Sailing in the South
Prepare for a breathtaking adventure on the open water.
Waters off the Southern coast of the U.S. offer a breathtaking experience for those who have a boat or sailing ship. Whether you’re navigating the Florida Keys, intracoastal waterway or the Gulf of Mexico, it’s important to prepare properly for this type of adventure. There’s a lot more at stake than just going on a vacation to the beach—and you’ll want to swim rather than sink.
Inspect and Maintain Your Ship’s Hull and Sails
Before sailing, it’s important to inspect the hull of your sailing ship. Look fo cracks, weak spots or blisters that may have developed while the sailing ship wasn’t in use for a long period of time. Where necessary, use anti-fouling paint to help maintain the hull and reduce algae and barnacle buildup from warm waters. Clean the hull and wax it to help reduce overall drag and improve its performance in the water. Finally, inspect the sail of your ship. If there’s rips or tears, it’s important to replace the old sail with new, high-quality sailboat sails from respected sellers such as Far East Sails or those similar in your local area.
By inspecting the hull, you can reduce the risk of the ship sinking when in open waters.
Review Weather and Tidal Patterns
Due to the changes in weather throughout the year, don’t forget to check tidal patterns and weather forecasts before you go sailing. Some factors to remember are that during June through November, Florida and the Gulf Coast are more susceptible to strong storms and hurricanes. Before sailing, make sure to check if any severe weather is forecasted.
In some areas of the Mississippi Delta and Louisiana, shifting tides can cause navigation to become challenging. Always check the local tidal patterns in the location you’re going to sail to, to ensure you’re prepared. Don’t forget to monitor changes in temperature, as it can affect the ships systems and overall performance, especially if it’s going to be hot and humid.
Weather can change rapidly in some areas, so always check your local weather station prior to leaving. If a storm is imminent, decide whether or not the trip is worth postponing.
Check Safety Equipment
All sailing ships and boats should have the necessary safety equipment to ensure everyone has a safe journey when traveling to Florida and other areas in the South. Check whether life vests and harnesses are still in good condition. Also, count how many there are and if there’s enough to accommodate for the number of passengers who are going to be on the ship.
Ensure there’s a fire extinguisher on board and that it’s within the expiration date. If the boat catches fire, an extinguisher can help reduce the risk of the boat sinking. Make sure radio systems are working correctly and that you have a backup system to ensure you can reach someone in case there’s a problem on your ship. Check your first aid kit to make sure it has the correct items like electrolytes, sunscreen and other essentials for hot days. Always check that you have enough food and water on the boat to handle extra days of sailing past your expected timeframe. This will allow you to stay nourished until help arrives in case something happens.
Safety is paramount when it comes to sailing, so always double check everything is up to date and stocked for a safe journey.
Preparing for your next big sailing adventure in the South is something you shouldn’t take lightly. By taking extra precautions, you’ll be able to enjoy your journey while knowing you’re as safe as you can be out on the open water.
