At sea, ears are more important than one might think. Each phase of navigation has its signature sound, and using them can pay dividends, or not.
There is much charm in the gentle crunch of a bow on a beach, wind offshore, sea like glass, followed by the merry cries of tinies piling out, waving buckets and spades. There are also the groans of the older generation as they backpack the picnic towards the dunes while shouting at Cynthia (aged four) that jellyfish share not, ever, worn as hats.
Slightly less fun but perhaps more useful is the clonk often heard in conjunction with the employment of a centerboard as a depth sounder. The sound signifies that the bottom is rocky. If there is no sound and you stop dead, the bottom is mud, or you have forgotten that you have borrowed a boat with a fin keel and should holler for the lifeboat, ambulance and clergy without delay (see ’Slight Miscalculations’, below).
This story is from the September 2020 edition of Practical Boat Owner.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 2020 edition of Practical Boat Owner.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
A sailor's guide to UK sharks and fish
Genevieve Leaper looks at some of the shark species around the British and Irish coasts and how to spot these fish from your boat
Multihull anchoring
Brush up on your multihull sailing skills before heading off on a holiday charter with Gavin Le Sueur's guide to anchoring
A revolution in fabrics
Marine fabrics are using natural fibres, less harmful chemicals and longer-lasting colours. Jake Kavanagh looks at the cut of the cloth
Shoestring voyage of adventure
Richard King and Serafin Colmenares Jr. look back at the remarkable Pacific voyage of Florentino Das in his 24ft home-built boat
A fine day out with a visitor
Six hours afloat and a guided tour to vindicate a fictional sailing heroine's navigational skills
Boats for Baltic cruising
Duncan Kent picks the best sub-40ft sail and power boats for crossing the North Sea and exploring a Baltic summer
Boatyard life
The tide of the year Is rising. Time for work
Weather or not to go sailing
Ignore the apps: it's much safer to swear by the weather wisdom of a local oracle
The angelic East Coast pocket cruiser
It is 100 years since the first Deben Cherub was launched. Julia Jones looks back at the history of this 21ft river racing class
Best anchor types for varied cruising
Rupert Holmes on choosing the best anchor for your boat, your style of cruising, how you’ll use it and your budget