Difference between revisions of "FAQ for First-Time Sailors"

Revision as of 00:08, 25 June 2008

If you are new to coastal sailing, please read the following FAQ. If you still have questions, please write to the bluewater mailing list.

Can I go sailing on Nevermore?

All members of the MIT community are welcome to come sailing on Nevermore. Trips are scheduled by the approved Nevermore skippers.

Do I have to know how to sail?

You do not have to know how to sail to sign up for a trip on Nevermore. We welcome sailors of all skill levels and abilities. A boat the size of Nevermore needs a crew to sail her and we're always eager to teach new sailors the skills that they need to help keep her on a steady course.

How do I sign up?

Trips and work parties are scheduled on the calendar. Often trips will be announced on the mailing list.

If you would like to schedule a trip, send email to one or more of the captains to let them know what you would like to plan. How many days? What destination? Who will go? What stops will be made along the way?

The captain on each voyage has the final say on who may sail on any given trip.

How many people can sail on Nevermore?

Nevermore needs at least two people to sail her, preferably three or four. Most trips have no more than eight or nine people aboard as it tends to start getting crowded with more than that. The actual number of crew is up to the discretion of the captain on each trip. There are six beds on Nevermore, so most overnight trips are limited to six people, although, if the weather is nice, people could sleep out on deck with a sleeping bag.

Can I bring friends?

Yes, you may bring friends, but the captain has final say on who may sail on each trip.

Keep in mind that the captain may prefer to have one or two experienced crew aboard to help sail the boat, so there may not be enough room for too many of your friends. If you'd like to bring more than 2 or 3 guests, check with the captain before the trip.

How long are the trips?

Nevermore often goes out into the harbor for short afternoon or evening sails, the shortest of which are usually about 3-4 hours long. Day-long, overnight and weekend sails are common. Usually once or twice each summer, a captain will take her up to Maine, or down to Martha's Vineyard for a week or so. The length of each trip will be announced beforehand by the captain.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable clothing that protects you from the sun. A hat and sunglasses are recommended. It can get chilly out on the water, especially after dark. Check the weather forecast for the day of your sail and assume that it will be 15-20 degrees colder than that out on the water. So bring a sweater and/or a light jacket even on hot summer days. Several layers of clothing work best because the temperature can change quite drastically. If the weather forecast calls for rain, you should bring a waterproof jacket or other foul-weather gear.

While on board, wear comfortable shoes with non-marking soles. For multi-day trips or trips where you will go ashore, bring both boat shoes and shore shoes. Sandals and flip-flops are not recommended aboard the boat, especially for novice sailors, as there are many fittings on the deck on which one can easily stub toes. Do not wear black-soled shoes, even if they are touted as 'non-marking', as they will mar the white deck.

What should I bring?

As mentioned above, bring a sweater or jacket with you in case it gets cold. Bring footwear for both the boat and shore. For the boat wear shoes with non-marking soles and toe protection. Flip-flops, hiking shoes, or running shoes should be removed before boarding in order to avoid scuffing the deck and bringing dirt, rocks, and wildlife into the boat.

You'll stay warmer, be more alert, be more resistant to seasickness and generally have a better time if you're well fed, so bring something to eat, even on short trips.

There is usually plenty of drinking water aboard, but it is a good idea to bring some yourself. A good rule of thumb for hydration is one gallon of water per person per 24-hour period. For longer trips, check with your captain, as he or she may be planning to provision the boat for the whole crew.

There is an icebox and cabinets for storing food.

Feel free to bring a camera or binoculars. Playing cards and board games are good for multi-day trips.

What about seasickness?

Check the marine forecast before the trip. Most people don't get seasick in 1-2 foot waves, but 4 foot waves or more can make even our most experienced skippers queasy. If you know that you get seasick easily, let your captain know and he or she may choose a different course or destination to accomodate you with flatter seas.

To prevent seasickness before the trip, avoid alcohol and get plenty to eat and plenty of sleep the day before the trip. On the day of the trip avoid caffeine and stay well hydrated. If you have seasickness medication, take it before you set sail. During the trip, drink plenty of water and eat frequent small snacks instead of a few big meals. Keep your eyes on the horizon and avoid going down below. If you start getting sick, let your captain know and move to the downwind side of the boat.

Some people find that sugary and/or oily foods exacerbate feelings of seasickness. Ginger snap cookies and dried ginger often reduce feelings of seasickness. Staying hydrated helps stave off seasickness, especially when the weather is hot and sunny.

More information about seasickness and its prevention can be found in the following articles:

• Sailnet: The Delicate Art of Preventing Seasickness
• Wikipedia: Sea-Sickness article

How often can I sail on Nevermore?

You may sign up for trips as often as you like, but people who sail often on Nevermore are expected help in the maintenance of the boat. A loose rule of thumb is that for every three trips that you sail, you should come to at least one work party. Work parties are often announced on the bluewater mailing list. Peruse the list of tasks, then talk to the captains about what you can do to help keep her shipshape and seaworthy.

How can I become a skipper?

We encourage anyone with a current MIT sailing card to get out and sail MIT's bluewater boats. However, only bluewater skippers can schedule trips. So if you would like to organize a trip, contact a bluewater skipper or become one yourself.

The first step is to start sailing! Sign up for trips and let your captains know that you're interested in becoming a skipper. They may assign you various responsibilities on the trip. The next step is to start helping work on Nevermore. Get familiar with the systems on board and do your part to help keep her in good shape.

To become an MIT bluewater skipper, you must:

• be approved by the sailing master (usually requiring 2 current skippers' recommendations)
• have a US Coast Guard OUPV (6-pack) license
• participate in at least two work parties per year
• teach or help teach at least 4 MIT sailing classes per year

MIT students can offset a portion of the cost of getting the US Coast Guard OUPV (Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vehicles) rating by volunteering at the pavilion.

Additional Resources

• Nevermore Technical Documentation
• Maintenance Task List