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

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If you are new to coastal sailing, please read the following FAQIf you still have questions, please write to the [http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/bluewater bluewater mailing list].
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This page has movedPlease follow this link for Bluewater Sailing FAQ.
  
 
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<span style="font-size: 18px">'''[http://sailing.mit.edu/bluewater/faq.php FAQ for First-Time Sailors on Nevermore]'''</span>
 
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== Can I go sailing on ''Nevermore''? ==
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All members of the MIT community are welcome to come sailing on ''Nevermore''. Trips are scheduled by the approved ''Nevermore'' skippers. 
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== Do I have to know how to sail? ==
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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.
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== How do I sign up? ==
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We hope to have an online reservation system available soon.  In the meantime, call or write to the captain for each trip and let them know you're interested in sailing with them. The captain on each voyage has the final say on who may sail on any given trip. Trips are also sometimes announced on the [http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/bluewater bluewater mailing list].
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== How many people can sail on ''Nevermore''? ==
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''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.
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== Can I bring friends? ==
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Yes, you may bring friends, but the captain has final say on who may sail on each trip.
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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.
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== How long are the trips? ==
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''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.
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== What should I wear? ==
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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. Please wear comfortable rubber-soled shoes onboard. Sandals and flip-flops are not recommended, especially for novice sailors, as there are many fittings on the deck that can stub toes (and please don't wear black-soled shoes as they can mar the white deck).
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== What should I bring? ==
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As mentioned above, bring a sweater or jacket with you in case it gets cold. 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 plenty of drinking water aboard, and there is an icebox for storing food. For longer trips, check with your captain, as he or she may be planning to provision the boat for the whole crew. Feel free to bring a camera or binoculars too.
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== What about seasickness? ==
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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.
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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.
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More information about seasickness and its prevention can be found in the following articles:
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*[http://www.sailnet.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19240 Sailnet: The Delicate Art of Preventing Seasickness]
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*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea-sickness Wikipedia: Sea-Sickness article]
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== How often can I sail on ''Nevermore''? ==
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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 [http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/bluewater bluewater mailing list]. Talk to the captains about what you can do to help keep her shipshape and seaworthy.
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== How can I become a skipper? ==
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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 responsibilites 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.
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== Additional Resources ==
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* [[Ship's Systems Descriptions|Nevermore Technical Documentation]]
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* [[Maintenance Task List]]
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Latest revision as of 07:12, 13 August 2008

This page has moved. Please follow this link for Bluewater Sailing FAQ.

FAQ for First-Time Sailors on Nevermore