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Generally speaking, sailing is a safe sport. However, lack of knowledge
and careless operation can be a danger to all concerned. A little common
sense and a few precautions can go a long way toward assuring safety for
yourself and others.
- Watch for overhead electrical wires. Aluminum masts make excellent
conductors of electricity.
- Always wear a suitable, approved Personal Floatation Device (PFD). A type
1 PFD is designed to turn an unconscious person in the water from a face
downward to a vertical or slightly backward position. Note: a wet or dry
suit is not a PFD.
- Check your boat and equipment carefully; assure completeness, condition
and working order, before heading out.
- Be aware of the water, wind and weather conditions for the area in which
you will be sailing. Remember, conditions can rapidly change. Head in when
you hear thunder - a sailboat mast, on open water, is a perfect
lightning rod!
- Dress appropriately. Naval recommendations are: whenever the combined
temperature of air and water is less than 120° F., thermal protection is
required.
- Capsizing is a part of the FUN of sailing. A properly equipped Hobie Cat
can, quite easily, be uprighted by one or two persons, depending on the size of
the Cat. Train yourself and your crew in the proper procedures.
- Always tell someone where and when you are going to sail, and leave an
expected time of return. If, for whatever reason, you are waylaid, do everything
within your power to notify that person ASAP. It is not wise to sail
when or where there are no other boats out and about.
- Know the limitations of your boat; more important, know your own
limitations in seamanship, strength and stamina . By all means challenge
yourself and your boat to the limits - that too is part of the FUN - however,
it is best to do it under controlled conditions.
- Know the basic navigational traffic rules in order to avoid possible
collisions. Know who has the right-of-way, starboard or port. Know when
approaching an oncoming boat or when overtaking a slower boat, who 'gives way'
and who 'stands on'.
- Remember, you are the skipper, you are responsible for what your boat
does. A few hands-on sailing lessons and some comprehensive reading on your
boat and proper sailing procedures will go a long way towards making
sailing both safe and enjoyable for all.
HOBIE CAT... what a way to go!
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