rough waters, benefit from larger propellers, as they push more water and help maintain stability and speed.

Personal Preferences and Conditions

While performance metrics matter, your personal needs and typical boating conditions also influence the best choice:

For minimal drag: Opt for a 2-blade folding propeller. It creates less resistance in the water and is usually a more budget-friendly option.

For optimal performance in rough waters: A 3-blade folding propeller is more reliable, maintaining speed and reducing vibration.

Prize Giving

 

A Day for Giving back the Silver and Collecting New Prizes

The Upper Thames Sailing Club amassed a large collection of Silverware Prizes to give out to the 2024 prize winners. The silverware was returned by the previous year's winners and put on display in the clubhouse for the 2024 ceremony of presenting the prizes, re
ady for the new winners to take them home for another year.

A Long History

With a history going back some 140 years, the club has accumulated a huge number of cups and trophies—and these were only the ones won by the club members. Each year, the club also holds national competitions, and that silverware had already been presented at the events throughout the year. One of the oldest cups is the Queens Cup, awarded to the A-Rater champions at the Bourne End Weekend festival. For nearly an hour, member after member went up to the front to collect their first, second, and third prizes—some of them walking away with quite a haul of trophies for all their different races.

As for Paul and me? Well, we didn't win any prizes this time, as we came in last in every race we entered. But as newcomers to sailing and still learning, this was to be expected. Besides, there’s always next year, and in the meantime, we’ve got plenty of experience points (and a few good stories) to show for our efforts!

The 2024 AGM
New Roles and responsibilities.  My wife and I volunteered, so my wife joined the house committee to help organise the events and the food to help all the sailors. Her first event is to help organise the Christmas Entertainment. I took on the role as sailing secretary - quite a big role keeping track of all the races and to start soon with helping to organise the Bourne End  weekend. Paul carries on his post as the IT Manager, so all in alll we are now quite heavily involved in the club.

Wrapping the boats up
Nearly a couple of months ago we put the boats out of the rising floods. I thought that we had secured them well for the rains, but the Whaly was a little flooded so we had to rethink how to cover up the boat with what we had available and also to remove the leaves from the Toura​.

Episode 5: Mastering Basic Boat Handling

 

Episode 5: Mastering Basic Boat Handling

In Episode 5, we move into the practical side of powerboat handling, starting with the foundational technique of "steer, then gear." We’ll also explore the impact of wind and stream on your boat’s movement and the concept of pivot points when moving forward and astern. Let’s dive in!

"Steer, Then Gear": Setting the Rudder First

The phrase "steer, then gear" is a reminder to set the rudder direction before applying power. Unlike a car, where you steer while moving, a powerboat benefits from pre-setting the steering before putting the boat into gear. This technique gives you greater precision, especially when manoeuvring at slower speeds or in tight spaces.

1. Set the Rudder: Turn the rudder to your desired direction.
2. Apply Power: Once your rudder is set, apply gentle power. This will cause the boat to respond immediately to the pre-set direction, preventing the delays and drifts that can occur when steering while moving.

Understanding Wind and Stream Effects

One of the unique aspects of boat handling is learning how external forces like wind and water current (stream) impact your movement. These forces are especially noticeable at slow speeds:

• Wind: Wind can push your boat sideways or make it challenging to maintain a steady course. Be aware of the wind’s direction and strength before you set off, and compensate as needed.
• Stream (Current): On rivers, the stream can carry the boat downstream, so you’ll often need to apply more power when moving against it. When moving with the stream, be cautious, as even small adjustments can lead to greater shifts in direction or speed.

Pivot Points: Forward and Astern Movement

Every boat has a pivot point—the spot around which it effectively “pivots” while moving. Understanding this is crucial for making precise turns and manoeuvres:

1. Forward Movement: When going forward, most boats have a pivot point roughly one-third of the way back from the bow. This means that, in forward motion, the bow will swing out wider during turns while the stern remains relatively stable.
2. Astern (Reverse) Movement: When reversing, the pivot point moves to about one-third from the stern. This switch in pivot points can take some getting used to, as the boat behaves quite differently in reverse, with the stern swinging out more during turns.

Turning the Boat to Face the Opposite Direction (Pivot Turn)

A pivot turn is especially useful when operating in narrow spaces where a large turning circle isn't possible. Here’s how to execute this manoeuvre effectively.

Step-by-Step Guide to Turning Around in a Tight Space:

1. Prepare for the Turn:

   • Reduce Speed: Slow down to a near-idle speed, with the boat in neutral often.
   • Assess Conditions: Check the wind and current direction; they’ll affect how easily you can turn. If the current is strong, aim to turn with it, not against it.

2. Start the Turn Using Forward Gear:

   • Engage Forward Gear with Rudder Set: Turn the rudder in the direction you want to pivot. For example, if you want to turn to the right, set the rudder to starboard (right).
   • Apply a Small Burst of Power: This will initiate the turn, allowing the bow to move in the desired direction.

3. Switch to Reverse Gear:

   • Set the Rudder to Opposite Direction: To continue turning, switch to reverse and set the rudder to the opposite side (if you initially turned right, set the rudder to port for the reverse).
   • Apply Another Small Burst of Power: This pulls the stern around, helping the boat complete the turn more tightly.
   • Alternate Between Forward and Reverse: Continue using short bursts in forward and reverse, adjusting the rudder to keep the boat pivoting each time. This “back-and-fill” technique gradually rotates the boat in place.

4. Complete the Turn:

   • Once the boat is facing the opposite direction, centre the rudder.
   • Move into forward gear to regain speed and continue on the new heading.

The Art of Slow-Speed Control

When moving at slow speeds, keep the power in neutral most of the time, engaging the throttle only when you need a burst of control. At low speed:

• Short Power Bursts: Apply short bursts of power to guide the boat while keeping it mostly in neutral. This prevents the boat from building up unwanted speed and gives you time to react.
• Using Momentum: Let the boat’s natural momentum work for you. By using small power inputs and letting the boat coast, you'll achieve smoother, more controlled movements.

Conclusion

In this episode, we’ve taken the first steps into boat handling, focusing on some of the fundamentals that make all the difference in tight quarters and tricky conditions. By mastering "steer, then gear," learning to compensate for wind and stream, and understanding your boat’s pivot points, you’ll be well on your way to smooth and confident boat control. Next time, we’ll explore handling techniques for docking and undocking—skills that put all these basics to the test!